doarmig007blog

Bin Laden's demise: Long pursuit, burst of gunfire

2011-05-03T01:42:00.002+03:00

Bin Laden's demise: Long pursuit, burst of gunfire WASHINGTON – Osama bin Laden, the terror mastermind killed by Navy SEALs in an intense firefight, was hunted down based on information first gleaned years ago from detainees at secret CIA prison sites in Eastern Europe, officials disclosed Monday. The U.S. said a DNA match proved the man behind the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, was dead, and millions of Americans rejoiced. After the gunfire, U.S. forces swept bin Laden's fortified compound in Pakistan and left with a trove of hard drives, DVDs and other documents that officials said the CIA was already poring over. The hope: clues leading to his presumed successor, al-Qaida No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahiri. "The world is safer. It is a better place because of the death of Osama bin Laden", declared President Barack Obama, hours after U.S. forces killed the al-Qaida leader. They then ferried the body out for a quick burial at sea. Bin Laden's death after a decade on the run unloosed a national wave of euphoria mixed with remembrance for the thousands who died in the Sept. 11 2001, terror attacks. Crowds celebrated throughout the night outside the White House and at ground zero in Lower Manhattan where the Twin Towers once stood. Thousands of students at Penn State University and in other college towns spilled into the streets and set off firecrackers to mark the moment. "For my family and I, it's good, it's desirable, it's right", said Mike Low of Batesville, Ark., whose daughter Sara was a flight attendant aboard the hijacked plane that was flown into the World Trade Center North Tower. "It certainly brings an ending to a major quest for all of us". Halfway around the world, a prominent al-Qaida commentator vowed revenge for bin Laden's death. "Woe to his enemies. By God, we will avenge the killing of the Sheik of Islam", he wrote under his online name Assad al-Jihad2. "Those who wish that jihad has ended or weakened, I tell them: Let us wait a little bit". U.S. officials conceded the risk of renewed attack. The terrorists "almost certainly will attempt to avenge" bin Laden's death, CIA Director Leon Panetta wrote in a memo that congratulated the agency for its role in the operation. "Bin Laden is dead. Al-Qaida is not". Within a few hours, the Department of Homeland Security warned that bin Laden's death was likely to provide motivation for attacks from "homegrown violent extremists" seeking revenge". FBI spokesman Paul Bresson said, "While there are no specific, bin Laden-related threats at this time, every logical and prudent step is being taken to mitigate any developing threats". There were questions, as well, about Pakistan's role in bin Laden's years in hiding. Both Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said cooperation from the Pakistani government had helped lead U.S. forces to the compound where he died. But John Brennan, White House counter-terrorism adviser, told reporters it was inconceivable that the terrorist fugitive didn't have some support in Pakistan, where his hideout had been custom built six years ago in a city with a heavy military presence. "I am not going to speculate about what type of support he might have had on an official basis", he added. Others were not as reticent. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the Pakistani Army and intelligence agency "have a lot of questions to answer, given the location, the length of time and the apparent fact that this was actually — this facility was actually built for bin Laden, and its closeness to the central location of the Pakistani army". By their condemnations, bin Laden's supporters confirmed his death in what U.S. officials said was an operation years in the making. Even so, officials were weighing the release of at least one photo taken of bin Laden's body as part of what Brennan called an effort to make sure "nobody has any basis to try and deny" the death. U.S. officials said the information that ultimately led to bin Laden's capture originally came from detainees held in secret CIA prison sites in Eastern Europe. There, agency interrogators were told of an alias used by a courier whom bin Laden particularly trusted. It took four long years to learn the man's real name, then years more before investigators got a big break in the case, these officials said. Sometime in mid-2010, the man was overheard using a phone by intelligence officials, who then were able to locate his residence — the specially constructed $1 million compound with walls as high as 18 feet topped with barbed wire. U.S. counterterrorism officials considered bombing the place, an option that was discarded by the White House as too risky, particularly if it turned out bin Laden was not there. Instead, Obama signed an order on Friday for a team of SEALs to chopper onto the compound under the cover of darkness. In the ensuing 48 hours, the president toured tornado-damaged Alabama and delivered a joke-filled after-dinner speech to the White House Correspondents Association. When the operation got under way, though, he slid into his chair in the Situation Room in the White House, where Brennan said the president and his aides "were able to monitor in a real-time basis the progress of the operation" from beginning to end. Brennan strongly suggested a live video feed was available — SEALs customarily have video cameras attached to their helmets — and the White House released a photo showing the commander in chief, Vice President Joe Biden and top aides staring intently at something outside the picture. The White House did not say what they were looking at. According to officials who declined to be identified by name, bin Laden was shot in the head during a firefight, and his body was identified to near 100 percent certainty through DNA testing. Photo analysis by the CIA, confirmation by a woman believed to be one of bin Laden's wives, who was also at the compound, and matching physical features added confirmation, they said. In addition to bin Laden, one of his sons, Khalid, was killed in the raid, as was the wife who shielded him, Brennan said. Also killed were two of bin Laden's al-Qaida facilitators, including the one who was apparently listed as the owner of the residence, Brennan said. Some individuals found at the compound were left behind when the SEALs withdrew and were turned over to Pakistani authorities who quickly took over control of the site, officials said. Within 40 minutes, the operation was over, and the SEALs flew out — minus one helicopter, which had malfunctioned and had to be destroyed. Bin Laden's remains were flown to the USS Carl Vinson, then lowered into the North Arabian Sea. There was one last nerve-wracking moment back inside the White House, Brennan said, when the Pakistanis started scrambling their jets and there was brief concern that the U.S. force might be in danger. The decision to bury the body at sea drew condemnation from some Muslim clerics despite Obama's statement that the burial was handled in accordance with Islamic tradition. "They can say they buried him at sea, but they cannot say they did it according to Islam", said Mohammed al-Qubaisi, Dubai's grand mufti. "Sea burials are permissible for Muslims in extraordinary circumstances. This is not one of them". As quickly as bin Laden's supporters vowed to avenge his death, administration officials worked to undermine his reputation. "Here is bin Laden, who has been calling for these (terror) attacks, living in this million-dollar-plus compound, living in an area that is far removed from the front, hiding behind women who were put in front of him as a shield. I think it really just speaks to just how false his narrative has been over the years", said Brennan. Bin Laden's death came 15 years after he declared war on the United States. Al-Qaida was also blamed for the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that killed 224 people and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 American sailors in Yemen, as well as countless other plots, some successful and some foiled. http://news.yahoo.com/video/world-15749633/bin-laden-raid-how-it-happened-25087015;_ylt=AhdypEHlKuoUfJroqGl_Tiiz174F;_ylu=X3oDMTB1MjlyZDg1BHBvcwM2BHNlYwNjbGlwcwRzbGsDbm93cGxheWluZw--

Remember Octavian Paler

2011-04-02T21:48:00.003+03:00

Remember Octavian Paler a writer, journalist and editor who comments the political and cultural events in Romania Octavian Paler was born on July 2, 1926 in a small village called Lisa in Brasov, Romania. He is a writer, journalist and editor and he comments the political and cultural events in Romania. He attended classes at the primary school in his birth village and after went to the Spiru Haret High School in Bucharest. He went to the Law College and Literature and Philosophy College at the same time. Between 1974 and 1979 he was a substitute member of the PCR (Romanian Communist Party) and between 1980 and 1985 he was a MAN deputy of Vaslui. In 1976 he was chosen President of Journalists' Council and for 13 years, since 1970 chief editor of the central newspaper "Romania Libera". He was vice president of TVR (Romanian Television) and because the Security condemned his pro-occidental visions they settled him a forced home and forbid his access to different activities in the artistic world. After December 1989 he founded together with other writers the Group of Social Dialog which is known for its anti-communist position. He was editor of newspapers like "Romania Libera", "Ziua" and "Cotidianul". Many people criticized him because they say he called the communist era "The Gold Era" but everytime he said it's not true and didn't want to comment very much about this. - partea 1 din emisiunea dedicata domnului Octavian Paler de la antena3, difuzata in seara inmormantarii distinsului OM. - DEFINITII LIRICE de Octavian PALER (DEFINITIA PASULUI ABSENT) - Octavian Paler - Avem timp - partea 2 din emisiunea dedicata domnului Octavian Paler de la antena3, difuzata in seara inmormantarii distinsului OM. - partea 3 din emisiunea dedicata domnului Octavian Paler de la antena3, difuzata in seara inmormantarii distinsului OM. - partea 4 din emisiunea dedicata domnului Octavian Paler de la antena3, difuzata in seara inmormantarii distinsului OM. - prezentarea stirii, la antena3, despre decesul distinsului OM care a fost Octavian Paler R.I.P. Dear Master ! We always remember You...

Sarbatoarea Craciunului la romani

2010-12-20T19:21:00.004+02:00

************************************************** Sarbatoarea Craciunului la romani ************************************************** Crăciunul sau Naşterea Domnului (naşterea lui Iisus Hristos / Isus Cristos) este o sărbătoare creştină celebrată la 25 decembrie (în calendarul gregorian) sau 6 ianuarie (în calendarul iulian) în fiecare an. Ea face parte din cele 12 sărbători domneşti (praznice împărăteşti) ale Bisericilor bizantine, a treia mare sărbătoare după cea de Paşti şi de Rusalii. În anumite ţări, unde creştinii sunt majoritari, Crăciunul e de asemenea sărbătoare legală, iar sărbătoarea se prelungeşte în ziua următoare, 26 decembrie: a doua zi de Crăciun. De la debutul secolului al XX-lea, Crăciunul devine şi o sărbătoare laică, celebrată atât de către creştini cât şi de către cei necreştini, centrul de greutate al celebrării deplasându-se de la participarea în biserică la rit spre aspectul familial al schimbului de cadouri sau, pentru copii, „darurilor de la Moş Crăciun”. Crăciunul a început să fie serbat de către creştini pe 25 decembrie, după cel puţin trei secole de la începerea misiunii de evanghelizare a apostolilor, anume începând cu secolul al IV-lea în Vest şi începând cu cel de-al V-lea secol în Est. Iniţial, sărbătoarea naşterii lui Hristos era ţinută pe 6 ianuarie, istoricii ştiind azi că ea se celebra deja în 336 d. Chr., la Roma. (în Est, „Boboteaza”, serbată la data de 6 ianuarie începând cu secolul al IV-lea, celebra pe atunci naşterea, botezul şi primul miracol al lui Iisus, în timp ce gnosticii (sectă creştină considerată eretică de către creştinismul canonic) serbau aceeaşi „Epifanie” în Egipt, încă din secolul al II-lea, tot la data de 6 ianuarie, când, în viziunea lor, „Iisus s-a arătat ca Fiul lui Dumnezeu la botez”). Sextus Julius Africanus, un creştin din secolul al III-lea, este primul care alege în 221 d. Chr. această dată pentru naşterea lui Iisus, care însă nu va fi celebrată încă multă vreme de către ceilalţi creştini, care preferau 6 ianuarie. Factorul pentru care primii creştini au ales datele de 25 decembrie sau 6 ianuarie ca moment al naşterii Fiului lui Dumnezeu a fost că, la aceste date, în lumea romană, germanică şi orientală se celebrau diverse date de naştere ale zeilor păgâni. Povestea unui zeu salvator născut din fecioară pe 6 ianuarie sau 25 decembrie, nu era deloc nouă, cele mai multe culte păgâne ale vremii adorând câte un astfel de zeu. Astfel, pe 6 ianuarie, data solstiţiului egiptean, era celebrată revărsarea apelor Nilului şi în „cultele misterelor” locale naşterea „eonului” din fecioară. Epifaniu, scriitor creştin, redă în lucrarea sa ritul celebrărilor din 6 ianuarie şi semnificaţia acestuia la egipteni şi la arabii din „Petra” (Eleusa, unde se serba naşterea pruncului-zeu Dusares din fecioară. Alt scriitor creştin, anume Ipolit, descrie cum la Eleusis, în Grecia, se celebra tot atunci sărbătoarea misterelor, când ierofantul exclama la naşterea pruncului sacru: „Fecioara care era grea a conceput şi a născut un fiu !”. Tot pe 6 ianuarie grecii sărbătoreau naşterea zeului Dionis, zeul care ca şi Iisus, transforma apa în vin. O sărbătoare populară la Roma celebra pe 25 decembrie naşterea Soarelui neînvins (Dies Solis Invicti Nati, Deus Sol Invictus), ca simbol al renaşterii soarelui şi alungării iernii (ca şi Saturnaliile). Odată ce creştinii au abandonat celebrarea naşterii Fiului lui Dumnezeu pe 6 ianuarie optând pentru data de 25 decembrie, scriitorii creştini fac frecvente legături între renaşterea soarelui şi naşterea lui Hristos. Creştinii secolului al III-lea credeau că creaţia lumii a avut loc la echinocţiul de primăvară, pe atunci plasat pe 25 martie; prin urmare, noua creaţie prin „întruparea lui Hristos” (concepţia), trebuia, în viziunea lor, să aibă loc tot pe 25 martie, moment de la care numărându-se 9 luni (sarcina, gestaţia) se obţinea data de 25 decembrie. Sărbătorile din jurul solstiţiului de iarnă au, după cum se vede, o origine precreştină. Ele sunt legate în mod indisolubil de evenimentele astronomice care au loc în acea perioadă. Obiceiul împodobirii bradului de Crăciun îsi trage originile de la popoarele Germanice. Tradiţia s-a răspândit în restul Europei şi apoi în toata lumea după Primul Război Mondial. Între podoabele bradului bomboanele de pom, globurile şi ghirlandele au devenit clasice.Iar in prezent bradul este împodobit dupa moda. ************************************************** ************************************************** Pe teritoriul românesc, Crăciunul este una dintre cele mai importante sărbători creştine. Moş Crăciun este versiunea mai nouă a Sfântului Nicolae (în engleză: Santa Claus) care şi-a făcut apariţia în secolul I. El împarte cadouri tuturor copiilor în noaptea de Crăciun (de 24 spre 25 decembrie). De fapt traditia cadourilor in noaptea de 24 decembrie spre 25 decembrie provine de la Martin Luther care a propagat din anul 1535 aceasta datină numita Christkind ca o alternativa a obiceiului catolic Nikolaustag de pe 6 decembrie. Multa vreme in familile catolice a fost mentinuta mai departe traditia cadourilor de Nikolaus. Scopul lui Martin Luther a fost sa trezeasca interesul copiilor pentru Cristos si sa-i indeparteze astfel de datina catolica a cadourilor de Nikolaus, ea fiind un mod de veneratie a catolicilor pentru sfinţi. În folclor se spune că Fecioara Maria, când trebuia să nască pe fiul lui Dumnezeu, umbla, însoţită de dreptul Iosif, din casă în casă, rugându-i pe oameni să-i ofere adăpost pentru a naşte. Ajunge la casa unor bătrâni, Crăciun şi Crăciunoaie, însă nici aceştia nu o primesc, spre a nu le spurca locul prin naşterea unui prunc zămislit din greşeală. Nemaiputând merge, Maria a intrat în ieslea vitelor, unde au apucat-o durerile naşterii. Crăciunoaia, auzind-o, şi ştiind ce înseamnă o naştere de copil, i s-a făcut milă de dânsa şi s-a dus la ea, îndeplinind rolul de moaşă. Crăciun, când a aflat, s-a supărat şi i-a tăiat babei mâinile; apoi, înspăimântat de tot ce s-a întâmplat, a plecat de acasă. Crăciunoaia a umplut, cum a putut, un ceaun cu apă, l-a încălzit, şi l-a dus să scalde copilul. Maria i-a zis să încerce apa, şi când a bagat cioturile mâinilor, acestea au crescut la loc, mai frumoase decât erau înainte; de la această minune se crede că moaşele au mâini binecuvântate. În altă variantă a poveştii, Maria suflă peste mâinile Crăciunoaiei şi acestea cresc la loc. ************************************************** Colindele de Crăciun ************************************************** ************************************************** Sărbătoarea Crăciunului este anunţată prin obiceiul copiilor de a merge cu colindul şi cu Steaua, pentru a vesti Naşterea Mântuitorului. De asemenea, o veche tradiţie este „mersul cu icoana”, un fel de colindat care se face de către preoţii comunităţii locale cu icoana Naşterii Domnului, binecuvântându-se casele şi creştinii. Colindele de iarnă sunt texte rituale cântate, închinate Crăciunului şi Anului Nou. Originea lor se pierde în vechimile istoriei poporului român. Evocând momentul când, la naşterea lui Iisus, s-a ivit pe cer steaua care i-a călăuzit pe cei trei regi magi la locul naşterii, copiii - câte trei, ca cei trei magi - merg din casă în casă cântând colindul „Steaua sus răsare...”, purtând cu ei o stea. Ajunul Crăciunului începe cu colindul „Bună dimineaţa la Moş Ajun !”, casele frumos împodobite îşi primesc colindătorii. Aceştia sunt răsplătiţi de gazde cu fructe, covrigi, dulciuri şi chiar bani. Unele cântece de colindat au fost realizate de compozitori de muzică cultă, cum ar fi: „Iată vin colindătorii” de Tiberiu Brediceanu, „O, ce veste minunată” de D.G. Kiriac, „Domnuleţ şi Domn în cer” de Gheorghe Cucu. Scriitorul Ion Creangă descrie în „Amintiri din copilărie” aventurile mersului cu colindele. Colindele, precum şi obiceiurile colindelor sunt prezente şi la alte popoare, şi s-ar putea ca ele să dateze din timpul romanizării. De pildă, colinda românească „Scoală, gazdă, din pătuţ” există şi la valoni, unde aceasta e cea mai răspândită, sub numele de „Dji vén cwerî m'cougnou d'Noyé”. ************************************************** ************************************************** ******STEFAN HRUSCA - Colinde de Craciun(Flori Dalbe, Deschide Usa Crestine, Flori de Mar) [9'29] ************************************************** ******STEFAN HRUSCA - Colinde de Craciun(Cerul si Pamantul si Cand a fost prunc Micut Iisus)[5'01] ************************************************** ******STEFAN HRUSCA - Colinde de Craciun(La Vihlaim)[1'19] ************************************************** ******STEFAN HRUSCA - Colinde de Craciun(O, ce veste minunata)[5'25] ************************************************** ******STEFAN HRUSCA - Colinde de Craciun(Sfanta-i seara de Craciun)[2'14] ************************************************** ******STEFAN HRUSCA - Colinde de Craciun(Ce-ati vazut pastori)[3'01] ************************************************** ******STEFAN HRUSCA - Colinde de Craciun(Linu-i lin)[3'15] ************************************************** Tuturor romanilor, din tara si de pretutindeni, va doresc un CRACIUN FERICIT !!!

Katin II – Dezvaluiri socante !

2010-04-28T21:46:00.002+03:00

************************************************** Operatorul care a filmat secventa imediat dupa prabusirea avionului presedintelui Poloniei, la Katin, a fost asasinat ! ************************************************** El a fost injunghiat langa Kijow pe data de 15.04 a.c. si transportat in stare critica la spital ! Pe 16.04 a.c. 3 indivizi neidentificati, au intrat in spital si... l-au deconectat de la aparatele care-l mentineau in viata, apoi... l-au mai injunghiat de 3 ori ! Andrij a fost declarat mort, in aceeasi dupa amiaza ! Guvernul rus a raspuns ca asta a fost o …coincidenta ! Intre timp, un nou filmulet cu traducere in engleza a fost postat pe Internet (Youtube) ! In el se vad, la o observare mai atenta ca,… au EXISTAT SUPRAVIETUITORI ai prabusirii avionului, dar se pare ca acestia… AU FOST EXECUTATI la locul accidentului ! Pe 13 . 04, PM al Poloniei declara ca “Rusia a inscenat accidentul care l-a omorat pe presedintele Kaczhynski !” Iata, inca o data, filmuletul, tradus si cu detalii evidentiate, pentru care operatorul Andrij, a platit cu viata ! ************************************************** ************************************************** Traducerea cadrelor este urmatoarea: - Primul film de la Smolensk unde avionul presedintelui Lew Kaczhynski s-a prabusit. - Vedeti, trei oameni merg in spatele copacilor (a se observa zona incercuita cu rosu) - Inca o data, cu incetinitorul si imagine marita. - Echipe de salvare ? - Acesti oameni inca merg. - Nu stiu cine e acesta ? – Voce : Linistiti-va… - Sirena. - Priviti la aceasta persoana. - Ati observat asta ? Omul in alb ridica mana… Sa mai verificam inca o data cu incetinitorul si marita imaginea… - Si inca o data. - Unii spun ca ar fi pilotul aeronavei. Eu nu stiu cine este… - Sirena (tipete !) - Davai gnata ! (rusa) Da-mi arma !? - Ne zabijajcie nas ! (poloneza) - Nu ne omorati ! - Impuscaturi… - Nici vorba, nu plec de aici ! (vocea operatorului) - Observati, o persoana in negru sare din avion (ramasitele de la sol ) - Inca o data. - Impuscatura. - Raset. - Aceeasi persoana in negru care a sarit din avion – (incercuit cu rosu ) - Observati cum se prabuseste ! - Schimbare de plan ! Impuscatura. - Inca o impuscatura. - Priviti ! si… cadere… - Repetat cadrul inca o data … (editor) Intre timp a mai aparut o varianta de “observare” a aceluiasi filmulet, in care se vad si alte contururi umane in miscare (supravietuitori ?) pe fondul impuscaturilor (executii ?) si al rugamintii de ”nu ne impuscati !” ************************************************** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APfSEisBKnM&feature=player_embedded **************************************************

Lista neamurilor bugetare. Azi, soţiile şi soţii

2010-04-16T14:58:00.003+03:00

Politica e o curvă. Politică înseamnă să faci bani. Politica e un mijloc prin care oamenii cu bani ajung la putere. Politica e activitatea prin care un grup restrans de oameni îşi creează acces la o cantitate cît mai mare de resurse. Politica înseamnă să spui cat mai puţine prin cat de multe cuvinte posibile. În fapt, politica e arta de a conduce. Dar mai presus de toate, în România, politica e arta de a-ţi conduce afacerile personale spre succes. De a conduce maşini cat mai scumpe, cumpărate din banii făcuţi prin intermediul politicii. Şi, nu în ultimul rand, politica e arta de a-ţi conduce rudele spre posturi plătite din bugetul de stat. ************************************************** Lista neamurilor bugetare. Azi, soţiile şi soţii ************************************************** Jumătate din soţiile de parlamentar care lucrează, lucrează la stat ************************************************** Familia e celula de bază a societăţii, ne zice cu încredere deplină învăţătoarea din şcoala generală şi ne confirmă profesorul, popa şi primarul. Iar familia politică e una modernă, în care ambii parteneri lucrează. La stat, normal. Camera Deputaţilor numără la ora actuală 333 de aleşi ai neamului. Dintre aceştia 55 sunt necăsătoriţi sau divorţaţi şi vreo trei sunt văduvi. Din restul de 275, un număr de 25 au partenerul de viaţă ajuns la pensie. Normal, o bună parte dintre cei 250 rămaşi în numărătoarea noastră nici nu şi-au declarat soţiile ori n-au specificat unde şi cu ce îşi ocupă ele timpul. Mai bine de jumătate dintre ei însă, vreo 130 pentru a fi exacţi, au jumătatea angajată la stat, plătită din banul public, la fel ca ei, aleşii. Iar proporţia aproape că se respectă şi în cazul Senatului, cu precizarea că doar vreo 50 de soţi sau soţii de senator iau leafă de la stat. Unii sunt profesori, unii judecători sau procurori, alţii medici, unii funcţionari publici şi unii chiar angajaţii soţului senator. Asta dacă nu sint ambii demnitari. Toţi mănancă însă o paine publică, frămantată în vistieria statului. ************************************************** ************************************************** Gruparea consiliilor de administraţie şi a consilierilor ************************************************** Pe vremea cand erau liberalii la putere, Teodor Atanasiu nu se pricopsise încă cu imunitatea parlamentară, deşi n-a dus-o rău în postul de ministru al Apărării ori de şef al AVAS. Ba a dus-o chiar atat de bine, încat s-a căsătorit cu Laura Bişboacă pe care, dacă tot a luat-o de soţie, a şi numit-o în cateva consilii de administraţie, dar şi în postul de consilier în Comisia de Supraveghere a Asigurărilor, de unde proaspăta consoartă a încasat vreo 55.000 de lei. La fel a făcut şi colegul său liberal Dan Motreanu, care a avut grijă ca soţia Dana să nimerească în aceeaşi Comisie, de unde a încasat aproape 115.000 de lei, dar şi în vreo alte două consilii de administraţie. Şi, pentru că respectiva comisie era cu adevărat o afacere liberală, din ea nu putea lipsi soţia deputatului Daniel Chiţoiu, finul guzganului rozaliu al PNL, Dan Radu Ruşanu. Schimbarea de guvernare a ajutat şi soţiile de pedelişti să se lipească de niscaiva consilii de administraţie. Spre exemplu, soţia deputatului de Timiş Iosif Ştefan Drăgulescu a ajuns în consiliul de administraţie al ISIM Timişoara, şi chiar directoare a institutului, iar de cand Gheorghe Ialomiţeanu este deputat de Braşov, soţia acestuia, Liliana, a devenit membră în consiliile de administraţie a patru societăţi REMAT, rămase la stat, dar şi în comisiile de cenzori ale altor două companii de stat. Şi, pentru că din afacerea consiliilor nu putea lipsi o soţie de independent, o amintim şi pe Elena Soporan, membră în Comisia de Supraveghere a Asigurărilor, soţia fostului prefect de Cluj, actualmente deputat independent ales pe listele PSD, Vasile Soporan. Cea mai reuşită mişcare în materie de aranjat soţia în post călduţ îi aparţine însă, de departe, deputatului liberal Horia Uioreanu, care, atunci cand era la putere, s-a căsătorit cu secretara şi azi, cînd e în opoziţie, trăieşte cu consiliera premierului. Mai exact, în timpul guvernării PNL, Horia Uioreanu s-a căsătorit cu Elena, pe care a ajutat-o să ajungă în cîteva consilii de administraţie la nivel judeţean, după care a propulsat-o pană în funcţia de consilier al premierului. Post în care se află şi astăzi, pentru că e în concediu de maternitate, după ce i-a născut deja al doilea copil deputatului liberal. Iar ca dovadă că nu doar soţii îşi angajează soţiile, ci uneori se întîmplă şi invers, îl amintim aici şi pe Ovidiu Răzvan Wlassopol, consilier în Comisia Naţională de Valori Imobiliare, de unde încasează vreo 125.000 de lei anual. Acesta este nimeni altul decît soţul secretarului executiv al PSD, senatorul Lia Olguţa Vasilescu. ************************************************** Grupul nevestelor care nu servesc funcţii publice, dar fac afaceri cu statul ************************************************** Dacă nu lucrează la stat, soţul sau soţia de demnitar ar trebui să lucreze undeva, la privat. Numai că, de cele mai multe ori, afacerea privată la care lucrează soţul sau soţia de demnitar se hrăneşte tot din fonduri publice. Spre exemplu, soţul Sulfinei Barbu a încasat, conform declaraţiei de avere a fostului ministru de la Mediu, nu mai puţin de 150.000 de lei – drepturi intelectuale – de la firma 'KVB Economic', societate unde Sulfina era asociată cu Silvian Ionescu, şeful Gărzii de Mediu. Iar firma se ocupa cu consultanţă în probleme de mediu, aţi ghicit. Un alt deputatul PDL, Bobeş Marin, şi-a făcut soţia director la propria firmă, 'Serena SA', societate de construcţii ce s-a lipit şi continuă să se lipească de numeroase contracte cu bani publici în judeţul Olt. Victor Boiangiu însă, deputat PDL de Giurgiu, are soţia profesor şi director de televiziune, la 'SC Muntenia TV SRL', aşa că nişte contracte de publicitate între Consiliul Judeţean Giurgiu, pe care l-a condus timp de opt ani, şi respectiva televiziune au picat exact la fix, astfel că soţia a putut să-şi păstreze fără probleme postul de director al societăţii. ************************************************** Soţiile se descurcă şi pe plan local ************************************************** Dacă la nivel central lucrurile mai stau cum stau, la nivel local treaba e chiar mai clară. Nu există consiliu judeţean în care legăturile de familie să nu se traducă în posturi sau contracte plătite din bani publici. În nu mai puţin de 28 de cazuri, soţul sau soţia preşedintelui şi a vicepreşedinţilor consiliilor judeţene lucrează la stat. Şi nu doar că lucrează la stat, dar în multe cazuri lucrează chiar în instituţia publică condusă de soţ. Iar acolo unde soţiile nu lucrează la stat, lucrează la soţ. Mai exact, oficial se administrează societăţile comerciale ale soţilor, societăţi care de regulă beneficiază de contracte cu instituţiile publice. ************************************************** Dacă le-au luat de neveste, le-au luat cu ei şi la Bucureşti ************************************************** Nu se cade ca o familie proaspăt întemeiată să trăiască despărţită de sute de kilometri. Aşa se face că unii aleşi ai neamului au decis să-şi ia consoartele după ei, la Bucureşti. Spre exemplu, la scurt timp după căsătoria cu deputatul Cristian Adomniţei, la acea vreme ministru al Învăţămantului, Sabina Vişinari a ajuns într-un post călduţ la Institutul Naţional de Magistratură. Cum nici colegul său de la Iaşi, deputatul Relu Fenechiu, nu putea sta departe de proaspăta soţie, prin 2008 aceasta s-a angajat la Inspectoratul de Stat în Construcţii, în postul de consilier al directorului general Doina Isopescu, subalterna soţului pe linie de partid. Pînă în 2008, deputatul PDL Arghir Iustin Marinel Cionca era primar în Pecica, Arad, iar soţia, Angela, director adjunct al Direcţiei de Sănătate Publică Arad. De cand a ajuns însă la Bucureşti, soţia a devenit consilier, normal, la Camera Deputaţilor, la fel ca şi soţia deputatului PDL de Hunedoara, Ioan Timiş, Bianca, şi ea tot consilier parlamentar. Mai greu de spus este, în cazul soţilor Turcan, dacă Raluca, din postul de deputat de Sibiu, l-a ajutat pe Valeriu să-i devină sfetnic preşedintelui Băsescu, sau invers, Raluca a devenit deputat cu ajutorul lui Valeriu şi-al lui Theodor Stolojan. Pe de altă parte, deputatul UDMR Kerekes Karoly, ca un maghiar serios care ştie să facă distincţie între muncă şi pasiune, şi-a angajat soţia la cabinetul parlamentar din Targu-Mureş. ************************************************** sursa: Academia Catavencu/14 Apr 2010

Băsescu, votat cel mai slab preşedinte din istoria României

2010-04-15T14:23:00.003+03:00

************************************************** Băsescu, votat drept cel mai slab preşedinte din istoria României ************************************************** Traian Băsescu a fost aşezat de cititorii ziarului Cotdianul în fruntea clasamentului celor mai proşti preşedinţi ai României. Supăraţi sau poate bucuroşi de acest clasament, ce a rezultat chiar din primele minute de la publicarea sondajului de opinie, unii dintre vizitorii cotidianul.ro au încercat să-i modifice rezultatele. Da, pagina de internet cotidianul.ro a fost atacată informatic. Spre deosbire de alegeri, rezultatul sondajului nostru de opinie nu a fost alterat. Am reuşit să recuperăm rezultatele corecte graţie Departamentului IT dar şi cu ajutorul cititorului care foloseşte nickname-ul Lulutza_Antica. Cu 13.415 vizualizări până în seara zilei de luni 12 aprilie şi 34 de comentarii, primul sondaj din seria specială cotidianul.ro l-a arătat pe actualul şef al statului român, cu majoritatea voturilor cititorilor noştri, drept cel mai slab.A fost un demers al ziarului cotidianul.ro de lua pulsul opiniei publice. Traian Băsescu a condus detaşat cu 1771 de voturi topul amintit. Sub performanţa actualului preşedinte al României cititorii cotidianul.ro l-au plasat, la o distanţă impresionantă de mai bine de jumătate dintre voturi, pe Emil Constantinescu (791 de opţiuni). Pe locul al treilea a fost Ion Iliescu, cu 595 de voturi iar pe ultimul loc, întâiul preşedinte al României Socialiste, Nicolae Ceauşescu, cu 352 de voturi. În procente situaţia este următoarea: Traian Băsescu - 50,5 %, Emil Constantinescu – 22,5 %, Ion Iliescu – 17 %, Nicolae Ceauşescu – 10 %. Pe parcursul zilei de sâmbătă, 10 aprilie, analiştii IT ne-au semnalat problema ivită prin intervenţia neautorizată asupra site-ului cotidianul.ro. Intervenţia promptă şi măsurile de siguranţă au făcut, însă, ca voturile pierdute de Traian Băsescu să fie recuperate. Momentul atacului asupra paginii de Internet a ziarului cotidianul.ro au fost semnalate şi de cititorul care semneaza cu pseudonimul Lulutza_Antica.

Let's Remember: 2009 Academy Awards

2010-04-13T01:14:00.005+03:00

************************************************** ************************************************** Academy Awards 2009 Red Carpet [87'23] ************************************************** Penelope Cruz, Kate, Anne, Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie, all made the 2009 Oscars Hollywood's most glamorous night. TV Guide's Fashion Wrap has all the hits & misses from the Academy Awards. Jennifer Rade & Nick Verreos join Lisa Rinna & Lawrence Zarian. ************************************************** ************************************************** Academy Awards 2009 Fashion Wrap [40'23] ************************************************** Stars sparkle on Hollywood's most glamorous night at the 2009 Academy Awards ! TV Guide Network's Lisa Rinna & Joey Fatone are live on the Oscar red carpet to interview the stars ! ************************************************** ************************************************** Academy Awards 2009 Movies Preview [3'08] ************************************************** The clip montage of footage from 2009's upcoming films. As aired during the credits for the 81st Academy Awards. The song is Beck's cover of Bob Dylan's Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat. ************************************************** ************************************************** The Best Movies 2009 [2'00] ************************************************** Movies: Transformers 2, Star Trek, G. I. JOE, Knowing, Nine, Harry Potter 6, Watchmen, Terminator 3: Salvation, Revenge of Fallen, Wolferine, Xmen: Origin, Crysis ************************************************** ************************************************** 2009 Movies with Trailers - Part 1 [10'26] ************************************************** Movies Coming In 2009: Bride Wars; Not Easily Broken; The Unborn; The Graves; Race to Witch Mountain; Duplicity; I Love You, Man; Knowing; This Side of the Truth; 12 Rounds; The Accidental Husband; Adventureland; Janky Promoters; Monsters vs. Aliens; Fast & Furious; The Ugly Truth; Dragonball; Hannah Montana: The Movie; Observe and Report; Case 39; State of Play; 17 Again; Whiteout; Obsessed; The Soloist; Vanilla Gorilla; X-Men Origins: Wolverine; The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past; Star Trek; Next Day Air; Angels & Demons; Brüno; Terminator: Salvation; Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian; The Maiden Heist; Up; Land of the Lost; The Proposal; NowhereLand; The Year One; Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; Toy Story 3-D (rerelease in 3D); Ashecliffe; The Lovely Bones; Where the Wild Things Are; The Stepfather; Astro Boy; Horrorween; New Moon; The Box; The Wolfman; Fantastic Mr. Fox; A Christmas Carol; Sherlock Holmes; Planet 51; Old Dogs; Nine; Avatar; The Princess and the Frog; Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakuel ************************************************** ************************************************** 2009 Movies with Trailers - Part 2 [10'59] ************************************************** ************************************************** 2009 Movies with Trailers - Part 3 [10'33] ************************************************** ************************************************** 2009 Movies with Trailers - Part 4 [10'56] **************************************************

Shakira visits Haiti

2010-04-12T03:36:00.003+03:00

************************************************** Shakira visits Haitians living in tent camps ************************************************** PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Hip-shaking Colombian pop star Shakira is meeting with Haitian earthquake survivors living in makeshift camps and she says she is searching for suitable land to build a school for needy children. Arriving Sunday, the singer waved to onlookers and greeted infants living on a Haitian golf course that has turned into a sprawling makeshift camp for 50,000 quake survivors. Her Barefoot foundation provides nutrition to more than 6,000 children in Colombia, and she is member of the ALAS foundation that advocates for children across Latin America. Shakira was greeted by actor Sean Penn, who is providing humanitarian aid at Haitian refugee camps. The two stars spoke about challenges confronting Haiti since the Jan. 12 disaster. ************************************************** *****SHAKIRA - Give It Up To Me [3'23] ************************************************** *****SHAKIRA - Did It Again [3'29] ************************************************** *****SHAKIRA - Gypsy (2010) [3'30] ************************************************** *****SHAKIRA - La Tortura (featuring ALEJANDRO SANZ) - Live from "Oral Fixation" Tour 2007 [4'34] ************************************************** *****SHAKIRA - Beautiful Liar (featuring BEYONCE) [4'17] **************************************************

Nicolae Grigorescu - pictor roman

2010-04-11T14:23:00.003+03:00

************************************************** Nicolae Grigorescu (May 15, 1838—July 21, 1907) was one of the founders of modern Romanian painting. He was born in Pitaru, (judeţul Bihor), Romania. In 1843 the family moved to Bucureşti. At a young age (between 1846 and 1850), he became an apprentice at the workshop of the painter Anton Chladek and created icons for the church of Băicoi and the monastery of Căldăruşani. In 1856 he created the historical composition Mihai scăpând stindardul (Michael the Brave dropping the flag), which he presented to the Wallachian Prince Barbu Ştirbei, together with a petition asking for financial aid for his studies. Between 1856 and 1857, he painted the church of the Zamfira monastery, Prahova county, and in 1861 the church of the Agapia monastery. With the help of Mihail Kogălniceanu, he received a scholarship to study in France. In the autumn of 1861, young Grigorescu left for Paris, where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts. He also attended the workshop of Sébastien Cornu, where he had as a colleague Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Knowing his weaknesses, he concentrated drawing and composition. However, he soon left this workshop and, attracted by the artistic concepts of the Barbizon school, he left Paris for that village, where he became the associate of artists such as Jean-François Millet, Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet and Théodore Rousseau. Under the influence of the movement, Grigorescu looked for new means of expression and followed the trend of en plein air painting, which was also important in Impressionism. As part of the Universal Exposition of Paris (1867), he contributed seven works. Then he exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1868 the painting Tânără ţigancă (Gypsy girl). He returned to Romania a few times and starting in 1870 he participated in the exhibits of living artists and those organized by the Society of the Friends of the Belle-Arts. Between 1873 and 1874 he traveled to Italy, Greece and Vienna. In 1877 he was called to accompany the Romanian Army as a "frontline painter" in the Romanian War of Independence. During the battles at the Grivica Strongpoint and Oryahovo, he made drawings and sketches which later used in creating larger-scale works. In 1889 his work was featured in the Universal Exhibition in Paris and at the Romanian Atheneum. Centerpiece exhibits took place at the Romanian Atheneum would follow in 1891, 1895, 1897, 1902, and 1905. From 1879 to 1890 he worked in France, especially in Vitré, Brittany, and in his workshop in Paris. In 1890 he settled in Câmpina and started depicting pastoral themes, especially portraits of peasant girls, pictures of ox carts on dusty country roads and other landscapes. He was named honorary member of the Romanian Academy in 1899. At the moment of his death, Grigorescu had been working on his Întoarcerea de la bâlci (The Return from the Fair). ************************************************** *****NICOLAE GRIGORESCU - Picturi (1); Muzica: Maria Tanase - Ciuleandra [3'30] ************************************************** *****NICOLAE GRIGORESCU - Picturi (2); Muzica: ?? [2'24] ************************************************** *****NICOLAE GRIGORESCU - Schite; Muzica: George Enescu - Balada pentru vioara [4'20] ************************************************** *****NICOLAE GRIGORESCU - Picturi (3); Muzica: Ciprian Porumbescu - Balada [5'28] ************************************************** *****NICOLAE GRIGORESCU - Caricaturi; Muzica: Ciprian Porumbescu - Zana Dunarii [2'48] ************************************************** *****NICOLAE GRIGORESCU - Picturi (4); Muzica: George Enescu - Rapsodia Romana (Part 2) [6'08] ************************************************** *****NICOLAE GRIGORESCU - Detalii tablouri de la Muzeul National de Arta; Muzica: Ciprian Porumbescu - Balada [3'49] ************************************************** *****NICOLAE GRIGORESCU - Picturi (5); Muzica: Maria Tanase - Mi-am pus busuioc in par [3'45] **************************************************

Visionary Art Collection

2010-04-10T21:18:00.003+03:00

************************************************** Visionary art is art that purports to transcend the physical world and portray a wider vision of awareness including spiritual or mystical themes, or is based in such experiences. The American Visionary Art Museum defines Visionary art as "....art produced by self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from an innate personal vision that revels foremost in the creative act itself". It goes on to say that visionary art is a product an inner process, and may not even be thought of as art by its creator; it also differentiates Visionary art from Folk art. Both trained and self-taught (or outsider) artists have, and continue to create visionary works. Many visionary artists are actively engaged in spiritual practices, and some have drawn inspiration from hallucinogenic intoxication. Walter Schurian, professor at the University of Münster, is quick to point out the difficulties in describing visionary art as if it were a discrete genre, since "it is difficult to know where to start and where to stop. Recognized trends have all had their fantastic component, so demarcation is apt to be fuzzy". Despite this ambiguity, there does seem to be emerging some definition to what constitutes the contemporary visionary art 'scene' and which artists can be considered especially influential. Contemporary visionary artists count Hieronymous Bosch, William Blake, Morris Graves (of the Pacific Northwest School of Visionary Art), Emil Bisttram, and Gustave Moreau amongst their antecedents. Symbolism, Surrealism and Psychedelic art are also direct precursors to contemporary visionary art. ************************************************** *****JOSEPHINE WALL - Visionary Art [9'06] ************************************************** *****MELANIE GENDROM - Visionary Art [8'51] ************************************************** *****FRANCENE HART, MARK GILLILAND, ZOTEC, MARY-MA McChrist, HANNAH OMER, CARMELA TAL-BARON, CHARLES LABDEL & MARYBETH RAPISARDO - Visionary Art [9'41] ************************************************** *****BILL FOSS, MONIQUE FAY, PHOENIX & ARABETH, LINDA VOGEL, ROWENA PATTEE KRYDER, ANDREW FORREST, ANDREW ANNENBERG, PENNY SLINGER, DAVID TODD & BONNIE BELL - Visionary Art [9'13] ************************************************** *****GEORGE SUMMER, ROBERT PITONZO, MARK HENSON, PAUL NICHOLSON, BOB VENOSA, LAHRINDA, GARRET MOORE, DON DAVIS & RON RUSSELL - Visionary Art [9'46] **************************************************

Megan Fox Takes On The Governator

2010-04-09T07:41:00.005+03:00

************************************************** ************************************************** Megan Fox Takes On The Governator Schwarzenegger ************************************************** Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have lent their famous faces to an unusual cause, starring in a new Funny or Die video that satirizes a round of proposed California education budget cuts. Education may not seem like the most obvious issue for Fox to promote. But her boyfriend, Green, has a son in the California public school system (8-year-old Kassius Lijah with actress Vanessa Marcil). "I've learned you have to be very vocal about the quality of your kid's education", Green said. "And right now, a lot is at stake for California's schools". In "Hot for Teachers", made in conjunction with the Wonderland Avenue Elementary PTA, Fox and Green are packed into an overcrowded classroom alongside 90 fifth-graders. Students sit two to a seat, lie on the floor, and even crouch on top of cabinets. Some of the kids don't speak English, and several are sick. And where's their teacher in all this ? Well, she's been laid off because of the budget cuts. While more kids are dumped in the classroom, Fox dodges autograph requests from star-struck dads. The video is an attack on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who's pushing to drop an additional $2.5 billion from an education budget that was cut by $17 billion over the last two years, Green and Fox say. These new cuts would increase class sizes, eliminate some janitorial and health services, and force another round of teacher layoffs. Satirizing these teacher firings, the video appoints Fox as the new head of the classroom. A "Transformers" star as a teacher ? Wouldn't that be a treat ! District art programs -- including music, dance, and Green and Fox's specialty, drama -- stand to be cut by as much as 50%. The threat to arts education makes Wonderland Avenue's Hollywood Hills location an especially great place to get the message out. Aaron McLear, Gov. Schwarzenegger's press secretary, denied the video's allegations of school budget cuts, citing widespread misinformation. He said that even in the face of a $20 billion deficit, the governor "has pledged to maintain the same level of funding for education as last year". And how will Schwarzenegger and Fox settle the dispute ? Perhaps a "Transformers vs. Terminator" crossover is on the horizon. ************************************************** Megan Fox: 'I Am A Stepmother To The Fullest Extent' ************************************************** LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Megan Fox may be known for her bombshell performances in the Transformers film franchise and as the demonic title character in Jennifer's Body, but the star says there's one role people haven't publicly seen her play yet. ************************************************** ************************************************** "I am a stepmother to the fullest extent", she told the April issue of Harper's 'Bazaar' UK of her relationship with boyfriend Brian Austin Green's 8-year-old son, Kassius. Megan - the latest face of 'Emporio Armani Underwear and Jeans' -- also told the mag that she didn't have the energy to keep up her pin-up image in everyday life. "It would be nice to be like Rihanna and go to Burger King in six-inch heels and a mini-dress", she said. "It's admirable. But I don't have the motivation". And while she's one of Hollywood's sexiest stars, she told the magazine she's not one to sleep around. "I've only been with two men my entire life", she said. "My childhood sweetheart and Brian". And the star said the idea of sex with someone she's not committed to makes her "sick". "I can never have sex with someone I don't love, ever", she said. "The idea makes me sick. I've never even come close to having a one-night stand". ************************************************** Megan Fox Reveals How Many Guys She's Slept With ************************************************** ************************************************** Megan Fox can count the number of guys she's slept with on one hand. "I've only been with two men my entire life", the actress, 23, tells the April issue of Harper's 'Bazaar' (via 'Huffington Post'). "My childhood sweetheart and Brian". Fox has been dating (and engaged to) former 90210 star Brian Austin Green on and off since 2004. She continues, "I can never have sex with someone that I don't love, ever. The idea makes me sick. I've never even come close to having a one-night stand". The 'Armani' underwear spokeswoman has been downplaying her sexuality. In her most recent interviews, she's expressed her desire to have children and lamented that she doesn't look "classy" in lingerie. Months earlier, she bragged about being "pretty sexy" in her horror movie, Jennifer's Body, and admitted she was "more comfortable" making out with women. She explains, "My biggest regret is that I've assisted the media in making me into a cartoon character. I don't regret what has happened to me, but I regret the way I have dealt with it". Fox says she didn't strip down completely while filming a sex scene for the DC comics adaptation of Jonah Hex (out in June). "I had on underwear and silicone covers that you wear over your breasts", she says. "My body parts are all I have left now that are only mine -- the world owns everything else".

MUZICA si ARTA - pentru desfatarea urechilor si ochilor nostri

2010-04-08T13:43:00.004+03:00

Taim intr-o lume in care echilibrul sufletesc, linistea noastra interioara ne sunt permanent amenintate ori agresate de produsele civilizatiei contemporane. Kitch-ul, prostul gust, mitocaniile de tot felul sunt, astazi, ofertele ce ni se fac la tot pasul... Iata de ce, am considerat ca fiind necesar si benefic un popas in lumea Artelor, a Muzicii si Artelor plastice, ingemanate, spre dubla desfatare a urechilor si ochilor celor aflati in cautarea linistei lor interioare, a echilibrului sufletesc, atat de necesare noua tuturor pentru a putea merge mai departe... ************************************************** *****Muzica: André Gagnon - Piano Sur La Mer [4'18]; Imagini: Francesco Hayez: pictor reprezentativ pentru curentul Romantic ************************************************** *****Muzica: Mark Salona - Arianna [4'39]; Imagini: Ingeri si Cupidoni realizati de diferiti pictori celebri... ************************************************** *****Muzica: Music: Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata Clair de Lune [5'59]; Imagini: Dante Gabriel Rossetti (12 May 1828 - 9 April 1882). English painter and poet who helped found the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of painters treating religious, moral, and medieval subjects in a nonacademic manner. The son of émigré Italian scholar Gabriel Pasquale Giuseppe Rossetti and his wife Frances Polidori, D.G. Rossetti was born in London, England and originally named Gabriel Charles Dante Rossetti. He was the brother of poet Christina Rossetti, the critic William Michael Rossetti, and author Maria Francesca Rossetti, and was a founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood with John Everett Millais and William Holman Hunt. The 1850s were eventful years for Rossetti. They began with the introduction into the Pre-Raphaelite circle of the beautiful Elizabeth Siddal, who served at first as model for the whole group but was soon attached to Rossetti alone and, in 1860, married him. Many portrait drawings testify to his affection for her. From 1860 onward, trials were part of Rossetti's much-disturbed life. His marriage to Elizabeth Siddal, clouded by her constant ill health, ended tragically in 1862 with her death from an overdose of laudanum. ************************************************** *****Music: ERA - Impera [4'26]; Imagini: Dante Gabriel Rossetti (12 May 1828 - 9 April 1882). English painter and poet who helped found the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of painters treating religious, moral, and medieval subjects in a nonacademic manner. (See his biographical notes above...) ************************************************** *****Muzica: Rammstein/Laibach - Fire [4'57]; Imagini: Paul Gaugin called Gustave Moreau, the greatest French painter of the 19th Century. ************************************************** *****Muzica: Bela Bartok - Starset [5'05] (David Rose: Violin; Peter Eggers: Piano; from the album "Distance Between Dreams"); Imagini: * Jean Delville: "Orpheus" (1893) * Gustave Moreau: "Orpheus" (1865) * John William Waterhouse: "Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus" (1900) * George Frederic Watts: "Hope" (1885) * Fernand Khnopff: "I Lock the Door Upon Myself" (1891) * John William Waterhouse: "The Lady of Shalott" (1888) * John William Waterhouse: "Ulysses and the Sirens" (1891) * John William Waterhouse: "The Siren" (1900) * John Everett Millais: "Ophelia" (1852) * Paul Delaroche: "La Jeune Martyre (The Young Martyr)" (1855) ************************************************** *****Muzica: Richard Savino, Shira Kammen and Antonio Vivaldi [8'20]; Imagini: John William Waterhouse's dramatic painting, The Magic Circle ************************************************** *****Muzica: Don McLean - Starry Night [4'05]; Imagini: Vincent Van Gogh paintings ************************************************** *****Muzica: Johann Sebastian Bach - Sarabande from Suite for Solo Cello No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007 cello, performed by Yo-Yo Ma [2'53]; Imagini: Philip Scott Johnson - 500 Years of Female Portraits in Western Art ************************************************** *****Muzica: Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky - None but the lonely heart [2'12]; Imagini: Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot (1796-1875) ************************************************** *****Muzica: Joe Satriani - The Extremist [7'26]; Imagini: William-Adolphe Bouguereau (30.10.1825 - 19.08.1905) ************************************************** *****Muzica: Yann Tiersen - Comptine d'un autre été : L'après midi [2'27]; Imagini: W.A. Bougeureau, Perrault, Greuze, Young, Roseland, Perov, Vrubel, Murillo, Pissarro, Sorolla, Benlliure y Gil, Maris, Brown, Jenkins, Burroughs, Harlamoff, P.A. Renoir, Henri, Paul, Hall, Davidi, Leighton, etc... ************************************************** *****Muzica: Albinoni - Adagio from Oboe Concerto in D minor Op.9 No.2 [4'06]; Imagini: 1.Mary Cassatt - little girl in a blue armchair 2.Mary Cassatt - the sisters 3.James Jacques Joseph Tissot - a little nimrod 4.Stephen Gjertson - admiration 5.Thomas Gainsborough - the painter's daughters with a cat 6.Thomas Eakins - baby at play 7.William Michael Harnett - attention company 8.sir Joshua Reynolds - the brown boy 9.sir Thomas Lawrence - the calmady children 10.Mary Cassatt - child in a straw hat 11.Mary Cassatt - children playing on the beach 12.Mary Cassatt - francoise in a square backed chair read (aka young girl reading, young girl in a blue dress) 13.Mary Cassatt - Sarah in a green bonnet 14.sir Thomas Lawrence - children sir john julian 15.sir Joshua Reynolds - collina 16.William-Adolphe Bouguereau - deux soeurs 17.Stephen Gjertson - four o'clock 18.John Singer Sargent - garden study of the vickers children 19.?? 20.James Jacques Joseph Tissot - hide and seek 21.Hans Holbein, the younger - edward vi as a child 22.William-Adolphe Bouguereau - la bourrique 23.Jean-Paul Laurens - la bas empire honorius 24.Gerard Ter Borch - boy ridding his dog of fleas 25.Carlo Dolci - Magdalene 26.Thomas Gainsborough - master John Heathcote 27.sir Thomas Lawrence - miss Murray 28.Anthony van Dyck - Philedelphia and Elizabeth Wharton 29.Camille Pissarro - the shepherdess (young peasant girl with a stick) 30.Camille Pissarro 31.Francisco de Goya - portrait of Maria Teresa de Borbony Vallabriga 32.Francisco de Goya - portrait of child 33.Pierre Auguste Renoir - Romaine Lascaux 34.Pierre Auguste Renoir - girl with a hoop 35.Pierre Auguste Renoir - young girl with sheaf 36.Pierre Auguste Renoir - ?? 37.Pierre Auguste Renoir - child with a whip 38.Pierre Auguste Renoir - ?? 39.Pierre Auguste Renoir - ?? 40.Stewphen Gjertson - sentinels 41.William-Adolphe Bouguereau - sur la greve 42.William Hogarth - the Graham children 43.Norman Rockwell - the music man 44.Francois Alfred Delobbe - the young musician 45.William Dyce - Titian's first painting 46.William-Adolphe Bouguereau - two little italian girls by a village 47.Emile Friant - la lutte 48.Eduard Manet - the fifer (aka the young piper) 49.sir Joshua Reynolds - the young fortune teller Note:(I know there are some names missing, but I'm trying to find them. If anyone knows those names, I'd be glad to learn them). ************************************************** *****Muzica: String Theory - Breath of Light [2'24]; Imagini: morphed selection of Rembrandt's self-portraits ************************************************** *****Muzica: music is from the soundrtack of the movie Queen Margot [2'19]; Imagini: PORTRAITS OF WOMEN PAINTED BY THE GREAT ITALIAN PAINTER AMEDEO MODIGLIANI ************************************************** *****Muzica: Barry Mitchell - from the Album Labyrinth [2'29]; Imagini: Details of paintings of women by Leonardo da Vinci ************************************************** *****Muzica: J.S. Bach - Prelude in D major [3'19]; Imagini: Botticelli, Filippo di Lippi, Dürer, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Caravaggio, Vélasquez, Jacques-Louis David, van Gogh, Modigliani, painers of the Renaissance baroque rococo classisism **************************************************

Whitney Houston postpones more European tour dates

2010-04-07T18:43:00.002+03:00

************************************************** Whitney Houston postpones more European tour dates ************************************************** NEW YORK – Whitney Houston has again pushed back the European leg of her first tour in years on the advice of doctors who are encouraging her to take time to recover from a respiratory illness, according to a statement issued Wednesday. Houston had already postponed the European kickoff, originally scheduled for Tuesday in Paris, because of illness. A statement from a representative said doctors advised Houston to reschedule concerts Thursday and Friday in Manchester, England, and a Sunday performance in Glasgow, Scotland. All dates are being rescheduled, and the 46-year-old singer's tour is now supposed to start next Tuesday in Birmingham, England. "Doctors visited Whitney late last night in Paris and confirmed that she was suffering from an upper respiratory infection", the statement read. "Upon medical advice Whitney has been advised that she cannot perform to allow her time to recover". The statement noted she delayed the tour with "great disappointment". Houston, one of pop's all-time best-selling artists, had been on a hiatus from music as she battled drug addiction and ended a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown. But with her new CD, "I Look to You", she returned on the top of the charts and declared herself healthy and free from substance abuse. The superstar has been on a world tour to promote the CD, which has sold more than 1 million copies in the United States alone. However, the tour has been troubled; performances in Australia and elsewhere were negatively received by some fans and critics, who complained Houston did not showcase the majestic voice she is known for. Video snippets of her performances showed Houston sweating and struggling to hit notes, leading some to wonder about her health. In February, her representative issued a statement denying any troubles, saying, "Whitney is in great health and having a terrific time on her tour and with her fans". ************************************************** *****Whitney Houston - One Moment In Time(Grammy Awards 2007 Live) [5'56] ************************************************** *****Whitney Houston - All At Once (1987)[5'28] ************************************************** *****Whitney Houston - How Will I Know MTV Awards 1986 [4'42] ************************************************** *****Whitney Houston singin Tell me no at The Lincoln Center. December 2002 'Good monring Amrica' TV presentation. [4'37] ************************************************** *****Whitney Houston performances in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 & 1994 [9'45] ************************************************** *****Whitney Houston and his ex-husband Bobby Brown singing together in 2003 [5'40] ************************************************** *****Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown in the happiest moments of their marriage [5'17] ************************************************** *****When You Believe [4'54], A great song of Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston, one of the Soundtrack songs of "The Prince of Egypt" movie. **************************************************

Albert Williams - Floral painting Collection

2010-04-06T15:19:00.004+03:00

************************************************** Albert Williams was born in Sussex on 20th March 1922. Both his father and grandfather were artists and, having studied painting with them, Albert Williams attended art schools in London and Paris. He studied figure and portrait painting under the late Louis Ginnett as well as landscape and water-colour painting under the late Charles Knight. Albert Williams has had his works exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of Oil Painters, the Royal Water-colour Society, the Royal Society of British Artists, the Paris Salon, the Edinburgh Festival and at numerous other prestigious galleries in London and around the country. He has specialised in floral painting for many years, mostly working in oil. At all times he takes his compositions directly from nature, each flower being a portrait of an individual bloom that is incorporated into the final composition. Influenced in the early years by the Dutch 17th century school of flower painting and by the botanical draughtsmanship of Gerard Van Spændonck, Albert Williams soon discarded the tight classical style which he found restrictive. He began to paint modern flowers with a more natural and personal style. At present he is working away from his previous botanical style of painting to create a freer, easier mood in his work. He paints every day, particularly during the season which extends from Spring to late Autumn. Should a picture not be completed during the season of its subject, it will be put aside until the flowers are available next year. He has keen interests outside his painting, including a fascination with art of all cultures and periods, particularly the Russian 19th century and the Soviet 20th century. He enjoys the music of the 19th and 20th centuries, and particularly German Romanticism, Wagner and Strauss. A regular visitor to the theatre, ballet and opera, Albert Williams is actively involved with the world peace movement and various ecological and environmental organisations. Here bellow we are some of his most representative works... ************************************************** ***Nature's Glory I ************************************************** ***Nature's Glory II ************************************************** ***Nature's Glory III ************************************************** ***Nature's Glory IV ************************************************** ***Roses Of Yesteryear ************************************************** ***Vases Of Peonies And Canterbury Bells ************************************************** ***The Triumph Of Beauty ************************************************** ***Bouquet Of Roses ************************************************** ***Summer Flowers in a Glass Vase ************************************************** ***Old World Roses in a Basket ************************************************** ***Roses in a Blue Vase ************************************************** ***Still Life with Hollyhocks ************************************************** ***A Summer Arrangement ************************************************** ***Pink and White Peonies ************************************************** ***Florals II ************************************************** For more Albert Williams Floral Art Collection check-up: http://www.globalgallery.com/search.php?af=albert+williams

Jolie, Pitt visit Bosnia

2010-04-05T19:50:00.002+03:00

************************************************** Jolie, Pitt visit people displaced by Bosnian war ************************************************** SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina – Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt visited Bosnia on Monday, intending to spotlight the plight of 117,000 people who have not able to return to their homes, even though the Bosnia war ended 15 years ago. But they tried to do so while evading the spotlight themselves: There were no reported media sightings of the celebrity couple. The two arrived Sunday evening, said Aida Prljaca, the spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Sarajevo. Jolie, who has been a UNHCR ambassador since 2001, will visit projects meant to help Bosnians who cannot return home, either because their homes have not been rebuilt or the infrastructure in their villages has not been repaired. Some 7,000 people live in dozens of refugee centers throughout the country. The other 110,000 live primarily with relatives or in rented housing. Jolie is currently filming The Tourist with Johnny Depp in Italy.

Demis Roussos (videos)

2010-04-05T13:41:00.002+03:00

************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - Danse a la vie [4'22] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - The House Of The Rising Sun [7'55] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - My Lovely Signorita [4'18] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - Le Grec (The Greek) [3'57] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - Zorba [7'01] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - Una Paloma Blanca [3'09] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - Scon Wie Mona Lisa [3'09] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - Vagabund der liebe [2'18] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - Die Bouzouki [3'49] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - Come Waltz with me [3'39] ************************************************** ************************************************** DEMIS ROUSSOS - Sing an ode to love [4'15] **************************************************

Jesse James Heads To Rehab

2010-03-31T19:13:00.006+03:00

************************************************** Rep: Jesse James Heads To Rehab To Try & 'Save His Marriage' ************************************************** LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- As alleged mistresses continue to come out of the woodwork and Sandra Bullock remains silent and unseen, Jesse James has checked himself into rehab. A rep for the 'West Coast Choppers' boss released a statement confirming reports that the star had entered a rehab facility to seek help. "Jesse checked himself into a treatment facility to deal with personal issues", his rep said in a statement to 'People' magazine. "He realized that this time was crucial to help himself, help his family and help save his marriage". The type of rehab facility James' is in was not disclosed, however, both 'TMZ' and 'Radar Online' reported it was a facility which deals with sex addiction. A source told 'People' that rehab was "100 percent his own idea". James' rehab stint comes just two weeks after allegations first emerged that the reality star cheated on his Oscar-winning wife with a tattooed woman named Michelle "Bombshell" McGee. Several women have also been linked to James since McGee's claims first surfaced in In Touch magazine. McGee claimed she had an 11-month affair with James, including while Bullock was away filming her role in The Blind Side, the movie Bullock won an Oscar for earlier this month. ************************************************** Jesse James Posed as Adolf Hitler While Dating Sandra Bullock ************************************************** ************************************************** In 2004, a year before wedding Sandra Bullock, Jesse James posed as Adolf Hitler, wearing a German soldier's cap, miming the evil dictator's mustache and giving a "Heil, Hitler" salute. The disturbing photo is featured in the new 'Us Weekly' (on newsstands now). "He did it for shock value", a source tells 'Us Weekly' of the shot, taken in James' home. The photo comes out days after 'TMZ' unearthed a shot of James' alleged mistress, tattoo model Michelle McGee, wearing a swastika armband at a photo shoot. ************************************************** ************************************************** Is James -- who has since checked into rehab -- a neo-Nazi ? Though some have suggested that his 'West Coast Choppers' logo resembles the Third Reich emblem, the biker is "just a history buff", an insider tells 'Us Weekly'. "He had a stepmom whose father lost family in the camps, and they'd talk about it growing up. Jesse's not a white supremacist". Adds another, "Gearheads are fascinated by war machines, including those of the Third Reich. But he's far from a neo-Nazi". ************************************************** Who Is Jesse James' Alleged Mistress ? ************************************************** Michelle McGee -- who has posed for tattoo magazines and adult Web sites -- works at the Pure Platinum Strip Club in San Diego, Calif. Her nickname is "Bombshell". She has said she has a bachelor's degree in biology and completed two years of medical school. "I especially love to have affairs with doctors", her 'SoCalGlamourGirls' page reads. "Their medical talk makes me hot !" "I get really wild in the sack with my men", her 'SoCalGlamourGirls' page reads. Despite once posing in a Nazi photo shoot, her Pure Platinum Strip Club coworker Mary Guzman tells Us McGee "does have a lot of morals". ************************************************** ************************************************** She has a tattoo on her forehead that reads: "Pray for Us Sinners". "She's very comfortable with who she is and what she believes in", her Pure Platinum Strip Club coworker Mary Guzman tells Us. On one of her web pages, she once wrote that she was "looking for the right sugardady [SIC!] to teach me and be my sexy mentor". In court papers filed in San Diego in January, her ex-husband Shane Modica (with whom she has a son, 5) accused McGee of being "into stripping, pills, alcohol" and called her "mentally ill". McGee hasn't commented on his claims. She has said she no longer talks to her "very conservative" parents, but "it's okay – I have good friends". ************************************************** **************************************************

Stars Offer Messages of Support for Sandra Bullock

2010-03-24T13:05:00.002+02:00

************************************************** Stars Offer Messages of Support for Sandra Bullock ************************************************** Jesse James might want to avoid showing his face in Tinseltown -- or any town -- for a while. Not only has Sandra Bullock gained the public's sympathies (if your friends are anything like ours, they're firmly on Team Sandy), but celebrities are also coming out to show their support in messages ranging from diplomatic to scathing. In the midst of the second The Blind Side premiere cancellation -- neither Berlin nor London will be receiving their scheduled Sandy face time -- stars have been revealing their feelings about the turmoil surrounding Bullock, whose husband of nearly five years, Jesse James, allegedly cheated on her with a tattoo model while Bullock was filming The Blind Side. When Bullock's Speed co-star Keanu Reeves was asked if he wanted to send her well-wishes, he told a reporter,"Yes, of course, I mean for everyone". Fellow Oscar winner Mo'Nique offered to lend Bullock an ear, saying, "Sandra, if you need me, sugar, call me, baby..." Betty White is reportedly furious at James and can't say his name without cursing. Apparently White, who co-starred with Bullock in The Proposal, "wants to kick James' a--". An angry Patti Stanger of The Millionaire Matchmaker said, "Sandra: don't need to be with a loser like Jesse" while Meghan McCain was perplexed: "what the hell Jesse James ?!?!" Holly Robinson-Peete was sad: "I'm depressed abt Sandra Bullock... Was such a beautiful love story. Channeling strength 2her-" Maria Menounos was equally heartbroken: "Sandra B: my heart bleeds for you. Sending you a huge hug, lots of love and hope-there is a good man for you out there. You deserve better". The messages come in the wake of tabloid reports that Bullock and James are consulting with divorce attorneys. But Bullock's rep says these reports are false. While Bullock is taking a break from the public eye at the moment, James hasn't shirked his job responsibilities. Word has it he went back to work at his motorcycle shop, 'West Coast Choppers', over the weekend. That doesn't necessarily mean it's business as usual for James, though. Reports of his return to the job have described him as "very upset" and "very quiet".

Jesse James Apologizes To Sandra Bullock

2010-03-20T08:30:00.006+02:00

************************************************** Jesse James Apologizes To Sandra Bullock Following Infidelity Rumor ************************************************** LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- One day after Jesse James was hit with allegations he cheated on wife Sandra Bullock, the reality star has issued an apology, but stopped short of confirming the rumored infidelity. James called "the vast majority" of claims that have surfaced "untrue and unfounded", in a statement the star issued to 'Access Hollywood' on Thursday. "I will not dignify these private matters with any further public comment", his statement continued. "There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me". James apologized to Bullock and his three children, children he was photographed taking to school on Thursday, followed by the paparazzi. "It's because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way", his said in the statement. "This has caused my wife and kids pain and embarrassment beyond comprehension and I am extremely saddened to have brought this on them. I am truly very sorry for the grief I have caused them. I hope one day they can find it in their hearts to forgive me". On Wednesday, 'In Touch' magazine revealed their newest cover story -- titled "The Ultimate Betrayal", which centered around an interview with a woman named Michelle "Bombshell" McGee, who claimed to the magazine she had an 11-month affair with James, including while Bullock was shooting The Blind Side. "Michelle had several text messages", 'In Touch' West Coast Bureau Chief Ashley Dillahunty told 'Access'. "In the magazine -- we put the text messages in there". According to McGee, James led her to believe that he and Bullock were separated. She also claimed her sexual relations with James took place inside his West Coast Choppers shop. McGee calls herself "Bombshell" on the Web site, 'So-Cal Glamour Girls' and she claims she grew up Amish, but left the church and does not speak to her parents. In a clip from a Player's Network video found on youtube, McGee explained one of her tattoos, located on her forehead. "It says 'Pray for us sinners', because we are all sinners in life", she said in the video. As the cover story allegations were emerging, 'Warner Bros'., the film behind The Blind Side, issued a statement on behalf of the film's star, Bullock, who said she would not be attending the British premiere of the film she won the Best Actress Oscar for. "Due to unforeseen personal reasons a trip abroad to support The Blind Side has been deemed impossible at this time", the studio's statement from Sandra read. "I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank you for your continued support of the film". And on Wednesday night, 'People' magazine ran a story claiming a source told the magazine the actress had left the home she shares with James. According to the source, Bullock left their home on Monday. ************************************************** ************************************************** Sandra’s Scandal: What Should Bullock’s Next Move Be ? ************************************************** Did Sandra Bullock put her plans to have her own children on hold for the sake of her marriage ? Plus, tons of people have gotten behind Sandra including “Celebrity Apprentice” boss, Donald Trump. But, what does he have to say to Jesse James ? ************************************************** ************************************************** Report: Sandra Bullock Leaves Home She Shares With Husband ************************************************** LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Jesse James has been hit with allegations that he cheated on his wife of nearly five years, Oscar winner Sandra Bullock. On Wednesday, 'In Touch' magazine revealed their newest cover story — titled “The Ultimate Betrayal”, which centered around an interview with a woman who claimed to the magazine she had an 11-month affair with James, including while Bullock was shooting The Blind Side. As the cover story allegations were emerging, 'Warner Bros'., the film behind The Blind Side, issued a statement on behalf of the film’s star, Bullock, who said she would not be attending the British premiere of the film she won the Best Actress Oscar for. “Due to unforeseen personal reasons a trip abroad to support ‘The Blindside’ has been deemed impossible at this time”, the studio’s statement from Sandra read. “I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank you for your continued support of the film”. And on Wednesday night, 'People' ran a story claiming a source told the magazine the actress had left the home she shares with James. According to the source, Bullock left their home on Monday. ************************************************** **************************************************

ABBA-less R&R Hall of Fame Induction: ABBA-solutely Anticlimactic

2010-03-16T16:18:00.008+02:00

************************************************** http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/--2138600 ************************************************** ABBA - never reunited ************************************************** What do you call a two-person ABBA reunion ? Besides "AB", that is ? How about a big whiff ? The news that only two out of four ABBA members will be attending the group's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tonight in New York is gravely disappointing news. "The winner takes it all" but, of course, the winner has no obligation to actually show, much less reunite and make all of our most pop-tastic dreams come true. Adding insult to injury, Peter Gabriel will not be attending to take part in Genesis' induction. Between these two sets of no-shows, it's clear that the Rock Hall is failing in its greatest responsibility... which is to publicly shame geezers who otherwise have no inclination to put aside rancor with their old bandmates into getting it together one last time. ABBA disbanded in 1983,****** though Bjorn and Benny stayed together as a musical-theater songwriting team (preserving the "BB" part of the equation). Cause of death: two divorces and too much dough. In the intervening decades, they have been offered more money than God owns to do a reunion tour or even one-off, but their 401ks have apparently not been as ill-affected as the rest of ours have. Apparently Noah Cross in Chinatown was wrong: You can have enough assets. Still, there was the hope that if they wouldn't do it for money, they would do it for love... or the respect of being in the Rock Hall, at least. But no. Benny Andersson, who will be on hand, has explained that buddy Bjorn Ulvaeus can't make it because of "a big family thing" and Agnetha Faltskog won't be there because she "doesn't like to fly". Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad will be on hand, but probably won't sing. "I don't think she wants to", Andersson, her ex-husband, said. "It's been so long". Does anyone remember that Phil Collins produced Frida's first English-language solo album, Something's Going On, in 1982 ? If Frida won't sing with her former spouse, how about a Frida/Phil reunion, since the Genesis drummer-cum-frontman will also be inducted tonight ? We'll take what we can get. "I may play something on the piano, with someone else singing", Andersson said. That someone could well be country-pop star Faith Hill, who is said to be singing a selection of ABBA hits, so we can hear how "Voulez-Vous" sounds with a Mississippi accent. With few other acts of yore able to resist the cash grab that a reunion represents, there is something to be said for the integrity of these last remaining holdouts. Or is it vanity ? "Let people remember us as an ambitious, energetic young group", Ulvaeus said in 'USA Today'. "A wonderful memory". Presumably, reenacting the scene in the musical Mamma Mia ! where the four women trot out their old white disco suits for laughs is not the final impression these folks want to leave in anyone's mind. Better to be preserved in the perfection of amber than go out on a knowing guffaw, right ? Still, I couldn't help but hope for the moment when one of the ABBA - sters would grab the mike, and—with a nod to Bono in Rattle and Hum—defiantly proclaim, "Pierce Brosnan stole this song, and we're stealing it back !" I cast a ballot for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame every year, and, while allowing for greatness, I have to admit I sometimes throw my vote toward whomever I most want to see forced onto the stage together. But bands are proving more and more resistant to the lure of putting on a happy face even for one night. When Creedence was inducted, John Fogerty refused to perform with his old bandmates. When Elvis Costello & the Attractions got in, the group that performed was Elvis Costello & the Imposters — which is basically the Attractions minus Bruce Thomas, the one ex-member Costello can't stand. When Van Halen was inducted, we were sure we'd see Diamond Dave and Sammy Hagar both performing with Eddie Van Halen, but got none of the above. Historicity is easily trumped nowadays by rancor... or family commitments or fear of flying. Induction attendees will at least get a Hollies reunion tonight, apparently, and the Stooges have already been doing the reunion circuit for a while. But ABBA and Genesis****** owe us better. And Faith,****** you're a fine girl... but you're no Frida. "I Have a Dream" in which all four members—that would be A, B, B, and A — surprise us and show up after all, even though these kinds of no-shows are beginning to look like the Rock Hall's Waterloo. ************************************************** Sorry but, in my opinion, It would be nice if everyone would just understand that the "stars" are people with lives of their own. It isn't their responsibility to perform, for life, for us fans that loved their work and bought their records. They probably appreciate us but they are not "supposed" to be at our beck and call forever. I really liked the music these artists have made over their careers and wish them the best in all their endeavours and adventures as I'm sure they would wish us. This is silly to dramatize their lives because of mere paparazzi decisions and desire for high ratings. The problem is they forget the personal side of the artist and intrude for the mighty dollar in their greedy pockets. It's a madness and should treated as such. I'm nobody famous, but if I were I think I'd still want the same prvacy I have now. The word lacking in today's journalism is respect. And that's sad

Pink Floyd wins lawsuit with EMI over downloads

2010-03-12T11:23:00.004+02:00

************************************************** Pink Floyd wins lawsuit with EMI over downloads ************************************************** Pink Floyd won a legal battle Thursday against 'EMI' that prevents the band's long-time record label from selling individual songs online. Sir Andrew Morritt, chancellor of Britain's High Court, ruled that Pink Floyd's contract forbids 'EMI' from breaking up the band's albums without its permission, according to a spokeswoman for the British judicial system. 'EMI' had argued that the stipulation only applied to physical albums, not online sales. The group's contract reportedly contained a clause to "preserve the artistic integrity" of their albums. The band has traditionally resisted selling individual songs from their "concept albums", which are meant to be listened to from beginning to end. Pink Floyd, best known for the classics The Dark Side of the Moon****** and The Wall,****** has become one of 'EMI''s most lucrative contracts since it was first signed in 1967. "We're huge fans of Pink Floyd whose great catalog we have been representing for more than 40 years and continue to represent exclusively and internationally", 'EMI' said in a statement. According to 'EMI', the case has been going on for "well over a year" and most of the issues have already been resolved. However, the record company added that there are "further arguments to be heard" and it expects the case to go on "for some time". A spokeswoman for the law firm representing Pink Floyd said the band does not have a comment at this time.

Corey Haim prolonged tragic Hollywood tradition

2010-03-11T06:01:00.004+02:00

************************************************** Actor Corey Haim dies at 38 ************************************************** LOS ANGELES – Corey Haim's story is sadly familiar in Hollywood: A teen talent who discovered drugs as he tasted his first success and whose personal problems increased as his star-power faded. Haim died Wednesday at 38, another chapter in Hollywood's tragic history of careers ravaged by drugs. Brittany Murphy's career was rebounding when she died at 31 in December from pneumonia and prescription drugs. River Phoenix was 16 when he starred in Stand By Me and 23 when he died of a drug overdose outside a Hollywood nightclub. Haim died at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. His mother called paramedics after he collapsed while getting out of bed at his apartment. Haim started working in TV commercials at 10 and was a big-screen heartthrob at 15. The star of 1987's The Lost Boys****** discovered drugs while making that movie. "I was working on Lost Boys when I smoked my first joint", he told the British tabloid 'The Sun' in 1994. "I did cocaine for about a year and a half, then it led to crack". Haim said he went into rehab and was put on prescription drugs. In 2007, he told 'ABC''s "Nightline" that drugs hurt his career. "I wasn't functional enough to work for anybody, even myself", he said. "I wasn't working". Haim had returned to the spotlight in recent years, appearing in the A&E reality TV show The Two Coreys with The Lost Boys co-star Corey Feldman. The show was canceled in 2008 after two seasons. Feldman later said Haim's drug abuse strained their working and personal relationships. Haim was ill with flulike symptoms before his death, and police said he was taking over-the-counter and prescription medications. An autopsy will determine his cause of death. There was no evidence of foul play. "He could have succumbed to whatever (illness) he had or it could have been drugs", police Sgt. William Mann said. "He has had a drug problem in the past". Feldman said he wept when he learned Haim had died. "This is a tragic loss of a wonderful, beautiful, tormented soul, who will always be my brother, family, and best friend", Feldman said in a statement. Troy Searer, an executive producer of The Two Coreys, said Haim's "heart and his potential were only outmatched by his demons". Dr. Drew Pinsky, an addiction-medicine specialist and star of VH1's drug-treatment reality programs "Celebrity Rehab" and "Sober House", said the lure of Hollywood attracts many potential addicts. "There's a higher incidence of addiction among celebrities", he said. "It's not the Hollywood-ness. It's the fact that addicts show up in Hollywood and addicts are likely to die". Pinsky added: "Young Hollywood only reflects what's going on in the culture at large". Jennifer Gimenez, an actress and recovering drug addict and alcoholic who appears on "Sober House", said Hollywood's ultra-competitive environment can lead some people to seek escape in substances. "I don't feel like Hollywood takes you down", she said. "I just feel like it co-signs it a lot". Gimenez found success at 14 as a model and suddenly had to shoulder adult-sized responsibilities. Add the pressure of working in a competitive industry, and a person predisposed to addiction succumbs, she said. Successful actors are not immune to the dangers of addiction. Heath Ledger was poised for superstardom when he overdosed in 2008 at age 28. He posthumously won the Oscar the following year for his work as the Joker in The Dark Knight.****** Haim's career outlook had been improving in recent months, and his neighbors told reporters the actor was looking healthier and getting stronger. He had a role in the 2009 Jason Statham action flick Crank 2: High Voltage and was making appearances to support his new film American Sunset, billed on his Web site as the first film he had starred in "since he left the business on a sabbatical". Haim's agent Mark Sterling and producers of American Sunset did not immediately respond to calls for comment. Searer said he last spoke to Haim about six months ago, when the actor "seemed incredibly positive". "He had done a few smaller films and things seemed to be on the upswing for him", Searer said. Haim, however, seemed sadly prophetic when he was interviewed by 'CNN''s Larry King in 2007, calling himself "a chronic relapser for the rest of my life". R.I.P. Corey Haim !

Mo'Nique, Waltz win supporting-acting Oscars

2010-03-08T06:15:00.023+02:00

************************************************** ************************************************** Mo'Nique and Christoph Waltz win supporting-acting Oscars ************************************************** LOS ANGELES – Villainous roles snatched the supporting-acting prizes Sunday at the Academy Awards: Precious****** co-star Mo'Nique****** as a contemptible mother and Inglourious Basterds****** co-star Christoph Waltz****** as a sociable Nazi fiend. Both performers capped remarkable years, Mo'Nique startling fans with dramatic depths previously unsuspected in the actress known for lowbrow comedy and the Austrian-born Cristoph Waltz leaping to fame with his first big Hollywood role. "I would like to thank the academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics", said Mo'Nique, who plays the heartless, abusive welfare mother of an illiterate teen (Gabourey Sidibe, a best-actress nominee in her screen debut) in the Harlem drama "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire". Mo'Nique added her gratitude to the first black actress to win an Oscar, Hattie McDaniel, the 1939 supporting-actress winner for Gone With the Wind. "I want to thank Miss Hattie McDaniel for enduring all that she had to so that I would not have to", she said, adding thanks to Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, who signed on as executive producers to spread the word on Precious after it premiered at last year's Sundance Film Festival. Precious also won the adapted-screenplay Oscar for Geoffrey Fletcher. "This is for everybody who works on a dream every day. Precious boys and girls everywhere", Fletcher said. Waltz's award was presented by last season's supporting-actress winner, Penelope Cruz***, who gave Waltz a kiss as he took the stage. "Oscar and Penelope. That's an uber-bingo", Waltz said. Though a veteran stage and TV actor in Europe, Waltz had been a virtual unknown in Hollywood before Quentin Tarantino cast him as the prattling, ruthless Jew-hunter Hans Landa in his World War II saga. "Quentin with his unorthodox methods of navigation, this fearless explorer, took this ship across and brought it in with flying colors, and that's why I'm here", Waltz said. "This is your welcoming embrace, and there's no way I can ever thank you enough". The Iraq War drama The Hurt Locker****** won its first three categories, including original screenplay for Mark Boal, who spun a story about the perils and pressures of a U.S. bomb unit in Iraq. The science-fiction blockbuster Avatar****** won for art direction and cinematography, beating The Hurt Locker for the latter. The Hurt Locker won out over Avatar for sound editing and sound mixing. With nine nominations each, The Hurt Locker and Avatar came in tied for the Oscar lead. The evening's last two categories, best director and best picture, mark the two films' main rivalry, which is spiced up by a personal connection between The Hurt Locker director Kathryn Bigelow****** and Avatar director James Cameron******. They were married from 1989-91. Cameron took the directing prize at the Golden Globes, but Bigelow earned the top honor from the Directors Guild of America, whose recipient almost always wins the same award at the Oscars. If it happens, Bigelow would be the first woman in the 82-year history of the Oscars to win best director. Screenwriter Mark Boal thanked Bigelow, calling her an "extraordinary and visionary filmmaker", and dedicated his Oscar win to the troops still in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with those who did not make it home. Mark Boal also affectionately recalled his father, who died a month ago. Up****** earned the third-straight Oscar award for Disney's 'Pixar' Animation, which now has won five of the nine awards since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences added a category for animated features. The film features Ed Asner providing the voice of a crabby widower who flies off on a grand adventure by lashing thousands of helium balloons to his house. "Never did I dream that making a flip-book out of my third-grade math book would lead to this", said Up director Pete Docter. 'Pixar' has a likely contender in the wings for next Oscar season with this summer's Toy Story 3, reuniting voice stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. The country-music tale Crazy Heart****** won for original song with its theme tune "The Weary Kind". The song category typically comes late in the show, after live performances of the nominees that have been spaced throughout the ceremony. Oscar producers tossed out those live performances this time in favor of montages featuring the songs and footage from the films they accompany. The Hurt Locker and Avatar lead an expanded field of 10 best-picture nominees. Either movie would represent a first at the Oscars. Cameron's Avatar would be the only science-fiction film ever to take home the best-picture prize. While war films have done well at the Oscars, Bigelow's The Hurt Locker would be the first winner centered on the war on terror, a subject that has stirred little interest among movie audiences shell-shocked by news coverage of Iraq and Afghanistan. The other eight films competing for best picture: the football drama The Blind Side******, the sci-fi thriller District 9******, the British teen tale An Education******, the World War II saga Inglourious Basterds******, the Harlem story Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire*** ***, the Jewish domestic chronicle A Serious Man******, the animated adventure Up******, and the recession-era yarn Up in the Air******. Oscar hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin opened the show with playful ribbing of nominees, including Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, Woody Harrelson, Mo'Nique, James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow. They also made note of Oscar organizers' decision to double the best-picture category from five films to 10. "When that was announced, all of us in Hollywood thought the same thing. What's five times two ?" Steve Martin said. Leaders of the Academy widened the best-picture category from the usual five films to expand the range of contenders for a ceremony whose predictability had turned it into a humdrum affair for TV audiences. Oscar ratings fell to an all-time low two years ago and rebounded just a bit last year, when the show's overseers freshened things up with lively production numbers and new ways of presenting some awards. The overhaul continued this season with a show that farmed out time-consuming lifetime-achievement honors to a separate event last fall and hired Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as the first dual Oscar hosts in 23 years. Audience darling Sandra Bullock****** is the best-actress favorite for The Blind Side******, which brought her the first Oscar nomination of her career. Jeff Bridges******, nominated four times previously without a win, looks like a lock for best actor for the country-music tale Crazy Heart******. Both Bullock and Bridges already had won other awards this weekend. At Friday's Spirit Awards honoring independent film, Bridges earned the best-actor prize for Crazy Heart. On Oscar eve Saturday night, Bullock won the worst-actress prize at the Razzies for her romantic comedy flop All About Steve******. A good sport about her worst-actress nomination throughout awards season, Bullock was a rare winner who showed up to accept her Razzie, tugging a little red wagon full of DVDs of All About Steve for the Razzies audience. **************************************************

Bullock, 'Transformers' make Razzies worst list

2010-03-07T11:58:00.007+02:00

************************************************** Bullock, 'Transformers' make Razzies worst list ************************************************** LOS ANGELES – Sandra Bullock warmed up for the Academy Awards with a stop at the Razzies to collect a dubious honor: a worst-actress prize for her romantic comedy flop All About Steve***.*** Bullock****** swung by the Razzies on the eve of her expected triumph at Sunday's Oscars, where she is considered the favorite to win best actress for The Blind Side******. If she wins Sunday, Bullock will be the first person to win an Oscar and a Razzie over the same weekend. "I think this is an extraordinary award", said Bullock, who had promised throughout awards season that if she won the Razzie, she would accept it in person. "And I didn't realize that, in Hollywood, all you had to do was say you'd show up, and then you'd get the award. If I'd known that, I would have said I was appearing at the Oscars a long time ago". Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen****** was picked as last year's worst picture and won two other Razzies, worst director for Michael Bay and worst screenplay for Ehren Kruger, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. Bay and his team probably will not lose any asleep over it. Though reviled by critics, Transformers took in $402.1 million domestically, No. 2 on the 2009 box-office chart behind Avatar. Bullock, who also shared the Razzie for worst screen couple with All About Steve co-star Bradley Cooper, was the first acting winner to show up at the Razzies since Halle Berry won worst-actress for Catwoman five years ago. As she took the stage, Bullock pulled a little red wagon filled with DVDs of All About Steve, saying she was giving a copy to everyone in the audience of about 300. Bullock implied that many Razzie voters had not actually seen the movie but cast ballots for her hoping to get her to show up at the awards. Bullock said if they watched the DVD — "I mean really watch it" — and decided it was not the worst performance of the year after all, then she would come back next year and "give back the Razzie. ... then we'll go drink afterwards". The worst-actor Razzie went to siblings Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas for Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. The Jonas' pal Miley Cyrus, star of Hannah Montana: The Movie, lost the worst-actress category to Bullock. But her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, was named worst supporting actor for the big-screen Hannah Montana. Sienna Miller received the worst supporting-actress Razzie for the action tale G.I. Joe. Will Ferrell's action comedy flop Land of the Lost had come in tied with Transformers for the Razzies lead with seven nominations, but it was nearly shut out in every category. Once ballots had been counted from the roughly 650 Razzies voters, Land of the Lost was tied for the group's worst remake, rip-off or sequel prize. Razzies founder John Wilson, who always votes last, gave the tie-breaking vote to Land of the Lost. "It really did stink and I thought, well, it ought to get something, because it is a very bad movie", Wilson said. Razzie voters also made worst-of-the-decade picks, with John Travolta's science-fiction debacle Battlefield Earth winning worst picture. Among all-time Hollywood dreck, Battlefield Earth is "like the 800-pound mongrel gorilla in the room", Wilson said. "It's one of my favorite type of bad movies. It's so bad, it's entertaining, in ways that the people who made it had no idea it would be". Paris Hilton was chosen as the decade's worst actress for movies such as The Hottie and the Nottie and Repo: The Genetic Opera. Eddie Murphy, a 2009 Razzie nominee for Imagine That, was named the decade's worst actor for such bombs as The Adventures of Pluto Nash, I Spy and Meet Dave.

The 82nd Academy Awards: Who Will Win, Who Should Win, and Why ?

2010-03-07T06:19:00.004+02:00

************************************************** The 82nd Academy Awards: Who Will Win, Who Should Win, and Why ? ************************************************** ************************************************** Yep, it's that time of year again: time to see who'll top the worst-dressed list, who'll deliver the sappiest acceptance speech, and just how many trophies The Hurt Locker will take home. But, there's a big difference between who'll win and who should. Don't forget to tune in to the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, airing on Sunday on 'ABC'. ************************************************** Best Picture*** Nominees: Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious, A Serious Man, Up, Up in the Air*** Who Will Win: The Hurt Locker*** Who Should Win: Inglourious Basterds*** Why: Only three films have a legitimate chance of winning Best Picture: Avatar, The Hurt Locker, and Inglourious Basterds. But because Avatar’s mastermind, James Cameron, and Inglourious Basterds' writer/director, Quentin Tarantino, and distributor Harvey Weinstein are all hated by hordes of Academy voters, the Kathryn Bigelow-directed war drama will take home the evening’s top prize. ************************************************** Best Director*** Nominees: James Cameron (Avatar), Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker), Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds), Lee Daniels (Precious), Jason Reitman (Up in the Air)*** Who Will Win: Kathryn Bigelow*** Who Should Win: Kathryn Bigelow*** Why: Bigelow’s meticulous and mesmerizing work, accompanied by her Directors Guild victory, will result in history being made as the Academy finally honors its first-ever female Best Director winner. ************************************************** Best Actress*** Nominees: Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side), Helen Mirren (The Last Station), Carey Mulligan (An Education), Gabourey Sidibe (Precious), Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)*** Who Will Win: Sandra Bullock*** Who Should Win: Carey Mulligan*** Why: Newbies Carey Mulligan and Gabourey Sidibe would both have had a great shot at taking home gold had they been nominated in different years; but they weren’t, and as a result, they’ll cancel each other out. Helen Mirren, on the other hand, never had a shot. She got her trophy a few years ago for her role in The Queen. Oh, and nobody saw The Last Station. So, we’re down to first-time nominee Sandra Bullock and sixteen-time nominee and two-time winner Meryl Streep. In the closest race of the evening, Sandra will edge out Meryl for two reasons: she’ll probably never receive another nom, and Meryl will be back in the mix again next year. ************************************************** Best Actor*** Nominees: Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart), George Clooney (Up in the Air), Colin Firth (A Single Man), Morgan Freeman (Invictus), Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker)*** Who Will Win: Jeff Bridges*** Who Should Win: Colin Firth*** Why: Despite Firth's heartbreaking performance and Clooney’s award-worthy work, Bridges will have to make room on his crowded mantle for his very first Oscar. Voters love him; he’s won every major award leading up to Sunday; and with four previous noms, everyone feels that it’s simply his turn to take home the trophy. ************************************************** Best Supporting Actress*** Nominees: Penelope Cruz (Nine), Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Crazy Heart), Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air), Mo’Nique (Precious)*** Who Will Win: Mo’Nique*** Who Should Win: Mo’Nique*** Why: With Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick splitting the vote and Penelope Cruz out of contention, it comes down to first-time nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal and fellow newcomer Mo'Nique. While a few critics think Mo’Nique’s polarizing personality could hurt her chances coming down the home stretch, there's really no doubt in my mind that she’ll emerge victorious and deliver a mag'nifique acceptance speech come Sunday. ************************************************** Best Supporting Actor*** Nominees: Matt Damon (Invictus), Woody Harrelson (The Messenger), Christopher Plummer (The Last Station), Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)*** Who Will Win: Christoph Waltz*** Who Should Win: Christoph Waltz*** Why: Let's be honest: Christoph Waltz gave one of the best supporting performances in recent memory. And with minimal competition from his fellow nominees, the 53-year-old Austrian actor will easily waltz away with his first, much-deserved Oscar. ************************************************** Best Original Screenplay*** Nominees: The Hurt Locker (Mark Boal), Inglourious Basterds (Quentin Tarantino), The Messenger (Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman), A Serious Man (Joel Coen and Ethan Coen), Up (Bob Peterson and Pete Docter)*** Who Will Win: The Hurt Locker*** Who Should Win: Inglourious Basterds*** Why: Inglourious Basterds could give The Hurt Locker a run for its money, but Mark Boal will triumph over Quentin Tarantino and the equally deserving Coen brothers. Best Picture nominee Up doesn’t have a shot; and The Messenger’s nomination was a victory in and of itself. ************************************************** Best Adapted Screenplay*** Nominees: District 9 (Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell), An Education (Nick Hornby), In the Loop (Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche), Precious (Geoffrey Fletcher), Up in the Air (Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner)*** Who Will Win: Up in the Air*** Who Should Win: An Education*** Why: In an effort to prevent Up in the Air from being shut out on Oscar night (which could very well happen), Academy voters will likely award Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner for their timely script … unless they hand they statue to Nick Hornby, prohibiting An Education from also going home empty-handed. ************************************************** Best Animated Feature*** Nominees: Coraline, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Princess and the Frog, The Secret of Kells, Up*** Who Will Win: Up*** Who Should Win: Fantastic Mr. Fox*** Why: Not only is Up a fan favorite, a critical darling, and a box-office behemoth, it’s also only the second animated film in history to be up for Best Picture. As a result, it’s guaranteed to topple the four other films, giving 'Pixar' its third consecutive win in the category, following in the footsteps of WALL-E and Ratatouille. ************************************************** Best Documentary Feature*** Nominees: Burma VJ; The Cove; Food, Inc.; The Most Dangerous Man in America; Which Way Home*** Who Will Win: The Cove*** Who Should Win: Food, Inc.*** Why: Despite the fact that Food, Inc. was the most fascinating film of 2009, bet on The Cove to bag the Oscar. The tragic dolphin-hunting doc has swept the pre-Oscar soirees, and its producers have been campaigning harder than just about everyone in Hollywood, except for Harvey Weinstein and that guy who tried to trash Avatar’s Best Picture chances.

Gifts, parties and celebs: L.A. readies for Oscars

2010-03-06T10:43:00.004+02:00

************************************************** ************************************************** Gifts, parties and celebs: L.A. readies for Oscars ************************************************** LOS ANGELES – Hollywood is in full-on Oscar mode. The red carpet has been laid out in front of the Kodak Theatre, topped with a plastic sheet in case of rain. Traffic is snarled. Tourists are flocking to Hollywood & Highland to see a bit of the Academy Awards preparations and snap photos of themselves with giant Oscar statues. The theater itself buzzes with activity, as rehearsals continue from morning until night, with the occasional celebrity quietly stepping in to practice presenting the coveted golden guy. It's Oscar week, and Tinseltown is all aflutter. Here's the latest: ************************************************** GETTING CREATIVE: Dana Delany, Kathy Najimy, Ty Burrell and Rachael Leigh Cook were among the celebrities who recorded public service announcements for the Creative Coalition Friday at Haven 360, an Oscar-week suite comprising gifting, parties and support for the arts. Creative Coalition co-president Tim Daly is directing the public service announcements, which show stars singing the ABC's, as part of the organization's lobbying efforts to increase funding for arts education in public schools. The videos will be presented at the Creative Coalition's Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. next month, along with a companion book, "Art & Soul", that features portraits of actors and their handwritten messages about what art means to them, Daly said. "This is about keeping the arts in education", he said. "Kids learn their letters by singing. The arts make learning interesting and fun". Haven 360 guests were also treated to hand massages from Olay, gifted with 'Elle' jewelry and invited to peruse Backstage Creation's "celebrity retreat", where they could pick up a free $5,000 trip to Moorea, Botox and Juvederm treatments worth $900 from celebrity surgeon Dr. Frank Ryan, and luxury luggage from Dooney & Bourke. ************************************************** NOT YET READY FOR THEIR CLOSE-UP: Oscar hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin ****** seemed relaxed as they stepped out together on the Kodak Theatre stage Thursday to run through their lines for the show. The two looked out into a sea of placards showing where the stars will sit on Sunday. They laughed with each other and goofed around with show workers. At one point, Baldwin appeared to give a piggyback ride to Oscar producer Adam Shankman. The two hosts chatted with the stand-ins and dancers and enthusiastically approached their rehearsal when suddenly Baldwin looked troubled after seeing himself on a big-screen monitor at the back of the room. "We look so pale", he said to Martin. "We're not in makeup", Martin said. "This is the way we actually look". "Well who wants to see that ?" Baldwin quipped. ************************************************** WOMEN IN FILM: From actresses and producers to sound engineers and film editors, female Oscar nominees celebrated their achievements Thursday at Women In Film's third annual pre-Oscar party. Held at a home in tony Bel Air, the intimate cocktail party honored women's contribution to the film industry and urged women on both sides of the camera to inspire the next generation of female filmmakers. Oscar-winning producer and host Cathy Schulman toasted the year's nominated women, but said "the fight remains a big fight for women in film". Only seven percent of the year's 250 top films were directed by women, she said. Still, the mood Thursday was festive, as on-camera nominees mingled with their behind-the-camera counterparts. Sound-editing nominee Gwendolyn Yates Whittle smiled as she talked about attending a flurry of Oscar events this weekend. Nominated "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe chatted with Tracee Ellis Ross. Also celebrating were Nia Vardalos, nominated costume designer Monique Prudhomme, Angie Harmon, Viola Davis and Michelle Rodriguez. ************************************************** FANCY FOODS: The Academy Awards Governors Ball will be set in an art-deco nightclub drenched in bronze and purple, from the tablecloths and napkins to the custom-made outfits on the wait staff and orchestra. "It will be a very, very grand, elegant evening", says Cheryl Cecchetto, producer of the official Oscars after-party, held at Hollywood & Highland's grand ballroom. Chef Wolfgang Puck is preparing dinner for the ball's 4,600 guests, and he gave the press a preview Thursday of what's on the menu. There are bite-size Kobe beef burgers, topped with tomatoes and pickles so tiny that a chef used tweezers to artfully assemble each appetizer. Guests can also nibble on ahi tuna cones and Oscar-shaped smoked salmon finished with caviar before the main course: "A twist on the old classic chicken pot pie", Puck says. For dessert there will be chocolate Oscars of all sizes, along with various cakes and fancy pastries. It will take more than 300 chefs and 600 waiters to serve the post-show meal. "Preparations are going fantastic", Puck says. "We are ready". The custom-made outfits for the Governors Ball wait staff and all-female orchestra are new this year, designed by Jeffrey Kurland, governor of the academy's art directors' branch and an Oscar-nominated costume designer. Also new this year: A special engraving area where Oscar winners can have their names affixed to their just-won statuettes, which are marked only by a serial number when they're presented on stage. ************************************************** AN OSCAR EDUCATION: Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan ****** already knows what it's like to stand on the Kodak Theatre stage. The 25-year-old star of "An Education" came to the theater Thursday to practice presenting on the big show. Wearing a blond pixie haircut, a black blazer and slacks, Mulligan was surrounded by stand-ins posing as presenters and winners. She ran through her lines, passed out prop Oscars, then disappeared through one of the theater's back doors.

'Lockergate' ?: Producer apologizes for e-mails

2010-02-28T00:54:00.005+02:00

************************************************** Lockergate ?: Producer apologizes for e-mails ************************************************** LOS ANGELES – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is considering action against a producer of "The Hurt Locker" who sent multiple e-mails urging academy members to vote for his movie in the Oscar best-picture race and "not a $500 million film" — an obvious reference to close-competitor "Avatar". The e-mails by Nicolas Chartier, one of four nominated producers for "The Hurt Locker" and who put up the financing to make the front-running film, violated the academy's rule against sending mailings that "attempt to promote any film or achievement by casting a negative light on a competing film or achievement", according to academy spokeswoman Leslie Unger. The initial e-mail was sent Feb. 19 and obtained by The 'Associated Press'. Subsequent e-mails, posted by the 'Los Angeles Times', showed Chartier giving more specific instructions, asking Oscar voters to rank "The Hurt Locker" at No. 1 and "Avatar" at No. 10 on this year's preferential ballot for the newly expanded best-picture category. "Hurt Locker" distributor 'Summit Pictures' said in a statement it was "completely unaware of any e-mails that were sent until we were alerted by the academy earlier this week". Chartier, after being confronted by 'Summit' executives, worked with the studio and the academy to craft an apology for his actions, said 'Summit' spokesman Paul Pflug. "My naivete, ignorance of the rules and plain stupidity as a first-time nominee is not an excuse for this behavior and I strongly regret it", Chartier wrote in an e-mail obtained by The 'Associated Press'. "Being nominated for an academy Award is the ultimate honor and I should have taken the time to read the rules". "Avatar's" distributor, '20th Century Fox', declined comment on the e-mails, as did director James Cameron or anyone connected with the 3-D sci-fi sensation — Hollywood's biggest modern blockbuster but so far second to "The Hurt Locker" in this season's movie award derby. The motion picture academy itself will hold off on announcing how exactly it plans to discipline Chartier until Oscar voting closes at 5 p.m. PST on Tuesday. The academy's Unger refused to speculate on what action might be taken. Possible measures include public censure, taking away Chartier's Oscar tickets, and the unlikely option of removing "The Hurt Locker" — about a bomb-disposal unit in Iraq — from best-picture consideration, according to several academy members familiar with the situation. The members spoke on the condition of anonymity because they aren't authorized to comment about the matter. It's also possible that if "The Hurt Locker" wins, the academy won't extend membership to Chartier, like it does to most newly minted Oscar winners, the members said. With Oscar ballots due Tuesday, the controversy surrounding Chartier's actions may have little effect on the March 7 Academy Awards because most voters have already mailed in their ballots, said one of the academy members. But that hasn't stopped Hollywood insiders from bandying about heated opinions referring to Chartier's e-mails as everything from harmless enthusiasm to egregious politicking that should result in the film's disqualification. As one academy voter put it, requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject: "If The Hurt Locker doesn't win best picture, I wouldn't want to be that guy. They'll be pointing at him". In addition to Chartier's e-mails, "The Hurt Locker" is also facing complaints — just now surfacing, though the movie was released last June — from veterans and active soldiers over the accuracy of its combat scenes. Late-in-the-game controversies surrounding Oscar front-runners are nothing new. When Roman Polanski's "The Pianist" was up for several Oscars in 2003, a transcript from the grand jury testimony of Polanski's 1977 sexual assault case was published on a Web site. Polanski still won the Oscar for best director. A year earlier, rumors circulated that schizophrenic mathematician John Nash, the subject of Ron Howard's "A Beautiful Mind", harbored anti-Semitic beliefs. The movie ended up winning four Oscars, including awards for picture, director and adapted screenplay. And, similar to this year's e-mail controversy, 'DreamWorks' ran ads in 2004 quoting critics touting Shohreh Aghdashloo's supporting actress performance in "House of Sand and Fog" over that of Renee Zellweger in "Cold Mountain". That campaign backfired, too, with Zellweger winning the Oscar. "I suppose I'm just naive, but I've always chosen to believe that academy members vote solely on the basis of merit", says film historian Leonard Maltin. "I do know some academy members, and they are very conscientious about their vote. They distance themselves from any jockeying of position and name-calling". ************************************************** ***Kathryn Bigelow, director of The Hurt Locker has recently won BAFTA 2010 for best director. ************************************************** http://news.yahoo.com/video/entertainment-15749636/getting-to-know-kathryn-bigelow-18310975 ************************************************** Getting to Know Kathryn Bigelow - "The Hurt Locker" director could be the first female director to win an Oscar.

Whitney Houston: Tour great, despite bad reports

2010-02-26T01:01:00.005+02:00

************************************************ Whitney Houston: Tour great, despite bad reports ************************************************ NEW YORK – Though video postings of her recent performances in Australia have been less than flattering, Whitney Houston says her tour is going great — and she's in great health. Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster, released a statement Thursday, saying: "Whitney is in great health and having a terrific time on her tour and with her fans". She said more than 9,000 people attended Houston's show in Brisbane and more than 12,000 were at Acer Arena in Sydney. "Her fans were dancing and singing along with her and Whitney appreciates their support", Foster said. That view contrasts with news reports quoting disgruntled fans who complaining about the star's voice and performance. Video snippets of Houston struggling to hit notes in concerts in Sydney and Brisbane have circulated widely on 'YouTube' and other outlets. The 46-year-old, who is one of pop's all-time best-selling artists, staged a comeback last year with her first album in seven years, "I Look to You". It debuted at the top of the album charts. During her hiatus from music, she battled drug addiction and ended a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown. But as she returned last year, she declared herself healthy and free from substance abuse. This is Houston's first tour in years. It started in February in South Korea and will take her to Europe until at least May. Foster said there currently are no plans for a United States tour. ************************************************ ************************************************ Whitney Elizabeth Houston (born August 9, 1963) is an American singer, actress, and former fashion model. A relative of several prominent soul singers, including her mother Cissy Houston, cousins Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick and godmother Aretha Franklin, Houston began singing at her New Jersey church as a member of a junior gospel choir at age eleven. After she began performing alongside her mother at night clubs in the New York City area, she was discovered by 'Arista' Records label head Clive Davis. Houston released her debut album Whitney Houston in 1985, which became the best-selling debut album by a female artist at the time of release. Her second studio album Whitney (1987) became the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Houston's crossover appeal on the popular music charts as well as her prominence on 'MTV' enabled several African-American women to follow in her success. Following her marriage to singer Bobby Brown, Houston appeared in her first starring role in the feature film The Bodyguard in 1992. The film's original soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Its lead single, Houston's remake of the 1974 Dolly Parton song "I Will Always Love You", became one of the best-selling singles in music history. Houston continued to star in feature films and contributed to soundtracks including Waiting to Exhale (1995) and The Preacher's Wife (1996). After the release of her fourth studio album My Love Is Your Love (1998), she renewed her recording contract with 'Arista' Records in 2001 for a historic $100 million. She subsequently released her fifth studio album, Just Whitney the following year with One Wish: The Holiday Album being released in 2003. Amidst widespread media coverage of personal and professional turmoil, Houston's marriage to Brown ended in 2006. Houston is one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 170 million albums and singles worldwide. She is ranked as the fourth best-selling female artist in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (R.I.A.A.), with 55 million certified albums. She has been listed by 'Rolling Stone' magazine as one of The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. ************************************************ ***WHITNEY HOUSTON - I Will Always Love You (Divas Live, 1999)[7'10] ************************************************ ***WHITNEY HOUSTON - I Have Nothing [4'48] ************************************************ ***WHITNEY HOUSTON - Saving All My Love For You [3'57] ************************************************ ***WHITNEY HOUSTON - All At Once (1987) [5'27] ************************************************ LATEST NEWS ************************************************ ************************************************ Whitney Houston's 'Nothing But Love' Tour Off To Rocky Start ************************************************ Whitney Houston's return to the stage has been plagued with sub-par vocals since her performance on Good Morning America in August to promote her latest album, I Look To You. Unfortunately, the singer once praised for her exceptional vocal talent was still struggling with singing live Monday when she opened her "Nothing But Love" world tour in Australia. According to a review of the concert, Houston needed to take a break two songs into the show. She reportedly coughed through songs, and at one point had her brother take the lead. When Houston attempted to sing her most notable hit, "I Will Always Love You", she stopped mid-song to get a drink of water. She ruined the song's popular high note, sounding like a bad 'American Idol' audition contestant. Concertgoers were said to have walked out of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Australia's 'Channel 7' interviewed several angry patrons, who described the show as "the worst concert I've ever gone too", "disgraceful", and "definitely not worth $165". Houston's publicist released a statement Thursday responding to the critics. "Whitney is in great health and having a terrific time on her tour and with her fans", the rep said, 'AP' reports. "The spokesperson said that Houston's Brisbane show had more than 9,000 attendants, and the Acer Arena in Sydney welcomed more than 12,000". "Her fans were dancing and singing along with her, and Whitney appreciates their support", the spokesperson added. Back in November, I blogged that Houston should keep on performing to rebuild her chops. Considering her battles with drugs, it has clearly taken a toll on her voice. I hope her condition improves. I admire her confidence. But it is going to take some time for her to recover. ************************************************ ************************************************

Steven Tyler rejoins Aerosmith, tour announced

2010-02-25T21:40:00.005+02:00

************************************************** Steven Tyler rejoins Aerosmith, tour announced ************************************************** ************************************************** NEW YORK – After turmoil that included public squabbling, threats of a lineup change and a rehab stint, Aerosmith is back and ready to rock. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have announced their "Cocked, Locked and Ready to Rock" European summer tour — with Steven Tyler. The band made the announcement Thursday. It also posted a video on its Web site in which Tyler, sitting with the rest of the band, jokes: "I just auditioned and I got the gig". "We're coming your way and rocking your world! Look out because here we come", he says as he looks at guitarist Joe Perry and the group breaks out in laughter. Aerosmith, which has been one of rock's enduring bands over the past three decades, has been in limbo since Tyler fell off a stage during an August concert in South Dakota, injuring himself and forcing the band to cancel the rest of their summer tour. After that, Perry expressed anger that the group had been sidelined and said Tyler needed to get his act together. For his part, Tyler was quoted as saying he was interested in going solo, and soon the band was talking about replacing Tyler with another singer. In December, Tyler checked in to rehab for a painkiller addiction, a problem he blamed on years of injuries suffered while performing with the band. In an interview this week, bandmate Joey Kramer said: "Everything right now in Aero-land is very copacetic. ... We will carry on and do what we do best". As far as their latest drama, he said: "The one common denominator that we still all have is that we all love to get up on stage and rock out, play music and bring joy to people. And we let the other drama, as of late, kind of filter itself out by the wayside and concentrate on more of what's important, which is the playing and the business at hand". The band, best known for hits like "Walk This Way", has a long history of discord and overcame heavy drug abuse in the 1970s and early 1980s, but has been a mainstay in rock since enjoying a revival more than two decades ago. Their tour starts in Sweden on June 10. ************************************************** ************************************************** Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many subsequent rock artists. The band was formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970. Guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, originally in a band together called the Jam Band, met up with singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano, and formed Aerosmith. In 1971, Tabano was replaced by Brad Whitford, and the band began developing a following in Boston. They were signed to 'Columbia' Records in 1972, and released a string of multi-platinum albums, beginning with their 1973 eponymous debut album. In 1975, the band broke into the mainstream with the album Toys in the Attic, and their 1976 follow-up Rocks cemented their status as hard rock superstars. By the end of the 1970s, they were among the most popular hard rock bands in the world and developed a loyal following of fans, often referred to as the "Blue Army". However, drug addiction and internal conflict took their toll on the band, which resulted in the departures of Perry and Whitford, in 1979 and 1981 respectively. They were replaced by Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay. The band did not fare well between 1980 and 1984, releasing a lone album, Rock in a Hard Place, which went gold but failed to match their previous successes. Although Perry and Whitford returned in 1984 and the band signed a new deal with 'Geffen' Records, it was not until the band sobered up and released 1987's Permanent Vacation that they regained the level of popularity they had experienced in the 1970s. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, the band scored several hits and won numerous awards for music from the multi-platinum albums Pump (1989), Get a Grip (1993), and Nine Lives (1997). Their comeback has been described as one of the most remarkable and spectacular in rock 'n' roll history. After 40 years of performing, the band continues to tour and record music. Aerosmith is the best-selling American rock band of all time, having sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, including 66.5 million albums in the United States alone. They also hold the record for the most gold and multi-platinum albums by an American group. The band has scored 21 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, nine #1 Mainstream Rock hits, four Grammy Awards, and ten MTV Video Music Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and in 2005 they were ranked #57 in 'Rolling Stone' magazine's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. ************************************************** ***AEROSMITH - Angel [5'07] (from the Album Permanent Vacation) ************************************************** ***AEROSMITH - Amazing [6'50] ************************************************** ***AEROSMITH - Dream On [4'27] **************************************************

Charlie Sheen follows wife on rehab road

2010-02-24T16:11:00.004+02:00

************************************************* Charlie Sheen follows wife on rehab road ************************************************* LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Actor Charlie Sheen, star of U.S. television's hit comedy "Two and a Half Men", has followed his wife and entered a rehabilitation facility as the couple try to put their lives back together after a violent Christmas Day argument. Sheen, 44, checked in for undisclosed reasons in what his publicist on Tuesday called "a preventative measure", causing his top-rated 'CBS' TV show to temporarily suspend production. Sheen's third wife, Brooke Mueller, has also been in a rehab facility in the Los Angeles area for the past few days, according to news reports. Mueller, 32, is said to be undergoing treatment for substance abuse. Sheen was charged earlier this month with assaulting and threatening Mueller on December 25 during a family vacation in Aspen, Colorado. Mueller called police and told them Sheen had pulled a knife on her and threatened to have her killed when she said she would divorce him. Celebrity news website 'TMZ.com' has said that both were drinking, according to alcohol tests. Sheen is free on bail pending a further hearing on March 15, although Mueller has said repeatedly she wants the case dropped and the two are attempting to reconcile. "As a preventative measure, Charlie Sheen has entered a rehabilitation facility. He will take some time off from his series 'Two and a Half Men'. He has asked that his privacy be honored. No further statements are planned", publicist Stan Rosenfield said in a statement on Tuesday. Rosenfield did not immediately return calls for further comment. 'TMZ.com' said Sheen would spend two weeks in rehab. Sheen plays a womanizing bachelor in "Two and a Half Men", the top-rated comedy on U.S. television. He had continued to work on the show in Los Angeles while out on bail. 'CBS' and the show's creator said in a statement on Tuesday that they "support Charlie Sheen in his decision today to begin voluntary in-patient care at a treatment center. We wish him nothing but the best as he deals with this personal matter". They said shooting would be temporarily suspended. Production for the remainder of the 2009-10 season was due to end in April, industry sources said. The actor, whose film credits include "Platoon" and "Wall Street", has previously been accused of violence. He pleaded no contest to a 1997 battery charge on his then girlfriend -- and in 2006 his second wife -- Denise Richards, and she obtained a restraining order against him. Sheen and Mueller married in 2008 and have infant twin sons. ************************************************* Carlos Irwin Estévez (born September 3, 1965), better known as Charlie Sheen, is an American actor. His character roles in films have included Chris Taylor in the 1986 Vietnam War drama Platoon, Jake Kesey in the 1986 film The Wraith, and Bud Fox in 1987 film Wall Street. His career also made room for more comedic roles, including Major League, the Hot Shots! films and Scary Movie 3 and 4. On television Sheen is known for his roles on two sitcoms: as Charlie Crawford on Spin City, and as Charlie Harper on Two and a Half Men.

Sutherland set to return to '24' after surgery

2010-02-23T23:55:00.003+02:00

************************************************** Sutherland set to return to '24' after surgery ************************************************** NEW YORK – The clock will start ticking again for "24" when Kiefer (KEE'-fur) Sutherland returns to the set Monday after surgery that shut down filming of the 'Fox' network thriller for two weeks. A statement released Tuesday from 'Twentieth Century Fox' Television says Sutherland has been cleared to return to work. The studio says no disruption is expected in the airing schedule. The show began its eighth season last month. Neither the studio nor Sutherland's representative has commented on the nature of Sutherland's ailment. The 'Los Angeles Times' first reported the production halt and says Sutherland suffered from a ruptured cyst near his kidney. Sutherland plays counterterrorism hero Jack Bauer on the series. ************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** '24's' Kiefer Sutherland is cleared to return to work ************************************************** '20th Century Fox' Television has told Show Tracker that "24" will resume production on March 1, now that its star and executive producer, Kiefer Sutherland, has been cleared by his doctors to return to work. Sutherland underwent outpatient surgery on Feb. 16 after a cyst near his kidney ruptured a few days earlier. Sutherland's representatives could not be immediately reached for comment. But Jack Bauer is OK, America. You were never that worried about him, though, were you ?

'The Hurt Locker'

2010-02-21T03:19:00.003+02:00

************************************************* The Hurt Locker Theatrical Trailer (2:31) ************************************************* ************************************************* The Hurt Locker (2008) ************************************************* Genre: Action | Drama | Thriller | War Release Date: 10 October 2008 (Italy) Director: Kathryn Bigelow Awards: Nominated for 9 Oscars. Another 60 wins & 45 nominations Plot: US Army Sergeant First Class Will James, Sergeant JT Sanborn and Specialist Owen Eldridge comprise the Bravo Company's bomb disposal unit currently stationed in Baghdad. James is the tech team leader. When James arrives on the scene, Bravo Company has thirty-nine days left on its current deployment. It will be a long thirty-nine days for Sanborn and Eldridge whose styles do not mesh with their new leader. James is a renegade for who the thrill of the dismantlement seems to be the ultimate goal regardless of the safety of his fellow team members, others on the scene or himself. On the other hand, Sanborn is by the books: he knows his place and duty and trusts others in the army to carry out theirs as well as he. And Eldridge is an insecure soldier who is constantly worried that an error or misjudgment on his part will lead to the death of an innocent civilian or a military colleague. While the three members face their own internal issues, they have to be aware of any person at the bomb sites, some of who may be bombers themselves. Cast: Jeremy Renner - SSG William James Anthony Mackie - Sgt. JT Sanborn Brian Geraghty - Spc. Owen Eldridge Guy Pearce - SSG Matt Thompson Ralph Fiennes - Contractor Team Leader David Morse - Colonel Reed Evangeline Lilly - Connie James Christian Camargo - Lt. Col. John Cambridge Suhail Aldabbach - Black Suit Man (as Suhail Al-Dabbach) Christopher Sayegh - Beckham Nabil Koni - Professor Nabil Sam Spruell - Contractor Charlie Sam Redford - Contractor Jimmy Feisal Sadoun - Contractor Feisal Barrie Rice - Contractor Chris Rating: 8.0/10 ************************************************* The Hurt Locker is a serious character study and a taut, suspenseful action thriller at once. The subject matter itself - the work of a bomb expert, possibly one of the most nerve-racking jobs on the planet - yields most of the suspense but Bigelow manages to squeeze out every bit of tension of the premise. This film to me was very apolitical - though set in Iraq, it is distinguished from most of the Iraq-themed war films in that it concentrates much more on the job itself than the political environment. Iraq seemed more like a backdrop - any other war would do, The Hurt Locker does not preach about this one specifically. The story is deeply emotional, depicting a thoroughly disturbed individual's life in hell. Jeremy Renner gives an incredibly powerful performance as an EOD officer completely hooked on adrenaline stemming from his everyday close shaves with death. All aspects of film-making are top-notch, from the brilliantly subversive screenplay through vivid cinematography, masterful directing and perfectly paced editing. In its storytelling the filmmakers wisely break with traditional Hollywood narrative techniques. There is no clear antagonist, no rising action, no obvious character development and no climax. And yet the film manages to be more interesting, tense and suspenseful than any Hollywood action thriller I've seen in years while making a powerful, yet subtle statement about the insane addiction that is war. Kudos for everyone involved for making this film without compromising. This is pure quality, cinematic storytelling at its best, a thinking man's actioner.

"Avatar"'s rumours

2010-02-21T02:52:00.004+02:00

************************************************** Avatar's Color Controversy ************************************************** The movie studio that produced the mega-blockbuster, "Avatar", had no problem with the film's alien race being blue -- but it turns out they were initially concerned about the Na'vi being too green. According to director James Cameron, '20th Century Fox' had some initial apprehension that his $2 billion-dollar-baby delivered the wrong kind of message -- the message of environmental conservation. Cameron recollects the studio's warning as being: "We really like the story. It's great. But, well, is there a way to not have so much of this tree-hugging, 'Ferngully' stuff in it ?" The famously exacting director wasn't going to give up on the central point of the "Avatar" story. "I said, 'Not with me making it'," Cameron said. "Because that was my purpose in making the film. I wanted to make an environmentally conscious mainstream movie". "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" was a 1992 animated film -- also released by '20th Century Fox' -- featuring the voice of Tim Curry as the villain who gains his power from pollution. Instead of backing down, Cameron reveled in the environmental themes leading up to the climactic conclusion of "Avatar". "I think there's something amazingly satisfying when the hammerheads come out of the forest and start mowing down all the bad security enforcers. Nature gets to fight back", he said. "It's 'Death Wish' for environmentalists. When did nature ever get to fight back in a movie ?" Cameron concedes that '20th Century Fox' wouldn't have been the only studio with concerns: "To be fair… any of the other studios would have said the same thing. 'Fox' ended up being enormously supportive and wrote this huge check. But they would have been much more comfortable if I had eliminated what they called the 'tree-hugging' elements". James Cameron's environmental concerns can be attributed to being a parent of three young children and the fact he would like them to have a world to grow up in: "I think there's a way to live and raise your kids with a set of values that teaches them the importance of hard work, the importance of respecting other people and the importance of respecting nature. And that it's not this consumer society where you buy something and then throw it away when you get the next new thing, filling up huge landfills with plastic and electronics". Cameron's environmentally friendly message has not, as the studio was initially concerned, negatively affected box-office receipts. "Avatar" has so far grossed over $2.2 billion worldwide – which is well over a billion ahead of the ticket sales for its closest Best Picture Oscar rival, "The Hurt Locker". That film (which also has an arguably controversial message in its coverage of soldiers in Iraq) was directed by his former wife, Kathryn Bigelow, and has only taken in $12.6 million in domestic box-office sales. ************************************************** Cameron Penning Avatar Novel ************************************************** ************************************************** At a Tuesday night reception in New York City, director James Cameron confirmed the buzz that he's writing a novel based on the story of his box-office-record-setting film, "Avatar". And he believes the book may, in some respects, be even more successful than his movies have been. Why ? "There are things you can do in books that you can’t do with films", Cameron explained. The director said he first thought of penning the "Avatar" novel during filming of the breakthrough film: "I told myself, if it made money, I’d write a book". "Avatar", of course, did make money. A lot of it. At last count it had made more than $2.3 billion worldwide. Cameron said the book will go into much greater detail about the worlds and "interior monologues" of the characters he created. Before Cameron clarified his plans the Internet had been ablaze with rumors of an "Avatar" book based on comments made by "Avatar" producer Jon Landau. The producer also hinted that the story of Pandora and its blue-skinned people will also have a sequel – or sequels, plural. "Jim's going to write a novel himself, based on Avatar", Landau revealed to 'MTV', saying that Cameron's vision of the book "is a big, epic, story that fills in a lot of things that we won't have time to do in the movie; maybe even in sequels". Landau continued: "I think it would be something that leads up to telling the story of the movie, but would go into much greater depth of all the stories that we didn't have time to deal with". Cameron himself, in a January interview with 'MTV', discussed the possibility of a sequel. "I have a trilogy-scaled arc of story right now, but I haven't really put any serious work into writing a script". For the miniscule number of you who haven't yet seen "Avatar", the film takes place on the aforementioned Pandora, which is a moon that orbits a gas planet, Polyphemus. Until the news of a prequel, speculation has focused on sequels that could take place on the other moons that orbit the gas giant.

Angelina's Hot New 'Do !

2010-02-18T15:57:00.004+02:00

********************************************* Angelina's Hot New 'Do ! ********************************************* Angelina Jolie showed off a brand new hairdo in Italy on Wednesday. The actress, 34, revealed a blonder look for her upcoming film "The Tourist", a thriller co-starring Johnny Depp, which is set to shoot in Venice, Italy. Jolie was snapped with chunky blonde highlights and sideswept bangs as she stepped into a water taxi with Brad and Pax. It's not the first time the star has altered her appearance for a role. As a CIA agent in the action film "Salt", (out this July), Jolie sported a number of different looks, including a long dark wig with bangs, and a blonde wig. The Jolie-Pitt's have been having lots of fun since landing in Italy ! The couple was spotted getting Italian ice cream with their older children, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, and Shiloh, and on Tuesday, the world was treated to the rare sight of Brangelina's 19-month-old twins, Knox and Vivienne, as they took a water taxi ride in Venice. The family is reportedly staying at the stunning canal-side Palazzo Mocenigo, which is situated between the Rialto and Accademia parts of the city, and faces San Toma, for the movie's three-month shoot. Jolie -- who begins filming on March 15 -- has previously spoken about her brood's jet-setting lifestyle. She recently told the press: "It's hard, and maybe one day we'll have to stay in one place. I'm sure the kids are going to be 18 and say, 'God, I just want to stay in one place'. They'll never want to leave home". Check out the trailer for Angie's new action thriller "Salt" below ! *********************************************

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The Brangelina Saga

2010-02-14T00:03:00.004+02:00

************************************************** Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's relationship up to the reported break up ************************************************** Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have been together since 2005 after meeting on the set of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. Since the beginning, the relationship has appeared caused a media frenzy. Amidst the various donations the 'Jolie-Pitt Foundation' has made to third world countries, rumors (good and bad) have plagued Hollywood's most powerful couple. Here's a look back at the five years of ups and downs leading up to the recent announcement that the couple is seeking legal counsel for an imminent separation (sources close to the couple deny it). The seemingly perfect couple are seen here at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2009. Despite rumors of a split, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have remained mum on the state of their relationship. Several sources close to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie yesterday denied reports they are splitting up - even as the Hollywood power couple remained mum. "I was told it's not true", a source close to the couple told the 'Daily News'. "[Brad and Angelina] are very secretive. But I was told it's not true". "Everything is fine", another source told 'People' magazine's Web site. The 'Sun' of London reported today that Pitt's brother, Doug, recently urged him to end the relationship. "They barely spend time together and when they do it is very fraught. They want different things from life", a source close to Pitt's family told the paper. The breakup drama started when London's 'News of the World' reported the pair have met with California divorce lawyers - even though they're not married - to hash out an amicable division of their vast fortune and custody of their six kids. A close friend of Pitt told author Ian Halperin that the hunky actor has been preparing to bail from his five-year relationship with the pillow-lipped Jolie for at least six months. "His relationship with Angie is over", the pal told Halperin, author of the book "Brangelina: The Untold Story of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie". Buzz about a Brangelina breakup has been circulating for months. The 'National Enquirer' reported that Pitt and Jolie had a heated argument Jan. 6 at Alto restaurant in midtown Manhattan. But just three days earlier, a source told 'The News', the duo shared a "pleasant" meal of roasted chicken at Le Perigord on 52nd St. "They looked happy - very, very happy", said a manager at the restaurant. Reps for Pitt and Jolie did not return calls for comment yesterday. Ruthie Richardson, an aunt of Jolie's who lives in Texas, said she believed her niece and Pitt were still a couple. ************************************************** *** Actor Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive at Narita International Airport with their children (L to R) Pax Thien, the twins, Zahara and Shiloh. ************************************************** Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie break up ? Brangelina meet with lawyers to talk money, kids: report ************************************************** Say it ain't so - Brangelina might soon be just Brad and Angelina. The Hollywood power couple is headed for splitsville, London's 'News of the World' reported Saturday (Saturday, January 23rd 2010). Citing sources, the paper said Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have met with California divorce lawyers and have agreed to divide their vast fortune. It's worth an estimated $330 million and includes mansions in France, New Orleans and Los Angeles. In legal papers signed by the unmarried stars this month, the world's most famous couple also has agreed to share custody of their six kids, sources say. The children will reportedly live full-time with Jolie. "The contract was like a tailor-made version of a prenuptial agreement", a source told the British tab. "It seemed clear they want the world to know they'll both play a part in the upbringing of the children". It's unclear when the contract will go into effect. "But the paperwork is already organized for a breakup - and for it to be as unmessy for them as possible", the source said. "It is clear it's a case of when they break up rather than if". Though he won't be living with them, Pitt, 46, will have full access to their three biological children - Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne - as well as the three adopted children - Maddox, from Cambodia; Zahara, from Ethiopia; and Pax, from Vietnam. Pitt reportedly purchased a million-dollar mansion last week just next door to the couple's main estate in Los Angeles. The couple has been together since shooting the action film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" five years ago, when Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston. Pitt and Jolie, 34, have not been photographed together in recent days, fueling rumors that their storybook relationship was on the rocks. Pitt was photographed Friday night backstage at the Hope for Haiti telethon in Los Angeles, but Jolie was nowhere in sight. Aniston was there, manning a telephone and taking donations. Jolie and Pitt were conspicuously absent from the Golden Globes last weekend, even though his film, "Inglourious Basterds", was nominated for several awards. The 'National Enquirer' reported that Pitt and Jolie had a heated argument Jan. 6 inside the Alto restaurant in midtown. The magazine said Pitt demanded Jolie get psychiatric help for the depression she has suffered from since the death of her mother three years ago. A hostess told the 'Daily News' the pair appeared tense during a six-hour dinner with four others, but did not have a blowout. Sources say Pitt and Jolie also have quarreled over their home in New Orleans. "Brad loves spending time in New Orleans, but Angie doesn't", a source told 'Us Weekly'. "She keeps yelling at him that she hates New Orleans and never wants to go back". In December, Jolie told a German magazine that fidelity is over-rated. "Neither Brad nor I have ever claimed that living together means to be chained together", Jolie told 'Das Neue'. "We make sure that we never restrict each other. I doubt that fidelity is absolutely essential for a relationship". Added Jolie: "It's worse to leave your partner and talk badly about him afterwards". Reps from both the Pitt and Jolie camps declined to comment Saturday. ************************************************** *** Angelina Jolie may be hoping her love with Brad Pitt keeps growing - she reportedly bought him a tree for Valentine's Day. ************************************************** What does a woman get a man who has everything ? How about a $18,500 tree ? Angelina Jolie gave Brad Pitt a 200-year-old olive tree, worth close to $20K for Valentine's Day, London's 'Sun' reports. Jolie, 34, reportedly plans to plant the tree on the couple's $60 million estate in the south of France. "Ange bought it from a nursery called 'The English Garden Centre' in Valbonne, near their house. It's a very special tree and cost her a fortune", an unnamed source tells the British newspaper. Traditionally a symbol of peace and reconciliation, the olive branch will no doubt lead to further rumors about the couple's supposedly testy relationship. On January 24, the 'News of the World' reported that the couple had agreed to part ways and divide their assets. Pitt and Jolie have adamantly denied the claims and have begun legal proceedings against the newspaper. To further prove their point, the couple was seen hugging and kissing at the Super Bowl. ************************************************** Saturday, February 13th 2010, 4:00 AM

"We are the World" for Haiti

2010-02-13T11:09:00.005+02:00

We Are The World 25 For Haiti @ Yahoo! Video

************************************************* 25 Years after original release of "We are the World" made to Aid Africa, we watch today a remake, this time for Aid Haiti. This new version it's about one thing, "Encouraging people to help other's" Point Blank. Hmm I know, what's a good way to do so ? ask one of the most successful men in the music industry (Quincy Jones) to construct a remake of a very inspirational sing. Hire very talented Musicians who actually want to contribute to a worthy cause. Bing ! Listen Folks, this is a great song, moreover this is their way of contributing and I must say I am now truly inspired. I want to give more. (Well now it is a success, this song has manged to encourage at least one person to want to discontinue in his selfishness and give to others). ...of course the intentions is what counts, so why then; - not make a video where you see Haiti and its people, and only hear the singers ? That would have been more in tune with the cause. - talk about money..... yes... it's nice to see rich musicians give some of their time... but, explain how is it that people like PDiddy, Keneye West, and others who themselves came from ghettos... and should be humble... have given so little compared to the millions they spend on themselves ? - let's give praise where praise is worthy, but let's also let some of them know that we are aware of who's putting their money where their mouth is.... this way, they may wake up from their stone illusions and truly give. Nothing wrong with a little bit of criticism that bring the humbleness out of some of these people. Honestly, I loved the first one. This one is different, it's true, but come on people their hearts in the right place. We are the World 2010 shouldn't sound the same as 1985. It's a great remake and a great cause ! Give a little, give whatever you can, just give ! *************************************************

Highlights of 'Hope For Haiti Now' concert @ Yahoo! Video

************************************************* George Clooney hosts a star-studded telethon featuring Madonna, U2, Bruce Springsteen and dozens more to raise money to help earthquake victims in Haiti. (Jan. 22, 2010) *************************************************

Stars comment on 'Hope For Haiti Now' concert @ Yahoo! Video

************************************************* Performers and celebrities speak out at the "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon organized by George Clooney. (Jan. 23, 2010) ************************************************* This is an original song written and performed by Timothy Donaghy. This song was originally written in memory of my brother, who passed away at the very young age of 34. I thought the words and emotions of this song made sense for really any tragedy, including the Haiti Earthquake - which did so much destruction, as well as ruined an entire nations lives! I hope you find this song great and enjoy it - I think it really captures the "sad and emtional" moments, especially with the slideshow of Haiti Images throughout. In the spirit of Hope for Haiti and the other associations trying to aid these people, please visit my website if you'd not only want more info on this song and how to download it for free - but also to donate to Hope for Haiti. (I put a link on the http://www.rryho.com/haiti.html page for this. My name is Timothy Donaghy *************************************************

Remember Haiti - Hope For Haiti @ Yahoo! Video

************************************************* Whispering Days - A Song Of Tragedy and Hope *************************************************

Support Haiti - A Song Of Tragedy and Hope @ Yahoo! Video

************************************************* Whispering Days by Peter Himmelman Vocals by Kristin Mooney Performed on Furious World LIVE - Show is live every Tuesday at 7pm PST *************************************************

Coroner: Pneumonia, drugs killed Brittany Murphy

2010-02-04T23:29:00.004+02:00

************************************************ LOS ANGELES - Brittany Murphy died from pneumonia, but anemia and prescription drugs also played a role, coroner's officials said Thursday. The primary cause of death was community-acquired pneumonia, with contributing factors of iron deficiency anemia and "multiple drug intoxication", according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office. The death was ruled accidental. Coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey declined to specify what types of drugs were involved but said they were all prescription medications. Details about the drugs the "Clueless" and "8 Mile" star had in her system will be released in several weeks when a complete report is done. Murphy died Dec. 20 at age 32 after collapsing at her Hollywood Hills home. Her mother and husband have said the actress didn't abuse prescription medications or have an eating disorder. Attempts to reach them for further comment were not immediately successful Thursday. Murphy's husband, Simon Monjack, and mother, Sharon Murphy, told investigators the actress had been experiencing flu-like symptoms in the days before she died. Monjack told The 'Associated Press' last month that his wife did take several prescriptions, including an anti-seizure drug, but did not abuse the medications. He said she had been taking over-the-counter Robitussin for her recent sickness. Dr. Michael Baden, the former chief medical examiner in New York City, said the coroner's determination indicated drugs probably played a key role in Murphy's death. "If she died of pneumonia, that cause of death is a natural cause", Baden said. He said the use of some prescription medications can lead to pneumonia, and that the coroner's office may have listed that as the primary cause to lessen the blow to Murphy's family. "It sounds more like it's a drug-related than a natural pulmonary pneumonia", said Baden, who did not work on the Murphy case but has served as an expert witness in numerous high-profile deaths. He said the quantities and types of drugs Murphy was taking is key to understanding how she died, as well as how recently she saw a doctor. "One doesn't die of pneumonia, usually, that quickly", Baden said. He also downplayed the role anemia may have played in Murphy's death.

"Avatar", "The Hurt Locker" lead Oscar nominations

2010-02-02T19:21:00.017+02:00

Avatar, and The Hurt Locker lead Oscar nominations ********************************************* BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – The science-fiction sensation ****** "Avatar" and the war-on-terror thriller ****** "The Hurt Locker" lead the Academy Awards with nine nominations each, including best picture and director for former spouses James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow. For the first time since 1943 the Oscars feature 10 best-picture contenders instead of the usual five. Also nominated for best-picture Tuesday: ****** "District 9"; the animated comedy ****** "Up"; the World War II saga ****** "Inglourious Basterds"; the football drama ****** "The Blind Side"; the recession tale ****** "Up in The Air", the 1960s drama ****** "A Serious Man", and the teen tales ****** "An Education" and ****** "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' By Sapphire". Acting nominees include the four stars who have dominated early awards shows: lead players ****** Sandra Bullock for the football drama ****** "The Blind Side" and ****** Jeff Bridges for the country-music tale ****** "Crazy Heart" and supporting performers Mo'Nique for "Precious" and Christoph Waltz for "Inglourious Basterds". The best-picture and director categories shape up as a showdown between ex-spouses who directed films that have dominated earlier Hollywood honors. Cameron's "Avatar" won best drama and director at the Golden Globes, while Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker" beat out Cameron at the Directors Guild of America Awards, whose recipient usually goes on to earn the best-director Oscar. "The Hurt Locker" also beat "Avatar" for the Producers Guild of America top prize and was chosen as last year's best film by many key critics groups. Bigelow said she was gratified and humbled. "It's a huge, huge compliment to the entire cast and crew", she said. "It was a very difficult shoot of heat and sun and windstorms and sandstorms and they had to unite crew from Lebanon and Israel". Bigelow, whose films include "Point Break" and "K19: The Widowmaker", is only the fourth woman nominated for a directing Oscar, following Sofia Coppola for 2003's "Lost in Translation", Jane Campion for 1993's "The Piano" and Lena Wertmuller for 1975's "Seven Beauties". No woman has ever won the directing Oscar, and until Bigelow, no woman had ever won the Directors Guild honor. "I hope someday we can lose the modifier and that becomes a moot point whether the person is male or female and they're just filmmakers making statements that they believe in", Bigelow said. Lee Daniels, who made "Precious", became only the second black filmmaker nominated for best director, after John Singleton for 1991's "Boyz N the Hood". "After 82 years, it's the first film nominated for best picture directed by an African-American", Daniels said. "Isn't that great ? It's so exciting". Also nominated for best director are Jason Reitman for "Up in the Air" and Quentin Tarantino for "Inglourious Basterds". "Up in the Air" co-writer Reitman also had a nomination for adapted screenplay, while Tarantino also earned a nomination for original screenplay. Longtime audience darling Bullock has never been nominated for an Oscar before but is considered the best-actress front-runner, playing a wealthy woman who takes in homeless teen Michael Oher, now a star with the Baltimore Ravens. Bullock is up against past Oscar winners Meryl Streep as chef Julia Child in "Julie & Julia" and Helen Mirren as Leo Tolstoy's bullheaded wife in "The Last Station", along with first-time nominees Carey Mulligan as a British teen involved with an older man in "An Education" and Gabourey Sidibe as a Harlem teen overcoming horrible abuse and neglect in "Precious". Sidibe made her screen debut in "Precious", earning an Oscar nomination for her first professional acting job. The Oscar nomination also capped a breakout year for Mulligan. "It was like a really good, friendly punch in the stomach. It's a good feeling, but it's like a jolt", Mulligan said. "You can be in as many top-five lists and have as many people say things to you on red carpets as you like, and it doesn't for a single second make you honestly think that you're going to get nominated". Bridges, nominated four times previously without winning an Oscar, is viewed as the man to beat this time for his role as a boozy country singer trying to clean up his act in "Crazy Heart". Also nominated for best actor are past Oscar winners George Clooney as a frequent-flyer junkie in "Up in the Air" and Morgan Freeman as South African leader Nelson Mandela in "Invictus", Colin Firth as a grieving gay academic in "A Single Man" and Jeremy Renner as a bomb disposal expert in Iraq in "The Hurt Locker". Mo'Nique and Waltz were nominated for wicked roles, she as a reprehensible welfare mother in "Precious", he as a gleefully garrulous Nazi in "Inglourious Basterds". They were breakout roles for both, Mo'Nique leaping into the awards elite after a career of mainly lowbrow comedy, Waltz making his first Hollywood splash after working mostly in European theater and television. Also up for supporting actress are "Up in the Air" co-stars Vera Farmiga as Clooney's frequent-flyer soul mate and Anna Kendrick as his reluctant business protege. The other nominations went to past Oscar winner Penelope Cruz as a filmmaker's needy mistress in the musical "Nine" and Maggie Gyllenhaal as a single mom involved with Bridges' character in "Crazy Heart". Joining Waltz in the supporting-actor lineup are Matt Damon as a South African rugby player in "Invictus", Woody Harrelson as a military man giving bad news to next of kin in "The Messenger", Christopher Plummer as aging author Tolstoy in "The Last Station" and Stanley Tucci as a serial killer in "The Lovely Bones". Nominees for best foreign language film included Germany's ****** "The White Ribbon", the likely front-runner after taking the same prize at the Golden Globes and top honors at last May's Cannes Film Festival. Also nominated were the Cannes runner-up, ****** "A Prophet", and Israel's "Ajami", Argentina's "El Secreto de Sus Ojos" and Peru's "The Milk of Sorrow". With 10 best-picture contenders, this is the first time since 1943 that so many films are competing for Hollywood's highest honor. From 1931 to 1943, the Oscars featured between eight and 12 best-picture nominees. There were 10 in 1943, when "Casablanca" won best picture, but the show switched to five nominees after that. Last summer, Academy organizers decided to go back to 10, saying they wanted a broader range of titles in the mix, including worthy populist movies that often miss out on best-picture nominations in favor of the smaller dramas Oscar voters typically prefer. Freeman got the news of his nomination while in Rome. ****** "This is my fifth nomination and I'm more proud of that than all the rest of it I think", he said, also approving of the expansion of the best picture category although it did not include "Invictus". "I think it's a good call, a good call, some good pictures. We didn't get a best picture nomination ? Well that's a big letdown. Well there you go. That's my problem, I thought we should get a best picture nomination. But it's OK". Blockbuster best-picture contenders usually translate to better ratings for the Oscar broadcast, whose TV audience peaked with Cameron's "Titanic" triumph 12 years ago. Ratings have been so-so ever since, hitting an all-time low two years ago. Luckily for Oscar overseers, the show this time includes the biggest thing since "Titanic". Cameron's "Avatar" has soared past "Titanic" to become No. 1 on the box-office charts, with $2 billion and climbing worldwide. "Up", a travel adventure about a lonely widower who flies his house off to South America suspended from helium balloons, is only the second animated film ever to earn a best-picture nomination, following "Beauty and the Beast" in 1991, when the category had only five contenders. Along with best picture, "Up" was nominated for animated feature, along with "Coraline", "Fantastic Mr. Fox", "The Princess and the Frog" and "The Secret of Kells". Pixar Animation, which made "Up", has produced four of the eight winners since the animated-feature category was added in 2001, including "Finding Nemo" and "WALL-E". Along with "Avatar" and "District 9", a third sci-fi hit, "Star Trek", had been considered a likely best-picture nominee, but it missed out, scoring only technical nominations, including visual effects and makeup. Best-picture nominee "The Blind Side" was a huge hit but generally viewed as a longshot for a nomination in the top Oscar category. Actors snubbed for acclaimed performances included Emily Blunt for "The Young Victoria", ****** Julianne Moore for "A Single Man" and ****** Diane Kruger for "Inglourious Basterds". Oscar nominees are chosen in most categories by specific branches of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, such as actors, directors and writers. The academy's full membership of about 5,800 was eligible to vote for best-picture nominations and can cast ballots for the winners in all categories at the Oscar ceremony itself. The 82nd Oscars will be presented March 7 in a ceremony airing on 'ABC' from Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.

Russia tests 5th generation fighter jet

2010-01-30T11:53:00.005+02:00

Russia's first stealth fighter makes maiden flight ************************************************** Russia has unveiled the prototype of its new 5th generation fighter. The Sukhoi T-50 had its maiden flight Friday (Jan 29) in the country's Far East. ************************************************** MOSCOW – Russia's first stealth fighter intended to match the latest U.S. design made its maiden flight Friday, boosting the country's efforts to modernize its rusting Soviet-built arsenals and retain its lucrative export market. The Sukhoi T-50's flight comes nearly two decades after the first prototype of the U.S. F-22 Raptor took to the air, and Russian officials said it will take another five years for the new jet to enter service. Still, the flight marked a major step in Russia's efforts to burnish the faded glory of its aviation industries and strengthen a beleaguered military. The sleek twin-engined jet closely resembling the Raptor flew for 47-minutes from an airfield at Sukhoi's production plant in the Far Eastern city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur on Friday. Development of the so-called fifth-generation fighter has been veiled in secrecy and no images of it had been released before the flight. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin hailed the flight as a "big step forward", but admitted that "a lot remains to be done in terms of engines and armament". Craig Caffrey, an analyst for 'Jane's Defense Procurement-Military Aircraft', said the new fighter is "hugely important", both for modernizing the aging Russian air force fleet and retaining export markets. "The T-50 should offer the Russian Air Force a significant boost in its capabilities and ensure that it remains one of the best equipped air forces in the world", he told The 'Associated Press' by e-mail. Caffrey said the new fighter will attract many foreign customers. "For those countries that don't traditionally purchase military equipment from the U.S. it will be the only fifth generation aircraft available", he said. The 'NPO Saturn' company said in a statement that the jet has new engines, but military analysts suggested that they were a slightly modernized version of the Soviet-era engine powering the Su-27 family of fighters. "It's a humbug", said independent military analyst Pavel Felgenhauer. "It's just a prototype lacking new engines and a new radar. It takes new materials to build a fifth-generation fighter, and Russia lacks them". Putin said Friday the first batch of new fighters is set to enter an Air Force evaluation unit in 2013 and serial production is set to begin in 2015. Caffrey said the task looks "very challenging, given the amount of new technology that is being incorporated into the new aircraft". Russian military analysts were also skeptical, pointing at a history of delays in the program and other Russian weapons projects. "The schedule will likely be pushed back as usual", said Alexander Konovalov, the head of the Moscow-based Institute of Strategic Assessment, an independent think tank. Russia's prospective Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile has failed in at least eight of its 12 test launches, dealing a blow to Russia's hopes of making it a cornerstone of its nuclear arsenal. Officials have blamed the failures on manufacturing flaws resulting from post-Soviet industrial degradation. Felgenhauer and other observers said the fighter program, which depends on hundreds of subcontractors, has been dogged by similar problems. Russian officials have said the new fighter, like the Raptor, will have supersonic cruising speed and stealth capabilities. Its pilot, Sergei Bogdan, said in televised remarks that it was easy and pleasant to fly. While officials saw the new fighter as essential, some analysts said the country has more pressing needs. "There is no mission and no adversary for such plane", Konovalov said, adding that the Russian military lacks a modern communications system and satellite navigation. "It would be more expedient to fit modern avionics to older generation jets". The U.S. administration decided to quit buying the F-22 Raptor, the world's most expensive fighter jet at more than $140 million apiece, effectively capping its production at the 186 already ordered. ************************************************* Source:

JOE DOLAN... We will Never forget U !

2010-01-27T18:24:00.010+02:00

********************************************** JOE DOLAN - Biography ********************************************** Joseph "Joe" Francis Robert Dolan (16 October 1939 – 26 December 2007) was an Irish compositer, entertainer, recorder and singer of easy listening songs.*** Life and career*** In a career which spanned almost 50 years, iconic Irish singer Joe Dolan was rarely off the stage and rarely out of the charts. From humble beginnings as a music-mad teenager playing a homemade guitar to becoming one of Europe’s biggest stars on his own right, Joe truly lived the dream. A record-breaking statesman of Irish popular music, Joe is the only Irish entertainer to have enjoyed Top Ten hits in five decades across two centuries - the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Indeed, when you combine the total number of weeks the man from Mullingar spent in the upper reaches of the Irish singles charts it equates to a residency of over ten full years. Joe hit the top spot throughout the world. From Europe to the Middle East, Joe enjoyed number one singles in South America, Australia, Asia and beyond. Countries as culturally diverse as France, South Africa, Israel, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, Italy, Portugal and several other European states all put Joe at the top. His biggest hit was Make Me An Island (written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood), which went to Number 3 in the UK Singles Chart in 1969, and Number 1 in fourteen other countries. When re-released in the 1990’s it once again hit the number one spot, albeit just in Ireland. Joe was noted for his extraordinary vocal style. The strength and power of his distinctive singing voice was noted even as a 14 year old, when he made his first stage appearance at a talent show in his native Mullingar. The youngest of eight children, Joe Dolan was born into a musical household on the outskirts of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on October 16 1939. Joe lost both his parents at a young age - his father, a bicycle shop proprietor, died when Joe was eleven; his mother when he was nineteen. Music had abounded throughout the family’s modest cottage and young Joe was not shy in showcasing his growing vocal and musical talents to family and friends. He sang a bit in school, and his mother had encouraged him to take up the piano, but it was at the afformentioned teenage talent show in Mullingar when that the world at large got its first true glimpse of Joe Dolan the entertainer. Even then, on his first stage appearance, he cut a distinctive dash – his confident singing, dancing, and his sharp dress sense a sign of what was to come. As well as securing his first (and last) “real” job as a compositor in local newspaper 'The Westmeath Examiner' in 1958, Joe also got his first real guitar, and he and his saxophone-playing brother Ben started to play in local bands. They soon formed a band of their own – The Drifters. At first, it was all-for-one and one-for-all in the seven-piece, but Joe’s powerful voice, stage presence and growing heart-throb status among female fans saw them hastily rechristened Joe Dolan and The Drifters.******The musical landscape in the 1960s was dominated by the showbands and their jukebox-perfect interpretations of songs by acts the Irish public might never get to see. The Drifters soon became the number one showband in the land, but from the off, Joe broke the mould. He was the first Irish pop star to record original material and the first Irish singer to create scenes of mass hysteria among fans, with ‘Driftermania’ becoming a national epidemic. First single The Answer to Everything, released in September 1964, shot to number 4 in the charts and Joe and his band, guided by manager Seamus Casey, soon took the dancehalls and ballrooms of Ireland by storm, with a string of massive hit singles making them Ireland’s biggest band. But in the summer of 1968, the nation was shocked as musical differences saw the band split at the peak of their powers. The move left Joe alone, but not for long as success soon washed over him again when he recorded Make Me an Island, a song that would lay the foundations for an international career. The track was a massive hit in England and after an historic Top of the Pops appearance the floodgates opened across Europe and around the world – the song eventually becoming a number one hit in an unprecedented 14 countries. Joe became an even bigger worldwide star with follow-up singles Teresa and You’re Such a Good Looking Woman. Although singles such as It Makes No Difference and You and the Looking Glass were not big hits at home or in the UK, they were international smashes for Joe. When he hooked up with writers Roberto Danova and Peter Yellowstone in the mid 1970s things went off the scale for him internationally – 1974's Sweet Little Rock ‘n’ Roller their first of many triumphs. It was later recorded by Bay City Rollers and Rod Stewart. It was followed by one of Joe’s biggest-ever sellers, the evocative Lady in Blue. His biggest ever selling single, it danced its way to the top of charts across Europe, Australasia, Africa and South America but, surprisingly, not at home or in the UK. It sold millions abroad. Massive international hits including Crazy Woman, Sister Mary, Midnight Lover, Hush Hush Maria and I Need You followed. Reflective songs such as If I Could Put My Life on Paper showcased a more maturing artist, whilst definitive versions of songs such as Danny Boy ensured his international audiences always had a touch of Irish on disc and in concert. In any given month Joe could be touring the Middle East one week, Australia the next, then South Africa and then back to Europe and his beloved Ireland. And as the hits stacked up so too did gold discs, awards, major record deals and opportunities. In 1978, he made history when he became the first Western act to tour communist Russia. In those pre-Perestroika days, Western music was not as welcome, but Joe’s music broke through the Iron Curtain and he was welcomed as one of the best known names in Russia. Further international successes and tours followed, with hits such as More and More and It’s You, It’s You, It’s You ensuring he had little time to keep his feet on the ground. The eighties was a time transition for Joe. He started the decade by conquering Las Vegas for two years. But he never liked to be away from home for too long and having started the decade as one of the world’s biggest acts he decided to concentrate instead on his beloved Ireland. He continued to record and release dozens of hits as the decade went on, and a couple of changes in musical direction did little to affect the devotion of his loyal fans. A master of the art of live performance, Joe developed a feel-good show; his white suit, trademark signature tie and big-hearted songs bringing light into the lives of his 32-county audience and those in the UK and Europe where he still toured. Joe became part of what made Ireland feel good about itself as the 1990s dawned. He may not have met with the approval of the chin-stroking music critics, but he certainly met with the approval of the millions who knew ‘there was no show like a Joe Show’. Practically, every single concert Joe performed was a sell out. His nightly box office pulling power was all the more astonishing given that he played, on average, around 200 Irish shows a year from the 1980s onwards. For his audience, they were all once-in-a-lifetime shows. No Joe Show was ever the same. With his own record label, studio and material Joe became one of the biggest selling independent artists of the 1990s with albums such as Endless Magic keeping him on top. At the end of the decade he refined his voice for the 21st century when he hooked up with 'EMI' for a series of pioneering and highly influential albums ( such as Joe’s 90s, 21st Century Joe and Home Grown ) which saw him tackle more contemporary music from acts as diverse as Oasis, Pulp, Blur, U2, Bruce Springsteen, The Coral, R.E.M., Mundy and his old pal Robbie Williams ( Joe was a good friend of Robbie’s father, and he often stayed at the Williams home when in the UK ). He brought Blur to the top of the Irish charts with a soul-stirring version of The Universal. It became a staple of his live shows. At the Oxegen Festival 2009, Blur’s Damon Albarn dedicated the song to Joe. With the success of Joe’s 90s Joe found himself to be a relevant entertainer for a whole new generation and not just another old ‘legend’ trading on past glories. He was a star all over again. What pleased Joe most about this ‘reinvention’ was that it did not damage his reputation or debunk his past achievements. If anything, it made them all the more impressive and, finally, Joe began to be acknowledged by his peers for his contribution to Irish music history. Other acts such as his old pal Tom Jones repeated the formula by releasing albums of contemporary covers. As an artist, Joe Dolan was never one to stay wrapped up in the comfort of the past. He took whatever risks were necessary to further his career, and was always willing to give up-and-coming music people a break. Some of the songwriters, producers and arrangers Joe worked with reads like a who’s who of modern music - hit men of the highest calibre who were only starting out when Joe spotted their potential. The likes of Albert Hammond, Roberto Danova, Giorgio Moroder, Peter Yellowstone, Roger Cook, Roger Greenaway, Jeff Lynne, Tony Swain, Liam Reilly, Phil Coulter and many more may not be household names but they have been responsible for hundreds of the world’s best-known songs and artists. Joe was even recording songs from the pens of Willie Nelson and Burt Bacharach long before anyone on the European side of the Atlantic had even heard of either man. Joe turned his attention to the music of established legends when he recorded Let There Be Love - an album of old-school crooner classics perfectly suited to his smooth and still powerful voice. Plans were set in motion for further albums and some major concerts to cement his legendary status and as 2007 came to a close the clamour for Joe’s concert tickets was greater than ever. At the Meteor Music Awards on February 16 2008, two months after his sudden passing, the music industry paid the first of many tributes to him. A couple of thousand screaming teenagers, there to hail the biggest Irish pop stars of the day, were reminded that none of these Irish acts would have been there, or at least would not have had the inspiration or the confidence to get there were it not for Joe Dolan first travelling that path. By going abroad, making it and returning home with stacks of gold discs and glory, awards and acclaim, Joe Dolan had made the dreams of international success possible for Irish acts. Budding musicians didn’t need to think that Cork, Galway or Belfast were the pinnacle of success any longer. They could go away, become a star, enjoy it and then return home and, like Joe, be humble and modest about it all. As a man, his warm spirit and his inherent and legendary capacity to ‘send ‘em home sweating’ is perfectly captured on last years Platinum Collection release by 'EMI'. Across the 58 tracks on 3CDs, it is Joe’s amazing voice, an instrument which left classical composers and opera singers speechless at its range, that will ensure he is a legend who will live forever.*** Personal life*** Joe Dolan never married and dealt with speculation about his sexuality throughout his life. However, he dismissed rumours that he was gay as a "load of old rubbish".*** Illness and death*** In 2005, Dolan had a hip replacement. In autumn 2007, on advice from his doctors, Dolan cancelled his Vicar Street concerts due to "exhaustion". On December 16 2007, the front page of the 'Sunday Independent' reported that Dolan was suffering a "bad virus" and had been forced to cancel his entire Christmas tour. Joe Dolan's website was inundated with well wishes in the wake of the article, which was reproduced in several newspapers the following day. On December 26, 2007, Dolan was rushed from his home in Foxrock to the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin following a worsening of his illness. He died of a brain haemorrhage at approximately 15:00 hours that day. ****************************** *********************************************** And now, from the start, let's listen two AUDIO Compilations of the Greatest Singer, Entertainer and Artist who was JOE DOLAN (R.I.P.) ***********************************************
JOE DOLAN - MELODII NEMURITOARE - COLECTIE 74,43 MIN (1)
Asculta mai multe audio Muzica*** JOE DOLAN - 1st COMPILATION [74’43] ********************************************* INCLUDE:*** 01. Joe Dolan - More and More*** 02. Joe Dolan - Make me an island*** 03. Joe Dolan - Lady blue*** 04. Joe Dolan - Bonjour Mademoiselle*** 05. Joe Dolan – Angel lover*** 06. Joe Dolan - It's you, It’s you, It’s you*** 07. Joe Dolan - You're such o good looking woman*** 08. Joe Dolan - Gypsy Lady*** 09. Joe Dolan - Pretty brown eyes*** 10. Joe Dolan - I need you*** 11. Joe Dolan - Sentimental And Blue*** 12. Joe Dolan - Anushka Balalaika*** 13. Joe Dolan – Teresa*** 14. Joe Dolan - I love you more and more everyday*** 15. Joe Dolan - Be my fire*** 16. Joe Dolan - Sweet little rock'n roller*** 17. Joe Dolan - My love*** 18. Joe Dolan - It's only make believe*** 19. Joe Dolan - Crazy woman*** 20. Joe Dolan - You're Such A Good Looking Woman*** 21. Joe Dolan - Unchained Melody*** 22. Joe Dolan - Caterina ballerina*** 23. Joe Dolan - Midnight Lover*** ************************************************ And the second (this one being much larger...), ************************************************ ***************************
JOE DOLAN - COLECTIE 101,14 MIN (2)
Asculta mai multe audio Muzica*** JOE DOLAN - An [101’14] Compilation **************************************************** INCLUDING:************************* You and the looking glass*** Have I Told You Lately*** These Are the Days of Our Lives*** The House*** Fly me Atlantic*** But I Do*** Love of the Common People*** Ave Maria*** Lady Laura*** My Own Perculiar Way*** Sometimes a Man Just Has to Cry*** Ciara*** Jenny*** Angel lover*** The Universal*** O Holy Night*** She Doesn't Live Here Anymore*** Midnight Lover*** Don't You Ever Change Your Mind*** The Answer to Everything*** Be my fire*** If I Could Put My Life on Paper*** Better Man*** It Makes No Difference*** Take Me I'm Yours*** Cara de Cigana*** Place Your Hands*** I'll Give All My Love to You*** Come Back Home*** I'll Take the Money and Run*** Danny Boy *********************************************** Finally, let's listen and view some video's of JOE DOLAN's most famous Hits *********************************************** ************************* *** Joe Dolan - Bonjour Mademoiselle [3'23] ************************* *** Joe Dolan - Crazy Woman [2'54] ************************* *** Joe Dolan - Deeper & Deeper [4'00] ************************* *** Joe Dolan - Dreaming [3'15] ************************* *** Joe Dolan - False Promises [4'32] ************************* *** Joe Dolan - It's You, It's You, It's You [3'31] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Lady Laura (1974)[3'14] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Lady Of The Night [2'58] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Make Me An Island [2'42] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Midnight Lover [3'24] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Mysterious Lady [3'32] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Sarah [6'36] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Suspicious Minds [2'57] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Sweet Little Rock 'n' Roller [2'50] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Teresa [2'48] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - The Way Life is Ment To Be [3'18] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Unchained Melody [3'57] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Hush, Hush Maria [3'16] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Sometimes When We Touch [4'24] ************************ *** Joe Dolan - Aching Breaking Heart [3'15] ************************

Cameron's "Avatar" Wins Best Drama Honor at Globes

2010-01-18T13:10:00.023+02:00

********************************** ********************************************* James Cameron's "Avatar" Wins Best Drama Honor at Globes ********************************************* BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - The science-fiction blockbuster "Avatar" won best drama at the Golden Globes and picked up the directing honor for James Cameron on Sunday, raising the "Titanic" filmmaker's prospects for another Academy Awards triumph. It was a repeat of Cameron's Globes night 12 years ago, when "Titanic" won best drama and the directing prize on its way to dominating the Oscars. This time, though, instead of being "king of the world", as Cameron declared at the Oscars, he has become king of an alien landscape, elevating space fantasy to enormous critical acclaim. ""Avatar" asks us to see that everything is connected, all human beings to each other, and us to the Earth. And if you have to go four and a half light years to another, made-up planet to appreciate this miracle of the world that we have right here, well, you know what, that's the wonder of cinema right there, that's the magic", Cameron said. ******---******Winning the dramatic-acting honors were Sandra Bullock for the football tale "The Blind Side" and Jeff Bridges for the country-music story "Crazy Heart". The crowd gave a standing ovation to Bridges, a beloved veteran generally overlooked for key Hollywood honors. ******---******The acting prizes for musical and comedy went to Meryl Streep for the Julia Child story "Julie & Julia" and Robert Downey Jr. for the crime romp "Sherlock Holmes". The supporting-performance Globes were won by Mo'Nique as an abusive welfare mother in "Precious" and Christoph Waltz as a gleefully bloodthirsty Nazi in "Inglourious Basterds". The Vegas bachelor bash "The Hangover" won for best musical or comedy, bringing uncharacteristic awards attention for broad comedy, a genre that often gets overlooked at Hollywood honors. "I just want to thank my mom, who supported my decision to become a director when she realized I wasn't as smart as my two sisters", said "Hangover" director Todd Phillips. As he accepted the directing Globe, Cameron had kind words for ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow, nominated as best director for "The Hurt Locker". "Frankly, I thought Kathryn was going to get this. She richly deserves it", said Cameron, whose "Titanic" earned the directing and best-drama Globes 12 years ago on its way to Academy Awards triumph. The blockbuster "Up" came away with the award for animated film. While Streep is a perennial at awards shows, the prize marked a dramatic turning point for Mo'Nique, who was mainly known for lowbrow comedy but startled audiences with her ferocious performance in "Precious: Based on the Novel Push By Sapphire". "First let me say, thank you, God, for this amazing ride that you're allowing me to go on", the tearful Mo'Nique told the crowd. She went on with gushing praise for "Precious" director Lee Daniels and newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, a best dramatic actress nominee at the Globes with her first film role, playing Mo'Nique's abused, illiterate daughter. "Lee Daniels, the world gets a chance to see how brilliant you are. You are a brilliant, fearless, amazing director who would not waver, and thank you for trusting me", Mo'Nique said. "To Gabby, sister, I am in awe of you. Thank you for letting me play with you". Streep's competition for best actress in a musical or comedy included herself. She also was nominated for the romance "It's Complicated". "I just want to say that in my long career, I've played so many extraordinary woman that I'm getting mistaken for one", Streep said. "I'm very clear that I'm the vessel for other people's stories and other people's lives". Waltz, a veteran Austrian actor who is a relative newcomer in Hollywood, won the supporting-actor Globe as a gleefully bloodthirsty Nazi in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds". "A year and a half ago I was exposed to the gravitational forces of Quentin Tarantino", Waltz said. "He took my modest little world, my globe, and with the power of his talent and his words and his vision, he flung it into its orbit, a dizzying experience". Though one of Hollywood's biggest parties, the Globes bore somber reminders of tragedy in the real world, many stars wearing ribbons in support of earthquake victims in Haiti. Films from Pixar Animation, the Disney outfit that made "Up", have won all four prizes for animated movies since the Globes introduced the category in 2006. Past Pixar winners are "WALL-E", "Ratatouille" and "Cars". "Up" features the voice of Ed Asner in a tale of a lonely, bitter widower who renews his zest for adventure by flying his house off under helium balloons to South America, where he encounters his childhood hero and a hilarious gang of talking canines. "When it came to finding the heart of the film, we didn't have to look very hard", said "Up" director Pete Docter, whose film also won for musical score. "Our inspiration was all around us. Our grandparents, our parents, our wives, our kids. Our talking dogs". Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner won the screenplay honor for "Up in the Air", which Reitman also directed. The foreign-language honor went to "The White Ribbon", a stark drama of guilt and suspicion set in a German town on the eve of World War I. "Mad Men" won for best TV drama, while Michael C. Hall won for best actor in a TV drama for "Dexter", in which he plays a serial killer with a code of ethics, killing only other murderers. Hall's publicists revealed this past week that Hall is being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma and that the cancer is in remission. "It's really a hell of a thing to go to work in a place where everybody gives a damn. That's really the case with "Dexter"," Hall said. "It's a dream job. I'm so grateful". "Dexter" also won the supporting-actor TV honor for John Lithgow. Other TV winners included Juliana Margulies as best actress in a drama for "The Good Wife" and Toni Collette as best comedy actress for "The United States of Tara". The rain-drenched red carpet was a rare sight for an awards show in sunny southern California, stars in their finery getting damp under umbrellas as storms swept the region. The Globes got a makeover, featuring Ricky Gervais as master of ceremonies, the first time in 15 years the show had a host. One of his most biting quips came as he sipped a beer on stage. "I like a drink as much as the next man, unless the next man is Mel Gibson", Gervais wisecracked as he introduced Globe presenter Mel Gibson, who made an anti-Semitic rant a few years back during a drunken-driving arrest. Gervais opened by mocking Steve Carell, star of the U.S. version of "The Office", based on Gervais' British comedy series. While a stone-faced Carell watched, Gervais yammered on about how fans love Carell and wonder where he gets his ideas from. Carell then mouthed and pantomimed, "I will break you", to Gervais, an executive producer on the U.S. version of the show. Gervais joked about the international causes near and dear to Hollywood stars. "You can be a little Asian child with no possessions and see a picture of Angelina Jolie and you think, `mommy'," he said. With stars sharing dinner and drinks, the Globes traditionally are a loose and relaxed affair compared to the courtly Oscars. Celebrities sometimes are caught more in reality-show mode — Jack Nicholson once mooned the crowd for a laugh, and Christine Lahti had to rush from the restroom to collect her Globe for the TV drama "Chicago Hope". Sunday's winners could get a last-minute boost for the Oscars, whose nominations balloting closes Saturday. Last year's big Globe winner, "Slumdog Millionaire", went on to dominate the Oscars. The Globes are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of about 90 reporters covering show business for overseas outlets. The show airs live on 'NBC'. ********************************** ********************************** *** AVATAR - Action sequence from the movie ********************************** *** AVATAR - Action sequence from the movie ********************************** *** Actress Zoe Saldana at the Golden Globe Awards Gala ********************************** *** Actress Zoe Saldana as Neytiri character in Avatar ********************************** *** Actress Zoe Saldana as Neytiri character in Avatar ********************************** *** Actress Sigourney Weaver at the Golden Globe Awards Gala ********************************** *** Actors Sigourney Weaver and Giovanni Ribisi into an action sequence from Avatar Movie ********************************** *** Actors Sigourney Weaver and Sam Worthington into an action sequence from Avatar Movie ********************************** *** Actor Sam Worthington playing Jake Sully character in Avatar Movie ********************************** *** Actor Sam Worthington (Jake Sully) into an action sequence from Avatar Movie ********************************** *** Actors Sam Worthington and Stephen Lang playing an action sequence in Avatar Movie ********************************** *** Actress Michelle Rodriguez at the Golden Globe Awards Gala ********************************** *** Actress Michelle Rodriguez as Trudi Chacon character into the Avatar Movie

Cameron's sci-fi saga "Avatar" become No.1 movie of all times

2010-01-18T00:43:00.003+02:00

*********************************************** "Avatar" passes "Star Wars" with $491.8M in US *********************************************** LOS ANGELES - James Cameron's "Avatar" had a $41.3 million weekend to shoot past "Star Wars" as the No. 3 movie on the all-time domestic box office charts. Next stop, "The Dark Knight". No. 1 for the fifth-straight weekend, Cameron's sci-fi saga raised its domestic total to $491.8 million and should top $500 million after revenues are counted on Martin Luther King Day, according to studio estimates Sunday. Worldwide, '20th Century Fox's "Avatar" lifted its total to $1.6 billion, second only to Cameron's last movie, 1997's "Titanic", at $1.8 billion. "One guy makes two movies in 10 years, and they're by far the biggest movies of all time. That's remarkable", said Chris Aronson, head of distribution for the studio. "Avatar" topped the original "Star Wars", which took in $460.9 million domestically in its original run and several reissues over the years. But factoring in today's higher admission prices, "Star Wars" remains well ahead of "Avatar" on actual number of tickets sold. "Avatar" now is closing in on "The Dark Knight", No. 2 domestically with $533.3 million. After that, only Cameron's "Titanic" at $600 million will remain ahead of "Avatar" domestically. "We'll be proud of our No. 3 slot", said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for 'Warner Bros'., which released "The Dark Knight" and has hopes for more in the "Batman" franchise from its director, Christopher Nolan. "I can just give Chris Nolan a nudge that he's got to raise the bar". 'Warner', which has Nolan's sci-fi tale "Inception" with Leonardo DiCaprio opening this July, had a strong No. 2 debut of $31.6 million for its action thriller "The Book of Eli". The movie stars Denzel Washington as a post-apocalypse prophet carrying the last known Bible to safe haven across a decimated America. Expanding nationwide after a month in limited release, 'Paramount's drama "The Lovely Bones" came in at No. 3 with $17.1 million. Directed by "The Lord of the Rings" creator Peter Jackson, "The Lovely Bones" features Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Stanley Tucci in the story of a murdered teen looking back on the world from the afterlife. 'Lionsgate's family action tale "The Spy Next Door" debuted at No. 6 with $9.7 million. It stars Jackie Chan as a newly retired agent forced back into the spy game when bad guys come after him and his girlfriend's kids. Like "Titanic", which dominated the Academy Awards 12 years ago, "Avatar" is expected to remain aloft in the box office charts as Oscar season progresses. "Avatar" was up for best drama at Sunday's Golden Globes and is considered a likely best-picture nominee when Oscar nominations come out Feb. 2. "It's kind of the cherry on top of the cake for this movie to not only be a massive box office hit, but to get all this awards attention", said Paul Dergarabedian, box office analyst for Hollywood.com. "It's hard sometimes to get a 50- or 60-year-old out of their chair to go see a science-fiction movie in 3-D. But if "Avatar" gets enough recognition from the critics, they may just do it". 'Fox' executive Aronson would not say if the studio expects "Avatar" to pass either the $600 million domestic total for "Titanic" or its $1.8 billion worldwide total. Some box office watchers say "Avatar" could climb as high $2 billion, though. "`Titanic' was a ship. 'Batman' had a motorcycle. `Avatar's' a rocket ship", Aronson said. "Is there a lot of fuel left in the tank ? You bet". Even if "Avatar" sets a new revenue record, it's doubtful it would sell as many tickets as "Titanic" did because of today's higher admission prices. "Titanic" sold about 130 million tickets domestically based on average ticket prices of about $4.60 back in 1997 and 1998. Based on today's average domestic price of about $7.50, "Avatar" would be at around half that mark. Average admission prices for "Avatar" likely run even higher, given that much of its business comes from a 3-D version, which costs a few dollars extra to see. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Tuesday. 1. "Avatar", $41.3 million. 2. "The Book of Eli", $31.6 million. 3. "The Lovely Bones", $17.1 million. 4. "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel", $11.5 million. 5. "Sherlock Holmes", $9.8 million. 6. "The Spy Next Door", $9.7 million. 7. "It's Complicated", $7.7 million. 8. "Leap Year", $5.8 million. 9. "The Blind Side", $5.6 million. 10. "Up in the Air", $5.5 million. ***********************************************

Backstreet Boy member Gets Engaged

2010-01-11T04:54:00.005+02:00

Backstreet Boy member Gets Engaged ************************************************** Backstreet Boy AJ McLean is making it official. McLean, 32, proposed to his girlfriend Rochelle Deanna Karidis while performing solo in Las Vegas on Friday night, 'UsMagazine.com' has learned. "AJ dropped down to one knee and said that they had been dating for a long time and [he] wanted to know if she would marry him", a source tells Us. "Of course she said 'yes,' and they left the club shortly after this happened". Another witness tells 'E! News' that the singer bought a "beautiful ring" on the fly at Rocks the Jeweler inside the Hard Rock Hotel before running "back to Wasted Space [to propose on-stage at] the strike of midnight, and the change of the date to Jan. 9 -- his birthday !"

A Sunday with DONALD DUCK

2010-01-10T11:51:00.004+02:00

********************************************* Donald Duck is an American cartoon character from 'The Walt Disney Company'. Donald is a white anthropomorphic duck with a yellow-orange bill, legs, and feet. He usually wears a sailor shirt, cap, and a red bow tie, but no trousers(except when he goes swimming). Donald's most famous personality trait is his easily provoked and explosive temper. Donald Duck has been officially honored as the third most popular cartoon character of all time with Bugs Bunny of 'Warner Bros'. 'Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies' at number two and fellow 'Disney' creation Mickey Mouse who is number one. According to the 'Disney' canon, particularly in the 1942 short Donald Gets Drafted Donald's birthday is officially recognized as June 9, 1934, the day his debut film, The Wise Little Hen, was released. However, in The Three Caballeros (1944), his birthday is given as simply "Friday the 13th", which is in reference to the bad luck he experiences in almost all his cartoon appearances. Donald's Happy Birthday (short) gives his birthday as March 13. Donald Duck is a well-known and very popular character especially in Scandinavian countries. Donald's voice, one of the most identifiable voices in all of animation, was performed by voice actor Clarence "Ducky" Nash up to his death in 1985. It was largely this semi-intelligible speech that would cement Donald's image into audiences' minds and help fuel both Donald's and Nash's rise to stardom. In 1969, 'Disney On Parade' which toured all over the United States and Canada, hired Ellard Davis as the live voice of Donald Duck. Mr. Davis did the voice for 3 years. Since 1985, Donald has been voiced by Tony Anselmo, who was trained by Nash for the role. Donald is a V.I.P. member of the 'Mickey Mouse Club'. *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1942 Donald Gets Drafted *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1940 Window Cleaners *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1942 The Village Smithy *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1944 Donald's Off Day *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1949 Sea Salts *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1949 Honey Harvester *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1951 Bee On Guard *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1952 Let's Stick Together *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1953 Canvas Back Duck *********************************************** *** Donald Duck 1939 The Hockey Champ

La multi ani ! tuturor celor cu numele Ion

2010-01-06T04:44:00.004+02:00

************************************************** LA MULTI ANI ! tuturor celor ce poarta numele de Ion si diminutivele.... **************************************************
VALSURI CELEBRE - Colectie 100 de min
Asculta mai multe audio Muzica*** VALSURI CELEBRE *************************************************

Top 10 Most-Viewed Trailers of 2009

2010-01-02T03:11:00.003+02:00

The 10 Most-Viewed Trailers of 2009 ************************************************** As I do every year, I tallied up the most popular movie trailers of '09, according to video streaming numbers. And it proved to be a big year: the two most popular videos each nabbed over 20 million views. By and large, the top trailers of the year were mostly box-office behemoths, featuring killer robots, sparkly vampires, and airborne senior citizens. One trailer, however, was not for a blockbuster even though it did star Debbie Gibson and Lorenzo Lamas. I listed the top ten trailers of the year below. See if you can figure out which flick of the bunch wasn't a big hit. **************************************************

*** #10 - UP **************************************************

*** #9 - AVATAR **************************************************

*** #8 - MEGA SHARK VS. GIANT OCTOPUS *************************************************

*** #7 - STAR TREK *************************************************

*** #6 - G.I. JOE *************************************************

*** #5 - HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE ************************************************

*** #4 - TERMINATOR SALVATION ************************************************

*** #3 - 2012 ************************************************

*** #2 - TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN ************************************************

*** #1 - THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON ************************************************

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010 ! or LA MULTI ANI 2010 !

2010-01-01T04:27:00.003+02:00

Friends18.com New Year Greetings *** ANDRE RIEU - The Blue Danube[7'13] *** Neujahrskonzert 2009 - Radetzky Marsch(Johann Strauss)[3'28] *** Neujahrskonzert 2009 - Die Libelle, Polka Mazur. Die Pariserin, Polka francaise(Johann Strauss)[8'51] *** New Year Concert 2008: Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka (Johann Strauss)[2'48] *** New Year Concert 2006: Radetzky Marsch(Johann Strauss)[5'14]