Surrounded by the colorful atmosphere of San Diego neighborhood of Little Italy, located within walking distance of the magnificent harbor of San Diego and just minutes from the bustling city center of San Diego. Little Italy will come alive with the dance music, and cuisine of Sicily, as part of the celebration of the annual Festival of India Sicilian Street.It will not be a party without food Sicily Italy so joined the restaurant Little Italy to Sicily many culinary specialties will be on Tarantino sausage, and other suppliers.
Festival visitors can also shop and relax in two of wine and Peroni beer garden, among the booths that offers Italian-themed artifacts and services.People will actually danced in the streets, and no wonder. The event features nationally acclaimed directory of the Roman Holiday Ensemble includes music of Italy and Sicily as well as Sinatra and Louie Prima balance show.
Featured singers, many straight from Sicily, entertained the crowd with everything from swing to jazz Sicily, as well as traditional melodies and folk of Sicily and Italy.A tent will feature photographs of the Sicilian culture and cultural events by authors and artisans reflecting the heritage of Sicilian Americans of San Diego. This area will also feature displays such as improving the honorable tradition of fish fillet Sicilian embroidery, produce and market the fish, and many more, organized by the Society San Diego Convivio.Entertainment includes four stages of entertainment in Sicily and Italy.
At noon, dozens of costumed dancers, musicians and representatives of Italy in San Diego will parade through the streets carrying flags from different regions of Sicily and Italy. It is suitable for families with children. All children’s activities are free, and includes a large inflatable slide, a puppet show, face painting, production of children singing and dancing, and other activities to keep Bambini entertained throughout the day – without emptying the pockets of their parents!.Free parking and shuttle available. Park NORTHERN many county administration building and look for double-decker bus that takes you to the Festival. Comfortable and convenient San Diego Trolley stop within a block of the Festival.
Showing posts with label Branded Entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Branded Entertainment. Show all posts
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Writer Michael Crichton Succumbs to Cancer
He is lauded as one of the most innovative science fiction writers in recent memory, a scribe whose work about alien pathogens and re-animated dinosaurs became the stuff of Hollywood legend. But today, the world mourns the death of author Michael Crichton, who passed away unexpectedly in Los Angeles on Tuesday, after a courageous and private battle against cancer.
He wrote numerous blockbusters, some of which sold more than 100 million copies, translated into 30 languages worldwide. Moreover, many of his books became major Hollywood movies, including Jurassic Park, Rising Sun and Disclosure.A man of multiple creative talents, he also co-wrote the script for the blockbuster Twister, helmed The Great Train Robbery, and in 1994 created the award-winning television series ER.
He has even had a dinosaur named for him, Crichton's ankylosaur."The Andromeda Strain", which catapulted him to Hollywood fame after it was published in 1969, told the story of US scientists battling an alien virus that lands in New Mexico from outer space and drives humans to bizarre and grisly deaths.
In "Jurassic Park", made into a blockbuster 1993 movie, Crichton's human characters were chased around by rampaging dinosaurs created genetically on an island run by an ambitious scientist."The world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us—and entertained us all while doing so," the family statement said. "His family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes", it went on. "Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," the statement added.
"He leaves behind the greatest gifts of a thirst for knowledge, the desire to understand, and the wisdom to use our minds to better our world."The family appealed for privacy and said no details of the writer's funeral would be released.was born in October 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. He studied anthropology at Harvard and taught at Cambridge University in England before spending time in Europe and North Africa.
He then returned to the United States to train as a doctor, writing thrillers to pay his university fees.His first hit, "The Andromeda Strain", was written while he was still in medical school and quickly caught on upon its release in 1969. It was a featured selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club and was sold to Universal in Hollywood for $US250,000.
Steven Spielberg paid tribute to Crichton. "Michael's talent outscaled even his own dinosaurs of Jurassic Park," the producer/director said in a statement. "He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the earth. Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place."
John Wells, executive producer of ER called the author "an extraordinary man. Brilliant, funny, erudite, gracious, exceptionally inquisitive and always thoughtful. No lunch with Michael lasted less than three hours and no subject was too prosaic or obscure to attract his interest. Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation."
ER offered a fresh take on the TV medical drama, making doctors the central focus rather than patients.In the early life of ER, Crichton, who hadn't been involved in medicine for years, and Spielberg, would take part in writers' room discussions.In recent years, Crichton was the rare novelist granted a White House meeting with President George Bush, perhaps because of his scepticism about global warming, which Crichton addressed in the 2004 novel, "State of Fear"A new novel by Crichton had been tentatively scheduled to come out next month, but publisher HarperCollins said the book was postponed indefinitely because of his illness.
He wrote numerous blockbusters, some of which sold more than 100 million copies, translated into 30 languages worldwide. Moreover, many of his books became major Hollywood movies, including Jurassic Park, Rising Sun and Disclosure.A man of multiple creative talents, he also co-wrote the script for the blockbuster Twister, helmed The Great Train Robbery, and in 1994 created the award-winning television series ER.
He has even had a dinosaur named for him, Crichton's ankylosaur."The Andromeda Strain", which catapulted him to Hollywood fame after it was published in 1969, told the story of US scientists battling an alien virus that lands in New Mexico from outer space and drives humans to bizarre and grisly deaths.
In "Jurassic Park", made into a blockbuster 1993 movie, Crichton's human characters were chased around by rampaging dinosaurs created genetically on an island run by an ambitious scientist."The world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us—and entertained us all while doing so," the family statement said. "His family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes", it went on. "Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," the statement added.
"He leaves behind the greatest gifts of a thirst for knowledge, the desire to understand, and the wisdom to use our minds to better our world."The family appealed for privacy and said no details of the writer's funeral would be released.was born in October 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. He studied anthropology at Harvard and taught at Cambridge University in England before spending time in Europe and North Africa.
He then returned to the United States to train as a doctor, writing thrillers to pay his university fees.His first hit, "The Andromeda Strain", was written while he was still in medical school and quickly caught on upon its release in 1969. It was a featured selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club and was sold to Universal in Hollywood for $US250,000.
Steven Spielberg paid tribute to Crichton. "Michael's talent outscaled even his own dinosaurs of Jurassic Park," the producer/director said in a statement. "He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the earth. Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place."
John Wells, executive producer of ER called the author "an extraordinary man. Brilliant, funny, erudite, gracious, exceptionally inquisitive and always thoughtful. No lunch with Michael lasted less than three hours and no subject was too prosaic or obscure to attract his interest. Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation."
ER offered a fresh take on the TV medical drama, making doctors the central focus rather than patients.In the early life of ER, Crichton, who hadn't been involved in medicine for years, and Spielberg, would take part in writers' room discussions.In recent years, Crichton was the rare novelist granted a White House meeting with President George Bush, perhaps because of his scepticism about global warming, which Crichton addressed in the 2004 novel, "State of Fear"A new novel by Crichton had been tentatively scheduled to come out next month, but publisher HarperCollins said the book was postponed indefinitely because of his illness.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Are Hollywood Celebrities Being Murdered? Randy Quaid Thinks So.
Either a shadowy group responsible for murdering Hollywood celebrities is out to kill actor Randy Quaid and his wife, or the celebrity couple are suffering from paranoia-fueled delusions triggered by substance-abuse. Or perhaps something else altogether.
Most believe it's the latter two. And by most, we mean everyone except Dog the Bounty Hunter (and we seriously doubt he believes their story, either—more on that in a bit).
The older brother of actor Dennis Quaid was arrested last Thursday in Vancouver by several Canada Border Service Agency officials and police officers on outstanding warrants from the United States. Randy Quaid's 47 year-old wife, Evi, was arrested, too.
The couple appeared to be living out of a 10 year-old Toyota.
The couple reportedly failed to show up for a court hearing in Santa Barbara, Calif., on allegations they were squatting in the guest house of a Montecito home they once owned in the 1990s. Evi was also charged with resisting arrest.
After their arrest the Quaids made an appearance before the Immigration and Refugee Board for a detention hearing on Friday where they filed for refugee status. Quaid alleges that a shadowy group he calls 'Star Whackers' is responsible for killing a number of his Hollywood friends, and is now after he and his wife.
Quaid cited the deaths of Dark Knight star Heath Ledger and David Carradine of Kung Fu and the Kill Billfranchise as examples.
In a handwritten note, shown to media by their Vancouver-based lawyer, Brian Tsuji, the couple said: "Yes we are requesting asylum from Hollywood 'STAR WHACKERS.'"
When the issue was raised about his reported problems with substance abuse, 66 year-old Randy Quaid denied the couple had drug or alcohol problems.
Evi Quaid told reporters that "Hollywood is murdering its movie stars for ad sales."
A secret group of international assassins targeting celebrities, you say? Hollywood studios offing its stars to raise ticket revenue? Or how about disgruntled moviegoers?
If all this sounds a bit whacked to you, it gets better. The couple's verbal plea has piqued curiosity about who, or what, 'star whackers' refers to. And the plea may allow the couple to stay in B.C. as refugee claimants.
Which might just be the point.
Meanwhile, a private investigator told Sun Media that the conspiracy theory Evi Quaid hopes will allow her and Randy to claim refugee status in Canada is fictitious.
"Evi believes the ‘union mob’ is out to destroy them, and that they're going to kill Randy and herself and make it look like a murder-suicide," said Becky Altringer by phone from La Verne, Calif.
"There is nobody out to kill Randy or Evi," Altringer went on. "The only one trying to hurt Randy and Evi is Evi, she is really mentally ill."
"Heath Ledger, Chris Penn, David Carradine all died of different things," she added, "they all died of self-inflicted (matters)."
Yep, no need to employ a P.I. to figure that one out.
According to Altringer, she was hired by the Quaids last year to investigate the alleged conspiracy, but ended up quitting and filing a restraining order against the couple, who ran up a $19,000 bill. She said she gave them a place to stay but eventually evicted them over Evi’s behavior.
So the plot thickens.
Asked whether he really wanted refugee status, Randy Quaid stated that "Canada is a very protective nation." If the couple is allowed to access the refugee system, the process will take a minimum of one to two years. During that period, they will have access to Canadian benefits, including work permits, medical care and welfare.
Still, experts doubt the couple's claim for refugee status will be approved. Criminality is typically not an open door to Canada's refugee process.
If unable to discredit the California charges and prove fear of prosecution back home, their time in Canada will be brief, and the likelihood is that the couple will be escorted from the hearing room directly to the back of an immigration truck, where they will face a one one-way trip to the U.S. border and the waiting arms of American law enforcement officials (or the 'star whackers', whomever gets there first, we reckon).
Quaid and his wife also claimed that they chose Vancouver as their destination to talk to an agent about jump-starting Quaid's acting career.
Duane Chapman has wasted no time inserting himself into this sordid saga. After threatening to hunt down Quaid and "do an intervention, Doggy style" (sorry, "Dog style"), the star of A&E's Dog the Bounty Hunter now claims he wants to hear Quaid's 'star whackers' story.
"That is the first time I heard about it," Chapman said. "Something is wrong here and we need to find out … Something is up and we need to get to the bottom of it."
It's unlikely Chapman really believes this story about assassins targeting Hollywood celebrities, either. Anything for ratings, we suppose.
If Dog really wants to pull off a ratings coup, he should consider traveling to Pakistan to hunt down Bin Laden…with Randy Quaid riding shotgun (certainly a better way to jump start Quaid's career than a guest-stint on Smallville).
Most believe it's the latter two. And by most, we mean everyone except Dog the Bounty Hunter (and we seriously doubt he believes their story, either—more on that in a bit).
The older brother of actor Dennis Quaid was arrested last Thursday in Vancouver by several Canada Border Service Agency officials and police officers on outstanding warrants from the United States. Randy Quaid's 47 year-old wife, Evi, was arrested, too.
The couple appeared to be living out of a 10 year-old Toyota.
The couple reportedly failed to show up for a court hearing in Santa Barbara, Calif., on allegations they were squatting in the guest house of a Montecito home they once owned in the 1990s. Evi was also charged with resisting arrest.
After their arrest the Quaids made an appearance before the Immigration and Refugee Board for a detention hearing on Friday where they filed for refugee status. Quaid alleges that a shadowy group he calls 'Star Whackers' is responsible for killing a number of his Hollywood friends, and is now after he and his wife.
Quaid cited the deaths of Dark Knight star Heath Ledger and David Carradine of Kung Fu and the Kill Billfranchise as examples.
In a handwritten note, shown to media by their Vancouver-based lawyer, Brian Tsuji, the couple said: "Yes we are requesting asylum from Hollywood 'STAR WHACKERS.'"
When the issue was raised about his reported problems with substance abuse, 66 year-old Randy Quaid denied the couple had drug or alcohol problems.
Evi Quaid told reporters that "Hollywood is murdering its movie stars for ad sales."
A secret group of international assassins targeting celebrities, you say? Hollywood studios offing its stars to raise ticket revenue? Or how about disgruntled moviegoers?
If all this sounds a bit whacked to you, it gets better. The couple's verbal plea has piqued curiosity about who, or what, 'star whackers' refers to. And the plea may allow the couple to stay in B.C. as refugee claimants.
Which might just be the point.
Meanwhile, a private investigator told Sun Media that the conspiracy theory Evi Quaid hopes will allow her and Randy to claim refugee status in Canada is fictitious.
"Evi believes the ‘union mob’ is out to destroy them, and that they're going to kill Randy and herself and make it look like a murder-suicide," said Becky Altringer by phone from La Verne, Calif.
"There is nobody out to kill Randy or Evi," Altringer went on. "The only one trying to hurt Randy and Evi is Evi, she is really mentally ill."
"Heath Ledger, Chris Penn, David Carradine all died of different things," she added, "they all died of self-inflicted (matters)."
Yep, no need to employ a P.I. to figure that one out.
According to Altringer, she was hired by the Quaids last year to investigate the alleged conspiracy, but ended up quitting and filing a restraining order against the couple, who ran up a $19,000 bill. She said she gave them a place to stay but eventually evicted them over Evi’s behavior.
So the plot thickens.
Asked whether he really wanted refugee status, Randy Quaid stated that "Canada is a very protective nation." If the couple is allowed to access the refugee system, the process will take a minimum of one to two years. During that period, they will have access to Canadian benefits, including work permits, medical care and welfare.
Still, experts doubt the couple's claim for refugee status will be approved. Criminality is typically not an open door to Canada's refugee process.
If unable to discredit the California charges and prove fear of prosecution back home, their time in Canada will be brief, and the likelihood is that the couple will be escorted from the hearing room directly to the back of an immigration truck, where they will face a one one-way trip to the U.S. border and the waiting arms of American law enforcement officials (or the 'star whackers', whomever gets there first, we reckon).
Quaid and his wife also claimed that they chose Vancouver as their destination to talk to an agent about jump-starting Quaid's acting career.
Duane Chapman has wasted no time inserting himself into this sordid saga. After threatening to hunt down Quaid and "do an intervention, Doggy style" (sorry, "Dog style"), the star of A&E's Dog the Bounty Hunter now claims he wants to hear Quaid's 'star whackers' story.
"That is the first time I heard about it," Chapman said. "Something is wrong here and we need to find out … Something is up and we need to get to the bottom of it."
It's unlikely Chapman really believes this story about assassins targeting Hollywood celebrities, either. Anything for ratings, we suppose.
If Dog really wants to pull off a ratings coup, he should consider traveling to Pakistan to hunt down Bin Laden…with Randy Quaid riding shotgun (certainly a better way to jump start Quaid's career than a guest-stint on Smallville).
Sunday, October 16, 2011
‘Star Trek’ Actor Walter Koenig’s Son, Andrew, Vanishes in Vancouver
Andrew Koenig, the son of Star Trek veteran Walter Koenig, hasn't been heard from since before February 16, when he was supposed to board a flight from Vancouver back to the United States, but never showed up. He was reported missing in Vancouver on February 18.
Koenig is a California resident, who was visiting friends in South Vancouver, reports the Vancouver Sun.
A number of celebrities, including Sarah Silverman, Alyssa Milano, Dave Holmes and others — along with many fans — have been blogging and tweeting about Andrew's disappearance. The Twitter hash tag is: #andrewkoenigmissing
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Raymond Payette of the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-2534.
Koenig's family said he was despondent and they were concerned about his well-being. The 41 year-old is described as caucasian, 5’5” tall, 135 lbs., with long, brown shoulder-length hair and brown eyes.
The actor once lived in Vancouver, and police said he liked walking in Stanley Park.
Koenig is perhaps best known for his role as "Boner" on the popular '80s sitcom Growing Pains. He is the brother-in-law of Jimmy Pardo.
Koenig is a California resident, who was visiting friends in South Vancouver, reports the Vancouver Sun.
A number of celebrities, including Sarah Silverman, Alyssa Milano, Dave Holmes and others — along with many fans — have been blogging and tweeting about Andrew's disappearance. The Twitter hash tag is: #andrewkoenigmissing
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Raymond Payette of the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-2534.
Koenig's family said he was despondent and they were concerned about his well-being. The 41 year-old is described as caucasian, 5’5” tall, 135 lbs., with long, brown shoulder-length hair and brown eyes.
The actor once lived in Vancouver, and police said he liked walking in Stanley Park.
Koenig is perhaps best known for his role as "Boner" on the popular '80s sitcom Growing Pains. He is the brother-in-law of Jimmy Pardo.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
We’ve never had the privilege
Esquire Magazine, the self-described publication about ‘Beautiful Women, Men’s Fashion, Best Music and Drink Recipes,’ has declared that R&B singer Rihanna is the ‘Sexiest Woman Alive.’
We’ve never had the privilege of meeting Ms. R. and wouldn’t presume to comment on her personality but we will admit that her well cultivated image as an attractive singer is appealing. Quite what she looks like after a day weeding is another matter.
In general, however, we reckon these kinds of polls are nonsense. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nonetheless, we can’t let this one go by without offering a nod to some of the women in film and TV whom we think should challenge Rihanna for her new title.
Strangely, our five suggestions don’t appear anywhere in Esquire list of runner’s up.
Anne Hathaway: If you share the name of Shakespeare’s wife you’ve got to have something. Hathaway’s star has risen rapidly since she played the unhappy wife of a gay sheep herder in Brokeback Mountainand with good reason: She has considerable smarts to go with her slender frame and bright eyes. Fanboys are eagerly anticipating her appearance as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. Her costume is more conservative than Halle Berry’s (as we might expect from Chris Nolan) but she’ll doubtless have audiences purring when the movie debuts next year. She can leave hair on our office couch any day.
Scarlett Johansson: Men all over the world today are having palpatations after seeing Black Widow throw back her hair in the trailer for Marvel’s The Avengers. There’s a reason why Johansson got the part and you don’t need to have seen those dodgy pictures that someone might have pilfered from her phone to recognise it. Scandinavian beauty + tight-fitting ass-kicking catsuit = surefire box office appeal.
Archie Panjabi has been sultry and a bit scary in The Good Wife.Amanda Tapping: She’s tall, charming, intelligent, attractive and successful. That’s not all. She also somehow finds time to appear in and direct episodes ofSanctuary, raise a family, run a foundation for disadvantaged children (Sanctuary for Kids) and generate awareness of other good causes, such as Once Upon a Cureand Waterkeepers. Now that’s what we call sexy.
Archie Panjabi: One of the hottest women currently on television, Panjabi is also a superb actress. She has deservedly won critical acclaim and an Emmy for her performance as Kalinda in The Good Wifeand you’d be hard pressed to find a better performer in Postman Pat. Bend it Like Beckham boosted her profile. Since then he’s disappeared and she hasn’t.
We’ve never had the privilege of meeting Ms. R. and wouldn’t presume to comment on her personality but we will admit that her well cultivated image as an attractive singer is appealing. Quite what she looks like after a day weeding is another matter.
In general, however, we reckon these kinds of polls are nonsense. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nonetheless, we can’t let this one go by without offering a nod to some of the women in film and TV whom we think should challenge Rihanna for her new title.
Strangely, our five suggestions don’t appear anywhere in Esquire list of runner’s up.
Anne Hathaway: If you share the name of Shakespeare’s wife you’ve got to have something. Hathaway’s star has risen rapidly since she played the unhappy wife of a gay sheep herder in Brokeback Mountainand with good reason: She has considerable smarts to go with her slender frame and bright eyes. Fanboys are eagerly anticipating her appearance as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. Her costume is more conservative than Halle Berry’s (as we might expect from Chris Nolan) but she’ll doubtless have audiences purring when the movie debuts next year. She can leave hair on our office couch any day.
Scarlett Johansson: Men all over the world today are having palpatations after seeing Black Widow throw back her hair in the trailer for Marvel’s The Avengers. There’s a reason why Johansson got the part and you don’t need to have seen those dodgy pictures that someone might have pilfered from her phone to recognise it. Scandinavian beauty + tight-fitting ass-kicking catsuit = surefire box office appeal.
Archie Panjabi has been sultry and a bit scary in The Good Wife.Amanda Tapping: She’s tall, charming, intelligent, attractive and successful. That’s not all. She also somehow finds time to appear in and direct episodes ofSanctuary, raise a family, run a foundation for disadvantaged children (Sanctuary for Kids) and generate awareness of other good causes, such as Once Upon a Cureand Waterkeepers. Now that’s what we call sexy.
Archie Panjabi: One of the hottest women currently on television, Panjabi is also a superb actress. She has deservedly won critical acclaim and an Emmy for her performance as Kalinda in The Good Wifeand you’d be hard pressed to find a better performer in Postman Pat. Bend it Like Beckham boosted her profile. Since then he’s disappeared and she hasn’t.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Apple, Disney and Pixar Innovator Steve Jobs Dies, Aged 56
Apple has announced the death of Steve Jobs at the age of 56. His passing comes one day after the company heralded the launch of it’s follow-up to the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S.
Although Jobs, who was born in 1955, is probably associated in the public consciousness primarily with his innovative work with Apple and its products, he also has historic ties to Lucasfilm, The Walt Disney Company and Pixar Animation Studios.
Jobs acquired The Graphics Group from Lucasfilm in 1986. The company would go on to become Pixar, probably the most respected computer animation studio in the world. Under Jobs’ ownership, the company moved into animated films when that looked like being more profitable that the production of hardware like the high-end Pixar Image Computer.
Like many of Jobs’ decisions, that proved to be a wise one. Thanks to a partnership with Disney, it resulted in such Pixar hits as Toy Story, A Bugs Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, WALL-E,Cars and Toy Story 3. The association with Disney started before the Pixar days, though, as Jobs explained in an interview with Animation Magazine.
“Our relationship with Disney started in 1986 or 7, the first year we were a company,” Jobs is quoted as saying. “When Disney ran into some rough times and hired Michael Eisner to turn the company around, there was talk of shutting animation down. Roy Disney decided that the way out of this was to automate some of the animation, so it could be more affordable, and so they could get some new capabilities. So Roy had a team do a worldwide search for technology which could help their 2-D cel animation process, and guess who they picked? Pixar. Roy was the first person from Disney ever to visit Pixar. We did a deal with them to create all the graphics that became a 2-D paint system called CAPS [Computer Animation Production System].”
Disney subsequently bought Pixar in 2006 in a deal reportedly worth $7.4 billion. Jobs thereafter became a major shareholder on Disney’s Board of Directors.
Steve Jobs influence over media extended not only to his work on Apple’s computing products and his involvement with Disney and Pixar. Apple’s iTunes download service, together with the app revolution driven by the introduction of iOS devices such as the iPad, are helping to revolutionize the delivery of digital and conventional broadcast entertainment (see here).
Jobs stepped down as CEO of Apple in August presumably because of his failing health. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and had a liver transplant in 2009.
Everyone at CinemaSpy extends their condolences to Steve Jobs’ family. His influence will be greatly missed in the technology and entertainment industries.
Although Jobs, who was born in 1955, is probably associated in the public consciousness primarily with his innovative work with Apple and its products, he also has historic ties to Lucasfilm, The Walt Disney Company and Pixar Animation Studios.
Jobs acquired The Graphics Group from Lucasfilm in 1986. The company would go on to become Pixar, probably the most respected computer animation studio in the world. Under Jobs’ ownership, the company moved into animated films when that looked like being more profitable that the production of hardware like the high-end Pixar Image Computer.
Like many of Jobs’ decisions, that proved to be a wise one. Thanks to a partnership with Disney, it resulted in such Pixar hits as Toy Story, A Bugs Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, WALL-E,Cars and Toy Story 3. The association with Disney started before the Pixar days, though, as Jobs explained in an interview with Animation Magazine.
“Our relationship with Disney started in 1986 or 7, the first year we were a company,” Jobs is quoted as saying. “When Disney ran into some rough times and hired Michael Eisner to turn the company around, there was talk of shutting animation down. Roy Disney decided that the way out of this was to automate some of the animation, so it could be more affordable, and so they could get some new capabilities. So Roy had a team do a worldwide search for technology which could help their 2-D cel animation process, and guess who they picked? Pixar. Roy was the first person from Disney ever to visit Pixar. We did a deal with them to create all the graphics that became a 2-D paint system called CAPS [Computer Animation Production System].”
Disney subsequently bought Pixar in 2006 in a deal reportedly worth $7.4 billion. Jobs thereafter became a major shareholder on Disney’s Board of Directors.
Steve Jobs influence over media extended not only to his work on Apple’s computing products and his involvement with Disney and Pixar. Apple’s iTunes download service, together with the app revolution driven by the introduction of iOS devices such as the iPad, are helping to revolutionize the delivery of digital and conventional broadcast entertainment (see here).
Jobs stepped down as CEO of Apple in August presumably because of his failing health. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and had a liver transplant in 2009.
Everyone at CinemaSpy extends their condolences to Steve Jobs’ family. His influence will be greatly missed in the technology and entertainment industries.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Conrad Murray Collected Vials Before 911 Call
One of Michael Jackson's bodyguards had barely stepped into the singer's bedroom when he heard a scream. "Daddy!" Jackson's young daughter cried.
A few feet away, the singer lay motionless in his bed, eyes slightly open. His personal doctor, Conrad Murray, was trying to revive him when he saw that Jackson's eldest children were watching.
"Don't let them see their dad like this," Murray said, the first of many orders that bodyguard Alberto Alvarez testified Thursday that he heeded in the moments before paramedics arrived at Jackson's home in June 2009.
What happened next -- after Alvarez said he ushered Jackson's eldest son and daughter from the room -- is one of the key pieces of prosecutors' involuntary manslaughter case against Murray.
According to Alvarez, Murray scooped up vials of medicine from Jackson's nightstand and told the bodyguard to put them away. "He said, `Here, put these in a bag,"' Alvarez said.
Alvarez complied. He placed an IV bag into another bag, and then Murray told him to call 911, Alvarez said
On the third day of the trial, prosecutors tried to show that Murray, who has pleaded not guilty, delayed calling authorities and that he was intent on concealing signs that he had been giving the singer doses of the anesthetic propofol.
Alvarez said he thought Murray might be preparing to take the items to the hospital, but didn't question him.
The bags never made it to the hospital, and prosecutors claim Murray repeatedly lied to emergency personnel and did not tell them he had been giving Jackson doses of the drug as a sleep aid.
If convicted, Murray, 58, could face up to four years in prison and lose his medical license.
Defense attorney Ed Chernoff questioned whether there was enough time for Alvarez to shield Jackson's children, survey the room and stow away the drugs in the brief period that phone records show he was in the home before calling emergency responders.
The bodyguard insisted there was, telling the attorney, "I'm very efficient, sir."
Chernoff was not convinced, questioning whether 30 seconds was enough time for the dramatic sequence to play out. Alvarez assured him it was.
The defense attorney also challenged Alvarez's recollection, asking whether the collection of the vials happened after paramedics had come and whisked Jackson to a nearby hospital. Alvarez denied it happened after he called 911.
Chernoff questioned why Alvarez didn't tell authorities about Murray's commands to bag up the medication immediately after Jackson died, but instead waited until two months after the singer's death. The bodyguard said he didn't realize its significance until seeing a news report in late June in which he recognized one of the bags detectives were carrying out of Jackson's mansion.
The burly Alvarez became emotional as the 911 call was played for jurors. Jackson's mother, Katherine, appeared distraught and her son, Randy, huddled next to her and put his arm around her. She did not attend the afternoon proceedings,
"Was that difficult to hear?" prosecutor David Walgren asked.
"It is," Alvarez replied.
After hanging up with dispatchers, Alvarez said he performed chest compressions on Jackson while Murray gave the singer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The doctor remarked it was his first time performing the procedure.
"'I have to,"' Alvarez recalled Murray telling him, "`because he's my friend."'
Alvarez recalled seeing Murray at the hospital where Jackson was taken and sitting next to the emergency room.
"`I wanted him to make it,"' Alvarez quoted Murray as saying. "`I wanted him to make it."'
Alvarez's testimony allowed Walgren to present jurors directly with a bottle of propofol that they've heard much about throughout the previous two days of the trial.
Jurors intently looked at the bottle, which appeared to still contain some liquid.
When he entered the bedroom, Alvarez said, he saw Jackson's eyes were open and was surprised to see the singer was wearing a condom catheter, a medical device that allows one to urinate without having to get up.
Alvarez testified that Murray only told him Jackson had a "bad reaction." Jackson's personal assistant, who testified Wednesday, said Murray told him the same thing.
Alvarez said it was a stunning scene, a far cry from the night before when the bodyguard stood backstage at Staples Center, sneaking peeks of Jackson performing during what would be his final rehearsal.
"He was very happy," Alvarez testified. "I do recall he was in very good spirits."
In another effort to cast doubt on the bodyguard's testimony, Chernoff asked whether Alvarez, another bodyguard, Faheem Muhammad, and Jackson's assistant, Michael Amir Williams, colluded before being interviewed by detectives two months after Jackson's death.
The three men, who were among the first to interact with Murray after Jackson stopped breathing, have denied the accusation.
Jackson's personal chef, Kai Chase, testified Thursday about seeing a panicked Murray come into the kitchen the day of Jackson's death and telling her to summon security and send up Jackson's eldest son Prince. The chef said she sent the boy upstairs, but didn't call security.
Five to 10 minutes after Chase said she saw Murray in the kitchen, the doctor called Williams, who dispatched security to Jackson's bedroom.
On Friday, jurors are expected to hear from a pair of paramedics who were dispatched to Jackson's mansion and tried resuscitation efforts.
The medics believed Jackson was already dead by the time they arrived, but Murray insisted the performer be taken to a hospital for additional resuscitation efforts.
Walgren asked whether anything good had happened to Alvarez as a result of his experience in Jackson's bedroom.
"No sir," Alvarez responded.
Media outlets offered him up to $500,000 for interviews, but Alvarez said he always refused. "It's caused a lot of financial problems," he said, starting to choke up. "I went from a great salary to hardly anything."
A few feet away, the singer lay motionless in his bed, eyes slightly open. His personal doctor, Conrad Murray, was trying to revive him when he saw that Jackson's eldest children were watching.
"Don't let them see their dad like this," Murray said, the first of many orders that bodyguard Alberto Alvarez testified Thursday that he heeded in the moments before paramedics arrived at Jackson's home in June 2009.
What happened next -- after Alvarez said he ushered Jackson's eldest son and daughter from the room -- is one of the key pieces of prosecutors' involuntary manslaughter case against Murray.
According to Alvarez, Murray scooped up vials of medicine from Jackson's nightstand and told the bodyguard to put them away. "He said, `Here, put these in a bag,"' Alvarez said.
Alvarez complied. He placed an IV bag into another bag, and then Murray told him to call 911, Alvarez said
On the third day of the trial, prosecutors tried to show that Murray, who has pleaded not guilty, delayed calling authorities and that he was intent on concealing signs that he had been giving the singer doses of the anesthetic propofol.
Alvarez said he thought Murray might be preparing to take the items to the hospital, but didn't question him.
The bags never made it to the hospital, and prosecutors claim Murray repeatedly lied to emergency personnel and did not tell them he had been giving Jackson doses of the drug as a sleep aid.
If convicted, Murray, 58, could face up to four years in prison and lose his medical license.
Defense attorney Ed Chernoff questioned whether there was enough time for Alvarez to shield Jackson's children, survey the room and stow away the drugs in the brief period that phone records show he was in the home before calling emergency responders.
The bodyguard insisted there was, telling the attorney, "I'm very efficient, sir."
Chernoff was not convinced, questioning whether 30 seconds was enough time for the dramatic sequence to play out. Alvarez assured him it was.
The defense attorney also challenged Alvarez's recollection, asking whether the collection of the vials happened after paramedics had come and whisked Jackson to a nearby hospital. Alvarez denied it happened after he called 911.
Chernoff questioned why Alvarez didn't tell authorities about Murray's commands to bag up the medication immediately after Jackson died, but instead waited until two months after the singer's death. The bodyguard said he didn't realize its significance until seeing a news report in late June in which he recognized one of the bags detectives were carrying out of Jackson's mansion.
The burly Alvarez became emotional as the 911 call was played for jurors. Jackson's mother, Katherine, appeared distraught and her son, Randy, huddled next to her and put his arm around her. She did not attend the afternoon proceedings,
"Was that difficult to hear?" prosecutor David Walgren asked.
"It is," Alvarez replied.
After hanging up with dispatchers, Alvarez said he performed chest compressions on Jackson while Murray gave the singer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The doctor remarked it was his first time performing the procedure.
"'I have to,"' Alvarez recalled Murray telling him, "`because he's my friend."'
Alvarez recalled seeing Murray at the hospital where Jackson was taken and sitting next to the emergency room.
"`I wanted him to make it,"' Alvarez quoted Murray as saying. "`I wanted him to make it."'
Alvarez's testimony allowed Walgren to present jurors directly with a bottle of propofol that they've heard much about throughout the previous two days of the trial.
Jurors intently looked at the bottle, which appeared to still contain some liquid.
When he entered the bedroom, Alvarez said, he saw Jackson's eyes were open and was surprised to see the singer was wearing a condom catheter, a medical device that allows one to urinate without having to get up.
Alvarez testified that Murray only told him Jackson had a "bad reaction." Jackson's personal assistant, who testified Wednesday, said Murray told him the same thing.
Alvarez said it was a stunning scene, a far cry from the night before when the bodyguard stood backstage at Staples Center, sneaking peeks of Jackson performing during what would be his final rehearsal.
"He was very happy," Alvarez testified. "I do recall he was in very good spirits."
In another effort to cast doubt on the bodyguard's testimony, Chernoff asked whether Alvarez, another bodyguard, Faheem Muhammad, and Jackson's assistant, Michael Amir Williams, colluded before being interviewed by detectives two months after Jackson's death.
The three men, who were among the first to interact with Murray after Jackson stopped breathing, have denied the accusation.
Jackson's personal chef, Kai Chase, testified Thursday about seeing a panicked Murray come into the kitchen the day of Jackson's death and telling her to summon security and send up Jackson's eldest son Prince. The chef said she sent the boy upstairs, but didn't call security.
Five to 10 minutes after Chase said she saw Murray in the kitchen, the doctor called Williams, who dispatched security to Jackson's bedroom.
On Friday, jurors are expected to hear from a pair of paramedics who were dispatched to Jackson's mansion and tried resuscitation efforts.
The medics believed Jackson was already dead by the time they arrived, but Murray insisted the performer be taken to a hospital for additional resuscitation efforts.
Walgren asked whether anything good had happened to Alvarez as a result of his experience in Jackson's bedroom.
"No sir," Alvarez responded.
Media outlets offered him up to $500,000 for interviews, but Alvarez said he always refused. "It's caused a lot of financial problems," he said, starting to choke up. "I went from a great salary to hardly anything."
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Who Is the Most Overpaid?
Want to feel poorer than you already do? The top 10 highest-paid TV actresses earned a total of $94 million between May 2010 and May 2011, Forbes reports. With so much money going around, why couldn't we find anything decent to watch last night?
SODAHEAD SLIDESHOW: See the highest paid TV actresses.
Forbes points out that women on TV make a lot less than movie stars (the top three women in film earned $88 million combined), but that's not really a consolation. And then there's the question of who makes the most. Tina Fey and Eva Longoria tie for first place on Forbes' list, with each actress making $13 million between May 2010 and May 2011. Who said you have to be blonde to make it in Hollywood?
Fey also serves as producer and head writer on "30 Rock" in addition to starring on the show, so you can't say she's not earning her pay. But the critically acclaimed show is still struggling for ratings. As for Longoria, she has some lucrative endorsements, but does anyone still watch "Desperate Housewives"?
PHOTOS: See the latest celebrity pictures to hit the Internet.
From Fey to Longoria to Courteney Cox, let us know: Who is the most overpaid TV actress?
SODAHEAD SLIDESHOW: See the highest paid TV actresses.
Forbes points out that women on TV make a lot less than movie stars (the top three women in film earned $88 million combined), but that's not really a consolation. And then there's the question of who makes the most. Tina Fey and Eva Longoria tie for first place on Forbes' list, with each actress making $13 million between May 2010 and May 2011. Who said you have to be blonde to make it in Hollywood?
Fey also serves as producer and head writer on "30 Rock" in addition to starring on the show, so you can't say she's not earning her pay. But the critically acclaimed show is still struggling for ratings. As for Longoria, she has some lucrative endorsements, but does anyone still watch "Desperate Housewives"?
PHOTOS: See the latest celebrity pictures to hit the Internet.
From Fey to Longoria to Courteney Cox, let us know: Who is the most overpaid TV actress?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Witness Says Conrad Murray Asked for CPR Equipment Before Singer's Death Read more
An attorney for the promoter of Michael Jackson's final concerts said Wednesday the singer's personal physician asked the company for life-saving equipment just days before the pop superstar's death.
Kathy Jorrie, who works for concert giant AEG Live, testified at the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray that she questioned some of the doctor's requests, which also included the possibility of hiring a second doctor to assist him.
"Dr. Murray told me Michael Jackson was perfectly healthy, in excellent condition," Jorrie testified.
She said Murray told her not to worry about Jackson's condition.
"He's great," she recounted the doctor telling her in a conversation the day before Jackson's death.
Murray asked for a CPR machine in case one wasn't available at the concert venue at London's O2 arena, Jorrie explained.
Prosecutors allege Murray caused Jackson's death by providing him with a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives without the proper lifesaving equipment or skills.
Other testimony came from Jackson's former personal assistant, Michael Amir Williams, who recounted a 35-second phone conversation with Murray on the day Jackson died.
"He said `Get here right away, Mr. Jackson had a bad reaction. Get somebody up here immediately,"' Williams told the jury.
He said the doctor never told him to call 911 or described Jackson's condition.
Williams said he arrived at Jackson's mansion just as the singer was being loaded into an ambulance. He saw Murray, who he described as "frantic."
Earlier in the day, a promoter told jurors that Jackson appeared strong during one of the final rehearsals for the highly anticipated comeback concerts.
Paul Gongaware, an executive for AEG Live, said Jackson seemed engaged and energetic during the rehearsal just two days before he died.
Prosecutors called Gongaware to demonstrate the importance of the concerts and in an apparent attempt to show that both the singer and his physician were deeply engaged in preparations for the show before Jackson died on June 25, 2009.
Gongaware also testified that he saw Murray at one of Jackson's rehearsals after people affiliated with the planned concerts complained that the singer had been missing some of the sessions.
Prosecutors wrapped up their direct questioning of Gongaware before defense attorney Ed Chernoff briefly questioned the executive.
Under the cross-examination, Gongaware acknowledged AEG is being sued by Jackson's mother for negligent supervision of Murray when he worked with Jackson.
Jorrie also testified about drafting a contract for Murray to work as Jackson's personal physician.
At one point in negotiations, Murray requested his contract be modified to allow him to hire another physician in case he was tired or unavailable while Jackson was performing in London, she testified.
"He wanted to make sure that there was somebody else available to be of assistance," Jorrie said.
In opening statements Tuesday, Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said Murray delayed summoning emergency crews and lied to doctors and medics when he failed to reveal he had been giving Jackson the medications to try to help the entertainer sleep.
Chernoff claimed Jackson gave himself a fatal dose of medication in a desperate attempt to get some sleep.
He said Murray had been trying to wean Jackson off propofol, but the entertainer kept requesting it on the day he died.
"Michael Jackson started begging," Chernoff said. "When Michael Jackson told Dr. Murray, `I have to sleep. They will cancel my performance,' he meant it."
Prosecutors rejected Murray's version and told jurors the Houston-based cardiologist also had a tremendous stake in Jackson appearing in the concerts.
The doctor had initially asked to be paid $5 million a year for working with Jackson, but Gongaware said he immediately rejected the proposal. Instead, Murray accepted an offer to become Jackson's doctor for $150,000 a month -- a sum he was never paid because his contract hadn't been signed before Jackson's death.
Murray has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison and have to relinquish his medical license.
Kathy Jorrie, who works for concert giant AEG Live, testified at the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray that she questioned some of the doctor's requests, which also included the possibility of hiring a second doctor to assist him.
"Dr. Murray told me Michael Jackson was perfectly healthy, in excellent condition," Jorrie testified.
She said Murray told her not to worry about Jackson's condition.
"He's great," she recounted the doctor telling her in a conversation the day before Jackson's death.
Murray asked for a CPR machine in case one wasn't available at the concert venue at London's O2 arena, Jorrie explained.
Prosecutors allege Murray caused Jackson's death by providing him with a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives without the proper lifesaving equipment or skills.
Other testimony came from Jackson's former personal assistant, Michael Amir Williams, who recounted a 35-second phone conversation with Murray on the day Jackson died.
"He said `Get here right away, Mr. Jackson had a bad reaction. Get somebody up here immediately,"' Williams told the jury.
He said the doctor never told him to call 911 or described Jackson's condition.
Williams said he arrived at Jackson's mansion just as the singer was being loaded into an ambulance. He saw Murray, who he described as "frantic."
Earlier in the day, a promoter told jurors that Jackson appeared strong during one of the final rehearsals for the highly anticipated comeback concerts.
Paul Gongaware, an executive for AEG Live, said Jackson seemed engaged and energetic during the rehearsal just two days before he died.
Prosecutors called Gongaware to demonstrate the importance of the concerts and in an apparent attempt to show that both the singer and his physician were deeply engaged in preparations for the show before Jackson died on June 25, 2009.
Gongaware also testified that he saw Murray at one of Jackson's rehearsals after people affiliated with the planned concerts complained that the singer had been missing some of the sessions.
Prosecutors wrapped up their direct questioning of Gongaware before defense attorney Ed Chernoff briefly questioned the executive.
Under the cross-examination, Gongaware acknowledged AEG is being sued by Jackson's mother for negligent supervision of Murray when he worked with Jackson.
Jorrie also testified about drafting a contract for Murray to work as Jackson's personal physician.
At one point in negotiations, Murray requested his contract be modified to allow him to hire another physician in case he was tired or unavailable while Jackson was performing in London, she testified.
"He wanted to make sure that there was somebody else available to be of assistance," Jorrie said.
In opening statements Tuesday, Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said Murray delayed summoning emergency crews and lied to doctors and medics when he failed to reveal he had been giving Jackson the medications to try to help the entertainer sleep.
Chernoff claimed Jackson gave himself a fatal dose of medication in a desperate attempt to get some sleep.
He said Murray had been trying to wean Jackson off propofol, but the entertainer kept requesting it on the day he died.
"Michael Jackson started begging," Chernoff said. "When Michael Jackson told Dr. Murray, `I have to sleep. They will cancel my performance,' he meant it."
Prosecutors rejected Murray's version and told jurors the Houston-based cardiologist also had a tremendous stake in Jackson appearing in the concerts.
The doctor had initially asked to be paid $5 million a year for working with Jackson, but Gongaware said he immediately rejected the proposal. Instead, Murray accepted an offer to become Jackson's doctor for $150,000 a month -- a sum he was never paid because his contract hadn't been signed before Jackson's death.
Murray has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison and have to relinquish his medical license.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
How I felt when my father wanted to remarry —Jimi Odukoya
Jimi Odukoya is the second-born of the late popular televangelist, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, who died in a plane crash in 2005. In this interview with YEMISI AKERELE, he talks about some interesting issues, including what he misses most about his late mother
Do you sometimes receive messages or calls from people about how your late mum had impacted on their lives in one way or another?
Yes, I always receive calls and messages from people about how my mum’s messages had helped them or changed their lives. Sometimes, they share their experiences with me on the Internet or on the streets. In fact, many, especially the singles, usually call to tell me how her messages had helped them, spiritually and physically.
Could you recall the particular message by your mum that had shaped your life?
Oh! That is an interesting question. I can’t really mention any particular one. But beyond this, her lifestyle really motivated me. This is because before she would go out to preach to people, she would first preach the same message to her children. So, for me, a lot of her messages had helped me greatly in life. She worked for the Lord, so her lifestyle really motivated me. I also want to do my best, so that I can make her proud.
How did you receive the news of the death of your mum?
It was very pathetic. I was in school then and she told me she was going to pay me a visit. The last time I spoke with her was on a Thursday and the last time I saw her was in June 2005. So, it was shocking when I heard the news that she died in a plane crash on her way for a ministration two days after our telephone conversation.
What kind of person was she?
She was a lovely and warm person. Also, she was very friendly and was good to us all. So, my father had no regrets bringing her into the family.
Okay, how did you feel when you learnt that your father wanted to remarry?
Honestly, I was excited because he is not too old to get married again. Yeah, he was married to mother and they both loved each other. But now that she is no more, he has to remarry. Apart from this, the Bible says that a man can remarry if his wife dies. My mother also made it clear in all her messages.
But the woman is from South Africa?
There shouldn’t be any discrimination about tribes. I believe that what really matters most is the love between the couple. Besides, what a Nigerian can do, she can also do. So, I am okay with that.
Did your parents influence your choice of being a pastor?
It’s definitely from my heart. More so, I was brought up in a Christian home. A lot of people think that we must be pastors because our father is a pastor. No, it is not so. My parents brought me to church and preached the words of God to me. But I was called by God to work for Him.
Your mother always advised people to share their problems with her. So, aren’t there challenges you are facing as a person now?
Well, I have some people that I confide in. I am not a kind of person that talks to everybody. Any time I have a problem, I share it with my
friends and some pastors and we will all pray and talk together because nobody is perfect.
How is life like as a pastor?
Well, I think being a pastor and a youth is all by the grace of God. But before you can come on the stage to preach the words of God, you should try and search yourself first. The Bible says you should work with your might and spirit and I don’t think being in Christ is boring. I have always been meditating on my Bible by letting the words of God be in me.
I understand you are also into music?
Yes, I am into music and business. I am working on some songs, and by God’s grace, it will be out soon.
How was your growing up like?
Oh! It was fun because I grew up in a family where there was (still is) so much love. I have my father, mother and sister who loved me. So,
what else do I want when I got all I wanted?
Monday, September 26, 2011
How Patience Ozokwor and Mercy Johson Made Up
Although it was a thing of public knowledge that veteran movie maker Patience Ozokwor popularly called Mama G and screen goddess, Mercy Johnson engaged in a verbal abuse that led to physical attack on set of a movie over a year ago,not everybody is aware that the two talented people have settled their differences.
According to the information gathered,they settled their rift few months back,and Mercy honored her with the very respectable title as Mother of the Day at her wedding last month.
However,inside sources have made full of their peace making and why Mama G accepted the offer to attend her wedding.
Recall that many months after their fight,other actresses who perceived Mama G as their godmother took over the rift and started engaging in verbal war with Mercy and threatened to fight her physically anywhere they found her.
While all these were brewing,Mercy was said to have cried bitterly to her close friends and sent messages across to Mama G to stop spreading falsehood against her and inciting other actresses to fight her.
As all her attempts to extinguish the fire peacefully failed,Mercy was said to have cried to an elderly woman who hails from her state and have treated her like a daughter for many years.The elderly woman we gathered told her to be strong as the whole industry can never turn against her over one woman.
The elderly woman revealed to Mercy that Mama G will later become her very good friend.After getting the words of encouragement from the woman,Mercy returned to the industry and sent intimidating messages across to Mama G insisting that if she refused to desist from her actions,she (Mercy) will report Mama G to her powerful godmother who will settle the dispute in another way that goes beyond what meets the eye.
Subsequently,the veteran make-believe business woman,who is said to trust only in her prayers and God,was frightened so much that she allegedly went to Mercy’s family house and apologized to her for peace to reign.Eventually,Mercy accepted her extended hands of friendship and honored her with Mother of the Day during her wedding.
On the other hand,Mama G was said to have accepted this invitation to further strengthen the peaceful bond now existing between them.
According to the information gathered,they settled their rift few months back,and Mercy honored her with the very respectable title as Mother of the Day at her wedding last month.
However,inside sources have made full of their peace making and why Mama G accepted the offer to attend her wedding.
Recall that many months after their fight,other actresses who perceived Mama G as their godmother took over the rift and started engaging in verbal war with Mercy and threatened to fight her physically anywhere they found her.
While all these were brewing,Mercy was said to have cried bitterly to her close friends and sent messages across to Mama G to stop spreading falsehood against her and inciting other actresses to fight her.
As all her attempts to extinguish the fire peacefully failed,Mercy was said to have cried to an elderly woman who hails from her state and have treated her like a daughter for many years.The elderly woman we gathered told her to be strong as the whole industry can never turn against her over one woman.
The elderly woman revealed to Mercy that Mama G will later become her very good friend.After getting the words of encouragement from the woman,Mercy returned to the industry and sent intimidating messages across to Mama G insisting that if she refused to desist from her actions,she (Mercy) will report Mama G to her powerful godmother who will settle the dispute in another way that goes beyond what meets the eye.
Subsequently,the veteran make-believe business woman,who is said to trust only in her prayers and God,was frightened so much that she allegedly went to Mercy’s family house and apologized to her for peace to reign.Eventually,Mercy accepted her extended hands of friendship and honored her with Mother of the Day during her wedding.
On the other hand,Mama G was said to have accepted this invitation to further strengthen the peaceful bond now existing between them.
Friday, September 23, 2011
PANDORA Unveils Nostalgic Rock Theme and New Necklace Concept
Columbia, MD (September 15, 2011) /PRNewswire/ — PANDORA’s collection for Autumn/Winter 2011 collection has a little edge and a lot of cool. The range of outstanding jewelry features raw, elegant designs inspired by rock style with a hint of vintage and a bit of attitude.The collection features a brand new necklace concept: a unique design that can combine as many as eight PANDORA necklaces into a layered look that is luxurious and interchangeable.
PANDORA bracelets give women the freedom to capture the unforgettable moments that make life extraordinary and the new charms of the fall season offer a twist on what has become the hallmark of the PANDORA brand. Two elegant sterling silver bracelets are also new–one is designed to hold one traditional or new decorative clip, the other as many as five. Mix, match and combine the clips and bracelets in any combination, creating pieces that are unique to your personal style. It’s an idea inspired by PANDORA’s popular charm bracelet.
Create and combine looks with other new additions to the PANDORA universe, including a line of 14k solid gold earrings, pendants and dangle charms with intricate lace details and diamonds; and large cocktail rings, featuring amethyst or grey moonstone, that are perfect for stacking. Stunning earrings inspired by delicate lace patterns in 14K gold with freshwater pearls and diamonds can be worn on their own, layered or combined with other pieces from the Compose collection. Rings in 14K gold, sterling and black oxidized silver have florally inspired designs with an unpredictable twist that is raw yet feminine.
Large cocktail rings in amethyst or grey moonstone are perfect for stacking with this season’s more delicate pieces. New LovePod rings in white, yellow and rose 18K gold with brilliant-cut diamonds or colorful gemstones work beautifully with other pieces of PANDORA jewelry and interlock when stacked together.
The Black Crown Diamond watch collection adds two styles to the collection: the stylish Icon watches with interchangeable bezels and straps and the Liquid Silver watches inspired by PANDORA’s line of bangles, earrings and rings with sculptural silhouettes and pure shapes. Select pieces from the fall assortment will be available in authorized PANDORA retailers and concept stores beginning September 2011.
The spirit of nostalgic rock infuses the collection, especially our new sterling silver decorative clips in raw, sculptural shapes. The other standouts include a star-shaped pendant and charm in black oxidized silver, an alluring finish that runs through the collection.
PANDORA has been making its mark in the international fine jewelry industry for almost 30 years, and is world-renowned for its high-quality, hand finished design. The collections inspire women to embrace their individuality with romantic and feminine pieces that capture the unforgettable moments of life. The strength of the PANDORA charm bracelet is the detailed design, the high quality and the unique threaded bracelet system (U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,507). The affordable luxury collections include customizable charm bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and watches made from sterling silver and 14K and 18K gold with handset gemstones. Perfect for any occasion, PANDORA jewelry is sold in 55 countries on six continents in more than 10,000 locations, including nearly 500 PANDORA branded concept stores. To view the PANDORA collection, build a bracelet online or locate a jewele
PANDORA bracelets give women the freedom to capture the unforgettable moments that make life extraordinary and the new charms of the fall season offer a twist on what has become the hallmark of the PANDORA brand. Two elegant sterling silver bracelets are also new–one is designed to hold one traditional or new decorative clip, the other as many as five. Mix, match and combine the clips and bracelets in any combination, creating pieces that are unique to your personal style. It’s an idea inspired by PANDORA’s popular charm bracelet.
Create and combine looks with other new additions to the PANDORA universe, including a line of 14k solid gold earrings, pendants and dangle charms with intricate lace details and diamonds; and large cocktail rings, featuring amethyst or grey moonstone, that are perfect for stacking. Stunning earrings inspired by delicate lace patterns in 14K gold with freshwater pearls and diamonds can be worn on their own, layered or combined with other pieces from the Compose collection. Rings in 14K gold, sterling and black oxidized silver have florally inspired designs with an unpredictable twist that is raw yet feminine.
Large cocktail rings in amethyst or grey moonstone are perfect for stacking with this season’s more delicate pieces. New LovePod rings in white, yellow and rose 18K gold with brilliant-cut diamonds or colorful gemstones work beautifully with other pieces of PANDORA jewelry and interlock when stacked together.
The Black Crown Diamond watch collection adds two styles to the collection: the stylish Icon watches with interchangeable bezels and straps and the Liquid Silver watches inspired by PANDORA’s line of bangles, earrings and rings with sculptural silhouettes and pure shapes. Select pieces from the fall assortment will be available in authorized PANDORA retailers and concept stores beginning September 2011.
The spirit of nostalgic rock infuses the collection, especially our new sterling silver decorative clips in raw, sculptural shapes. The other standouts include a star-shaped pendant and charm in black oxidized silver, an alluring finish that runs through the collection.
PANDORA has been making its mark in the international fine jewelry industry for almost 30 years, and is world-renowned for its high-quality, hand finished design. The collections inspire women to embrace their individuality with romantic and feminine pieces that capture the unforgettable moments of life. The strength of the PANDORA charm bracelet is the detailed design, the high quality and the unique threaded bracelet system (U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,507). The affordable luxury collections include customizable charm bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and watches made from sterling silver and 14K and 18K gold with handset gemstones. Perfect for any occasion, PANDORA jewelry is sold in 55 countries on six continents in more than 10,000 locations, including nearly 500 PANDORA branded concept stores. To view the PANDORA collection, build a bracelet online or locate a jewele
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
After career success, Chenoweth is ready for love
NEW YORK (AP) — Broadway? Check. TV? Check. Films? Check. Music? Books? Check those, too.
Professionally speaking, Kristin Chenoweth is at the top of her game. This year alone, in one week, she sang for President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II and Oprah Winfrey, she said in an interview last week with The Associated Press.
Recently added to that list was a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, which Chenoweth said tickled her Southern relatives.
"If I leave my mark on this world, hopefully people will say, 'Wow, she did a lot of different things,'" Chenoweth said.
But the one thing the 43-year-old Chenoweth says is missing from her list of accomplishments is finding Mr. Right and settling down.
"I want to be married. I feel finally ready for that," she said. "Possibly (becoming) a mom someday, even if it's to animals. My goals might be different than doing all these amazing career things. I think the next chapter will be focusing more on my personal life."
On that note, Chenoweth said she can relate to a song by Dolly Parton called "Sacrifice."
"She talks about how much she's given up. She's given up relationships, being home with her family, missing out with her husband, not having a child, all of that I can relate to," Chenoweth said. "So, maybe this second chapter in my life will be different in that way. But, I'll always sing. Whoever that man is, He's got to accept that music is like my arms. I can't live without (them)."
Chenoweth's latest music endeavor is a country music album called "Some Lessons Learned," released last week.
She moved to Nashville for a couple of months to record the album. Chenoweth, who won a Tony in 1999 for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," said there are similarities between country music and theater.
"They're both story and character driven," she said. "So of course I like both."
Up next for Chenoweth is the TV show "Good Christian Belles." Think: "Desperate Housewives" but in the Bible Belt.
The ABC show, which doesn't yet have a premiere date, is about five Christian women living in Texas.
Chenoweth, a Christian, said there's a misconception about Christianity: "that we don't have any problems, we really judge people harshly." But she said her character is actually the villain on the show.
"She's a very judgmental woman. She stirs it up and then prays for everybody," Chenoweth said. "So these are the characters I grew up with."
Chenoweth also made waves as April Rhodes, a boozy former glee club star on the hit Fox show "Glee." The role earned her two Emmy nominations. If she's invited back and her schedule allows, she said she'd like to reprise the role.
"(The character) is a very fun train wreck. Couldn't be more dissimilar to myself," she said. "And she likes her box of wine. Who can't relate to that?"
Professionally speaking, Kristin Chenoweth is at the top of her game. This year alone, in one week, she sang for President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II and Oprah Winfrey, she said in an interview last week with The Associated Press.
Recently added to that list was a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, which Chenoweth said tickled her Southern relatives.
"If I leave my mark on this world, hopefully people will say, 'Wow, she did a lot of different things,'" Chenoweth said.
But the one thing the 43-year-old Chenoweth says is missing from her list of accomplishments is finding Mr. Right and settling down.
"I want to be married. I feel finally ready for that," she said. "Possibly (becoming) a mom someday, even if it's to animals. My goals might be different than doing all these amazing career things. I think the next chapter will be focusing more on my personal life."
On that note, Chenoweth said she can relate to a song by Dolly Parton called "Sacrifice."
"She talks about how much she's given up. She's given up relationships, being home with her family, missing out with her husband, not having a child, all of that I can relate to," Chenoweth said. "So, maybe this second chapter in my life will be different in that way. But, I'll always sing. Whoever that man is, He's got to accept that music is like my arms. I can't live without (them)."
Chenoweth's latest music endeavor is a country music album called "Some Lessons Learned," released last week.
She moved to Nashville for a couple of months to record the album. Chenoweth, who won a Tony in 1999 for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," said there are similarities between country music and theater.
"They're both story and character driven," she said. "So of course I like both."
Up next for Chenoweth is the TV show "Good Christian Belles." Think: "Desperate Housewives" but in the Bible Belt.
The ABC show, which doesn't yet have a premiere date, is about five Christian women living in Texas.
Chenoweth, a Christian, said there's a misconception about Christianity: "that we don't have any problems, we really judge people harshly." But she said her character is actually the villain on the show.
"She's a very judgmental woman. She stirs it up and then prays for everybody," Chenoweth said. "So these are the characters I grew up with."
Chenoweth also made waves as April Rhodes, a boozy former glee club star on the hit Fox show "Glee." The role earned her two Emmy nominations. If she's invited back and her schedule allows, she said she'd like to reprise the role.
"(The character) is a very fun train wreck. Couldn't be more dissimilar to myself," she said. "And she likes her box of wine. Who can't relate to that?"
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Nothing special about 'Killer Elite
Head butts would seem to hurt, right? That's clearly the point of them, but it would seem to be just as painful to be the butter as the buttee.
In "Killer Elite," this is probably the most primal method of attack on display, but even the noisy intensity and frequency of the skull bashings — and pistol whippings and gut punches — don't register as anything beyond generic action-picture violence. The fact that director and co-writer Gary McKendry has shot all these brawls with the usual shaky cam and cut them in quick, choppy fashion only adds to how forgettable the film is.
And you'd think that any movie starring Robert De Niro, Clive Owen and Jason Statham would be one you'd want to remember. "Killer Elite" allows them to show off some of the presence and personality that made these men major movie stars, but ultimately they're just cogs in a clichéd revenge tale.
Statham stars as Danny, the typical special-ops, killing-machine-for-hire Statham tends to play. At the film's start in 1979, he and his mentor, Hunter (De Niro), are lying in wait for their target in an industrial section of Mexico. The assignment goes horribly wrong and Danny swears — swears! — this is it for him, the last one, he's done. But we all know how these things turn out: There has to be that tried-and-true One Last Job. Otherwise, there would be no movie.
A year later, Hunter has been abducted by a dying sheikh and is being held in Oman. Danny must flee the pastoral idyll of the rural Australian valley where he's ensconced himself with his beautiful girlfriend (Yvonne Strahovski) to perform the duty that will ensure Hunter's freedom. Danny is ordered to kill the men responsible for the deaths of the sheikh's three sons, but he has to get videotaped confessions from all three, and he has to make their deaths look like accidents.
No problem: Danny amasses the obligatory rag-tag team of rogues and is on his way. But they have to infiltrate the British Secret Air Service to get the job, which draws the attention of a shadowy protective society known as The Feather Men. ("Killer Elite" is based on a book called "The Feather Men," which supposedly was based on a true story, by Ranulph Fiennes, who appears as a character later on.)
This makes Danny the target of the secret group's main enforcer, a former SAS solider himself named Spike (Owen), and the usual shootouts and car chases ensue. Even with the cheesy mustache and one bad eye that are meant to signify that this man has lived a hard, dangerous life, it's impossible to disguise Owen's intense good looks and charisma. At the same time, "Killer Elite" doesn't take advantage of Owen's capacity for depth; he is driven, maybe a little tormented as evidenced by the glass coffee table he smashes, and that's about it.
When Statham and Owen finally meet in the showdown you've been waiting for, it's rendered in such dizzying, adrenalized style that it's hard to tell who's doing what to whom. Additionally, McKendry favors a steely gray color scheme that, in theory, is meant to reflect the cold-heartedness of these characters and their world, but actually just smothers everything in a bland sameness. One important yet obscured scene takes place in the snow, at night, in the middle of nowhere.
Statham, like the film itself, is muscular and efficient. But he seems awfully comfortable playing this kind of part by now, and he has such a brash, intriguing presence, he makes you wonder what else he'd be capable of doing if he stretched and challenged himself.
De Niro stays locked up for big chunks of the movie but when we do see him, he radiates the ease and comfort of a man who has nothing to prove. And he gets to fire a machine gun, which is probably a lot of fun when you're pushing 70, and might make "Killer Elite" more memorable for him than it will be for the audience.
"Killer Elite," an Open Road release, is rated R for strong violence, language, and some sexuality/nudity. Running time: 116 minutes. Two stars out of four.
___
Motion Picture Association of America rating definitions:
G — General audiences. All ages admitted.
PG — Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
PG-13 — Special parental guidance strongly suggested for children under 13. Some material may be inappropriate for young children.
R — Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
NC-17 — No one under 17 admitted.
In "Killer Elite," this is probably the most primal method of attack on display, but even the noisy intensity and frequency of the skull bashings — and pistol whippings and gut punches — don't register as anything beyond generic action-picture violence. The fact that director and co-writer Gary McKendry has shot all these brawls with the usual shaky cam and cut them in quick, choppy fashion only adds to how forgettable the film is.
And you'd think that any movie starring Robert De Niro, Clive Owen and Jason Statham would be one you'd want to remember. "Killer Elite" allows them to show off some of the presence and personality that made these men major movie stars, but ultimately they're just cogs in a clichéd revenge tale.
Statham stars as Danny, the typical special-ops, killing-machine-for-hire Statham tends to play. At the film's start in 1979, he and his mentor, Hunter (De Niro), are lying in wait for their target in an industrial section of Mexico. The assignment goes horribly wrong and Danny swears — swears! — this is it for him, the last one, he's done. But we all know how these things turn out: There has to be that tried-and-true One Last Job. Otherwise, there would be no movie.

No problem: Danny amasses the obligatory rag-tag team of rogues and is on his way. But they have to infiltrate the British Secret Air Service to get the job, which draws the attention of a shadowy protective society known as The Feather Men. ("Killer Elite" is based on a book called "The Feather Men," which supposedly was based on a true story, by Ranulph Fiennes, who appears as a character later on.)
This makes Danny the target of the secret group's main enforcer, a former SAS solider himself named Spike (Owen), and the usual shootouts and car chases ensue. Even with the cheesy mustache and one bad eye that are meant to signify that this man has lived a hard, dangerous life, it's impossible to disguise Owen's intense good looks and charisma. At the same time, "Killer Elite" doesn't take advantage of Owen's capacity for depth; he is driven, maybe a little tormented as evidenced by the glass coffee table he smashes, and that's about it.
When Statham and Owen finally meet in the showdown you've been waiting for, it's rendered in such dizzying, adrenalized style that it's hard to tell who's doing what to whom. Additionally, McKendry favors a steely gray color scheme that, in theory, is meant to reflect the cold-heartedness of these characters and their world, but actually just smothers everything in a bland sameness. One important yet obscured scene takes place in the snow, at night, in the middle of nowhere.
Statham, like the film itself, is muscular and efficient. But he seems awfully comfortable playing this kind of part by now, and he has such a brash, intriguing presence, he makes you wonder what else he'd be capable of doing if he stretched and challenged himself.
De Niro stays locked up for big chunks of the movie but when we do see him, he radiates the ease and comfort of a man who has nothing to prove. And he gets to fire a machine gun, which is probably a lot of fun when you're pushing 70, and might make "Killer Elite" more memorable for him than it will be for the audience.
"Killer Elite," an Open Road release, is rated R for strong violence, language, and some sexuality/nudity. Running time: 116 minutes. Two stars out of four.
___
Motion Picture Association of America rating definitions:
G — General audiences. All ages admitted.
PG — Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
PG-13 — Special parental guidance strongly suggested for children under 13. Some material may be inappropriate for young children.
R — Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
NC-17 — No one under 17 admitted.
The Thing Prequel Poster Wants to Come In Out of the Cold
Not much has been seen of the upcoming prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 masterpiece, The Thing, but what we have seen certainly has got us interested. With only a handful of stills released, it is with rabid anticipation that we lay our eyes on the official movie poster.
Keeping the same title as the earlier movie, The Thing chronicles the events in the doomed Norwegian camp whose aftermath is only glimpsed at in John Carpenter’s movie.
The Thing is due to appear in October 2011, and stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Eric Christian Olsen, Joel Edgerton, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ulrich Thomsen and Kim Bubbs.
Monday, September 19, 2011
At Emmys, 'FNL' finally lands in the end zone
"Friday Night Lights" may be over, but it finally scored a touchdown — or two — at the Emmys.
The long-acclaimed but seldom honored series won both best actor in a drama series for Kyle Chandler and best writing for a drama series for Jason Katims. Both were big, flashy awards in competitive categories and a real surprise for "Friday Night Lights," which concluded earlier this year after five ratings-challenged seasons.
The gleeful shock of the show's cast and supporters inside Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre Sunday night could be heard on the Fox broadcast, and surely similar celebrations where transpiring across "Friday Night Lights" Nation.
The wins amounted to a late but deserving coronation for "Friday Night Lights": off the air, but called back together for one final dance in the end zone.
Over five seasons, "FNL" built a fervent fan base for its humanistic portrayal of high school football and the many inhabitants of Dillon, Texas. It needed an unusual deal with DirecTV to remain on the air on NBC, but "FNL" continued to survive, even as much of its cast went on to other projects.
The show's only previous Emmy Award was for casting, in 2007.
Chandler, 46, had twice previously been nominated, last year for "FNL" and in 2005 for a guest appearance on "Grey's Anatomy." On "FNL," he played coach Eric Taylor who, along with his wife, Tami (Connie Britton, who was nominated), made up the moral backbone of Dillon. He starred in "Super 8" this summer.
Chandler was a definite underdog Sunday night, going up against Steve Buscemi for "Boardwalk Empire" and Jon Hamm for "Mad Men."
"Let me thank the people of Austin, Texas, who welcomed us into their homes ... and brought the show to life," said a clearly shocked Chandler.
The show put a premium on naturalism, shooting in and around Austin, frequently trailing actors with multiple cameras and allowing room for improvisation.
Some had wondered whether "Friday Night Lights" might squeak out a win in best drama. The theory went that votes would be split between heavyweights "Mad Men" and "Boardwalk Empire," allowing "FNL" an upset victory. But that was always more of a Hail Mary pass than a likely possibility: "Mad Men" took the prize.
As showrunner, Katims oversaw the show's unique production. Accepting his award Sunday night at the Emmys, he concluded his remarks, inevitably and fittingly, with the battle cry of the Dillon Panthers.
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."
The long-acclaimed but seldom honored series won both best actor in a drama series for Kyle Chandler and best writing for a drama series for Jason Katims. Both were big, flashy awards in competitive categories and a real surprise for "Friday Night Lights," which concluded earlier this year after five ratings-challenged seasons.
The gleeful shock of the show's cast and supporters inside Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre Sunday night could be heard on the Fox broadcast, and surely similar celebrations where transpiring across "Friday Night Lights" Nation.
The wins amounted to a late but deserving coronation for "Friday Night Lights": off the air, but called back together for one final dance in the end zone.
Over five seasons, "FNL" built a fervent fan base for its humanistic portrayal of high school football and the many inhabitants of Dillon, Texas. It needed an unusual deal with DirecTV to remain on the air on NBC, but "FNL" continued to survive, even as much of its cast went on to other projects.
The show's only previous Emmy Award was for casting, in 2007.
Chandler, 46, had twice previously been nominated, last year for "FNL" and in 2005 for a guest appearance on "Grey's Anatomy." On "FNL," he played coach Eric Taylor who, along with his wife, Tami (Connie Britton, who was nominated), made up the moral backbone of Dillon. He starred in "Super 8" this summer.
Chandler was a definite underdog Sunday night, going up against Steve Buscemi for "Boardwalk Empire" and Jon Hamm for "Mad Men."
"Let me thank the people of Austin, Texas, who welcomed us into their homes ... and brought the show to life," said a clearly shocked Chandler.
The show put a premium on naturalism, shooting in and around Austin, frequently trailing actors with multiple cameras and allowing room for improvisation.
Some had wondered whether "Friday Night Lights" might squeak out a win in best drama. The theory went that votes would be split between heavyweights "Mad Men" and "Boardwalk Empire," allowing "FNL" an upset victory. But that was always more of a Hail Mary pass than a likely possibility: "Mad Men" took the prize.
As showrunner, Katims oversaw the show's unique production. Accepting his award Sunday night at the Emmys, he concluded his remarks, inevitably and fittingly, with the battle cry of the Dillon Panthers.
"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."
Friday, September 16, 2011
Britney Spears Sings, Dances Into Record Books
Her career has seen its share of ups and downs, but pop princess Britney Spears is definitely back on top as she headlines this week's 411 Playlist.
Billboard.com reports that Spears' ' "I Wanna Go" has her dancing all the way to the record books. Her single gives her the distinct honor of being the artist with the longest span of number one hits on Billboard's Mainstream Top 40 chart. Britney's reign started twelve years ago with "Baby One More Time."
The pop diva's 'B In The Mix: The Remixes Vol. 2' is set for release on October 11th.
On to a man who is no stranger to breaking records himself, the late Michael Jackson is to be honored in Wales with "Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert." The star-studded event includes everyone from host Jamie Foxx to Christina Aquilera and Smokey Robinson.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the singer's manslaughter trial is expected to begin in the last week of September. Jackson's former doctor is accused of supplying the King of Pop with a lethal dose of surgical anesthetics.
Whitney Houston has been subject to tabloid fodder for alleged drug-use herself, but the diva may be making a comeback. The singer's publicist confirms that the singer is in talks to return to the silver screen in the remake of "Sparkle." Houston made a name for herself as an actress after her role in the 1992 hit, "The Bodyguard."
And while Houston looks to make a bigscreen comeback, heavy metal is working its way back into the mainstream. September 14th was no ordinary day in New York City because heavy metal rockers, Anthrax, Matallica, Slayer and Megadeath (aka the Big Four) invaded Yankee Stadium. Before the big show, Anthrax sad down with Fox 411 and talked about their first album in eight years, "Worship Music." The band dubbed the new material as a "true heavy metal album." Drummer and guitarist Charlie Benante added that with the return of Joey Belladonna the record sounds like "classic Anthrax."
"Worship Music" is currently available.
To hear more from Anthrax along with "Idol" alum Brooke White, be sure to click play to start this week's 411 Playlist!
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/09/16/fox-411-playlist-britney-spears-dances-into-record-books/#ixzz1YAvzjpYx
Billboard.com reports that Spears' ' "I Wanna Go" has her dancing all the way to the record books. Her single gives her the distinct honor of being the artist with the longest span of number one hits on Billboard's Mainstream Top 40 chart. Britney's reign started twelve years ago with "Baby One More Time."
The pop diva's 'B In The Mix: The Remixes Vol. 2' is set for release on October 11th.
On to a man who is no stranger to breaking records himself, the late Michael Jackson is to be honored in Wales with "Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert." The star-studded event includes everyone from host Jamie Foxx to Christina Aquilera and Smokey Robinson.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the singer's manslaughter trial is expected to begin in the last week of September. Jackson's former doctor is accused of supplying the King of Pop with a lethal dose of surgical anesthetics.
Whitney Houston has been subject to tabloid fodder for alleged drug-use herself, but the diva may be making a comeback. The singer's publicist confirms that the singer is in talks to return to the silver screen in the remake of "Sparkle." Houston made a name for herself as an actress after her role in the 1992 hit, "The Bodyguard."
And while Houston looks to make a bigscreen comeback, heavy metal is working its way back into the mainstream. September 14th was no ordinary day in New York City because heavy metal rockers, Anthrax, Matallica, Slayer and Megadeath (aka the Big Four) invaded Yankee Stadium. Before the big show, Anthrax sad down with Fox 411 and talked about their first album in eight years, "Worship Music." The band dubbed the new material as a "true heavy metal album." Drummer and guitarist Charlie Benante added that with the return of Joey Belladonna the record sounds like "classic Anthrax."
"Worship Music" is currently available.
To hear more from Anthrax along with "Idol" alum Brooke White, be sure to click play to start this week's 411 Playlist!
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/09/16/fox-411-playlist-britney-spears-dances-into-record-books/#ixzz1YAvzjpYx
It’s been years since his split with Jennifer Aniston
It’s been years since his split with Jennifer Aniston, but Brad Pitt is still talking about his ex-wife, this time calling his existence with her “pathetic.”
In an interview with Parade magazine, the “Moneyball” star says he is much happier now with the mother of his six children, Angelina Jolie.
HOT SHOTS: Jen Aniston.
“I spent the 90s trying to hide out, trying to duck the full celebrity cacophony. I started to get sick of myself sitting on a couch, holding a joint, hiding out. It started to feel pathetic,” he said. “It became very clear to me that I was intent on trying to find a movie about an interesting life, but I wasn’t living an interesting life myself. I think that my marriage [to Aniston] had something to do with. Trying to pretend the marriage was something that it wasn’t.”
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Ouch.
Pitt continued the interview by gushing about his life with Jolie, with whom he was rumored to have an affair before the demise of his marriage to Aniston.
“One of the greatest, smartest things I ever did was give my kids Angie as their mom,” he said. “She is such a great mom. Oh, man, I’m so happy to have her.”
HOT SHOTS: Angelina Jolie
Pitt added that he is very satisfied with his new life.
“I put much more emphasis on being a satisfied man,” he says of his life. “I’m satisfied with making true choices and finding the woman I love, Angie, and building a family that I love so much. A family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss. That’s the trade-off. But I’ll take it all.”
Do you think Brad’s comments were a low blow to Aniston, or were his comments justified? Vote below.
Read more: http://entertainment.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/09/15/brad-pitt-i-felt-pathetic-while-married-to-jennifer-aniston/#ixzz1Y6VKeKpE
In an interview with Parade magazine, the “Moneyball” star says he is much happier now with the mother of his six children, Angelina Jolie.
HOT SHOTS: Jen Aniston.
“I spent the 90s trying to hide out, trying to duck the full celebrity cacophony. I started to get sick of myself sitting on a couch, holding a joint, hiding out. It started to feel pathetic,” he said. “It became very clear to me that I was intent on trying to find a movie about an interesting life, but I wasn’t living an interesting life myself. I think that my marriage [to Aniston] had something to do with. Trying to pretend the marriage was something that it wasn’t.”
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Ouch.
Pitt continued the interview by gushing about his life with Jolie, with whom he was rumored to have an affair before the demise of his marriage to Aniston.
“One of the greatest, smartest things I ever did was give my kids Angie as their mom,” he said. “She is such a great mom. Oh, man, I’m so happy to have her.”
HOT SHOTS: Angelina Jolie
Pitt added that he is very satisfied with his new life.
“I put much more emphasis on being a satisfied man,” he says of his life. “I’m satisfied with making true choices and finding the woman I love, Angie, and building a family that I love so much. A family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss. That’s the trade-off. But I’ll take it all.”
Do you think Brad’s comments were a low blow to Aniston, or were his comments justified? Vote below.
Read more: http://entertainment.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/09/15/brad-pitt-i-felt-pathetic-while-married-to-jennifer-aniston/#ixzz1Y6VKeKpE
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