Meet Alex Wells. He's the International Hoop Dance Champion from Lil'wat Nation and explains how dance is an integral part of the Aboriginal community.Meet Alex Wells. He's the International Hoop Dance Champion from Lil'wat... more
American magazine “Forbes” announced top list of World’s Most Powerful Celebrities. Angelina Jolie is on the top of World’s Most Powerful Celebritiy list, and she overthrowned Oprah Winfrey down to the 2nd spot. As always we’ll write about top 10 most powerful.American magazine “Forbes” announced top list of World’s Most... more
We have received a lot of positive comments for our previous story: Most Desirable Female Singers in 2009, so we decided to make next step. We present you, Top 10 Worlds Most Desirable Women!We have received a lot of positive comments for our previous story: Most Desirable... more
According to Contactmusic,Mel B nearly had to go without underwear when she arrived back in the UK.Read MoreAccording to Contactmusic,Mel B nearly had to go without underwear when she arrived... more
The weekend has arrived again, but do you want it to be the same as every weekend? Here are 10 things to do this weekend that you probably wouldn’t normally do. Pick just one thing off the list and add something different to your weekend.The weekend has arrived again, but do you want it to be the same as every weekend?... more
"After a four-year absence from the United States, Shakespeare’s Globe is returning in the fall to stage “Love’s Labour’s Lost” at seven universities and a college-town theater over three months, with the hope of providing an authentically Elizabethan theatrical experience to American audiences.
The Globe brought “Twelfth Night” in 2003 and “Measure for Measure” in 2005, which enjoyed a sold-out run at St. Ann’s Warehouse. (“Twelfth Night” did not come to New York.) “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” an early Shakespeare comedy about strong-willed young nobles matching wits and falling in love despite themselves, will conclude its run in December at Pace University, in Lower Manhattan.
Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director of the Globe, said he had waited to do another tour of the United States until he had found his feet at the theater, which he took over from the actor Mark Rylance in 2005.
“I wanted to establish a sense of confidence and authority and a sense of style,” Mr. Dromgoole said in his office at the Globe here. “I wanted to lay a good foundation before we went to America again, and now we’re hoping to make it a regular thing.”
Since the Globe cannot reconfigure American university theaters to resemble its space here, Mr. Dromgoole said he planned to make small adjustments. The lights will remain on in the theater, to try to mimic the outdoor feel of the Globe, and characters will talk directly to audience members (or look at them as they talk to other characters) in the spirit of “the democratic shared space and the talk-back quality that was a part of Shakespeare’s original Globe productions,” he said.
“We want to make sure that just because we’ll be in more traditional theater spaces, we don’t fall back into conventional theater practices,” he added. “It’s very easy to turn down the lights and have a recording of crickets chirping to create atmosphere. We don’t want that.”
Michelle Terry, who played the Princess of France in “Love’s Labour’s Lost” in the original Globe production in 2007 and will again on tour, said, “At the Globe, if a character asks a question onstage, there’s a chance that someone in the audience will answer back.”
She added: “There’s also a moment in the play when the Princess of France is sitting out among the audience, away from the stage. At one performance I could feel someone pulling the strings on my corset. I turned and the person said, ‘I’m terribly sorry, but your corset has become undone and I was doing it up.’ And I just said, ‘O.K., cheers, carry on.’ ”
Mr. Dromgoole said he believed “Love’s Labour’s Lost” would be an especially good fit for university audiences because it explores the sexual politics between a group of young men — Ferdinand, the king of Navarre, and his nobles — and the women with whom they spar and fall in love, a group led by the Princess of France.
“It’s the only Shakespeare play with a real girl gang who take control of the proceedings,” he said. “It has a youthful, zesty, sexy energy to it. But it can also be the single most irritating play in the canon, with these kids being witty with each other. You sometimes want to roll up your program and go onto the stage and beat them with it. So we’re excited to see how American audiences react.”""After a four-year absence from the United States, Shakespeare’s Globe is... more
Gale Storm, whose wholesome appearance and perky personality made her one of early television's biggest stars, has died at age 87.
The actress died Saturday at a convalescent hospital in Danville, said her son, Peter Bonnell. He says she died of natural causes.
Storm was a Texas high schooler named Josephine Owaissa Cottle when she won a talent contest for a radio show called "Gateway to Hollywood" on New Year's Day 1940.
Soon she was in Los Angeles, making movies with Jackie Cooper, Eddie Albert and Audie Murphy.
In 1952 she landed the starring role in "My Little Margie," which quickly became an audience favorite and ran until 1955.Gale Storm, whose wholesome appearance and perky personality made her one of early... more
A rare copy of the first Superman comic will be put up for auction online on Friday and bids could soar as high as the "man of steel," experts say.
"Action Comics #1," published in June 1938, is considered by collectible experts to be the world's most valuable comic book and is valued at about $126,000.
(Sorry about the squished image. Full article at link)A rare copy of the first Superman comic will be put up for auction online on Friday... more
Nella seconda puntata di Hi Pop, ideato e condotto da Stefano Donno dagli spazi di Icaro Libri & Caffè, l' incontro con Luisa Ruggio, scrittrice, giornalista, blogger.Nella seconda puntata di Hi Pop, ideato e condotto da Stefano Donno dagli spazi di... more
No hoax? Joaquin Phoenix says he's launching a hip-hop career
(Matt Sayles)
Joaquin Phoenix insists his hip-hop career is no hoax
Veronica Schmidt
Watch Joaquin Phoenix rapping
In one of the most comic reinventions showbiz has ever seen, Joaquin Phoenix has confirmed he has ditched acting to become a rapper.
The hugely bankable star of Walk The Line and Gladiator was caught on camera giving a shambolic hip-hop performance at a Las Vegas club last month, but fans thought the erudite actor was executing an elaborate hoax.
Today, the 34-year-old confirmed he is finished with film and is serious about launching a hip-hop career
Looks more like Grizzly Adams to me. Click link above for full story.February 4, 2009
No hoax? Joaquin Phoenix says he's launching a hip-hop career... more
Stefano Donno intervista Stefano Cristante, docente universitario e autore di Media Philosophy. Inizia così l'avventura di Hi Pop, il format sulla tecnocultura prodotto da SalentoWeb.Tv. E ancora: il trailer di Dante's Inferno, il videogioco della EA costruito sul capolavoro dantesco.Stefano Donno intervista Stefano Cristante, docente universitario e autore di Media... more
Proponiamo oggi un videoclip o forse sarebbe meglio dire un promo-clip della Lavanderia Jefferson, lavanderia self service dove tra un bucato e l'altro si possono trascorrere momenti in allegria. Il video è stato ideato e realizzato da Filippo Cariglia, titolare della lavanderia e videomaker e montato e post prodotto da Emanuele Franchini.Proponiamo oggi un videoclip o forse sarebbe meglio dire un promo-clip della... more
Da venerdi' 23 gennaio arriva su Salentoweb.tv HiPop, un viaggio tra letteratura e nuove tecnologie, tra libri e web, tra passato e futuro. Lo presentano Gabriele De Giorgi, redattore di SalentoWeb.Tv e Stefano Donno, ideatore e curatore del programma che si svolgera' negli spazi di Icaro Internet & CafèDa venerdi' 23 gennaio arriva su Salentoweb.tv HiPop, un viaggio tra letteratura... more
It seems like government bailouts are all the rage. But you might be surprised what business has gotten in line, for some of that federal bailout money.
The porn industry.
Yes, Girls Gone Wild creator Joe Francis and Hustler's Larry Flynt, believe it's the right thing for the government to do, because pornography sales are off 25%, and people in the industry are losing their jobs.
Flynt insists that during difficult economic times, peoples' libidos are down, which in turn, has a negative impact on their business. He doesn't really think the government will bail out the porn industry, but he believes something else might be accomplished.
Flynt says they're only asking for $5 billion in bailout money.
The adult entertainment is estimated to bring in anywhere from three to 13 billion dollars annually.It seems like government bailouts are all the rage. But you might be surprised what... more
"Ball drops" weren't always reserved for New Year's Eve. The idea of lowering a sphere to measure time was first used in Greenwich, England, where a ball descended every afternoon at one o'clock so ship captains could calibrate their navigational tools. The concept eventually made its way to New York City, where it's now used to usher in the New Year in front of thousands of freezing-cold spectators, who wish their only option wasn't a port-a-john.
Key West, Fla.
A conch, a wench and a drag queen
In Key West, eccentricity runs rampant. So it's no wonder that the quirky Key has enough energy to host three separate drops: an enormous fiberglass conch shell, a pirate wench and a drag queen. As the official symbol of the Florida Keys, the conch has been making its descent from the roof of Sloppy Joe's Bar since 1993. (The founder of the bar, incidentally, was the inspiration for Freddy in Hemingway's "To Have and Have Not.") A few blocks away at the Schooner Wharf Bar, co-owner Evalena Worthington dons full pirate maiden attire and drops from the crow's nest of an antique ship. And lastly there's Sushi the drag queen, who brings in the New Year in a six-foot sparkling red, high-heel shoe at the Bourbon St. bar and guesthouse complex.
Havre de Grace, Md.
Wooden Duck
In 1789, Havre de Grace nearly became the nation's capital, losing to Washington D.C. by one vote in a House of Representatives decision; instead the city went on to become the self-proclaimed, Decoy Capital of the World. In the early 20th century duck hunting was all the rage in Havre de Grace and as a result, wooden decoy carving developed into a local folk art. To honor both the tradition and the New Year, in 2000, the city started dropping a giant plywood duck. The current bird -- carved by local resident Jean Hiss -- is roughly 10- by 15-feet, has lights arranged to look like feathers and is dropped from a towering fire truck ladder. And to liven up the celebration locals bring their own noisemakers: duck calls.
Tallapoosa, Ga.
Opossum
Tallapoosa was originally named Possum Snout after a Creek Indian Chief. When the region officially became a city in 1860 the name was changed to its current, more dignified moniker, an Indian word for "Golden River." But since you can't drop a Tallapoosa, the city chose to drop an opossum on New Year's Eve instead. No need to alert PETA - though once a living, breathing critter, the marsupial is no longer with us; he lives on thanks to local taxidermy and museum curator Bud Jones. In addition to the drop, expect live entertainment, food venders and fireworks, all followed by a "Possum Snout Breakfast," which I hope isn't what it sounds like.
Hershey, Pa.
Hershey Kiss
Hershey(Hershey : Courtesy Hershey New Year’s)
Hershey Pa. celebrates the New Year with a kiss.
It's only appropriate that the country's best known chocolate town drops an over-sized homage to cocoa on New Year's Eve. Specifically a seven-foot tall, Hershey's Kiss made out of aluminum.
The event was founded by Mike Pries, Chairman, Derry Township Board of Supervisors and takes place on the corner of Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues. Seriously. The event draws over 10,000 people every year and includes live bands, fireworks, dancing groups and most excitingly, the Hershey Kissmobile.
Does your town have a special Drop for the New Year? Click on the link for more cities!!!!!!"Ball drops" weren't always reserved for New Year's Eve. The idea... more
BUCHAREST, Romania - A court has ordered a Romanian surgeon to pay $795,000 in compensation to a patient whose penis he accidentally severed during an operation.
In July 2004, Dr. Naum Ciomu made a surgical error while operating on the man's testicles, severing the penis instead of making an incision to the testicle.
The Bucharest Magistrates Court ruled Friday that Ciomu had been "superficial" in his approach to the operation, ordered the fine and handed Ciomu a one-year suspended prison sentence. The ruling can be appealed.
What does current.com users think your junk is worth?
A piece of muscle from the man's arm has now been attached to where his penis was, but its function is aesthetic.
"You don't have to be an expert to realize that the 33-year-old victim does not have a good state of mind," said Mihai Olariu, the victim's lawyer.BUCHAREST, Romania - A court has ordered a Romanian surgeon to pay $795,000 in... more
Just a year or two ago, some said that it seemed unlikely that the financial industry would take this path, so the film and music industries following this same road should come as no surprise. The trail has been blazed by others, and now they may find themselves following the advice of Dire Straits.
Now look at them yo-yos that’s the way you do it
You play the guitar on the MTV
That ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it
Money for nothin’ and chicks for free
The banking industry has received billions of dollars recently and the US auto industry had its share as well. Both have a history of bad decision making, with the auto industry in the US resisting advances in technology. The music and movie industries have also made bad decisions, and rejected technology, so it has to be asked – are they next in line with the begging bowl?
The banking collapse of recent weeks has brought many questions to people’s minds. How can an industry with no apparent self control or desire to self-regulate, lose billions in an orgy of greed and opulence, making bad decision after terrible decision with no consequences? The lessons of the late 1920’s seem not to have been heeded.
The American auto industry has appeared similarly insular. Year after year it has churned out large and poorly performing vehicles, aspiring only to the style de-jour. Heavy cars that are cheaply constructed in many cases, and with poor performance in comparison to similar vehicles from foreign car companies. If all else failed, there was the inevitable appeal to ego, pointing out that American cars and trucks are bigger than the competition, with an attitude of ‘bigger is better’. However, their refusal to adopt modern technology has created vehicles that handle poorly, and are more prone to breakdowns. US Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY 5th) understands this well, he’s had problems with his Caddy, while his wife’s non-US car has had better service.
Both industries have been before the US congress, asking for help because of their poor financial status. The questions people are asking now are: Who is next to beg for a billion dollar bailout? Ackerman also acknowledged this, saying “Somebody heard that we’re giving out free money in Washington. They’re showing up from all over the place.” What industry has ruined itself by excessive greed and refusal to adopt new technologies? Could it be Hollywood, or perhaps the music labels?
The excesses of the movie industry are well known. Brad Pitt and others regularly command eight-figure fees, which quickly add up. There seems to be an increasing reliance on special effects and big names to carry films, rather than writing and acting talent. While this might increase the short-term draw at the box office, it is more than countered by a loss in repeated watchability, which cuts into later profits. A big name in a bad film is still going to be a bad film (BattleField Earth or Gigli), while an unknown in a good film, will be a good film, if the acting and production is up to it.
Of course, bad decision making is only part of the problem. Resistance to changing technology is another. The film industry famously resisted the VCR, claiming it would devastate their industry. The case went all the way to the US Supreme Court, where they narrowly affirmed the legality of home recording. Today, despite their resistance, the majority of income from a film is from pre-recorded content which is played on similar machines.
The music industry has also resisted technology, opposing innovations such as player-pianos, through commercial radio and file-sharing technology. Between discs infested with DRM, through stage-managed raids with convenient media coverage, to suing and threatening to sue ten-of-thousands of their best customers, they’ve shown not only their dislike of technology, but also bad decision-making.
More at URL.Just a year or two ago, some said that it seemed unlikely that the financial industry... more
Sorry to “Ba Humbug” your Christmas day, but some terrible news has officially hit the web: 20th Century Fox has won their lawsuit against Warner Bros. over the rights to Watchmen.
What does this startling development mean for the future of one of the most anticipated movies of 2009? No one knows for sure, but now would definitely be a good time to start worrying.
About a week ago Screen Rant reported that the Los Angeles federal judge presiding over the Watchmen lawsuit had delayed the case until January 20, 2009, due to an impeding criminal case he had to preside over. However, less than week after announcing that delay, Judge Gary Allen Fees issued a surprise ruling on the case on Wednesday, and needless to say, the verdict didn’t go the way Warner Bros. (or the legions of Watchmen fans out there) hoped it would.
If this is the first you’ve heard of the matter: Fox originally filed the lawsuit back in February, citing a breach of contract by Watchmen producer Larry Gordon, who obtained the rights to Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons‘ groundbreaking graphic novel from Fox, back in the mid 90’s. According to Fox, Gordon never fulfilled all of the stipulations of his contract with the studio, thereby rendering his acquisition of the rights to Watchmen null and void.
Ever since the lawsuit was filed, there has been no explanation of why Fox waited so long (until Watchmen gained significant buzz) to take action against Warner Bros., or what the studio hopes to get out of the suit. Speculation on Fox’s motives has run the avenues of the logical to the conspiratorial, but most everyone agrees that Fox wants some kind of scummy payday out of all this, considering the studio spent over $1 million trying (and failing) to develop a Watchmen film during the late 80’s and early 90’s.
In the meantime, Judge Fees has indicated that he will issue a more thorough ruling on the case in the weeks to come; he also stated that it is his hope that both studios can come to a settlement on the matter. For their part, Warner Bros. maintains that regardless of this setback, they will still premiere Watchmen in theaters on its slated release date of March 6, 2009. (But at this point is that even a promise they can make?)
But enough bad news. Enjoy your Christmas. Enjoy your family and loved ones. Enjoy good food, presents, and all the other positive things that will keep your mind off this ugly business. We’ll reconvene in a few days, when hopefully the future of Watchmen will have been decided.Sorry to “Ba Humbug” your Christmas day, but some terrible news has... more
Sales of Blu-ray Disc movies and players are surging all across Europe despite the gloomy economic conditions and forecast per a press release issued this weekend.British Blu-ray player owners bought approximately 462,500 titles in November, a 165% increase over the previous month. The Dark Knight is leading a December charge with 21% of all Dark Knight discs sold being Blu-ray.
Blu-ray hardware sales in Europe, which include Playstation 3 consoles, have outsold DVD hardware sales, including Playstation 2 consoles, by five times during a similar time span. Sales are forecast to triple by the end of 2009. Aggressive growth numbers are expected to be released for the United States as the year comes to a close. The real test for Blu-ray in 2009 is whether it can eat into DVDs dominant home video market share with blockbuster and catalog titles alike.Sales of Blu-ray Disc movies and players are surging all across Europe despite the... more
