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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Tony Parker: Cheating on Eva Longoria With Teammate's Wife?!


The Tony Parker divorce is shocking in itself. Reports of Tony cheating? Astounding. Reports that it was with a teammate's wife? Mind-blowing.
Eva has officially filed to divorce him, and even though she's the one who filed the legal documents, sources say the Desperate Housewife is "devastated."
Seeking spousal support and citing "irreconcilable differences," Eva filed the papers in L.A. County Superior Court. Now here's where it really gets bad ...
Her friend Mario Lopez of Extra says Longoria told him she found hundreds of text messages to the NBA star's phone from the wife of one of his teammates.
The woman's identity has not been revealed at this time, nor was the name of the San Antonio Spurs teammate. But that does narrow it down considerably.
Longoria also says that Tony Parker cheated on her earlier in their marriage and that he kept in touch with the woman on Facebook, according to Lopez.
Who could it be? Tim Duncan or Manu Ginobili maybe? While the latter's wife just had a baby (twins in fact), that didn't stop A-Rod or David Boreanaz.
It's not Richard Jefferson... he left his fiancee and might be gay. A dark horse? Gary Neal, who signed this summer and got married right before that.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Sad Movies

Movie lovers come in all shapes and sizes. For some, there's nothing better than a brainless comedy. Others stick to the independent and art-house scene. And then there are those who can't get enough of tearjerkers and sad movies. This article is dedicated to the latter, as it's jam-packed with weepy classics guaranteed to make you reach for the Kleenex.
Imitation of Life (1959) - After temporarily losing her daughter at the beach, an aspiring actress (Lana Turner) takes in the black widow (Juanita Moore) who helped her. As the years pass, the widow's daughter--a very fair-skinned girl--tries to pass for white, much to her mother's chagrin. Also starring Sandra Dee and John Gavin.
Atonement (2007) - Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, this winner of Best Picture of the Year at the 61st British Academy Film Awards tells the heartbreaking tale of a young girl (Saoirse Ronan) who falsely accuses her sister's (Keira Knightley) lover (James McAvoy) of being a rapist. As the years go by, the girl grows into a woman and comes to grasp the full significance of her accusations. Nominated for seven Academy Awards.
Penny Serenade (1941) - Irene Dunne and Cary Grant play a married couple who endure financial hardships and try to raise an adopted child. Grant would receive an Academy Award nomination for his role in the film. Also starring Edgar Buchanan and Beulah Bondi.
Love Story (1970) - The tragic romance between a Harvard student (Ryan O'Neal) and a girl with a working-class background (Ali MacGraw). Nominated for seven Academy Awards, the film provided us with the famous line "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Tommy Lee Jones has a small role in his feature film debut.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939) - Based on the novel by James Hilton, this British classic focuses on the life of Charles Edward Chipping (Robert Donat), an elderly former teacher looking back on his 58-career during a dream. Greer Garson co-stars, and Donat would win a Best Actor Oscar for his performance (beating out Clark Gable for Gone with the Wind).
Brief Encounter (1945) - A bored British housewife (Celia Johnson) engages in an extramarital affair with a handsome doctor (Trevor Howard). Since it's on my list of sad movies, it's probably safe to assume that they don't live happily ever after. Considered one of the best British films ever made, it won the Palme d'Or at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival

Nostalgia: Black and White Halloween Horror Hits

Nostalgia
When it came to my father's movie theatres in the small western Illinois towns of
Carthage and Warsaw, I was one puerile youth who bubbled over with promotional ideas on how to locally ballyhoo the low-budget horror films he played.
The Warsaw Theatre, a Quonset hut building on Main Street in a town of two thousand people overlooking the Mississippi River, was, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, open only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights and sometimes played a different picture each night. The Woodbine Theatre in Carthage, twenty miles east of the river and with a larger population, tried to remain open every night, but rarely played a single film as long as a week. In the Warsaw Theatre, my father often ran double-feature material - older films and re-issues, eighty minute color westerns billed with black-and-white "lower half" films. Occasionally, when he listened to my pleas, he would run horror films, and these were the films I would go out of my way to promote. This was a very small town, so our limited resources left me with a few opportunities to be imaginative, creating lobby displays, storefront cardboard displays, and telephone posters - all made of cardboard and ink.
Some horror films of the era, however, came equipped with their own promotional gimmicks - the most well-known being those created by schlock director and producer William Castle. His first gimmick was in 1958, a promo involving a Lloyd's of London insurance policy covering the movie patron in the unlikely event that he or she died of fright while watching MACABRE.
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MACABRE is a small-budgeted but tightly paced black-and-white thriller with a few shots inserted for obvious shock value: a bloody faced corpse which falls over inside a mausoleum, a small dummy corpse with a skull face in a casket shown during a funeral at night, the sudden hand on the shoulder of a doctor who is searching through a cemetery for his daughter who has supposedly been buried alive. The final resolution is perhaps the biggest shock of all, perhaps because it is quite plausible. Greedy human beings, such as in the next Castle film HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, are the real horrors, not supernatural beings. Nonetheless, the shocks are still effective - at least for audiences not requiring gore (as in the remake of the film with the same title). To this date, only two Castle films have been remade with updated gore: HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL and THIRTEEN GHOSTS. Teen audiences today, at least in America, would probably find the original versions of the films to be quite tame.*
When Allied Artist's MACABRE played at the Warsaw Theatre, I ordered extra 8 x 10 still photos from the film from National Screen Service and decorated the window of a local drug store with a cardboard cut-out cemetery. I drew my own tombstones, but the druggist balked when I wrote the names of local people on the graves. I meant it as a joke, but black humor (sick humor) was not in.
* In the same year, Hammer Films released its version of the Dracula story with the title, in the US, HORROR OF DRACULA. In 1958, it was startling to some audiences and quite tame to others. When I showed the film in the 1990s to a college class in Atlanta, they found it to be slow-paced in spots and not very frightening or shocking. However, when I showed the film to a British literature class in China in 2004, several college girls asked to be dismissed from the classroom. They were thoroughly frightened, and I was shocked by their reaction.
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Despite my cardboard artistry, however, the film attracted only a small portion of our small population. We had the usual football games as competition.
For a Halloween midnight showing one year, Dad played two hokey horror films geared for teenage audiences: I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN and THE RETURN OF DRACULA. For this late 1950s double-bill, I constructed a cardboard castle over one of the inside exits next to the screen and ran a wire from it to the projection booth. I draped a section of white sheet over a hangar and tied a string to the hanger. During a high point of one of the films, I stood in the exit and pulled on the string, hoping to pull the ghost across the top of the audience. The ghost came out of the projection booth window on cue, but the hanger stuck halfway down. I jerked harder on the string and it snapped, leaving my deus ex machina suspended above the audience until the end of the showing when the houselights revealed my attempted stunt.
More successful was my huge cobweb made out of regular white yarn that I draped over the doorways and the one-sheet and 14 x 36 frames in the lobby.
Both I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTIEN and THE RETURN OF DRACULA feature their own internal gimmicks - the use of color in otherwise black-and-white films. One may recall how a short color segment was used in the 1940s films THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY and THE PORTRAIT OF JENNY; in each case, only the portrait of the title character was shown in color in sharp contrast with the rest of the film. Both inserted shots are quite effective. Less can be said the use of color in the aforementioned Halloween hits. In the Frankenstein film, color is used only at the end when the monster destroys himself through shock therapy. The scene is not shocking, only surprising (as in Why?).
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The Dracula film, a much more frightening film (because of skillful directing and editing, not internal gimmicks), uses color for the close shot where vampire hunters plunge a stake into the heart of a female vampire. Color gushing out of a heart wound in this black-and-white film is much more effective as a shocking contrast than the sudden jolt of color used in Castle's THE TINGLER, which shows a bathtub filled with blood and a human arm reaching out to a woman who is deathly afraid of the sight of blood.
In 1960, Nikolai Gogal's short story "The Vij" was transformed into an Italian horror film by shock-for-shock's sake director Mario Bava. The film was released in the US as BLACK SUNDAY (and THE MASK OF SATAN in Europe). BLACK SUNDAY was later used as the title of a John Frankenheimer film which dealt with pre-9-11 terrorists trying to decimate a football stadium full of fans. The first BLACK SUNDAY was released by American-International Pictures, a company famous for producing its own low-budgeted but heavily promoted quickies like I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN.
The 1960s BLACK SUNDAY, however, is unlike other formula flicks for teens at the drive-in theatres. Clever if self-conscious camera work utilizes an abundance of zoom lens shots and focuses our attention on the gamut of gothic trappings brought to life in low key black-and-white; some of the scenes feature stark imagery as crisp as anything shown in Antonioni's L'AVVENTURA, while others effectively use soft focus to create a nightmarish world. It is almost a textbook of gothic examples: black-robed hooded figures executing witches with a spike-studded mask before the titles are even shown, paintings changing and rotating to reveal secret passageways, trap doors opening onto pits with long spikes at the bottom, lanterns floating in mid-air, corpses found hanging in corridors, and huge bats flying around in the crypt.
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Barbara Steele, identified in many Italian horror flicks (and even in Fellini's landmark film 8 ½) and Roger Corman's The Pit and the Pendulum, plays two roles in BLACK SUNDAY, a witch executed in the pre-title sequence and a lovely princess menaced by her look-alike witch ancestor who is accidentally brought back to life. When the witch is brought to life two hundred years after her execution, her lovely face, and the face of her vampire lover, is covered with the holes made by the spikes in the mask. A doctor visiting her tomb discovers her coffin and unwittingly breaks the glass over her mask-encased face by striking at a large bat. He cuts his hand on the broken glass, creating an unlikely chain of events: blood from his cut drips conveniently into the eye socket of the reposing witch, the cross over her coffin has been accidentally demolished, and her coffin is blown free as if dynamited.
Zoom lenses are used effectively throughout - an unusual feat in itself since the temptation is to overuse that lens, something that the Italians became famous for doing in later films. When the witch's vampire-lover glides into a room, the father of the innocent princess holds up a cross. The camera zooms back from the cross, and as the vampire is repelled, the camera lens zooms in on the door as it closes behind him.
The greatest flaw in the film is the poorly post-dubbed dialogue, reminding small-town theatre and drive-in audiences that even the presence of Brits Barbara Steele and John Richardson portraying characters with long Russian names cannot conceal the fact that this is an Italian film. By this time, they were gradually being exposed to the long-running series of films made in color from Edgar Allen Poe stories, so the foreign cast and black-and-white footage might have been comparatively disappointing. The Poe films needed no ballyhooing, but for BLACK SUNDAY, I did take illustrations from the large press book and paste them onto large cardboard posters accompanied by my hand-lettering.
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One American film produced many years before BLACK SUNDAY and promoted with the usual ballyhoo - the title and advertisements having little to do with the content - was the ultra low-budget Roger Corman film THE UNDEAD (1956). For example, the title would hardly suggest that this is actually a type of time-travel film, one that I showed in a science-fiction time-travel class.
Once again, witches are on hand. Instead of being dispatched by spike-studded masks, however, they are beheaded by a muscular (but still hooded) executioner. Readers of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" might be surprised to see Satan make an appearance during a Walpurgis Night orgy of corpse dancing and soul-trading. To welcome Satan to the festivities in his honor, the severed head of a tavern-owner must be delivered by buxom witch Allyson Hayes. She and her gnome-like friend Billy Barty can transform themselves into black cats or flying bats whenever they find it necessary to do so.
Despite the presence of shape-shifting witches, the film's theme includes reincarnation and regression (a form of time travel). Pamela Duncan is regressed through her past lives to medieval England where she is falsely accused of being a witch. She is faced with the choice of putting her head down on the execution block with other accused witches and thus allowed herself to be reincarnated in future lives, or of escaping with her handsome knight lover and alter the future. This execution scene, with only the thump of the basket to suggest the beheadings, is well-done, particularly for a low-budget film.
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Some local stations and some cable networks might occasionally run these films that were once part of dusk-to-dawn drive in movie fare or special Halloween shows like my father used to run. If you are fortunate, you might be able to find these old black-and-white classic horror films in DVD catalogues. Then you can have your own living room dusk-to-dawn marathons for those friends of yours who appreciate films that are frightening in a subtle way and didn't need to be grossed out with gruesome NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET and FRIDAY THE 13TH killings. You can even make cobwebs out of string and hang them about the sofa.
End

JHOOTHA HI SAHI - First Look Unveiled

Director Abbas Tyrewala's second film JHOOTHA HI SAHI is another romantic comedy that has John Abraham in the lead role. John Abraham is upbeat about his role and is going all out to promote the film, as he did so recently through the popular online reality show MTV Roadies Battleground 3 - Highway to Hell, which even has a helpline named after the actor's character in the movie. Abbas Tyrewala shot to fame with his very first film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, which had Imraan Khan and Genelia D'Souza. JHOOTHA HI SAHI is Abbas Tyrewala's second directorial venture which was earlier titled 1-800 Love but was later changed.
John vouches for the film for its freshness and likens the film to Notting Hill, a British romantic comedy that starred Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. The actor was all praises for the cast and crew of the film for their fabulous job. Abbas Tyrewala's wife Pakhi debuts in this film opposite John Abraham. Says the director, "Unlike Jaane Tu, the heartbreak is real in JHOOTHA HI SAHI. When heartbreak happens it actually pains. Jaane Tu was little playful and childish. However in case of JHOOTHA HI SAHI there is lot of pain. It is a more serious film. Though it's a rom-com there is a dramatic aspect to it." The film is all set to hit the screens on October 15.
MTV's reality show Roadies Battleground 3-Highway to Hell has a character named after John Abraham's character in the movie so it only makes sense for the handsome actor to show up at the Roadies event to promote his film. John was present at the launch of the Roadies show at JW Marriot recently. As his character Sid in the film, John would lie and confuse the contestants but would leave a clue to cross the edge and win the contest. "Sid loves to lie. He lies to get his love back without cheating and the beauty about the clues here (in Roadies) is I will help the contestants bend the rules but will make sure they don't cheat," said John.
Sid Helpline would be available to the contestants from time to time, whereby they can pick up the phone, dial the number, speak to Sid and he will tell contestants on how to bend the rules, go ahead and win at any cost.
You can have an exclusive look at this promotional Bollywood event on NyooTV.com. NyooTV is India's first online Social TV Network and one-stop shop for premium visual entertainment. NyooTV brings a whole new world of entertainment with its innovative technology, rendering a viewing experience unmatched in quality.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Top 10 Horror Movies for Halloween 2010

Here we go fancy dress fans, to start getting you into the 'spirit' of Halloween, here's a top 10 list of horror movies... If you were a teenager in the 70s or 80s, you are going to remember them all!!
1. The Exorcist
This 1973 horror film deals with the demonic possession of a young girl and her mother's desperate plea to get her daughter back through the ancient exorcism rite to rid the devil, which is performed by two priests.
The most profitable horror film of all time, with 10 academy award nominations, it was one of a cycle of demonic child movies produced in the 60s and 70s. The Best Bit? The 12 year old girl shows very strange and unnatural powers including levitation, huge strength along with a strange male demonic voice spewing out obscenities. Loved the bit when her head rotates and projective vomits vile green sludge...
2. Evil Dead
A horror film many of you will remember from the 80s, made famous with its storyline of the five college students vacationing in an isolated cabin in a remote wooded area who find an audiotape that releases evil spirits. Evil Dead made headlines because of its extremely controversial and graphic terror, violence, and gore!
For its time, it was pretty radical. Stephen King called it 'the most ferociously original horror movie of the year'! Best Bits? Well... it's just a continuous pummelling of the audience with one insanely horrific shock effect after the other.
3. Nightmare on Elm Street
Nancy is having horrible nightmares. She discovers so too are her highschool chums, but they are being slaughtered in their sleep by the same hideous character of their shared dreams. Nancy, ignored by the Police has to confront the killer in his shadowy lair...
This movie was made by the master of the horror genre, legend, Wes Craven. Johnny Depp makes an appearance in his first starring role, and Nightmare on Elm Street gives birth to one of the most notorious and infamous undead villains in film history; Freddy Krueger.
Most memorable scary bit... the children singing... "One, two, Freddy's coming for you. Three, four, better lock your door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, better stay awake. Nine, ten, never sleep again..."
4. Scream
Another of Wes Craven's blockbusters, the movie scream was hugely popular in the 90's for its resurrection of the teen slasher movie genre. The plot was apparently inspired by the Halloween movie series and Gainseville Ripper murders of 1990.
The plot of `Scream' is pretty simple: Halloween costumed knife-wielding psychopathic serial killer is busy stalking high school students and brutally killing them off one by one. The killer's inordinately obsessed with one of the girls, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), who gets involved in the quest to unmask the insane killer Funny Bit? The wassuuuup phone conversation between the killer and three lads.
5. Carrie
The 1976 supernatural horror movie shocked millions of viewers during the 70s, based on the novel 'Carrie' by Stephen King. Carrie is the story of a socially outcast teenage girl who discovers she possesses psionic powers which are brought to life when she is angered. After humiliation by her peers, teachers and abusive mother, Carrie turns her supernatural powers on them to devastating tragedy.
Best Bits: The moment the bucket of pig's blood is tipped over Carrie, who is on stage, who has just been named prom queen... but this is eclipsed by the final moment when the only survivor of the prom, dreams of visiting the plot where Carrie's house once stood. As she places flowers on the ground, a bloody hand reaches out, grabbing Sue wrist...*shiver*
6. An American Werewolf in London
The 1981 horror-comedy film about two young American men on a backpacking holiday round England, where they eventually find themselves deep into the moors one night and they are attacked by a werewolf. Jack dies and David ends up in a London hospital and is visited in his dreams by the ghostly apparition of his friend who re-appears to tell him that he is now a werewolf and will transform at the next moon. Sure enough he does and goes on a murderous killing spree and awakens to find himself back to normal, but caged at the London zoo.
Best bits - the ever decaying and zombie like corpse Jack returning telling David to kill himself.
7. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
This horror film from 1974 introduced the spine chilling character of Leatherface and was originally presented as a true story involving the ambush and murdered of a group of friends by cannibals on a road trip across rural Texas.
The film however is completely fictional, but no less horrifying. This terrifying movie has gained a reputation as one of the most influential horror films in cinematic history, with its portrayal of the killer as a large, hulking, faceless figure whose weapon of choice is a power tool to unleash inexplicable horror on its victims... brrrrr, watch this one during daylight hours with friends...
8. The Shining
Made in 1980, The Shining based on Stephen King's novel and directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a psychological horror that has become a classic of the horror genre and it has been ranked as one of the best horror films of all time! It's intensely eerie and powerfully menacing. A writer, his wife and young son head off to care-take an isolated hotel in its off season. The son who is psychic, can see ghosts and predict things from the future or past. Following a ferocious winter storm, the family are barricaded in the hotel and the father becomes influenced by the supernatural presence in the haunted hotel, he descends into insanity and ends trying to kill wife and son.
Memorable Bits; Jack Nicholson's descent into madness and when he turns against his family... 'Wendy? Darling? Light of my life, I'm not gonna hurt ya. You didn't let me finish my sentence. I said, I'm not gonna hurt ya. I'm just going to bash your brains in'
9. The Amityville Horror
This 1979 horror film gained huge popularity with its claim to be based on a true story of the Lutz family and the paranormal disturbances they experienced at 112 Ocean Avenue, a large Dutch colonial house in Amityville. 13 months before the family moved in, Ronald DeFeo, Jr shot and killed 6 members of his family. After only 28 days, the Lutz's flee the house, having been terrorized by a supernatural presence.
Some of their experiences included; - George waking at 3:15 every morning to inspect the boathouse (the time that Defeo murdered his family) - Kathy having vivid nightmares about the murders and a feeling of being embraced in a loving manner by an unseen person. - The red room, a room painted in blood that did show up on the houses blueprints. - The image of a demon in the fireplace, which his head half blown off - Strange smells of excrement and perfume in random rooms of the house. - Missy's imaginary friend, a demonic pig-like creature with glowing red eyes. - Slamming doors and German marching bands were heard by George. - Kathy levitating off the bed and receiving red welts on her chest. - Green slime oozing from the walls and plagues of flies - George received bite marks from a four foot high ornamental china lion.
A terrific horror film and the book is even better... don't be scared if you start waking at 3:15am...
10. Night of the living Dead
This 1968 black and white movie is the first and original zombie movie that sets the bar for all other zombie laden gore-fests. It follows the story of 7 folks who are trapped in a rural farmhouse in Pennsylvania. It's a long night of survival as the house is being attacked by mysterious ghouls, the living dead, otherwise known as zombies who swarm around the house in search of living flesh.
The story focuses on the characters weaknesses, their cowardice, their greed and stupidity and makes the drama inside the house as palatable as the danger from outside. The undead zombies are lumbering beasts, they appear unstoppable and relentless in the quest to feast on the living. Most horrifying Bit? A knife-wielding little zombie girl... zombie kids? That will keep you awake all night long.
So there you have it fancy dress fans, the top 10 best horror movies from the 20th century. It's enough to inspire you to host a horror flick marathon sleepover this Halloween. BYO pillows to scream into! Have a great Halloween!

Top Horror Movies, Ghost Movies

Personally I love being scared silly and a spine tingling ghost movie works for me. Of all the top horror movies genre out there like; vampires, zombies, killer tomatoes, the eerie, transparent ghoul that is floating around the room and whispering warnings to you in the dark, ghost movies are the best!
The love for a good ghost movie came about for me at a tender young age...thanks to two cousins!
It was a crisp fall day when I, at an impressionable age of eight or nine was dropped off at my grandparent's farm for a weekend stay.
My bratty two older cousins were staying there also. For sleeping, the three of us shared two feather mattress beds in the open basement of the old farmhouse.
That was where I experienced my first ghost story. In the silent darkness my cousins told me a spine tingling story that "actually" happened not too far away. A tale worthy of being one of the top horror movies ever. They began in detail, a story about a kid, my age, getting his head chopped in half with an ax by his crazy grandfather. The poor ghoulish kid with half a bloody head now roams the countryside.
I never slept a wink that night. In fact it was a good while before I slept at my grandparent's farmhouse again.
Halloween is near, enough of the vampire genre! That is why this article is about the eeriest, scariest ghost movies, twelve of them! Put in chronological order from oldest to newest and worth watching in this order. Notice how the older ghost movies were remade.
1) The Uninvited (1944)
A brother and sister move into an old seaside mansion. Bought very cheaply and came with a sinister past is now haunted.
Starring: Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp, Gail Russell.
2009 - The new ghost movie has a very different storyline. Hair standing straight scary never the less.
Starring: Emily Browning, David Strathaim, Elizabeth Banks.
2) House On Haunted Hill (1959)
Eccentric multimillionaire and his wife invite five unrelated strangers to a huge, isolated mansion. They offer 10,000 dollars to each guest if they make it through the night (12 hours). All five arrive by hearse and in the morning all five will be leaving by hearse, one-way or the other.
Starring: Vincent Price, Carol Ohmart, Richard Long.
The new 1999 movie has the same story line, slightly altered like one million dollars instead of 10,000 and of course better special effects.
Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Famke Janssen, Taye Diggs, Chris Katten.
3) 13 Ghosts (1960) Out of all the top horror movies this ghost movie is one of the best. Uncle Zorba, an occultist, wills a huge unusual house to his needy nephew Cyrus and his family. This house came with three surprises; treasure, thirteen ghosts and special goggles to see these ghosts.
Starring: Charles Herbert, Donald Woods, Jo Morrow.
2001 version has the same story line, with creative well done effects and Cyrus is the uncle's name.
Starring: Tony Shalhoub, Shannon Elizabeth, F. Murray Abraham.
4) Carnival Of Souls (1962)
A ghostly man appears through mirrors at first only to an innocent church organist. Did someone or something at the deserted carnival prompt this ghoulish image which keeps appearing to this poor girl? Even though this is a low budget movie it still merits a decent level on the fright meter.
Starring: Candace Hilligoss, Frances Feist, Sidney Berger.
1998 version was much more brutal with a not so funny circus clown.
Starring: Bobbie Phillips, Shawnee Smith.
5) The Haunting (1963)
An old mansion called Hill House gives paranormal proof to Dr. Markway and his invited guests. The good story line made this a spooky movie.
Starring: Julie Harris, Richard Johnson, Claire Bloom.
1999 movie has the same story line only its Dr. Marrow, a high standard cast and great movie magic.
Starring: Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Owen Wilson, Lili Taylor.
6) The Fog (1980)
One hundred years ago a ship carrying lepers purposely crashed drowning all on board. Now the ghoulish lepers are back for revenge and coming through the fog. John Carpenter can certainly put together a great ghost movie, not only once but twice.
Starring: Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Houseman.
2005- Very similar to the 1980 version but with better effects. Mr. Carpenter has also become more successful in the last twenty five years.
Starring: Tom Welling, Maggie Grace, Selma Blair.
7) Witchboard (1986)
College students start playing with an Ouija board that becomes evil. Meanwhile they were all thinking it was the spirit of a nice ten year old boy.
Starring: Todd Allen, Tawny Kitaen, Clare Bristol.
8) The Sixth Sense (1999)
In this subtle ghost movie, nine-year old Cole Sear can see, hear and talk to dead people right after they pass on. Dr. Crowe, a child psychologist tries to help Cole with these...hallucinations. I love movies that have a good twist ending and this is one of them. Definitely one of the top horror movies.
Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette.
9) The St. Francisville Experiment (1999)
In a little town in Louisianna is a known haunted house. The house is haunted by the ghosts of slaves who died enduring horrible torture.Four people are unprepared for the horrors that are about to occur.
Starring: Tim Baldini, Madison Charap, Paul Palmer.
10) What Lies Beneath (2000)
The wife of an university scientist begins to see apparitions. Her husband thinks that she is nuts until he sees the images for himself. Now, they must both uncover the truth and find out what lies beneath.
Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Katharine Towne, James Remar.
11) Ghost Ship (2002)
This is a 'better get ready to hang on to something' ghost movie. I would consider this as one of the top horror movies. A 1962 elite passenger ship was suddenly found floating adrift by a salvage crew, forty years later. Old, rusted, deserted, full of gold and ghosts.
Starring: Gabriel Byrne, Julianna Margulies, Ron Eldard, Isaiah Washington.
12) The Ring (2002)
A strange video tape with eerie footage that seems to kill the viewer in seven days. Seconds after the video ends, a phone call, one week later you die a horrible death. Originally a 1998 Japanese film called 'Ringu". I had to add this flick to the top horror movies list.
Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Jane Alexander.
You want to be frightened this Halloween season? My recommendation for a great scary ghost movie is any one of these twelve films. They are all worthy to be on the 'top horror movies' list.
So after the costumed kids are done ringing your doorbell and threatening you for treats, grab a pillow to hang on to, turn off all the lights and put on one of these scary movies. Great way to end Halloween.
Happy Halloween, Cinema Serge.

Having Sex When You Have a Yeast Infection

When most of us think of a yeast infection, we think of it in connection with women. However, the Candida albicans fungus (yeast) can cause infections in anyone of either gender, because it is present in all of our bodies. This will come as an unwelcome surprise to men, but hang on, because it gets worse. Guys, when you have sex with a woman who has yeast infection, she can easily pass it on to you.
Due to the specific hormones women have, they are more susceptible to yeast infections. Usually when a woman has an infection she will experience all of the uncomfortable symptoms that tell her what's going on. She'll know when it's necessary to take more precautions in having sex. However, there are times when she may experience such mild symptoms that she's unaware she even has a problem, so she can pass the infection on to a man without knowing it.
Most men don't even think about being concerned over getting a yeast infection, but it can happen. In fact, yeast infections of the penis are very common and seldom cause any symptoms in otherwise healthy men. During an active yeast infection in either partner, it is safer to avoid sex altogether. This practice will not only ensure that the infection won't be passed on, but it will also avoid more irritation which will make the condition last longer.
In order to know if you have a yeast infection, it will help if you know the symptoms. In women the most common symptoms are irritation, itching, redness, swelling, burning, and a whitish-grey discharge that has the consistency of cheese as well as a smell much like yeast or beer.
Men who are infected will show redness, irritation, and possibly white spots on the end of the penis. There may also be a white to yellow discharge present. It could be that after he has intercourse his penis will be sore. The better your overall health is, though, the milder the symptoms you'll experience.
Both men and women should see a physician if they are concerned that they might have yeast infection. Your doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis and make suggestions for effective treatments. There are numerous prescription, over-the-counter and natural remedies for treating yeast infection available.
If one partner in a sexual relationship has yeast infection, both partners should get diagnosed and treated. Otherwise, the person who was treated and is now symptom-free will run the risk of getting it back from their untreated partner every time they have sex.
Yeast infections can be a nuisance and wreak havoc with your sex life, but with proper treatment and precautions, soon you'll both be healed up and back in action.

How Adult Shops Are Becoming More Female Friendly

Adult Shops are increasingly becoming more female friendly to cater to a woman's adult fantasies. With ladies being more and more confident with their sexuality there is an immense necessity for toys which are designed to satisfying ladies. The increased demand has also created an growth in toys developed for women, by women, and a marketplace for high end gorgeous and stylish toys. Lots of today's toys are now beautiful to look at, are petite and feminine, and are easy to use.
Take the Lelo and Vida collection of vibrators, these superior vibrators are feminine and stylish and built from the highest grade materials. Designed to be the ultimate in pleasure devices for ladies, they come in a wide array of styles and have an array of potent vibrations. A breeze to use and trouble-free, they offer built-in rechargeable batteries and easy controls to tailor-make the speed of vibration while being almost silent and discreet.
Also a new range of couple's toys are being developed, which have the advantage of pleasing both partner's. And with today's technology a lot of couple's toys are cordless, and strapless, being able to give pleasure but not have things in the way and ruining the mood. Some women feel better about buying something that they can use with their lover, rather than something they just use alone. By supplying these types of toys, adult shops can cater for everyone, and their sexual needs.
Adult Shops have also made their stores more appealing to ladies by establishing a clean, trustworthy and secure surroundings in which to browse and shop for adult goods. A quality adult shop also needs to be open to women's needs and not be judgmental about talking about very confidential and intimate issues. Also having different departments to shop apart from men makes an sex shop more appealing for ladies, for example having adult DVD's in a different area from toys, and placing the lingerie area away from toys and DVD's so that ladies can be confident browsing for and trying on the lingerie away from men. Also a relaxing atmosphere is effective in a adult shop so women can take their time without feeling rushed. And you may also choose to frequent an adult shop with a discreet entry so you can conveniently enter and leave in privacy.
More and more Adult Shops are modeling a more lady friendly approach to shop layout and goods now accommodating for the half of the population that have been neglected for many years. The past has seen dingy, sleezy and dirty adult shops dominate the adult retail industry excluding a lot of ladies who have sexual needs, but didn't want to enter such an establishment. With the modern female friendly approach to adult stores women are more comfortable entering and discussing their intimate needs.

How Adult Shops Are Becoming More Female Friendly


Friday, November 5, 2010

Summer Movies of 1989: The Best Ever!

Here we are once again close to the end of yet another dreadful movie year. Tired sequels that have worn out their welcome a long time ago and comedies that barely result in more than a chuckle are littering our movie screens. 3-D has been giving a new lease on life with very little interest and sadly very little excitement. This tired process was first created to combat television in the 50's and later resurrected in the early 80's. This gimmick only meant we were bored in not only one dimension but three!
Maybe it's the fact that I'm in my mid-forties that causes me to feel disillusioned with the modern pop culture, or that I simply have lived through too many summer movie seasons to get interested anymore. It is after all the 18 to 24 year olds that make up most of the cinema going audience. Perhaps I'm too rooted in my youth to care much about the films of today and their place in history.
I don't think so. Current movie lack everything that films in my era seem to have had in abundance. A magical and exciting mixture of honesty and special effects made the films of the 80's feel like childhood friends. This brings me back to a certain summer movies season that was both amazing in its number of blockbuster hits as well as a healthy dose of quality dramas and comedies. The year was 1989.
First you must understand the main reason why so many big budgeted blockbusters were released in a 4 month period. In late 1987 there was a writer's strike in Hollywood that wreaked havoc on television and feature films. Productions came to a halt on film projects and television was littered with endless reruns. The strike caused many series to prematurely die, such as the popular "Moonlighting" which never saw its audience come back.
However, as a result of that strike the summer movie season of 1989 was being shaped up as a landing strip for so many big movies caught up in the air of production delays. Bad news for the studios but great news for film fans who couldn't imagine what was ahead of them at their local theaters.
The film that led that avalanche of blockbusters was also one of the most anticipated films of the decade. Batman with Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson as the joker was the film that everyone was talking about. Keaton's casting was puzzling to the fans, but Nicholson as the joker had everyone buzzing with excitement. Not since Marlon Brando in Superman has an actor elevated a film from popcorn cheese to legitimate theatrical excitement.
At the same time several studios had entries of long successful film series waiting in the wings. Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade and Star Trek V were released just a few weeks later, with Lethal Weapon 2 and Ghostbusters 2 right behind them. If that wasn't enough a man by the name of Bond, James Bond showed up just 7 days later in "License to kill". Just think Indiana Jones, Captain Kirk, Batman and James Bond all playing at the same time! If you needed a break from this frenzy Mel Gibson and the Ghost Hunting Boys were just down the corridor.
Outstanding dramas like Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" and "Dead Poets Society" provided some welcome seriousness, while the romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally" had audiences roaring and ordering "what she had".
Some original films also took a bite out of the audience as well. "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" and Sam Raimi's "Darkman" were surprise hits.
The memory of that movie summer will live on with me for the rest of my life. Not only did I see all the movies on opening night, I had a distinct point of view on the excitement that was going on around me. I was a movie theatre usher at then illustrious now extinct Amboy Cinemas Theatre in Sayreville, New Jersey.
I look back at those three months as a special time not only in terms of box office history, but in the thrill and joy that I shared with my many popcorn sweeping co-stars. There has never been a summer movie season like that since and most likely never will be again. To release all those potential blockbusters in that short amount of time would never fly today.
But back then it did, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I thought I had lived through the most exhausting job I ever had. Every show was a sell-out and hundreds if not thousands of sodas were sold every day. This was the true meaning of show business.
Little did I know that a few months later a studio named Disney would be born again with an obscure movie called "The Little Mermaid". That Thanksgiving I learned the most valuable skill of my adult life; scrapping gummy bears off a concrete floor.

Movie Review: Justice League - Crisis on Two Earths

I have enjoyed comic books and adaptations for years and now that I have two sons myself we enjoy delving into the worlds of DC and Marvel every now and again and being entertained with Superheroes fighting villains in grand style.  To this day even cartoon comic based movies are still quite entertaining and a good story and decent voice work can prove that you don't need live actors and a two hundred million dollar budget to make an entertaining film.  Justice League was one of my favorite all time collage of heroes and includes Superman who is my all time favorite superhero as the lead of a squad of superheroes bent on assisting the planet vs. the many villains that arise.
The original and core Justice League members are Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern and the Flash.  The movie Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths tells the tale of a parallel Earth where Lex Luthor was the leader of this alternate world's Justice League which was decimated by a crime syndicate lead by their worlds Superman equivalent known as Ultra Man.  Each superhero has an equivalent who is just as powerful and when Lex Luthor escapes to our regular Justice League dimension to ask for help the Justice League cannot refuse to lend aid.
The story is not unique if you are a Sci-Fi and Comic Book fan, you would have seen variations of the story of parallel dimensions with each choice leading to a new dimension being created.  It is however entertaining and for most of the comic book movies lately has less violence and blood than some of the other films like Hulk Planet.
If you are a DC Comic book fan or enjoy watching superhero flicks, then Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths will keep you engaged.  James Woods plays the voice of Owl Man the evil equivalent of batman who is hell bent on destroying all life as we know it.  William Baldwin does a good job as the dark voice of Batman, with Mark Harmon playing the voice of Superman.
The creative story and engagement of the characters was enjoyable and I thought this movie was one of the better recent Warner Bros DC Comic based movies.  I rate Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths 3.5 out of 5 stars.

How to Be a Good Actor

Most people who tend to get into the film industry would think of acting as an easy thing to do. But only when they get a chance to be an actor, will they realize the toughness of the job. Acting is a skill which many people think is in their genes. Though they are correct it requires some practice and training to groom it and make it efficient. This is what makes them a good actor. The process of grooming involves loosing out the inhibitions and shyness. people who act well in the studio may get nervous when asked to perform live on the roads. This is not good for an actor. This can only be avoided only after constant appearances on Live performances. People do not tend to accept the fact that Success comes only with hard work. All expect success every time they perform. What is the importance of success without failure?
Most people forget that after our first success, we still have to stabilize. But those who tend to forget it and start flying, land hardly. People who do not hail from a family of actors usually find it hard to get their first chance. They always know the value of this chance and strive hard to achieve something. But people with backup do not perform to their full potential and hope there is always another chance. This attitude is what separates those who earn their glory and those who bask in others glory.
After we find a place for ourselves, its hard for one to stay focussed. we have to keep our names intact and struggle to keep up our respect. Great actors who still are Immortal are those who respect their guru and fans who had empowered them to their current position. Success comes knocking on their doors. Fans are the basic property of all actors. Without them, they are waste. So actors who respect their fans are always on the success path. once our fans starts liking us they will do anything for us.
The final and foremost thing in any actors life is the tendency to observe thing around you. The actors must be intelligent enough to implement this into their actor skills whenever required and improvise. The actors must also respect their co-artist. Without their co-operation we cannot achieve anything. When people tend to move together in harmony, everything goes well for them.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Gossip Desperately Seeking Amitabh Bachchan

The superstar of the millennium is shining bright, as ever. From hair oil to cricket to politics the name of Amitabh Bachchan has become synonymous with success. Anybody launching anything needs him to succeed.
The angry man of the seventies set Indian cinema's box office jingling without having to look back. In the early nineties the star matured into an age that was neither here nor there for Indian film heroes. But the producers wanted him as the hero still and the audience found the star too old for his much younger heroines. This period of dilemma and indecision created a brief hiatus in the success graph of the superstar.
But, Amitabh Bachchan was hardly something that could be easily forgotten by the Indian crowds. He was needed. Hindi version of television show 'Who Will Become A Millionaire' produced by a private Indian TV channel and anchored by the mega star brought him back to mainstream with thunderous impact. The show became a landmark in Indian television history.
Everybody understood how much Amitabh Bachchan was loved adored and respected by one and all and in all fields of activities. His growing age was a challenge accepted by the producers, the directors, the advertisers, the industrialists and the politicians
Indian films began to be centered on him and his age, and special protagonist or even antagonistic roles were created to fit his age. The channel producers wanted him to launch their reality shows or events or even serial. The advertisers wanted him for every product to ensure its popularity. The superstar was a must for any launch of any service or business or event. Cricket organizers needed him to double the impact. The governments wanted him in all significant events and functions. The political parties craved for his favors and indulged in childish fights over him. One Indian state made him the brand ambassador to highlight its developmental initiative and other states cried in helpless frustration. And, the Indian crowds just loved wherever they saw him.
Amitabh Bachchan was honored with his fourth National Award as the Best Actor by the government of India in 2010 for the film called 'Paa' (2009) where he played the role of an intelligent witty 12-year-old boy, Auro, with an extremely rare genetic defect called the progeria syndrome meaning prematurely old or with symptoms of aging making one look five times older than s/he actually is.
T20 cricket was supposed to be the most popular form of cricket after the success of Indian Premier League, but even then the cricket management wanted Amitabh Bachchan to promote the Champions League T20 in South Africa, 2010.
Amitabh Bachchan has proved again why he should still be the superstar of the millennium. The legend lives on.

Leonardo DiCaprio - Everything You Need To Know

Leonardo DiCaprio is a well known American actor who became a sensation worldwide with the movie Titanic. He is one of the most respected, daring and challenging actors of Hollywood today and is known for his diverse, sharp and intense roles. He mostly work with internationally acclaimed directors like Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan. He is seen most often in Martin Scorsese movies. He is one of those actors who refuse to conform to any cliche about actors.
Leonardo DiCaprio was born to parents Irmelin and George DiCaprio in Los Angeles, California on November 11, 1974. His parents had separated when he was a year old but his father was very much around him. It was actually seeing his stepbrother Adam Farrar's brief stint in acting that inspired him to try his luck in films as well.
He started his career with television commercials and educational programs as a child. Few of the producers noticed him and gave him small roles in their Television series. During this stint in his career he was nominated for Young Artist Award for Best Young Actor.
In 1991 he made his debut on the big screen with "Critters 3", a low budget horror movie. He then made a brief stint in the sitcom "Growing Pains" after which he was noticed by the public. He took various diverse roles which showcased his talent in movies like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", "The Quick", "The Basketball Diaries", and in 1996 with the movie "Romei & Juliet" Leonardo became a household name. The movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" saw him along with Johnny Depp. He was awarded the National Board of Review Award and was also nominated for both Academy Award and Golden Globe.
Then came the movie "Titanic" in 1997 that changed his life forever. With the role he became a teen sensation not only in America but also worldwide. "Titanic" became the highest grossing movie breaking all records of that time. This also brought him his second nomination for Golden Globe. Finally he had a control over his career. However, he kept a low profile until 2002 when he again made waves worldwide with his movie "Catch Me if You Can". He received his third Golden Globe nomination for his work in this film.
He is said to draw a salary of $20 million. Apart from being a top movie star he is also a well-known environmental conservationist, and advocates and support natural causes.

Hollywood Movie Stars Support Eco-Terrorism

Some have said that Hollywood Movie Stars are supporting Eco-Terrorists by donating to certain environmental groups. In fact some say that these movie stars may actually know where the money will eventually end up but donate anyway, as it shows their Hollywood support of the liberal viewpoint and is worth a few brownie points in the high-society circles in which they travel and need to be seen in. Recently a few online think tank forum think tankers discussed this notion and one had commented and stated:
"I had an interesting thought about the environmental terrorist groups and wonder why they have never targeted Hollywood and the movie industry. It seems that they destroy so much stuff that just has to go to landfills in most movies and this one was no exception. I don't believe these groups have even raised one stink over this, hypocrites that they are."
Well this is an interesting point indeed, why is it that Hollywood is never attacked or their on-site movies, which are often filmed in the wilderness? And the think tanker makes a good point, as the eco-terrorists start fires, which cause pollution and often destroy buildings, car dealerships and industrial type places which in turn put huge accumulations of debris and toxic gas into the air. This being extremely hypocritical as if you really cared about the environment you would never even think of such a thing. Another think tank member stated:
"Well, that is liberal Hollywood for you, some of those actors and actresses actually believe in the Eco-terrorists causes and condone it. It is pitiful really. I think secretly although they will never admit it, that these movie folks are funding eco-terrorists giving money to groups which claim to support environmental endeavors. Of course if you arrest them for it, they will have all sorts of negative media and it will be another Waco Incident with the FBI."
It is a really challenging issue, as sometimes you have to follow the money to find the bad guys and then you come across folks you would never suspect stuck in the middle and inadvertently funding the entire operation. Sound familiar? As that is so similar to the International Terrorists we are dealing with in the world, isn't it? Consider this in 2006.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Samy Vellu’s exit suggests snap polls, says DAP man

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu’s planned exit in January will pave the way for snap elections next year, Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran claimed today.
Yesterday, Samy Vellu, who has helmed the MIC for more than 30 years, finally announced that he would pass the baton to his deputy Senator Datuk G. Palanivel in January, ahead of the expiry of his term in May 2012.
“With Datuk Samy Vellu’s planned exit in January, a major obstacle has been removed and it is likely that snap polls will be held in March next year,” said Kulasegaran  in a statement.
“There has been speculation that the prime minister may dissolve Parliament next year, but to proceed with his plan, he has to first ensure that Samy Vellu, who has been regarded as a liability to BN, must step down as MIC president,” he added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is reportedly weighing whether to call for a general election within the next six months so that he may secure a fresh mandate to press forward with political and economic reforms.
A stronger economy has fuelled speculation that he might call for snap polls by the first half of 2011 although an Economist Intelligence Unit report early this month dismissed such talk, saying the results of recent by-elections suggest that the electorate has become much more volatile, especially the non-Malay voters.
Samy Vellu’s detractors have long demanded his exit, saying that the longest-serving MIC president’s reluctance to vacate his post had been dragging the party down.
The MIC suffered a record loss of six out of nine parliamentary seats and 12 out of 19 state seats it contested in Election 2008.
The MIC president sacked four party leaders — V. Mugilan, G. Kumar Aamaan, V. Subramaniam and K.P. Samy — in May this year after they spoke out against him when he announced then that he would only step down in September 2011.
After their sackings, the four leaders went on to form the Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu (GAS) movement in the hope of pressuring Samy Vellu into early retirement.
“It is no exaggeration to say that due to his unwillingness to retire honourably following his and MIC’s electoral defeats in the 2008 general election Samy Vellu, who has long overstayed his welcome, has suffered public humiliation unprecedented in BN’s (Barisan Nasional) history, with several BN leaders openly calling him to retire from politics and labelling him a liability to the coalition,” said Kulasegaran.
The DAP national vice-chairman pointed out that former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was among those who had derided Samy Vellu as a liability, calling for him to step down after his defeat in Election 2008.
“Mahathir said that Samy Vellu should relinquish his post for his party’s failure in the 2008 general election where Samy Vellu was also defeated in his parliamentary stronghold of Sungai Siput,” said Kulasegaran.
He quoted Dr Mahathir as saying: “Samy’s performance is worse than Pak Lah’s (Abdullah), but he still does not want to give up his post. He should have resigned before things got to this stage.”
Samy Vellu lost the Sungai Siput seat that he had held since 1974 in the historic Election 2008 which saw BN lose its customary two-thirds majority.
Top MIC leaders like deputy president Palanivel and three vice-presidents (Datuk S. Sothinathan, Datuk S. Veerasingam and Tan Sri Dr K.S. Nijhar) were also defeated in their parliamentary constituencies.
The Ipoh Barat MP pointed out that Samy Vellu could have stepped down after Election 2008 to save himself from political humiliation, citing Gerakan founder Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu who retired from politics after suffering defeat in the 1990 general election.
“He could have done so honourably immediately after the 2008 general election and saved himself and MIC all the public political humiliation,” said Kulasegaran.
Samy Vellu, 74, came to the party’s helm in 1979 after Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam died and has held the position for 11 consecutive terms.
He was the works minister and the longest-serving minister in the Cabinet until he lost his parliamentary seat in the 2008 general election.

Mariah Carey Swings Into Singapore

Mariah Carey Swings Into Singapore

Looking to be in the highest of spirits, a smiling her made the trip to Singapore - as she touched down at Changi Airport in the early hours of Saturday morning (September 25).
The 40-year-old singer continues to leave fans wondering whether or not she's pregnant while covering her tummy with a bouquet of flowers after being greeted by more than 100 fans.

According to an onlooker, "One fan managed to give her the flowers, which she held in front of her as she was escorted out of the airport by a group of burly security men."
Having made the trip from Los Angeles, Mariah was ushered to an awaiting limo while heading off to an exclusive five-star resort ahead of her performance at a Formula 1 event on Sunday, September 26th.

A Teresa Giudice Reality Show: Coming Soon?

Would you watch a spin-off reality show featuring Teresa Giudice? Bravo is reportedly mulling over such a move.
"If they can give Bethenny her own show you can bet that they will give Teresa one," an  insider tells PopEater. "You can't come up with a better script than Teresa's life. She's a mother and wife going through financial troubles and having to start all over again. Everyone has been hit hard by this economy and watching Teresa and her family struggle through problems will make for great TV."
More like nauseating TV. The Giudices have been hit hard, not the economy.
Teresa Image
Sadly, Teresa is one of the most popular Housewives in history. Magazines with her photo on the cover have sold more issues than those featuring anyone else in the franchise.
Said a TV executive when asked about a show anchored by Giudice:
"Bravo is sitting on gold with Teresa. No one could have predicted which wife would take off and which wouldn't. However, I think we can all agree that Teresa is now the biggest star the franchise has ever created. It makes perfect sense that they are discussing giving her her own show. They would be stupid not to be talking about it."
The biggest star the franchise has ever created?!? 
Would you watch this show?

Behind the Bryan and Jenny Masche Marriage, Split

On June 11, 2007, Bryan and Jenny Masche welcomed six children into their world, three boys and three girls. Two years later, they let cameras into their home for the reality show Raising Sextuplets.
Now, following , the couple finds itself legally separated. What the heck happened in such a relatively short period of time?
The Masche Family
Relatives tell People the problems started when the family moved from Lake Havasu to Destin, Florida, which was the focus of the show's second season. And a cause for bickering between Bryan and Jenny.
"I have no idea why they did it," Jenny's uncle, Sergio Bustamante,  "There's more support here," while Jenny's brother adds: "I don't think they put a lot of thought into it. If they had stuck here with our family support, it would have been better."
Over a year ago, Jenny sensed problems in her marriage. She admitted to "brutal fights" with Bryan and said they often stay up into the early morning, trying to avoid going to bed angry.
"We have the ability to make or break [our children] and who they become and the security they have," she told People in April 2009. "The best thing you can give your children is showing a healthy mommy and daddy that love each other. We try really, really hard and pray a lot."
Let's all hope a separation is actually the best thing for these kids, as their parents are clearly better, and more peaceful, apart.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Power Of Pain

I sat alone another day.
The world was moving all around me,
but it seemed as if my life was in a standstill.
The doctors say its anxiety.
Everyone thinks anxiety means nervousness or fear,
but it is deeper than that.
Anxiety holds you prisoner.
You can't leave your house.

Ding
Dong
Ding
Dong

The doorbell rings but I can't answer.
There is too much fear inside.
You can't answer the phone.

Ring
Ring
Ring

"Telephone for you!" my family yells. I
tell them to say that I will call back, but I won't.
You can't eat.

Chomp
Bite
Chew

No, not me. The anxiety
even controls that. All the pain rushes back up with
every little thing I eat.
You can't go out.

Step
Step
Step

Everyone walking around me, but I can't move, the
apprehension paralyzes me.
Everyone says, "Be brave. You can do it. You'll make it out of this."
But sometimes I wonder if I will.
I try to combat it all, but if I attempt to do anything,
it all starts over again.

Thump
Thump
Thump

My heart beats faster and faster.
I can feel it in my chest.

Beads of sweat
Racing
Falling
Running down my forehead.
All the thoughts swarm in my brain.
The fear picks up.
It is unbearable.
I'm so frightened, but I don't know what of.
The paranoia sweeps over my body like a giant wave.
Every day I have to fight what seems to be a losing battle.
But then . . . I look outside.
I see the colors.
I see the life.
I see spirit.
I know I can do this.

Hope
Pray
Win

In Times Off

My soul drifts aimlessly in times of hopelessness.
It searches tirelessly for meaning and truth ...
Yet finds no direction.

My heart bleeds quietly in times of loneliness.
It yearns to find warmth and happiness ...
Yet it somehow eludes me.

My eyes seek out visions in times of want.
They gaze endlessly through the blackness that envelops them ...
Yet they cannot see the light.

My ears listen earnestly in times of silence.
They search for familiar sounds to comfort and console ...
Yet they cannot penetrate the darkness that surrounds me.

My arms reach out frantically in times of despair.
They seek strength and compassion to enfold me ...
Yet they find nothing substantial to enwrap.

My mind cries out desperately in times of solitude.
It poses intense questions that demand answers ...
Yet there are none to be found.

Drifting

I sometimes find I'm drifting
Through this life without effect;
I often wonder if I'm truly
Worth what I've been blessed.

I search through days that have been hard,
To try to understand,
The many trials that I have known,
The life that I have had.

You see me in my daily grind,
So confident and strong;
Yet when I am alone, I question
Just where I belong.

I often try too hard I find,
To analyze and guess,
To scrutinize, investigate
My life I will confess.

For somewhere deeper, there must be
Some meaning to this life,
Some way to make a difference,
Give a reason for this strife.

Is there some hidden meaning?
Some agenda to be found?
A greater purpose waiting
If I care to hang around?

It teases and it taunts me,
Always slightly out of sight;
A hazy vision out of reach,
Where darkness hides the light.

I struggle to bring clarity
To what awaits me there,
And yet this weak illusion
Always fades before my stare.

It seems the harder that I try,
To focus through the haze,
Just serves to add more questions,
Through my endless, tired gaze.

Perhaps I'm trying just too hard,
To understand it all,
For can we ever truly know
Just what we have in store?

Each incident, each moment passed,
Just adds upon the next,
But in the end, will I find truth ...
Or will I be perplexed?

Perhaps I make it harder
Than it has to be sometimes,
But will my searching bring to me
My meaning over time?

Or will it leave me broken,
And confused as I feel now,
While questions bring no solitude,
To this, my wrinkled brow.

Let It Fall

One more anti-hero worship
from the depths
of some enigmatic fool
that left the suburbs
for the open fields
of post modern flight from hell.
No, not from the quakes
or the rumblings of racism,
that stench we all tend
to want to get rid of,
but the fact that there
were just too many things wrong.
So off I went to the last
journey of my youth,
through the pubs and alleys
of Los Angeles that served
many nights of reckless talk
and the establishment be damned.
There goes Happy House, Scream
and all those open up at 10 pm
party houses, where you paid 5 bucks
to drink yourself to life,
and walk out Saturday morning at 6 am
like the kind demons we were.
And dance the pain that we had
kept for the week
and wonder what 30 would be like
and if the Virgin Prunes
were right about
"If I die I die".
But then, that love in your soul
the one that makes you write
and pour out those false indignities
that caress your heart and mind
for after all we've been through
stars have their moments and then they die.

Poems on Life

In some sense, it could be argued a category about Life is a vague, nebulous cop-out. Any poem ever penned by Man or Woman would surely gain ready admittance here. All poems, almost by definition, are about Life.
But don't, for a moment, think that makes this category any less important. On the contrary, if the poems and topics you are about to explore are about Life, then they are also about you.
No one person can ever experience all that life has to offer. It is only through sharing - experiences, feelings, insights - that we can hope to grow beyond our own meager lifetime. Are you ready to grow today?

I cannot speak for all who stem
'Long roads less traveled as their way,
Nor question choices made by them
In days long past or nights long dim
by words they spoke and did not say.

Each road is long, though short it seems,
And credence gives each road a name
Of fantasies sun-drenched in beams
Or choices turned to darkened dreams,
To where each road wends just the same.

From North to South, then back again,
I followed birds like all the rest
Escaping nature's snowy den
On roads I've seen and places been,
Forsaking roads that traveled West.

This journey grows now to its end,
As road reflections lined in chrome
Give way to roads with greater bend
And empty signs that still pretend
They point the way to home sweet home.

But all roads lead to where we go
And where we go is where we've been,
So home is just a word we know,
That space in time most apropos
For where we want to be again.

For even home, it seems to me,
Is still a choice we all must face
From day to day and endlessly,
To choose if home is going to be
Another road - or just a place. 

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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Metallica diary-1




12 Feb '01
the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals discussed Napster again and ended up with the following.
  • - Napster knew its users were violating copyright laws
  • - Napster can continue operating until a lower court redrafts its injunction.
  • - Napster must lock out those users who exchange copyrighted songs without permission as they are infringing on the copyright holders' rights to control the reproduction and distribution of their music. Hearing this, Metallica made an official statement and posteded on metallica.com It said:
    "From day one our fight has always been to protect the rights of artists who chose not to have their music exploited without consent. The court's decision validates this right and confirms that Napster was wrong in taking not only Metallica's music but other artists who do not want to be a part of the Napster system and exploiting it without their approval.
    We are delighted that the Court has upheld the rights of all artists to protect and control their creative efforts. The 9th Circuit Court has confirmed that musicians, songwriters, filmmakers, authors, visual artists and other members of the creative community are entitled to the same copyright protections online that they traditionally been afforded offline.
    We have never objected to the technology, the internet or the digital distribution of music. All we have ever asked is that artists be able to control how, when and in what form their creativity is distributed through these channels. This is something that Napster has continually refused to do. Now the court has made that decision for them."
  • 9 Feb '01
    While there is quiet in the Metallica camp, the members sees their chances to be onstage with other bands and artists. Jerry Cantrell's band played on a local bar in San Francisco. Lars was there to support Jerry and accted as the Guitar roadie, handing up guitars to the guys on stage. Jerry also introduced him to the crowd. Cantrell was once a member of Alice In Chains.
    21 Feb '01
    Metallica picked the Grammy award for best "Rock Instrumental Performance" for the S&M version of "The Call of Ktulu". This is Metallicas 6th Grammy.
    5 Mar '01
    The issue of Playboy with the much talked about Metallica interview was released. The interview was done a few months earlier, before Jason told the band he wanted to leave. The journalist had talked to the guys one by one, and the result was not as planed. In the article Metallicas statements were put together which made it look like they were four childish guys fighting every day. Playboy Magazine also sent out a press release about the interview to promote the rag, so the news that Metallica was about to break up was spread like wildfire. Some quotes from the interview: James Hetfield's "vocal range is limited" but improving, according to Newsted. Lars Ulrich said Hetfield is homophobic, and continued: "I think homophobia is questioning your sexuality and not being comfortable with it." James Hetfield recalled that Danish-born Ulrich rarely bathed during the band's formative days in the early 1980s, and was not a good drummer. "To this day he is not Drummer of the Year. We all know that" he said.
    27 Mar 01
    Metallica complained to the U.S. District Court in San Francisco that Napster has failed to block access to its music as ordered under the court's injunction The U.S. recording industry accused Napster of willfully ignoring a federal judge's order to block copyrighted material, saying the Internet song-swap service was still facilitating the trade of millions of illegal music files.
    1 Apr '01
    Jason Newsted took his first steps alone when he joined "The Moss Brothers" on stage in San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley. The Moss brothers, Reuben and Evan 12 and 15 years old were good friends of Jason who has layed down the bass tracks on their two albums. "I am going to live my life." Jason told the fans waiting outside for autographs after the show when asked about why he left Metallica. "I couldn't live my life until now. I'll keep doing little things like this, you'll see me around."
    4 Apr '01
    Godsmack had a concert at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. At the start of the encore. Sully, the vocalist, rolls out some guy in a wheel-chair, and everybody was like: "Hey, that's cool. Sully brought a wheel-bound stricken person to enjoy the on-stage performance. Lars Ulrich was the one sitting in the wheel-chair. He got to his feet, took a drink of beer, and squirted it -water fountain style into Sully's open mouth. Lars then acknowledged the crowd, hugged Sully, and walked off stage.
    23 Apr '01
    The 3 surviving members started working in the studio with no new bass player. Behind the production knobs, once again, was Bob Rock. Thru the official website metallica.com Lars told the fans that "We've got a shitload of sick ideas and it's really cool to get back to being a band again". At that time the album was planed to be released late 2001, but we all know that this didn't happen.
    4 May '01
    Short break from the studio. Lars went on paternity leave and brought back a healthy young lad named Layne Ulrich, born on Sunday, May 6th. James went bear hunting in Russia.
    18 May '01
    Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina club, has been a celebrity destination since Hagar became an active owner and host at the hot Cabo San Lucas, Mexico nightspot in 1989. Since then, the legend has grown and "drop- in" jams have become a regular occurrence. A local band of Mexican rockers calling themselves "Vitamin T" were in the middle of a set, jamming to a cover of the Metallica song, "Until It Sleeps." At the mid-point of the song, vacationing Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett walked into the club. In the true spirit of the "Cabo Wabo Cantina," Hammett immediately made his way to the stage and joined "Vitamin T' for over an hour in an impromptu jam.
    21 May '01
    lars was asked if he could come down to KSJO, a radio station in San Francisco, for an interview. He said yes, but not for an interview. "I want to do my own radio show". Lars was supposed to start the show at 8pm, but late as always he showed up at 8:30, but did a good show, lasting 4 hours. He didn't talk a lot, but played a ton of music like songs by orginial artist of Garage Inc., some music from the NWOBHM album he put together som years ago and a few original Metallica demos from the early 80s.
    30 May '01
    May 30th: with fresh new energy, the band once again entered the studio to create and record more music
    14 June '01
    Embarking on their second hiatus of the summer, which started on June 14th and involved long-planned travels for Lars and James whilst Kirk continued to spend time with his newly discovered sport - surfing. He went to Santa Cruz, and visited the headquarters of wetsuit company, and overall beach apparel giants, O'Neill, where he surfed wiith some of their team riders.
    12 JUL '01
    Metallica and Napster announced the settlement of their legal dispute. The settlement enabled the parties to work together to make Napster a positive vehicle for artists and music enthusiasts alike. The band and the software company released a press release where Lars Ulrich said: "I think we've resolved this in a way that works for fans, recording artists and songwriters alike, Our beef hasn't been with the concept of sharing music; everyone knows that we've never objected to our fans trading tapes of our live concert performances. The problem we had with Napster was that they never asked us or other artists if we wanted to participate in their business. We believe that this settlement will create the kind of enhanced protection for artists that we've been seeking from Napster. We await Napster's implementation of a new model which will allow artists to choose how their creative efforts are distributed. It's good that they're going legit."
    19 Jul '01
    Metallica announced that the recording, and every other work with the band, had been delayed. Reason: James entered a rehabilitation facility to undergo treatment for alcoholism and other addictions. The official statement said: James has entered an undisclosed facility, and he will continue to receive treatment until further notice. Until then, we have postponed all current activities, including recording sessions for our new album.
    1 Sep '01
    Big things happened at the Betallibash 2001 fan convention in San Francisco. A lot of fans entered to meet each other, get some Metallica goodies and see the tribute band Creeping death. During the set played by Creeping death Lars and Kirk showed up and not only watched, but joined. Together they played "Die, Die My Darling", "No Remorse", "Helpless", "...And Justice For All", a jam of "Ride the Lightning", and finished off with "Am I Evil."

    Metallica diary-2

    HISTORY PT 2 Here is the 4th part of the Metallica diary. If you find anything missing please tell me, and I'll see what I can do!



    9 Jan '00
    Kid rock joined Metallica on stage in Minneapolis, MN, USA and sang the chorus of Turn the Page along with James. Kid Rock was supporting Metallica on their short mini tour.
    23 Feb '00
    The big M added another Grammy Award to their collection. This one for Garage Inc's Whiskey In The Jar for Best Hard Rock Performance. This is Metallica's fifth Grammy.
    20 Mar '00
    single "No Leaf Clover" released. Again there will be 3 different versions of the single. Fans can also watch a 45 minute CD-ROM documentary on Metallica's symphonic collaboration split in 15 minute edits across the single's 3-CD format
    13 Apr '00
    11 year old Rueben Moss fronts with 14 year old Evan Moss on drums and backing vocals. Jason is to sit in on 6 of their songs from their first CD "North Side of the Tree." The show was at Last Day Saloon in San Francisco.
    13 Apr '00
    In what marks the first significant blow in the brewing battle between artists and the emerging online music distribution aid Napster, Metallica has filed suit against the tech company. The metal giants filed suit in U.S. District Court naming Napster, and several schools. The suit charges Napster and the schools in question with copyright infringement, unlawful use of digital audio interface device, and violations of the Racketeering Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act Napster is still in its relative infancy, but the technology has managed to nestle itself at the center of a media storm (and to raised the ire of the music) during its brief life span. Napster boasts that its technology gives users one simple interface through which to search for and download MP3s of their favorite songs. Metallica and co-plaintiffs E/M Ventures and Creeping Death Music claim that the company "encourages and enables visitors to its website to unlawfully exchange with others copyrighted songs and sound recordings without the knowledge or permission of Metallica."
    25 Apr '00
    The radio play for the soundtrack song "I dissappear" for the movie "Mission impossible II" started on the 25th of April. The movie soundtrack was released two weeks later. This song was available on the net in MP3 format prior to this and some radio station even played it before it was official released.
    2 May '00
    The band did an online chat with the fans to explain why they started the Napster case. Proir to the chat Metallica made an official statement saying (edited) "Metallica is suing Napster because we felt that someone had to address this important artistic issue, and we have always been known for taking a leadership role in the fight for artist�s rights. We were the first band to sue our record company, Time Warner, for the right to control our future. Rather than allowing the record company �or any other corporation� to own our recordings and compositions, we chose to fight for (and eventually win) control of our music. This issue is no different. Why is it all of a sudden okay to get music for free? Why should music be free, when it costs artists money to record and produce it?"
    4 May '00
    Kirk Hammett was welcomed on stage to jam with Sammy Hager and the WaboRitas.
    18 May '00
    the world welcomed James' son Castor Virgil Hetfield at 3:23 PM. He's a big boy at nine pounds and six ounces, and 22 1/2 inches long. Mom and son are doing great.
    1 Jun '00
    Motorhead played at the Maritime Hall in San Francisco. Right before the last song, James Hetfield came on stage, grabbed a guitar and said "These are the godfathers of heavy metal" and then jammed with them on Overkill.
    3 Jun '00
    Performed at the 2000 MTV Movie Awards, at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. Metallica played "I Disappear," from the Mission Impossible 2 soundtrack
    26 Jun '00
    New single as "I disappear" is released. This is the soundtrack for "Mission impossible 2" and the first track Metallica wrote for a movie. They wanted them to do the theme but said no and this did song instead. The soundtrack album was released 7th of July.
    23 Jun '00
    Short US tour starts in Memorial Stadium in Seattle
    4 Jul '00
    A 21-year-old man fell to his death at Baltimore stop on the Summer Sanitarium 2000 tour The victim, identified as Martin Muscheet of Connecticut, fell from the upper deck of Psinet Stadium on to the pavement outside the venue. It appears he had his legs over the railing and either fell or lost his balance.
    7 Jul '00
    James wasn't on stage with the band when they played in Atlanta as he were in the hospital with a few disks in his lower back slipped out of place. Here is a review of the show from encycmet.com As for the show, Kirk, Lars and Jason came out and explained the situation and said that they will be playing again in Atlanta on August 4th to make up for Jaymz's abscence. They came out about 30-45 minutes later in their usual attire and began the show. The show was filled with a lot of guest apperances including members from Kid Rock, System of a down and Korn.
    11 Jul '00
    Statement of Lars Ulrich before the Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate. A few lines of the statement: To underscore what I've spoken about today, I'd like to read from the "Terms of Use" section of the Napster Internet web site. When you use Napster you are basically agreeing to a contract that includes the following terms: "This web site or any portion of this web site may not be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, resold, or otherwise exploited for any commercial purpose that is not expressly permitted by Napster."
    18 Jul '00
    The veteran band played a secret gig at the House of Blues for 1,000 contest winners from across the United States, none of whom knew for sure who would be taking the stage until the curtains were pulled back. Before leaving the stage, Lars thanked Miller "for helping pay the rent this month"
    2 Aug '00
    First of 6 "make-up-shows" since Metallica could't play full set when James was injured. People could enter using the old ticket stub. For these shows Corrosion of Conformity opened for them
    6 Sep '00
    Metallica and Dr.Dre contacted several universities and asked them to ban "Napster" on the schools computers.
    26-27 Sep '00
    Rumors said that the band were in the "One on one" studio to start recording on their next CD, but the truth was that they were there to record an episode of VH1's "Classic albums" program.
    5 Nov '00
    Kirk Hammett among other stars and musician join forces in a protest march in San Francisco against the increase rental prices for rehearsal studios. The new echonomy with all the internet companies made a higher demand for rooms, so many bands and artists were kicked out. Kirk also had a speach at the event.
    17 Nov '00
    James is know to be a big Misfits fan, and he has been so for more than 20 years. The Misfits played in San Francisco and Mr. Hetfield was in the crowd. He hopped onstage with them during their gig at Maritime Hall to sing with the ghouls on "Last Caress" and, later in the set, "Die, Die My Darling."
    30 Nov '00
    Metallica was invited to perform at the "VH1 music award" and you know the guys, they always have to do something different. Metallica played at the parking lot outside for 200 fans and fanclub members, instead of playing inside in front of other celebrities. They also won the price for "Best stage spectacle".
    Jan '01
    Lars is in New York mastering the debut album by Systematic, a band he has signed to his label "The record company". Peter Collins is producing the LP.
    17 Jan '01
    The news shocks the whole world of Metallica fans, Jason will leave the band! Metallica did a full press-release which said:
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 17, 2001
    11:00AM (EST)

    STATEMENT FROM THE MEMBERS OF METALLICA
    Metallica regrets to announce that after 14 years as Metallica's bass player, Jason Newsted has chosen to leave the band.

    Jason Newsted: "Due to private and personal reasons, and the physical damage that I have done to myself over the years while playing the music that I love, I must step away from the band. This is the most difficult decision of my life, made in the best interest of my family, myself, and the continued growth of Metallica. I extend my love, thanks, and best wishes to my brothers: James, Lars, and Kirk and the rest of the Metallica family, friends, and fans whom have made these years so unforgettable."

    Newsted joined Metallica from Flotsam And Jetsam in the fall of 1986 after the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton. He participated in the recording of 6 Metallica albums (...And Justice For All, Metallica, Load, Re-Load, Garage Inc., and S&M), which have sold over 55 million copies worldwide to date. In addition, he played on numerous worldwide tours to millions of fans representing over 1000 gigs in all. While with Metallica, the band won countless awards including 5 Grammy Awards and 2 MTV Video Music Awards.

    James Hetfield: "Playing with someone who has such unbridled passion for music will forever be a huge inspiration. On stage every night, he was a driving force to us all, fans and band alike. His connection will never be broken."

    Lars Ulrich: "We part ways with Jason with more love, more mutual respect, and more understanding of each other than at any other point in the past. James, Kirk and I look forward to embracing the next chapter of Metallica with both a huge amount of appreciation for the last 14 years with Jason and the excitement of rising to the challenges that lay ahead to make Metallica shine brighter than ever."

    In the spring, Metallica will begin writing and recording a new studio album with release sometime in late 2001 or early 2002.

    Kirk Hammett: "Jason is our brother. He will be missed."
    1 Feb '01
    "Who want to be a millionaire" TV program with Lars Ulrich is recorded at ABC TV's studios. This was an all-star episode of the game show and each celebrity picked a charity to donate the money to, and they were guaranteed $32,000 even if they never hit the seat. Lars got out on the $64,000 question, about a comedy act, but still won $32,000 which he gave to a hospital for homeless in San Francisco. The show was broadcasted on the 11th of February
    11 Feb '01
    MacFarlane Toys is showing the Metallica action figures to the public for the first time at the Manhattan's Toy Fair. The models are based on the band during And justice for all.
    11 Feb '01
    James and Lars showed up Sunday night at the Cactus Club in downtown San Jose to watch friends and former tour mates, Corrosion of Conformity perform. Since C.O.C hasnt performed in a few years in Bay area it was no suprise to see James, a long time fan of the band, in attendance. About halfway through the set Hetfield got up on stage and played a song with them.