Fey, Poehler asked to return to co-host Golden Globes

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler

Will there be a second act?

 

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, the popular co-hosts of this year's Golden Globes, have been asked to return, according to Theo Kingman, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hosts the event.

No other details were immediately available.

From their laugh-out-loud opening quips to their improvised comebacks, old friends and "Saturday Night Live" alums Fey and Poehler got rave reviews for this year's performance.

Right at the onset, Poehler -- the star of "Parks and Recreation" -- assured the audience that there would only be good-natured jokes during the broadcast, because as the more biting Ricky Gervais has shown, "when you run afoul of the Hollywood Foreign Press, they make you host the show two more times."

Among their greatest hits:

• "When it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron" -- Poehler referring to Kathryn Bigelow, the director of the movie "Zero Dark Thirty," which has stirred controversy over its portrayal of the torture of terror detainees. 
• "I have not seen someone so totally alone and abandoned like that since you were on stage with James Franco at the Oscars," Fey to Anne Hathaway about the latter's performance in "Les Miserables." 
• Their heckling, with liquor tumblers in hand, of Lena Dunham who beat them for the best TV comedy actress award. 
• The way they introduced George Clooney: "This next presenter is so handsome he makes young George Clooney look like garbage. Please welcome middle-aged George Clooney."

Sources

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'Godfathers of Metal' Black Sabbath return to roots

Black Sabbath: Godfathers of metal

The rock band Black Sabbath have created music history on both sides of the Atlantic with the release of their new album "13." The record has provided the band with their first number one album in the U.S. and their first album chart topper in the UK after an unprecedented 43 years.

They have achieved the landmark by returning to their roots. It's the band's first album for more than three decades featuring vocalist Ozzy Osbourne along with fellow original band members guitarist Tony Iommi and bass player Geezer Butler. They credit producer Rick Rubin with helping them overcome their initial apprehension.

"He was really good for us", says Butler "and suggested we go back to the old spirit of how we used to do things like live in the studio, a jam, live in the studio kind of feel. And that gave us the direction to go in."

"We tried it in 2001" adds Osbourne "and I think unconsciously we knew this was our last chance. If we had failed on this attempt people would have said 'ah it's never gonna happen.' I think it must be over 30 or 40 years since I listened to the first album because you know you move on and you challenge yourself. As I was saying earlier on, it's like asking the Beatles to go back to 'Please Please Me' and they would have gone 'what?'"

That first album was recorded in just two days in the English city of Birmingham in 1969. The band's name was inspired by seeing people queuing to see a horror movie at a cinema in the city.

Osbourne recalls: "Black Sabbath was an after-thought cos originally we were a blues jazz band and someone said 'people pay money to see horror movies and get scared, why don't we start writing scary music?'"

Playing scary music produced a legacy that has influenced generations of rock bands and labeled Black Sabbath as godfathers of heavy metal. But the band has an uneasy relationship with their musical offspring.

"I have never ever ever been able to attach myself to the word 'heavy metal' -- it has no musical connotations," Osbourne says. "If it was heavy rock I could get that but the 70s was kind of like a bluesy thing, the 80s was kind of bubblegum-frosted hair, multicolored clothes and the 90s was kind of grungy. People come up to me and say 'your Sabbath work was a big influence on me.' I could go 'Oh yeah I can see that' but other bands... what part of that is inspired by us? Some of it is just angry people screaming down a microphone!"

The band had to overcome several obstacles to complete the new album. Original drummer Bill Ward was replaced by Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk on the new album after a contractual dispute. 

And Tony Iommi was diagnosed with cancer.

"If it was me I'd just go "I'm out of here" says Osbourne "but he never complained once, he just kept it to himself, I'd be thinking this is the end if it was me. My wife beat cancer. I didn't know if anyone could beat cancer."

"He was an inspiration to us during the album" adds Butler. "Nothing would stand in his way. He just got on with it and through it and I thought if he can do that then I can do that so we persevered with it."

Ozzy Osbourne recently apologized to his band mates and wife Sharon after admitting he'd relapsed into a cycle of drink and drugs. But he says he's been sober now for four months and ready to take the album on the road. They say the touring experience now is very different to their wildest days.

"It's great" says Osbourne. "I don't go to clubs or bars, I stay in my room."

"Do the gig then go to bed!" laughs Butler.

Man had not long since set foot on the moon when Black Sabbath had their first number one album in the UK. It took a record-breaking interval of 42 years and eight months to repeat the feat. At times it may have felt like the beginning of the end for the band but in the words of one of their album's stand-out tracks it may in fact be merely the "End of the Beginning."

Osbourne ends in reflective mood. "Black Sabbath wasn't some band created by a London mogul. We were four guys who had a dream that became bigger than expectations. It's been the best thing that ever happened to me."

Sources :

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/22/showbiz/black-sabbath/index.html

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James Gandolfini: Tributes paid to Sopranos actor

Gandolfini died during a trip to Italy

Tributes have been pouring in for Sopranos actor James Gandolfini, who has died in Italy at the age of 51.

"We lost a giant today. I am utterly heartbroken," his Sopranos co-star Lorraine Bracco said.

The actor, who became a household name playing conflicted mob boss Tony Soprano, suffered a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Rome.

He had been due to attend the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily where he was to receive a special prize on Saturday.

"Jimmy was one of the most talented, authentic and vulnerable actors of his time. He was unorthodox and truly special in so many ways. He had the sex appeal of Steve McQueen or Brando in his prime as well as the comedic genius of Jackie Gleason," said Hollywood executive and Sopranos producer Brad Grey.

His co-stars from The Sopranos, which ran for six series between 1999-2007, were among the many to pay their respects to the popular star, who began his career on Broadway.

Paying tribute on Twitter, Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante in the show, wrote: "I have lost a brother and a friend. The world has lost one of the greatest actors of all time."

Actress Edie Falco, who played his on-screen wife Carmela, said: "I am shocked and devastated by Jim's passing. He was a man of tremendous depth and sensitivity, with a kindness and generosity beyond words. I consider myself very lucky to have spent 10 years as his close colleague. 

"My heart goes out to his family. As those of us in his pretend one hold on to the memories of our intense and beautiful time together. The love between Tony and Carmela was one of the greatest I've ever known."

The Sopranos creator, David Chase, was also greatly saddened by the news. 

"He was a genius. Anyone who saw him even in the smallest of his performances knows that. He is one of the greatest actors of this, or any time. 

"A great deal of that genius resided in those sad eyes. He was my partner. He was my brother in ways I can't explain and never will be able to explain."

Susan Sarandon, who co-starred with Gandolfini in 2005's Romance and Cigarettes, wrote: "So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I've ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family."

Steven Van Zandt (centre) said he had "lost a brother"

In 2009, Gandolfini worked on the big screen version of TV sitcom The Thick of It. In the Loop saw him play the hard-nosed Lieutenant General George Miller.

Its creator, Armando Iannucci, tweeted: "People were surprised James Gandolfini was so different from Tony Soprano. That's because he was a great actor. Warm, gentle and funny."

And co-star Chris Addison called him "a colossus in all respects. He could do it all but I loved his gift for comedy."

In The Loop co-star Peter Capaldi added his own statement: "I was a huge fan of James Gandolfini's. To actually work with him was one of the highlights of my career. He lived up to my expectations in every way."

"But what I will remember most about him, was not just the incredible truth and power of his acting, but his kindness and grace as a man. He was revered by us as an actor, but set us an even greater example as a man."

Before his career-defining role as Tony Soprano, Gandolfini was a notable stage actor most recently winning acclaim for his turn in God of Carnage, in 2009.

US film historian and critic Leonard Maltin said: "I was lucky enough to see him on Broadway in God of Carnage, in which he commanded the stage....Watching him try to harness his volcanic temper and sense of resentment against some 'entitled' fellow parents was riveting.

"The news of his death is still shocking, but his presence will continue to resonate for many years."

Marcia Gay Harden starred with Gandolfini in God of Carnage on Broadway

Steve Carrell appeared alongside Gandolfini in the recent magic comedy film The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. He said the death was "unbelievably sad news", calling him "a fine man".

Comic actor Robin Williams was also among those lining up to offer condolences to the star's family, going on to call him "an extraordinary actor". 

Gandolfini also worked on documentaries including 2007's Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq and Wartorn: 1861-2010, which dealt with post traumatic stress disorder in the military.

Documentary-maker Michael Moore wrote on Twitter: "One of the good guys, kind and generous and an active supporter of documentary filmmakers."

Sources :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22983912

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'Sopranos' Actor James Gandolfini Dead at 51

James Gandolfini shown in 1999 as crime boss Tony Soprano from TV series, 'The Sopranos.' (HBO publicity photo)

U.S. film and television actor James Gandolfini, who portrayed an emotionally vulnerable crime boss on the groundbreaking television drama "The Sopranos," has died at the age of 51.
Statements issued by the actor's managers and U.S. cable television network HBO, which aired the series from 1999 through 2007, said Gandolfini died while on vacation in Italy from a possible heart attack.  
Gandolfini won three Emmy Awards for playing Tony Soprano, the violent mobster undergoing psychiatric care in secret.
The New Jersey native's acting career began in 1992 when he starred in a Broadway revival of the classic Tennessee Williams play "A Streetcar Named Desire."  His breakthrough role came as a hit man in the 1993 movie "True Romance." 
He went to star in such movies as "The Last Castle" with Robert Redford and" All the King's Men" with Sean Penn.  Last year, Gandolfini played CIA director Leon Panetta in the Osama Bin Laden manhunt movie "Zero Dark Thirty."
Tributes to Gandolfini have been pouring in over Twitter.  
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie mourned Gandolfini's death, calling the actor "a true Jersey guy."
Actress Olivia Wilde, who starred with Gandolfini the recent movie "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,"paid tribute to her co-star as a "kind, funny and wonderful guy."
Actor Steve Carell, who also appeared in the movie, said "What a great loss."
U.S. Senator John McCain said Gandolfini was "one of the nicest guys I've ever met."

 

Sources :

http://www.voanews.com/content/sopranos-gandolfini-dead/1685449.html

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Kim Kardashian Gives Birth to Baby Girl

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute gala benefit, "Punk: Chaos to Couture", on May 6, 2013 in New York.

Reality television star Kim Kardashian gave birth to a girl fathered by rapper Kanye West, celebrity magazines People and Us Weekly reported Saturday.

Each magazine posted a story on its website citing an "unnamed source" in confirming the birth of the daughter to the celebrity couple.

However, Kloe Kardashian later commented on the birth on Twitter.

 

Sources :

http://www.voanews.com/content/kim-kardashian-gives-birth-to-baby-girl/1683087.html

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Angelina Jolie's Aunt Dies of Breast Cancer

US Actress Angelina Jolie in London, April 11, 2013.

Angelina Jolie's aunt died of breast cancer Sunday, May 27, nearly two weeks after the Hollywood movie star wrote about electing to have a double mastectomy when she learned that she had inherited a high risk of breast cancer.

Debbie Martin, the younger sister of Jolie's mother, died at age 61 at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, near San Diego.

Her husband, Ron Martin, praised Jolie's decision to get a double mastectomy, saying it made his late wife very happy.

"It gave her some, it gave her a lot of gratitude that she could have, that Angelina had now saved her own life, you know, whereas... and since she couldn't go back and save herself, she was very happy to hear that,'' Martin said during an interview.

Jolie, 37, is raising a family with fellow actor and fiance Brad Pitt. She wrote that she went through with the operation in part to reassure her six children that she would not die young from cancer, as her own mother did.

Jolie's mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died of breast cancer in 2007 at age 56.

"If there is a lot of women out there that have a high risk in their family they should get tested, and if they have that BRCA gene, then they have the opportunity to take pre-emptive action. And that is what Debbie would like to have happen,'' added Martin.

Jolie, who won an Oscar for best supporting actress in her 1999 role for the film Girl, Interrupted, said she opted for the surgery after her doctors had estimated she had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, due to an inherited genetic mutation.  

 

Sources :

http://www.voanews.com/content/angelina-jolies-aunt-dies-of-breast-cancer/1669011.html

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Jolie Stunt Double Sues News Corp Over Phone Hacking

A stunt double for Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie has sued News Corp over allegations its British newspapers hacked her phone, the first lawsuit in the United States against the company since a hacking scandal broke out two years ago.

The lawsuit filed on June 13 by professional stunt double, Eunice Huthart, said reporters from News Corp's tabloids The Sun and the defunct News of the World, hacked her mobile phone while she was working for Jolie on location in Los Angeles.

A spokesman for News Corp declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Huthart's lawsuit said the hacking occurred in 2004 and 2005 while she was in the United States and Britain and resulted in lost voice messages that she never received.

The missing voice mails provided information later used in news reports, according to the court document in U.S. District Court in California. Huthart is seeking unspecified damages.

The allegations include stories that ran in the tabloids about Jolie's budding relationship with actor Brad Pitt - when only a tight circle of people had knowledge of it - while they were filming the movie “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”

In one instance, Huthart was instructed to meet Jolie, who was checked into a hotel under the pseudonym “Pocahontas.” Huthart said she never received the message with the code name even though Jolie's assistant said she left it for her on the phone.

The lawsuit said that the tabloids intercepted messages left by Jolie regarding her movie career. It citied a News of the World article with the headline “Pitt Stop for Jolie” that began “Hollywood babe Angelina Jolie has threatened to quit the movies for good,” according to the complaint.

Huthart of Liverpool, England, is godmother to one of Jolie's children.

The phone hacking scandal sent shockwaves through the British establishment, forced the closure of the Sunday tabloid News of the World, prompted a huge police inquiry and lead to the arrest of more than 60 people.

But until the Huthart lawsuit, the scandal has been contained in Britain.

News Corp is preparing to split its publishing assets, which includes its British newspapers, the Wall Street Journal and book publisher HarperCollins, from its cable networks and movie studio on June 28.

The case is Eunice Huthart v. News Corporation et al in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.  

Sources :

http://www.voanews.com/content/jolie-stunt-double-sues-news-corp-phone-hacking/1684136.html

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Russell Crowe can award in Italy

Russell Crowe is the first time visiting, Sicili, Italy, he was immediately awarded. Actor Jor-El in MAN OF STEEL is awarded the Taormina Arte Award at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy.

"It was the first time I went to Sicily, and you've given me an award. I should come here more often," he said in Italian as quoted by Digital Spy, Monday (17/06).

Australian actor's visit to Italy to promote his latest movie, MAN OF STEEL with other major players such as Michael Shannon, Amy Adams and Henry Cavill.

Right at the moment he gets a chance to give a speech at the festival's 59th, he expressed his gratitude, in Italian as well. "I always love Italy, even before I became a gladiator," he concluded. The Australian actor won an Oscar for the role in the film Gladiator.

Taormina Film Festival continues until June 22 and will conclude with a screening of THE LONE RANGER movie belongs to Johnny Depp.

Sources :

http://www.merdeka.com/artis/russell-crowe-dapat-penghargaan-di-italia.html

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Played by Israeli actor, the film was banned on

Lebanese filmmaker Ziad Duiri said the state government has pulled circulation movie titled 'attack' just because he hired Israeli actor and one of the film was taken in view of the capital Tel Aviv.

Al Arabiya television reported on Sunday (28/4), Duiri also accused Interior Minister Marwan Charbel forcing many parties not to play his work. "The reason we put the film on the spot Zionist State. Government does not want to know even though most of the story had to be to Tel Aviv," he said.

Duiri also refused to apologize because cooperation with Israel. He was not sorry about anything.

Charbel told AFP he did not make the movie actually Duiri but he received a protest letter from the office of the Arab League boycott of Israel is driven Capital has offices in Cairo, Egypt. "We can not do anything about it. Kambi part of the Arab League," he said.

The film has won various awards, among others Colcoa Film festival in France. The show tells the story about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and adapted from the true story of a doctor from Tel Aviv that his wife become suicide bombers.

Duiri mention on the film censorship is folly and injustice. Instead some of the accused party propaganda Bindtang Affairs David.
 
Sources:
http://www.merdeka.com/dunia/diperankan-aktor-israel-film-ini-dilarang-edar.html

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Joe Taslim and Game Crazy Fast and Furious 6

Joe Taslim never thought he could penetrate the Hollywood movie market. It was all thanks to a fight scene with Yayan Ruhian matches in the film The Raid. The film, starring Iko Uwais it could attract the attention of American and European audiences.
Joe is now considered by director Justin Lin to join in the most anticipated film projects in 2013, the Fast and the Furious 6. Previous action movie sequels that are always in demand, will be aired later on May 22, 2013. Fast and Furious 6 was the scene of a gamble as an actor Joe Taslim.
Joe is great at martial arts world. He had been a judo champion in the National Games and Sea Games. Plunge into the world of action movies is that never imagined. "Half my life actually be an athlete," he said while talking to VIVAlife.
Now, he's getting excited dabbling in the world of film. He did not even want to just stop at the scene of action, but wants to be an actor for every role. "Can drama, comedy, action, horror. Origin do porn," said the 31-year-old man joked.
Auditions tense
Joe got a casting offer, after the production house Fast and Furious 6 saw her on a film festival. Director looking for a different character, and it turns out Joe an option. "There was no suitable director," said Joe.
But not necessarily be able to join in the project Joe movie Fast and the Furious 6. There are requirements that must be met. For example, he sent the dialogue in English, and test whether a given character roles suitable or not. He also had to send a number of action scenes. "I ask for filming the action scenes, and send it to them," he added. Joe also qualify.
Experience auditioning for the movie Fast and Furious 6 is a stressful experience for Joe. He had to compete with the other actors candidate there. However, his experience playing in the movie The Raid makes confident. "If the time in The Raid was my silly, no way was I qualify here," he said.
Fast and Furious 6 is the most awaited movie fans. Since its first launch to the fifth sequel to the film was thick with thrilling action scenes. In the sixth series, Joe served as Jah figure. He became an antagonist, enemy of the main stars of the film, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Dwayne Johnson.
Playing in the middle of the action star the world, is a challenge for Joe. He wants to prove capable of acting with roles that are served up. Moreover, he is the only actor in the film Indonesia. "Then I remembered the bad acting, the name of Indonesia," he said.
Joe plays a role in the film as a heavyweight villain. He was hunted down by the police. The film itself is packed with insane action scenes. The most memorable scene is when he attacked the police. Joe appeared full of energy. He spit kicks and punches. Elbow each other and slam, and bloody.
Joe just did not think his punches dangerous opponent. Fortunately, his experience in The Raid, in which the action scenes are very intense, very helping. "One day it is completed in-take," he said explaining the success of that scene passed.
He was lucky forged twelve years by judo martial discipline. Film production process also requires the same discipline. "Judo helps me to discipline, exercise, consistent, and not half-half," he said.
Even so, Joe can not spit a variety of techniques or tactics blindly punch. Fight scene in an action movie is neatly movement. A kind of dance that is designed by the choreographer. "Choreo already exists. I purely there as a player," he said.
Every now and then he gave the proposal with his own fighting style. It also said if accepted. "At least give an idea, this part I may not like this," he said.
Penetrate the world
Role in Fast and Furious 6 is making the fans encouraged him to keep going to penetrate the world's film industry. But he understood, to become an international artist, he must prove in a number of Hollywood films anymore. "I still lack a lot," Joe said modestly.
He is now handled by renowned artist agent in the United States. The same umbrella agency with artists such as Samuel L Jackson, Beyonce, Eminem. "It's one of the three largest U.S. agencies. But it's also not decisive," he said.
Another offer is coming. This year there is another action movie that will use Joe as one of the players. The title, The Night Come To Us. Unlike in the movie Fast and Furious 6, Joe who played the villain. In a film made by Gareth Evans Joe would later become a hero. "So the assassin," he said.
He said the film would not be much different from the number of matches the action in The Raid. There are still scenes of fighting and bloodshed.
Although later on Joe will get a lot of offers to play movies in Hollywood, he did not want to leave Indonesia. "I like it here," he said. For him these technical issues. Although many new actors or artists who penetrate the world market, and chose to settle in America. "That's a distance issue," he said.
To meet and connect with a production house that will sign him, Joe was dizzy. He used the technology to launch a business career. "There's Skype. Acting I live recordings tell," he said. That way, he can stay in Indonesia, and fly to anywhere to join the film production process to sign.
There are so desires Joe dreams in terms of acting and also play movies. He really wanted to play under the direction of the director of his idol, such as Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan. "Coming through are also okay," she said laughing.

Sources :

http://life.viva.co.id/news/read/414497-joe-taslim-dan-laga-gila-fast-and-furious-6

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Sexiest WAGs England So "Bandar" Drug

Former Newcastle United defender lover, Danny Simpson; Tulisa Contostavlos, must deal with the police for alleged drug trafficking. The world's sexiest woman FHM magazine's 2012 version involved trafficking of drugs from youth.

Is a leading UK media reporter, The Sun, Tulisa revealing shameful acts. A reporter for The Sun's unnamed pretend to be drug buyers and Tulisa met at the restaurant Nobu, London.

Not unexpectedly, the 24 year old singer responds to the demand of the journalists. Tulisa even offer different types of drugs to the journalist.

"Half the phone book on my cell phone sell drugs. Cocaine One of these upscale sellers. He's a good friend of mine. Would you like marijuana? Whatever you want, he's got," said Tulisa spoke to the reporters as quoted by The Sun.

Tulisa then mediates the journalist with a drug dealer named Mike GLC. The former X Factor UK judge was apparently friends with Mike for a long time. In fact, last week, Tulisa vacation with Mike to Marbella, Spain.

Following reports in The Sun, the London Metropolitan Police, Scotland Yard, Tulisa went straight home in Hertfordshire to request information. Until now, Scotland Yard is investigating.

Sources : http://bola.viva.co.id/news/read/418030-wags-terseksi-inggris-jadi--bandar--narkoba

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Dewa Budjana: Create What "Go International" with the West Song

I Dewe Gede Budjana

 

Many Indonesian music artists, aiming to penetrate into the international music industry aka go international . However, according to guitarist I Dewa Gede Budjana (49), whatever the meaning of this ambition if after being in the international music industry music artists Indonesia would prioritize western songs.

"People ranting go international , but for what it later even if bawain western songs. they (western musicians) had my first, so far away, so strange and nothing else could go international with western song, "said in an interview after the event Budjana launching its latest solo album, Joged Kahyangan , in RW Lounge, Kemang, South Jakarta, Thursday (05/23/2013) night.

Instead, encourage Budjana Indonesian music artists can promote Indonesian music with uniqueness. "I myself make an album with music Nusantara. Hopefully, hopefully they (the West) can get to know, 'Oh, this Indonesian song'," he said Bali.

Budjana also claim remains optimistic that the sales of the physical album of instrumental music still has a loyal market, compared with the physical album pop music, which tend to be engulfed by the hijackers. "Optimistic definite, physical instrumental album is still sought, rather than pop music, it has crashed once," he said.

 

Sources :

http://besoklagiaja.blogspot.com/2013/05/dewa-budjana-buat-apa-go-international.html

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Emma Watson Turns to Crime in Celebrity-Obsessed Film at Cannes

Actress Emma Watson poses for photographers during a photo call for the film The Bling Ring at the 66th international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, May 16, 2013.

British actress Emma Watson has turned to crime in her latest role as part of a celebrity-obsessed teenage gang robbing their Hollywood idols' homes in a film that made its debut at the Cannes film festival on Thursday.

“The Bling Ring”, written and directed by Sofia Coppola, is based on a real-life gang fixated by glamor who tracked their targets' whereabouts online and stole $3 million of luxury goods from celebrities including Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.

Watson, 23, proved her days as Hermione in “Harry Potter” are long gone as she donned skimpy outfits and perfected a Los Angeles accent to play a fictitious version of one of the Bling Ring gang, who were caught in 2009 and sent to jail.

She said her main challenge was to work out why these teenagers, from mainly wealthy backgrounds, were so preoccupied with celebrities. Her research involved watching reality TV shows like “Keeping up with the Kardashians” and “The Hills.”

“I enjoy the chance to transform into new roles and work with new creative people,” Watson told a news conference on Thursday where her presence creating a frenzy among photographers.

“Harry Potter seems like such a long time ago,” she said.

“The Bling Ring”, which opened the Cannes category “Un Certain Regard” for emerging filmmakers, starts with the teenagers seeing on a gossip website that Paris Hilton is in Las Vegas and guessing she would be the kind of person to leave a key under the mat.

They find her address and in they sneak, returning several times to party in the house and then to other celebrities' homes, helping themselves to Birkin bags, Louboutin shoes, Rolex watches, bling and cash to fund their drug- and alcohol-fuelled party lifestyle, boasting about their acquisitions on Facebook.

World of Excess

Even when their make-believe celebrity world comes crashing down, the teenagers seem oblivious to the gravity of their crimes and more interested in hyping their new-found notoriety.

Alongside Watson, Katie Chang plays Bling Ring leader Rebecca, while Israel Broussard is her submissive lieutenant with Taissa Farmiga and Claire Julien making up the gang.

The film received favourable reviews after a press screening on the second day of the 12-day Cannes festival, described as a “wily critique of celebrity culture” and an “intuitive and atmospheric tale” with a great soundtrack.

This was a welcome reaction for the American Coppola, whose third film “Marie Antoinette” was booed in 2006 when it made its debut at Cannes, the world's biggest film festival.

Coppola said “The Bling Ring”, which opens in the United States in June, was a comment on culture today - both the teenagers' obsession with the celebrity life and the celebrities themselves with houses overflowing with expensive goods.

Paris Hilton, the celebrity heiress, allowed them to film in her real home with shots of a room wall-to-wall with shoes and a pole-dancing table in the middle of a nightclub area.

“The world this film shows is a world of excess,” said Coppola. “[Paris Hilton's] house is very exotic. I have never seen anything like it before.”

Coppola, 42, whose film “Somewhere” won the top prize at the Venice film festival in 2010, said she met two gang members as she wrote the film to garner extra details but she changed the names in the movie, not wanting to add to their celebrity.

She dismissed complaints by some of the Bling Ring members that the film was “trashy and inaccurate”.

“It is not a documentary. I am not too concerned with their reaction,” she said. 

Sources :

http://www.voanews.com/content/Emma-watson-turns-to-crime-in-celebrity-obsessed-film-at-cannes/1662373.html

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Chesney Tops Billboard Album Chart; Lopez Signs New Record Deal

Kenny Chesney at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute in Los Angeles, Feb. 8, 2013.

This week, Country star Kenny Chesney earns his seventh Number One album on the Billboard 200 chart.  According to Nielsen SoundScan, Kenny’s new release, Life On A Rock, sold 153,000 copies its first week, which is his lowest debut sales week since 1999.  The album’s lead single, “Pirate Flag,” climbs one spot to Number 4 on this week’s Country Airplay chart.  All four new entries on that list also belong to Chesney.  His duet with Country legend Willie Nelson, called “Coconut Tree,” is the Hot Shot Debut at Number 56.  One space down is “When I See This Bar,” and Kenny lands on the list at Number 59 and Number 60 with “Must Be Something I Missed” and "Life On A Rock,” respectively.
Lopez Signs New Record Deal

 

actress and singer Jennifer Lopez arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in West Hollywood, California, February 26, 2012.

Latin pop star Jennifer Lopez has signed to RedOne’s label, 2101 Records, for the release up of upcoming 10th album.  2101 is a joint venture with Universal Music Group’s Capitol Records.  RedOne (real name Nadir Khayat) produced the collection, which is due out in late 2013.  Its first single, “Live It Up,” features rapper Pitbull.
Underwood Lands NFL Deal 

Carrie Underwood performs on NBC's "Today" show on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Country star Carrie Underwood will perform the opening theme of the National Football League’s (NFL) Sunday Night Football games.  She makes her debut on September 8 for the first Sunday night game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.  Carrie said, “I am thrilled to be a part of NBC’s Sunday Night Football and am so honored they asked me.  I have always loved football season, and it is so exciting to now become part of it every Sunday night.”  Country star Faith Hill has performed the opening theme for the past six seasons.
Artists Unite for Charity  

Faith Hill performing at ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, April 8, 2013.

Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Alison Krauss are among the artists who appear on the new benefit CD, Everybody Has A Story. The songs were written by patients and their music therapist at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.  Music therapist Jenny Plume says, “Sometimes we wrote about a real life experience, other times I would ask questions and the answers would make the lyrics.  Sometimes we used their poems.  So, it was very collaborative, with me trying to draw those ideas and words out of them.  I hope they will go on to know that they can do anything, they can create things, and hopefully music will always be in their lives.  For those patients who have passed on, this will be a legacy to celebrate their lives.”  Proceeds from “Everybody Has A Story” benefit the Julian T. Fouce Music Therapy Fund, which was created in 2007 by Tom and Maria Fouce in memory of their son Julian.  Julian died of leukemia in 2005.  On May 14, “Everybody Has A Story” will be released worldwide at all digital retailers and at music retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Randy Jackson Confirms American Idol Exit Rumors

Randy Jackson attends the American Idol premiere event at Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA, Jan. 9, 2013.

American Idol Season 12 viewers have chosen their Top Two finalists.  On May 9, 19-year-old Angie Miller received the lowest number of viewer votes and was eliminated.  The season wraps up with Candice Glover and Kree Harrison competing against each other for the last time on May 15.  Artists scheduled to perform on the season finale include Carly Rae Jepsen, Adam Lambert, The Band Perry and Frankie Valli.  The “American Idol” Season 12 winner will be announced on May 16.  In other news, the show’s lone original judge Randy Jackson announced that he won’t be returning next season. “To put all of the speculation to rest, after twelve years of judging on American Idol I have decided to leave after this season," he said in a statement. "I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry.  It’s been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures.”  It’s rumored that the three other judges, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, won’t be invited back next year due to the show’s declining ratings.
New Album Releases / May 14:
 “How Mercy Looks From Here” by Amy Grant
“A” by ABBA’s Agnetha Faltskog
“Sports 30th Anniversary Edition” by Huey Lewis and The News
“Spirityouall” by Bobby McFerrin
“In My Lane” by Candace Bellamy
“Demi” by Demi Lovato
“Lip Lock” by Eve
“Love Is Everything” by George Strait
“Ver La Luz” by Scott Tournet (of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals)
”No One In Control” by Snowden
“If The River Was Whiskey” by Spin Doctors and “Love Will…” by Trace Adkins
Musical Events / Festivals / Benefits:
The inaugural Texas Thunder Music Festival takes place in Gardendale, Texas May 17-19.  The three-day event will feature nearly 20 acts, including The Randy Rogers Band, Josh Abbott Band, Charlie Robison, Aaron Watson and Wade Bowen.  All net proceeds from Texas Thunder 2013 are being donated to schools and first responders in West, Texas.  On April 17, a fertilizer plant exploded in West killing 15 people.  “The city of West has a long way to go to get past the grief and devastation and move on to rebuilding," Governor Rick Perry said. "In the true spirit of Texas, the people of our state are coming together to help ease the suffering of individuals who lost loved ones, and help this strong community get back on its feet.”

Star Birthdays  

Musician Kix Brooks performs at NASH FM 94.7's "NASH BASH" country music concert at Roseland Ballroom on Feb. 19, 2013 in New York.

On May 12, Country performer Kix Brooks will celebrate his 58th birthday.  The Louisiana native made two solo appearances on the Country chart in the 1980s before teaming with Ronnie Dunn in 1991 to form the popular duo Brooks & Dunn.  The duo was named the Country Music Association’s Vocal Duo of the Year 14 times since 1992.  In 2006, Kix took over as host of the syndicated radio show “American Country Countdown.”  Brooks & Dunn split up in 2010 after performing together for 20 years.  In September 2012, Kix released the solo album “New To This Town.”  Its title track features Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh.
British rock singer Steve Winwood will celebrate his 65th birthday on May 12.  Winwood was the lead singer of the Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith and Traffic.  In the 1980s, he launched his solo career and later recorded the Number One songs “Higher Love” and “Roll With It.”  In 2003, Winwood released “About Time” on his own record label, Wincraft Music.  In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic.  Steve played keyboards on a track on Christina Aguilera’s 2006 “Back To Basics” album.  The song, “Makes Me Wanna Pray,” also features a sample of the Traffic classic, “Glad.”  In 2008, Winwood released his latest album, “Nine Lives.”  It debuted at Number 12 on the Billboard 200 to give him his highest entry ever on that chart.  In 2010, Winwood’s five-decade career was showcased on the four-CD set, “Revolutions - The Very Best of Steve Winwood.  Next month, he’ll kick off a 16-date European tour, which will be followed by six U.S. shows with the Allman Brothers in August.  In October, Winwood begins a North American tour with Rod Stewart.

Stevie Wonder and the Rickey Minor Band perform “Master Blaster”, “My Cherie Amour” and “Sir Duke” as a tribute to Dick Clark at at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles.

On May 13, legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder will turn 63.  At age 12, he recorded his first hit single, “Fingertips, Part 2.”  Wonder’s popularity peaked in the 1970s with songs such as “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “Sir Duke.”  His 1995 studio collection, “Conversation Peace,” marked his first non-soundtrack album in eight years.  That same year, Motown Records also released his live double-CD, “Natural Wonder,” which was recorded in Osaka and Tel Aviv.  In 1998, he recorded “True To Your Heart,” a duet with 98 Degrees that appeared on the soundtrack to the animated Disney film “Mulan.”  In 2003, Motown Records released the tribute album, “Conception: An Interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s Songs.”  Included are many of his classic songs performed by Brian McKnight, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, India.Arie, and others.  Stevie received the Johnny Mercer Award at the 2004 Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony.  The award honors a songwriter who “has previously been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and who has continued to establish a history of outstanding creative work.”   Wonder was first inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983.  In 2005, Universal Motown Records released Wonder’s latest album, “A Time 2 Love.”  Stevie received his 25th Grammy Award in 2007.  He won Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for his duet with Tony Bennett, “For Once In My Life.”  In 2008, Stevie performed his first European tour in more than a decade.  In 2009, he was named a Messenger of Peace by the United Nations (UN).  The title is given to “individuals widely recognized for their talents in the arts, academia, literature, sports and entertainment, (who) help to raise worldwide awareness of UN ideals and activities.”  In 2011, Stevie was inducted into the Apollo Theater’s Apollo Legends Hall of Fame. 
Singer Darius Rucker celebrates his 47th birthday on May 13. Darius formed the pop/rock band Hootie and the Blowfish with Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld.  Their debut album, “Cracked Rear View,” was released in 1994 and went on to sell 25 million copies worldwide.  Since then, the group has released five more albums.  Their latest was 2005’s “Looking For Lucky.”  Darius recorded his first solo album in 2002.  His second solo project was the 2008 Country album, “Learn To Live.”  Its first three singles, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Alright,” all reached Number One on the Country chart.  Darius also topped that chart with “Come Back Song” and “This,” the first two singles released from his second Country album, “Charleston, S.C. 1966.”  Last month, he reached Number One on the Hot Country Songs chart with his cover of Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel.”  It’s the second hit from Darius’ new album “True Believers,” which will be out on May 21.
 

Janet Jackson at the auction for the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit during the 65th Cannes film festival, in Cap d'Antibes, southern France, May 24, 2012.

Singer Janet Jackson will celebrate her 47th birthday on May 16.  One of three daughters in the famous musical Jackson family, Janet launched her solo career in the early 1980s.  Her albums “Control” and “Rhythm Nation 1814” both contained several Top 10 singles.  In 1991, Janet left A&M Records and signed a 32-million-dollar deal with Virgin Records.  Her debut album, “Janet,” sold more than six million copies and spawned six chart hits.  In 1995, A&M Records released her anthology, “Design of a Decade - 1986/1996.”  1997’s “The Velvet Rope” featured collaborations with Vanessa Mae, Joni Mitchell, Blackstreet and Q-Tip.  The album produced the hit “Together Again.”  In 2006, she fulfilled her obligations to Virgin Records with the album “20 Years Old.”  In 2008, Island Def Jam released her latest CD, “Discipline,” which made a Number One debut on the Billboard 200.  Only one of its four singles cracked the Top 20.  In 2010, Janet had a Number One dance hit with “Make Me.”  The track appears on her second greatest hits CD, “Number Ones/The Best.”  Janet’s 2011 self-help book, “True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself,” was a New York Times Number One best seller.  This past February, Janet announced that she secretly married Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana in 2012. 
On May 18, Country singer George Strait will turn 61.  Since the early 1980s, he has sold more than 68 million albums in the U.S.  In 1992, Strait made his major film debut in “Pure Country” playing Rusty Wyatt, a singer who gave up his superstar life to return home to his roots.  Strait set a career record with the lead single from his 2008 Grammy-winning album, “Troubadour.”  “I Saw God Today” debuted at Number 19 and made it to Number One in only 11 weeks.  In 2007, Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Two years later, he received the Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade Award.  Strait’s 2011 album, “Here For A Good Time,” produced two Top 5 hits, the title track and “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright.”  His current Top 10 Country Airplay hit, “Give It All We Got Tonight,” is the lead single from Strait’s new album, “Love Is Everything.”  (“Give It All We Got Tonight”  HD-201245C/See Music Library staff)
Awards Presentations / Winners:

Miranda Lambert poses with her awards for female vocalist of the year, song of the year, and single record of the year backstage at the 48th ACM Awards in Las Vegas, April 7, 2013.

Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Miranda Lambert lead the nominees for the 2013 CMT Music Awards.  Each received four nominations, including Video of the Year.  Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line and Rascal Flatts follow with three nods apiece.  Aldean is co-hosting the June 5 CMT Music Awards with actress Kristin Bell.  The show will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Look Who's Going On Tour!

From left to right, singer Patrick Stump, drummer Andy Hurley, musician Joe Trohman, and musician Pete Wentz of the rock band Fall Out Boy arrive at Wango Tango 2013 at The Home Depot Center on May 11, 2013 in Carson, Calif.

  Fall Out Boy is supporting its new album Save Rock and Roll with a North American tour that begins on May 14 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The pop-rock band will stop in 34 cities through June 30.  Fall Out Boy kicks off the European leg on July 25 in Munich, Germany.  Save Rock and Roll is the group’s first new album since 2008’s Folie a Deux.

On May 17, Country singer Luke Bryan will launch the second U.S. leg of his “Dirt Road Diaries Tour.”  The 34-city run begins in Virginia Beach, Virginia and wraps up October 26 in West Palm Beach, Florida.  Special guests on the outing include new Country duo Florida Georgia Line and husband-and-wife duo Thompson Square.  Luke’s upcoming fourth studio album is expected to be out later this year.  Its debut single, “Crash My Party,” peaked at Number 2 on the Hot Country Songs chart.   

 

Sources :

http://www.voanews.com/content/chesney-tops-billboard-album-chart-lopez-signs-new-record-deal/1659874.html

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