Chicken Recipe

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7 Fashion Trends in 2011

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Look at the following 7 impressive fashion trends in 2011:

1. 2011 spring and summer indicate freedom of expression, sanguinity and romanticism. The 1970s Bohemian-influenced fashion, with bright colors set the season’s mood. You can choose from minimal dressing in white, long-flowing shimmery apparels, below-the-knee midi skirts with platform wedges, high-waist pants and shorts, all-in-one jump suits and a classy blouse.

2. Knee-high boots are also in vogue this year. Women are searching for latest styles in boots. They appear confident and sexy in these boots. The boots can be worn every place, even to the grocery store!

3. New outfits include studs with shorts, jackets and shirts. Then there is punk fashion, similar to biker styles, carrying a grunge-like and gothic appearance.

4. Fashion hairstyle includes shoulder-length hair. It looks effective and stylish. Medium-length hair has never gone out of fashion. Narrow shaped face looks good in long curls. A person having a heart or oval shaped face appears chic in long, dark hair with red strands. Layered, flips, medium bobs and fathered looks are also fashionable.

5. For the men, a leather jacket with a conservative rugged and masculine style is back in 2011. Vibrant colors in staple fabrics automatically attract female gazes. Besides jackets, this is true for men’s attire as well.

6. High-end boots with powerful masculine edges are doing well. Shoes can be designer ones and fulfill business purposes. Beautifully embroidered leather shoes in retro style are also back in vogue.

7. E-fashion connects people through various social networking sites, online shopping and live-streaming fashion videos. Along with universally acknowledged branded labels for sale, there are free fashion facts, tips and suggestions available for the browsers.

Whatever trend you choose for yourself, ensure that you look fabulous. Coordinate your outfit, accessories and hair so that you look your best every time you step out of your house.

Hair Transplant Timeline

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Hair Transplant Recovery Timeline

 Hair transplant surgery is moderately complicated and takes about 4 hours to complete. Since, the results of the surgery greatly depend upon the skill of the hair transplant expert, it is a must that you invest some time and efforts to research for the best hair transplant clinic in your area. The next step is to schedule a preliminary meeting with hair transplant expert. During this meeting, the doctor will try to assess the causes behind your hair loss. Injuries, burn, genetics, diseases are some common causes which can be certainly treated with a hair transplant procedure.

In this procedure, hair from the patient or from other donor are harvested on the bald patches. The doctor cuts a strip of size 1-1.5 x 15-30 cm from the donor or hairy patch from the patient himself. While removing fatty tissue underneath, care must be taken so as not harm follicular cells. The surgeon prepares the recipient site by making punctures into the scalp using a very thin needle. The donor grafts are then transplanted at the recipient site. The density is determined by the pattern of baldness and is often decided before the procedure. A density of 50 grafts per square cm is generally considered sufficient enough to cover any baldness. The recovery begins after the procedure and continues over next several weeks.

Day 1 to 12
On the next day of the procedure, the scalp is washed clean with an antibacterial chemical shampoo. Blood in grafts is removed and the hair is washed thoroughly. After the procedure, it is natural to feel some numbness and tingling sensation at the donor site. The recipient site is also red and swollen. You should expect the swelling to subside by the end of the week. Redness and pain also diminishes eventually.

Day 12 to 14
Generally, sometime in the second week after the surgery, the absorbable sutures fall off while the remaining can be removed by your doctor or even any other medical practitioner.

Week 3 to 5
During this time, you may experience some hair loss. However, you need not worry as this is perfectly normal and is caused by temporary dormant phase which the grafts enter during the procedure.

Month 1 to 3
Some microscopic hair sprouts can be seen on your scalp. The hair that begins to grow here is very fine and light. As the time passes, it will become thicker and denser. Many patients get disappointed at this stage and start doubting the results of the procedure. However, patience is of prime importance at this time.

Month 4 to 6
Around the fifth month, you may see a noticeable change on your bald patch. The microscopic hair sprout grow into slightly longer and thicker hair. Although, the density is still low, the results are far more assuring.

Month 7 to 9
Around this time, your hair will grow about an inch or two. The bald patches will have covered by thick hair shafts. In general, your hair will have a fuller appearance.

One Year
The true results of the procedure are unveiled only after a year. You will have achieved the desired length and density of hair on the bald spot.

Signs of Heroin Addiction

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Heroin Addiction

Heroin is an illegal drug that is made from morphine, which in turn is a drug made from the seedpods of certain poppy plants. In fact, heroin is one of the most highly abused illegal drugs and is said to have a very fast effect. It is said that the user starts developing a pleasurable feeling within seconds of using heroin. Studies show that heroin contains two alkaloids, termed codeine and morphine, which are responsible this action of the drug. The purest form of heroin is white in color and is available in the form of powder. It is also available in off-white, brown and black colors. It is said that the color change is due to the presence of impurities and other additives.

The most common ways of delivering this drug to the body is through smoking, snorting or injecting. There is a common misconception that injection of heroin leads to addiction, as compared to snorting or smoking. Some people also use this drug as vaginal or anal suppositories. Ingestion is the most uncommon methods of using this drug. Whatever may be the method of use, heroin addiction can happen with successive uses. Apart from causing harm to the health of the user, such a drug addiction has many socio-economic impacts too. So, detecting and treating the condition at the very beginning is a real necessity. A basic understanding about the various symptoms of heroin addiction may help you in identifying it.

Heroin Addiction Symptoms

Prolonged use of heroin leads to addiction, which can cause both, mental physical and behavioral changes. The following are some of the common physical signs of heroin addiction.
  • Bluish color of the skin, lips and fingernails
  • Slow and shallow breathing
  • Constricted pupils and a lost appearance in the eyes
  • Unusual lethargy and laziness
  • Poor hygiene
  • Vomiting
  • Itchy skin
  • Weight loss
  • Injection marks on the body
  • Runny nose and eyes
  • Cravings between uses
  • Cold and sweaty hands
  • Puffy face and red eyes
These are some of the warning signs of heroin addiction. Behavioral symptoms include change of friends, withdrawal from social life, sudden shortage of money, weird behavior, secluded life, etc. Such people may also have poor memory, disorientation and difficulty concentrating. If you have such a friend or relative, look for substances like capsules, injection syringes and other such items in their house. All these symptoms are indicators of heroin addiction.

Heroin Addiction Treatment

Those with heroin addiction must be provided with adequate treatment at the earliest as this drug can cause various harmful effects. It can also lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, in case the user discontinues its use. Normally, such symptoms develop within 7 to 24 hours from the last dose. Treatment for heroin addiction includes detoxification of the body from the toxins accumulated with heroin use. The method of detoxification may vary from one user to another. While, some people are advised to quit the drug all of a sudden, others do it with the help of medication. In the first case, medical attention is provided to manage the withdrawal symptoms. In the second case, medication is used instead of heroin and this prescription medication helps to wean off heroin, in a better way. The dosage of the medication is gradually lowered and is finally stopped. Apart from detoxification, behavioral therapies are also an important part of heroin addiction treatment.

Post On Demand

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Scariest Horror Movies Ever Made

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Scariest Horror Movies Ever

What constitutes a scary horror movie? Scary music, lonely and dark backgrounds, an amazing story and the most important the main reason which makes this movie a scary film. Now, the reason can be anything; a curse, a monster, a serial killer or an alien. This main antagonist turns this whole film around and makes it more horrifying and often scares you out of your wits. So let's get ready to get those goosebumps, here are some of the scariest horror movies ever made.

The Exorcist
One of the scariest films ever made, The Exorcist gives horror new definition. This film maintains its suspense without getting too dependent on the amazing effects and make up. The Exorcist is scary on the whole, not just in bits and pieces. This is undoubtedly one of the most frightening films of all time.

Amityville Horror
This 1978 classic still scares me to death. The story begins with a family moving into a great big house in Amityville, New York. Then strange things begin to happen, black viscous matter comes from the toilet and holy men hear strange voices. Red eyes peer through the windows at night. Many people call it an Exorcist rip off, but it sure scared the hell out of many.

The Shining
I have never read a Stephen King novel, I don't know how great his work is. But I know that Stanley Kubrick did a great job making this movie. This movie still scares the hell out of me. Take any list of scary movies and you will find The Shining in the top 10 category. The story, the actor, the music, the hotel everything is scary about The Shining.

Se7en
I think it's Kevin Spacey's acting that makes Se7en a cult classic, but you just cannot ignore the brilliant performances of Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow. Don't forget the scene in which the decomposed victim is still breathing and in the whole movie, not one scene of sunshine. This is true horror.

The Ring
It's rare that an American movie inspired from a Japanese film is worth watching, well The Ring is. Not only is it worth watching, it's also one of the scariest movies of all time. The entire story is focused upon a video tape that shouldn't be watched which makes it one of the scariest horror movies of the decade.

Psycho
This is the movie that started it all, the best work of Alfred Hitchcock Psycho came out in 1960 and since has been then been voted as one of the most scariest horror movies ever made. Even when animation and graphics were not yet discovered, Psycho still scared audiences worldwide.

Scariest Horror Movies Ever Made List

There's a long list of horror movies which you can catch up. Watch them anytime with people who can handle horror and screams. My advice, watch these movies at night.
  • Silence of the Lambs (1991)
  • Halloween (1978/2007)
  • The Vanishing (1988)
  • The Exorcist 3: The Legion (1990)
  • Don't Look Now (1973)
  • Jaws (1975)
  • The Innocents (1961)
  • The Others (2001)
  • Rosemary's Baby (1968)
  • The Omen (1976)
  • The Haunting (1963)
  • Ju On: The Grudge (2003) Watch the Japanese version first
  • The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
  • The Thing (1982)
  • Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Great Family Movies

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Must See Movies of All Time

Annie Hall
Annie Hall is a quintessential Woody Allen movie, full of memorable quotes and one liners that touch your nerve. This romantic comedy is about Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie (Diane Keaton) and their understanding of each others' backgrounds. The movies chronicles stories of their past. However, they both go their separate ways in an endeavor to make new lives after they realize they cannot be together. At this juncture Alvy realizes that he still in love with Annie and persuades her to comeback. When she refuses, he returns to New York to script a play about their tragic love story, leaving the viewer with a thought of how love is important even though it can be painful at times.

French Connection
Directed by William Friedkin, French Connection tells a story about smuggling of narcotics between USA and France. Popeye Doyle (Gene Hackman) and Russo (Roy Scheider) are tracking a major drug delivery, which has the power to destroy the marijuana trade between New York and Paris. The action packed crime thriller is a classic, that puts many of the same genre to shame.

The Kid
This was the first comedy feature film and ironically, also the movie which brings a tear to the eye. The movie opens with a line 'A picture with a smile, and perhaps a tear...'. It shows a relationship between Charlie Chaplin and the Kid (Jackie Coogan) grow and foster into a father and son relationship. The most famous scene from the movie, where Chaplin fights with the agents from the orphanage to get the Kid back, is an extremely poignant scene. Many believe that the on screen chemistry between the two is Chaplin's reflection of the untimely death of his first born.

The Shawshank Redemption
Andrew Dufresne, called Andy (Tim Robbins) is convicted for murdering his wife and her lover and is sentenced to two life sentences. He meets Ellis Boyd, called Red (Morgan Freeman), who is also serving a life sentence. With Red's help Andy procures a contraband hammer and a poster of Rita Hayowrth, which is followd by a poster of Marilyn Manroe and Racheal Welch. His intelligence guides him to bring about several reforms in the prison, which makes him an icon amongst his inmates. In one of the casual conversations with Red, Andy tells him his dream to live in Zihuatanejo, a town alongside Mexican-Pacific coastal line. He asks Red to retrieve a parcel he's left there, when Red is freed. The next day, Samuel Norton (Bob Gunton) finds Andy's cell empty. In the moment of anger, he throws a rock at the poster, revealing a tunnel Andy had dug up in 20 years. When Red is freed, he follows Andy's advice and travels to Texas, where the two friends are reunited.

Sound of Music
The legendary musical by Richard Rodgers, is based on a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The film captures the family drama of the Trapps. The movies brings forth the fallouts within a family, their trails and tribulations and their love for each other. The Sound of Music, Edelweiss, My Favorite Things, Climb Ev'ry Mountain and Do-Re-Mi are some of incredible compositions of this musical.

Best Family Movies To Watch with Kids

The list of great family movies is a long one. Give below are a select few that are must watch.
  • Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
  • The Adventures of Robin Hood
  • The African Queen
  • Apollo 13
  • Babe
  • Back to the Future
  • The Bad News Bears
  • The Bear
  • Beauty and the Beast
  • Beetlejuice
  • Big
  • The Black Stallion
  • Bound for Glory
  • Breaking Away
  • Bringing Up Baby
  • The Buddy Holly Story
  • Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
  • Cat Ballou
  • Chariots of Fire
  • Chicken Run
  • Close Encounters of the Third Kind
  • The Day the Earth Stood Still
  • Dick Tracy
  • Dr. Strangelove
  • Duck Soup
  • Edward Scissorhands
  • Emma
  • E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
  • Fiddler on the Roof
  • Field of Dreams
  • Fly Away Home
  • Gandhi
  • Ghostbusters
  • The Gold Rush
  • The Great Escape
  • Great Expectations
  • Groundhog Day
  • A Hard Day's Night
  • Harry Potter Series
  • High Noon
  • The Iron Giant
  • It Happened One Night
  • James and the Giant Peach
  • Jurassic Park
  • The King and I
  • King Kong
  • Lawrence of Arabia
  • A League of Their Own
  • Lilo & Stitch
  • The Lion King
  • Little Fugitive
  • Little Man Tate
  • The Little Mermaid
  • A Little Princess
  • Little Women
  • The Longest Day
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
  • Lost Horizon
  • The Magnificent Seven
  • Mary Poppins
  • Monsters, Inc.
  • Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
  • Mrs. Doubtfire
  • The Music Man
  • My Fair Lady
  • National Velvet
  • Never Cry Wolf
  • North by Northwest
  • Peter Pan
  • Pinocchio
  • The Princess Bride
  • Raiders of the Lost Ark
  • Rear Window
  • Rocky
  • The Rookie
  • The Secret Garden
  • The Secret of Roan Inish
  • Shane
  • Shrek
  • Singin' in the Rain
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
  • Some Like It Hot
  • Spirited Away
  • Star Wars
  • Steamboat Bill, Jr.
  • Sullivan's Travels
  • Superman
  • Swiss Family Robinson
  • The Three Musketeers
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Toy Story and Toy Story 2
  • 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
  • Walkabout
  • West Side Story

Kate Hudson: Engaged to Matt Bellamy!,

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Kate Hudson is pregnant - and engaged to Matthew Bellamy!


The actress made the surprise announcement on Wednesday's Today Show after Matt Lauer noticed the giant engagement ring on her finger.


Confirming her engagement publicly for the first time, Kate Hudson said, "I haven't really announced it, I was waiting for someone to notice."


Well, props to Matt for the scoop!


Matt Bellamy and Kate Hudson


Although she kept quiet on the details details, the Oscar-nominated star said the "very romantic" proposal went down about a week ago in NYC.


It will be the second marriage for Kate, who divorced Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson in 2006 after nearly six years. They have a son Ryder, 7.


Her marriage news comes as something of a surprise, even though she and Matt have been inseparable since her pregnancy announcement.


"I don't feel it necessary to [marry]. I already have a child, and have had a divorce, so it's not necessarily the golden ticket," she said recently.


"I just want to be happy."


Looks like she decided marrying Matt would make her happy. Congratuatlons

Paris Hilton Denies Almost Mowing Down Sarah Shahi, Blames Doppelganger,

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Paris Hilton has had her share of incidents behind the wheel, but almost recklessly crashing into Fairly Legal star Sarah Shahi isn't one of them, she says.


"Just to clear up some rumor going around," she tweeted, directing followers to an interview with Extra in which she insists she wasn't even on the road.


"I was so shocked when I read that, too," Hilton told Mario Lopez.


Paris the GreatSarah Shahi Pic


Her response was to Sarah Shahi unloading on Paris, calling her a "dumb b!tch," the "worst driver ever" and a "horrible excuse for a human being" on Twitter.


"First of all, I wasn't even driving that day," Hilton told Mario. "I just came back from Vegas with my boyfriend (Cy Waits); we were home relaxing."


Paris' theory? It was a doppelganger, Vampire Diaries style!


"I hadn't even been in the car that day. I literally came with a driver from the airport and went to my house. Then later on I read that, I'm like 'Dude, I wasn't even driving,' so I don't know. Maybe it was some other blond girl who looked like me."


There's been no Twitter response from Shahi yet, her last post referring to the incident and reading: "One more thing blonde piece of s--t ... you're not an elitist just because you have money. You should apologize... To humanity. #nowimdone."


If indeed that was not her, Hilton is being awfully gracious about it.


If she's lying, well, this is certainly a new one as far as lies go.


"There are a lot of Paris Hilton look-alikes, who do it for a living," she insisted. "They're always doing things and I'm getting blamed for it."


"So this could be another incident like that."



American Idol Power Rankings: James' Game to Lose?

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The Voice premiere was fun, but it's back to business on Fox tonight.


With the top six on tap to perform tonight, THG's American Idol Power Rankings break down who we like this week and who we think is likely to go home.


Of course, who we think leads and lags means little in the end (we called Stefano, but that was easy), but it's fun to try our hand at predicting the show.


Take a look at how we size up the field and see if you agree:


Heating Up Idol


Can anyone match the fire of James Durbin?


1. James Durbin. Week in and week out he strikes us as the best. Then again, so did Adam Lambert, and he lost the title in a shocker. So no guarantees.


2. Lauren Alaina. The anti-girl bias is working hard against her, but she's shown no signs of fading and giving fans a reason to kick her out. Thus far.


3. Scotty McCreery. Falls from #1 in last week's rankings after a mediocre effort. But he's still got the chops, and more importantly, the female votes.


4. Casey Abrams. A step above Haley and Jacob, but a small-ish step.


5. Haley Reinhart. Four times in the bottom three so far in the finals for Hails. The only other one who can claim that is ... Stefano Langone. Bad sign.


6. Jacob Lusk. Living on borrowed time for a while now. The only question is whether the producers sabotage him again. Just kidding. Mostly.


How do you size up the competition? Leave a comment and tell us!





The Voice premiere was fun, but it's back to business on Fox tonight.


With the top six on tap to perform tonight, THG's American Idol Power Rankings break down who we like this week and who we think is likely to go home.


Of course, who we think leads and lags means little in the end (we called Stefano, but that was easy), but it's fun to try our hand at predicting the show.


Take a look at how we size up the field and see if you agree:


Heating Up Idol


Can anyone match the fire of James Durbin?


1. James Durbin. Week in and week out he strikes us as the best. Then again, so did Adam Lambert, and he lost the title in a shocker. So no guarantees.


2. Lauren Alaina. The anti-girl bias is working hard against her, but she's shown no signs of fading and giving fans a reason to kick her out. Thus far.


3. Scotty McCreery. Falls from #1 in last week's rankings after a mediocre effort. But he's still got the chops, and more importantly, the female votes.


4. Casey Abrams. A step above Haley and Jacob, but a small-ish step.


5. Haley Reinhart. Four times in the bottom three so far in the finals for Hails. The only other one who can claim that is ... Stefano Langone. Bad sign.


6. Jacob Lusk. Living on borrowed time for a while now. The only question is whether the producers sabotage him again. Just kidding. Mostly.


Royal Wedding Fever Grips Tabloids, Planet,

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Just two days to go until the wedding of the year. Nay, the century.


The celebrity gossip tabloids, like the rest of us, are riveted by the impending nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who will tie the knot Friday a.m.


The historical day will be dissected in great detail starting with the ceremony itself. Last week, Kate admitted she's a bundle of nerves just thinking about it.


When they enter Westminster Abbey, however, William and Kate's clear heads and full hearts will help calm those fears - and block out the massive spectacle.


Wedding of the YearRoyal Wedding Fever!


Old William and Kate photos, but cute ones!


William's brother and best man, Harry, admitted that their mother would be on the boys' minds on April 29, as they stand in the location of her 1997 funeral.


"I hope she would be so very, very proud that the big day has come upon him," the 26-year-old Harry said this week. "We all thought it was never going to happen."


It's happening, all right, and THG will be here to break it down, vow by vow, Friday morning as the wedding of the millennium takes place before the world

Angelina Pivarnick: Pregnant Via Dave Kovacs!,

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Angelina Pivarnick is pregnant. Dave Kovacs, who's allegedly gonna marry the former Jersey Shore pain in the ass, allegedly did the impregnating.


TMZ confirmed the pregnancy with a quote from Ange herself, though for once in her life, she declined to comment any further on something.


Sources say the daddy is her fiance Dave Kovacs, who got engaged to Angelina in February for reasons unknown. No word on the due date.


Angelina Pivarnick, Dave Kovacs

Khloe Kardashian Pretends to Whine About Being Fat For Attention,

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It's not easy being the "biggest" Kardashian. Khloe says being compared to siblings Kim and Kourtney can take its toll on her self esteem. Wahhh!


In the new issue of Us, Khloe Kardashian pretends she feels fat and insecure next to her older sisters while all three laugh all the way to the bank.


"They are 5-foot and 5-foot-2, so I look massive," says 5-10 Khloe. "Everyone expects me to be 9 feet tall and 200 pounds [when they meet me]."


Tortured For Her Weight!


Khloe's mom, Kris Jenner, criticized her weight in a recent episode of Khloe and Lamar. No wonder she's "struggled with her weight since she was 8," a family friend says.


"She was always taller and she had much broader shoulders than her petite sisters."


Classmates and her mom's friends noticed that Kourt and Kim were always skinnier.


"I had older women tell me, 'You should work out,'" Khloe explains. "It got to me."


Honestly. Does she expect anyone to care or even believe she's serious? Sorry, but the only thing being TORTURED here is the people who read this. Go sell some QuikTrim and swan dive into your pile of money, Khloe


'General Hospital' Lawsuit Claims ABC Shortchanged Creators,

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General Hospital

ABC

'General Hospital'

ABC enraged soap fans recently by canceling long-running shows All My Children and One Life to Live. Now the network has been sued by the heirs of the creators of General Hospital, who claim they have been stiffed on revenue from TV's longest-running daytime drama.


The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court by the daughters of Frank and Doris Hursley, who in 1963 created the medical drama and allegedly cut a deal with ABC to receive 10% of the show's net profits.


Now the Hursleys' daughters -- Bridget Dobson, Deborah Hardy and Polly Keusnik, two of whom also served as writers on the show -- are saying ABC hasn't honored the deal with their deceased parents, failing to pay the full amount owed or even allow a full audit.


The complaint for unspecified damages alleges causes of action for breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, money had and received and an accounting. It was filed by Dale Kinsella and Jeremiah Reynolds of Santa Monica's Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert.


ABC did not immediately respond to a request for comment

.New Details on Jennifer Lopez's Latin Competition Show ,

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Jennifer Lopez

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The "American Idol" judge, who partners with her husband Marc Anthony, director Jamie King and XIX Entertainment head Simon Fuller, says "Q'Viva" is "a show for the 21st century."



More details have emerged about the show Q'Viva! The Chosen and its partnership between pop-Latin superstars Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, acclaimed director-choreographer Jamie King and American Idol creator and XIX Entertainment CEO and founder Simon Fuller.


The husband and wife team of Lopez and Anthony will embark on what's being described as "an epic three month long journey to create the ultimate live show celebrating Latin music, artistry and dance." Their travels will take them to remote areas of the Americas and filming will incorporate three languages.


No network partner has been announced yet, but according to a statement being released on Wednesday, the show will broadcast simultaneously across 21 countries in North America, Central America and South America.


Says Lopez of Q'Viva: “This is a show for the 21st century with an unprecedented global and local story. The Latin culture is a tapestry that is rich in passion, tradition and artistry. We are going to places where all of this talent lives and wouldn’t have otherwise been discovered. This journey for me and Marc is going be exciting and groundbreaking.”


Fuller, who'll serve as executive producer, comments that Q'Viva "truly celebrates the beauty and splendor of Latin music and dance." Adds King: "This is not about competition, it’s about finding great talent, cultivating that talent and sharing it with the world."

Denise Richards Returns for Third Season of Spike's 'Blue Mountain State' (Exclusive),

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Denise Richards

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Denise Richards

The Viacom-owned net has ordered 13 episodes of the scripted comedy, set to bow in September.



Spike has renewed Blue Mountain State for a third season with Denise Richards returning to the college football comedy.


Richards will reprise her role as Coach Daniels' (Ed Marinaro) wife, Debra in eight of the season's 13 episodes.


Set to bow in September, the third season has Daniels dealing with a challenge to his authority when the college football team's boosters insist he hire a hotshot offensive coordinator.


Blue Mountain State is from Lionsgate Television and Varsity Pictures. Brian Robbins (Smallville) and Sharla Sumpter-Bridgett (Wild Hogs) are the executive producers.


The comedy's second season, which ended in January, was up 33 percent among Spike's key demographic of men 18-34.


Richards is repped by ICM and Luber Roklin Entertainment

Senator Tells Sony to Provide PlayStation Network Users With Data Security Services,

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Richard Blumenthal

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Richard Blumenthal acts following the data breach that has closed the Network since April 20.




Following the data breach in the PlayStation Network, U.S. Senator Richard Blumentha lhas called on Sony to provide PlayStation Network users -- there are more than 60 million accounts worldwide -- with financial data security services.


Meanwhile, Sony released a clarification on its sequence of events.


On Tuesday, Sony admitted that an unauthorized person has hacked into users’ accounts on Sony’s PlayStation Network, accessing such information as names and addresses and possibly credit card information. Details can be found on the PlayStation blog.


The PlayStation Network has been down since April 20.


Later Tuesday, Patrick Seybold, senior director, corporate communications & social media, wrote a second blog post as a clarification to Sony’s earlier message to customers. The post explains: “There’s a difference in timing between when we identified there was an intrusion and when we learned of consumers’ data being compromised. We learned there was an intrusion April 19th and subsequently shut the services down. We then brought in outside experts to help us learn how the intrusion occurred and to conduct an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the incident. It was necessary to conduct several days of forensic analysis, and it took our experts until yesterday to understand the scope of the breach. We then shared that information with our consumers and announced it publicly this afternoon.”


In an April 26 letter to Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, Senator Blumenthal said: “When a data breach occurs, it is essential that customers be immediately notified about whether and to what extent their personal and financial information has been compromised. … I am concerned that PlayStation Network users’ personal and financial information may have been inappropriately accessed by a third party. Compounding this concern is the troubling lack of notification from Sony about the nature of the data breach.”


Senator Blumenthal called for Sony to provide customers with financial data security services, “including free access to credit reporting services for two years, the costs of which should be borne by the company.” He also asserted that affected customers should be provided with “sufficient insurance to protect them from the possible financial consequences of identity theft.”


Sony has posted frequently asked questions about PlayStation Network and Qriocity -- which has also been down since April 20--on its blog.


Related, Sony also reported in the FAQ that Sony Online Entertainment services “are currently available, but they did experience a service interruption due to an external attack.” The FAQ relates that an investigation is ongoing

'Desperate Housewives' Insider Backs Nicollette Sheridan's Story as ABC Lawsuit Heats Up (Exclusive),

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Nicolette Sheridan

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Nicolette Sheridan

A former executive producer of Desperate Housewives has come forward with testimony that supports Nicollette Sheridan in the actress's sex discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuit against ABC and series creator Marc Cherry.


Lori Kirkland Baker, an Emmy-winning TV producer who worked on Housewives from May 2007 through May 2009, has submitted a sworn declaration in the case that supports Sheridan's timeline of events that led to her firing from the hit dramedy.


As we first reported last April, Sheridan filed a bombshell $20 million lawsuit alleging she was hit in the face by Cherry and wrongfully terminated from the series because, among other reasons, she is a woman. Sheridan later dropped her causes of action for intentional infliction of emotional distress and discrimination based on sexual orientation and age. But the rest of the case is now heating up, with a key summary judgment hearing set for May 3.


In advance of that hearing, both Sheridan and ABC/Cherry have filed extensive court papers outlining their cases and the evidence collected so far (both Sheridan and Cherry, for example, already have sat for depositions.)


To win at this stage, ABC must convince Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Allen White that the undisputed facts show Sheridan's allegations to be without merit.


"Sheridan was obviously unhappy to lose her job as a highly-compensated star of Desperate Housewives," the ABC/Cherry motion for summary judgment argues. "However, she cannot state a legal claim based on the creative decisions and actions challenged in her lawsuit."


A key dispute involves the timeline of events. Both sides agree that Sheridan, who was making $175,000 per episode in Season 5 of the show, was told in February 2009 that her character Edie Britt was being killed off. But ABC and Cherry argue in their motion that the decision to kill Sheridan's character was actually made nine months earlier, in May 2008, when "after discussing the death of Edie with the other staff writers and producers," Cherry got the green light from both producer Touchstone Television and ABC to dump the character.


If true, that would poke a big hole in Sheridan's theory that an alleged September 24, 2008 altercation with Cherry--in which he is said to have slapped her in the face on the set--and her subsequent complaints about it, were major reasons she was given the boot.


But now Kirkland Baker, who was one of those staff writers and producers working on Housewives during the fifth season, has come forward to say she didn't know Sheridan's character would be eliminated until at least September 2008.


"In fall of 2008, Mr. Cherry began talking with the writing staff, myself included, about killing off the Edie Britt character," Kirkland Baker says in her April 9 declaration, a copy of which was obtained by THR. "I have no recollection of any decision to kill off the Edie Britt character prior to fall of 2008."


And around the time of the alleged Sheridan slap, says Kirkland Baker, "Mr. Cherry had expressed to the writers, in my presence, increasing frustration with Ms. Sheridan." That led to a December meeting in which Cherry told the writing staff that he had met with then-ABC president Steve McPherson and had decided to kill off the Sheridan character at the end of Season 5, according to the declaration.


However, after Cherry returned from attending the inauguration party for President Obama in January 2009, "Mr. Cherry advised the writing staff that he'd changed his mind about the timing of Edie Britt's death," Kirkland Baker says. "Rather than waiting for the end of the season, he wanted to change course and, instead, have Edie Britt killed off much sooner." The writer/producer says Cherry then instructed his staff that the character "was going to be killed off in one of the next episodes to be written and filmed."


ABC lead lawyer Adam Levin declined to comment on the case. But the network's counter to that argument is that Kirkland Baker simply wasn't privy to the actual plans for the show until Cherry was prepared to go public. Indeed, in its motion, ABC says the fate of Sheridan's character "was kept highly confidential to prevent leaks to the media and public."


Still, Sheridan's lawyers argue in their court papers that the testimony of such insiders as Kirkland Baker and another writer-producer, Jeffrey Greenstein, "show that Cherry decided to kill off Edie after the September 24, 2008 assault and after she complained to Touchstone." (Sheridan's attorneys at Baute Crochetiere & Maloney were not available for comment.)


Why does the timeline matter? After all, it's only one aspect of the main case--whether Cherry hit Sheridan and whether she was fired due to discrimination.


But ABC is arguing that key parts of the litigation should be thrown out because it isn't possible that Sheridan could have been fired in response to an incident that hadn't happened when the firing decision was made. And Sheridan, in raising the timeline question, is trying to show that there's a real dispute over the facts in the case--a dispute she argues will require a trial, thus preventing the case from being dismissed at this stage.


The stage is set for some courtroom fireworks on May 3. If Sheridan's case survives the hearing, a trial is set for June 8 in downtown Los Angeles.


UPDATE: Lori Kirkland Baker emails us wanting to make sure Hollywood knows she isn't supporting Sheridan's case (or ABC's). Rather, she was contacted by the plaintiff's attorneys and asked for a timeline of events, which she agreed to submit in a sworn declaration. "I have no opinion on the merits of the case and am merely answering what's asked of me as clearly as I can recall

12:52 Posted In 0 Comments »

Nicolette Sheridan

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Nicolette Sheridan

A former executive producer of Desperate Housewives has come forward with testimony that supports Nicollette Sheridan in the actress's sex discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuit against ABC and series creator Marc Cherry.


Lori Kirkland Baker, an Emmy-winning TV producer who worked on Housewives from May 2007 through May 2009, has submitted a sworn declaration in the case that supports Sheridan's timeline of events that led to her firing from the hit dramedy.


As we first reported last April, Sheridan filed a bombshell $20 million lawsuit alleging she was hit in the face by Cherry and wrongfully terminated from the series because, among other reasons, she is a woman. Sheridan later dropped her causes of action for intentional infliction of emotional distress and discrimination based on sexual orientation and age. But the rest of the case is now heating up, with a key summary judgment hearing set for May 3.


In advance of that hearing, both Sheridan and ABC/Cherry have filed extensive court papers outlining their cases and the evidence collected so far (both Sheridan and Cherry, for example, already have sat for depositions.)


To win at this stage, ABC must convince Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Allen White that the undisputed facts show Sheridan's allegations to be without merit.


"Sheridan was obviously unhappy to lose her job as a highly-compensated star of Desperate Housewives," the ABC/Cherry motion for summary judgment argues. "However, she cannot state a legal claim based on the creative decisions and actions challenged in her lawsuit."


A key dispute involves the timeline of events. Both sides agree that Sheridan, who was making $175,000 per episode in Season 5 of the show, was told in February 2009 that her character Edie Britt was being killed off. But ABC and Cherry argue in their motion that the decision to kill Sheridan's character was actually made nine months earlier, in May 2008, when "after discussing the death of Edie with the other staff writers and producers," Cherry got the green light from both producer Touchstone Television and ABC to dump the character.


If true, that would poke a big hole in Sheridan's theory that an alleged September 24, 2008 altercation with Cherry--in which he is said to have slapped her in the face on the set--and her subsequent complaints about it, were major reasons she was given the boot.


But now Kirkland Baker, who was one of those staff writers and producers working on Housewives during the fifth season, has come forward to say she didn't know Sheridan's character would be eliminated until at least September 2008.


"In fall of 2008, Mr. Cherry began talking with the writing staff, myself included, about killing off the Edie Britt character," Kirkland Baker says in her April 9 declaration, a copy of which was obtained by THR. "I have no recollection of any decision to kill off the Edie Britt character prior to fall of 2008."


And around the time of the alleged Sheridan slap, says Kirkland Baker, "Mr. Cherry had expressed to the writers, in my presence, increasing frustration with Ms. Sheridan." That led to a December meeting in which Cherry told the writing staff that he had met with then-ABC president Steve McPherson and had decided to kill off the Sheridan character at the end of Season 5, according to the declaration.


However, after Cherry returned from attending the inauguration party for President Obama in January 2009, "Mr. Cherry advised the writing staff that he'd changed his mind about the timing of Edie Britt's death," Kirkland Baker says. "Rather than waiting for the end of the season, he wanted to change course and, instead, have Edie Britt killed off much sooner." The writer/producer says Cherry then instructed his staff that the character "was going to be killed off in one of the next episodes to be written and filmed."


ABC lead lawyer Adam Levin declined to comment on the case. But the network's counter to that argument is that Kirkland Baker simply wasn't privy to the actual plans for the show until Cherry was prepared to go public. Indeed, in its motion, ABC says the fate of Sheridan's character "was kept highly confidential to prevent leaks to the media and public."


Still, Sheridan's lawyers argue in their court papers that the testimony of such insiders as Kirkland Baker and another writer-producer, Jeffrey Greenstein, "show that Cherry decided to kill off Edie after the September 24, 2008 assault and after she complained to Touchstone." (Sheridan's attorneys at Baute Crochetiere & Maloney were not available for comment.)


Why does the timeline matter? After all, it's only one aspect of the main case--whether Cherry hit Sheridan and whether she was fired due to discrimination.


But ABC is arguing that key parts of the litigation should be thrown out because it isn't possible that Sheridan could have been fired in response to an incident that hadn't happened when the firing decision was made. And Sheridan, in raising the timeline question, is trying to show that there's a real dispute over the facts in the case--a dispute she argues will require a trial, thus preventing the case from being dismissed at this stage.


The stage is set for some courtroom fireworks on May 3. If Sheridan's case survives the hearing, a trial is set for June 8 in downtown Los Angeles.


UPDATE: Lori Kirkland Baker emails us wanting to make sure Hollywood knows she isn't supporting Sheridan's case (or ABC's). Rather, she was contacted by the plaintiff's attorneys and asked for a timeline of events, which she agreed to submit in a sworn declaration. "I have no opinion on the merits of the case and am merely answering what's asked of me as clearly as I can recall

.Jason Sudeikis to Host 2011 MTV Movie Awards,

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Jason Sudeikis

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Jason Sudeikis

This is the first time the "Saturday Night Live" regular is hosting the awards show.



Jason Sudeikis has been tapped to host this year’s MTV Movie Awards, set to take place at the Gibson Ampitheatre in Universal City.


The hosting gig marks the Saturday Night Live regular’s first time hosting the awards show.


It was previously announced that Mark Burnett will executive produce this year’s awards. Previous hosts have included Aziz Ansari, Andy Samberg, Ben Stiller, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake.


The MTV Movie Awards will air live on Sunday, June 5 at 9 p.m.

.Comcast Adding Broadcast TV Shows to On-Demand Offer,

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American Dad

Courtesy of FOX

By adding series from ABC and Fox, the cable giant says it will be the first pay TV provider to offer current shows from all four major networks.



NEW YORK - Comcast Corp. said Wednesday it is adding current TV shows from ABC and Fox to its on demand service as of Thursday, making the cable giant the only pay TV provider to offer current series from all four major broadcast networks in that form.


It is also adding some new shows from CBS and NBC, such as The Voice, which have previously made availabe current series shortly after their original air date.


Comcast and others have looked to beef up VOD offers amid Wall Street concerns about online video alternatives to pay TV services, such as Netflix's streaming video service. Some have said such options could lead users to cut their pay TV cord.


The shows are available the day after the original broadcast and will be fast-forward disabled. The networks offer the four most recent episodes of series.

The addition of this new programming nearly doubles the amount of hit TV series available from the major broadcast networks and offers customers "the most TV episodes in high-definition" on demand, Comcast said.


“Our goal is to deliver customers the best and most-current entertainment choices anytime, anywhere so they can catch up and keep up with their favorite TV shows," said Marcien Jenckes, senior vp and general manager of video services for Comcast. “By nearly doubling the number of current TV series from broadcast networks, Xfinity TV on demand offers our customers a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be found elsewhere."


Asked how VOD helps retain current subscribers or may combat cord cutting, Jenckes reiterated previous Comcast management comments that the firm hasn't seen any evidence of cord cutting. He emphasized that the expanded VOD content adds value for current subscribers though and can even attract new customers.


"The reason we are doing this is we are trying to create every day a more compelling television experience for consumers," he said. "When we make the content that consumers love available across platforms and on their terms, consumers tell us all the time that they really like that...At the end of the day, we aspire to reinvent the television model in a way that delivers the most value to our consumers."


Starting Thursday, Comcast will add more than 20 ABC and Fox series on demand, including Cougar Town, Body of Proof, Grey's Anatomy, American Dad, Bones, Breaking In and Family Guy. They join such shows from CBS and NBC as NCIS, Hawaii Five-0, The Office and 30 Rock.


Jenckes said that network partners benefit from VOD as well. Comcast has seen promotion of VOD drive linear tune-in for shows, "and the viewership within our Comcast audience has been greater than elsewhere," he said. "In many ways, this is a real driver for the networks."

The Power Rankings! Vacation Version. Wherein We Bring the Weak Stuff. ,

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Power Rankings




Yeah, so I'm on "vacation" - what of it? True, by having this work stoppage I am, in some sad sense, bringing the weak stuff. Which is what I preach for series not to do. But hey, it's only a week. Plus, for the sake of some kind of continuity, I'm going to lay out the Fab Five for you - for the week ending April 24. And next week, The Power Rankings! will be back to the Elite Eleven and dealing with the finale of Justified, plus other important moments in television. Until then, here's how I would have kicked off the rankings this week:



1. Game of Thrones



2. The Killing



3. Justified



4. Treme



5. Archer



We can hug this out later. But just so you know some of the reasoning, the first three essentially retained their greatness as expected and aligned exactly like the previous week. Treme is a welcome addition and its return warmed our cold little heart. And the Archer season finale was, well, Archer-esque. As noted previously, Friday Night Lights is wonderful but doesn't start hitting on the correct cylinders until the fourth episode and that was just the second one. And yes, last week I forgot to mention that one of my favorites, Fringe, was still in contention. In any case, The Power Rankings! will be back to full form next week

'The Voice' Opens Big,

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The Voice

Courtesy of NBC Universal

NBC’s singing competition show improves the net's season average by 89% while "Glee" sinks to season low.



The Voice kicked off on a high note Tuesday night.


The Mark Burnett-produced singing competition improved NBC’s season average in the time period by 89 percent. With a 5.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 11.8 million viewers overall, it is the top-rated series premiere on a major network since CBS’ Undercover Boss debut following the 2010 Super Bowl.


The Voice -- which features Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton – was the No. 1 show of the night out-rating ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and a new 90-minute Lady Gaga episode of Glee. In head-to-head competition, The Voice bested Glee 4.6 vs. 3.4 (from 9-9:30) and Dancing With the Stars 4.9 vs. 3.5 (from 9-10 p.m.).


The Voice boosted NBC to a rare ratings win for the night. The network averaged a 4.3 in the demo with 10.3 million viewers overall, followed by Fox (3.0, 7.5 million), ABC (2.7, 14.3 million) and CBS (1.9, 9.7 million), which aired reruns.


Despite heavy promotion for its Gaga episode, Glee (3.4, 8.5 million) was down 11 percent week-to-week for a season low and Raising Hope (1.9, 4.5 million) was down 10 percent for a series low.


A Dancing with the Stars recap special (2.4, 12.8 million) at 8 p.m. propelling the DWTS results show (3.5, 17.9 million), which posted a 17 percent uptick. Facing tough competition in the 10 p.m. time slot from the second hour of The Voice, Body of Proof (2.3, 12 million) was down four percent for a series low

Subscribe to Heat Vision Complex 'X-Men: First Class' Screenplay Credit Dispute Resolved (Exclusive),

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X-Men First Class Cast Shot




Lately, Fox and Marvel have had a real yen for making superhero origin stories. But off-screen, the Writers Guild of America has had its hands full determining the origin of the X-Men: First Class screenplay itself.



After an unusually complicated credit dispute, WGA arbitrators determined Tuesday that Sheldon Turner and Bryan Singer deserve story credit and Ashley Miller & Zack Stentz and Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughn will share screenplay credit on the Fox/Marvel franchise film, set for release in the U.S. on June 3. In an odd twist, Josh Schwartz and Jamie Moss, the first two writers on First Class, were left out even as Turner, who never wrote on the script, was included. (Though a potential appeal is still in the offing.)



How did this happen? The anomaly points less to the ever-frustrating WGA credits process than to the unique nature of the comic-book world that Marvel and its studio partners continue to grow. And the stakes are high, as credited writers typically become eligible for bonuses and royalties if the films do well (as they often do).



After X2: X-Men United grossed $408 million in 2003, Fox took a serious look at expanding the franchise by breaking off individual characters from the core group of X-Men, even as it moved toward making a third movie in the series. So in 2004, David Benioff was hired to pen a Wolverine spinoff, and Turner was hired to write a Magneto spinoff. Over the next four years, those two scripts were developed and eventually re-branded as X-Men Origins: Wolverine and X-Men Origins: Magneto.



David Goyer came on to direct Magneto in April 2007 and also worked a bit on Turner's script, which took a look at Magneto's origins as a Holocaust survivor and his early friendship with Professor Charles Xavier. Even though it was ready to cast and go forward, Fox kept waiting to get X-Men Origins: Wolverine in shape enough to entice Hugh Jackman back to the franchise, since his character was a more bankable hero than Magneto's revenge-minded evil mutant.



At one point, the two scripts were going to be intertwined a bit in the Marvel universe fashion (see: The Avengers), but ultimately, even though it cycled through a number of potential directors, Wolverine went ahead in early 2008 with Rendition director Gavin Hood at the helm. Released to kick off the summer May 1, 2009, Wolverine grossed $373 million worldwide and Magneto was essentially backburnered.



In the meantime, Schwartz (Gossip Girl, The O.C.) was hired by Fox in November 2008 to write a First Class script about the origins of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning that would bring a younger vibe to the franchise. A year later Singer announced his intention to come back and direct First Class after writing a new, independent treatment that was then spun into a script by Moss.



Miller and Stentz were brought on after Moss. Then Vaughn, who had been attached to direct both X-Men: The Last Stand and Thor, came aboard to direct in May 2010, bringing his collaborator Goldman with him. The four of them worked on the shooting script in London before Vaughn and Goldman took over. Simon Kinberg, who is also a producer, did revisions during filming but didn't seek credit (nor did Goyer).



Schwartz did want credit, and he and Moss could appeal the result, but only if they can point to something improper in the process. Schwartz's original screenplay apparently hewed very close to the X-Men: First Class comic miniseries from 2006-07 that focused on characters from the first trilogy of films such as Jean Gray, Beast and Cyclops as teenagers. Most of those characters were ultimately booted in favor of a focus on the early relationship between Professor X and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto. That didn't stop Schwartz from pre-arbitrating the credit situation in April of this year, so the argument may not be over. (As one of the participating writers cracked, "If you have a dog in the hunt, you go for it.")



As that transition occurred, material from the Magneto script became a strong fit for the new shape of the First Class story line, including the Nazi doctor villain on whom Magneto is seeking revenge. In August, Lauren Shuler Donner, who was a producer on both projects, said that Magneto was pretty dead but admitted that a lot of its material was subsumed by First Class.



More of these cross-pollinated debates could occur as Fox -- and Marvel -- continue to branch out into various niches of their overlapping character universes. Fox has a Deadpool spinoff in development being written by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick that gained momentum after Wolverine's opening. And a Wolverine sequel is in development with a script being written by Christopher McQuarrie, while a fourth X-Men film is a possibility.



Future credit disputes are inevitable regardless. To paraphrase an exchange from the Magneto script that ended up in the climactic moment of the First Class trailer:



"The credits will not bring you peace."



"Peace was never an option."

Darren Aronofsky to Head Venice Festival Jury,

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Darren Aronofsky

John Shearer/Getty Images

The "Black Swan" director won the event's top prize for "The Wrestler" in 2008.



ROME – Darren Aronofsky, whose last three films all premiered at the Venice Film Festival, will be the president of the main competition jury at this year’s edition of the storied Italian festival.


Venice regular Aronofsky, 42, brought the festival opening Black Swan to Venice last year, and he took home the Golden Lion prize for The Wrestler two years before that. In 2006, his epic fantasy story The Fountain also premiered on the Venice Lido.


Wednesday’s announcement means that the off year between film productions (Aronofsky’s science fiction thriller Machine Man won’t be finished until 2012) means Aronofsky will again be present on the Lido in 2011.


In a statement, Venice officials praised Aronofsky as “a key figure in contemporary film” whose work “engaged the evolution and mutations of the many languages of art.”


As jury president, Aronofsky will follow on the heels of fellow U.S auteur Quentin Tarantino, who sparked criticism in Italy after the jury gave three top prizes to directors Tarantino was personally close to.


This year’s edition of the festival, the 68th, will take place August 31-Sept. 10

Paul Haggis to Be Honored at Nantucket Film Festival,

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Paul Haggis

Fotos International/Getty Images

Paul Haggis

Academy Award-winning director Paul Haggis will be honored at this year’s 16th annual Nantucket Film Festival with the yearly screenwriting tribute.


“Mr. Haggis’ films and television projects have given us a wide array of tales spanning over two decades, said artistic director Mystells Brabbee. “His work has run the gamut from intrigue to thrilling to heartbreaking, and we are thrilled to present him with our screenwriting tribute this year.”


In addition, the festival unveiled its lineup on Wednesday. Disney/Pixar’s Cars 2, directed by John Lasseter and written by Ben Queen, will open the festival. Queen will receive the New Voices in Screenwriting honor.


Sundance winner Buck, a documentary about the life of famed horse trainer Buck Brannman, is the fest’s second opening night film. Closing the festival is Source Code star Vera Farmiga’s directorial debut Higher Ground, in which she also stars.


The rest of the films that will be screened at the fest include: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey; Benavides Born; Beyond the Road; Bobby Fischer Against the World; Circumstance; Connected; Donor Unknown; Five Days Gone; Granito; Happy, Happy; Hot Coffee; The Last Rites of Joe May; Life in a Day; The Lie; Mia and the Migoo; Mozart’s Sister; The Names of Love; Nantucket by Nature; On the Ice; One Lucky Elephant; The Other F Word; Page One: A Year Inside the New York Times; Senna; Submarine; Terri; To be Heard; Tyrannosaur; Unraveled; We Still Live Here: As Nutayunean; and When the Drum is Beating.


For this year’s festival, emphasis will be placed on education, with it hosting a mentor brunch will take place with Haggis attending.


The festival takes place June 22-28

'Superman: Man of Steel' Close to Landing Villainess,

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German actress Antje Traue has emerged as a strong contender for the role of the villainess in Warner Bros’ Superman: Man of Steel movie.


The movie, deep in casting mode and toplined by Henry Cavill, already has one of its bad guys in the form of Michael Shannon, who is playing General Zod.


The story is calling for a female counterpart although it is unclear if the character’s name is Ursa, who appeared memorably in Superman II as well as Smallville and the comic books, or Faora, a comic book character. Both are super-powered Kryptonian antagonists.


Traue has no offer but has tested for the role. It is unclear which other actresses have tested for the part as well.


Traue has appeared with Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster in Pandorum and has the Renny Harlin action movie 5 Days in August, which also stars Val Kilmer and Rupert Friend, in the can.


She is repped by Greene & Associates Talent Agency and Troika and Spielkind

Beaded Bracelet Ideas

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Single Strand Garnet Beads and Pearl Bracelet

Things required
  • A string of oval pearls
  • 1 strand oval garnet beads
  • Flexible beading wire
  • Silver heart shaped clasp
  • 2 silver bead caps
  • 2 crimp beads
  • 1 round white pearl
Procedure

To make this bead bracelet pattern, first slide the silver heart shaped clasp on one end of the flexible wire. When the clasp is in place, slide one of the bead caps into the wire. Next slide the crimp bead and follow it with one garnet bead. Next string 2 white pearls followed by one garnet bead. Continue stringing beads in this way until you have your desired length. Now string the bead cap followed by the big round pearl and the crimp bead. Your single strand garnet and pearl bracelet is ready.

Multistrand Rose Quartz Beads Bracelet

Things required
  • 27 small round rose quartz beads
  • 16 round white pearls
  • 15 inches of chain
  • 1 lobster claw clasp with tab
  • Flexible beading wire
  • 2 jumprings
  • 2 crimp beads
  • 22 gage wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Round nose pliers
Procedure

First slide a jumpring on the flexible beading wire and crimp it with the round nose pliers. Next string three rose quartz beads followed by one round pearl. Repeat this beading pattern 6 times and crimp the end of the beading wire to another jumpring. This is the middle strand of your beaded bracelet.

Next with the wire cutters, cut two 3.5 inch length of chain and attach one 3.5 inch chain to a flexible wire with a wrap loop. Bead one round pearl followed by one rose quartz and one pearl. Cut a one inch length of chain and attach it to the flexible wire. Continue beading one pearl, one rose quartz and one more pearl followed with a 3.5 inch chain. Repeat the same sequence with another piece of flexible wire beading.

Once you have the three beaded strands with you, lay the strands out in front of you in your work table. Attach the chain to the jumprings, on the middle bead strand. Next attach the lobster claw clasp to one end of the jumpring and tab to the other end of the jumpring. This is one of the best multi strand beaded bracelet ideas.

Jewelry Trends 2011

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Statement Necklace
Statement jewelry is very trendy this year and the best way to wear this is to pair it with neutral and solid colored clothing. Statement necklaces just got bigger and bolder this season with huge stones and funky designs. A mix of metals like bronze, silver and gold will be the highlight this season. Choose a statement necklace or bib necklace whose design is inspired by African tribes to make the maximum impact. Unlike last season which saw only precious stones like rubies and emeralds in statement necklaces, this time fashion jewelry trends 2011 focuses on more colored and semi precious stones ranging from amethyst, coral, garnet and tourmaline. Wear a statement necklace that just sits on your collar bone as anything longer than that is so last season. A bib necklace with a mix of stones is just right for this season and many design houses like TopShop and Max and Chloe have a very good collection.

Stacked Bangles and Cuffs
Spring jewelry trends 2011 predicts that bangles and cuffs will be very popular. But just don't wear a single bangle or cuff. You need to stack them up for a chic and casual look. The best thing about wearing stacked bangles is that you can pair them with anything from sundresses to skinny jeans. This look was seen on many celebrities from Drew Barrymore to Sarah Jessica Parker. Create your own unique look by stacking different colored bangles in a mix of metals. Chunkier cuffs are also very popular this season and you can choose cuffs that comes in semi precious stones, leather and even plastic. Handcrafted cuffs with unusual texture in dull gold and rose finish can instantly make you look sophisticated and chic. The thing to remember while trying out this trend is to wear at least 12-15 bangles. They should also be of different colors and designs to give it a more eclectic look.

Layered Chains
The best way to jazz up a simple outfit is to wear layered chains. It is one of the biggest jewelry trends this season which is quite hard to miss. Individual chains can also be piled on to create the look of layered chains. This will give you more flexibility in terms of the look you want to create. When you choose a layered chain, try to find a piece that has a variety of design elements and textures. Silver chains with pearls and crystal beads are great buys for this season. Layered chains with feathers, ribbons, tassels and pearls are also popular this season. For a casual lunch with friends, you can jazz up your simple white T-shirt by wearing a unique mixed media multi layered chain necklace. If you find a piece that has glass, Swarovski crystals, feathers and lace, then you should definitely grab it.

Chandelier Earrings
Women who like dangly earrings should rejoice as jewelry trends 2011 forecasts the return of chandelier earrings. After being banished from the fashion scene last year, chandelier earrings have made a comeback this year. Earrings this season are long, almost shoulder grazers. They are more streamlined and the use of semi precious stones, glass beads and uncut diamonds will be popular. Look out for pieces that comes in deep hues and bright colors like plum, orange, aubergine, cobalt blue and green. These spring colors work well for the evening and you can pair chandelier earrings with floor sweeping gowns as well as a cocktail dress. Large hoop earrings with pave diamonds, metal carvings and feathers will also be popular jewelry trends spring summer 2011.

Cocktail Rings
One jewelry trend that has lasted through many seasons is the cocktail ring. A cocktail ring is a must have in any fashionistas wardrobe and this year the focus is on animal and flower motifs. Cocktail rings that comes with multi colored stones and funky and unique designs are the new rage. Butterfly motifs and clover motifs are very popular styles. You can also experiment with different colored stones like peridot, coral and aquamarine instead of sticking to sapphires and emeralds. Chunky cocktail rings that are big enough to graze your knuckles are what we are talking about. Metals like gold and silver are popular, but you can also try bronze and copper as a cheaper option.