Saturday, February 28, 2009

The Sound Of The Perennial Long Grass Rustling

Virginia-born Andy Cabic could’ve called his band
Palmarosa. Or Citronella. Or maybe even Sandalwood.
But he didn’t. He didn’t call his band any of those things.
And music this good, would still sound this good
whether it was played at the bottom of the deepest ocean,
or way up there; above the clouds, where only Gods were s’posed to tread.
For Vetiver sing simple songs about coming on strong and going down fast.
Songs about going fishing. Songs about the open road.
Songs that clarify. Songs that refresh. Songs about lemon trees
and rainbow skies. Songs about good times and good friends
and San Fransisco's Mission District by-the-bay.
Lilting, twirling, shimmering songs. Songs that rusticalize.
Andy Cabic wears a corduroy fisherman’s cap throughout.
A “Donovan” cap, as my dad might choose to describe it.
Like vintage Joe Orton. Like Lennon back in ‘64.
It reminds me of a corduroy fisherman’s cap I had as a child.
I had a real thing for hats when I was younger.
Hats were the first thing I ever learnt to draw.
I went everywhere in that corduroy fisherman’s cap of mine.
I flew kites with my grandfather in that hat.
Oh mamma. Oh papa. Watch me, as I follow the breadcrumbs home,
out through the tall and fragrant kuss-kuss grass, illuminated by
the new moon hung high above Primrose Hill.

Welcome to the Vetiverse

Sara Diamond Is Clique Girlz's New Member


Clique Girlz revealed Sara Diamond as their new member. Announcing the news in this week's episode of Clique Girlz TV, members Destinee Monroe and Paris Monroe spotted ara's talent during an audition taking place in early February.

Commenting on the addition of Sara as the band's new member, Destinee said, "We just clicked instantly." Paris then added, "It was amazing how well our harmonies blended."

Sara Diamond is a fourteen-year-old Montreal native. She was chosen from thousands of teenage girls, who attended the national audition held to seek a girl to fill Ariel Moore's shoes. She has been singing since age five and has opened for Roberta Flack and Bonnie Tyler at Montreal's Bell Centre.

During the introduction of Sara Diamond, The Clique Girlz sang their jingle for "Baby Bottle Pop" and rocked an acapella version of track "Then I Woke Up". They have also re-launched their official website-http://www.cliquegirlz.com/

Official Cover Art of Britney Spears' 'If U Seek Amy'


Britney Spears has released an official cover art for her song "If U Seek Amy" from her sixth studio album 'Circus'. Having a tag read "BritneySpearsIfUSeekAmy" being attached on it; the artwork features a close-up picture of the singer staring at something in the distance.

"If U Seek Amy" was announced as the third single off Britney's sixth major studio album "Circus" on 7th January after receiving 26% of total votes during a poll on her official website. It recently got a warning from the Parents Television Council (PTC) over its lyrics "If U Seek Amy", which sounds like "F*** Me" when sung quickly. Despite its controversy, the track peaked at number 61 on Billboard Pop 100 and sold more than 107,000 copies in the United States.

On the other hand, illusionist-comedian Ed Alonzo has been hired to support Britney Spears' upcoming circus-themed tour. During the road show, the magician will show several magic tricks, one of which is placing the singer into a big box and slicing her up.

Friday, February 27, 2009

When ad re-enactments go bad

After thousands of flashmobbers wreak havoc re-enacting the T-Mobile advert, you'd be forgiven for missing this little gem from the Philippines.


Thursday, February 26, 2009

The English Folk Dance and Grime Society

There's a (Black Man) in Cecil Sharp House.
And he’s onstage alongside a folk roots rebel man.
And he’s onstage alongside a folk roots rebel man. Ha-Ha!
In 1965, they shouted “Judas” at Bobby Zimmerman for
daring to plug-in and tune-up at The Newport Folk Festival,
and the sound of that traditionally-arranged booing lingers still.
Just ask Jim Moray. He’s been courting controversy throughout his career.
Woe indeed to the folk singer who betrays the Son of Man!
Tonight, the room takes a sharp intake of collective breath
as Moray is joined onstage in the Kennedy Hall
by a man known by the nickname Bubbz (aka Chief Bossman).
Together, they collaborate on the ancient seminal ballad
‘Lucy Wan’ (aka ‘Lizie Wan’ and sometimes ‘Fair Lizzie’),
which concerns itself with the ancient seminal taboo
of incestual acts between a sister and a brother.
Elsewhere in the set there’s some stomping hurdy-gurdy,
a sampled African mbira thumb-piano, and a re-working
of XTC’s 1984 sea-shanty singalong ‘All You Pretty Girls’.
Jim's new album ‘Low Culture’ is in stores now,
and is available for the recommended
retail price of 30 silver shekels.
See you in the Fourth level of hell.

Listen to 'Adam Ant Is Unwell' by Jim Moray

Kristen Stewart’s 'Adventureland'


The comedy film "Adventureland" is starring Ryan Reynolds of ‘Definitely’ and ‘Maybe’ fame, Jesse Eisenberg as James Brennan and Kristen Stewart of "Twilight" in the lead roles. The film is directed by Greg Mottola of ‘Superbad’ fame. It will be distributed by Miramax Films and going to release in U.S on 27th March.

The film is about on James Brennan, a recent college graduate who spends his summer at a local amusement park. Believing that the period will be his worst summer ever, he soon finds out that working at the park has turned into quite an adventure as he discovers love in his co-worker in the most unlikely place.

Stunning New Poster for John Woo's Red Cliff


The film ‘Red Cliff’ is a Chinese epic film based on the Battle of Red Cliffs and events during the end of the Han Dynasty and immediately prior to the period of the Three Kingdoms in ancient China. Red Cliff is directed by Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo, of ‘Broken Arrow’, ‘Face/Off’, ‘Mission: Impossible II’, and ‘Paycheck’. The screenplay was co-written by John Woo, Chan Khan, Kuo Cheng, and Sheng Heyu. This film is an adaptation of Guanzhong Luo's novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". The film has collected roughly $44 million and creates Chinese box office history record.

The film is expected to be released in two versions. Within Asia, Red Cliff is to be released in two parts totaling over four hours in length. The first part was released in July 2008 and the second in January 2009. Outside of Asia, a single 2½ hour film will be released in 2009.

The film stars Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi, Chang Chen, Hu Jun, Lin Chi-ling and Zhao Wei. With an estimated budget of US$80 million, Red Cliff is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date.

In 208 A.D., during the final days of the Han Dynasty, Prime Minister Cao Cao convinced Emperor Han that the only way to unite all of China was to declare war on the kingdoms of Xu in the west and East Wu in the south. Thus began a military campaign of unprecedented scale, led by the Prime Minister himself. Left with no other hope for survival, the kingdoms of Xu and East Wu formed an unlikely alliance. Numerous battles ensued, both on land and on water, eventually culminating in the battle of Red Cliff.

Eric Brevig to direct ‘Yogi Bear’ film


Eric Brevig is set to direct the big-screen version of the popular Hanna-Barbera classic cartoon "Yogi Bear." Warner Brothers' is producing the film. Joshua Sternin and Jeffrey Ventimilia are writing the script for this film.

The film will be a mix of CGI and live-action, much in the same way as the recent “Alvin and the Chipmunks.” Yogi Bear first appeared in “The Huckleberry Hound Show” before getting his own show in 1961.

Brevig made his directorial debut recently with "Journey to the Center of the Earth." He also worked as visual effects supervisor for the films like "Men in Black" and "The Day After Tomorrow."

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Poo Rider is born

A strange poo-like substance has started leaking from the pipe above us at work.
Worrying indeed.
On the plus side though, one of the poo-stains bears a remarkable resemblance to Ghost Rider's flaming skull... so every cloud.

I Can't Believe You're 38 And Single

You have to believe me when I tell you that I’m not used to this.
I’m not used to women throwing themselves at me.
And I’m certainly not used to more than 1 woman
throwing themselves at me at the exact same time.
I’m currently attracting them from as far away as 10 kilometres.
If you could see the queen butterfly
in her black cocktail dress, with the
red rose in her ice-blonde peroxide hair
smiling her champagne smile, you’d think me a fool.
And you wouldn’t be alone in that. For I’m looking at her,
and I’m thinking me a fool too. A fool in sheep’s clothing.
“I can’t believe you’re 38 and single” are the words she says
as she sits down beside me and rests her head upon my shoulder.
And I think she means it in a nice way.
Look, I’m still broken, is what I say to her.
I'm sorry, but I’m still hurting is my excuse.
But the truth is that I’m too scared.
The truth is that I’ll only disappoint.
The truth is I need to floss more regularly.
The truth is I need to trim my nasal hairs
freeze that verruca on my right big toe
and get my Templeton skin-tag removed.
It’s better this way, I tell myself. And that’s the truth of the matter.
But since when did the truth have anything to do with these things?

Monday, February 23, 2009

Complete List of the 81st Annual Academy Awards


This year’s Best Motion Picture of the Year goes to "Slumdog Millionaire". Slumdog Millionaire sweeps a total of 8 Academy Awards which was held at Los Angeles' Kodak Theater on Sunday, February 22. Sean Penn has his second best-actor Academy Award with his win in the title role of "Milk."

Penn's first words upon taking the stage to accept his prize for playing the slain gay-rights pioneer were: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns."

Kate Winslet, meantime, has taken best actress for the Holocaust-themed saga "The Reader," while best-picture favorite "Slumdog Millionaire" has cruised to seven Oscars, including best director for Danny Boyle.

Heath Ledger is the supporting-actor winner for his demented reinvention of Batman villain the Joker in "The Dark Knight," becoming only the second actor ever to win an Oscar posthumously.

The supporting-actress trophy has gone to Penelope Cruz as a tempestuous artist in Woody Allen's Spanish romance "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

Other multiple winners included "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", "The Dark Knight" and "Milk". While being nominated for thirteen categories, "Benjamin Button" has only managed to take home three kudos on the night. Moreover, "Dark Knight" and "Milk" have each collected two statuettes.
And THE OSCAR GOES TO ….

Full Winners List of the 81st Annual Academy Awards:

-Motion Picture: "Slumdog Millionaire"
-Director: Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire"
-Actor: Sean Penn, "Milk"
-Actress: Kate Winslet, "The Reader"
-Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"
-Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
-Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire"
-Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, "Milk"
-Foreign-Language Film: "Departures," Japan
-Animated Feature Film: "WALL-E"
-Cinematography: "Slumdog Millionaire"
-Film Editing: "Slumdog Millionaire"
-Art Direction: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
-Costume: "The Duchess"
-Makeup: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
-Sound Mixing: "Slumdog Millionaire"
-Sound Editing: "The Dark Knight"
-Visual Effects: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
-Original Score: "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman
-Original Song: "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman and Gulzar
-Documentary Feature: "Man on Wire"
-Documentary (short subject): "Smile Pinki"
-Animated Short Film: "La Maison en Petits Cubes"
-Live Action Short Film: "Spielzeugland (Toyland)"


And the Oscar goes to ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ wins 8 Oscars


And the Oscars popular award of Best Motion Picture of the Year goes to "Slumdog Millionaire". ‘Slumdog Millionaire' swept the 81st Academy Awards by winning 8 major awards including Best Picture, Best Direction, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score and Best Original Song.

Christian Colson said on the acceptance speech, "As you can see, our film was a collaboration of hundreds of people and I'm glad that so many of them could make it here tonight." "Slumdog" had virtually no money but a story that inspired "mad love" and a genius director.

Indian music maestro A R Rahman won two awards for Best Original Score for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and Best Original Song for ‘Jai Ho’ along side Gulzar also for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. Rahman nominated for three awards in total. 36-year-old Resul Pookutty created history by becoming the first Indian to bag the Oscar for Best Sound mixing. Pookutty shared the Oscar with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for their collaborative work for the film

“I want to thank everyone. The essence of the film is optimism and hope. All through my life I had the choice of love and hate…I chose love and I am here,” an elated Rahman said.

AR Rehman’s speech:
I am excited. There is a dialogue in Hindi film - ‘mere pass maa hain’. Which means that I have nothing, but my mother. My mother is here. Her blessings are with me. God is Great”

AR Rehman’s speech about Jai Ho song:
This song belongs to the people of Mumbai. This song is about optimism and power of hope. We have a choice to choose hate or love. I choose love.

‘Slumdog Millionaire’ Oscars:

1. Best Picture: ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. “It has been collaboration between hundreds of people. All of us are here to share this moment. This was an extraordinary journey,” says the Slumdog... team.

2. Best Direction: Danny Boyle for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’

3. Best Original Song: A R Rahman for ‘Jai Ho...’ (Slumdog Millionarie)

The Indian music maestro, Rahman wooed the audience with ‘O Saya’ and ‘Jai Ho...’ the nominated songs from ‘Slumdog...’, as the nominees for Best Original Song were being announced.

4. Best Original Score: A R Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire . “I have nothing but my mother and she is there with me. I thank her for making me coming all this way with her blessings,” said a proud Rahman.

5. Best Film Editing: Chris Dickens for Slumdog Millionaire

6. Best Sound Mixing: Ian Tapp, Resul Pookutty, Richard Pryke for Slumdog Millionaire. “This is just not a sound award, but a history being handed over,” said Indian receiver Pookutty.

7. Best Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle for Slumdog Millionaire

8. Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire. “The cast and crew of the film told me so much about India and writing,” said a proud Beaufoy.

In a great night for Britain, Kate Winslet won the best actress Oscar for The Reader, finally clinching the award on her sixth nomination.

The big surprise of the night was Sean Penn, winning best actor for his role as gay rights activist Harvey Milk.

Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for supporting actor for The Dark Knight.


In total

Slumdog Millionaire - 8
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 3
Milk - 2
The Dark Knight – 2






Saturday, February 21, 2009

Talking All That Taco De Harina

We were sitting at the window seat
of the Tex-Mex, my friend and me, and I was explaining
to her the simple secret behind an authentic burrito.
About how the rice and the pinto beans and
the sour cream and the guaca-mole and the salsa
should all be folded-up inside the soft flour tortilla,
and not simply served on the side like salad garnish.
And how the knife and the fork really only added insult to injury.
And we were sitting there, deciding whether or not
there was time to finish up here, wipe our lips
and grab one more amaretto sour each before
the long tube ride home, when a hairy face
appeared on the other side of the glass, looking in.
The hairy face was instantly familiar to us, for it belonged
to a headlining anti-folk singer, who’d just spent the evening
crooning and strumming and wiggling his zitzit tassels for us
from up upon the wooden stage of a nearby Anglican church.
I tried to warn him. Honestly I did. I stepped right outside
onto the pavement there, and I tried my best to warn him off.
And yes, I tried my best to warn his American band-mates too.
I apologized on behalf of myself and all my fellow citizens.
I explained that things were slowly changing.
That the message was slowly getting through.
But that yes, for the most part, the majority of wannabe taquerías
in this godforsaken sad little desperado shanty-town city of mine,
were still unfortunately run by the kind of chef de plúnges
who wouldn’t know a decent cochinita pibil if it were to suddenly
turn around and bite them on their güero-coloured gabacho asses.
But of course, in the end, it wasn’t anything they hadn’t heard before.
And I could see the burning hunger all around their eyes.
And I knew they hadn't eaten properly since the flight.
And so, we left them there, beneath the stars, guitars in hands,
knowing that ultimately it had to be their decision. And their decision alone.
We stopped at the first bar we came to, my friend and me,
and we ordered our amaretto sours. One each. For the road.
Made with fresh egg white, with a maraschino cherry on the top.
As if we had any kind of choice in the matter.


Video for the Herman Dune single ‘1-2-3 Apple Tree’

Basterd Posters of Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds


The film ‘Inglourious Basterds’ is both written and directed by the Quentin Tarantino. The film is starring Brad Pit, Diane Kruger, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Brühl and others. The Weinstein Company and Universal have jointly producing the film. Inglourious Basterds will officially hit theaters worldwide on 21st August 2009.

The film is about Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "the Basterds" are chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who runs a movie theater in Paris that is targeted by soldiers.

Jordin Sparks' Four brand new singles


Jordin Sparks' four brand new singles "Let It Rain", "Walking on Snow", "Faith" and "Paper Cut" of upcoming sophomore studio album have been previewed. The four songs have been played during her visit on a radio show dubbed "Johnjay & Rich".

In one of the new songs called "Faith", Jordin steps behind songwriting desk, penning the lines herself. Performing the track for the first time during Barack Obama's inaugural ball, she dedicates the single to American troops, who are shipped off to Iraq.

Jordin Sparks is expected to release her second studio album in September. She has confirmed to work with Jesse McCartney either making a duet or teaming up with him behind production and songwriting tables.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Britney Spears' 'If U Seek Amy' Music Video


The music video for Britney Spears' "If U Seek Amy" has been revealed through a behind-the-scenes video footage. It features the singer's backing dancers; Willie, Jay and Luke showing the choreography to be seen in the video. This video was shot in the bedroom where one of the super hot scenes from the music video was filmed. "If U Seek Amy" is a third single song from Britney Spears' sixth studio album "Circus".

Britney will play a sexy housewife in "If U Seek Amy" music video. The video begins with Britney coming outside her house to hand the paparazzi an apple pie that she baked. She acts like she wants to hook up. The video is very provocative."

Selena Gomez wants to work with Taylor Swift


Disney singer Selena Gomez reveals her desire to record a song with country music singer Taylor Swift. "We have talked about a duet. I think it would be really neat to have the country vibe," Selena said

Selena further said: “she jumps to the idea because Taylor "is not just plain country, [but] she's got a little pop edge to her. It's something I really admire, so we want to write a really awesome country rock song and it sounds a little weird but we're totally down for that."

Selena Gomez has been busy making music for her not-yet-titled first studio album. The "Wizards of Waverly Place" star has been helped by pop band from Dallas, Forever The Sickest Kids, who consider her as "super fun and one of the most talented, down to earth friends."

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Salma Hayek Married Francois-Henri-Pinault


Hollywood's most dazzling actress Salma Hayek has tied the knot with French flame Francois-Henri Pinault in Paris on Valentine's Day. The couple exchanged vows in a civil ceremony at the City Hall in Paris' 6th arrondissement.

The two met in Italy in 2006. The actress, 42 and the 46-year-old chief executive of the French luxury and retail group PPR SA, have a daughter named Valentina, who was born in September 2007. The couple had called off their engagement last year.

Hayek was nominated for an Oscar in 2003 for the film “Frida”. Salma Hayek is a mexican. She has acted in movies like Desperado, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Bandidas, From Dusk till Dawn, Across the Universe, Hotel etc.

Salma Hayek is the first Mexican national to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She is one of the most prominent Mexican figures in Hollywood since the legendary Dolores del Rio. She is also, after Fernanda Montenegro, the second of three Latin American actresses to achieve a Best Actress Oscar nomination.

Miley Cyrus' 'Hoedown Throwdown'


A song "Hoedown Throwdown" in support of the film "Hannah Montana: The Movie" which is performed by Miley Cyrus has been premiered. It shows the songstress taking the stage of an intimate neighborhood party, delivering the mid-tempo song accompanied by a live band.

"Hoedown Throwdown" music video was released during the airing of Disney Channel's "Night of the Stars" on 16th February. It was aimed to replace Miley's "The Climb" music video, which was supposed to make its debut in the special programming but leaked earlier this month. Besides hosting the premiere of Miley's music video, the mouse house's programming also debuted an official music video for Mitchel Musso's single "The 3 R's".

The theme song album of "Hannah Montana: The Movie" itself will include "Butterfly Fly Away", the duet track sung by Miley and her father Billy Ray Cyrus. Also, it carries songs from Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift.

The audio of "Hannah Montana: The Movie" is set to release in U.S on 24th March and the film is going to release on 10th April, 09. The film is being directed by Peter Chelsom and it stars Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mitchel Musso and Emily Osment

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Lithuanian Act Of Independence

It’s Independence Day in Baltic Lithuania.
The yellow green and red is flying high all over town.
Today’s drive southwest to the manor house at Traku Voke
is with a new unit-driver. One I’ve not ridden with before.
He has a face like a bag of fresh turnips and he’s not wearing a seatbelt.
I tell him I’m here to film a new version of ‘Frankenstein’.
I tell him it’s a take on the true story which helped
inspire Mary Shelly to write the original gothic novel.
I point out that I’m playing the role of The Doctor, not The Monster.
It’s important, I feel, to make that distinction clear at the outset.
“Doctor Frankenstein was Lithuanian you know”, says the driver.
“Really?” I reply. Knowing full well that he was actually from Switzerland.
I don’t mention Peter Cushing. I don’t bring up Boris Karloff.
I say that in our version, Doctor Frankenstein is Italian;
a physicist called Giovanni Aldini, who came to England in
1802 to perform theatrically spectacular galvanic experiments
upon the body parts of animals and the corpses of executed criminals.
I say that in our version, this thoroughly-modern Prometheus
wears a frock-coat, some knee-breeches and a pearl earring.
The unit-driver nods and allows this information to sink in for a moment.
He looks me up and down and changes gear, before saying; “you look Italian.”
“By this”, he continues after a pause; “I mean you look like a negro.”
There is silence in the vehicle for a little while.
Snow falls effortlessly on the road in front of us.
And then, smiling like a frightened chimpanzee,
I ask through exposed gums how much further it is
to our intended destination.


Trailer for 'True Horror: Frankenstein'

"It's Alive!"

Herman Munster sings 'Dem Dry Bones'

Mandy Moore's New Song 'I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week'


Mandy Moore has performed her brand new single song "I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week", was released. Her upcoming sixth studio album "Amanda Leigh", the track was performed for the first time by Mandy, who joined forces with Mike Viola, during an acoustic set at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA in 2008.

Mandy Moore’s album "Amanda Leigh" is going to release on May 26, 2009 through Storefront Recordings.

Mandy said: "I'm connected to these songs and how they came to fruition in a way I've never been able to articulate before. The entire experience was one that I will undoubtedly replicate".

Paris Hilton is Doing a New Album


Paris Hilton's sophomore studio album may feature hip-hop material as she has working with actor/rapper Simon Rex in a new song. "She was rapping with Simon Rex in the studio.

Paris said: "I wrote every song, so it's a lot about my life. It's very different from my last album". The album will be completely hip-hop. I was really inspired by Kylie Minogue. I love her, I just love that European dance vibe. The last album was completely hip-hop and this is completely different."

Paris Hilton was said to have approached Paul McCartney and asked the former member of The Beatles to collaborate with her. She reportedly told Paul, "I'd love to do a duet with you. I'm a singer too and have had an album out."

M.I.A. gives birth to a healthy baby boy


British pop singer M.I.A., who performed at the Grammy Awards last Sunday despite experiencing labor contractions, has given birth to a baby boy.

The unnamed baby was born on Wednesday, and is "healthy, fine, beautiful and the most amazing thing ever on this planet," according to her Web posting on Myspace.

The baby's father is musician Benjamin Brewer, son of Canadian liquor scion Edgar Bronfman, chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group.

M.I.A., 31, whose real name is Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, was born in Britain but raised in Sri Lanka, where her father agitated for an independent Tamil state. She achieved fame with her second album "Kala", a cross-cultural mishmash of beats, slogans and lyrical drama. Her ubiquitous single "Paper Plane," which incorporates elements of an obscure Clash track, received a Grammy nomination for record of the year.

Friday, February 13, 2009

'niu' semester

so fat! ops.. so faSt! cny over. no more bak kuah but alot left over biscuits and mandarin oranges. fridge at cyber full with mandarin oranges till have to gamble to clear them up. who say gambling is bad, now its healthy.



currently on

D
O
T
A


fever. thanks to ah bra!

anyway, currently almost everyone is ...... "dont know what to do"/"waiting for deadline"..bout internship stuff



my result so bad. sure hard to get + economic downturn = GG or i should say GI (good intern).













well good luck everyone. hope everyone gets the company they want

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Michelle Branch's brand new song 'The Way'


Singer Michelle Branch's brand new song "The Way" has been released. This is the first single song of her upcoming fourth album "Everything Comes and Goes". The track has also been available for free download on her official website- http://www.michellebranch.com.

The song shows Michelle in a black-and-white scene, it shows her walking along the street, singing the song with chunks of its lyrics written on the screen.

Michelle wrote on her official site, "I've decided to record two more songs with a producer I highly admire here in Nashville. I was pleased to find out that he's a fan and that he's just as excited as I am in helping me finish this record".

Monday, February 9, 2009

51st Annual Grammy Awards' Red Carpet Babes & Winners List

Hollywood vocalists of vivid music genres and film stars have attended the much awaited 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, 8th February, 2009. Several pop stars walking down the red carpet include Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Hudson.

16-year-old music Hattie Miley Cyrus had appeared in a black Herve Leger by Max Azira dress and bringing along with her a matching Max Azria Atelier bag. She wore SBCBG heels, and jewels from Mimi So and Atelier Swarovski. Speaking about the dress she said: "It's a Max Azria original. He bedazzled it just for me.

Taylor Swift walked the Grammys' red carpet in a black dress with an Ultra Fine Italian Tissue Weight Jersey Dress from Kaufman Franco with wrap around patent leather strapping. She also wore Rene Caovilla shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Miley and Taylor jointly sang an acoustic version of the latter's "Fifteen" before announcing the winner for category of Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

Jennifer Hudson gives her appearance simple, wearing a mixed white-black-and-gray-colored dress. She also wore a matching heels and bracelet. The music divas and films stars graced the carpet includes Jordin Sparks, Kate Beckinsale, Paris Hilton, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Jonas Brothers, Stevie Wonder and many others.

List of 51st Annual Grammy Awards:

Record Of The Year: "Please Read The Letter" - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Album Of The Year: "Raising Sand" - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Song Of The Year : "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best New Artist: Adele

POP
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: "Chasing Pavements" - Adele
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: "Say" - John Mayer
Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay
Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals: "Rich Woman" - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Best Pop Vocal Album: "Rockferry" - Duffy
Best Dance Recording: "Harder Better Faster Stronger" - Daft Punk
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: "Still Unforgettable" - Natalie Cole

ROCK
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance: "Gravity" - John Mayer
Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: "Sex on Fire" - Kings of Leon
Best Hard Rock Performance: "Wax Simulacra" - The Mars Volta
Best Metal Performance: "My Apocalypse" - Metallica
Best Rock Song: "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" - Bruce Springsteen
Best Rock Album: "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay

ALTERNATIVE
Best Alternative Music Album: "In Rainbows" - Radiohead

R&B
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "Superwoman" - Alicia Keys
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "Miss Independent" - Ne-Yo
Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: "Stay With Me (By the Sea)" - Al Green Feat. John Legend
Best R&B Song: "Miss Independent" - Ne-Yo
Best R&B Album: "Jennifer Hudson" - Jennifer Hudson
Best Contemporary R&B Album: "Growing Pains" - Mary J. Blige

RAP
Best Rap Solo Performance: "A Milli" - Lil Wayne
Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group: "Swagga Like Us" - Jay-Z & T.I. Feat. Kanye West & Lil Wayne
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "American Boy" - Estelle Feat. Kanye West
Best Rap Song: "Lollipop" - Lil Wayne
Best Rap Album: "Tha Carter III" - Lil Wayne

For Full winners list of 2009 Grammy Awards visit Grammy.com.












Ralph Fiennes to direct William Shakespeare's ‘Coriolanus’


Oscar nominated actor Ralph Fiennes, who plays Voldemort character in the Harry Potter movies, id going to make his directorial debut with the film ‘Coriolanus’. The film is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Roman tragedy novel ‘Coriolanus’. Apart from directing, Fiennes will also portray the title role of the proud but contemptuous soldier Coriolanus spurred on by his mother to run for the Roman Senate, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Vanessa Redgrave is in talks to play the role of Coriolanus' mother Volumnia. Currently, the film is in negotiations with financiers to produce the film.

The film is set in the early years of the Roman Republic, is one of his most politically challenging examinations of the way power corrupts. In the aftermath of a famine, the people demand the right to set their own price for the city's grain. In response to their protests, the ruling aristocracy grant the plebeians five representatives — a decision that provokes the ire of Caius Martius, who has nothing but contempt for the lower classes. After winning a war against a neighboring tribe, he is granted the name Coriolanus, and returns with the hope of joining the Senate.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

The Curious Case Of Sunday February Eighth

It’s just this side of midnight
when I climb into bed, alone,
and reach across to extinguish the side-light.
I can still smell her cigarette smoke in my hair.
I can still taste the cinnamon chewing stick on my gums.
On the cinema screen, I can still see the film unwinding.
Bradley Pitt is ageing in reverse; thanks to the prosthetics and the VFX.
We’re buying popcorn. We’re walking past the Royal Opera House.
We’re standing outside the Mexican restaurant in the rain.
Across the table in the coffeehouse, I can’t be sure,
but there’s a moment of stillness, when it feels like
she wants to lean across, cup my face in her hands,
and kiss me, slowly, whilst keeping her eyes closed.
Just like I want to lean across and slowly kiss her too.
I'm walking across Regent’s Park counting surviving snowmen.
I'm making breakfast still wearing last night’s nail-varnish.
I'm waking up, alone, 68 years after Francis Scott Fitzgerald
died from a heart attack, in the living-room
of his mistress's first floor apartment,
whilst waiting for the doctor to arrive.
Head still hazy from the blended Scotch whiskey.
The jazz age no more than a fading tubercolic memory.

'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button' by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Camilla Belle to star as 'Mary, Mother of Christ'


Actress Camilla Belle of ‘Push’ and ‘10,000 BC’ fame is going to portray the role of the mother of Jesus Christ in the film "Mary, Mother of Christ". The 22-year-old actress Belle is playing the title role in the film. "Mary, Mother of Christ" will be produced by Mary Aloe and Dune Films. Alejandro Agresti of "The Lake House" fame is set to direct the film. The script was written by Benedict Fitzgerald and Barbara Nicolosi. The shooting is expected to start in Morocco in May. MGM plans to release the film wide in 2,000-plus theaters April 2, 2010, which coincides with Good Friday.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers is set to star as both Gabriel and Lucifer. Peter O'Toole will play the character of Symeon, the man who meets Mary and her family in the temple shortly after Jesus' birth. Al Pacino and Jessica Lange are in talks to portray the roles of Herod and Anna the Prophetess.

Taylor Swift's "White Horse" Music


Teenager Taylor Swift's music video promoting "White Horse", the single taken from her second studio effort "Fearless" is released on 7th February. It was directed by Trey Fanjoy.

Taylor Swift said: "There's a pretty emotional scene in there where I had to cry for like three hours, like bawl my eyes out for three hours. It was really interesting and sort of a new thing for me”.

Taylor will make a duet with her competitor Miley Cyrus at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, which will be held on 8th February. The two teen singers will be delivering Taylor's song "Fifteen".

Jordyn Taylor's 'Accessory' song for 'Confessions of a Shopaholic'


Music Hattie Jordyn Taylor's new single song titled "Accessory", which serves as a theme song for upcoming movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic", has released. The song is starting with a scene of several girls in their shopping sprees; it moves capturing Jordyn singing the song at an upmarket boutique.

The film "Confessions of a Shopaholic” directed by P.J. Hogan is set to release on 13th February. Isla Fisher's Rebecca Bloomwood is seen having a girl fight with another customer. A kissing scene between Rebecca and Luke Brandon, played by Hugh Dancy, is also included.

The flick stars Hugh Dancy, Isla Fisher, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, Krysten Ritter, Leslie Bibb, Nick Cornish and Wendie Malick.

The film is about a sweet and charming New York City girl, Rebecca Bloomwood whose shopping addiction has put her in major debts.

Besides "Accessory" Jordyn Taylor has also worked on music for her new album ‘The Clutch’, who previously wrote Usher's 2008 single "Appetite", is signed to pen her track called "Won't Play Nice".

‘Sex and the City’ Sequel is on the way


A sequel to the hit film "Sex and the City" has been confirmed by the New Line Cinema. All the stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall and Kristin Davis have signed on to reprise their roles in this film. The writer and Director of the first movie Michael Patrick King is set direct the film once again. The film ‘Sex and the City’ was a huge hit, which collects more than $400 million worldwide and made $56.8m (£38.5m) in its opening weekend in the US.

King said in a statement that he was "very excited to work with these amazing actresses again".