See A Fish With A Transparent Head: "Today there's a new addition to the 'real life is stranger than fiction' category. Check out the fish Macropinna microstoma. It has tubular eyes and a see-through head."
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Transparent head fish
Friday, February 27, 2009
Video: Model Bar Refaeli and the Madden Brothers Fuel the Future of Fashion at Walk the Walk
Sports Illustrated 2009 Swimsuit Issue cover model Bar Refaeli joined Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, Robert Buckley of Lipstick Jungle and Frankie Delgado of MTV's Bromance and The Hills at House of Blues Anaheim...
Hurley announces "Microphone for Youth" global t-shirt design competition at the dynamic fashion runway showdown
Los Angeles, February 26 /PRNewswire/ — Sports Illustrated 2009 Swimsuit Issue cover model Bar Refaeli joined Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, Robert Buckley of Lipstick Jungle and Frankie Delgado of MTV's Bromance and The Hills at House of Blues Anaheim last night to judge Walk the Walk, a fashion design competition developed by Hurley to inspire creativity and confidence among future generations.
Refaeli and the star-studded panel of judges that also included Hurley founder Bob Hurley and Rosemary Brantley of OTIS College of Art and Design watched a parade of Hurley collections that had been redesigned by area high school students. The theatrical shows, which at times looked more like dance-offs, were modeled, produced and promoted entirely by student teams.
Of four competing schools, Fountain Valley High School took home top honors and a $5000 donation to its art & music program. Gahr High School won a special design challenge and could see their two original head-to-toe designs featured in a future Hurley collection.
The evening also served to launch the Hurley Microphone for Youth t-shirt design competition, a platform for young people to express themselves creatively and win exciting prizes. Now through March 30, aspiring designers and artists can upload their artwork to www.Hurley.com and the public can visit the site to vote for their favorite. The designer of the winning t-shirt will be announced on April 1, 2009 on Hurley.com and will receive $5,000 and see their design sold through Hurley's online store.
Refaeli, a face, voice and spirit of Hurley, will choose her favorite design and that winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Los Angeles in June to meet Bar and Hurley team athletes, and attend Hurley Walk the Walk Grand Championship.
About Hurley: Founded in 1999, Hurley is a leading youth brand rooted in surf, skate, art, music and beach cultures. Driven by creativity and freedom of expression, Hurley develops world-class products for guys, girls and kids, including sportswear, footwear, eyewear, accessories, swimwear and wetsuits. A wholly owned, independently run subsidiary of Nike, Inc., Hurley's corporate headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, CA, with international offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Barcelona and Bali.
New Line Up For Pop-Rock Teen Sensation, Clique Girlz
Clique Girlz (l-r Destinee Monroe, Paris Monroe, Sara Diamond; photo credit: Meeno, courtesy of Interscope Records). (PRNewsFoto/Interscope Records, Meeno) SANTA MONICA, CA UNITED STATES 02/27/2009
27 Feb 2009 14:00 Africa/Lagos
New Line Up For Pop-Rock Teen Sensation, Clique Girlz
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pop-Rock Teen Sensation, Clique Girlz, have added a new member! Montreal native Sara Diamond, 14, has joined sisters Destinee and Paris Monroe to form the new trio. Sara was chosen from thousands of teenage girls who attended the national audition in search of the new Clique Girl. Sara, who also acts and models, has been singing and performing since age five. She has also opened for legends Roberta Flack and Bonnie Tyler at Montreal's Bell Centre.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090227/LAF021)
Destinee and Paris spotted Sara's talent immediately when she sang with them at the audition. "We just clicked instantly," commented Destinee. "It was amazing how well our harmonies blended," added Paris.
The Clique Girlz have teamed up with The Topps Company, makers of Bazooka, Ring Pop and Baby Bottle Pop, for fun promotions that include: four Baby Bottle Pop and Ring Pop concerts, Clique Girlz webisodes, ringtones, games, exclusive previews and more. The trio will have their photo on Topps packaging; appear in television ads on Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Toon Disney. A print campaign is set for teen scene must-reads like J-14, M and Twist Magazine who voted Clique Girlz "Best New Girl Group" summer 2008.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090227/LAF021
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN4
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Interscope Records
CONTACT: Yvette Davis Gayle of Interscope Geffen A&M, +1-310-865-6278,
Yvette.gayle@umusic.com; or Joann Mignano of PMK/HBH, +1-212-373-6141,
Joann.Mignano@pmkhbh.com, or Pearl Servat of PMK/HBH, +1-310-967-7260,
Pearl.Servat@pmkhbh.com
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Colorful Gowns on Oscars Red Carpet
Alicia Keys in Armani Prive
Credit: Russ Einhorn / Splash News
Credit: Entertainment Press / Splash News
Alicia Keys, 12 time Grammy award winning artist and performer at the 81 Academy Awards show, arrived on Oscars Red Carpet in a breathtaking off the shoulder magenta Armani Prive chiffon gown with romantic front split revealing her copper toned leg and silver strapped sandels by Jimmy Choo.
Her makeup was flawless, especially her eyebrows that really brought out her eyes and her long wavy hairdo.
Credit:Russ Einhorn / Splash News
Keys' jewelry was by Fred Leighton, sandals shoes by Jimmy Choo and clutch by Zufi Alexander.
Natalie Portman in Rodarte
Natalie Portman took to the Oscars red carpet in a pleated strapless orchid gown by Rodarte.
Portman prom style updo hairdo enhanced the look, as did the shoes from Stella McCartney, jewelry by Kwiat and a clutch by Vintage Rialto.
Natalie presented the award for Best Cinematography along with Ben Stiller.
Freida Pinto wore John Galliano
Slumdog Millionaire, winner of the Oscar for best movie, star Freida Pinto wore a one lace shoulder, sari inspired bright blue John Galliano gown. Pinto enhances the look with some vintage jewelry from India, a clutch by Judith Leiber and shoes from Jimmy Choo.
Credit: Ciao Hollywood / Splash New
Kate Winslet wore Yves Saint Laurent
British actress Kate Winslet, Oscar winner for Best Actress, looked fab in a form fitting silvery blue satin gown by Yves Saint Laurent.
Winslet crowned the gown with a very sculpted hairdo.
According to her hair stylist Renato Campora, Kate Winslet hairdo was based on the classical Grace Kelly hairstyle.
Her clutch and shoes were also by Yves Saint Laurent, and her jewelry was by Chopard.
Oscar gowns sell cheaply
In a celebrity obsessed world, Oscar gown replicas are a booming business.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
For women who dream of wearing a celebrity gown and teen age girls who want their prom gown to look like the celebrity gowns worn on the red carpet, designer firms such as Favaiana create affordable replicas of the designer gown the celebrities are wearing.
From the minute a celebrity appears on the red carpet with a unique look, their design team goes to work to create an affordable replica of the gown.
This year, the stunning princess gown worn by Sarah Jessica Parker looks like the gown that teenage girls will want for their prom gown.
Find out more in today's video clip.
Recapping this year's 81 Academy Awards:
- Best Picture was won by Slumdog Millionaire,
- Leading Actor Oscar went to Sean Penn for Milk,
- Leading Actress Oscar went to Kate Winslet for The Reader,
- Best Supporting Actor Oscar went to Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight,
- Best Supporting Actress Oscar went to Penelope Cruz for Vicky Christina Barcelona,
- Best Costume Design Oscar went to Michael O'Connor for The Duchless.
If you cannot see the video or photos in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Colorful Gowns on Oscars Red Carpet .
Receive Hot Sexy Fashion Pictures by E-Mail
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Call Goes Out for South Florida's Hottest Model Latina
Patricia Velasquez
26 Feb 2009 14:49 Africa/Lagos
Call Goes Out for South Florida's Hottest Model Latina
Verizon Wireless Hosts Casting Call for New Talent to Compete on Season 2 of Popular Show Hosted by Miami Native Ellie Rodriguez
MIAMI, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ --
WHAT: Verizon Wireless will host a casting call to find fresh South
Floridian talent to appear on the second season of Model Latina,
which premieres August 2, 2009 on Si TV. Young women 18 to 26
years of age can compete, and 12 will be chosen to vie for the
title of Model Latina during the show, which is hosted by Miami
native and Deco Drive senior correspondent Ellie Rodriguez.
Judged by Jeffrey Kolsrud of Q Model Management and Katrina
Campins of The Apprentice, contestants will be asked to show off
their good looks as well as their knowledge and passion for
Latino cultural ideals including beauty, style, values, success
and power.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 2009
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Verizon Wireless Communications Store
1599 West 49th Street
Hialeah, FL 33012
OTHER: Season 1 of Si TV's Model Latina came to an end with Jessica
Caban chosen as the chica rockin' the most beauty, brains and
culture. As the winner she received a modeling contract with Q
Management in New York City, more than $10,000 in cash and
prizes and a modeling book.
Available to Verizon Wireless V CAST Video subscribers, Si TV
is the first English-language television network for American
Latinos, delivering a fresh mix of reality, comedy, music and
lifestyle programming inspired, influenced and generated by its
diverse viewers. For more information, visit
sitv.channelfinder.net.
MEDIA: News media may contact Chuck Hamby at 813-615-4803, Ed Gilhuly
at 305-807-6906, or Marilyn Marrero at 786-385-0774.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 80 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Source: Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Chuck Hamby, +1-813-615-4803, Ed Gilhuly, +1-305-807-6906, or
Marilyn Marrero, +1-786-385-0774, all of Verizon Wireless
Web Site: SiTV
Verizon Wireless
Video: Designer Christian Siriano and LG Mobile Phones Combine Talents to Create 'Divas and Designers' Partnership
DESIGNER CHRISTIAN SIRIANO AND LG MOBILE PHONES COMBINE TALENTS TO CREATE "DIVAS AND DESIGNERS" PARTNERSHIP
Partnership Kicks Off During New York Fashion Week and Includes Custom Garment for Retail and National Consumer Mood Board Contest
SAN DIEGO, February 26, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A, Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) announced that is has once again entered into a creative marketing partnership with rising fashion star Christian Siriano. The partnership –titled "Divas and Designers"– includes two components and kicked off during New York Fashion Week. As part of the marketing collaboration, Siriano has designed a special garment inspired by the fashion-forward LG Lotus phone. Both the garment and phone appeared on the runway during his Fall 2009 Show on February 19th at Bryant Park. The garment will also be available for retail distribution. The LG-Siriano partnership also includes a nationwide program that allows budding designers and stylists to create and submit their own "mood boards" online through www.lglotus.com. Siriano will select one board, and the winner will spend a day with him in his New York City design studio – all expenses paid. While in New York, the winner will work with Siriano to co-create an accessory – influenced by the winning mood board - that will be presented to the winner at the designer's show in September 2009.
The Divas and Designer partnership marks the second time LG Mobile Phones and Christian Siriano have entered into a creative partnership. Last September, for his Spring 2009 Show, LG and Siriano teamed up to design a scarf with a designated pocket for the award-winning LG Lotus phone, which was newly launched. This year, Siriano decided to showcase the custom designed item on the runway and make it available for retail.
Siriano created a garment in his collection with the award-winning LG Lotus in mind because of its fashion-forward design and ability to keep those-in-the-know in touch with uncompromising style. According to Siriano, "Divas and designers want fashionable phones worthy of their creativity. Mobile phones are fashion accessories, and the LG Lotus is sleek, chic, and fabulous!"
Ehtisham Rabbani, LG Corporate Vice President for LG Mobile Phones added, "The partnership with Christian has provided LG the perfect platform for marketing the Lotus to our more fashion-conscious customers. The LG Lotus—like a well-crafted garment—stands out in the crowd by fusing both style and functionality. Lotus owners know they are making a fashion statement every time they use their phone."
Siriano first became famous by winning season IV of the highly rated reality show "Project Runway." This is his second showing during New York Fashion Week and the first time his collection has appeared in the tents at Bryant Park.
The LG Lotus, which won the Red Dot Award for design, has a sleek, thin, square shape, giving it an undeniable fashion-forward appearance. Available in purple with beautifully etched lotus leaves, or an elegant matte black, the Lotus has enhanced messaging features, including a wide display screen and a full QWERTY keyboard, making it ideal for texting, email and IM. The LG Lotus is exclusively available through Sprint.
For more information on the LG Lotus and the Divas and Designers Contest please visit www.LGLotus.com.
About LG Electronics Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 82,000 people working in 114 operations including 82 subsidiaries around the world. With 2007 global sales of USD 44 billion, LG is comprised of five business units - Home Entertainment, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning, Business Solutions and Mobile Communications. LG is the world's leading producer of mobile handsets, flat panel TVs, air conditioners, front-loading washing machines, optical storage products, DVD players and home theater systems. For more information, please visit www.lge.com.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is the world's leading provider of UMTS (WCDMA), CDMA and GSM handsets, which have been designed to improve the value of customer life. With a total range of wired and wireless solutions, the company is rapidly establishing a global presence and growing its international market share in 3G handsets. For more information please visit www.lgusa.com
Contacts:
Demetra Kavadeles
(858) 635.5232
dkavadeles@lge.com
AJ Sarcione
(310) 248.6115
aj.sarcione@ogilvypr.com
Life is not a Fairy Tale
Life is not a Fairy Tale
Listen to my every word
There are many things in this world
That we cannot explain
And it may cause you so much pain.
Life is still a mystery
But this should not be your misery.
All choices have their consequences
But everybody has a price
And everybody has a chance
Even if it is only once choice
You can still make a difference
No matter your circumstances
Everybody has a story
But not everybody will make history
No matter your fable
Life is not a fairy tale.
By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
February 23, 2009.
Listen to my every word
There are many things in this world
That we cannot explain
And it may cause you so much pain.
Life is still a mystery
But this should not be your misery.
All choices have their consequences
But everybody has a price
And everybody has a chance
Even if it is only once choice
You can still make a difference
No matter your circumstances
Everybody has a story
But not everybody will make history
No matter your fable
Life is not a fairy tale.
By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
February 23, 2009.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sexy White Princess Gowns on Oscars Red Carpet
Credit: Russ Einhorn / Splash News
Soft, neutral shades including white, ivory and silvers were favorites of many actresses on the 81 Academy Awards red carpet.
Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Aniston, Penelope Cruz and Sarah Jessica Parker embraced these neutral shades, as they pranced infront of the statues of the Oscars.
In a gown befitting a bride or a fairly tail princess, Sarah Jessica Parker wore a very sexy Christian Dior Haute Couture strapless gown with layers of material gathered at the waist.
The silk tulle corset bustier featured beaded embroidery enhancing Parker's cleavage, a ture OMG moment.
Credit: Russ Einhorn / Splash News
Adding to her look were jewels from Fred Leighton, a clutch by Ferragamo.
The very tight fitting embroidered corset definitely was eye catching and her long curly hair added to this breath-taking outfit at the 81 Academy Awards.
Best Supporting Actress winner Penelope Cruz wore a stunning, off the shoulder, vintage Pierre Balmain on the Oscars red carpet, the dress is probably over 60 years old but it is still a classic.
Cruz is the first Spanish-born actress to win an Oscar.
She accessorized the look with over $3 million in diamonds from Chopard.
Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway was shimmering in a white fish tail gown covered in Swarovski crystals from Armani Prive.
Credit: Russ Einhorn / Splash News
Credit: Russ Einhorn / Splash News
The beaded gown was covered in glimmering paillettes and had a buckle in back.
Hathaway glimmering look was further illuminated by jewelry by Cartier and a clutch by Roger Vivier.
Her gown was similar to the mermaid inspired gown created by Dior and worn by last year by Best Actress winner Marion Cottilard.
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Jennifer Aniston wore a silver metallic strapless gown with gold embroidery by Valentino.
Aniston was there to co-present the best animation award with Jack Black.
She was with her boyfriend, Grammy winner John Mayer.
It was the first time they appeared together on the red carpet as a couple.
ShowBiz Minute: 'Slumdog,' Winslet, Ledger
Slumdog Millionaire nabs eight Oscars; Kate Winslet named Best Actress; Heath Ledger honored with posthumous Oscar.
All this and more in today's video clip.
If you cannot see the video or photos in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Sexy White Princess Gowns on Oscars Red Carpet.
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The Most Beautiful Mummy in The World
![[untitled.bmp]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zfNvlE7Th8s/SaDdLb8u3hI/AAAAAAAAAXU/0tRex1DW6dk/s1600/untitled.bmp)
This 5 old girl is the most beautiful mummy I've ever seen.
She died cause of disease, and her mother ask a doctor to make her into a mummy,
she's now at an Italian temple.
Top 10 Best Oscar Moments
Top 10 Oscar Moments of All Time
Betty's favorite moments from the Academy Awards
-Carrie Seim
The Oscars are a national holiday in Los Angeles. Glittery gold gifts, Champagne until dawn and costumes beyond your wildest imagination. It's like Christmas, New Year's and Halloween all rolled into one.
In honor of this fairytale day in the La La Land of Make Believe, we've picked Betty's 10 Most Memorable Academy Awards Moments. (Plus classic clips, ooh la la!)
And the Oscar goes to ...
1. Charlie Chaplin, 1972
After a 20 year, McCarthy-related banishment, Chaplin returned to the U.S. in 1972 to receive an honorary Oscar. The standing ovation, his teary gaze into the audience and his poignantly brief acceptance speech, "Thank you for the honor of inviting me here, oh you're wonderful, sweet people, thank you," move us beyond words. Just as Chaplin would have liked.
2. The Oscar Streaker & David Niven, 1974
Streaking was such a huge fad in the ‘70s that it even made its way to the Oscar stage. You know what was another big fad in the ‘70s? Moustaches. And they're making a comeback. I'm just saying.
Speaking of comebacks, presenter David Niven has one of the best of all time, quickly improvising, "Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings." Diss!
3. Sally Field, 1985
If you watch carefully you'll see the maligned Sally Field is often misquoted - but the narcissism sentiment is still the same.
4. Jack Palance, 1992
Upon winning a trophy for City Slickers, the salty Palance executed a set of one-armed push-ups on the Oscar stage, proving his virility once and for all. (He also reminded Billy Crystal that he "craps bigger than him," which proves something else entirely).
5. Roberto Benigni, 1999
We're divided on whether Benigni's (pre-Tom Cruise) chair hopping counts as an Oscar best or worst. But we'll go Champagne glass half-full on this one, and give his giddiness about winning a statue for Life is Beautiful it's beautiful due.
6. Bjork, 2001
That swan dress was such a party fowl. Oh come on, we had to say it.
7. Halle Berry, 2002
While there was some debate on whether Berry's performance in Monster's Ball was truly worthy of the Oscar, there was no debate about what this moment meant to history. As the first black woman to win Best Actress, Berry was overcome by that moment, marking its occasion with honest emotion that is forever etched in our memories.
8. Adrien Brody, 2003
After hearing his name called for The Pianist, Brody swooped an unsuspecting Halle Berry into his arms for a dramatic Hollywood smooch. Then quipped, "I bet they didn't tell you that was in the gift bag."
9. Steve Martin, 2003
Michael Moore won best documentary for Columbine in 2003, then delivered an impassioned and scathing rebuke of President Bush. Martin, brilliant as always, returned from the commercial break with the best joke of the night. (Which I wouldn't dream of spoiling for you - watch and enjoy for yourself!)
10. Jon Stewart, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, 2008
We knew Jon Stewart was hilarious, but he also proved his class last year. When Hansard and Irglova won for best original song for the film Once, Hansard delivered one of the most humble, gracious Oscar speeches in recent memory. Stewart quipped, "Wow, that guy is so arrogant," to the audience's delayed - then delighted laughter. But poor Marketa got cut off by the orchestra before she had a chance to speak. So Stewart brought her back later in the show, allowing her to deliver a speech full of endearing hope.
Kind of what this whole Oscar thing is supposed to be about.
What's your favorite Oscar moment?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Kisses 'n' Roses Special 81st AcademyAwards
-
81st Academy Awards Winners
Heath Ledger was awarded a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Best Picture honors went to “Slumdog Millionaire” which also took home seven other awards. See all winners
-
The Talented Members
They are 6,000 of the most skilled men and women in the movie industry. Learn about who they are and hear them talk about pivotal moments in their lives and careers. More
-
Sci-Tech Awards Ceremony
Actress Jessica Biel hosted the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards on February 7 in Beverly Hills. See a video recap of the ceremony and an overview of the award-winning technologies. More
-
Oscar's Shining Moments
Where was the first awards ceremony held? Who was hosting the year “Titanic” won? What film won Best Picture 10 years ago? Take a trip down Academy Awards memory lane. More
-
Fellini’s Book of Dreams
Discover the unique and colorful world of renowned Italian director Federico Fellini. More
-
Film Festival Grants
The Film Festival Grant program has awarded more than $3 million to film festivals since 1999. More
-
How It Started
The idea was born in January 1927, over dinner at Louis B. Mayer’s Santa Monica beach house. Find out how the Academy was founded and how it’s grown ever since. More
Heath Ledger was awarded a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Best Picture honors went to “Slumdog Millionaire” which also took home seven other awards. See all winners
INTERVIEW WITH: Danny Boyle and Christian Colson
FILM: “Slumdog Millionaire”
CATEGORY: Achievement in directing / Best motion picture of the year
Q. Hello. Congratulations.
A. Thank you very much.
Q. Earlier, Simon Beaufoy was talking about the role that love plays in this film. How was it for you, taking a different direction from 28 DAYS LATER, directing a film about love?
A. Yeah. It is a love story, but it's like heavily disguised.
Q. It's in there.
A. Danny Boyle: I tried to do a love story once before, and it didn't really work really. I think I have to heavily disguise them really and then got a chance. I mean I loved what I loved about his script, genuinely, is that apparently at the beginning, the spine of the story appears to be the game show. And actually what happens, this is different from the novel, is that of course as you peel back the spine, there's another spine underneath, which is a love story, which is much stronger than a television show. It's much deeper, more profound, more recognizable, more loveable, more timeless than a game show. I love that about it. And it's a chance to get yourself lost in romance. And listen, we all want to get ourselves lost in romance if you get a chance, if we can find a reason to do it and to disguise it at the same time. It's great.
A. Christian Colson: And there was something about the way we made the film, like we were really loved up when we made it. We were like a big family, and it was this huge team. You saw us all on stage tonight together, and that's that makes me really, really happy, you know. We all did it together. It's fantastic, yeah.
Q. Congratulations. I want to ask, you know, when you were making the movie for Warner Independent, obviously shut down, just wondering if you are worried about this kind of film coming together, you know, in the future as studios focus on their franchises, their comic book characters. Would you worry going forward?
A. Danny Boyle: That's a good question. It's really it's an important question as well. Because what's the one of the lovely things about this evening that the Academy has given us is that it's a triumph for this kind of film really, and it is independent minded and it's working against the odds really in a way, and it's very important to keep it. Because you know it was wonderful to see, obviously, you see Heath Ledger's work acknowledged in THE DARK KNIGHT. And it is extraordinary work. But like virtually, I am sure, everybody, Heath, you know, started small as well. He started small films, you know. Everybody does and we've got to protect them.
And the studios, and it's difficult of course, because they are under pressure, the studios have got to protect them as well. Because that's where everybody starts, and they go on. Some people go on to some things and some don't. But that's where everybody begins, in those small independent movies. And you learn the business, you learn your craft, you learn what you are doing, you know. So, it's very, very, very important. And the first film I made was a million pounds it cost. The whole film cost a million pounds. That's where you learn your craft, and you don't know what you are doing, you know. And I think that keeping it that way, you don't know what you are doing half the time and it's really important.
A. Christian Colson: And I hate to be the nomenclature producer in the room, but even the studios will take note that we made this for 7 million pounds. It's going to cross a hundred million dollars in the U.S., Tuesday, Wednesday. That's good business, for them. Huh? It really is, and hopefully, if these mean anything, it means that more of the great scripts that are out there that are done tick all the boxes in terms of stars and all the rest can get made, if the best of those can get made, for that to happen, I'm even prouder of these things, if that's possible.
Q. Many congratulations.
A. Thanks very much.
Q. One of your stars made some headlines over the weekend by suggesting it might be a bit of I think his words were slight romance between your leading actor and your leading lady. It would be amazing case of life imitating art. Is there anything in it?
A. Danny Boyle: Have no idea. I don't know. They are I tell you they have been Dev and Freida have been extraordinary because it's their first film for both of them and they have shouldered the responsibility of fronting the film, of being the badge of the film really. And it takes the weight off us enormously. And it also makes the film expand to a much bigger audience, because a lot of the mainstream audience relates to actors and their experience through actors and part of that is dreaming about romance and all those kind of things, you know. And so, I have no idea and I wouldn't wish to add to it or take away from it. Whatever is true, I have no idea.
A. Christian Colson: Actually, I know. And it's not true.
A. Danny Boyle: Is it not.
A. Christian Colson: I don't think so. Unless they are lying to me, it's not true. But they have grown up in front of our eyes in the last 7 or 8 months, and it's been extraordinary for us to watch that happen. And to see them now be able to stand in front, in rooms like this with such poise and grace and maturity.
A. Danny Boyle: It's lovely for them.
Q. At what point did you decide to bring them over and how daunting was it at this late stage in this awards process finally you get a turn in the limelight again?
A. Danny Boyle: When we got the nominations we were we had been thinking about it, because you want to share it with the people you've made it with and who are responsible with the success of the film, which is primarily the actors really. And what we were very concerned about distorting their lives, all of them really, you know, because they are young. They should stay at school. They are all in school. You know, we put two of them into school.
A. Christian Colson: And award season is long.
A. Danny Boyle: And the award season is long. But then somebody said to us, look, they will put it in their own memory bank in their own way, whatever their lives are, and they all have different lives, and they will find a place for it in their own memory bank and you should not deny them that. They should get the chance to experience it. And it's impossible to imagine what they think of coming here for tonight. You know, you talk to them, but you can't really imagine what it must feel like. It must be extraordinary really. I mean, they are part of the city Mumbai, which is Bollywood, which has its own glamor system. So they're experienced in that sense.
They do watch Hollywood, they do look at Hollywood, and it's lovely to have brought them together, really. And it makes tonight deeply special for us, because we tried to make the film as a family unit, everybody. And to have them all here makes tonight feel like family really, rather than individual, so, we are very pleased.
Q. As you were just saying, you were delighted to have the kids make the trip. Why didn't they come backstage with you and who is in charge of enforcing bedtime tonight?
A. Danny Boyle: God help them, whoever it is. I tell you that. I don't know why they didn't come back stage. I guess they had gone to the Governors' Ball, I guess, or the party I suppose.
A. Christian Colson: Or to bed.
A. Danny Boyle: No. I don't think they have gone to bed. They were very Tanvi and Tanay, who play the middle Latika and middle Jamal were very full of tears on stage. They were overwhelmed by it. They were really, really crying and crying. It was beautiful watching them and very touching and everything like that. There's this expression, this amazing British poet called W.H. Auden, he talks about Americans putting juke boxes it's to do with when America was trying to travel to the moon. It's really interesting because of course India is now going to the moon. This is the plan. And he talks in his poem about putting juke boxes on the moon.
Soon you will be putting juke boxes on the moon. I love that expression, and that's what tonight feels like. Just amazing like that. The bringing together of things that are just so unlikely and yet wonderful and about entertainment and pleasure and exploring things and changing things.
Q. Love the numbers.
A. Hi.
Q. Hello?
A. Congratulations.
A. Thank you very much.
Q. Earlier, Simon Beaufoy was talking about the role that love plays in this film. How was it from you taking a different direction from 20 days later, directing a film about love?
A. Yeah, it is a love story, but it's like heavily disguised.
Q. It's in there.
A. I tried to do a love story once before, and it didn't really work really. I think I have to heavily disguise them really and then got a chance. I mean I loved what I loved about his script, genuinely, is that apparently at the beginning, the spine of the story appears to be the game show, and actually what happens, this is different from the novel, is that of course as you peel back the spine, there's another spine underneath, which is a love story, which is much stronger than a telephone vision show. It's much deeper, more profound, more recognizable, more loveable, more timeless than a game show. I love that about it. And it's a chance to get yourself lost in romance. And listen, we all want to get ourselves lost in romance if you get a chance if we can find a reason to do it and to disguise it at the same time. It's great.
A. And they were talking about, uhm, the way we made the film, like we were really loved up when we made it. We were like big family, and, uhm, it was this huge team. You saw us on stage tonight together, and that's that makes me really, really happy, you know. We all did it together. It's fantastic, yeah.
Q. Ryan, in front.
A. Hello Ryan. How you doing?
Q. Good.
A. Excellent.
Q. Congratulations?
A. Thank you. Very good.
Q. I want to ask, you know, when you were making the movie, more independent, obviously shut down, just wondering if you are worried about this kind of film coming together, you know, in the future as studios focus on their franchises, their comic book characters. Would you worry going forward?
A. That's a good question. It's really it's an important question as well. Because I mean, what's the one of the lovely things about this evening that the academy has given us is that it's a triumph for this kind of film really and it is independent minded and it's working against the odds really in a way, uhm, and it's very important to keep it because you know it was wonderful to see obviously you see Heath Ledger's work acknowledged in The Dark Knight, and it is extraordinary work, but like virtually I am sure everybody, Heath, you know started small as well. He started small films, you know, everybody does and we got to protect them. And the studios and it's difficult of course because they are underpressure the stud yes have /TKPW T to protect them as well. Because that's where everybody starts, and they go on some people go [on toonto] some things and don't.
And that's where everybody /TKPWEUPBZ in those /SPHAUPL independent movies and learn the business, you learn your craft, you learn what you are doing, you know. So, it's very, very important. And the first was a million pounds it cost, the whole film cost a million pounds that's where you learn your craft and you don't know what you are doing you know, and I am thankful of keeping is that way that you don't know what you are doing half the time and it's really important.
A. And I hate to be the nomenclature producer in the room but even the studios will take note that we made this for 7 million pounds it's going to cost a hundred million dollars in the U.S., Tuesday, Wednesday. That's good business. For them. Huh. It really S and, uhm, hopefully, if these mean anything, it means that more of the great scripts that are out there that done tickle the boxes in terms of stars and all the rest can get made if the best of those can get made, for that to happen I'm even proud of these things if that's /POZable.
Q. Many congratulations?
A. Thanks very much.
Q. One of your stars in your made some headlines of the weekend by suggesting it might be a bit of I think his words were slight very man's between your being an act tore and your leading lady. It would be amazing case of life imitating art. Is there anything in it?
A. Have no idea. I don't know. They are, uhm, I tell you they have been, uhm, /TKEFPB freed da have been extraordinary because it's their first film for both of them and they have /SHULD /TKERD the responsibility of fronting the film, you know, of being the badge of the film really and it takes the weight of us enormously, and it also makes the film expands to a much bigger audience because a lot of the mainstream audience relates to actors and their experience through actors and part the of that is dreaming about romance and all those kind of things, you know. And so, I have no idea and I wouldn't wish to add to it or take away from it, whatever is true, I have no idea.
A. Actually, I know. And it's not true.
A. Is it not.
A. I don't think so. Unless they are lying to me, it's not true. But I have grown up in front of our eyes in the last 7 or /#5*9 8 months and it's been extraordinary for us to watch that happen, and to see them now, you know, be able to stand in front, in rooms like this with such /POEUZ and Grays and maturity, and careers.
A. It's lovely for them.
A.
Q.
A. BBC hello BBC.
Q. The hue jack man, the star of show with those kids at what point did you decide to bring them over and late stage in this process get there in the lime light again?
A. When we got the nominations we were we we have been thinking about it because you want to share it with the people you've made it with and who are responsible with the success of the film which is primarily the actors, really and what we were very concerned about distorting their lives, all of them really, you know, because they are young they should stay at school. They are all in school. You know, we have put two of them into school.
Q.
A. And award season is long.
A. And award season is long. But then somebody said to us, look, they will put it in their own memory bank in their own way whatever their lives are and they all have different lives and they will find a place for it in their own memory bank and you should not deny them that. They should get the chance to experience it. And it's impossible to imagine what they think of coming here for tonight. You /TPHOEU, you talk to them, but you can't really imagine what it must feel like it must be extraordinary really.
I mean, they are part of the city mum by which is /PWOLly wood, has their own /TKPWHRAPL more system so they experience that in some sense. They do watch Hollywood they do look at Hollywood, and it's lovely to have brought them together, really, and it makes tonight deeply special for us because we tried to make the film as a family unit, everybody, and to have them all here /PHAEUBGDZ it feel tonight /PHAEUBGDZ it feel like family really rather than individual, so, we are very pleased.
Q. As you were just saying you were delighted to have the kids make the trip. Why didn't they come back stage with you and who is in charge of enforcing bedtime tonight?
A. God help them whoever it is. I tell you that. I don't know why they didn't come back stage I guess they had gone to the governors ball I guess or the party I suppose.
Q.
A. Or to bed.
A. No, I don't think they have gone to bed. They were very /TAPL /SRAOE and /TA nay, who play the middle /PHAZ /KA and middle /SKWRA mall were very full of tears on stage they were overwhelmed by T they were really really crying and crying, it was beautiful watching them and very touching and /EUFRG like that. Does this expression does this amazing /POE et British poet et called WJ Jordan. He talks about Americans put in /SKWRAOUT box soon you will be putting and it's to do when America was trying to travel to the moon.
It's really interesting because of course India is now going to the moon. This is the plan. And he talks to this /POEPL about /PAOUTing /SKWRAOUBG boxes on the moon. Soon you will be putting /SKWRAOUBG boxes on the moon. I love that expression and that's what tonight feels like just amaidsing like that. The bringing together of things that are just so unlikely and yet /WUFPL and /EBTSer /TAEUPBment and pleasure and exploring things and changing things. Ran /TA /PHA /SOEZ.
A. And he loves you.
A. 95.
A. Another /WURPB I did millions (Listen to Audio.).
Q. Congratulations to you both?
A. Where are you.
Q. Right here?
A. All right.
[START HERE]
Q. Danny, I spoke to you once a few months ago about SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, and you told me you believe that every film should be imperfect.
A. Yes.
Q. After all these accolades, do you still feel that way about your own film?
A. Absolutely. I said in the in my own acceptance speech, I said that I'd forgotten to name in the credits the choreographer, and I only found out about it he said to me I think he was feeling a bit sheepish. We left this guy Longinus or Longi, but we left him off the credits. And that is imperfection walking and talking, and you have to hold your hand up and acknowledge how shameful that is to leave a guy like that who made such a contribution to the film. You know, he choreographed the dance at the end of the film, and he taught Dev Patel how to dance, which ended up being a much bigger task than choreographing a dance. And he made an amazing contribution to the film, and we forgot to credit him and it's my fault. And, you know, you just think so this imperfection is there.
Q. Can I just say, I don't want to embarrass Danny, and this would embarrass him, but it's a measure of the man that in his Oscar acceptance speech, the last thing he addresses is forgetting someone off the credits, and I think that is awesome.
A. Anyway, so it's a big apology to Longinus if you can report it as well, in case he doesn't see it. My edit done and my acceptance speech.
Q. You've with your other movies like Trainspotting, Shallow Grave, 28 Days Later, you've received a lot of accolades with other associations and societies. How does it feel to be recognized with SLUMDOG by the Academy? What is the feeling you have now?
A. Just just extraordinary sense which has grown and culminated tonight of these extraordinary communities Bollywood, who gave us virtually all our cast and crew, and Hollywood, which has been responsible for the elevation of the film, culminating tonight. And being kind of [unintelligible] really trapped in the middle; it's a lovely trapped thing, it's not a bad trapped thing. You know, watching this extraordinary event that takes place and you can see it's going to happen more and more. There's also some people going to work there. These things are going to come together. The world is shrinking a bit, in a wonderful way, and it will benefit from it. Because in culture, fusion is a wonderful thing. And I felt it most in the music working with that guy, ARA man, and the sense of fusion, and you progress through fusion of things melding together is wonderful, really.
Q. And I think I think it's a measure of how much America has changed and is changing just before our eyes in the last few months or so. I mean, I think this country has changed from the moment we started making the film and the moment it was released here on November the 5th or whatever it was. This country has changed and it feels ready to embrace, as audiences have done, not just the Academy, a movie like ours.
I think that's really cool. I think America is cool again, certainly for the first time in my lifetime. I don't know about your lifetime, but certainly for the first time in my lifetime America is cool again, not because of this, but I think this is a symptom of how it's beginning to embrace a more globalized feel of the world. I hope so anyway.
Q. Toronto.
A. Right. Before you ask a question, got to say thank you to Toronto. Because Toronto started us off, really. Although, we started the film at the Telluride and Toronto Film Festival. And the Toronto Film Festival gave us this people's prize, which is an extraordinary start, you know, a kickoff, a wonderful and they also gave us $15,000 and we put the $15,000 in the fund for educating the kids. And now we have got plenty of money, so but then we didn't have a lot of money at all. So it was very, very welcome, and I want people in Toronto know it went to a really good place. So thank you, Toronto.
A. Good, I will tell them. So I think it rocks the Casbah that your film won eight Oscars tonight including best picture, but also THE READER won best actress and MILK won best actor. Three films that say something about the world. They are not just entertainments, but they are entertaining. And I'm curious, if you can talk about the power of cinema to actually talk to the world about something important, including and especially your own film.
A. Yeah, I think I think somebody sent me, a mate of mine sent me this quote from Plato, the great Greek philosopher. And, of course, the Greeks worked on everything before us. We are just repeating endlessly in their wake, and it was this quote he said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." And that's such a wonderful I just think that just gets, you know, more wonderful, it just gets it really. And I think the kind of films that we have been talking about have that heart, really, you know, which is a lot of people are fighting hard battles and especially now, you know, and we have got to kind of try and use entertainment to entertain them and to sympathize and encourage them, you know, and inspire them really, yeah.
Q. How you doing? We have been supporting all through the award season. You know how I supported your movie?
A. Yeah.
Q. Now that you've gone through this process, you know, you've been flirting with Hollywood for years, but always went back to London. Now, with this movie, you've gone through the full process of how someone competes goes through all these awards, does all the interviews, the the press junkets and gets to the finishing line with the Oscar in his hand. Tell me a little bit about this road, this winding road which somebody has to go with to win an Oscar. It's not that easy.
A. Can I start first, because I think I haven't worked with Danny before, but I I am familiar with his other work, and Danny would have done this for a film that wasn't in awards contention. He would have done it for any film that was released in January, February, March, or April. It just so happened that this was how ours was positioned, but my understanding is that Danny has done as well in every single movie he's ever made; not for one of these things but to get people to go out and see it just to preface that.
A. Yeah, you try to. I mean, it's hard work, and, I mean, it's a lot easier when you have a team like Fox Searchlight working for you, and we have had [unintelligble] in Europe as well. And the people, like, there's also some people that you are not interested in their names Angler and James and people like that
A. And Sonia, where is she?
A. They are all there. Yeah. And they they sent up solid work for you and you do the work, and they I personally think you find out a lot about the film by doing this work weirdly. It is a very weird thing to admit. It's very true. You start to find out about the film by talking to publicists constantly about the film, and it's very important. You got to kind of if you choose not to work for huge stars that do that work for you, and then it's your responsibility you've got to do it and it's a privilege to do it.
Q. What I meant by how it's structured, do you know all the it's it's it's almost a theory by itself, you know, how they build up a campaign for an award. For you to be part of it, how did that feel?
A. I think they build up a campaign to raise the awareness of the film and to keep the film in the theaters. I mean, obviously, it's lovely if you get in the season and start to do well in the season, you cannot guarantee that. There's no way you can guarantee that. But it is an essential tool by which films like this can be raised up, can be inflated and so that people start to see them who wouldn't normally see them, you know. So it's a tribute to them that are they are plotting their next campaign.
Q. We are talking about you guys. Do you believe in miracles today, Danny?
A. Sorry.
Q. Stand be here believing in miracles?
A. I've always believed in miracles, actually. Einstein says I am doing a lot of quote tonight. Einstein says, "There are two ways to live your life; one is to believe nothing is a miracle and one to believe that everything is a miracle. That's a great quote.
A. That's a producer/director relationship. It's a true sentence.
A. And the last question, can I just say I did forget somebody in my speech tonight. I forgot my agent, Robert Newman, and please, if you are in the business, if there's anybody in the business, please report this. He's been absolutely amazing, for me personally. And I I never write a speech or anything like that. I think you should always trust the moment, experience the trust the moment. And I forgot him and I apologize to him, and it's been a huge help on getting this.
A. He was a real help for the film.
Q. Just want to say congratulations, first of all, for this success tonight.
A. Please give a big writeup to Robert Newman in variety.
Q. We will. I was actually at the Telluride Film Festival, and I was sitting right behind you at the premier.
A. Really?
Q. You were squirming in your seat. I don't know if it was apprehension.
A. Do you know why? The soundtrack was played double; it distorted all the way through, and all I could think, should I stop it, should I stop it and start again? I thought I can't, I can't. And every time I have distorted, because for some reason there was some loop on the sound and it played twice. You know, it played simultaneously twice. That is why I was squirming.
Q. And I know you've touched upon it many times but if you could talk briefly about the journey this film has gone on, going from then from Telluride to now to winning best picture at the Oscars, it must be unbelievable.
A. Big shout to Telluride and Toronto, the two film festivals that got us going. You sometimes forget how important film festivals are. Very, very special, because they let an audience at it, at your film, to kind of decide it for you. They were really, really special, the huge campaign that we started, and we were just growing it very, very small to begin with and kept going and going and on. And Fox Searchlight depended on word of, mouth which always is the one thing you cannot buy.
A. They have great word of mouth too.
A. And you know, made people aware of it, and made people aware they can love it if they want to. And what we benefitted from is the people do have taken it to their hearts, and people stop you in the lift; you bump into strangers who are not in the entertainment business and they say they saw your film and they grip you in a way that's a bit frightening. But, you know, obviously, the film has spoken to them, and obviously it's lovely.
Q. Thank you so much. And congratulations.
----------------------------------
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Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oscars Red Carpet Mermaids
Credit: Russ Einhorn / Splash News
The Mermaid look was a definite theme in the dresses worn on the 81 Academy Awards Red Carpet.
Vanessa Hudgens, Melissa George and Beyonce Knowles all wore very form fitting gowns with material gathered at the knee forming a flowing pedestal base or a Mae West look.
While actress Miley Cyrus wore a white with silver trimmed, tiered gown.
The gown is cinched at the wait with an over sized belt and the bodice is in a v shape.
Credit: Russ Einhorn / Splash News
Credit: Russ Einhorn / Splash News
The white bejeweled fish scale tiered princess gown was inspired by "The Little Mermaid", according to Cyrus and was designed by Zuhair Murad.
Remember last year, Best Actress Marion Cotillard wore a mermaid inspired designer gown created by Jean Paul Gaultier.
Vanessa Hudgens, star of the High School Musical wore a tight fitting black gown with flared skirt at the knee mermaid style that was designed by Marchesa.
Actress Melissa George arrived at the 81 Annual Academy Awards red carpet wearing a pure white dress also gathered at the knee designed by Dolce & Gabbana.
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While singer Beyonce Knowles wore a tight fitting black dress with gold patterns designed by her mother, Tina Knowles, for The House of Dereon label.
If you cannot see the video or photos in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Oscars Red Carpet Mermaids.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Rediscovering Mendelssohn - 2009 Marks 200th Birthday of Composer Who Fell Out of Favor for Nearly a Century
20 Feb 2009 19:27 Africa/Lagos
Rediscovering Mendelssohn - 2009 Marks 200th Birthday of Composer Who Fell Out of Favor for Nearly a Century
GEORGETOWN, Texas, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Much attention is being given this year to the 200th anniversary of the births of Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin. For music scholars, 2009 marks another important bicentennial - the birth of German composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847).
Although Mendelssohn was quite well known in his day, his reputation faded as anti-Semitism rose during the late 19th and early 20th century in Europe (Mendelssohn was born to a prominent Jewish family that later converted to Christianity).
"Generations of people were programmed not to take Mendelssohn seriously," says Michael Cooper, holder of the Margarett Root Brown Chair in Music at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. "People didn't begin to take him seriously until after World War II as the 150th anniversary of his birth started coming up and people realized the nature and extent of the wrongs committed by the Nazis."
The decline in Mendelssohn's fame after his death was compounded by the fact that he was notoriously reluctant to publish his music. Of the 400 or so pieces he wrote, only about 160 survive today in published form.
"Mendelssohn only published enough to keep his name out there," Cooper says. "He didn't like to publish his music because once it was published, he lost control of it and couldn't change it. Mendelssohn was an incurable tinkerer - he liked to rework and rework his music."
Cooper is one of a cadre of scholars who have devoted their lives to trying to reconstruct Mendelssohn's work. "There is a massive amount of work to do," he says.
Cooper himself has reconstructed seven Mendelssohn pieces that were believed to be missing. His most recent endeavor was the reconstruction of a piece that Mendelssohn wrote with Ignaz Moscheles, a German pianist and composer who was a friend of Ludwig van Beethoven. The piece, titled Fantasy and Variations for Two Pianos and Orchestra on the Gypsy March from Weber's "Preziosa," was originally commissioned in 1833 to be performed in a benefit concert for the Philharmonic Society of London.
After the piece premiered on May 2, 1833, the original score for the piece was set aside. The work has been known only in an arrangement for two pianos without orchestra published by Moscheles in 1834.
Cooper says music historians now know that Mendelssohn left London as soon as the piece was performed to take another job. He left the original score with Moscheles, who bequeathed it to his son, Felix (who was named after Mendelssohn), who in turn gave it to the Russian pianist Anton Rubenstein in 1889. When Rubenstein died in 1894, he bequeathed his estate to the St. Petersburg Conservatory, which has thousands of historic music manuscripts.
"The St. Petersburg Conservatory didn't know what they had," Cooper says. "It was just something that existed in a card catalog and a weathered folder."
Cooper found a reference to the piece in an auction catalog in 1996 and contacted the Conservatory. However, at that time the curators of the Conservatory's music library were still hesitant about sharing their manuscripts with Westerners. Cooper persisted, though, and in January 2003 the Conservatory finally sent him digital scans of the piece.
Cooper spent the past several years reconstructing the piece, and the Austin Civic Orchestra will play it this month for the first time in 150 years during a concert at Southwestern University.
In the coming months, Cooper has been invited to give nearly 20 presentations and papers at conferences celebrating the Mendelssohn bicentennial. One of the first of these conferences will be held at Montana State University, March 26-28, and is expected to draw all the leading English-language Mendelssohn scholars. Additional events are being planned in Rostock and Hamburg, Germany; London; Paris; and New York. The largest gathering will occur late August in Leipzig, Germany, where Mendelssohn spent the last 12 years of his life serving as music director of the Gewandhaus Orchestra, the leading European orchestra of the day.
"The academic community has been gearing up for the bicentennial of Mendelssohn's birth since 2000," Cooper says.
Cooper says he was personally drawn to Mendelssohn because his music contains great emotional extremes. "His sense of pacing and drama are flawless," he says.
Cooper says not everything Mendelssohn wrote is a masterpiece, but even his weaker pieces are ones other composers would be glad to call their own. His most famous pieces include the wedding march from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and two oratorios - "Elijah" and "St. Paul."
"Most people have heard Mendelssohn's music, just without his name attached to it," Cooper says.
In addition to a "gold mine" of music, Cooper says Mendelssohn left behind a wealth of correspondence, dating from when he was six years old to his death at age 38.
"Mendelssohn was a major figure in 19th century European life - someone who was in frequent contact not only with other major composers such as Berlioz, Chopin and Robert and Clara Schumann, but also with people from Hans Christian Andersen, Goethe and others all the way up to the Queen Victoria and the kings of Prussia and Saxony," Cooper says. "We have about 3,500 surviving letters to him and another 5,000 or so written by him - and the vast majority of those letters have never been published. For anyone who's interested in art, politics and culture in the mid-19th-century, those letters are a largely untapped source of insight and understanding. We've only just begun to really use them for what they have to teach us."
This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com/.
Source: Southwestern University
CONTACT: Ellen Davis of Southwestern University, +1-512-863-1570,
davise@southwestern.edu
Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka & Godiva Liqueur Create Specialty Drinks for The 81st Academy Awards(R)
CIROC ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA & GODIVA LIQUEUR CREATE SPECIALTY DRINKS FOR THE 81ST ACADEMY AWARDS(R) VIEWING PARTY TO BENEFIT ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION. (PRNewsFoto/Diageo) HOLLYWOOD, CA UNITED STATES 02/20/2009
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20 Feb 2009 20:46 Africa/Lagos
Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka & Godiva Liqueur Create Specialty Drinks for The 81st Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party to Benefit Elton John AIDS Foundation(R)
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka and Godiva Liqueur, part of the Diageo family of premium spirits and wines, will create three specialty cocktails for the Elton John AIDS Foundation(R) gala dinner and Academy Awards Viewing Party at the Pacific Design Center, Sunday, February 22. This caps a year-long, multi-event partnership between Diageo and Elton John AIDS Foundation. The evening features a gala black-tie dinner, cocktails and Academy Awards screening for a host of Hollywood luminaries, and is known as one of the hottest events in Hollywood on Oscar Night.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090220/LA73533)
Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka has created specialty drinks "Ciroc Chic," and "Simply Scrumptious" to be served at the custom designed Ciroc Ice Bar. The "Ciroc Chic" blends Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka, Pomegranate and Pineapple juices and is served in a chilled Martini Glass garnished with a lemon twist. "Simply Scrumptious" is a mix of Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka, Lemon Juice, Pear Nectar and Cointreau, garnished with cinnamon. Godiva will feature the "Godiva Carameltini," a luxurious blend of Godiva Caramel Milk Chocolate Liqueur and Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka, served in a chilled martini glass with a caramel swirl.
Established in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. Focusing on the support of community based prevention education programs, harm reduction programs, and direct services to those living with HIV/AIDS, the organizations outreach efforts include physical and mental health services, HIV testing and counseling, food distribution, assisted living services, social services and volunteer recruitment and support. For more information about EJAF, log onto to www.ejaf.org.
Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090220/LA73533
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Diageo
CONTACT: Lindsay McConchie of Katy Sweet & Associates, +1-323-852-0772,
Lindsay.KatySweet@Sbcglobal.net, for Diageo
Web Site: http://www.diageo.com/
Please choose your language:
20 Feb 2009 20:46 Africa/Lagos
Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka & Godiva Liqueur Create Specialty Drinks for The 81st Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party to Benefit Elton John AIDS Foundation(R)
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka and Godiva Liqueur, part of the Diageo family of premium spirits and wines, will create three specialty cocktails for the Elton John AIDS Foundation(R) gala dinner and Academy Awards Viewing Party at the Pacific Design Center, Sunday, February 22. This caps a year-long, multi-event partnership between Diageo and Elton John AIDS Foundation. The evening features a gala black-tie dinner, cocktails and Academy Awards screening for a host of Hollywood luminaries, and is known as one of the hottest events in Hollywood on Oscar Night.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090220/LA73533)
Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka has created specialty drinks "Ciroc Chic," and "Simply Scrumptious" to be served at the custom designed Ciroc Ice Bar. The "Ciroc Chic" blends Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka, Pomegranate and Pineapple juices and is served in a chilled Martini Glass garnished with a lemon twist. "Simply Scrumptious" is a mix of Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka, Lemon Juice, Pear Nectar and Cointreau, garnished with cinnamon. Godiva will feature the "Godiva Carameltini," a luxurious blend of Godiva Caramel Milk Chocolate Liqueur and Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka, served in a chilled martini glass with a caramel swirl.
Established in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. Focusing on the support of community based prevention education programs, harm reduction programs, and direct services to those living with HIV/AIDS, the organizations outreach efforts include physical and mental health services, HIV testing and counseling, food distribution, assisted living services, social services and volunteer recruitment and support. For more information about EJAF, log onto to www.ejaf.org.
Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090220/LA73533
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN6
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Diageo
CONTACT: Lindsay McConchie of Katy Sweet & Associates, +1-323-852-0772,
Lindsay.KatySweet@Sbcglobal.net, for Diageo
Web Site: http://www.diageo.com/
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