If the Manchester United players are in any doubt about what their new boss Louis van Gaal requires from them, a coaching manual he wrote in Holland but never translated into English is a good place to start.
Saturday, 19 July 2014
Britain's Simon Yates on a high after breakaway in stage 14 of Tour de France
As Vincenzo Nibali stamped his authority on the Tour de France, the youngest man in the race, Britain’s Simon Yates, made his presence felt for the second Saturday in a row.
Joe Hart faces battle with goalkeeper Willy Caballero for Manchester City No 1 spot
JOE BERNSTEIN: England goalkeeper Joe Hart faces a tough battle to keep his No. 1 spot at Manchester City next season.
Louis van Gaal considers delaying captain announcement until Michael Carrick returns
JOE BERNSTEIN: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is deliberating over whether to delay the announcement of his permanent captain until Michael Carrick returns from injury.
Usain Bolt will appear for less than nine seconds at 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
LAURA WILLIAMSON: Athletes from the home nations have the added incentive of a competition on British soil soon after London 2012, but the ‘Friendly Games’ are entwined with national identity like no other event, a rare opportunity to represent Scotland or Wales, or for a small Caribbean island to celebrate its talent.
Jodie Williams knows that the hard times don't last forever as she targets 2014 Commonwealth Games
MARTHA KELNER: If Jodie Williams forgets the dark moments amid the joy of being back to her best for the Commonwealth Games, a quick glance at her wrists will remind her. ‘Pain is temporary’ is inked on the left, ‘Victory is forever’ on the right.
Conor McGregor beats Diego Brandao in the first round at UFC Dublin
Conor McGregor raised the roof of the O2 Arena in Dublin as he stopped Diego Brandao in the first round on Saturday night.
Recreativo 0-1 Barcelona: Gerard Deulofeu shows Luis Enrique he's ready to fill in for Luis Suarez
A new era at Barcelona is underway and Deulofeu showed why he may have a big part to play in it with a fine performance against Recreativo.
Lil Wayne And Christina Milian Are Reportedly Dating
New couple alert? Us Weekly is reporting that Lil Wayne and Christina Milian are dating!
Tiger Woods still a draw but the reality is unacceptable after another major failure
MIKE DICKSON: It suits Tiger Woods and golf in general to perpetuate the myth but the hard fact is that you have to go back to the 2008 US Open for the last time he mounted the victor's podium at any of the big four events.
Constitutional Rights in the Digital Age
The U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in Riley v. California held that the police must obtain a warrant before searching the cell phone of someone who has been arrested. This decision applied the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution -- which prohibits "unreasonable searches and seizures" -- to take account of vast advances in technology since the time the Constitution was written.
What should Riley tell us about how the development of technology affects other constitutional protections? In particular, how does the rise of the Internet affect the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to free speech?
The Court's decision in Riley rested on a simple premise: Cell phones are different from ordinary physical objects. The latter may be searched following a lawful arrest. The former, after Riley, may not. That is because, to use the Court's own words, "Modern cell phones, as a category, implicate privacy concerns far beyond those implicated by the search of a cigarette pack, a wallet, or a purse."
So if searches of cell phones are different from searches of ordinary physical objects, then should online speech be analyzed differently from offline speech? The logical answer is yes. Just as cell phones are different from ordinary physical objects, the Internet is dramatically different from earlier speech mediums. And the Court should acknowledge those differences in determining the scope of First Amendment protection for speech.
The differences between offline and online communication closely parallel Riley's distinction between ordinary physical objects and cell phones. One such distinction is quantitative. As the Court wrote in Riley: "One of the most notable distinguishing features of modern cell phones is their immense storage capacity. Before cell phones, a search of a person was limited by physical realities and tended as a general matter to constitute only a narrow intrusion on privacy." This quantitative distinction extends to online speech. A large distribution of fliers might reach a few thousand people; in contrast, a public posting anywhere on the Internet can be read by billions. For instance, reddit.com -- where anyone can post content -- reports between 15 and 20 million unique visitors per month.
Riley also noted qualitative differences between ordinary physical objects and cell phones. The Court stated: "The term 'cell phone' is itself misleading shorthand; many of these devices are in fact minicomputers that also happen to have the capacity to be used as a telephone. They could just as easily be called cameras, video players, rolodexes, calendars, tape recorders, libraries, diaries, albums, televisions, maps, or newspapers." That is, cell phones "collect[] in one place many distinct types of information -- an address, a note, a prescription, a bank statement, a video."
The Internet likewise enables qualitatively different speech. Internet speech incorporates linking, which -- not unlike the cell phone in Riley -- aggregates a great quantity of information in a single place and creates a close connection between original and linked material. A much greater quantity of Internet speech is anonymous, and research indicates that anonymity breeds incivility as well as harassment and threats, which research has found disproportionately affect women. As many people have learned the hard way, the combination of the Internet and other electronic forms of communication enable the viral spread of information in a manner vastly different from people passing copies of a news article from hand to hand or calling up their neighbors to spread a juicy bit of gossip. And Internet speech is often both permanent and easily retrieved in a matter of seconds using a search engine, in stark contrast to the effort required to locate a yellowed news clipping stored in a box in the attic.
The First Amendment should take account of these differences between online and offline speech, as the following examples illustrate.
Consider, first, the doctrine of obscenity. The Supreme Court held in Miller v. California that speech is obscene only if "the average person, applying contemporary community standards," would believe that the allegedly obscene item appeals to the "prurient interest," or an excessive and unhealthy interest in sexual matters. The Court specified that contemporary community standards should be evaluated locally: that is, what counts as prurient in Topeka might not in San Francisco. Yet while perhaps locally-calibrated evaluation made sense in 1973, when Miller was decided, the standard requires updating now that an image posted on the Internet is theoretically viewable by anyone in the world.
Second, the Supreme Court will soon take up the question of whether and how the First Amendment protects arguably threatening speech posted on the Internet. The Court recently granted review in Elonis v. United States , a case involving a man who was convicted under a federal law that criminalizes "true threats" after he posted disturbing rap lyrics about his ex-wife on Facebook. The lyrics included such statements as:
The defendant's lyrics also involved a number of other violent statements, including a reference to "making a name for himself" with a kindergarten shooting and a fantasy about killing an F.B.I. agent. An issue in the case is whether the statements were "true threats" -- in particular, whether the defendant's claim that he did not intend his statements as serious threats should matter. Here again, the distinct qualities of the Internet make a difference. Because the Internet filters out voice and demeanor cues, online statements provide less information about the seriousness of the statement, and are thus more likely to be reasonably interpreted as threats. Likewise, because the Internet is not tied to a particular physical location, disturbing statements are more alarming to a reasonable person: one doesn't know whether the person making the threats is in a different state or in the next room. The Court should take these realities into account next term in fashioning a "true threats" doctrine for the digital age.
Third, the Internet medium poses novel considerations when it comes to First Amendment doctrine governing hate speech. The Court's past decisions on that issue have been mixed: in RAV v. City of St. Paul , the Court unanimously struck down a hate-crime ordinance that had been interpreted to criminalize cross-burning, while in Virginia v. Black , it upheld a statute that criminalized cross-burning so long as "intent to intimidate" was proven. Yet there are good reasons for the Court to analyze Internet hate speech differently. First, the Internet facilitates the gathering of like-minded individuals united by their hatred of particular groups. Second, the anonymity of the Internet facilitates easy expression of hateful ideas. And finally, Internet hate speech sometimes leads to serious real-world consequences: consider, for example, the ease with which al-Qaeda's hateful anti-American sentiments facilitate recruitment of new members.
Fourth, the phenomenon of "revenge porn" -- the distribution of intimate pictures of another person without that person's consent -- is another instance in which First Amendment analysis should take account of the unique characteristics of Internet speech. Some have argued that new state laws criminalizing revenge porn are, in at least some instances, constitutionally sound and good policy; others are more ambivalent. But broadcasting intimate images to the public via the Internet is quantitatively and qualitatively different from, say, distribution of such images by mail. I do not mean to imply that offline non-consensual distribution could not also be prohibited consistent with the U.S. Constitution. But First Amendment analysis of statutes criminalizing Internet revenge porn should not ignore the real-world differences associated with online distribution. The Internet allows easy dissemination of large quantities of revenge porn, facilitates the viral spread of such material, and potentially preserves the material online indefinitely, with devastating consequences for victims.
The Supreme Court's decision in Riley is a timely acknowledgment of the need for Fourth Amendment doctrine to take account of developments in technology. It's time for the Court to do the same with other areas of constitutional law, starting with the First Amendment.
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What should Riley tell us about how the development of technology affects other constitutional protections? In particular, how does the rise of the Internet affect the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to free speech?
The Court's decision in Riley rested on a simple premise: Cell phones are different from ordinary physical objects. The latter may be searched following a lawful arrest. The former, after Riley, may not. That is because, to use the Court's own words, "Modern cell phones, as a category, implicate privacy concerns far beyond those implicated by the search of a cigarette pack, a wallet, or a purse."
So if searches of cell phones are different from searches of ordinary physical objects, then should online speech be analyzed differently from offline speech? The logical answer is yes. Just as cell phones are different from ordinary physical objects, the Internet is dramatically different from earlier speech mediums. And the Court should acknowledge those differences in determining the scope of First Amendment protection for speech.
The differences between offline and online communication closely parallel Riley's distinction between ordinary physical objects and cell phones. One such distinction is quantitative. As the Court wrote in Riley: "One of the most notable distinguishing features of modern cell phones is their immense storage capacity. Before cell phones, a search of a person was limited by physical realities and tended as a general matter to constitute only a narrow intrusion on privacy." This quantitative distinction extends to online speech. A large distribution of fliers might reach a few thousand people; in contrast, a public posting anywhere on the Internet can be read by billions. For instance, reddit.com -- where anyone can post content -- reports between 15 and 20 million unique visitors per month.
Riley also noted qualitative differences between ordinary physical objects and cell phones. The Court stated: "The term 'cell phone' is itself misleading shorthand; many of these devices are in fact minicomputers that also happen to have the capacity to be used as a telephone. They could just as easily be called cameras, video players, rolodexes, calendars, tape recorders, libraries, diaries, albums, televisions, maps, or newspapers." That is, cell phones "collect[] in one place many distinct types of information -- an address, a note, a prescription, a bank statement, a video."
The Internet likewise enables qualitatively different speech. Internet speech incorporates linking, which -- not unlike the cell phone in Riley -- aggregates a great quantity of information in a single place and creates a close connection between original and linked material. A much greater quantity of Internet speech is anonymous, and research indicates that anonymity breeds incivility as well as harassment and threats, which research has found disproportionately affect women. As many people have learned the hard way, the combination of the Internet and other electronic forms of communication enable the viral spread of information in a manner vastly different from people passing copies of a news article from hand to hand or calling up their neighbors to spread a juicy bit of gossip. And Internet speech is often both permanent and easily retrieved in a matter of seconds using a search engine, in stark contrast to the effort required to locate a yellowed news clipping stored in a box in the attic.
The First Amendment should take account of these differences between online and offline speech, as the following examples illustrate.
Consider, first, the doctrine of obscenity. The Supreme Court held in Miller v. California that speech is obscene only if "the average person, applying contemporary community standards," would believe that the allegedly obscene item appeals to the "prurient interest," or an excessive and unhealthy interest in sexual matters. The Court specified that contemporary community standards should be evaluated locally: that is, what counts as prurient in Topeka might not in San Francisco. Yet while perhaps locally-calibrated evaluation made sense in 1973, when Miller was decided, the standard requires updating now that an image posted on the Internet is theoretically viewable by anyone in the world.
Second, the Supreme Court will soon take up the question of whether and how the First Amendment protects arguably threatening speech posted on the Internet. The Court recently granted review in Elonis v. United States , a case involving a man who was convicted under a federal law that criminalizes "true threats" after he posted disturbing rap lyrics about his ex-wife on Facebook. The lyrics included such statements as:
There's one way to love you but a thousand ways to kill you. I'm not going to rest until your body is a mess, soaked in blood and dying from all the little cuts. Hurry up and die, bitch, so I can bust this nut all over your corpse from atop your shallow grave. I used to be a nice guy but then you became a slut.
The defendant's lyrics also involved a number of other violent statements, including a reference to "making a name for himself" with a kindergarten shooting and a fantasy about killing an F.B.I. agent. An issue in the case is whether the statements were "true threats" -- in particular, whether the defendant's claim that he did not intend his statements as serious threats should matter. Here again, the distinct qualities of the Internet make a difference. Because the Internet filters out voice and demeanor cues, online statements provide less information about the seriousness of the statement, and are thus more likely to be reasonably interpreted as threats. Likewise, because the Internet is not tied to a particular physical location, disturbing statements are more alarming to a reasonable person: one doesn't know whether the person making the threats is in a different state or in the next room. The Court should take these realities into account next term in fashioning a "true threats" doctrine for the digital age.
Third, the Internet medium poses novel considerations when it comes to First Amendment doctrine governing hate speech. The Court's past decisions on that issue have been mixed: in RAV v. City of St. Paul , the Court unanimously struck down a hate-crime ordinance that had been interpreted to criminalize cross-burning, while in Virginia v. Black , it upheld a statute that criminalized cross-burning so long as "intent to intimidate" was proven. Yet there are good reasons for the Court to analyze Internet hate speech differently. First, the Internet facilitates the gathering of like-minded individuals united by their hatred of particular groups. Second, the anonymity of the Internet facilitates easy expression of hateful ideas. And finally, Internet hate speech sometimes leads to serious real-world consequences: consider, for example, the ease with which al-Qaeda's hateful anti-American sentiments facilitate recruitment of new members.
Fourth, the phenomenon of "revenge porn" -- the distribution of intimate pictures of another person without that person's consent -- is another instance in which First Amendment analysis should take account of the unique characteristics of Internet speech. Some have argued that new state laws criminalizing revenge porn are, in at least some instances, constitutionally sound and good policy; others are more ambivalent. But broadcasting intimate images to the public via the Internet is quantitatively and qualitatively different from, say, distribution of such images by mail. I do not mean to imply that offline non-consensual distribution could not also be prohibited consistent with the U.S. Constitution. But First Amendment analysis of statutes criminalizing Internet revenge porn should not ignore the real-world differences associated with online distribution. The Internet allows easy dissemination of large quantities of revenge porn, facilitates the viral spread of such material, and potentially preserves the material online indefinitely, with devastating consequences for victims.
The Supreme Court's decision in Riley is a timely acknowledgment of the need for Fourth Amendment doctrine to take account of developments in technology. It's time for the Court to do the same with other areas of constitutional law, starting with the First Amendment.
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Kim Kardashian gushes about husband Kanye West's GQ cover... as he offers advice on how to 'dress like a god'
Kim Kardashian, 33, gushes over husband Kanye West's GQ cover. They've been married almost two months
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via IFTTT
Tiger Woods and Darren Clarke join in Open tribute to coaching legend Bob Torrance
Bob Torrance passed away on Friday and at Hoylake on Saturday, players and caddies paid their own small tribute by wearing black ribbons on their caps.
Catalan Dragons 40-6 Wakefield: Elliott Whitehead scores hat-trick
Catalan Dragons produced a sensational First Utility Super League performance as they ran out 40-6 winners against Wakefield at Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Southampton target Serbia international Dusko Tosic to fill left-back spot after Luke Shaw joined Manchester United
The Saints are looking at Serbian left-back Dusko Tosic from Turkish club Genclerbirligi as Ronald Koeman looks to fill the void left by Luke Shaw following his move to Manchester United.
Adebayo Akinfenwa hits beast mode for AFC Wimbledon against Chelsea
Adebayo Akinfenwa, aka the strongest man in football, put in an excellent display for AFC Wimbledon during their narrow pre-season defeat at the hands of Chelsea.
Luis Suarez is the best striker in world football and Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo, says Thierry Henry
Former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry believes Barcelona new boy Luis Suarez is the best out and out striker in world football and rates Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Chris O'Grady signs for Brighton from Barnsley on three-year-deal
JOE BERNSTEIN: Brighton have completed the signing of Chris O'Grady from Barnsley or an undisclosed fee. The 28-year-old striker has been brought to the south coast on a three-year-deal in order to replace Leonardo Ulloa, who looks set to move to Leicester City for £7million.
Mark Davies a target for QPR as Harry Redknapp continues rebuild of his squad
QPR manager Harry Redknapp is to boost his Premier League squad by signing highly-rated midfielder Mark Davies from Bolton Wanderers this week.
David Beckham Slimed At The Nickelodeon Kids Choice Sports Awards (VIDEO)
David Beckham received a lot more than a trophy at Nickelodeon's inaugural Kids Choice Sports Award. The former Manchester United and LA Galaxy soccer star took the stage with sons Romeo and Cruz to collect the event's Legend Lifetime Achievement Award, and got a slime-filled shower in the process. Nickelodeon's been sliming celebrities since the '80s (do you feel old yet?), so Becks is joining an illustrious list. Though it's unclear why this one was gold rather than Nick's trademark green.
Zendaya Explains Why She Exited Lifetime's Aaliyah Biopic: The Production Value Wasn't There
Lifetime cast a new lead in its Aaliyah biopic after Zendaya Coleman backed out of the role last month without comment. Nickelodeon actress Alexandra Shipp will now take her place, but Coleman took to Instagram to explain why she exited the made-for-TV movie.
In three separate videos (watch them below) she said she didn't leave because of the haters like many fans thought. "The main reason is that the production value wasn't there, there were complications with the music rights, and I just felt like it wasn't being handled delicately considering the situation," she said.
Aaliyah died in a plane crash at age 22 in 2001 and her family has been outspoken about fighting the film. Zendaya addressed their concerns and said, "I tried my best to reach out to the family on my own, and I wrote a letter, but I was unable to do so; therefore, I felt not really morally OK with moving forward with the project."
She wished Shipp well in the new role and asked fans to drop the drama. "Let's practice motivation and love; not discrimination and hate. All right?"
In three separate videos (watch them below) she said she didn't leave because of the haters like many fans thought. "The main reason is that the production value wasn't there, there were complications with the music rights, and I just felt like it wasn't being handled delicately considering the situation," she said.
Aaliyah died in a plane crash at age 22 in 2001 and her family has been outspoken about fighting the film. Zendaya addressed their concerns and said, "I tried my best to reach out to the family on my own, and I wrote a letter, but I was unable to do so; therefore, I felt not really morally OK with moving forward with the project."
She wished Shipp well in the new role and asked fans to drop the drama. "Let's practice motivation and love; not discrimination and hate. All right?"
How To Throw A Wedding That Everyone Will Be Talking About
By Elizabeth Mitchell for Brides
Obviously lush flowers and a gorgeous venue are some of the elements of a beautiful wedding, but picture-perfect décor doesn't ensure an epic party. Score a 10 out of 10 for overall experience by following these simple yet effective tips that will have your guests talking about your wedding for years to come.
1. Ask for song requests.
To ensure everyone is having a great time and dancing the night away, have your guests request a song via the invitation response, recommends Key Largo wedding planner Lynn D'Ascanio of Dasignerevents.com. "Give this list of songs to your DJ, along with the name of the person who requested each song. That way, if the dance floor starts to thin out, the DJ can play songs off of the request list." This pretty much guarantees that the person who requested the song will get up and dance and encourage others to do so as well.
2. Don't let your friends and family talk forever.
"Many fun events have been driven into the ground by deathly long speeches," points out Lynn Jawitz, owner of Florisan Wedding and Event Design in NYC. To keep the party popping, ask your speech givers to keep their toasts short and sweet.
3. Remember to thank your guests.
Speaking of speeches, it's important to let your guests knows how much you personally appreciate them coming. "It's hard to believe how often this simple step is overlooked," notes Jawitz. "Bite the bullet, make a speech (keep it short, of course) and just genuinely thank your guests for dropping their lives that day to share it with you."
4. And keep them in the know.
According to D'Ascanio, the best weddings are the ones that are organized and follow a timeline. "When the events of the day unfold in a timely manner, and the bridal party and guests alike are not left standing around wondering what's next or where they should go or what they should be doing, the entire day seems flawless."
5. Add in an element of surprise.
Who doesn't love a special surprise at a wedding? "You could hire a group of singers or dancers disguised as wait staff to break out into song or dance during dinner," suggests D'Ascanio. Or you and the groom could perform a practiced dance routine yourselves for the first dance, offers Greg Jenkins, founder of Bravo Productions. "A 'wow' factor can be memorable and will ensure your guests have a blast."
6. Opt for a short ceremony.
If possible, try to keep your ceremony simple and short in length. "A long, drawn-out ceremony takes away that guest energy level at the onset, and sometimes it cannot be recovered for the reception," warns Jenkins.
7. Give birthday shout outs.
Does your BFF have a birthday on the same day as your big day? Or is it his parents' anniversary too? "Have your MC acknowledge any birthdays and/or anniversaries with a dedicated song during the reception," advises Daniela Grafman, wedding & special events coordinator at Vision Entertainment Group LLC. People love attention. Plus, it's just a sweet gesture.
8. Hire a great band or DJ.
After all, they can, in fact, make or break a party. Florida wedding planner Aviva Samuels of Kiss The Planner, recommends looking for a high energy performer, while being careful not to choose an annoying personality to be your MC. "Great vocals, great dance moves and great spunk will have everyone up on their feet until it's time to go home. Seamless song transitions and the ability to read the crowd when they want to hear more of the same sound or a desire to switch to a different sound is where a DJ's talent also comes into play."
9. Provide transportation.
If you're hosting a destination wedding or your wedding is in a remote location, be sure to provide transportation for guests from their hotel to your wedding and back, says Lauren Randolph, founder of My Hotel Wedding. "This way people don't have to worry about driving home drunk, which guarantees that they can party harder."
10. Allow your guests plenty of free time.
This is particularly important if you have a destination wedding or a bunch of guests in from out of town, says professional wedding planner Sandy Malone of Weddings in Vieques. "Back to back activities after a long trip will run them into the ground. Let them have some time and space to explore and they'll be refreshed and excited at all of your events." We concur.
More from Brides :
The Most Flattering Wedding Dress for Your Body Type
Couples that Found Love on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette
The Most Creative Wedding Cakes of the Year
Gorgeous Colorful Wedding Dresses
Expecting (and Engaged!) Celebrities
Flattering and Affordable Wedding Dresses
Keep in touch! Check out HuffPost Weddings on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Sign up for our newsletter here.
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How To Throw A Wedding That Everyone Will Be Talking About
By Elizabeth Mitchell for Brides
Obviously lush flowers and a gorgeous venue are some of the elements of a beautiful wedding, but picture-perfect décor doesn't ensure an epic party. Score a 10 out of 10 for overall experience by following these simple yet effective tips that will have your guests talking about your wedding for years to come.
1. Ask for song requests.
To ensure everyone is having a great time and dancing the night away, have your guests request a song via the invitation response, recommends Key Largo wedding planner Lynn D'Ascanio of Dasignerevents.com. "Give this list of songs to your DJ, along with the name of the person who requested each song. That way, if the dance floor starts to thin out, the DJ can play songs off of the request list." This pretty much guarantees that the person who requested the song will get up and dance and encourage others to do so as well.
2. Don't let your friends and family talk forever.
"Many fun events have been driven into the ground by deathly long speeches," points out Lynn Jawitz, owner of Florisan Wedding and Event Design in NYC. To keep the party popping, ask your speech givers to keep their toasts short and sweet.
3. Remember to thank your guests.
Speaking of speeches, it's important to let your guests knows how much you personally appreciate them coming. "It's hard to believe how often this simple step is overlooked," notes Jawitz. "Bite the bullet, make a speech (keep it short, of course) and just genuinely thank your guests for dropping their lives that day to share it with you."
4. And keep them in the know.
According to D'Ascanio, the best weddings are the ones that are organized and follow a timeline. "When the events of the day unfold in a timely manner, and the bridal party and guests alike are not left standing around wondering what's next or where they should go or what they should be doing, the entire day seems flawless."
5. Add in an element of surprise.
Who doesn't love a special surprise at a wedding? "You could hire a group of singers or dancers disguised as wait staff to break out into song or dance during dinner," suggests D'Ascanio. Or you and the groom could perform a practiced dance routine yourselves for the first dance, offers Greg Jenkins, founder of Bravo Productions. "A 'wow' factor can be memorable and will ensure your guests have a blast."
6. Opt for a short ceremony.
If possible, try to keep your ceremony simple and short in length. "A long, drawn-out ceremony takes away that guest energy level at the onset, and sometimes it cannot be recovered for the reception," warns Jenkins.
7. Give birthday shout outs.
Does your BFF have a birthday on the same day as your big day? Or is it his parents' anniversary too? "Have your MC acknowledge any birthdays and/or anniversaries with a dedicated song during the reception," advises Daniela Grafman, wedding & special events coordinator at Vision Entertainment Group LLC. People love attention. Plus, it's just a sweet gesture.
8. Hire a great band or DJ.
After all, they can, in fact, make or break a party. Florida wedding planner Aviva Samuels of Kiss The Planner, recommends looking for a high energy performer, while being careful not to choose an annoying personality to be your MC. "Great vocals, great dance moves and great spunk will have everyone up on their feet until it's time to go home. Seamless song transitions and the ability to read the crowd when they want to hear more of the same sound or a desire to switch to a different sound is where a DJ's talent also comes into play."
9. Provide transportation.
If you're hosting a destination wedding or your wedding is in a remote location, be sure to provide transportation for guests from their hotel to your wedding and back, says Lauren Randolph, founder of My Hotel Wedding. "This way people don't have to worry about driving home drunk, which guarantees that they can party harder."
10. Allow your guests plenty of free time.
This is particularly important if you have a destination wedding or a bunch of guests in from out of town, says professional wedding planner Sandy Malone of Weddings in Vieques. "Back to back activities after a long trip will run them into the ground. Let them have some time and space to explore and they'll be refreshed and excited at all of your events." We concur.
More from Brides :
The Most Flattering Wedding Dress for Your Body Type
Couples that Found Love on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette
The Most Creative Wedding Cakes of the Year
Gorgeous Colorful Wedding Dresses
Expecting (and Engaged!) Celebrities
Flattering and Affordable Wedding Dresses
Keep in touch! Check out HuffPost Weddings on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Sign up for our newsletter here.
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MCC issue apology after member of groundstaff spotted sliding his feet on surface of the Test pitch at Lord's
Marylebone Cricket Club were forced to apology on its official Twitter feed after a member of the groundstaff was spotted apparently absent-mindedly sliding his feet along the Test pitch at Lord's.
Zoe Smith relishes England vs Wales battle for gold with Michaela Breeze at Commonwealth Games
Zoe Smith is relishing the prospect of an England-Wales battle for gold with childhood inspiration Michaela Breeze at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Jack Laugher claims 3m springboard bronze at FINA Diving World Cup in Shanghai
A superb score in his penultimate round saw Great Britain's Jack Laugher snatch a bronze medal in the men's 3m springboard final at the FINA Diving World Cup in Shanghai on Saturday.
Judo star Gemma Gibbons targeting gold in Glasgow to ensure bragging rights over Scottish husband Euan Burton
Olympic judo silver medallist Gemma Gibbons admits it will be somewhat surreal fighting for gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on the same day as her husband Euan Burton - but intends to ensure bragging rights for England when they get back home.
London Broncos 16-58 St Helens: Percival grabs 22 points as Saints romp to victory
Mark Percival bagged 22 points as St Helens eased back to the First Utility Super League summit by cruising past the London Broncos 58-16 in the capital.
Tony McCoy surpasses Pipe record as It's A Gimme wins Summer Plate at Market Rasen
Tony McCoy reached a huge personal milestone in his extraordinary career when passing Martin Pipe's record of 4,191 winners at Market Rasen on Saturday afternoon.
Nico Rosberg's German Grand Prix pole is another gift, claims Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton feels Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg was handed 'another gift' after a qualifying crash again put the Briton on the back foot in this year's Formula One world title fight.
Tom Hanks Is In Egypt, Filming 'Hologram For The King'
CAIRO (AP) — Hollywood star Tom Hanks has started shooting portions of his new film "A Hologram for the King" in Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Hurghada, the country's state news agency reported Saturday.
Hanks arrived Friday in Egypt and told the local independent daily newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm that it was his first visit to the Red Sea, though he's read a lot about it. The newspaper said Hanks will be sleeping in a yacht in the Red Sea during the filming. Egypt's state news agency MENA reported that Hanks will film scenes in diving areas off the coast.
The movie is directed by German filmmaker Tom Tykwer and is based on a 2012 novel by Dave Eggers. Hanks will play the role of a struggling American salesman who travels to Saudi Arabia to sign a contract with a wealthy monarch, but instead finds himself entangled in a series of misadventures.
The movie is set to be released in 2015.
Egyptian officials view Hanks' visit as a boost to the country's faltering tourism industry, a top foreign currency earner battered by three years of political turmoil. Hurghada is one of the country's best known destinations, renowned for its diving sites and colorful coral reefs.
Hanks arrived Friday in Egypt and told the local independent daily newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm that it was his first visit to the Red Sea, though he's read a lot about it. The newspaper said Hanks will be sleeping in a yacht in the Red Sea during the filming. Egypt's state news agency MENA reported that Hanks will film scenes in diving areas off the coast.
The movie is directed by German filmmaker Tom Tykwer and is based on a 2012 novel by Dave Eggers. Hanks will play the role of a struggling American salesman who travels to Saudi Arabia to sign a contract with a wealthy monarch, but instead finds himself entangled in a series of misadventures.
The movie is set to be released in 2015.
Egyptian officials view Hanks' visit as a boost to the country's faltering tourism industry, a top foreign currency earner battered by three years of political turmoil. Hurghada is one of the country's best known destinations, renowned for its diving sites and colorful coral reefs.
Liam Plunkett lifts England in pursuit of victory in second Test against India
Liam Plunkett scored his maiden Test 50 and then took two wickets in two balls to keep England in the hunt for victory in the second Test against India.
John Terry splashes out £375,000 on TWO cars ahead of new Premier League season
Chelsea captain John Terry has been pictured in two new gleaming luxury cars with an estimated combined price tag of £375,000.
Arsenal 2-0 Boreham Wood: Gunners kick off pre-season with victory
Abou Diaby completed 45 minutes for Arsenal as they kicked off their pre-season with a 2-0 win over Conference South Boreham Wood.
Ryan Babel fuels speculation he could return to Liverpool after tweeting that he is on his way to Merseyside
Ryan Babel fuels speculation he could return to Liverpool after posting message on Twitter that he is on his way to Merseyside.
Malaysian Airliner Shot Down, FedEx Charged Over Drug Shipments (VIDEO)
We discussed the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight 17, the Russian-made Buk-M1 2 Missile System and the criminal charges against FedEx on The Weekend Show with Kenny Shelton Saturday July 19, 2014 on The Virginia Talk Radio Network
I do a segment each Saturday at 11:07 am Eastern, 8:07 am Pacific on The Virginia Talk Radio Network.
I often lurk on Google+.
All images courtesy of Wikipedia commons.
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Neil Patrick Harris Really Wants To Be On 'American Horror Story'
Neil Patrick Harris may be busy with his Broadway gig in "Hedwig and the Angry Itch," but that doesn't stop him from wanting to guest star on "American Horror Story."
During a visit to Entertainment Weekly Radio, Harris revealed that he really wants to be on "American Horror Story: Freak Show." Even though the actor will be on Broadway until August 17, his final night as Hedwig, he says he asked Ryan Murphy about a cameo anyway. "I wrote a letter to Ryan, asking if I could be in it. And he didn't respond," Harris said.
On Friday, July 18, however, Murphy finally responded. In a tweet the "AHS" creator said he has a role in mind for Harris.
Murphy got Stevie Nicks to come on the show last season, so we don't see why he wouldn't work his magic again to make this awesome cameo happen.
[via EW, h/t Vulture]
During a visit to Entertainment Weekly Radio, Harris revealed that he really wants to be on "American Horror Story: Freak Show." Even though the actor will be on Broadway until August 17, his final night as Hedwig, he says he asked Ryan Murphy about a cameo anyway. "I wrote a letter to Ryan, asking if I could be in it. And he didn't respond," Harris said.
On Friday, July 18, however, Murphy finally responded. In a tweet the "AHS" creator said he has a role in mind for Harris.
@ActuallyNPH of course you can be on Freak Show! I have a role I think you'd love.
— Ryan Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) July 18, 2014 Murphy got Stevie Nicks to come on the show last season, so we don't see why he wouldn't work his magic again to make this awesome cameo happen.
[via EW, h/t Vulture]
Rory McIlroy on course for Open triumph - but will victory net his dad £50,000 bet?
Rory McIlroy will bank close to £1million if he wins The Open - and if that happens his dad will be £50,000 richer.
Bill Maher Slams Militarized Police Culture In America
Bill Maher used his closing monologue on the July 18 episode of "Real Time With Bill Maher" to take a jab at militarized police culture in America. He listed different small towns that use military-style tanks and "toys" in their police departments. "Once you start dressing and equipping people like an occupying army, they start acting like one," he said. "Every day there's another story in the paper about cops beating innocent people." He noted that police culture isn't just borrowing equipment and machinery from the army, but also a "philosophy of overwhelming force," citing the rise in SWAT team invasions and police brutality. Watch the whole monologue above.
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Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Saurez in running for UEFA Best Player in Europe award
Diego Costa is the only Premier League player short-listed for Europe’s top individual award. The former Atletico Madrid striker is one of 10 players short-listed for UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
Vincenzo Nibali strengthened his lead in the Tour de France with second-place finish in 14th stage behind Polish rider Rafal Majka
Vincenzo Nibali strengthened his stranglehold on the Tour de France when he gained further ground over his rivals in the second Alpine stage won by Poland's Rafal Majka on Saturday.
Premier League clubs will rack up 175k air miles on pre-season tours this summer
Premier League clubs will fly over 175,000 miles this summer to fulfil pre-season fixtures in all four corners of the globe. These whistle-stop tours underline once again the massive value clubs place on exploiting commercial opportunities in foreign markets, with Bangkok, New Zealand and the United States all on the agenda for English football's elite.
Tottenham set to sign Swansea duo Ben Davies and Michael Vorm with Gylfi Sigurdsson going the other way
Tottenham have struck a deal with Swansea to sign Ben Davies and Michel Vorm with Gylfi Sigurdsson and cash going the other way.
Another 'Sons Of Anarchy' Teaser, Another Anxiety Attack
FX has released a second teaser for the final season of "Sons of Anarchy," which premieres Sept. 9.
Preston 1-2 Liverpool: Kristoph Peterson scores late on to hand Brendan Rodgers' side their first pre-season victory
Emre Can lasted just 21 minutes of his Liverpool debut as the post-Luis Suarez era in England started with a whimper.
AFC Wimbledon 2-3 Chelsea: Sub John Terry scores twice as Jose Mourinho's side complete comeback
Chelsea continued their pre-season preparations with an entertaining 3-2 win against League Two side AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow.
George Takei Tells Bill Maher Why He Can't Stand William Shatner
The fact that "Star Trek" costars George Takei and William Shatner don't get along in real life is a sad thing for Trekkies to face.
While visiting "Real Time With Bill Maher," Takei addressed his longtime feud with the original Captain Kirk. Maher joked, "But he's Canadian, he should love you!" before Takei went on to explain how, for him, Shatner is the exception to that myth. "Canadians have a certain image of being even-tempered and friendly and all that,” Takei said. "He is a person who is that way with himself ... he is very self-centered."
Takei said that despite their disagreements they still acted like professionals on set, though "with a lot of difficulty." Check out the full clip above.
While visiting "Real Time With Bill Maher," Takei addressed his longtime feud with the original Captain Kirk. Maher joked, "But he's Canadian, he should love you!" before Takei went on to explain how, for him, Shatner is the exception to that myth. "Canadians have a certain image of being even-tempered and friendly and all that,” Takei said. "He is a person who is that way with himself ... he is very self-centered."
Takei said that despite their disagreements they still acted like professionals on set, though "with a lot of difficulty." Check out the full clip above.
Selena Gomez's See-Through Top Is ... Interesting
Selena Gomez wore a see-through outfit to a press conference during the Ischia Global Film & Music Festival in Italy. This outfit involved a long-sleeve collared shirt embroidered with roses, a cute white bra to match and a skirt that maybe doesn't match. Earlier this week, Gomez wore a pretty floral maxi dress and took selfies with shirtless fans in Ischia. That looked like more fun.
Selena Gomez's See-Through Top Is ... Interesting
Selena Gomez wore a see-through outfit to a press conference during the Ischia Global Film & Music Festival in Italy. This outfit involved a long-sleeve collared shirt embroidered with roses, a cute white bra to match and a skirt that maybe doesn't match. Earlier this week, Gomez wore a pretty floral maxi dress and took selfies with shirtless fans in Ischia. That looked like more fun.
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International Cricket Council label Trent Bridge as poor following first Test
The much-criticised Trent Bridge pitch for the drawn first Investec Test has been rated as "poor" by the International Cricket Council.
Friday, 18 July 2014
Vincenzo Nibali extends his Tour de France lead as Richie Porte struggles in mountains
Stamping his dominance in the mountains and on the race overall, Vincenzo Nibali won Stage 13 of the Tour de France in the Alps on Friday up the hardest climb so far.
A Newspaper Delivery Saved This Store From Being Robbed
Here's an argument in defense of newspapers:
One local convenience store is safe from theft because a newspaper delivery scared off the two robbers on Friday.
WOWT 6 reported that the two suspects walked into a store in Omaha early Friday morning with a gun demanding money. The suspects ran away when a newspaper delivery worker walked in.
The deliverer reportedly tried to chase after the suspects with no luck.
(h/t: Poynter)
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One local convenience store is safe from theft because a newspaper delivery scared off the two robbers on Friday.
WOWT 6 reported that the two suspects walked into a store in Omaha early Friday morning with a gun demanding money. The suspects ran away when a newspaper delivery worker walked in.
The deliverer reportedly tried to chase after the suspects with no luck.
(h/t: Poynter)
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This Is How The Media Chooses To Profile A Female Activist
Cecily McMillan, the 25-year-old Occupy Wall Street activist who was jailed for elbowing a police officer during a protest, returned to court on Thursday, where a cadre of hard-hitting journalists greeted her with questions about her courtroom attire.
"My editor told me to ask who you're wearing," a photographer was spotted eagerly asking McMillan, according to The Village Voice.
McMillan, who was earlier this month released from Rikers Island -- one of the country's most notoriously violent jails -- explained that although she was free, she no longer felt safe in New York "because I was sexually assaulted and then put in jail for it," according to the Voice. McMillan has alleged from the start that the officer involved in her assault case forcibly grabbed her breast from behind during the protest; after elbowing him, she was promptly arrested and put in jail.
Upon hearing her explanation Thursday, a Post reporter responded, "Well, you look fabulous! But you should eat more."
The interactions resulted in a blatantly sexist portrayal of McMillan sprinkled with mocking details about her fashion choices -- all of which fail to mention that she was asked such questions by the press.
The Daily News went straight to the sartorial details with the headline, "Occupy Wall Street protester wears Calvin Klein to court."
The Post's own coverage included a previously dated photo of an emotional McMillan with the caption, "McMillan cries in court in May after being given an outfit she had already worn." The paper led with the headline "Rikers Island: The new way to lose weight."
Rikers is currently at the center of damning allegations of officer abuse, contraband smuggling by officers, regular beatings of the mentally ill, and corruption.
McMillan has been using her newfound freedom to speak out against the treatment of inmates at Rikers -- a cause that is essentially being buried for more important notes on her outfit choices. Well done, New York media!
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"My editor told me to ask who you're wearing," a photographer was spotted eagerly asking McMillan, according to The Village Voice.
McMillan, who was earlier this month released from Rikers Island -- one of the country's most notoriously violent jails -- explained that although she was free, she no longer felt safe in New York "because I was sexually assaulted and then put in jail for it," according to the Voice. McMillan has alleged from the start that the officer involved in her assault case forcibly grabbed her breast from behind during the protest; after elbowing him, she was promptly arrested and put in jail.
Upon hearing her explanation Thursday, a Post reporter responded, "Well, you look fabulous! But you should eat more."
The interactions resulted in a blatantly sexist portrayal of McMillan sprinkled with mocking details about her fashion choices -- all of which fail to mention that she was asked such questions by the press.
The Daily News went straight to the sartorial details with the headline, "Occupy Wall Street protester wears Calvin Klein to court."
The Post's own coverage included a previously dated photo of an emotional McMillan with the caption, "McMillan cries in court in May after being given an outfit she had already worn." The paper led with the headline "Rikers Island: The new way to lose weight."
Rikers is currently at the center of damning allegations of officer abuse, contraband smuggling by officers, regular beatings of the mentally ill, and corruption.
McMillan has been using her newfound freedom to speak out against the treatment of inmates at Rikers -- a cause that is essentially being buried for more important notes on her outfit choices. Well done, New York media!
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5 Ways Concealer Will Change Your Makeup Game
After a late night or when faced with an unexpected acne breakout, concealer is one of the first things we reach for in our makeup bag.
And like most cosmetics, concealer has many uses beyond what it says on the label. Here are five different ways to make your life a little easier with a just a few dabs.
1. Make your lipstick last longer.
No lip liner? No problem. With an applicator or your finger, line and fill in your lips with the cover-up, making sure to blend so there aren't any uneven spots. Allow it to dry and then apply your lipstick.
Concealer helps your lip color last longer, adds dimension to the shade and prevents feathering. A dab of this product on your cupid's bow will make your lipstick radiate even more.
2. Give your lashes more volume.
Volumizing mascaras don't always do the trick, but a little concealer can help your eyelashes go the distance. With a small brush, apply a liquid formula to your lashes -- make sure to extend the brush to the tips. Then put on your mascara and marvel at the results!
3. Create the ultimate neutral eyeshadow.
During the morning rush, sometimes you just want something to refresh your eyes without eating up your time. Fulfill this makeup dream with cover-up.
4. Stop your eye makeup from running.
Quickly combat streaks of eyeliner and splashes of shadow by blending concealer into the problem areas -- that consistency will rub out the color, while giving you a fresh slate for touch-ups.
5. Enhance your flushed cheeks.
Whether you're looking to mattify your face or you want to amp up your glow, concealer will transform your bright or brooding blushes.
There are two ways to go about using concealer to enhance blush. One: Place small dots of cover-up along your cheeks and blend up with your fingertips, adding a powder blush on top. Two: Mix a little bit of concealer with a cream blush to add more warmth to your face.
Have you tried any of these concealer tricks? Let us know in the comments section!
Get your fill of makeup tips and tricks on HuffPost Style's Pinterest!
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And like most cosmetics, concealer has many uses beyond what it says on the label. Here are five different ways to make your life a little easier with a just a few dabs.
1. Make your lipstick last longer.
No lip liner? No problem. With an applicator or your finger, line and fill in your lips with the cover-up, making sure to blend so there aren't any uneven spots. Allow it to dry and then apply your lipstick.
Concealer helps your lip color last longer, adds dimension to the shade and prevents feathering. A dab of this product on your cupid's bow will make your lipstick radiate even more.
2. Give your lashes more volume.
Volumizing mascaras don't always do the trick, but a little concealer can help your eyelashes go the distance. With a small brush, apply a liquid formula to your lashes -- make sure to extend the brush to the tips. Then put on your mascara and marvel at the results!
3. Create the ultimate neutral eyeshadow.
During the morning rush, sometimes you just want something to refresh your eyes without eating up your time. Fulfill this makeup dream with cover-up.
4. Stop your eye makeup from running.
Quickly combat streaks of eyeliner and splashes of shadow by blending concealer into the problem areas -- that consistency will rub out the color, while giving you a fresh slate for touch-ups.
5. Enhance your flushed cheeks.
Whether you're looking to mattify your face or you want to amp up your glow, concealer will transform your bright or brooding blushes.
There are two ways to go about using concealer to enhance blush. One: Place small dots of cover-up along your cheeks and blend up with your fingertips, adding a powder blush on top. Two: Mix a little bit of concealer with a cream blush to add more warmth to your face.
Have you tried any of these concealer tricks? Let us know in the comments section!
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Here's Your First Look At The New Queen Elsa From 'Once Upon A Time'
Bow down, there's a new queen in town.
Since news broke that a "Frozen"/"Once Upon A Time" crossover was definitely happening, we've been wondering who would play our favorite ice queen. Georgina Haig was cast as Elsa of Arendelle shortly after the show found the actors who would take on the roles of Princess Anna and Kristoff, and we have to admit, we were a bit worried. Sure, she had the right color hair and the big blue eyes -- plus she'd proven her acting ability starring alongside Joshua Jackson on "Fringe" -- but could she really step into those Disney-sized shoes? The jury's still out on that one, but at least she looks the part.
A few photos snapped at the Vancouver set where "OUAT" is currently filming it's fourth season reveal what real-life Elsa will look like on the show, and it's pretty similar to her animated counterpart. From the bedazzled light blue gown to the glass slippers (and of course those silver locks styled into a beautiful braid), everything seems to be on point.
The actress even gave fans some insider info on what it takes to transform into her Disney alter ego via Twitter -- apparently that dress is what you'd want to be wearing in a game of strip poker.
"Once Upon A Time" premieres Sunday, Sept. 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
Since news broke that a "Frozen"/"Once Upon A Time" crossover was definitely happening, we've been wondering who would play our favorite ice queen. Georgina Haig was cast as Elsa of Arendelle shortly after the show found the actors who would take on the roles of Princess Anna and Kristoff, and we have to admit, we were a bit worried. Sure, she had the right color hair and the big blue eyes -- plus she'd proven her acting ability starring alongside Joshua Jackson on "Fringe" -- but could she really step into those Disney-sized shoes? The jury's still out on that one, but at least she looks the part.
A few photos snapped at the Vancouver set where "OUAT" is currently filming it's fourth season reveal what real-life Elsa will look like on the show, and it's pretty similar to her animated counterpart. From the bedazzled light blue gown to the glass slippers (and of course those silver locks styled into a beautiful braid), everything seems to be on point.
The actress even gave fans some insider info on what it takes to transform into her Disney alter ego via Twitter -- apparently that dress is what you'd want to be wearing in a game of strip poker.
Useless Elsa costume fact- this outfit has 8 pieces to it. Perhaps one is tremendously bad at strip poker and is covering ones ass.
— Georgina Haig (@GeorginaHaig) July 18, 2014 "Once Upon A Time" premieres Sunday, Sept. 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
Pretty Little Liars 506: "Run, Ali, Run"
For the fifth season of Pretty Little Liars tvtag is teaming up with Jaymie Bailey of All Things PLL to break down our favorite moments. Spoilers ahead if you haven't seen "Run, Ali, Run."
VB: Seriously this season is just on fire! The character development, the relationships, the dynamic with Ali back as a regular Rosewood-fixture-- things are getting explosive in so many different ways!
JB: Character development in Season 5 is the best it's ever been in the entire series. I think that has a lot to do with Alison, but I just see the episodes getting better from here on out!
Which couple were you rooting for tonight? Ezria, Haleb, Emison - all of the above?
I've never been the biggest fan of Ezria, but I know they are soulmates. They'll be together in the end, so no need to worry. Alison makes me nervous with her feelings towards Emily. A part of me wants to believe she's being honest, but another huge part of me believes Alison is still hiding something. First and foremost, I want Emily happy and confident in who she is. So, I'd have to say this week I was rooting for Haleb! Hanna and Caleb need to be together -- it just needs to happen already. Travis is a great guy, so Hanna, I'll take him off your hands and you go back to Caleb.
I loved the Haleb scenes this week, I'm rooting for that couple more than any other and I'm with you: I'm really concerned for Emily and how she's reacting to Ali's return. "A" threatened to kill Ali if she tried, but should she leave Rosewood anyway? It seems like Ali's a target no matter where she is, at this point.
Alison is making things hard for everyone in Rosewood by sticking around. One of her best friends was doing everything but shoving her out the door in this week's episode. But since Alison's a target no matter where she is, she needs to stay in Rosewood. She is essential to solving the identity of "A" and I think if she left, it would cause even more tension between the girls, especially between the girls and Emily. The "A" torture isn't going to stop if she leaves Rosewood, so the girls need to figure out how to protect themselves and Alison until unlocking the mystery of the "A" game.
One mystery seemingly solved this week is the root of Peter Hastings' shady behavior. He denies killing Mrs. D or Bethany Young and explains away his behavior by admitting he suspected one (or both) of his daughters of murder. Spencer forgives him and feels awful for doubting him but do you think he's still involved somehow?
Peter Hastings knows more than he's letting on, and I think his older daughter, Melissa, is key. I think her secret is going to affect everyone around her, especially Alison and the Liars. One thing I've learned from this show is that Spencer should never doubt herself, even if a suspect is her own father. Mr. Hastings is also a master manipulator, so it's no surprise that he likely has Veronica Hastings back in his corner and that he turned the situation back on his daughters. But whatever Peter's hiding, it's going to rock Spencer Hastings' world.
Alison got her world rocked at the end of the episode this week. It looks like Tanner takes over this season as the member of law enforcement bent on nabbing the Liars. How much do you think she knows about Shana and the Philly/NYC trip?
Tanner is really smart, and she knows that people in Rosewood are expert Liars, especially our five favorite girls. I think she's got an idea of what happened in New York, but she still needs more people to bury themselves in lies they can't get out of that easily. Shana was in New York at the Fitzgerald Theater the night Ezra got shot. Tanner knows this can't just be a coincidence. And Aria, why do you leave your belongings sitting around in Ezra's apartment? Everyone knows the weird animal-print accessories belong to you!
The teaser for next week is that "Answers are near." Which questions do you most want the answers to?
When it comes to answers in Rosewood, I look at the short term. If we get long-term answers (who is A?) then there is essentially no longer a need for the show. So, right now, I mostly want to know what Melissa Hastings is hiding, who killed Mrs. DiLaurentis, and the answers to more secrets about what's hidden in Radley. I think we're going to start getting some of those answers as the summer season comes to an end.
Pretty Little Liars airs Tuesdays at 8pm on ABC Family, image used with express permission.
VB: Seriously this season is just on fire! The character development, the relationships, the dynamic with Ali back as a regular Rosewood-fixture-- things are getting explosive in so many different ways!
JB: Character development in Season 5 is the best it's ever been in the entire series. I think that has a lot to do with Alison, but I just see the episodes getting better from here on out!
Which couple were you rooting for tonight? Ezria, Haleb, Emison - all of the above?
I've never been the biggest fan of Ezria, but I know they are soulmates. They'll be together in the end, so no need to worry. Alison makes me nervous with her feelings towards Emily. A part of me wants to believe she's being honest, but another huge part of me believes Alison is still hiding something. First and foremost, I want Emily happy and confident in who she is. So, I'd have to say this week I was rooting for Haleb! Hanna and Caleb need to be together -- it just needs to happen already. Travis is a great guy, so Hanna, I'll take him off your hands and you go back to Caleb.
I loved the Haleb scenes this week, I'm rooting for that couple more than any other and I'm with you: I'm really concerned for Emily and how she's reacting to Ali's return. "A" threatened to kill Ali if she tried, but should she leave Rosewood anyway? It seems like Ali's a target no matter where she is, at this point.
Alison is making things hard for everyone in Rosewood by sticking around. One of her best friends was doing everything but shoving her out the door in this week's episode. But since Alison's a target no matter where she is, she needs to stay in Rosewood. She is essential to solving the identity of "A" and I think if she left, it would cause even more tension between the girls, especially between the girls and Emily. The "A" torture isn't going to stop if she leaves Rosewood, so the girls need to figure out how to protect themselves and Alison until unlocking the mystery of the "A" game.
One mystery seemingly solved this week is the root of Peter Hastings' shady behavior. He denies killing Mrs. D or Bethany Young and explains away his behavior by admitting he suspected one (or both) of his daughters of murder. Spencer forgives him and feels awful for doubting him but do you think he's still involved somehow?
Peter Hastings knows more than he's letting on, and I think his older daughter, Melissa, is key. I think her secret is going to affect everyone around her, especially Alison and the Liars. One thing I've learned from this show is that Spencer should never doubt herself, even if a suspect is her own father. Mr. Hastings is also a master manipulator, so it's no surprise that he likely has Veronica Hastings back in his corner and that he turned the situation back on his daughters. But whatever Peter's hiding, it's going to rock Spencer Hastings' world.
Alison got her world rocked at the end of the episode this week. It looks like Tanner takes over this season as the member of law enforcement bent on nabbing the Liars. How much do you think she knows about Shana and the Philly/NYC trip?
Tanner is really smart, and she knows that people in Rosewood are expert Liars, especially our five favorite girls. I think she's got an idea of what happened in New York, but she still needs more people to bury themselves in lies they can't get out of that easily. Shana was in New York at the Fitzgerald Theater the night Ezra got shot. Tanner knows this can't just be a coincidence. And Aria, why do you leave your belongings sitting around in Ezra's apartment? Everyone knows the weird animal-print accessories belong to you!
The teaser for next week is that "Answers are near." Which questions do you most want the answers to?
When it comes to answers in Rosewood, I look at the short term. If we get long-term answers (who is A?) then there is essentially no longer a need for the show. So, right now, I mostly want to know what Melissa Hastings is hiding, who killed Mrs. DiLaurentis, and the answers to more secrets about what's hidden in Radley. I think we're going to start getting some of those answers as the summer season comes to an end.
Pretty Little Liars airs Tuesdays at 8pm on ABC Family, image used with express permission.
Monty Python's Life of Brian Turns 25 (And Gives Aome Bad Advice)
(Co-written by David B. Feldman PhD)
It's something to rejoice about! Monty Python, the iconic comedy troupe, has reunited on stage this week. It's a big year for the group, given that it also marks the 25th anniversary of one of the their seminal achievements, The Life of Brian . Over the past few days, we've taken a quick-and-dirty poll of friends and Python aficionados, asking what stuck with them most from this classic film. The winner: the final scene, in which our titular hero finds himself crucified. The man next to him, sharing a similar fate, implores poor Brian in song to "always look on the bright side of life."
Great scene, but poor advice. Yes, the scene was meant to be tongue-in-cheak. But it's a piece of advice many people follow. So, for a moment, let's take the song literally and look at why it might not be great advice...
So far, the song holds true. To leave comedy behind for a moment and focus on brutal reality, there are a lot of things to make us swear and curse. This year roughly 13 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, 10 million people will be affected by traumatic brain injuries, and 50 million people will survive car wrecks. In bringing up these statistics, we aren't trying to scare anyone. But, according to the research, some kind of trauma will occur at some point in the lives of somewhere between 50 and 80 percent of us. So, the majority of us will face the task of recovering and rebuilding from such adversity. What helps?
While thinking positively is certainly better than thinking negatively, life probably isn't so simple. There's nothing inherently bad about thinking positive, yet to do so at the expense of denying reality is potentially damaging. In writing our book, Supersurvivors: The Surprising Link Between Suffering and Success , we reviewed more than two decades of research on resilience and performed over 100 interviews with trauma survivors in search of the factors that help people to bounce back, and in may cases, to bounce forward, after tragedy. Whether it was a leukemia sufferer who went on to win Olympic Gold, a young man who permanently lost his sight and ended up being the first to cross the Atlantic in a rowboat, or a woman who survived genocide in Rwanda to eventually become an Obama appointee, we were surprised that many told us that positive thinking had very little, if anything, to do with their recovery. So, what did?
Whistling and dancing might take you away from a terrible situation temporarily, but research shows that more lasting resilience doesn't necessarily flow from forcing yourself to think positively.
The supersurvivors we interviewed told us about a much more realistic, yet still forward-looking kind of thinking, than simplistic positive thinking. We've come to call this kind of approach Grounded Hope. Building partially on the research of University of Kansas psychologist C. R. Snyder, it's an approach to life that's more realistic than positive thinking, yet more positive than pessimism.
The "grounded" part of Grounded Hope refers to being grounded in a realistic understanding of one's life and oneself. Supersurvivors seem to avoid the temptation to paint a smiley face over what has happened to them, to deny it or distort it to make themselves feel better temporarily. Instead, they bravely look reality in the face and say, "Yes, I've just lost my leg in accident," or "Yes, I'm only 24 and have lost my vision." While this may at first sound depressing, the power in this approach is that by seeing the situation clearly, without distorting it or trying to make it seem better than it is, it's possible to work toward recovery.
But supersurvivors don't stop there. Next, they ask the incredibly hopeful and forward-looking question: "Given what's happened to me, what am I going to do about it? How can I build a better life on top of it?" They marshal their personal strengths and nurture confidence in their ability to plot out what happens next. They set goals for themselves and find sources of motivation to pursue those goals. This is the "hope" part of Grounded Hope. Over two decades of research have shown that such hope is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, as well as greater satisfaction and meaning in life.
As the song takes this sharp turn toward existentialism, we think Monty Python has finally got it right with this line. Here, the lyrics begin to mirror the science, which explains how, under some circumstances, reflecting on death can lead to a better life.
While writing the book, we met a designer and urban planner named Candy Chang. She was leading a successful life, but had not given much thought to the meaning of her life until a close fiend passed away suddenly. This event threw Candy for a loop. For the first time, she viscerally realized that anything could happen at any time, and that life could be shorter than any of us anticipate. She began examining her values and asking herself what she really wanted in life. This motivated her to move to New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina, with the motivation to help in the rebuilding efforts.
Her particular neighborhood was hard hit, and she felt as though what it needed was an emotional center. So she and a few friends got up one morning and brought buckets of chalkboard paint to one of the neighborhood's most bombed-out-looking houses. She painted an entire side of the house, making it into a blackboard. At the top, she stenciled in white paint: "Before I die I want to..." and drew 80 blanks underneath. She left some chalk behind for people to fill in answers. But, honestly, she thought little would come of it. The house wasn't on a main road, and she figured that by the next day gang members might even graffiti over it. But to her surprise, the next morning all 80 blanks were filled in, with answers spilling into the margins: "I want to see my child graduate." "I want to found a company." "I want to climb a mountain." She erased the wall, and the next day others filled in the blanks once again. These walls now span 75 countries.
It's just a wall, just chalk. But what's incredible is that, for the eighty people who filled in those blanks, we can see that just below the surface rests amazing dreams. And it's probably that way for most of us. But we often don't share these dreams with others. We keep them to ourselves, and most of the time we don't act them. There's something about reflecting on our mortality that allows us to access those dreams in a more vivid or motivating way.
University of Minnesota psychology researcher Philip Cozzolino, along with Angela Staples, Lawrence Meyers, and Jamie Samboceti, performed a series of experiments in which they asked participants to reflect upon death in deeply personal way. They not only asked participants to imagine their deaths, but also prompted them, among other things, to reflect on the life they had led up to that point. It's reminiscent of the way some survivors of traumatic experiences say their lives flash before them, or the question Candy Chang asked passersby to consider. As a result, participants who normally were oriented toward extrinsic goals (e.g., money and fame) became less greedy and more spiritual.
While looking on the bright side of life is certainly preferable to the alternative, there's something to be said (and sung and whistled) about bravely facing the present, and boldly embracing the future. In the meantime, we can always embrace the past with another viewing of The Life of Brian .
Lee Daniel Kravetz and David B. Feldman PhD are the authors of Supersurvivors: The Surprising Link Between Suffering & Success (Harpercollins, Summer 2014)
It's something to rejoice about! Monty Python, the iconic comedy troupe, has reunited on stage this week. It's a big year for the group, given that it also marks the 25th anniversary of one of the their seminal achievements, The Life of Brian . Over the past few days, we've taken a quick-and-dirty poll of friends and Python aficionados, asking what stuck with them most from this classic film. The winner: the final scene, in which our titular hero finds himself crucified. The man next to him, sharing a similar fate, implores poor Brian in song to "always look on the bright side of life."
Great scene, but poor advice. Yes, the scene was meant to be tongue-in-cheak. But it's a piece of advice many people follow. So, for a moment, let's take the song literally and look at why it might not be great advice...
"Some things in life are bad. They can really make you mad. Other things just make you swear and curse."
So far, the song holds true. To leave comedy behind for a moment and focus on brutal reality, there are a lot of things to make us swear and curse. This year roughly 13 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, 10 million people will be affected by traumatic brain injuries, and 50 million people will survive car wrecks. In bringing up these statistics, we aren't trying to scare anyone. But, according to the research, some kind of trauma will occur at some point in the lives of somewhere between 50 and 80 percent of us. So, the majority of us will face the task of recovering and rebuilding from such adversity. What helps?
"When you're chewing on life's gristle, don't grumble. Give a whistle.
And this'll help things turn out for the best."
While thinking positively is certainly better than thinking negatively, life probably isn't so simple. There's nothing inherently bad about thinking positive, yet to do so at the expense of denying reality is potentially damaging. In writing our book, Supersurvivors: The Surprising Link Between Suffering and Success , we reviewed more than two decades of research on resilience and performed over 100 interviews with trauma survivors in search of the factors that help people to bounce back, and in may cases, to bounce forward, after tragedy. Whether it was a leukemia sufferer who went on to win Olympic Gold, a young man who permanently lost his sight and ended up being the first to cross the Atlantic in a rowboat, or a woman who survived genocide in Rwanda to eventually become an Obama appointee, we were surprised that many told us that positive thinking had very little, if anything, to do with their recovery. So, what did?
"If life seems jolly rotten, there's something you've forgotten, and that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing. When you're feeling in the dumps, Don't be silly chumps. Just purse your lips and whistle. That's the thing."
Whistling and dancing might take you away from a terrible situation temporarily, but research shows that more lasting resilience doesn't necessarily flow from forcing yourself to think positively.
The supersurvivors we interviewed told us about a much more realistic, yet still forward-looking kind of thinking, than simplistic positive thinking. We've come to call this kind of approach Grounded Hope. Building partially on the research of University of Kansas psychologist C. R. Snyder, it's an approach to life that's more realistic than positive thinking, yet more positive than pessimism.
The "grounded" part of Grounded Hope refers to being grounded in a realistic understanding of one's life and oneself. Supersurvivors seem to avoid the temptation to paint a smiley face over what has happened to them, to deny it or distort it to make themselves feel better temporarily. Instead, they bravely look reality in the face and say, "Yes, I've just lost my leg in accident," or "Yes, I'm only 24 and have lost my vision." While this may at first sound depressing, the power in this approach is that by seeing the situation clearly, without distorting it or trying to make it seem better than it is, it's possible to work toward recovery.
But supersurvivors don't stop there. Next, they ask the incredibly hopeful and forward-looking question: "Given what's happened to me, what am I going to do about it? How can I build a better life on top of it?" They marshal their personal strengths and nurture confidence in their ability to plot out what happens next. They set goals for themselves and find sources of motivation to pursue those goals. This is the "hope" part of Grounded Hope. Over two decades of research have shown that such hope is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, as well as greater satisfaction and meaning in life.
"For life is quite absurd. And death's the final word. You must always face the curtain with a bow. Forget about your sin. Give the audience a grin. Enjoy it. It's your last chance, anyhow."
As the song takes this sharp turn toward existentialism, we think Monty Python has finally got it right with this line. Here, the lyrics begin to mirror the science, which explains how, under some circumstances, reflecting on death can lead to a better life.
While writing the book, we met a designer and urban planner named Candy Chang. She was leading a successful life, but had not given much thought to the meaning of her life until a close fiend passed away suddenly. This event threw Candy for a loop. For the first time, she viscerally realized that anything could happen at any time, and that life could be shorter than any of us anticipate. She began examining her values and asking herself what she really wanted in life. This motivated her to move to New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina, with the motivation to help in the rebuilding efforts.
Her particular neighborhood was hard hit, and she felt as though what it needed was an emotional center. So she and a few friends got up one morning and brought buckets of chalkboard paint to one of the neighborhood's most bombed-out-looking houses. She painted an entire side of the house, making it into a blackboard. At the top, she stenciled in white paint: "Before I die I want to..." and drew 80 blanks underneath. She left some chalk behind for people to fill in answers. But, honestly, she thought little would come of it. The house wasn't on a main road, and she figured that by the next day gang members might even graffiti over it. But to her surprise, the next morning all 80 blanks were filled in, with answers spilling into the margins: "I want to see my child graduate." "I want to found a company." "I want to climb a mountain." She erased the wall, and the next day others filled in the blanks once again. These walls now span 75 countries.
It's just a wall, just chalk. But what's incredible is that, for the eighty people who filled in those blanks, we can see that just below the surface rests amazing dreams. And it's probably that way for most of us. But we often don't share these dreams with others. We keep them to ourselves, and most of the time we don't act them. There's something about reflecting on our mortality that allows us to access those dreams in a more vivid or motivating way.
University of Minnesota psychology researcher Philip Cozzolino, along with Angela Staples, Lawrence Meyers, and Jamie Samboceti, performed a series of experiments in which they asked participants to reflect upon death in deeply personal way. They not only asked participants to imagine their deaths, but also prompted them, among other things, to reflect on the life they had led up to that point. It's reminiscent of the way some survivors of traumatic experiences say their lives flash before them, or the question Candy Chang asked passersby to consider. As a result, participants who normally were oriented toward extrinsic goals (e.g., money and fame) became less greedy and more spiritual.
"Always look on the bright side of death, just before you draw your terminal breath."
While looking on the bright side of life is certainly preferable to the alternative, there's something to be said (and sung and whistled) about bravely facing the present, and boldly embracing the future. In the meantime, we can always embrace the past with another viewing of The Life of Brian .
Lee Daniel Kravetz and David B. Feldman PhD are the authors of Supersurvivors: The Surprising Link Between Suffering & Success (Harpercollins, Summer 2014)
Todd Akin: 'The Legitimate Doesn't Apply To Rape'
Former Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) spoke with HuffPost Live on Friday about his infamous comments about "legitimate rape," saying people misunderstood the meaning of the phrase.
"The legitimate doesn't apply to rape," Akin said.
Akin said "legitimate rape" and "legitimate case of rape" are terms used by law enforcement in his home state of Missouri. HuffPost Live host Marc Lamont Hill pointed out that many law enforcement experts claim they've never heard the term.
Akin also shared what he learned from the controversy that came after he said victims of "legitimate rape" rarely get pregnant while campaigning in 2012.
“No male [running for election] should ever use the word ‘woman,’ or ‘rape,’ or any of those topics," Akin said.
Akin is currently making the media rounds to promote his book, "Firing Back."
Watch Akin's comments on HuffPost Live above.
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"The legitimate doesn't apply to rape," Akin said.
Akin said "legitimate rape" and "legitimate case of rape" are terms used by law enforcement in his home state of Missouri. HuffPost Live host Marc Lamont Hill pointed out that many law enforcement experts claim they've never heard the term.
Akin also shared what he learned from the controversy that came after he said victims of "legitimate rape" rarely get pregnant while campaigning in 2012.
“No male [running for election] should ever use the word ‘woman,’ or ‘rape,’ or any of those topics," Akin said.
Akin is currently making the media rounds to promote his book, "Firing Back."
Watch Akin's comments on HuffPost Live above.
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CBS Chief Says Network Would Be Interested In Buying CNN
CBS would be interested in buying CNN if it were for sale, CBS president and CEO Les Moonves said Thursday.
Reuters reported that Moonves was at a Television Critics Association meeting in Beverly Hills, California, and reporters asked him to comment on the possibility of CBS buying the cable news network.
"We've always talked about doing things with CNN," Moonves said. "We'll see. It's something I'm sure we will look at if that becomes available."
The possibility of a CNN sale arose after Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox offered to buy Time Warner for $80 million. The bid was rejected, but Fox has said that if a deal were to go through, it would sell CNN.
Analysts have estimated CNN's worth anywhere from $5 billion to $10 billion.
CBS and CNN talked on and off for years about a potential partnership. The talks didn't go anywhere, according to former CBS News executive vice-president Paul Friedman, because CNN was non-union.
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Reuters reported that Moonves was at a Television Critics Association meeting in Beverly Hills, California, and reporters asked him to comment on the possibility of CBS buying the cable news network.
"We've always talked about doing things with CNN," Moonves said. "We'll see. It's something I'm sure we will look at if that becomes available."
The possibility of a CNN sale arose after Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox offered to buy Time Warner for $80 million. The bid was rejected, but Fox has said that if a deal were to go through, it would sell CNN.
Analysts have estimated CNN's worth anywhere from $5 billion to $10 billion.
CBS and CNN talked on and off for years about a potential partnership. The talks didn't go anywhere, according to former CBS News executive vice-president Paul Friedman, because CNN was non-union.
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Late Gary Ballance wicket leaves Test in the balance as India strike at the end of day two
Alastair Cook's poor form with the bat continued as the England captain was dismissed for another low score - but Gary Ballance put his off-field issues behind him as he scored his second Test century.
Rory McIlroy makes birdie despite pheasant during The Open 2014 at Hoylake
Rory McIlroy scored two birdies on the par four ninth at Hoylake - as he managed to negotiate the hole in just three shots despite the presence of a local pheasant.
'The Big Bang Theory' Season 8 Threatened After Cast Demands Pay Raise
Bazinga! The joke's on you, CBS.
After renewing "The Big Bang Theory" through Season 10, the network and producing studio, Warner Bros. TV, have run into problems when it comes to the cast of the hit show. Deadline is reporting that contracts have yet to be locked in for the five core cast members, including Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco.
This isn't the first time a paycheck has caused problems for the series. In 2010, the original cast renegotiated their salaries after the massive success of the show's first few seasons. Now, reportedly, there's been "little dialogue" between the two sides, although more communication is expected to happen as the film deadline draws near.
While we're not sure how much the cast is asking when it comes to their new paychecks, Season 7 of the show saw Parsons, Cuoco and Galecki raking in $350,000 per episode. Deadline is speculating their new deal could see the actors reaching close to $1 million per episode for Season 8.
The Huffington Post's request for comment was not immediately returned by CBS.
[h/t Deadline]
After renewing "The Big Bang Theory" through Season 10, the network and producing studio, Warner Bros. TV, have run into problems when it comes to the cast of the hit show. Deadline is reporting that contracts have yet to be locked in for the five core cast members, including Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco.
This isn't the first time a paycheck has caused problems for the series. In 2010, the original cast renegotiated their salaries after the massive success of the show's first few seasons. Now, reportedly, there's been "little dialogue" between the two sides, although more communication is expected to happen as the film deadline draws near.
While we're not sure how much the cast is asking when it comes to their new paychecks, Season 7 of the show saw Parsons, Cuoco and Galecki raking in $350,000 per episode. Deadline is speculating their new deal could see the actors reaching close to $1 million per episode for Season 8.
The Huffington Post's request for comment was not immediately returned by CBS.
[h/t Deadline]
The Daily Show's Jessica Williams Takes On Army's New Hairstyle Rules With 'Operation Black Hair'
If you've been keeping up with the news on the Army's new grooming and appearance policies, then you know just how biased the new standards seem. Basically, the natural way in which our hair grows out of our head, including the hairstyles that help maintain those follicles, have been banned.
Silly, right? Well it definitely makes for some great comic relief when you get past the sad reality. And that is exactly what "The Daily Show" had in mind.
This week comedian Jessica Williams took on the hot hair topic for the Comedy Central program with a video entitled "Operation Black Hair." In her signature tongue-in-cheek humor, Williams attempts to educate the masses -- er, white people -- on how to maintain "an army without a lot of pissed of black ladies."
Check out the hilarious video above!
Silly, right? Well it definitely makes for some great comic relief when you get past the sad reality. And that is exactly what "The Daily Show" had in mind.
This week comedian Jessica Williams took on the hot hair topic for the Comedy Central program with a video entitled "Operation Black Hair." In her signature tongue-in-cheek humor, Williams attempts to educate the masses -- er, white people -- on how to maintain "an army without a lot of pissed of black ladies."
Check out the hilarious video above!
Today's New York Times Front Page Is Dominated By Women
There was something quite noteworthy about the New York Times front page Thursday morning.
Take a look:
Photo via Newseum
Female journalists reporting from war zones took control of A1 and outnumbered male writers above the fold. Jerusalem bureau chief Jodi Rudoren and Beirut bureau chief Anne Barnard covered the Israeli invasion of Gaza and science correspondent Sabrina Tavernise reported on the Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 crash from Ukraine.
It's a refreshing sight to see and hopefully a step in the right direction following a recent Women's Media Center study on 10 top US newspapers that showed men dominate 63 percent of bylines -- nearly a 2-1 difference in content contributed by men than by women. The Times had the largest gender gap, its public editor Margaret Sullivan noted in May, with 69 percent of bylines attributed to men.
(h/t: Lydia Polgreen)
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Take a look:
Photo via Newseum
Female journalists reporting from war zones took control of A1 and outnumbered male writers above the fold. Jerusalem bureau chief Jodi Rudoren and Beirut bureau chief Anne Barnard covered the Israeli invasion of Gaza and science correspondent Sabrina Tavernise reported on the Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 crash from Ukraine.
It's a refreshing sight to see and hopefully a step in the right direction following a recent Women's Media Center study on 10 top US newspapers that showed men dominate 63 percent of bylines -- nearly a 2-1 difference in content contributed by men than by women. The Times had the largest gender gap, its public editor Margaret Sullivan noted in May, with 69 percent of bylines attributed to men.
(h/t: Lydia Polgreen)
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The Daily Show's Jessica Williams Takes On Army's New Hairstyle Rules With 'Operation Black Hair'
If you've been keeping up with the news on the Army's new grooming and appearance policies, then you know just how biased the new standards seem. Basically, the natural way in which our hair grows out of our head, including the hairstyles that help maintain those follicles, have been banned.
Silly, right? Well it definitely makes for some great comic relief when you get past the sad reality. And that is exactly what "The Daily Show" had in mind.
This week comedian Jessica Williams took on the hot hair topic for the Comedy Central program with a video entitled "Operation Black Hair." In her signature tongue-in-cheek humor, Williams attempts to educate the masses -- er, white people -- on how to maintain "an army without a lot of pissed of black ladies."
Check out the hilarious video above!
from Style - The Huffington Post http://ift.tt/1jFAY64
via IFTTT
Silly, right? Well it definitely makes for some great comic relief when you get past the sad reality. And that is exactly what "The Daily Show" had in mind.
This week comedian Jessica Williams took on the hot hair topic for the Comedy Central program with a video entitled "Operation Black Hair." In her signature tongue-in-cheek humor, Williams attempts to educate the masses -- er, white people -- on how to maintain "an army without a lot of pissed of black ladies."
Check out the hilarious video above!
from Style - The Huffington Post http://ift.tt/1jFAY64
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Who Cares About the Price of Almond Milk?
As someone that works within the retail food sector, I am truly quite puzzled by the recent "news" pieces getting circulated regarding the price of almond milk. If you haven't heard, the gist is that some people seem to be outraged that almond milk is cheaper to make yourself, because almond milk is basically a small amount of almonds blended with filtered water.
What I find astounding, is that people 1) didn't already know this and 2) are shocked that it's cheaper to make food at home. I don't quite understand why almond milk is being targeted. Any food bought from the store is going to be cheaper to make at home.
An article on Mother Jones, claiming almond milk is a scam, points out that according to their calculations, there are about .39 cents of almonds in a $3.99 container of almond milk. Who cares? Almonds are just one ingredient and there are a lot of other costs that need to be considered before a product gets to a shelf.
Food manufacturers have packaging, labor, production, shipping, graphic design, marketing, etc. costs in addition to the cost of a single ingredient. The actual cost of producing the $3.99 container of almond milk is probably a lot higher than .39 cents.
After production, brokers typically sell the product to distributors, who in turn sell it to the retail outlet where the end consumers make their purchase. A markup and margin gets taken each step of the way. In other words, it's pretty elementary thinking to assume that since the almonds cost .39 per container that the company is profiting to the tune of $3.60 per unit.
This is why I am puzzled and confused about how this piece even began circulating. Does the author not realize that all food in a grocery store is marked up to make a profit? Do they not understand there are more costs to bringing a product to market beyond the cost of a single ingredient? Is anyone shocked that it's ultimately cheaper to make everything at home?
It really almost makes you wonder if this could be some sort of clever PR campaign by the dairy industry. Certainly, I'm not making any accusations, but it does all seem very curious indeed. Perhaps the idea that it's more cost-effective to cook at home is a revolutionary idea for some people.
Either way, almond milk isn't a scam and almond milk manufacturers aren't doing anything that any other retail food product isn't. There's no secret scandal and no one is getting ripped off. You can go ahead and drink your almond milk without feeling as though you're contributing to some sort of giant conspiracy.
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What I find astounding, is that people 1) didn't already know this and 2) are shocked that it's cheaper to make food at home. I don't quite understand why almond milk is being targeted. Any food bought from the store is going to be cheaper to make at home.
An article on Mother Jones, claiming almond milk is a scam, points out that according to their calculations, there are about .39 cents of almonds in a $3.99 container of almond milk. Who cares? Almonds are just one ingredient and there are a lot of other costs that need to be considered before a product gets to a shelf.
Food manufacturers have packaging, labor, production, shipping, graphic design, marketing, etc. costs in addition to the cost of a single ingredient. The actual cost of producing the $3.99 container of almond milk is probably a lot higher than .39 cents.
After production, brokers typically sell the product to distributors, who in turn sell it to the retail outlet where the end consumers make their purchase. A markup and margin gets taken each step of the way. In other words, it's pretty elementary thinking to assume that since the almonds cost .39 per container that the company is profiting to the tune of $3.60 per unit.
This is why I am puzzled and confused about how this piece even began circulating. Does the author not realize that all food in a grocery store is marked up to make a profit? Do they not understand there are more costs to bringing a product to market beyond the cost of a single ingredient? Is anyone shocked that it's ultimately cheaper to make everything at home?
It really almost makes you wonder if this could be some sort of clever PR campaign by the dairy industry. Certainly, I'm not making any accusations, but it does all seem very curious indeed. Perhaps the idea that it's more cost-effective to cook at home is a revolutionary idea for some people.
Either way, almond milk isn't a scam and almond milk manufacturers aren't doing anything that any other retail food product isn't. There's no secret scandal and no one is getting ripped off. You can go ahead and drink your almond milk without feeling as though you're contributing to some sort of giant conspiracy.
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via IFTTT
26 Disney Channel Stars Come Together For A Fun Cover Of 'Do You Want To Build A Snowman?'
What could possibly unite 26 of Disney Channel's biggest stars? A new rendition of "Do You Want To Build A Snowman?" from "Frozen," of course.
In honor of Disney's "Frozen" weekend, the stars got together to shoot a music video of one of the film's most popular songs. Featured in the video are stars from "Austin and Ally," "Liv and Maddie," "Good Luck, Charlie." and more. In the video above, you can see a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of this star-packed music video, including some sneak peaks of the song and a lot of goofing around.
The full music video is set to premiere today on the Disney Channel app, with the song also debuting on Radio Disney -- so yes, you're about to have the song stuck in your head for another month!
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In honor of Disney's "Frozen" weekend, the stars got together to shoot a music video of one of the film's most popular songs. Featured in the video are stars from "Austin and Ally," "Liv and Maddie," "Good Luck, Charlie." and more. In the video above, you can see a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of this star-packed music video, including some sneak peaks of the song and a lot of goofing around.
The full music video is set to premiere today on the Disney Channel app, with the song also debuting on Radio Disney -- so yes, you're about to have the song stuck in your head for another month!
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Gary Neville awarded honorary doctorate by University of Salford for sustainability work
Gary Neville has added a doctor of science award to his career honours including eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Champions League victories.
Cyclist Jon Dibben out of Commonwealth Games after fracturing elbow in training
Cyclist Jon Dibben has had to withdraw from England's team for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games due to a fractured elbow.
Thomas Vermaelen poses with Robin van Persie amidst Manchester United transfer speculation
Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen might be on a holiday from football, but he still found time for a kick-about on the beach in Barbados.
Theo Walcott should return to Arsenal training in August, says Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger has revealed that Theo Walcott is expected to return to training in August and could be fast tracked back into Arsenal's first team.
Broadway Lights Will Be Dimmed In Elaine Stritch's Memory
NEW YORK (AP) — Broadway marquees will be dimmed in memory of a Tony- and Emmy-winning actress who epitomized New York and the theater world.
Elaine Stritch died Thursday at age 89 in her home state of Michigan. She was far from her longtime adopted home. But Broadway — and New York —immediately sent their love. The marquees of the Great White Way will be dimmed for one minute at 7:45 p.m. Eastern on Friday.
The feisty actress found new fans as Alec Baldwin's mother on television's "30 Rock." But she was best known for her stage work — especially her candid one-woman memoir and in the Stephen Sondheim musical "Company."
Broadway League Executive Director Charlotte St. Martin says Stritch will always be remembered as an important part of Broadway's rich history.
Elaine Stritch died Thursday at age 89 in her home state of Michigan. She was far from her longtime adopted home. But Broadway — and New York —immediately sent their love. The marquees of the Great White Way will be dimmed for one minute at 7:45 p.m. Eastern on Friday.
The feisty actress found new fans as Alec Baldwin's mother on television's "30 Rock." But she was best known for her stage work — especially her candid one-woman memoir and in the Stephen Sondheim musical "Company."
Broadway League Executive Director Charlotte St. Martin says Stritch will always be remembered as an important part of Broadway's rich history.
26 Disney Channel Stars Come Together For A Fun Cover Of 'Do You Want To Build A Snowman?'
What could possibly unite 26 of Disney Channel's biggest stars? A new rendition of "Do You Want To Build A Snowman?" from "Frozen," of course.
In honor of Disney's "Frozen" weekend, the stars got together to shoot a music video of one of the film's most popular songs. Featured in the video are stars from "Austin and Ally," "Liv and Maddie," "Good Luck, Charlie." and more. In the video above, you can see a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of this star-packed music video, including some sneak peaks of the song and a lot of goofing around.
The full music video is set to premiere today on the Disney Channel app, with the song also debuting on Radio Disney -- so yes, you're about to have the song stuck in your head for another month!
In honor of Disney's "Frozen" weekend, the stars got together to shoot a music video of one of the film's most popular songs. Featured in the video are stars from "Austin and Ally," "Liv and Maddie," "Good Luck, Charlie." and more. In the video above, you can see a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of this star-packed music video, including some sneak peaks of the song and a lot of goofing around.
The full music video is set to premiere today on the Disney Channel app, with the song also debuting on Radio Disney -- so yes, you're about to have the song stuck in your head for another month!
Willie Tanner On 'ALF': 'Memba Him?
Max Wright is best known for place the out of this world patriarch Willie Tanner -- who plays host to the hilarious martian -- in the late '80s sci-fi comedy "ALF." Guess what he looks like now!
13 Facts You May Not Know About Stanley Kubrick's 'Eyes Wide Shut'
Fifteen years ago, on July 16, 1999, Stanley Kubrick's final film, "Eyes Wide Shut," opened nationwide. Setting records for the longest shoot in movie history, it was an excruciating labor of love for lead stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman -- one that would often be traced back to the alleged start of their marriage's decline. Throughout the process, cryptic reports implied that Kubrick's obsessive perfectionism had reached peak levels, which was especially eyebrow-raising given the film's sexual explicitness. The director, who won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects for "2001: A Space Odyssey," died of a heart attack in March 1999, days after screening the final cut. Had he lived, perhaps we'd have more perspective on the movie's production -- or perhaps not, as Kubrick was notoriously reclusive.
An excerpt from Amy Nicholson's book, "Tom Cruise: Anatomy of an Actor," printed in Vanity Fair, offers details about the project's goings-on. Coupled with a 1999 Entertainment Weekly article pegged to the film's release and a Los Angeles Times report about its box-office expectations, the passage reveals some things you may not know about "Eyes Wide Shut."
1. Kubrick always intended to cast an actual married couple as the movie's leads, but Cruise and Kidman weren't who he had in mind. The initial pair he thought of was Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger.
2. Sidney Pollack's role first went to Harvey Keitel, who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
3. Jennifer Jason Leigh was originally tapped to play Marion Nathanson but left mid-production due to scheduling conflicts. Marie Richardson wound up playing that part.
4. When Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise arrived in London in the fall of 1996 to shoot the movie, they expected to be wrapped and back in Los Angeles by the following spring. Instead, the production didn't conclude until January 1998, making it the Guinness World Record's longest-running film shoot in history. (Kidman and Cruise reportedly signed open-ended contracts that stated they'd stick with the project no matter how long it took to complete.)
5. To say Kubrick is a perfectionist is an understatement: His intent was to film scenes so many times that it would wear down his actors and they'd forget the cameras existed. During the course of shooting "Eyes Wide Shut," the director filmed 95 takes of Cruise walking through a door.
6. Cruise was so anxious about giving the legendary director what he wanted that he developed an ulcer. He never told Kubrick.
7. Frenzied tabloids ran reports that Cruise and Kidman's marriage was crumbling in late '90s. If anything, that notion was only enhanced by their "Eyes Wide Shut" dynamic. Kubrick coaxed the couple into sharing their personal reservations about the marriage with him, in turn transferring those troubles onto their characters, Bill and Alice. Kidman called it a kind of "brutally honest" anti-therapy, as no one asked how they felt about each other's criticisms.
8. Director Todd Field ("Little Children," "In the Bedroom"), who starred in the movie as piano player Nick Nightingale, said of Kidman and Cruise: “You’ve never seen two actors more completely subservient and prostrate themselves at the feet of a director.”
9. Kubrick was terrified of flying, so instead of traveling to New York City to shoot in Greenwich Village, he built a top-secret replica of the neighborhood at England's Pinewood Studios. A set designer was sent to measure the exact width of the streets and distance between newspaper stands.
10. Kubrick allowed only a skeleton crew to remain on the set throughout filming. One rare outsider permitted to watch the action unfold was "Boogie Nights" director Paul Thomas Anderson. Cruise was in talks for the lead role in Anderson's "Magnolia" and had to sneak him past security. ''I asked [Kubrick], 'Do you always work with so few people?' Anderson recalled. "He gave me this look and said, 'Why? How many people do you need?' I felt like such a Hollywood asshole.''
11. Cruise isn't the only actor who filmed dozens of takes. Vinessa Shaw, who played the prostitute Domino, recalled having shot about 90 takes for a single scene.
12. Had Kubrick not died before the movie opened, he may still be making adjustments to it today, like he did with "The Shining" after its release. "I think Stanley would have been tinkering with it for the next 20 years," Kidman said. "He was still tinkering with movies he made decades ago. He was never finished. It was never perfect enough."
13. Warner Bros. wanted a $20 million opening weekend to consider the movie a success. It surpassed that, grossing $21.7 million across 2,400 screens. Marketing tracking studies for the film showed it had an awareness level of 78 but lacked the first-choice status among moviegoers that other summer fare like "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and "Big Daddy" saw.
Pollack, Kidman and Cruise at the movie's July 13, 1999, world premiere in Los Angeles:
An excerpt from Amy Nicholson's book, "Tom Cruise: Anatomy of an Actor," printed in Vanity Fair, offers details about the project's goings-on. Coupled with a 1999 Entertainment Weekly article pegged to the film's release and a Los Angeles Times report about its box-office expectations, the passage reveals some things you may not know about "Eyes Wide Shut."
1. Kubrick always intended to cast an actual married couple as the movie's leads, but Cruise and Kidman weren't who he had in mind. The initial pair he thought of was Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger.
2. Sidney Pollack's role first went to Harvey Keitel, who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
3. Jennifer Jason Leigh was originally tapped to play Marion Nathanson but left mid-production due to scheduling conflicts. Marie Richardson wound up playing that part.
4. When Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise arrived in London in the fall of 1996 to shoot the movie, they expected to be wrapped and back in Los Angeles by the following spring. Instead, the production didn't conclude until January 1998, making it the Guinness World Record's longest-running film shoot in history. (Kidman and Cruise reportedly signed open-ended contracts that stated they'd stick with the project no matter how long it took to complete.)
5. To say Kubrick is a perfectionist is an understatement: His intent was to film scenes so many times that it would wear down his actors and they'd forget the cameras existed. During the course of shooting "Eyes Wide Shut," the director filmed 95 takes of Cruise walking through a door.
6. Cruise was so anxious about giving the legendary director what he wanted that he developed an ulcer. He never told Kubrick.
7. Frenzied tabloids ran reports that Cruise and Kidman's marriage was crumbling in late '90s. If anything, that notion was only enhanced by their "Eyes Wide Shut" dynamic. Kubrick coaxed the couple into sharing their personal reservations about the marriage with him, in turn transferring those troubles onto their characters, Bill and Alice. Kidman called it a kind of "brutally honest" anti-therapy, as no one asked how they felt about each other's criticisms.
8. Director Todd Field ("Little Children," "In the Bedroom"), who starred in the movie as piano player Nick Nightingale, said of Kidman and Cruise: “You’ve never seen two actors more completely subservient and prostrate themselves at the feet of a director.”
9. Kubrick was terrified of flying, so instead of traveling to New York City to shoot in Greenwich Village, he built a top-secret replica of the neighborhood at England's Pinewood Studios. A set designer was sent to measure the exact width of the streets and distance between newspaper stands.
10. Kubrick allowed only a skeleton crew to remain on the set throughout filming. One rare outsider permitted to watch the action unfold was "Boogie Nights" director Paul Thomas Anderson. Cruise was in talks for the lead role in Anderson's "Magnolia" and had to sneak him past security. ''I asked [Kubrick], 'Do you always work with so few people?' Anderson recalled. "He gave me this look and said, 'Why? How many people do you need?' I felt like such a Hollywood asshole.''
11. Cruise isn't the only actor who filmed dozens of takes. Vinessa Shaw, who played the prostitute Domino, recalled having shot about 90 takes for a single scene.
12. Had Kubrick not died before the movie opened, he may still be making adjustments to it today, like he did with "The Shining" after its release. "I think Stanley would have been tinkering with it for the next 20 years," Kidman said. "He was still tinkering with movies he made decades ago. He was never finished. It was never perfect enough."
13. Warner Bros. wanted a $20 million opening weekend to consider the movie a success. It surpassed that, grossing $21.7 million across 2,400 screens. Marketing tracking studies for the film showed it had an awareness level of 78 but lacked the first-choice status among moviegoers that other summer fare like "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and "Big Daddy" saw.
Pollack, Kidman and Cruise at the movie's July 13, 1999, world premiere in Los Angeles:
Alexandra Shipp Replaces Zendaya In Aaliyah Lifetime Biopic
Lifetime found a new actress to replace Zendaya in its Aaliyah biopic. The iconic R&B singer will now be played by Nickelodeon star Alexandra Shipp, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed, before Lifetime tweeted the news:
Zendaya backed out of the made-for-TV movie last month and her rep confirmed she was "no longer involved with the film." At the time, Lifetime's PR department released a statement on Twitter: "We are sad Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah. Production is currently on hold." She was scheduled to record four songs to appear in the movie.
Production will resume this summer and Lifetime still plans on releasing "Aaliyah: Princess of R&B" in the fall as planned. The project is set to trace Aaliyah's career from her first performance on "Star Search" to her untimely death in 2001. She was killed in a plane crash at 22. Wendy Williams has also joined the TV movie as an executive producer.
News of the biopic made waves with members of the late singer's family. Her cousin, Jomo Hankerson, has said publicly that they would make it hard for the network to gain rights, masters and images for the film. He also told the New York Daily News that members of the family weren't happy the film would be made for TV instead of the big screen. “This needs A-list actors, A-list talent that can breathe life into what we think is a phenomenal story," he said in June.
Shipp is best known for the Nickelodeon series "House of Anubis" in which she plays Kara Tatiana Rush. She is also featured in Season 2 of "Ray Donovan."
Alexandra Shipp to play Aaliyah. @AlexShipppp @lifetimetv http://ift.tt/1zRipAU
— LifetimePR (@LifetimeTV_PR) July 18, 2014 Zendaya backed out of the made-for-TV movie last month and her rep confirmed she was "no longer involved with the film." At the time, Lifetime's PR department released a statement on Twitter: "We are sad Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah. Production is currently on hold." She was scheduled to record four songs to appear in the movie.
Production will resume this summer and Lifetime still plans on releasing "Aaliyah: Princess of R&B" in the fall as planned. The project is set to trace Aaliyah's career from her first performance on "Star Search" to her untimely death in 2001. She was killed in a plane crash at 22. Wendy Williams has also joined the TV movie as an executive producer.
News of the biopic made waves with members of the late singer's family. Her cousin, Jomo Hankerson, has said publicly that they would make it hard for the network to gain rights, masters and images for the film. He also told the New York Daily News that members of the family weren't happy the film would be made for TV instead of the big screen. “This needs A-list actors, A-list talent that can breathe life into what we think is a phenomenal story," he said in June.
Shipp is best known for the Nickelodeon series "House of Anubis" in which she plays Kara Tatiana Rush. She is also featured in Season 2 of "Ray Donovan."
From the Jerusalem Festival: Can Films Transcend Politics?
Watching movies for ten days at the 31st Jerusalem Film Festival might seem like an escape from the current reality of rockets fired from Gaza into Israel as well as the subsequent military retaliation of the Israeli government. But many of the Festival selections confront ethnic tension and inspire a deeper reflection than headlines can ignite.
At the Closing Night ceremony Thursday, Festival Founder and President Lia Van Leer thanked "those who came in our days of sorrow to help us make a great festival." This indomitable woman, 93 years young, set a tone for the rest of the evening that was both sober and hopeful. It included the awarding of the Festival's Achievement Award to actor Makram Khoury, a Palestinian who has incarnated both Jewish Holocaust survivors and Arabs onscreen.
Although he could not be present for medical reasons, actress Yael Abecassis read his letter aloud: "Cinema is not accepting reality as it is," he wrote. "We are creators of the impossible. ... and it is possible to live a good life here."
The film Dancing Arabs was to have screened at the 6,000-seat outdoor Sultan's Pool, but security considerations led the ebullient Festival director Noa Regev to move the event into the Cinematheque. Director Eran Riklis introduced his film by acknowledging that there has been "too much blood," adding, "the most important thing is to stop hating." He called Dancing Arabs "a modest contribution" to the dialogue.
Adapted by Sayed Kashua from his semi-autobiographical novel, this engrossing tale of identity centers on Eyad (Tawfeek Barhum), a bright, sensitive Arab youth trying to make a life for himself in Jerusalem. The combination of a Jewish director and an Arab writer results in a sensitive coming-of-age drama. A co-production of Israel, Germany and France, it begins in 1982: Eyad's home life is warm, but marred by the fact that his father (Ali Suliman, whose films include Lone Survivor, The Attack and Paradise Now) was arrested in his youth for suspected terrorist activity.
Tawfeek Barhum (left) and Yael Abecassis (right) in Dancing Arabs, Photo Credit: Eitan Riklis
By 1988, Eyad has been accepted at an elite boarding school: the only Arab student, he is misnamed "Ayid" (ironic in that the Yiddish pronunciation means "a Jew"). The humanist anchor of Dancing Arabs is Edna (Yael Abecassis), a Jewish lawyer who befriends Eyad after he volunteers to help with her disabled son Jonathan (Michael Monoshov). She even allows Eyad to use her son's passport to get a job as a waiter.
Perhaps the film's vision is crystallized in a rock concert: a male singer's lyrics are about redeeming Palestine after 20 years of Occupation, but he is then joined onstage by a female performer with a more peaceful reminder: she sings that Ishmael and Abraham were brothers.
Shifting identity is also the theme of Shira Geffen's Self Made, an Israeli black comedy that invokes David Lynch and Luis Bunuel. Michal (Sarah Adler), a famous Jewish conceptual artist, wakes up disoriented. After she calls an IKEA-like furniture company to complain about a missing screw, Nadine (Samira Saraya), an Arab factory worker, loses her job. When Nadine is stopped at a checkpoint, a female soldier (Na'ama Shoham) proves to be a third Israeli woman whose internal and external landscape are not in sync. Like Robert Altman's "3 Women," Geffen uses a disorienting logic of images and poetic overlaps, but in a politically charged context.
Samira Saraya (right) in Self Made, Photo Credit: Ziv Berkovich
Before the screening of Self Made at the Jerusalem Film Festival on Thursday, the director asked the audience to stand for a minute of silence in memory of the children killed in Gaza. While most stood up, a few audience members refused, angered that they weren't being asked to remember the Israeli who was killed delivering food to soldiers.
Lest it seem that the Jerusalem Festival was dominated by tense questions of Israeli identity, discussion of a gem like Michael Verhoeven's Let's Go! is in order. The German director of such classics as The White Rose and The Nasty Girl adapted the autobiographical novel of Laura Waco. It is a moving post-Holocaust drama about a survivor couple who try to create a life in Germany. Verhoeven cross-cuts between the late 1940s, when Hela (Katharina Nesytowa) gives birth to Laura, and 1968, when the grown Laura (Alice Dwyer) returns from California to Germany for her father's funeral.
Naomi Krauss (left) and Alice Dwyer (right) in Let's Go!, Photo Credit: Barbara Bauriedl
As she tries to embrace her bereaved mother (played by Naomi Krauss), Laura is rejected. Holocaust details are respectfully suggested rather than reenacted, often through a child's perspective. And the image of the Jewish protagonist -- the vulnerable victim of anti-Semitism -- is radically different from the provocative Israeli films at the Festival.
Like Dancing Arabs and Self Made, Let's Go! is part of an ongoing dialogue about Jewish identity, whether framed by the Holocaust or contemporary turmoil in the Middle East. By personalizing critical issues, these movies attempt what politics seem unable to achieve, exploring the needs, fears and aspirations that transcend national or ethnic boundaries.
At the Closing Night ceremony Thursday, Festival Founder and President Lia Van Leer thanked "those who came in our days of sorrow to help us make a great festival." This indomitable woman, 93 years young, set a tone for the rest of the evening that was both sober and hopeful. It included the awarding of the Festival's Achievement Award to actor Makram Khoury, a Palestinian who has incarnated both Jewish Holocaust survivors and Arabs onscreen.
Although he could not be present for medical reasons, actress Yael Abecassis read his letter aloud: "Cinema is not accepting reality as it is," he wrote. "We are creators of the impossible. ... and it is possible to live a good life here."
The film Dancing Arabs was to have screened at the 6,000-seat outdoor Sultan's Pool, but security considerations led the ebullient Festival director Noa Regev to move the event into the Cinematheque. Director Eran Riklis introduced his film by acknowledging that there has been "too much blood," adding, "the most important thing is to stop hating." He called Dancing Arabs "a modest contribution" to the dialogue.
Adapted by Sayed Kashua from his semi-autobiographical novel, this engrossing tale of identity centers on Eyad (Tawfeek Barhum), a bright, sensitive Arab youth trying to make a life for himself in Jerusalem. The combination of a Jewish director and an Arab writer results in a sensitive coming-of-age drama. A co-production of Israel, Germany and France, it begins in 1982: Eyad's home life is warm, but marred by the fact that his father (Ali Suliman, whose films include Lone Survivor, The Attack and Paradise Now) was arrested in his youth for suspected terrorist activity.
Tawfeek Barhum (left) and Yael Abecassis (right) in Dancing Arabs, Photo Credit: Eitan Riklis
By 1988, Eyad has been accepted at an elite boarding school: the only Arab student, he is misnamed "Ayid" (ironic in that the Yiddish pronunciation means "a Jew"). The humanist anchor of Dancing Arabs is Edna (Yael Abecassis), a Jewish lawyer who befriends Eyad after he volunteers to help with her disabled son Jonathan (Michael Monoshov). She even allows Eyad to use her son's passport to get a job as a waiter.
Perhaps the film's vision is crystallized in a rock concert: a male singer's lyrics are about redeeming Palestine after 20 years of Occupation, but he is then joined onstage by a female performer with a more peaceful reminder: she sings that Ishmael and Abraham were brothers.
Shifting identity is also the theme of Shira Geffen's Self Made, an Israeli black comedy that invokes David Lynch and Luis Bunuel. Michal (Sarah Adler), a famous Jewish conceptual artist, wakes up disoriented. After she calls an IKEA-like furniture company to complain about a missing screw, Nadine (Samira Saraya), an Arab factory worker, loses her job. When Nadine is stopped at a checkpoint, a female soldier (Na'ama Shoham) proves to be a third Israeli woman whose internal and external landscape are not in sync. Like Robert Altman's "3 Women," Geffen uses a disorienting logic of images and poetic overlaps, but in a politically charged context.
Samira Saraya (right) in Self Made, Photo Credit: Ziv Berkovich
Before the screening of Self Made at the Jerusalem Film Festival on Thursday, the director asked the audience to stand for a minute of silence in memory of the children killed in Gaza. While most stood up, a few audience members refused, angered that they weren't being asked to remember the Israeli who was killed delivering food to soldiers.
Lest it seem that the Jerusalem Festival was dominated by tense questions of Israeli identity, discussion of a gem like Michael Verhoeven's Let's Go! is in order. The German director of such classics as The White Rose and The Nasty Girl adapted the autobiographical novel of Laura Waco. It is a moving post-Holocaust drama about a survivor couple who try to create a life in Germany. Verhoeven cross-cuts between the late 1940s, when Hela (Katharina Nesytowa) gives birth to Laura, and 1968, when the grown Laura (Alice Dwyer) returns from California to Germany for her father's funeral.
Naomi Krauss (left) and Alice Dwyer (right) in Let's Go!, Photo Credit: Barbara Bauriedl
As she tries to embrace her bereaved mother (played by Naomi Krauss), Laura is rejected. Holocaust details are respectfully suggested rather than reenacted, often through a child's perspective. And the image of the Jewish protagonist -- the vulnerable victim of anti-Semitism -- is radically different from the provocative Israeli films at the Festival.
Like Dancing Arabs and Self Made, Let's Go! is part of an ongoing dialogue about Jewish identity, whether framed by the Holocaust or contemporary turmoil in the Middle East. By personalizing critical issues, these movies attempt what politics seem unable to achieve, exploring the needs, fears and aspirations that transcend national or ethnic boundaries.
Elaine Stritch Tells Me a Very Funny Judy Garland Story
When my interview with Elaine Stritch aired on "So What Else Is News?" - my Air America Radio show back in the day - someone wrote me saying I laughed way too hard in it.
I wrote back that it was because I was terrified of her.
Here's an excerpt from the segment (h/t Joe Zefran):
I wrote back that it was because I was terrified of her.
Here's an excerpt from the segment (h/t Joe Zefran):
Planes, Fire and Rescue: Disney Does It Again! Well, Sort Of.
Seated amidst an audience of mini people, I wondered what I was doing at this screening. When I put on my 3D glasses and sat back to munch my popcorn, I was pleasantly surprised by the stellar cast of voices and the terrific soundtrack. But alas, the plot is a cookie-cutter repeat of The Little Engine That Could. Still, it was enjoyable, as the special effects are fun and I found myself truly feeling that these cars, fire trucks, ambulances were people of sorts and had hearts. And heart is what this film is about.
In the end the audience applauded as I left, eager to see the first episode of Ray Donovan.
But I did not regret my experience to be a member of the audience of the citizens of tomorrow. The color is bold and the star power in the voices carries this Disney wonder. We have the voices of Ed Harris as Blade Ranger, Julie Bowen as Lil' Dipper, Hal Holbrook as Mayday, Terry Hatcher as Dottie, Stacey Keach as Skipper, Cedric the Entertainer as Leadbottom, Anne Meara as Winnie (as in Winnebago), Jerry Stiller as Harvey to name a few of the stars.
The plot is simple. Dusty Crophopper (Dane Cook), learns his plane is damaged and he may never fly again. Out of frustration and sheer courage, he joins the fire, rescue and rescue helicopter team, the Smoke jumpers. This film features a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from massive fires. Dusty is launched into the world of aerial firefighting and learns about becoming a real hero.
Aw shucks. I had a good time and your little tots will, too. I am pleased these great actors got a paycheck out of Hollywood, but I would have preferred to see their faces in an African Queen, On the Waterfront or Lawrence of Arabia. But Disney is not into these kinds of films. However, if you are, watch the latest TV installment of let's say, Ray Donovan, instead, and save your loot and leave Planes, Fire and Rescue to the tots.
In the end the audience applauded as I left, eager to see the first episode of Ray Donovan.
But I did not regret my experience to be a member of the audience of the citizens of tomorrow. The color is bold and the star power in the voices carries this Disney wonder. We have the voices of Ed Harris as Blade Ranger, Julie Bowen as Lil' Dipper, Hal Holbrook as Mayday, Terry Hatcher as Dottie, Stacey Keach as Skipper, Cedric the Entertainer as Leadbottom, Anne Meara as Winnie (as in Winnebago), Jerry Stiller as Harvey to name a few of the stars.
The plot is simple. Dusty Crophopper (Dane Cook), learns his plane is damaged and he may never fly again. Out of frustration and sheer courage, he joins the fire, rescue and rescue helicopter team, the Smoke jumpers. This film features a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from massive fires. Dusty is launched into the world of aerial firefighting and learns about becoming a real hero.
Aw shucks. I had a good time and your little tots will, too. I am pleased these great actors got a paycheck out of Hollywood, but I would have preferred to see their faces in an African Queen, On the Waterfront or Lawrence of Arabia. But Disney is not into these kinds of films. However, if you are, watch the latest TV installment of let's say, Ray Donovan, instead, and save your loot and leave Planes, Fire and Rescue to the tots.
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