Saturday, November 13, 2010

DREAMING OF … ALMONDS

 

almonds

If you see almonds in your dream you'll have a temporary sorrow.

If you ate and enjoyed them, you'll be lucky, but if they tasted bitter, you should delay any contemplated changes for as long as possible

CHINA – ARK HOTEL CONSTRUCTION

 

This time lapse video is absolutely amazing.

 

ZSA ZSA GABOR BACK IN HOSPITAL

 

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Zsa Zsa Gabor has been readmitted to hospital for the fourth time in five months. The 93-year-old actress was rushed back to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Censer in Los Angeles on Friday, November 12 after doctor diagnosed her with "a massive blood clot" which could lead into a heart attack, her publicist John Blanchette said as CNN reported.

"He was afraid she was in jeopardy of heart attack," Blanchette said about the doctor diagnosing Gabor. Furthermore, Gabor's husband, Prince Frederic von Anhalt, said on Friday evening that his wife's left leg was "swollen like hell" and she had an infection in her right leg. The Hungarian-born movie veteran was being treated in the emergency room at the medical center.

von Anhalt further revealed that Gabor had "no blood flow to her leg" with Blanchette adding that Gabor "was complaining about her leg swelling and hurting her" earlier that day. A doctor was later called to her Bel Air, California home, diagnosed her with a "massive blood clot" and took the star back to hospital.

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ELVIS’ WILL TO BE AUCTIONED

 

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A copy of Elvis Presley’s will, which was discovered in a trash can, is expected to fetch up to $1,500 when it goes under the hammer this weekend.

A law firm employee kept the document after finding it in an office garbage bin during a clear-out in 1987, a decade after the "Jailhouse Rock" hit maker died.

The paperwork will be auctioned off alongside a lock of Presley's hair and a scarf once worn by the singer at the Henry Aldridge & Son sale in Wiltshire, England on Saturday, November 13.

DAYDREAMING CAUSES UNHAPPINESS

 

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Data collected from an iPhone app called TrackYourHappiness shows that people spend about 47% of their time daydreaming.

Researchers conclude that mind-wandering is the cause of unhappiness. The participants were happiest when exercising, making love or engaging in conversation.

The two authors both psychologists at Harvard University — said, “The ability to think about what is not happening is cognitive achievement that comes at an emotional cost.”

THE MARVELLOUS LAND OF OZ - OZMA

 

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The Marvelous Land Of Oz

Chapter 24/ Princess Ozma Of Oz/ last few paragraphs…

Now that the truth about Princes Ozma had been discovered, Mombi did not care what became of Tip; but she feared Glinda’s anger, and the boy generously promised to provide for Mombi in her old age if he became the ruler of the Emerald City. So the Witch consented to effect the transformation, and preparations for the event were at once made.

Glinda ordered her own royal couch to be placed in the center of the tent. It was piled high with cushions covered with rose-colored silk, and from a golden railing above hung many folds of pink gossamer, completely concealing the interior of the couch.

The first act of the Witch was to make the boy drink a potion which quickly sent him into a deep and dreamless sleep. Then the Tin Woodman and the Woggle-Bug bore him gently to the couch, placed him upon the soft cushions, and drew the gossamer hangings to shut him from all earthly view.

The Witch squatted upon the ground and kindled a tiny fire of dried herbs, which she drew from her bosom. When the blaze shot up and burned clearly old Mombi scattered a handful of magical powder over the fire, which straightway gave off a rich violet vapor, filling all the tent with its fragrance and forcing the Saw-Horse to sneeze — although he had been warned to keep quiet.

Then, while the others watched her curiously, the hag chanted a rhythmical verse in words which no one understood, and bent her lean body seven times back and forth over the fire. And now the incantation seemed complete, for the Witch stood upright and cried the one word “Yeowa!” in a loud voice.

The vapor floated away; the atmosphere became, clear again; a whiff of fresh air filled the tent, and the pink curtains of the couch trembled slightly, as if stirred from within.

Glinda walked to the canopy and parted the silken hangings. Then she bent over the cushions, reached out her hand, and from the couch arose the form of a young girl, fresh and beautiful as a May morning. Her eyes sparkled as two diamonds, and her lips were tinted like a tourmaline. All adown her back floated tresses of ruddy gold, with a slender jeweled circlet confining them at the brow. Her robes of silken gauze floated around her like a cloud, and dainty satin slippers shod her feet.

At this exquisite vision Tip’s old comrades stared in wonder for the space of a full minute, and then every head bent low in honest admiration of the lovely Princess Ozma. The girl herself cast one look into Glinda’s bright face, which glowed with pleasure and satisfaction, and then turned upon the others. Speaking the words with sweet diffidence, she said:

“I hope none of you will care less for me than you did before. I’m just the same Tip, you know; only — only — “

“Only you’re different!” said the Pumpkinhead; and everyone thought it was the wisest speech he had ever made.

 

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At the age of three months, Ozma, the daughter of the former King Pastoria of Oz, was given to the witch Mombi by the Wizard of Oz, as he worried that Ozma would someday challenge his illegitimate rule as Oz’s de facto dictator. Mombi then transformed Ozma into a boy and called him “Tip” (short for Tippetarius). Ozma, in the form of Tip, lived as a boy for the next thirteen years, and had no memory of ever having been a girl. As Tip, Ozma created Jack Pumpkinhead. In The Marvelous Land of Oz, Glinda the good witch forced Mombi to transform the boy Tip back into Ozma, and she was installed as Oz’s ruler (although many realms within Oz were and remain unaware of her authority). Baum was not inclined to worry about things like continuity between his books, however, and so Ozma changed frequently. In her initial appearance, she was described as a cherubic little girl with red-gold hair; however, all subsequent illustrations of the Princess show her as dark-haired, though this is never noted in the text. According to Ozma of Oz, she appears to be the same height and age as Dorothy Gale

Some fans also hold to the view that Ozma may not be interested in males at all, based on hints given in the novels of a very close relationship between Ozma and Dorothy (not to mention Ozma having once been a boy). For example, chapter 17 of Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz contains the following: “Just then the girlish Ruler of Oz opened the door and greeted Dorothy with a good-morning kiss. The little Princess seemed fresh and rosy and in good spirits.” This, however, could be a late invocation of romantic friendship. The books of March Laumer suggest otherwise, though not in much more explicit terms. Many feel that Dorothy’s appointment as “Princess of Oz and Ozma’s companion” is tantamount to a marriage between the two girls. Baum often had many liberal views including an all women army overthrowing men in the second book.

Read OZMA OF OZ HERE

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KATHARINE HEPBURN - 1932

 

KATHARINE

Katharine Hepburn as Amazon warrior princess Antiope in stage production of The Warrior’s Husband (1932)

“We opened cold at the Morosco Theatre in New York. I had an entrance down a narrow stairway. It was about 20 steps and steep. I had a stag over my shoulder. A tight tunic made of metal links. Beautiful silver leather shin guards showing the leg to a good advantage, and a silver shield and a high silver helmet, and a cape. A great costume. And I was very surefooted. So the fact that the stairs were only about three and a half feet wide with a high narrow step and had no railings did not bother me.

And anyway, I did not mind risking my life for fame.

I leapt down the stairs, three or more steps at a time…rounded the corner…one jump for the last four steps…threw the stag on the ground and landed on one knee. The audience, of course, burst into applause. They could hardly do anything else. I had all but asked for it. But I was unaware. I was just full of the joy of life and opportunity and a wild desire to be absolutely fascinating. At that point in my progress, I was sailing through the air anyway – down a stair – up a stair – no guardrails. Hell, no stair whatsoever…no matter – life – joy – youth. “

-Katharine Hepburn, in her autobiography Me

Katharine Hepburn as Amazon warrior princess Antiope  Colin Keith-Johnston as Theseus in stage production of The Warriors Husband 1932)

Katharine Hepburn as Amazon warrior princess Antiope & Colin Keith-Johnston as Theseus in stage production of The Warrior’s Husband

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS 8

 

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Bleeding Heart


These whimsical, almost fairy-like blossoms are a traditional favourite in shady gardens. The flowers are either red, pink or white and appear in April-June.

OPRAH WINFREY IS THE HIGHEST-EARNING WOMAN IN HOLLYWOOD

 

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Forbes Magazine has named Oprah Winfrey the highest earning woman in Hollywood with $315 million raked in from June 2009 to June 2010.

Beyonce Knowles came in at #2 with $85 million. Britney Spears came in at #3 with $64 million, while pop star Lady Gaga came in at #4 with $62 million. Madonna rounded out the top five with $58 million.

TRIVIA BITS ... HOOVER DAM

 

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Hoover Dam is 726 feet tall and 660 feet thick at its base. Enough rock was excavated in its construction to build the Great Wall of China. Contrary to old wives' tales, no workers were buried in the dam's concrete.

QUOTABLES … ANONYMOUS

 

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“WINNIE THE POOH” IN 2011

 

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Disney's famous character Winnie the Pooh is set to entertain kids in theaters next summer and first photos from the movie "Winnie the Pooh" have been made available for viewing pleasure. It gives a look at Pooh and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga, Roo and Eeyore. Additionally, Christopher Robin is featured in one image though he is captured from his back side.

The first big-screen Pooh adventure from Disney animation in more than 35 years, "Winnie the Pooh" will take fans back to the Hundred Acre Wood. According to the synopsis, Owl sends the whole gang on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply sets out to find some hunny.

Winnie the Pooh” is scheduled to be released in Australia on 22 September 2011.

WINNIE THE POOH

QUOTABLES … ANONYMOUS

 

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Friday, November 12, 2010

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IN NEW YORK

 

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Zarkana, the newest acrobatic spectacle from Cirque du Soleil, will begin performances at Radio City Music Hall on June 9, 2011. The show, created especially for the iconic theatre, is being written by film and theatre director François Girard (The Red Violin, Silk), who will also direct. The limited engagement is scheduled to run through September 4.

Zarkana (a fusion of the words “bizarre” and “arcana”) is a fantastically bizarre world in which audiences follow the adventures of Zark, a magician who has lost his love and, with her, his powers. As he cries and begs for her return he is plunged into a world inhabited by surreal creatures.

Before Zarkana arrives in New York, Cirque du Soleil's winter-themed family spectacle, Wintuk, will return for a fourth and final season at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden. The production begins November 17 and will play through January 2, 2011.

QUEEN SIGN NEW RECORD DEAL


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Queen have signed a new record contract with Universal Music Group after nearly 40 years on the EMI label.

BBC News reports that the deal will allow for all of Queen's back catalogue to be digitally re-mastered.

The band's first five albums are to be re-released in March to commemorate their four-decade-long career.

Guitarist Brian May expressed pleasure about the band's new home at Universal by saying: "We are very excited, after all this time, to be embarking on a new phase of our career."

Queen join Paul McCartney, Radiohead, and The Rolling Stones as high profile acts who have left EMI since it was purchased by private equity group Terra Firm three years ago.

SUPERSTITIONS … MISTLETOE

 

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Mistletoe in the house protects it from thunder and lightning. It also cures many diseases, is an antidote to poison and brings good luck and fertility.

A girl standing under a mistletoe cannot refuse to be kissed by anyone who claims the privilege.

2011 TONY AWARDS NEW HOME

 

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The 2011 Tony Awards will take place on June 12, 2011, at the Beacon Theatre. The annual awards show was forced to depart Radio City Music Hall, where the event has taken place for the last 13 years, due to the previously scheduled engagement of Cirque du Soleil's Zarkana. The event will air live on CBS.

The Beacon Theatre has a seating capacity of 2,894 compared to Radio City's 5,933 seats. The venue, which is not a Broadway theatre, mostly plays host to concerts and recently housed the short-lived Cirque du Soleil show Banana Shpeel. The Beacon is located north of the Theatre District at Broadway and 74th Street.

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS 7

 

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Black Eyed Susan


The black eyed susan, a cheerful wildflower, is a perennial that serves as a beautiful back drop in any garden. The contrast of the bright gold yellow petals and dark middle makes it any easy one to spot and recognize. This official drink of the Preakness stakes horse race is named after this flower, consisting of 2 parts Bourbon whiskey, 1 part citrus vodka, 3 parts sweet & sour mix, one part orange juice and garnished with orange and a cocktail cherry.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA GETS AWARD

 

Francis Ford Coppola

Francis Ford Coppola held off returning a phone call from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences when officials contacted him about an upcoming honour - because he feared the message would be bad news. The "Godfather" director will be feted at the organization's second annual Governors Awards on Sunday, November 14 when he collects the coveted Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for his work as a producer.

But Coppola admits he was keen to delay calling the Academy back because he is overcome with nerves whenever friends in the industry reach out to him unexpectedly. He says, "Well, I am always nervous when I get a phone call from folks where I am living. (It's a) 'Why are they calling me?' kind of thing and 'Who's sick?' or 'Who's passed away?' But it was happy news."

“DAMN THE TORPEDOES” RE-ISSUED


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Tom Petty’sDamn The Torpedoes” is returning in deluxe form. Geffen is reissuing the 1979 album with bonus material for collectors.

Damn The Torpedoes Deluxe Edition” will feature seven previously-unreleased recordings, including the studio tracks “Nowhere” and “Surrender.” 

According to a product description, masters for these two songs — written by Petty — were lost during the original project’s production. They were reportedly in a tape box that was frequently moved so that the songs couldn’t be named as assets in a lawsuit filed against Petty at that time. Among the tracks on the original “Damn The Torpedoes” are the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ signature hits “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” and “Don’t Do Me Like That.”


GLEE WITH DARREN CRISS

 

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Glee newcomer Darren Criss is in talks to join the show full time as a series regular, according to Deadline.com. Criss made his first appearance on the show's November 9 episode as Blaine, a member of a rival high school singing group who is openly gay and befriends Kurt (Chris Colfer).

Criss' status as series regular most likely will not begin until the show's already planned third season.

Criss' other TV credits include Eastwick and Cold Case. He was also featured in the hit YouTube Harry Potter musical performed by students from the University of Michigan. Criss has become an instant fan favourite on the show thanks to his rendition of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream."

TEXTING AT NIGHT MAKES TEENS MORE MOODY

 

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Teenagers and children who send electronic messages after they have been sent to bed may have poorer quality sleep and become moody. Those who were unable to put their phones or laptops to one side were also more likely to be anxious and depressed or suffer learning difficulties.

The researchers said that unlike watching TV, which is a largely passive activity, sending emails and texts involves more interaction so it keeps the brain busy at a time when it should be shutting down.

Those surveyed sent an average of 33.5 text messages or emails a night to an average of 3.7 people, adding up to 3,404 text messages per person per month. The messages were sent from between ten minutes and four hours after bedtime.

AGUILERA STAR ON HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME


Christine Aguilera 

Christine Aguilera has something else to smile about following her split from husband Jordan Bratman - she is to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The singer will unveil the 2,423rd star outside Hollywood Boulevard's new Hard Rock Cafe on Monday, November 15.

The big ceremony comes 10 days before the release of her first feature film "Burlesque", in which she stars alongside Cher.

TRIVIA BITS ... ORCHID SEEDS

 

orchid Seed Capsula orchid  Seed Powder

 

Orchids have the smallest seeds. It takes more than 1.25 million seeds to weigh 1 gram.

‘ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS” TO BE REVIVED


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Joanna Lumley is teaming up with her comedy partner Jennifer Saunders to revive their hit British comedy "Absolutely Fabulous". The actress is in talks with creator Saunders, who overcame breast cancer earlier this year, to bring back their boozy, chain-smoking fashionistas for a TV comeback. 

Lumley tells Playbill magazine, "Jen wrote to me and said, 'Let's talk through it. What do you think?' And I said, 'Bring it on.' Because we're all still here. Mother's still alive - the wonderful June Whitfield. Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks - the basic five Js - all our names began with J. We're all still alive and available - ish - to do it, and I think we just have to do it."

“HAZEL” HEADS TO BROADWAY


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One of the most beloved and enduring characters in the history of American popular culture is aiming to finally make her way to the Broadway stage. Hazel - the saucy maid whose wry attitude, infallible wisdom and heart of gold has captured the hearts of millions for more than 60 years - will be in the spotlight again in an exciting new Broadway musical with music by composer Ron Abel and lyrics by Chuck Steffan who acquired the rights to Hazel from the estate of creator Ted Key and are hoping to bring the show to Broadway in 2011.

Lissa Levin, the Edward Kleban Award-winning playwright and Emmy-nominated producer has been chosen to write the Broadway script for Hazel. 

Abel and Steffan are currently in discussions with an incredibly talented actress who recently starred on Broadway to play the role of Hazel. "And several other major actresses have knocked on our door this week alone to inquire about this major role," commented Steffan. "We are excited about the possibilities."

Hazel first entered American hearts as a cartoon panel that appeared in the Saturday Evening Post in 1943 and delighted readers from every walk of life for more than a quarter of a century until the magazine's demise in 1969. By then, Hazel had become a television star, memorably brought to life by actress Shirley Booth's indelible performance as the wise and wisecracking housekeeper that keeps life moving along in the Baxter household. Hazel is an iconic character that speaks to all of us in ways that make us smile in recognition, and will touch contemporary audiences with her timeless attitude and sense of humour. 

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"We're thrilled to see Hazel finally coming to Broadway, it's something my father always dreamed of," said Peter Key, son of Hazel's creator Ted Key and representative of the artist's estate. "Hazel has an inner humanity that projected well in both cartoons and on TV, and Dad always thought her character would project very well in theatre." The only medium he was never able to bring his work to during his lifetime was the live stage, and this lets both him and his most popular creation finally assume their rightful place on Broadway."

QUOTABLES … ANONYMOUS

 

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Thursday, November 11, 2010

OPRAH WINFREY MAKES HISTORY

 

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 Winfrey Oprah Winfrey made TV history on Wednesday, November 10 when she invited America's talk show kings and queens on her show. It was the first time Montell Williams, Phil Donahue, Sally Jessy Raphael, Ricki Lake and Geraldo Rivera had ever appeared together in a TV studio.

Winfrey introduced the get together by stating, "We have never all been in one room together, so this is a first... About 110 people have had their own daytime talk show; most did not last very long, and only a few became household names."

MAGIKNYA

Just for fun … what creativity!

 

RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR


RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and with the Christmas season comes the return of the Rockettes. The talented dance crew welcomed audiences to the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular on November 9 to kick off another year of Christmas cheer. 

Before the show, the ladies were joined by several children who received tickets thanks to the Make a Wish foundation. 

Several stars were also on hand, including Mario Cantone and Jim Gaffigan, but the biggest star of the night was of course...Santa Claus!

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WILSON RE-IMAGINES GERSHWIN


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Beach Boys songwriter Brian Wilson has announced a series of live concerts in 2011 to promote his Brian Wilson Re-imagines Gershwin album.

Wilson will play the 14-track LP in its entirety at the shows and will also perform songs from the Beach Boys' back catalogue.

Talking about the Gershwin album, Wilson said: "I remember hearing 'Rhapsody in Blue' and I was probably 4 or 5 years old and I was blown away… I just couldn't believe how beautiful it was.

"Along with Irving Berlin, Gershwin basically invented the popular song, but he did something more. He had a gift for melody that nobody has ever equalled, yet his music is timeless and always accessible. This is the most spiritual project I've ever worked on."

Tickets for the London dates are available now. Tickets for the other shows go on sale  Friday, November 12 at 9am.

The full 2011 live dates are as follows:
  • September 13 - Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
  • September 14 - Symphony Hall, Birmingham
  • September 16 - Royal Festival Hall, London
  • September 17 - Royal Festival Hall, London
  • September 18 - Royal Festival Hall, London
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RADCLIFFE UNLIKELY TO REPRISE POTTER

 

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Daniel Radcliffe has admitted that he is unlikely to reprise the role of Harry Potter in the future.

JK Rowling recently confessed to feeling low after she finished writing the series of novels, and insisted that she "could definitely write an eighth, ninth [and] tenth" book.

However, Radcliffe revealed that the author's admission surprised him, telling Sky News: "Oh God, she promised me categorically that there wouldn't be another book involving Harry."

The actor went on to say that he is "very doubtful" as to whether he would want to be involved if a future Potter film should arise.

"I think ten years is a long time to spend with one character," he added.

VINTAGE PLAYERS CIGARETTE CARDS

 

Card collectors across the world collect a variety of varying themed cigarette cards.

Here are a few vintage Players Cigarettes cards for your information.

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HONARY FOREST RANGER BETTY WHITE

 

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Beloved TV veteran Betty White has an odd new accolade to add to her list of achievements - she's been made an honorary forest ranger by U.S. officials. The former "Golden Girls" star, 88, wanted to enter the profession as a young girl but her hopes were dashed when she learned women were then banned from the job.

However, she can now live out her childhood dreams after bosses at the U.S. Forest Service bestowed her with the special honour on Tuesday, November 9. The Forest Service's work force is now made up of 38 per cent women.

CHANNING TATUM FOR 21 JUMP STREET

 

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Channing Tatum is being eyed for the lead role in the Sony Pictures remake of 21 Jump Street, says Deadline.

Tatum will shortly enter negotiations to join Jonah Hill in the cast. The pair are to play youthful police officers who go undercover at a high school.

Emma Stone has previously been rumoured for the project.

Hill and Michael Bacall penned the Jump Street script, which filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller are attached to direct.

21 Jump Street, created by Stephen J. Cannell, ran for five seasons on Fox from 1987 and helped launch the career of Johnny Depp

UNIQUE JEWELLERY

 

Mae West said:

I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself.

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