Saturday, February 5, 2011

JUST FOR FUN

 

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UNSEEN PORTRAIT OF WILLIAM AND HARRRY

 

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A never-before-seen photograph of Princes William and Harry will show the brothers in a whole new light when it goes on display for the first time.

The intimate black-and-white picture captures the princes, dressed in jeans, chinos and shirts, as close as ever.

Taken in December 2006 by photographer Fergus Greer, the picture was commissioned for use around the time of the Concert for Diana - a 2007 musical tribute to commemorate the life of the princes' mother - but was never released.

QUEEN VICTORIA AND THE STALKER

 

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Breaking into a famous person’s home and stealing their unmentionables takes real ingenuity – especially when you break into the same home three times, and that home is Buckingham Palace. Meet the first celebrity stalker in history, “the Boy Jones,” who was just really curious about the insides of palaces.

A new book by Jan Bondeson, Queen Victoria and the Stalker, recounts the curious tale of Boy Jones, who “had a remarkable ability to get into the palace. They just couldn’t keep him out. He sat on the throne, he looked at books in the royal library and went inside Queen Victoria’s private apartments - once he even stole her underwear,” Bondeson told the Guardian.

It was never entirely clear what BJ’s motivations were – he told a jury he’d “always wished to see the palace” – but after his third break-in and a secret trial, he was shipped off to Australia, land of criminals, where he eventually took to drink and died.

VINTAGE

 

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TRIVIA BITS … OLYMPIC GAMES

 

The modern Olympic retained a direct link to the ancient Olympics through the manner of its opening. The flame that burns throughout the Games is first lit at Olympia – the traditional home of the ancient Olympics. The flame is then carried by torch to the site of the modern Olympic Games.

NCIS FOR A NINTH SEASON

 

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CBS isn’t about to let a good thing go as far as NCIS is concerned.

CBS has renewed its Tuesday-night juggernaut for a ninth season after successfully negotiating a new two-year contract with leading man Mark Harmon, whose deal was set to expire in May.

Coincidentally (or maybe not), the Season 9 pickup comes the same day NCIS posted another all-time ratings high, delivering 22.85 million total viewers.

DREAMING OF …. BEDS

 

To dream of a clean, white bed denotes the end of worries.

If a woman dreams of making a bed, there will soon be a new lover in her life.

IS COLLEGE REALLY WORTH IT?

 

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A study by two university professors says 45 percent of students showed no significant gains in critical thinking, reasoning, or writing on a standardized test after the first two years of college.

Even more daunting, 36 percent did not improve after four years. Students in majors including communications and education performed worse, as did those who studied with peers - rather than alone - and took part in Greek life.

The study’s authors largely blame a lack of rigor at colleges and universities.

Half the students took no classes in spring of their sophomore year that required at least 20 pages of writing, and about a third had no classes that required at least 40 pages of reading a week. More than a third reported studying five or fewer hours a week out of class, while still achieving a grade point average of more than 3.0.

COOL IMAGES

 

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LANGUAGE TRIVIA ... “HOLY TOLEDO”

 

The expletive, "Holy Toledo," refers to Toledo, Spain, which became an outstanding Christian cultural centre in 1085.

SUPER BOWL SNACKS

 

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If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, you better have some wings. Chicken wings are leading the list of snacks for the big game in a FoodNetwork.com poll. Eleven-percent say they’ll wow their crowd with their selection of dips. Other popular options nachos, chili, and sliders. 69-percent of Americans plan to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, with 14-percent saying they’ll be hosting a Super Bowl party.

Who’s your pick for Super Bowl 45? If your placing bets might want to consider the Packers, as the majority of those taking part in a series of ESPN.com “SportsNation” polls are giving the edge to Green Bay. Nearly 60-percent think Aaron Rodgers will lead his team to victory, while 42-percent think the Pittsburgh Steelers will win.

EXPENSIVE FOUNTAIN PENS

 

La Modernista Diamonds – Caran d’Ache

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Price: $265,000

La Modernista Diamonds was made by the Swiss company Caran d’Ache in 1999 in homage to Antonio Gaudi (1852-1926), the most famous of Modernist architects. This amazing fountain pen was sold in Harrods, London, for $265,000, becoming the most expensive pen in GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS in 2001. La Modernista Diamonds is made of rhodium-coated solid silver components. It boasts of an 18-carat rhodium-coated gold nib and is set with a total of 5,072 Wessel ton diamonds weighing in at 20-carats, as well as and 96 rubies totalling 32-carats. The pen was hand-made by master jeweller Robert Perron and it took him six months to complete this true masterpiece of writing instruments.

SUPERSTITIONS … MANDRAKE

 

Mandrake is a mysterious plant believed to have powers of preventing sterility in men and animals, causing barren women to bear children, and compelling love.

Mandrake is thought to have aphrodisiac and fertilizing properties.

Clairvoyants use mandrake to increase their visions to enable them to see strange and wonderful things.

MARIA SCHNEIDER PASSES

 

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Maria Schneider, the French actress who was Marlon Brando's young co-star in the steamy 1972 film Last Tango in Paris, has died, her talent agency said. She was 58.

A representative of the Act 1 agency said Schneider died in Paris on Thursday "following a long illness," but declined to provide details.

Schneider was 19 when she starred opposite Marlon Brando in Bernardo Bertolucci's racy Last Tango in Paris. In it, she played a young Parisian woman who takes up with a middle-aged American businessman, played by Brando.

Throughout her career, Schneider appeared in more than two dozen films, most of them French. The last movie she appeared in, The Key, by director Guillaume Nicloux, came out in 2007.

The Act 1 representative said she was not aware of funeral plans. She asked not to be named in accordance with her agency's policy.

NEW VIEWS ON “MONA LISA”

 

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Leonardo da Vinci modelled the “Mona Lisa” on the face of his young male apprentice and lover, an Italian art historian has claimed.

Most scholars believe Leonardo’s most famous portrait depicts Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a wealthy Florentine silk merchant. But Silvano Vinceti, the head of a team of researchers, believes instead that the painting was inspired by Gian Giacomo Caprotti, who began working with the Renaissance master as a child and became one of his most trusted companions.

He said several of Leonardo’s works, including two paintings of St John the Baptist and a lesser-known drawing called “Angel Incarnate,” were based on Caprotti.

All of them portray a slim, rather effeminate youth with curly hair.

There were striking similarities between those works and that of the Mona Lisa, particularly in the depiction of mouths and noses, said Mr Vinceti, the head of the National Committee for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.

“Salai was a favourite model for Leonardo,” he said. “Leonardo certainly inserted characteristics of Salai in the ... Mona Lisa.”

Caprotti is thought to have entered Leonardo’s household around 1490, when he was about 10 years old.

Working as Leonardo’s assistant for the next 20 years, he acquired the nickname Salai, or Little Devil. He was the subject of several erotic drawings produced by the Renaissance genius.

“Salai was very handsome and probably Leonardo’s lover,” said Mr Vinceti. “He stole from Leonardo and caused him many problems, but the artist always forgave him.”

Other art historians were sceptical about the theory, however.

Pietro Marani, a Leonardo authority and the author of several books on the artist, called the theory “groundless.” Previous scholars have claimed that Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa as a disguised self-portrait, or based the work, with its famously enigmatic smile, on his mother.

QUOTABLES

 

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Friday, February 4, 2011

JUST FOR FUN

 

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MANGLED MAXIMS

 

Here are a few over heard from the mouth’s of innocent children:

• If you can't stand the heat, get out of the oven.
• A bird in the hand is . . . messy.
• Don't count your chickens; eat them.
• You can't teach an old dog new math.
• When in Rome, do your math in Roman numerals.
• A fool and his money are my best friends.
• A penny saved is one cent.
• Look before you run into a pole.
• A watched pot never disappears.
• A rolling stone makes you flat.
• Every cloud has a wet spot.

SUPERSTITIONS … BIRDS

 

A bird in the house is a sign of a death.

If a robin flies into a room through a window, death will shortly follow.

COOL IMAGES

 

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STREET ART

 

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HIGHEST EARNING FILM MAKER OF 2010

 

JAMES CAMERON

Director James Cameron has topped a list of Hollywood's top movie earners of 2010 after taking home a staggering $257 million last year. The "Avatar" director earned the estimated figure for writing, producing and directing the 3-D blockbuster, according to a Vanity Fair survey of the top 40 Hollywood earners.

The 56-year-old director beat actor Johnny Depp, who followed with earnings of $100 million. Steven Spielberg was third with $80 million. Director Christopher Nolan and his "Inception" star Leonardo DiCaprio round out the top five.

LANGUAGE TRIVIA ... WORDS WITH DOUBLE LIVES 2

 

A number of place names throughout the word also have another existence.

Harrow – to break up and level soil

Holland - a cotton fabric

Japan – to coat with glossy black lacquer

Jersey – a knitted jumper

Kent – knew

Lima – a bean

EXPENSIVE FOUNTAIN PENS

 

Omas Phoenix Platinum – Fountain Pen Luxury Limited Edition with Diamonds

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Price: $60,000

With overwhelming price tag of $60,000, this truncated cone shaped pen is a true embodiment of fact and fancy. Made with 950 platinum and yellow Enamel, with considerable length and diameter, 18K gold rhodiated engraving nib.

VINTAGE

 

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DREAMING OF … TEA

 

To dream that you are thirsty for tea means that you will be surprised with uninvited guests.

MUSIC NEWS … JOHN BARRY

 

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This week saw the passing of one prolific and substantial film score composers – John Barry.

His music is iconic and will be  a benchmark in the annals of Hollywood scores.

The Ultimate Celebration of the Music of John Barry

"There are few composers in the history of film music of whom it may be said that they have defined a genre of their own. John Barry is one of the few and this Silva Screen collection pays tribute to the Master of the Genre.” - David Arnold, composer of Independence Day and The World Is Not Enough

  • Label: Silva America
  • ASIN: B00005BADD

  • Tracks on this Album

    Zulu - Main Theme / First Zulu Appearance And Assault - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    From Russia With Love - Main Title - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    From Russia With Love - 007 - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Goldfinger - Main Theme - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Ipcress File - A Man Alone - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Knack - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Mr. Moses – Main Title / Moses in the River / An Elephant called Emily / The Dam / "What Would I Do For laughs" - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Thunderball - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Wrong Box - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Born Free - Main Theme / Lions At Play - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Quiller Memorandum - Wednesday's Child - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    You Only Live Twice - Main Theme / Capsule In Space - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Girl With The Sun In Her Hair - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Deadfall - Romance For Guitar And Orchestra - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Lion In Winter - Suite (With Chorus) - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra & Crouch End Festival Chorus

    On Her Majesty's Secret Service - We Have All The Time In The World - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    On Her Majesty's Secret Service - Escape From Piz Gloria / The Ski Chase - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Midnight Cowboy - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Midnight Cowboy - Florida Fantasy - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Appointment - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Last Valley – Main Title / Death of the Captain / End Title - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Walkabout - Back To Nature - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Monte Walsh – Suite (The Good Times are Comin' / Stocking Feet / Mustangs / Sit Him High / Death of Martine) - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Diamonds Are Forever - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Persuaders - Mark Ayres

    Mary, Queen Of Scots - Vivre Et Mourir - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Man With The Golden Gun - Slow Boat From China / Nick Nack / The Man With The Golden Gun - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Dove – Suite (Main Theme / Hitchhike to Darwin / Sail the Summer Winds) - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Tamarind Seed - Play It Again - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    King Kong Prelude and Love Theme - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Eleanor And Franklin - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Robin and Marian - Dawn: Morning In The Forest / This Way / John Bursts In / The End - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Deep - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Hanover Street - Main Theme - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Black Hole - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Moonraker - Miss Goodhead Meets Bond / Bond Lured To The Pyramids - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Somewhere in Time - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Raise The Titanic – Suite (To Cornwall / Dog Attack / The Titanic Uncovered / Russian Threat / End Titles) - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Body Heat - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Frances - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Octopussy – The Palace Fight - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Cotton Club - The Depression Hits / Best Beats the Sandman / The Cotton Club - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    High Road To China – Suite (Waziri Village Attack and Escape / Love Theme and End Title) - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    A View To A Kill - Wine With Stacey / Fanfare / Snow Job - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Out of Africa - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Living Daylights - Koskov Escapes / Hercules Take Off - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Dances With Wolves - The John Dunbar Theme - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Dances With Wolves - The Buffalo Hunt - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Chaplin - Main Theme - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Moviola - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Indecent Proposal - Main Theme - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Specialist - Main Title / Bogota 1984 / "Did you call me?" - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Scarlet Letter - Love Theme - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Cry The Beloved Country - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Mercury Rising - The Story Ends - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    Dr. No - The James Bond Theme (Symphonic) - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

    TRIVIA BITS ...DINOSAURS

     

    The term ‘dinosaur’ was first used by the English anatomist Professor Richard Owen in 1841 at a meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. It comes from two Greek words: ’deinos’ meaning ’terrible’ and ‘sauros’ meaning ‘lizard’.

    DELICIOUS FRUIT

     

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    FARRAH’S ICONIC SWIMSUIT ON DISPLAY

     

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    An iconic red swimsuit which helped make Farrah Fawcett an international pin-up is set to be displayed in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. A 1976 poster showing the late "Charlie's Angel" star wearing the revealing suit went on to sell 12 million copies worldwide and propelled the blonde to superstar status.

    Now Fawcett's longtime partner Ryan O'Neal has donated the item and other personal belongings to the Smithsonian to create an exhibit in the museum's popular culture history collection. The items went  on display on Wednesday, February 2.

    DECORATED CAKES

     

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    QUOTABLES

     

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    Thursday, February 3, 2011

    JUST FOR FUN

     

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    SUPERSTITIONS … CRACKS

     

    Don't step on a crack on a sidewalk or walkway.

    Step on a crack
    Break your mother's back.

    MOVIE TRIVIA … LAST CINEMA RELEASES

     

    Henry Fonda  1981  On Golden Pond

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    Synopsis:
    Henry Fonda won his first--and long overdue--Oscar for his role as the curmudgeonly patriarch of the Thayer family. He and his wife have grudgingly agreed to look after a young boy while at their summer home in Maine. Through his gradually affectionate relationship with the boy, Fonda learns to allay his fears of mortality. He also gains an understanding of his semi-estranged daughter. Jane Fonda plays his daughter and Hepburn is his loving wife in this often funny adaptation of Ernest Thompson's 1978 play. Predictable but deeply moving. Henry Fonda's final screen appearance.

    Clark Gable   1961  The Misfits

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    Synopsis:
    A cynical floozy befriends grim cowboys in this downbeat drama. Compelling performances from leads Clift, Monroe (screenwriter Miller's wife), and Gable. Last film for the latter two performers, and nearly the end for Clift.

     

    Greta Garbo  1941 Two-faced Woman

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    Synopsis:

    Two-Faced Woman  is a romantic comedy made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring Greta Garbo, in her final film role, and Melvyn Douglas, with Constance Bennett, Roland Young and Ruth Gordon. The movie is about a fashion magazine editor who marries a ski instructor and what befalls the couple when they settle in New York City.It was directed by George Cukor and produced by Gottfried Reinhardt.

    LANGUAGE TRIVIA ... “SECOND STRING”

     

    "Second string," meaning "replacement or backup," comes from the middle ages. An archer always carried a second string in case the one on his bow broke.

    JANE LYNCH TO RELEASE MEMOIRS

     

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    Jane Lynch has announced plans to release her memoirs later this year.

    The Los Angeles Times reports that the Glee actress will publish Happy Accidents via Hyperion's smaller publishing imprint Voice in September.

    The book will include recollections about coming to terms with her sexuality, kicking an alcohol addiction, and her time performing improv with Second City, as well as anecdotes about her past film and TV projects.

    DREAMING OF … YARN

     

    To dream of yarn shows you will soon become the wife of a wealthy man.

    COOL IMAGES

     

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    MORE IMAGES OF WINTER

     

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    REMINISCING … PETER SELLERS

     

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    Peter Sellers, CBE, commonly known as Peter Sellers,- a British comedian and actor best known for his roles in Dr. Strangelove, as Chief Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther film series, as Clare Quilty in the original 1962 screen version of Lolita, and as the guileless man-child Chance in his penultimate film, Being There.

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    Sellers rose to fame on the BBC Radio comedy series The Goon Show. His ability to speak in different accents (e.g., French, Indian, American, German), along with his talent to portray a range of characters to comedic effect, contributed to his success as a radio personality and screen actor and earned him national and international nominations and awards.

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    Sellers's film success arrived with British comedies, including The Ladykillers, I'm All Right Jack and The Mouse That Roared. He began receiving international attention for his portrayal of an Indian doctor in The Millionairess with Sophia Loren. The film inspired the George Martin-produced novelty hit single Goodness Gracious Me and its follow-up Bangers and Mash, both featuring Sellers and Loren.

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    TRIVIA BITS … THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

     

    The League of Nations involved 57 countries at its peak. It was created in an attempt to prevent another conflict as terrible as World War I. The United States never joined and other countries such as Germany, Japan, Italy, and the USSR were only temporarily members. Its credibility was destroyed by it s failure to prevent or adequately sanction the Japanese massacre at Shanghai in 1932 and Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935.

    COLOUR MY WORLD

     

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