Exhibition of Bangladeshi painters in South Korea

Cultural Correspondent / May 6, 2009

The Bangladesh Embassy in South Korea and Korean Foundation are jointly organising an exhibition of eleven Bangladeshi painters at the Korea Foundation Cultural Centre. The exhibition will display around 100 paintings by eleven renowned Bangladeshi artists. 

The participating painters are Mohammad Kibria, Rafiquan Nabi, Mahmudul Haque, Kalidas Karmakar, Abdus Shakoor Shah, Shahabuddin Ahmed, Monsurul Karim, Ranjit das, Mohammad Eunus, Rokeya Sultana and Kanak Chanpa Chakma. The exhibition aims to introduce the best of contemporary Bangladeshi art to the Korean enthusiasts. The exhibition will feature pure abstract, semi-realistic, semi-abstract and folk-themed paintings. All participating artists have had solo and group exhibitions in the country and abroad. 

This will be one of the biggest exhibitions of Bangladeshi art in Seoul. Korean painters and art connoisseurs have expressed keenness on Bangladeshi art and culture, indicated by their frequent participation in the Asian Biennale held in Dhaka. The exhibition will be inaugurated on May 8 and will continue till May 16.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

5-day Rabindra festival begins in city

Cultural correspondent / may 6, 2009

A five-day Rabindra festival organised by the Bangladesh Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha began on Tuesday at Shaukat Osman Memorial Auditorium of Central Public Library in Shahbagh.

Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, the vice-chancellor of Dhaka University inaugurated the festival as chief guest while musician Sudhin Das presided over the function.In his inaugural speech Arefin Siddique said, ‘We have to uphold the literature and philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore to the new generations especially for the children’.

Organiser demanded public holiday on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam and to name three major roads of the city after the names of Rabindranth, Lalon Shah and Hason Raza.The organisers paid tribute to Mohammad Shahjahan, who has been playing tabla for the last sixty years. They handed over Taka 20,000 and a crest to the instrumentalist.

‘I feel delighted and honoured because Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha has acknowledged me,’ Shajahan said while sharing his feelings with audience.

Organiser will arrange soirees of Tagore songs and recitations from his poems during the festival. About 175 singers and 15 troupes of Rabidra Sangeet singers from different parts of the country will take part in the festival.Everyday, the function will begin at 5:30pm. The programme on May 8 will begin at 9:00am and will resume at 5:30pm on the day.

There will also be an open discussion on May 6 and 7.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Space & Decor at Kaya

By Khamin / May 6, 2009

A dual art exhibition titled ‘Space & Decor’ by Bishwajit Paul and Raton Sarker is being held at Gallery Kaya in Uttara. The exhibition was inaugurated on May 1 and will remain open from 11:00am to 8:00pm till May 12.

Fifty-seven artworks including seven sculptures are being displayed at the gallery. Fifty artworks are made of terracotta, glazed ceramics and engraved wood and the sculptures are made of cement casting and wood.

The artwork titled ‘Dressing-2’, ‘Face & Masks’, ‘Love’, ‘Family’, ‘Oppression’, ‘Ador’, ‘Daughter-Wife-Mother’, ‘Savagery-2’ and ‘Resurrection’ are among fifty artworks of Bishwajit Paul. In his artworks Paul has tried to present the emotion of people and their different activities in society.

His terracotta artwork titled ‘Snake Charmers’ draws viewers’ attention. Two bede women are walking to market for displaying the snakes.The artist Bishwajit Paul has worked on terracotta and the sculptor Raton Sarker has worked for his seven sculptures in detail by the cement casting.

The sculptor Sarker has presented women and children in different modes which are made of cement casting. His sculptures include ‘On the way of light’, ‘Woman in nature’, and ‘Just after bath’.In his work titled ‘Replica-4’ three Children are playing in water. The sculptor has tried to describe a haven for the Children.

Both artists have completed their Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rajshahi University and have completed their Master of Fine Arts from India.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

An European treat to Dhaka audience

Mohiuddin Alamgir / May 6, 2009

A ten-day European film festival jointly organised by Alliance Française and Jahir Raihan Film Society begins today at the auditorium of Alliance Française in Dhanmondi.

The organisers will screen twenty films from 20 countries of Europe at the festival. The countries include France, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Italy.

Two films will be screened everyday at 5:00pm and 7:00pm till May 15.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Trying to make sense out of nonsense

Installation by two up and coming artists at Drik

Karim Waheed / May 6, 2009

Opening the door to the gallery on the second floor of Drik (in Dhanmondi), a gargantuan human form -- made of 5,000 shoe soles -- stretched across the whole floor baffles and awes one. Big labels with words "abstraction," "power," "policy," "decency," "ethics" etc make one stop and contemplate. Initial impact is bold.

Installation exhibitions in Bangladesh are still few and far between. Perhaps, because of that lack of exposure, art enthusiasts here are unhesitatingly keen on art installation. The ongoing exhibition featuring concepts and works by two up and coming artists -- Faiza Faria Ahmed and Golam Dastagir -- at Drik Gallery seems to have garnered positive attention and interest. 

Titled "Sense of Being Nonsense," the display includes installation, paintings (mixed-media) and live performance. 

Faiza, a printmaking graduate from Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), Dhaka University who is currently doing her masters on Development Studies, says that she believes art should be brought out of the snazzy, air conditioned galleries and incorporated into everyday life, in particular, aspects like generating awareness. But she also admits that she is not yet liberated from the unavoidable human trait, duality. Though she intends to get involved in social development through her art, as an artist she wants exposure too. Her concept and installation at the exhibition highlights her relentless efforts to break free from the buzzwords used in development studies. This is an endeavour to combine her fields of study. 

Outsized green bubbles -- made of newspaper and toilet paper -- hover over the human form (mentioned previously). "They represent elements of the soul," says Faiza. In her paintings, done on pieces of thrown-away cardboard boxes, she has used black and sand. Dastagir, the other participating artist, is also an FFA graduate. His concept and work employs everyday objects in an artistic layout, introducing life and beauty to previously uninspiring objects.

According to Dastagir, the inspiration for his artwork has been drawn from the local urban environment. Bottles with plastic funnels form rows on the floor. The ones with green funnels have organic objects in them, red funnels denote hazardous chemicals, while some bottles which no funnel are meant for the viewers to contribute to. An accompanying painting shows a human with an exhaust pipe attached as a breathing apparatus.The artist hopes that presenting mundane, familiar objects in this way would promote discussions on a range of issues and how art coincides with the society. The installation challenges the viewer to analyse how we treat our environment and re-consider our concept of “waste.”

Harvest Rich has partially sponsored the exhibition and Jaago Foundation (through Adcom) has provided assistance. The exhibition ends today.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Live concert in Dhaka

Mridul Mamun / May 06, 2009

A concert featuring 'nagar baul' James; acclaimed Pakistani Sufi band Junoon and Indian artiste Kailash Kher will be held on May 7 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, says a press release.

This is the first time in Dhaka that the acclaimed trio will join hands and perform at a live show.

Source: Momentam (Press Release)

Raaga and Saaz in New York

Mahfuzur Rahman / New York, May 4, 2009

It was a warm spring Saturday morning, on April 25, 2009, in New York. And the auditorium of Public School 69 in Jackson Heights was coming to life with the first notes of raaga Bilashkhani Todi. There was an air of anticipation, perhaps tinged with a certain amount of apprehension, among the audience.

This was to be a five-hour non-stop rendition of North Indian classical music, and the singer had a nagging medical problem with his voice. The singer was, however, as confident as ever, and soon his voice soared through the hall at full-throated ease.

The singer was Dada Tapan Kanti Baidya, one of the foremost exponents of North Indian classical music in North America. The time was 11:08am when he began with a one-hour and forty minute rendition of Bilashkhani Todi, a morning raaga, belonging to Bhairabi thhat. An enchanting “alaap” and “jod” that lasted some 40 minutes and ran the gamut of three octaves with complete ease, built the mood leading to a “bara khayal” -- Ni Ke Ghungriya Thamakta Chal Chalaye -- in “vilambit ek taal.” All the bara khayals of the performance were in ek taal and all chhota khayals in tin taal. A scintillating chota khayal, Balma More Chhor De Kalaiya, followed.

There was then a smooth switch from Bilashkhani Todi to Todi, belonging to a different thhat. The bara khayal, Daiya Bat Do Bara Bhayeeli, was sung in raaga Mian Ki Todi. An exquisite chota khayal, Ab Morey Naiya Paar Karo, was performed in raaga “Gurjari Todi.” An hour-long rendition of raaga Bhimpalashree was a transition from a morning to an evening raaga. Serenity and pathos dominated the mood in the bara khayal, Ab To Bari Der Bhayee. This was followed by a chhota khayal, Gorey Mukhoso Morey Man Bhabe, beautifully done.

Almost four hours had passed when the maestro coolly switched to another evening raaga “Bageshree.” Shorter than the preceding renditions, the bara khayal, Kone Gata Bhayeeli, was simply enchanting. A taraana, composed by Baidya, complemented the rendition. Fittingly, he ended the performance with a chota khayal in raaga “Bahar,” Kaise Nikase Chandni, bringing out the full flavour of spring.

It was 4:25 in the afternoon when the rendition of raaga “Bahar” ended and Baidya had accomplished what he wanted: to sing without interruption for a full five hours, and go into the record books for the longest solo rendering of this genre of music. In a noble gesture, the artiste dedicated the performance to world peace.

We in the audience applauded and celebrated. The audience was, however, extremely thin. Many were invited, and the event was announced in the media. Few turned up. Apparently this was not what interests the Bengali community in New York. Yet Baidya sang along, as if to say: Jodi tor daak shuney keu na ashey tobey ekla cholorey. But those who turned up went home with a unique experience. Those five hours of exquisite classical music remained with me for many more hours after I had left the auditorium.

The order of the day was not over, however. The five hours of solo rendition was followed by another hour of classical music by Dada's pupils at Sadarang School of Music, which was then followed by a longer performance by many others of his students, in celebration of spring, with the maestro presiding over the entire event.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Augusto Boal passes away

Agencies / May 06, 2009

The celebrated Brazilian theatre director, dramatist, cultural and political activist, Augusto Boal died on May 2 in Rio de Janerio at the age of 78. Boal who had leukemia died of respiratory failure, says a press release.

With the death of Augusto Boal, the theatre world loses a bold personality who inspired many around the world with his ideas and methods described in his work “The Theatre of the Oppressed.”

On March 25 last he was present at UNESCO's World Theatre Day event in Paris and delivered a message. Ramendu Majumdar, Worldwide President of International Theatre Institute who was present at the function, described Boal's death as a terrible loss to the global theatre community. “He was a man who could successfully use theatre to change the society and inspire others to do the same,” Majumdar added.

Ataur Rahman and Nasiruddin Yousuff, President and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Centre of the International Theatre Institute respectively also condoled Boal's death.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Vivek Sharma signs Big B

Bollywood Hungama / May 06, 2009

‘Bhoothnath’ and ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’ director Vivek Sharma has turned producer. The talented director has floated his production company -- Film Zone -- and the first film to be produced by this concern is ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachhami’. Now here's the latest on the project: Vivek has signed Amitabh Bachchan to enact the central role. 

"Yes, Amit-ji is on board," Vivek confirms the development. What prompted him to turn producer so early in his career? "I was always keen to make certain films independently. I wish to have the creative freedom when I make these films and the only way to do so is by producing it yourself. So here I am, in the producers' arena," Vivek smiles. 

Vivek is gung ho about the subject of this film. "Amit-ji was floored when he read the script. ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachhami’ is the kind of film that would take Indian films to the global platform," Vivek sounds confident. The film is expected to star several prominent names that are currently under finalization. 

‘Buddham Sharanam Gachhami’ is about violence. It talks of people taking to violence and becoming hardened criminals.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Tom Hanks loves ‘Loose Women’

ANI / May 06, 2009

Tom Hanks has confessed that he admires British talk show ‘Loose Women’. 

The ‘Terminal’ actor recently appeared on the programme, which consists of a panel of four women who interview celebrities and discuss issues, ranging from daily politics to celebrity gossip in front of a studio audience. 

And the 52-year-old, whose new film Angels and Demons is already making headlines, let out a secret about the ladies. 

“They’re the type I was too shy to approach when I was younger,” the Mirror quoted him as saying. The star further suggested that the title for his new film “should be the new name for Loose Women.”

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Eva Longoria Parker considering adoption?

ANI / May 06, 2009

It looks like Eva Longoria Parker and Tony Parker may adopt a child in the near future. The ‘Desperate Housewives’ star has revealed that it’s her long-time work with Padres Contra El Cancer that may inspire her to adopt, reports ‘E! Online’. 

When asked if working with organisation made her want to adopt one of the children, she said, "Of course! Every time I work with the kids from Padres, my heart just explodes with happiness and joy because they're so inspiring," Parker said. 

"They're resilient and they're hopeful and they're happy. They're amazing human beings, and to go through something like that and yet still be as strong as they [are], it really inspires me. I could only wish to have children as strong as the kids I've worked with," she added.

Source: http://screenindia.com

Adnan ready for legal battle against wife, says lawyer

Agencies / May 06, 2009

Noted playback singer Adnan Sami, who is facing arrest in a case filed by his wife Sabah, has decided to move the court for anticipatory bail. 

"Adnan is ready for the legal battle and has decided to file anticipatory bail petition in sessions court in a day or two," his lawyer Vibhav Krishna said. 

Following an FIR filed by Sabah against Sami accusing him of cruelty and torture, police gave the singer 72 hours notice to arrest him in keeping with a court directive. 

"Sami might move the court today. In that case, the petition would come up for hearing tomorrow," Krishna said. 

Adnan had earlier moved for anticipatory bail after his wife had filed a non-cognizable complaint against him in January-end at Oshiwara police station. But the court did not grant him bail, saying no case was registered against him and only a non-cognizable complaint had been filed. 

However, the court, in its order last month, had asked police to give Adnan 72 hours advance notice to arrest him in case his wife filed an FIR against him.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Christina Aguilera set to make Hollywood debut

Agencies / May 06, 2009

Pop star Christina Aguilera will make her on screen debut with the musical caper 'Burlesque' Directed by Steven Antinm, Aguilera will play an ambitious small town girl with an enchanting voice who finds love, family and success in a Los Angeles neo-burlesque club. 

The film will be produced by Donald De Line and the shooting will start later this year, ‘Variety’ magazine online reported. 

"I couldn't be more excited, as this was a project written with her in mind," said Clint Culpepper, head of Screen Gems, the banner under which the film will be made. 

The deal comes on the heels of Screen Gems' recent hit 'Obsessed', starring yet another singing sensation Beyonce Knowles. 

The four time Grammy winning singer Aguilera had earlier lent her voice to the animated movie 'Shark Tale'.

Source: http://www.news.google.com

Shadher Malati Genthechi

A musical offering by Luva Nahid Choudhury

Cultural Correspondent / May 04, 2009

"Shadher Malati Genthechhi" -- Luva Nahid Choudhury's debut studio album -- is a musical offering featuring 12 songs of Dwijendralal Roy and Atul Prasad Sen rendered in the artiste's vivacious styling. Released some time ago, the formal launch of the album was held yesterday at the main auditorium of National Museum. 

Professor Emirates Dr. Anisuzzaman and noted singer Iffat Ara Dewan unveiled the album at the event. A solo musical performance by Luva followed. 

"I received my first music lesson in 1975 from the noted trainer, Acharya Mithun Dey of Mymensingh. I couldn't continue pursuing music as I became busy with my studies at the Engineering University (from 1980 to '86). I was introduced to songs of D.L. Roy and Atul Prasad by a friend's mother; she used to hum these songs. The powerful lyrics had a deep impact on me. I collected some albums by Krishna Chattopadhyay and Santosh Sengupta, and started learning songs of Atul Prasad And D.L. Roy."

Luva also went through extensive training in classical music under Barkat Hossain. She has had two solo programmes organised by Bengal Foundation. Incidentally, this architect is also the director general of the renowned Bengal Foundation. She is also enlisted as a classical singer at Bangladesh Betar. 

"Shadher Malati Genthechhi" includes songs -- " Ami shara shokalti," "Krondoshi pathocharini," "Eka mor gaaner tari," "Ami boshey achhi tabo dwarey," "Amar ghum bhangano chand," "Shudhu du'dineri khela" and more. 

At yesterday's event, the artiste performed D.L. Roy and Atul Prasad songs from her album along with compositions of their contemporaries such as Kamal Dasgupta, Himangshu Dutt and the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. 

Luva started with a devotional piece -- a 'Baitalik' (without any 'taal') "Ohey nirobo, esho nirobey" -- composed by Atul Prasad. Her repertoire also included a Nazrul Sangeet, "Gabhiro raatey jhorano patar pothey," an Atul Prasad number "Bodhu neend nahi ankhi paatey," "Ami shara shokalti" (from the album) and others. She ended with another 'Baitalik' song of D.L. Roy, "Shudhu du'dineri khela" (also from the album).

"Shadher Malati Genthechhi" was released by Laser Vision.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Saif, Deepika to play celebrity cricket match in T20 WC

BollywoodHungama / May 06, 2009

The IPL in South Africa may just be the reason why the following news carries so much star power. 'Cricket Aaj Kal toh kaafi news mein hain.' But so is Imtiaz Ali's next biggie ‘Love Aaj Kal’, starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. 

The film which highlights the difference between love today and love during the yesteryears is in for some good promotional activities we hear in the overseas. And what better way to promote your film when the whole world will be present in the U.K to watch the world's top cricketing geniuses battle it out in the T20 World Cup. Not to forget, India, the reigning champions will be the ones to watch out for. So when you have the cricketers, frenzied crowd, crisp warm weather and strawberries with cream, and well, Bollywood stars promoting their film, what more can you ask for? 

But we did miss out the commentators, didn't we? We bring one for you, not from the cricketing world though...but from the filmy world. A reliable source has just confirmed the latest news from London that Deepika Padukone will be joining in the commentary team for next month's 'T20 World Cup' as a guest commentator. The actress who was previously linked with the likes of Indian cricketing heroes, M.S. Dhoni and Yuvraaj Singh will now be sharing the same field as them once the match begins. But we'll have to wait and watch whether her 'Love Aaj'- Ranbir Kapoor will be a mere spectator to this exciting event. That was match one. 

Match two brings you a special celebrity cricket match with teams headed by Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone which will be covered by the local and world journalists along the lines of Veteran (KAL) cricket team (1st & 2nd generations) Vs Novice (AAJ) cricket team (3rd and 4th generations). Again to wait and watch whether Rishi Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor will play opposite each other in this much awaited cricket match. Our sources have confirmed that Deepika and Saif will be in London during the first week of June. Time for some commentary lessons and net practice Deepika! That's all we have from the centre.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Tributes paid to comedian DeLuise

BBC / May 06, 2009

Mel Brooks and Burt Reynolds are among those who have paid tribute to actor and comedian Dom DeLuise, who has died in Los Angeles at the age of 75.Brooks, who directed DeLuise in several films, called him "a big man in every way". "He was big in size and created big laughter and joy," he said. 

Reynolds, a friend and regular co-star, said he "always made you feel better. There will never be another like him." Carol Burnett, meanwhile, remembered him as "a very special human being". 
According to his family, DeLuise died in his sleep at a Santa Monica hospital on Monday following a long illness.He had appeared in scores of films, TV shows and Broadway plays and provided voices for numerous cartoon characters. 

DeLuise is best known for his roles in such Mel Brooks comedies as Blazing Saddles, Silent Movie and History of the World: Part I. He also made frequent appearances alongside Reynolds in films like The End, The Cannonball Run and Smokey and the Bandit II. In later life he became known for his cooking, authoring two cook books and demonstrating recipes on television. He is survived by his wife, Carol Arthur, and his three actor sons, Peter, Michael and David.

'Born funny'

"He was born funny," said DeLuise's agent, Robert Malcolm. "He knew how to charm you and how to make you feel comfortable." His words were echoed by Doris Day, with whom DeLuise worked on 1966 film The Glass Bottom Boat. "I loved him from the moment we met," said the veteran actress, now 87. "Not only did we have the greatest time working together, but I never laughed so hard in my life."

Born in New York City in 1933, Dominick DeLuise got his first taste of acting aged eight when he played the title role of Peter Rabbit in a school play. He went on to graduate from Manhattan's famed School of Performing Arts, though in the years that followed work was hard to come by. 
He met actress Carol Arthur while working in summer stock in Provincetown, Massachusetts, marrying her soon afterwards. 

DeLuise went on to win fame on The Dean Martin Show as "Dominick the Great", a magician whose act routinely went wrong. The actor's passion for food saw him battle obesity, his weight reaching 325 lb (147 kg) at one point. His family has not disclosed the cause of his death. Last year, however, he revealed he had been fighting prostate cancer. "I'm still here," he told TV show Entertainment Tonight in December. "I'm 75 and here. I feel very blessed." 

Memorial services will be private, according to the actor's official website.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk

Madonna’s dressing may cost her Malawian kid adoption bid

ANI / May 06, 2009

Madonna may have jeopardised her chances of adopting a second Malawian child after sporting a “slut look” at an event, sparking speculation about her morality. 

The Queen of Pop, who has been trying to adopt four-year-old Mercy James, turned up at the red carpet in a navy blue wench-inspired mini, kinky thigh-high PVC boots, and jewelled black fingerless gloves. While fashion experts said that the singer looked like “a slutty cleaning lady”, Mercy’s father James Kambewa dubbed her racy outfit as “immoral dressing”. 

“I cannot imagine how this woman can want to be the mother of my Mercy. This can’t be a woman of 50. A teenage woman would feel ashamed in that gear,” the ‘Daily Star’ quoted him as saying. 

“A woman is supposed to be a role model for her daughters. What morals can a woman of 50 have, who has no qualms in showing her delicate parts and displaying herself like that in front of her children? “I don’t want my daughter anywhere near such a moral-less person,” he added. 

Madonna’s adoption bid had been rejected by a court because she was not a Malawi resident, a requirement that was waived when she adopted three-year-old David Banda from the African country in 2006. The 50-year-old’s lawyer had lodged an appeal to overturn the judge’s decision.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Flu cancels Mexico's Cinco de Mayo celebrations

By ISTRA PACHECO / May 06, 2009

PUEBLA, Mexico (AP) — Swine flu fears closed Mexico's biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration in this colonial city on Tuesday, while Mexicans in the U.S. planned to party despite the growing epidemic north of the border.

For the first time in decades, the re-enactment of the Battle of Puebla, Mexico's May 5, 1862 victory over French forces, was called off to avoid contagion-prone crowds. It was replaced by a somber ceremony featuring President Felipe Calderon, other officials and a small number of soldiers. Surrounding streets were empty.

With 26 Mexicans dead and 840 sickened by swine flu, Calderon said Mexico faces a different, more silent enemy than the one it faced 147 years ago. France had invaded to install the Emperor Maximilian, who ruled the country until Mexican forces executed him in 1867.

"Back then, Mexicans truly fought like giants against an invader who aimed to take over our country and tarnish our flag," Calderon declared. "Today, almost a century and a half later, Mexico faces a new threat of a very different kind ... the appearance and spread of an epidemic that puts at risk the lives and health of Mexican families."

Calderon vowed that Mexico would again emerge victorious.

"We have faced foreign invasions, civil wars, natural disasters and economic and political crises," Calderon said. "None of these threats has been able to break the will of Mexicans."

Mexico has been stung by travel and trade barriers imposed by other nations during the flu outbreak, and Calderon suggested that Mexico was being punished for openly combating the epidemic.

"Mexican doctors and nurses are on the front lines in the field of battle against this new blow to humanity," Calderon said. "Here we have been defending all of humanity against this virus."

In addition to the 26 in Mexico, the only other confirmed swine flu deaths so far are two reported in Texas.Puebla's traditional parade usually features actors dressed in the snappy blue-and-red uniforms of the invading French force facing off with Mexican troops alongside peasant defenders clad in sandals, serapes and straw hats. It boasts baton-twirlers, marching bands and floats.

This year a black-clad military band and an honor guard took part in a short ceremony at a monument to Mexican battle heroes.Newspaper El Sol de Puebla reported that the celebration has never before been canceled since it began in its current form in 1937.In the United States, where Cinco de Mayo has become a pseudo-holiday adopted by the general population, the epidemic spawned some concern.

Denver's annual Cinco de Mayo Festival, which typically draws 400,000, will be held as planned this weekend, though there will be more hand sanitation stations at the urging of city health officials. Los Angeles won't skip its weekend celebration on historic Olvera Street. But in Chicago, the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois canceled its annual festivities because of flu concerns.

On Monday, President Barack Obama celebrated Cinco de Mayo a day early at the White House with the Mexican ambassador — and fumbled the name of the holiday while greeting guests.

"Welcome to Cinco de Cuatro — Cinco de Mayo at the White House," said Obama, in what appeared to be an attempt to note he was celebrating on May 4 instead of May 5.

"Cinco de cuatro" means "five of four" in Spanish.

Source: http://www.google.com

Naomi Campbell boycotts fashion event for friendship

ANI / May 06, 2009

Supermodel Naomi Campbell has decided against attending a recent fashion event just because one of her close friend has not been invited. 

The catwalk queen has refused to attend the Costume Institute gala at the Met only because her dear friend, designer Azzedine Alaia, has not got an invitation to the event. 

"Naomi, having supported this gala event for many years, planned to attend this year and even purchased a table. However, as she does not wish to be disloyal to Alaia . . ." the ‘New York Post’ quoted a representative for the diva as saying. 

However, a spy said: "Please. She only decided not to go after Karl Lagerfeld decided against going." Sources have also revealed that Campbell hosted a "Supermodel" party at her Time Warner Centre apartment on May 3, where Vogue's Hamish Bowles showed up "begging her to come to the Met". 

Campbell's rep didn't comment, nor did a ‘Vogue’ spokesperson return calls.

Source: http://www.news.google.com

James Beard Awards Announced

The Washington Post / May 6, 2009

Washington chefs were shut out at the 2009 James Beard Foundation Awards in New York on Monday night, falling in three national categories and in the mid-Atlantic competition to chefs from other cities. 

José Andrés of Minibar lost to Dan Barber of New York's Blue Hill for the national Outstanding Chef award and to David Chang's Momofuku Ko, also in New York, for Best New Restaurant honors. Andrés, who won Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2003, has been nominated many times before, including a Rising Star Chef nomination in 1999 for Café Atlantico and Jaleo; a Best New Restaurant nomination in 2003 for Zaytinya; and an Outstanding Chef nomination in 2008. 

Johnny Monis of Komi, nominated for the second year in a row for Rising Star Chef, lost to Nate Appleman of A16 in San Francisco. This has been Appleman's year; his first cookbook, "A16: Food + Wine," won Best First Book and Book of the Year honors at the International Association of Culinary Professionals' conference last month. 

In the Best Chef-Mid-Atlantic category, Jose Garces of tapas restaurant Amada in Philadelphia won over Washington chefs Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve, Vikram Sunderam of Rasika and Peter Pastan of Obelisk. It was the first nomination for Sunderam, the third consecutive one for Armstrong and the sixth for Pastan.

Other major awards included:

-- Outstanding Restaurant: Jean Georges in New York, owned by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Phil Suarez. 

-- Cookbook of the Year: "Fat: An Appreciation of a Misunderstood Ingredient, With Recipes," by Jennifer McLagan (Ten Speed Press).

Other cookbook category winners: American Cooking, "Screen Doors and Sweet Tea: Recipes and Tales From a Southern Cook," by Martha Hall Foose (Clarkson Potter); Baking, "Bakewise: The Hows and Whys of Successful Baking," by Shirley O. Corriher (Scribner); Beverage, "WineWise: Your Complete Guide to Understanding, Selecting, and Enjoying Wine," by Steven Kolpan, Brian H. Smith and Michael A. Weiss (Wiley); Professional, "Alinea," by Grant Achatz (Achatz LLC/Ten Speed Press); General Cooking, "How to Cook Everything: Completely Revised Tenth Edition" by Mark Bittman (Wiley); Healthy Focus, "The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life," by Ellie Krieger (Taunton); and International, "Beyond the Great Wall: Recipes and Travels in the Other China," by Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid (Artisan). 

Monday's ceremony at Lincoln Center was hosted by chefs Cat Cora and Emeril Lagasse and actor Stanley Tucci, and presented awards in 38 categories. Media awards in 19 categories were presented Sunday night at the Hudson Theatre.

For a complete list of award recipients, go to http://www.jamesbeard.org

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com

Another Star Dismissed From `Dancing'

Small change: Another celeb dismissed from `Dancing With the Stars'

AP / LOS ANGELES, May 5, 2009

Lil Kim was booted from "Dancing With the Stars."

The curvaceous, pint-sized rapper — known for her flamboyant, hip-wiggling performance style — consistently earned high scores throughout the competition, twice topping the judges' leaderboard. But she was eliminated from the hit ABC show Tuesday.

Lil Kim faltered Monday during her waltz with professional partner Derek Hough.Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said she saw "a lot of missteps." But judges unanimously praised the rapper's salsa, with Bruno Tonioli proclaiming, "Your booty can do no wrong."

Lil Kim came into Tuesday's results show with the week's second-lowest score: 52 points out of 60. Rodeo champ Ty Murray was in last place with 46 points, but fans kept him afloat, sending him on to compete in next week's semifinal round.Viewer votes are combined with judges' scores to determine which couple is eliminated each week.

Show host Tom Bergeron told Lil Kim "there was a real shock in this room" when he announced she would be leaving the competition. Head judge Len Goodman said the rapper "has been one of the best dancers" ever to appear on the show.

Lil Kim kept a smile on her face as she learned her fate."This is one of the greatest experiences I've ever experienced in my life," she said, adding that she expanded the hit show's viewership, "because I brought people who never watched the show."

Hough said his partner has been one of his favorites."She's an amazing person, an amazing soul, and amazing spirit and an amazing dancer," he said.

Tuesday's results show also featured a performance by piano man Jamie Cullum and the continuation of the new professional dance-off: Three pro dancers are vying for viewer votes and a spot on the next season of the hit ABC show.Besides Murray, three other celebrities are set to face off during next week's semifinal round: Actor Gilles Marini, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and "The Bachelor" star Melissa Rycroft.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com

No buyer for Pablo Picasso painting at NYC auction

AP / May 06, 2009

NEW YORK — A Pablo Picasso painting of his young daughter and an Alberto Giacometti sculpture of a cat, each estimated to sell for $16 million to $24 million, failed to find buyers at auction Tuesday as the art world struggles with the global financial crisis.

The Sotheby's auction house said bids for the two artworks at its impressionist and modern art sale fell below their reserve prices.Picasso's "The Daughter of the Artist at 2 1/2 with a Boat" was painted in 1938 and remained in his possession until his death. A private collector has owned it since the 1980s.

Giacometti's "The Cat" last was seen at auction in 1975. The 1951 bronze sculpture, depicting a feline figure on a pedestal, is one of eight editions. It was consigned by a European collector.The uncertain economy has played a part in art auction houses' decision this spring to offer fewer lots, lower pre-sale estimates and works by well-known artists and private estates that haven't been seen at auction in decades. In the fall, Sotheby's and rival Christie's took beatings when many works didn't sell or sold below their estimates.

Sotheby's said that of the 36 impressionist and modern works of art on auction Tuesday, 29 were sold, for a total of $61.3 million, well off their $118.8 million estimate. Last spring, Sotheby's offered 52 lots, which sold for $235.4 million.The heaviest bidding Tuesday was for an abstract painting by Piet Mondrian, "Composition in Black and White, with Double Lines," which sold for nearly $9.3 million. The painting, which has been on loan since 1967 at the Dallas Museum of Art, fetched almost twice its high estimate of $5 million.

Three works belonging to an heir of the renowned collection of Louisine and Henry Osborne Havemeyer, whose many works were gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, also sold well.
Camille Pissarro's "Flood in Pontoise," estimated at up to $1.2 million, brought just under $3 million, while his "The Female Goat Keeper," estimated at up to $1.8 million, fetched $2.5 million.Claude Monet's "Sailboat on the River Seine, Argenteuil," estimated at up to $1.8 million, sold for $3.5 million. The small landscape was painted at Monet's home outside Paris in 1872.

One of a group of deco-style paintings by Tamara de Lempicka, consigned by noted German fashion designer Wolfgang Joop, "Portrait of Marjorie Ferry," from 1932, sold for $4.9 million, a record for the artist, Sotheby's said. It didn't identify the previous record.

Another painting by that artist, "Portrait of Duchess de la Salle," from 1925, realized $4.45 million. Both were estimated at $4 million to $6 million.Sotheby's didn't reveal the identities of the buyers or say if the sale prices included its commission.Christie's sale of impressionist and modern art was scheduled for Wednesday evening.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Source: http://www.google.com

Ooops, crazy Britney Spears fan’s done it again . . .

By Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa
Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Seriously, how many psycho, blond, alliteratively named, boy fans does Britney Spears have? Well, probably thousands . . . .

So here’s a look at the latest - Kyle King - the “crazed” Spears aficionado who stormed the stage at Brit’s Mohegan Sun concert this past weekend. King bears more than a passing resemblence to Spears’ most famous fan of all - Chris Crocker - the “Leave Britney Alone” Internet sensation, don’t cha think?

As you know, King, 20, shown in his Mohegan Sun mugshot, was arrested the other night after he jumped on stage at the Connecticut casino and tried to bust some moves with Brit during her encore performance of “Womanizer.”

King got within inches of the terrified pop princess, who frantically waved her arms and screamed, “Oh my God! Oh my God!” Interestingly, none of this was heard by the crowd - even though Brit was miked - which didn’t do anything to stop those lip-syncing rumors!

King, who police said was drunk and uncooperative, was released on $250 bond. He’s due back in court in Connecticut on June 18.

Source: http://www.bostonherald.com