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    <title>Ziki - Craig Walker's last published content</title>
    <link>http://www.ziki.com/en/ozgenre+24807</link>
    <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:28:21 +0200</pubDate>
    <ttl>120</ttl>
    <description>My aggregated content at ziki.com</description>
    <item>
      <title>It's almost upon us :)</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/730175.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">Preview is not available for this note</div>]]>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:28:21 +0200</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2010:/article/12663706</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Well... Rocky Horror is NOT dead in Sydney... :D</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/728810.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text"><img src="http://www.uberservices.com/images/rhps/uber_rhps_191x133.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Well hello there, my Unconventional Conventionsts!<br />
<br />
<br />
I know, I know, it's a little behind - well only slightly - but we've all been working on it and we are VERY happy to say that, thanks to the fabulous fetish people at <a href="http://www.uberservices.com">über Services</a>... and a brilliant cast... <strong>Rocky Horror LIVES ON in Sydney!!...</strong><br />
<br />
Yes, yes, I know, it's a shock to the system, but a little exposure to the Sonic Oscillator will soon put that right. So, come on up and join us for our next show at <a href="http://www.chauvelcinema.net.au/">The Chauvel Cinema</a>, in Paddington, 9pm, on Saturday, May 22nd, 2010.<br />
<br />
Tickets ARE onsale NOW through the <a href="http://www.uberservices.com/rocky.html">über Services Rocky Horror page</a> and also just rock on up to The Chauvel Box Office and buy them there (or call them on 02 9361 5398 and just book on the phone, they won't bite... much).<br />
<br />
There's all the things you remember about Rocky, all the things you used to be able to do inside, and many you may not remember. We've revved it up, popped in a few new springs, tightened the wingnuts, straightened the seamed stockings and amped up the volume.<br />
<br />
It's monthly on the 4th Saturday of the month AND we now have an OFFICIAL After-Party venue just down the road, thanks to the Biohazard Green folk at <a href="http://www.shallownation.net">Shallow Nation</a> - ALL Rocky attendees get a $5 entry to the After Party EVERY month <em>(but...you must present your Rocky tickets at the Shallow Nation door for the special entry price)</em>.<br />
<br />
Come along and check us out... You'll love what we've done with the old Queen ;)
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      <pubDate>Fri, 14 May 2010 08:00:33 +0200</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2010:/article/12464198</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>...the countdown has begun...</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/728083.html</link>
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        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">Preview is not available for this note</div>]]>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:47:40 +0200</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2010:/article/12354835</guid>
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      <title>...and now The Manning Bar starts performance censorship</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/726524.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">In a move which will have some music promoters up in arms, not to mention students decrying the woes of a conservative swing of the moral pendulum, The Manning Bar in Sydney University, once host of events such as 'Club Lush', 'The Rubber Ball', and bands such as 'Deathstars' and 'Necro', will be changing their entertainment policy to reflect a less-edgey clientel. Also in their proposed operational changes, the University Union will be stopping any 'All Ages' gigs at The Manning Bar, which seems to be both at the behest of the University itself, and pressure from the Police and the NSW Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing.<br />
<br />
This means that promoters who place popular (imported or local) acts into the Manning Bar will not be able to count on gigs which cater to a wider-age-ranging fan base to make a profit (let along break even) easily. It also amounts to a censorship of performance policy whereas the Union appears to be coming into line, following the Universities recent attempts to re-brand itself as an Australian 'Ivy League' institution. Thus ensuring that there will be little associated with the venue which could tarnigh that image.<br />
<br />
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the Student's Union has all but abolished the position of 'Entertainment Manager' making those tasks redundant as the Union itself is apparently now handling all the entertainment bookings and will be spending the next (undertermined) period of time re-assessing their guidelines for accepting entertainment acts at the venue.<br />
<br />
Cited reasons, by a Student Union representative, for the policy shift include cases of 'violence and alcohol related issues. It seems that once again, the acts of a few have made it difficult for the many to enjoy themselves... I also have to ask what of the 'fetish' events? Is this perhaps some insidious censorship creep associated with (or somehow linked to) the recent Internet censorship debacle still be pushed by the woefully misguided Senator Conroy? Perhaps authorities think that they see the writing on the leather-clad wall and so have decided to push the margin a little to see what the 'give' is... or perhaps I'm just jumping at shadows.....<br />
<br />
Either way, it seems that another All Ages venue (and indeed being another 'fetish'-friendly venue) has now been closed to the wider audience.<br />
<br />
Original story:<br />
<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/uni-union-says-no-to-risky-rockers/2010/02/17/1266082297661.html">http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/uni-union-says-no-to-risky-rockers/2010/02/17/1266082297661.html</a>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:41:34 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2010:/article/12037796</guid>
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      <title>The Oscar Nominations are out :)</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/724562.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text"><img src="http://www.oscars.org/academy/posters-books/posters/images/vert_82awards.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Yes it was an early morning - and bleary-eyed I sat in front of my PC, hooked into the TV to watch the nomination streaming from Hollywood (well the main nominations anyway, they never 'announce' all of them in the telecast, just the major ones).<br />
<br />
Note: No Australians up for any Major Awards this year... and I was surprised that "The Cat Piano" did not get nominated for Best Short Film (Animated) (for that matter neither did any Pixar short-film), although the Australian "Miracle Fish" did get a nod for Best Short Film (Live Action) (and it's REALLY very good).<br />
<br />
So without further ado - and realising that I will need to now schedule the <span style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/sydneyscreening/profile"><img src="http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif" height="16" alt="[info]" style="vertical-align: bottom; border: 0; padding-right: 1px;" width="16" /></a><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/sydneyscreening/"><strong>sydneyscreening</strong></a></span> showings of the nominated films...<br />
<br />
<a name="cutid1"></a><br />
Here is the list of Oscar Nominated films for the 82nd Academy Awards<br />
<br />
<em><strong>[Legend: **-Seen]</strong></em><br />
<br />
<strong style="text-decoration: underline;">Nominees for the 82nd annual Academy Awards</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Best picture</strong><br />
<br />
"Avatar"**<br />
"The Blind Side"<br />
"District 9"<br />
"An Education"<br />
"The Hurt Locker"<br />
"Inglourious Basterds"<br />
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"<br />
"A Serious Man"<br />
"Up"**<br />
"Up in the Air"<br />
<br />
<strong>Best actor</strong><br />
<br />
Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"<br />
George Clooney, "Up in the Air"<br />
Colin Firth, "A Single Man"<br />
Morgan Freeman, "Invictus"<br />
Jeremy Renner, "The Hurt Locker<br />
<br />
<strong>Best actress</strong><br />
<br />
Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"<br />
Helen Mirren, "The Last Station"<br />
Carey Mulligan, "An Education"<br />
Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"<br />
Meryl Streep, "Julie &amp; Julia"<br />
<br />
<strong>Best supporting actor</strong><br />
<br />
Matt Damon, "Invictus"<br />
Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"<br />
Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station"<br />
Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones"<br />
Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"<br />
<br />
<strong>Best supporting actress</strong><br />
<br />
Penelope Cruz, "Nine"<br />
Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air"<br />
Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Crazy Heart"<br />
Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"<br />
Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"<br />
<br />
<strong>Best director</strong><br />
<br />
James Cameron, "Avatar"**<br />
Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"<br />
Lee Daniels, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"<br />
Quentin Tarantino, "Inglourious Basterds"<br />
Jason Reitman, "Up in the Air"<br />
<br />
<strong>Best animated feature</strong><br />
<br />
"Coraline"<br />
"Fantastic Mr Fox"<br />
"The Princess and the Frog"<br />
"The Secret of Kells"<br />
"Up"**<br />
<br />
<strong>Best foreign language film</strong><br />
<br />
"Ajami" (Israel)<br />
"El Secreto de Sus Ojos" (Argentina)<br />
"The Milk of Sorrow" (Peru)<br />
"The Prophet" (France)<br />
"The White Ribbon" (Germany)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best screenplay (original)</strong><br />
<br />
"The Hurt Locker," written by Mark Boal<br />
"Inglourious Basterds," written by Quentin Tarantino<br />
"The Messenger," written by Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman<br />
"A Serious Man," written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen<br />
"Up,"** screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter; story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy<br />
<br />
<strong>Best screenplay (adapted)</strong><br />
<br />
"District 9," written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell<br />
"An Education," screenplay by Nick Hornby<br />
"In the Loop," screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche<br />
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher<br />
"Up in the Air," screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner<br />
<br />
<strong>Best music (original score)</strong><br />
<br />
"Avatar"** James Horner<br />
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" Alexandre Desplat<br />
"The Hurt Locker" Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders<br />
"Sherlock Holmes"** Hans Zimmer<br />
"Up"** Michael Giacchino<br />
<br />
<strong>Best music (original song)</strong><br />
<br />
"Almost There" from "The Princess and the Frog," music and lyrics by Randy Newman<br />
"Down in New Orleans" from "The Princess and the Frog," music and lyrics by Randy Newman<br />
"Loin de Paname" from "Paris 36," music by Reinhardt Wagner and lyrics by Frank Thomas<br />
"Take It All" from "Nine," music and lyrics by Maury Yeston<br />
"The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)" from "Crazy Heart," music and lyrics by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett<br />
<br />
<strong>Best art direction</strong><br />
<br />
"Avatar"** art direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; set decoration: Kim Sinclair<br />
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" art direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; set decoration: Caroline Smith<br />
"Nine" art direction: John Myhre; set decoration: Gordon Sim<br />
"Sherlock Holmes"** art direction: Sarah Greenwood; set decoration: Katie Spencer<br />
"The Young Victoria" art direction: Patrice Vermette; set decoration: Maggie Gray<br />
<br />
<strong>Best cinematography</strong><br />
<br />
"Avatar"** Mauro Fiore<br />
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"** Bruno Delbonnel<br />
"The Hurt Locker" Barry Ackroyd<br />
"Inglourious Basterds" Robert Richardson<br />
"The White Ribbon" Christian Berger<br />
<br />
<strong>Best costume design</strong><br />
<br />
"Bright Star" Janet Patterson<br />
"Coco Before Chanel" Catherine Leterrier<br />
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Monique Prudhomme<br />
"Nine" Colleen Atwood<br />
"The Young Victoria" Sandy Powell<br />
<br />
<strong>Best documentary (feature)</strong><br />
<br />
"Burma VJ" Anders Østergaard and Lise Lense-Møller<br />
"The Cove" Nominees to be determined<br />
"Food, Inc." Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein<br />
"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers" Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith<br />
"Which Way Home" Rebecca Cammisa<br />
<br />
<strong>Best documentary (short subject)</strong><br />
<br />
"China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province" Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill<br />
"The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner" Daniel Junge and Henry Ansbacher<br />
"The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant" Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert<br />
"Music by Prudence" Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett<br />
"Rabbit à la Berlin" Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra<br />
<br />
<strong>Best film editing</strong><br />
<br />
"Avatar"** Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua and James Cameron<br />
"District 9" Julian Clarke<br />
"The Hurt Locker" Bob Murawski and Chris Innis<br />
"Inglourious Basterds" Sally Menke<br />
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" Joe Klotz<br />
<br />
<strong>Best makeup</strong><br />
<br />
"Il Divo" Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano<br />
"Star Trek"** Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow<br />
"The Young Victoria" Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore<br />
<br />
<strong>Best short film (animated)</strong><br />
<br />
"French Roast" Fabrice O. Joubert<br />
"Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty" Nicky Phelan and Darragh O'Connell<br />
"The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)" Javier Recio Gracia<br />
"Logorama" Nicolas Schmerkin<br />
"A Matter of Loaf and Death"** Nick Park<br />
<br />
<strong>Best short film (live action)</strong><br />
<br />
"The Door" Juanita Wilson and James Flynn<br />
"Instead of Abracadabra" Patrik Eklund and Mathias Fjellström<br />
"Kavi" Gregg Helvey<br />
"Miracle Fish"** Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey<br />
"The New Tenants" Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson<br />
<br />
<strong>Best sound editing</strong><br />
<br />
"Avatar"** Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle<br />
"The Hurt Locker" Paul N.J. Ottosson<br />
"Inglourious Basterds" Wylie Stateman<br />
"Star Trek"** Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin<br />
"Up"** Michael Silvers and Tom Myers<br />
<br />
<strong>Best sound mixing</strong><br />
<br />
"Avatar"** Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson and Tony Johnson<br />
"The Hurt Locker" Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett<br />
"Inglourious Basterds" Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti and Mark Ulano<br />
"Star Trek"** Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson and Peter J. Devlin<br />
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"** Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers and Geoffrey Patterson<br />
<br />
<strong>Best visual effects</strong><br />
<br />
"Avatar"** Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones<br />
"District 9" Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros and Matt Aitken<br />
"Star Trek"** Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh and Burt Dalton<br />
<a name="cutid1-end"></a><br />
<br />
Wow... James Cameron Vs his ex-wife Katheryn Bigelow... 10 films nominated for Best Picture (not the first time, however, as it used to be that back int he 30's), lots of films to see... this will be a fun ride for the next month.<br />
<br />
Hey, <span style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://illdrinn.livejournal.com/profile"><img src="http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif" height="17" alt="[info]" style="vertical-align: bottom; border: 0; padding-right: 1px;" width="17" /></a><a href="http://illdrinn.livejournal.com/"><strong>illdrinn</strong></a></span>! You ready?! :D
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      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:56:45 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2010:/article/11908119</guid>
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      <title>Just to note:</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/722111.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">I have not recently sent, nor authorised, any repetitive emails/requests from WooMe.com to be sent out. I am no longer, since last year, a member of that site due to their habit of sending out unauthorised emails from my old account, which amounts to an apparent spamming practice).<br />
<br />
So, if you recieve any further emails purportedly from me inviting you to 'WooMe.com', please note: I am not a member, I have made several requests for cessation which have gone (apparently) unheeded. Therefore, as there is nothing further I can do about this issue, please direct any further complaints directly to Messrs George Berkowski ( <a href="http://www.facebook.com/berkowski">http://www.facebook.com/berkowski</a> ) and/or Stephen Stokols ( <a href="http://www.facebook.com/stokols">http://www.facebook.com/stokols</a> )(the developers - both can be found through attached Facebook urls), as repeated emails to the WooMe.com website complaints links (and email addresses) have so far not been addressed nor acknowledged.<br />
<br />
<em>[Edited: 2:21pm]<br />
Reply from Stephen Stokols:<br />
Re: Spamming Problems with WooMe (which have so far been unheeded)<br />
Apologies, will have someone handle your email issue asap. woome is migrating to a new email service provider and synching lists between the 2 caused issues which I thought were 100 percent resolved but apparantly still edge cases so thanks for raising direct.<br />
Stephen</em>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:52:45 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2010:/article/11631398</guid>
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      <title>Spammers... gotta love them</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/721860.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">So... just a quick note... whilst recovering from the Xmas Party (still).<br />
<br />
Today I got a whole lot of "Undeliverable" emails regarding a link I sent to some people re: something to do with Electronic equipment for sale in China.<br />
<br />
For the record, no I didn't send the email, my email address was co-opted by some spammer. I have also changed the password on my hotmail account (which I rarely use anymore) just in case.<br />
<br />
Just delete the thing (IF you got it) and I have notified Hotmail that the address was hijacked.<br />
<br />
&lt; sigh &gt;<br />
<br />
Cheers - and see MANY of you at Infected Mushroom and DM on NYE :)<br />
<br />
:)
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      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:36:41 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/11574403</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>OK - this was strange... and amusingly lovely</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/714591.html</link>
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        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">For my Birthday I received some lovely birthday greetings.... (and thank you all for those)<br />
<br />
<a name="cutid1"></a>However, this is probably the best one I got - albeit a little mysterious...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozgenre/4111278983/" title="Mystery Birthday Greeting 2009 by ozgenre, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4111278983_a814497c3b.jpg" height="200" alt="Mystery Birthday Greeting 2009" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Pic #1 is someone's Feet; Pic #2 (on closer inspection) is NOT what it initially appears to be (but is hilarious when looked at in concert with the next shot); Pic #3 is kinda damned hot<a name="cutid1-end"></a><br />
<br />
All were received in unsigned, plain, envelopes - smudged postmarks... VERY mysterious -<br />
<br />
<a name="cutid2"></a>and then there was a final note received the next day...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozgenre/4112045438/" title="Mystery Birthday Greeting 2009 PS by ozgenre, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/4112045438_a8d15123e3.jpg" height="500" alt="Mystery Birthday Greeting 2009 PS" width="410" /></a><a name="cutid2-end"></a><br />
<br />
Thus the mystery deepened.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:57:06 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/11289672</guid>
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      <title>Our first review for Theatre Of Blood</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/712317.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">&nbsp;With all credit to: Australian Stage, and Lloyd Bradfors (Brad) Syke.<br />
<br />

  
    
      
        <a href="http://www.australianstage.com.au/200911022968/reviews/sydney/theatre-of-blood-%7C-newtown-theatre.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(31, 102, 188);">Theatre of Blood | Newtown Theatre</a>
      
    
  


  
    
      
        <span style="font-size: 0.9em; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Written by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.australianstage.com.au/members/braddo/profile.html" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(31, 102, 188);">lloyd bradford (brad) syke</a></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;
      
    
    
      
        Monday, 02 November 2009 15:31
      
    
    
      
        <br />
        <img src="http://www.australianstage.com.au/images/stories/2009/nov_reviews_09/blood_rev.jpg" height="284" alt="Theatre of Blood | Newtown Theatre" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; float: left;" width="300" />Newtown's theatre of the same name was smart to exploit Halloween, to launch season one of its&nbsp;<em><strong>Theatre Of Blood</strong></em>, comprising three short plays: Andre de Lorde's&nbsp;<em>At The Telephone</em>, directed by&nbsp;<strong>Liane Norman</strong>; Eugene Heros &amp; Leon Abric's&nbsp;<em>The Guillotine</em>, directed by&nbsp;<strong>Stephen Carnell</strong>; Alfred Marchand's&nbsp;<em>Orgy In The Lighthouse</em>, directed by&nbsp;<strong>Stephen Hopley</strong>. The capacity crowd exploited the opportunity to indulge their wildest gothic fantasies, too: devils, ghouls and freaks were aplenty; even moreso than a typical Friday night, just off the southern end of King Street. And to cap it all off,&nbsp;<strong>Hopley</strong>&nbsp;takes on his best undertaker's demeanour, albeit as a dour Anglican priest (is there any other kind?), to MC the deliberately ghastly proceedings. In the end, his contributions were as compelling as any onstage.<br />
        <br />
        The designated&nbsp;<em><strong>Theatre Of Blood</strong></em>&nbsp;website sets the dark scene deliciously: 'it’s almost witching hour in South Newtown, and you’re walking down the seedy end of King Street. Every second shopfront is boarded up; windows broken; old posters peeling away from the walls. In the distance, gothic spires penetrate the silvery night sky; the clanking of a late-night train pounds closer and closer. A gust of wind wisps its way around your neck, sending a chill down your spine. As you walk through the skeletons of two trees by a run-down apartment block, you notice every window and every door is barred tight; graffiti on the pavement announces this as Ghost Valley. Suddenly, a dimly-lit sidestreet comes into view; and there it is. Amongst the lit-up brothels and the closed-up shops, you see the sign. A couple of steps down the alley and you are greeted by a darkened stairwell. Through the doors and up you go, up, up, into the Theatre of Blood!'<br />
        <br />
        It's no one-off: again, to quote the&nbsp;<em><strong>Theatre Of Blood</strong></em>&nbsp;site: 'Theatre of Blood is late-night horror theatre, in the tradition of the Grand Guignol. Each Friday night at 11, we go live, in the foyer of Newtown Theatre, with a one-hour program of three short plays. Every three months, there’s a brand new selection to entertain, titillate and frighten you senseless. So don't lose your head'.<br />
        <br />
        The Grand Guignol? Named after the incisive satirist puppet (yes, puppet), it played in Paris for 65 years, between 1897 and 1962; almost exclusively producing one-act plays. It was infamous for violent and erotic works of horror. In its most renowned incarnation, it had a particularly melodramatic aesthetic, which has been very evocatively emulated in the backblocks of Newtown South. Indeed, every TOB program will feature at least one translation of an original French play from the Grand Guignol. The GG has a fascinating and colourful history that's an entertainment in itself. Spare a thought, for Paula Maxa, the theatre’s ingénue from 1917 to 1928, who was reportedly murdered over 10,000 times and raped over 3,000. Ouch!<br />
        The theatre’s influence resonated most, but not only, cinematically: it's questionable whether we would even have had the silent German Expressionist movement of the 20’s; the British Hammer Horror tradition in the 60’s; US hyper-horror, during the 70’s, as exemplified in, say,&nbsp;<em>The Texas Chainsaw Massacre</em>; or musicals like&nbsp;<em>Sweeney Todd</em>. And the influence was not merely notional: Paul Ratineau, who devised most of the stage trickery and special effects, prefigured many of those later used by Hollywood.<br />
        <br />
        Remember your surprise and delight, the first time you experienced the wonder that is Wii? Or your fantastic glee, when you were introduced to the future of human relations, in the form of Facebook? Or how you tittered, when you virginally Twittered? Well, imagine the shivers of excitement that came with the telephone. Just as you've likely forked-out for iPhones for your progeny, Andre Marex bought one, at the turn of last century, so as to keep tabs on his family, in absentia. But convenience turned to curse when, remotely situated, he receives his wife's final call; for help. If not quite topical now,&nbsp;<em>At The Telephone</em>&nbsp;surely was, when written, in 1902, by the so-called Prince Of Terror, the Grand Guignol's reputedly greatest playwright, Andre de Lorde. And Marex' helpless torment is eerily emblematic of the powerlessness so many of us feel, in relation to war, or climate change, or even mundanities such as council regulation. And surely even Hitchcock must've found some of his mastery of suspense in de Lorde. Both have shown themselves adept at terror, as against horror.<br />
        <br />
        Heros &amp; Abric's&nbsp;<em>The Guillotine (La Veuve)</em>, also known as Chop-Chop!, describes a rather comic, if menacing scene, in which a sex addict's penchant for dangerous liaisons sees her lover trapped in a museum's guillotine, with none in a rush to free him, least of all her carelessly cuckolded husband.<br />
        <br />
        Finally, Marchand's&nbsp;<em>Orgy In The Lighthouse</em>, also considered a GG classic, paints a torrid, yet chillingly claustrophobic picture of two religiously deranged blood brothers, who lure two young, willing women into much more than they bargained for. For this, the front row was issued protective clothing.&nbsp;<br />
        <br />
        The ensemble cast proved somewhat uneven, with one or two not as elegant at elocution as they might be, and some apparent struggles to stay, convincingly, in character. But when they were good, they were very, very good and the tales were well-told, wending their way through the past, ever so darkly.<br />
        <br />
        If you're looking for an excuse to dress up and indulge your more mischievous inclinations, like a laugh, a cheap thrill and a glass or two of good cheer, Friday nights in Newtown Theatre's foyer promise to be something of a Sydney institution. And for the incurable culture vulture, the homage to the heyday of the Grand Guignol should satiate any pretentious appetite.&nbsp;<br />
        <br />
        <strong>Newtown Theatre</strong>&nbsp;has never lacked imagination. But it still lacks adequate airconditioning, which might well prove to be the premature summertime death knell of the&nbsp;<em>Theatre Of Blood</em>&nbsp;if not, at long last, addressed. Now that would be ironic. And just a little tragic.<br />
        <br />
        <br />
        Newtown Theatre presents<br />
        <strong>The Theatre of Blood</strong><br />
        <br />
        <strong>Venue:&nbsp;</strong>Newtown Theatre | Cnr King and Bray Streets<br />
        <strong>Dates/Times:</strong>&nbsp;Friday Nights 11pm – from 30 October<br />
        <strong>Tickets:</strong>&nbsp;$19 / $15 concession | Dress horror and receive concession price!<br />
        <strong>Bookings:&nbsp;</strong>8507 3034 |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thetheatreofblood.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(31, 102, 188);">www.thetheatreofblood.com</a>
      
    
  

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      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:22:52 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/11289673</guid>
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      <title>The Kyle &amp; Jackie O debacle...</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/703706.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">&nbsp;My opinion, only... caveat: I am not a licenced psychologist:<br />
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  <h3 style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal;">
    Sandilands was (probably honestly) caught on the hop and said the wrong thing while trying to think of a way out of the hole which his segment had dug him into - which is obviously no excuse for an 'experienced broadcaster' (a moniker he has used describing himself during a former on-air problem whilst at B105.FM). However, bringing a 14 year old girl onto a Live On-Air situation (interrogating her about her alleged sexual experiences) on a lie-detector, as sanctioned by both the girl's mother, and indeed the Producers and Station Management, is in itself apalling, and without the minimum of a 7 second delay is both unprofessional and verging on the criminal.<br />
    <br />
    Not only is Kyle's lousy excuse for an apology, but this is the second time he's been 'caught out' in an on-air teenage sexual conduct reveal. Look at the furor in his B105 days.&nbsp;<br />
    &nbsp;
  </h3>
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    <span style="line-height: 17px;">The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said it had received about 30 complaints related to the segment by noon today.</span>
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">
    <span style="line-height: 17px;">‘‘We've advised those people in the first instance to write to 2Day FM," ACMA spokesman Donald Robinson said.</span>
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">
    <span style="line-height: 17px;">‘‘If they are not satisfied with the response they can bring their complaint back to us and we will investigate it to determine if there had been any breach of the commercial radio code of practice."</span>
  </p>
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  <div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;">
    <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=112451657892&amp;h=PaU6A&amp;u=JFxE2&amp;ref=mf" style="cursor: pointer; color: rgb(59, 89, 152); text-decoration: none;"></a>
    <div style="">
      <img src="http://external.ak.fbcdn.net/safe_image.php?d=8db7178e50f81330438dac2b2d733ee6&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepunch.com.au%2Fimages%2Favatars%2Fuploads%2Favatar_173.jpg&amp;w=130&amp;h=200" alt="" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-color: initial; display: block; vertical-align: middle;" />
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  <div style="font-weight: bold; padding-top: 3px;">
    <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=112451657892&amp;h=PaU6A&amp;u=JFxE2&amp;ref=mf" style="cursor: pointer; color: rgb(59, 89, 152); text-decoration: underline;">Kyle Sandilands: Girl’s rape revelation stunned me | Article | The Punch</a>
  </div>
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      </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:28:16 +0200</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/10440579</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Daily Telegraph gets it SO wrong!!</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/703003.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">&nbsp;
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline-block; width: 650px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218);">
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    <h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">
      Poh wins MasterChef Australia
    </h1>
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  <div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 500px; float: left;">
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      <li style="">By Erin McWhirter, TV Editor
      </li>
      <li style="">&nbsp;
      </li>
      <li style="">
        <span>From:</span><cite style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/" style="color: rgb(22, 73, 131); text-decoration: none;">The Daily Telegraph</a></cite>
      </li>
      <li style="">&nbsp;
      </li>
      <li style="">
        <span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">July 19, 2009</span>&nbsp;<span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">8:57PM</span>
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        <a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/help/print/" style="">Print</a>
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      <li title="Email Article" style="">
        <a href="mailto:?subject=Poh's%20winning%20recipe%20(DailyTelegraph%20Article)&amp;body=DailyTelegraph%0A%0APoh's%20winning%20recipe%0A%0AFrom:%20DailyTelegraph%0AJuly%2019,%202009%0AAUSTRALIA'S%20culinary%20experts%20backed%20her%20and%20Poh%20Ling%20Yeow%20delivered,%20becoming%20the%20first%20contestant%20to%20win%20MasterChef%20Australia%20last%20night.%0AAlternatively,%20you%20can%20copy%20and%20paste%20this%20link%20into%20your%20browser:%20%0Ahttp://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/poh-wins-masterchef-australia/story-e6freuy9-1225751949200" style="">Email</a>
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        <a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/help/share" style="">Share</a>
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<div style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.35em;">
  <div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 316px;">
    <div style="">
      <img src="http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2009/07/19/1225751/954841-masterchef-winner.jpg" height="237" alt="MasterChef winner" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-color: initial;" width="316" />
    </div>
    <p style="">
      <span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">Winning recipe ... Poh Ling Yeow n on MasterChef Australia</span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"><em>Source:</em>&nbsp;The Daily Telegraph</span>
    </p>
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    <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
      <strong>AUSTRALIA'S culinary experts backed her and Poh Ling Yeow delivered, becoming the first contestant to win MasterChef Australia last night.</strong>
    </p>
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  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    It was a case of third time lucky for the Adelaide artist who initially didn't make it past the first audition, was asked back, eliminated from the top 20 and returned one last time to claim victory over mother-of-three Julie Goodwin in the reality TV cooking contest.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    Using her cultural connection of her upbringing in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur and the traditional influences her parents Christina and Steven have taught her over the years, Ling Yeow was stunned with the verdict but happy to embrace it.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "This is really a surreal feeling," the 35-year-old, who hails from Norwood in South Australia told<em>The Daily Telegraph</em>.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "New ground is forged when you take risks and I've taken a few during this competition which have paid off.
  </p>
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        Start of sidebar.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/poh-wins-masterchef-australia/story-e6freuy9-1225751949200#sidebar-end" style="color: rgb(22, 73, 131);">Skip to end of sidebar.</a>
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        End of sidebar.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/poh-wins-masterchef-australia/story-e6freuy9-1225751949200#sidebar-start" style="color: rgb(22, 73, 131);">Return to start of sidebar.</a>
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  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "Trying new things and throwing yourself in the deep end is what it's all been about. I feel like a deer in headlights.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "I have a cultural background to draw on, a whole spectrum of ingredients that most people in the competition aren't familiar with. It's been an intense bit amazing journey."
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    In one of Australia's most-anticipated and spectacular TV cooking showdowns the finalists showcased their culinary skills in a three-round challenge in front of their former top 20<em>MasterChef Australia&nbsp;</em>opponents and judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    Celebrity chef Curtis Stone also attended the final which included the finalists identifying ingredients in a beef bourguignon dish, cooking an entire chicken and perfecting Matt Moran's signature dish, a chocolate tart with chocolate half pipe and macaroons accompanied by a chocolate sorbet.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    Celebrating the triumph with her parents, her eldest brother Casper and his four children, as well friends and relatives in SA, Ling Yeow said learning to adjust to a new culture when her family migrated to Australia when she was nine gave her the ammunition she's need to succeed in many parts of her life.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "When we first migrated here there really weren't that many immigrants around, not many Asians, so we did stick out a bit," she says.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "I guess that's what my food and art is about. It's about me constantly trying to reconcile these two cultures I am a part of and finding a sense of belonging in both. I really reflect that in my food and art."
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    Raised in a strict Christian home, Ling Yeow says her parents converting to Mormonism when she was a teenager has made her determined to stick to her guns and do what she wants, not others.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "I grew up in a strict home and mum and dad wouldn't let me go out as a teenager, so I was a bit of a square peg," Ling Yeow says.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "Then when I was 16 we converted to the Church Of Jesus Christ For Later Day Saints, known as the Mormons and so we went from a culturally traditional home to this quite strict Christian religion so I had a sheltered upbringing.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "I basically went overseas when I was about 19 and that's when the world opened up to me. I had to leave mum for a little bit and just explore it myself. It was the best thing I ever did."<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    After pocking the $100,000 cash prize and a cookbook deal Ling Yeow says she's excited about launching her book&nbsp;<em>Food From Mars</em>.<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    With a heavy Asian influence, the&nbsp;<em>MasterChef&nbsp;</em>winner believes Australians have been waiting for a cookbook which explores her roots.<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "I think Australia is at a stage in our food history where we are willing to be adventurous now," Ling Yeow said.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "That's why I put fairly exotic ingredients into the competition because I think the public is ready to try exotic food.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "It's part of my story of who I am as a migrant and food has played a very important part in terms of me identifying with my culture because I've lost touch with lots of other aspects of it like language and values. That's happened because I grew up here."<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    However, for Ling Yeow her immediate focus is on returning to her painting after neglecting it for four months.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    The established artist is yet to finish all her pieces for an exhibition of her works at the Hill Smith Gallery in Adelaide in November.<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    The reality TV contestant says it's been tough juggling the demands of&nbsp;<em>MasterChef Australia&nbsp;</em>with her love of art.<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "I've been getting some really amazing offers due to MasterChef, which I can't talk about, but it's been really hard to balance it all," Ling Yeow said.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "So I am trying to process the recognition from the show, but I still really need to paint and it's something I miss and couldn't do in the house.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "I've been trying to multi-task but it's been difficult. When I am at home I can just put it down, but I've been really restricted in that sense while being on the show so I've got this build up of ideas in my head that I have to get out."<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    Disappointed but humble, Goodwin praised her feisty opponent for her success.<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    "Poh's a very deserving winner," she said. "I'm proud of her, she's a good friend and I wish her every success in the world."<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    <em>MasterChef Australia&nbsp;</em>is expected to record a national average audience of more than 2.58 million, the figure of the highest-rating TV program this year in the debut of&nbsp;<em>Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities</em>.<br />
    &nbsp;
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    Auditions for the second series of&nbsp;<em>MasterChef Australia&nbsp;</em>will commence in November following the premiere of&nbsp;<em>Celebrity MasterChef</em>.
  </p>
  <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 40px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">
    Applications are set to double with more than 15,000 expected to audition for the hit program.
  </p>
</div>
</div>]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:41:06 +0200</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/10342266</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Vale! Jill Munroe!</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/701005.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/comments_blog/2009/06/farrah-fawcett-1970s-icon-dead-at-62.html"><img src="http://imagesource.allposters.com/images/pic/MMPH/257855~Farrah-Fawcett-Posters.jpg" /><br />
<br /></a>
<h2>
  <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/comments_blog/2009/06/farrah-fawcett-1970s-icon-dead-at-62.html"><strong>R.I.P FERRAH LENI 'FARRAH' FAWCETT<br />
  February 2, 1947 – June 25, 2009</strong></a>
</h2><br />
<br />
<br />
Farrah (Ferrah) Leni Fawcett-Majors, one time model, actress and pop culture icon passed away, from complications due to cancer, this morning at the age of 62. It was expected for a few weeks now, and the public nature of her demise makes it no less tragic, and yet not as much of a specatcle as one would think. Almost as the opposite of some of the paparazzi-hounded tragedies of recent years, this one seemed to be served with a certain piognancy, a certain respect.<br />
<br />
Her career was meteoric at it's outset, with commercials, leading to guest spots on popular sitcoms of the day (such as 'I Dream Of Jeannie', 'The Flying Nun' and 'The Patridge Family') and, with new husband Lee Majors, 'The Six Million Dollar Man'. There was much conjecture that she had been considered to play Jamie Summers (Majors' love interest in The Bionic Woman episodes) but these have not been substantiated. Her rise seemed unstoppable as she co-starred in the 1970's hit show 'Charlie's Angels' as Detective Jill Munroe, a role which cemented her iconic place in pop culture. Her poster image/s adorned the walls of thousands of bars and teenagers bedrooms, her hairsyle copied by countless teenage girls over the world. After she left Charlie's Angels (and the court-case surrounding her early departure had quickly faded), Fawcett moved to more dramatic roles, moving through well-know films such as 'Myra Breckinridge', 'Logan's Run', 'Saturn 3' and 'Cannonball Run', finally seeming to gavitate towards those of abused/infamous women in; 'Extremities' 'The Burning Bed', 'Between Two Women', 'Nazi Hunter', 'Poor Little Rich Girl', and 'Small Sacrifices'.<br />
<br />
Her acting career never faltered through any cause except choice, even surviving a narcotics arrest in the . At times she eschewed the screen and stage to collaborate with artists, and even tried her hand at backing Broadway productions. When the mood struck she would happily appear on popular TV series' such as Ally McBeal and Spin City (in their heydays). Her final production was a documentary, following her secondary cancer diagnosis and subseqyent treatments, along with a fly-on-the-wall perspective of her life throughout this time, made by Rod Stewart's ex-wife Alana Stewart.<br />
<br />
Farrah Fawcett died on June 25th, 2009 in Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Alana Stewart and Fawcett's long-time partner, since 1982, Ryan O-Neal was at her side only a week after admitting on air to Barbara Walters that Farrah had finally agreed to marry him (after years of his asking).<br />
<br />
She is survived by her son Redmond and her Fiancee, Ryan O'Neal.<br />
<br />
She was 62.<br />
<br />
"God made man stronger but not necessarily more intelligent. He gave women intuition and femininity. And, used properly, that combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I’ve ever met." - Farrah Fawcett.
</div>]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:59:21 +0200</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/10242035</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Vale! Krevlornswath of the Deathwok Clan!</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/695315.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b106789_Angel_Star_Andy_Hallett_Dies_of_Heart_Failure.html"><img src="http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20090330/425.2hallett.andy.033009.jpg" /><br />
<br /></a>
<h2>
  <a href="http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b106789_Angel_Star_Andy_Hallett_Dies_of_Heart_Failure.html"><strong>R.I.P ANDREW ALCOTT 'ANDY' HALLET<br />
  4 August 1975 – 29 March 2009</strong></a>
</h2><br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes you meet someone who actually has an impact on you. not just someone who you see on a screen every now and again, because there's a level of seperation involved. Of course actors affect us all, but when the actor is talented and yet is more than friendly and generous with his time, talent and effort, in real life - it's all the more tragic.<br />
<br />
Born in Osterville, Massachusettes, Andy was a shy student and in fact didn't really perform much until he was invited onstage by Patti labelle at one of her concerts. His discovery by Joss Whedon (at a Universal Studios Revue) garnered him the invitation to audition for a new role in his "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" spin-off, "Angel". Andy got the part, and the rest is now Cult-Television history, filming 40 episodes before becoming a full ensemble cast-member.<br />
<br />
After Angel wrapped, Andy concentrated on his singing career, taking time off for family and friends, also takign time off to rest, treating a burgeoning heart-condition.<br />
<br />
After a five-year battle with heart disease, Hallett died on March 29, 2009. The actor passed away at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, with his father David Hallett by his side.<br />
<br />
I was VERY privileged to have not only met Andy, but worked with him over a week/end here in Sydney, working as personal Security for his appearances here. I have rarely met such a talented and yet generous actor. We're all a little less bright for his all-too-early passing.<br />
<br />
He was only 33.<br />
<br />
"I'm so glad somebody finally said that, because sitting here waiting to die never was much of a plan. Sorry."
</div>]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:16:23 +0200</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/9395300</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The 35th Annual Saturn (SF/F/H) Awards</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/691968.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy &amp; Horror films, founded in 1972 to honor and recognize those specific genres of filmmaking, has announced the nominations for the 35th Annual Saturn Awards.<br />
<br />
<a name="cutid1"></a>...and the nominees are:<br />
<br />
Legend: <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">I have seen it</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Science Fiction Film</strong><br />
<br />
The Day the Earth Stood Still (20th Century Fox)<br />
Eagle Eye (Paramount/DreamWorks)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">The Incredible Hulk (Universal/Marvel)<br />
Indiana Jones &amp; the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Paramount/Lucasfilm)<br />
Iron Man (Paramount/Marvel)<br />
Jumper (20th Century Fox)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Fantasy Film</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Walt Disney Studios)<br />
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount)</span><br />
Hancock (Sony)<br />
The Spiderwick Chronicles (Paramount)<br />
Twilight (Summit Entertainment)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Wanted (Universal)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Horror Film</strong><br />
<br />
The Happening (20th Century Fox)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Universal)<br />
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Universal)</span><br />
Quarantine (Sony)<br />
Splinter (Magnolia/Magnet)<br />
The Strangers (Rogue/Universal)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Changeling (Universal)<br />
The Dark Knight (Warner Brothers)</span><br />
Gran Torino (Warner Brothers)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Quantum of Solace (Sony)</span><br />
Traitor (Overture)<br />
Valkyrie (MGM/UA)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Actor</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Christian Bale (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)</span><br />
Tom Cruise (Valkyrie, MGM/UA)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man, Paramount/Marvel)<br />
Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones &amp; Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Paramount/Lucasfilm)<br />
Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Paramount)</span><br />
Will Smith (Hancock, Sony)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Actress</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Cate Blanchett (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Paramount)<br />
Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)<br />
Angelina Jolie (Changeling, Universal)</span><br />
Julianne Moore (Blindness, Miramax)<br />
Emily Mortimer (Transsiberian, First Look Studios)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man, Paramount/Marvel)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Supporting Actor</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Jeff Bridges (Iron Man, Paramount/Marvel)<br />
Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)</span><br />
Woody Harrelson (Transsiberian, First Look Studios)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Shia LaBeouf (Indiana Jones &amp; Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Paramount/Lucasfilm)<br />
Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)</span><br />
Bill Nighy (Valkyrie, MGM/UA)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Supporting Actress</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Joan Allen (Death Race, Universal)<br />
Judi Dench (Quantum of Solace, Sony)<br />
Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace, Sony)<br />
Tilda Swinton (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Paramount)</span><br />
Charlize Theron (Hancock, Sony)<br />
Carice Van Houten (Valkyrie, MGM/UA)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Performance by a Younger Actor</strong><br />
<br />
Freddie Highmore (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Paramount)<br />
Lina Leandersson (Let the Right One In, Magnolia/Magnet)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire, Fox Searchlight)</span> (?? Why is this nominated?)<br />
Jaden Christopher Smith (The Day the Earth Stood Still, 20th Century Fox)<br />
Catinca Untaru (The Fall, Roadside Attractions)<br />
Brandon Walters (Australia, 20th Century Fox)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Director</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Clint Eastwood (Changeling, Universal)<br />
Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Paramount/Marvel)<br />
David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Paramount)<br />
Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)</span><br />
Bryan Singer (Valkyrie, MGM/UA)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Steven Spielberg (Indiana Jones &amp; Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Paramount/Lucasfilm)<br />
Andrew Stanton (Wall-E, Walt Disney Studios)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Writing</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway (Iron Man, Paramount/Marvel)</span><br />
David Koepp, John Kamps (Ghost Town, Paramount/DreamWorks)<br />
John Ajvide Lindqvist (Let the Right One In, Magnolia/Magnet)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)<br />
Eric Roth (Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Paramount)<br />
J. Michael Straczynski (Changeling, Universal)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Music</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Alexandre Desplat (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Paramount)<br />
Clint Eastwood (Changeling, Universal)<br />
James Newton Howard (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)</span><br />
John Ottman (Valkyrie, MGM/UA)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">John Powell (Jumper, 20th Century Fox)<br />
Hans Zimmer (Iron Man, Paramount/Marvel)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Costume</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Lindy Hemming (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)<br />
Deborah Hooper (Changeling, Universal)</span><br />
Joanna Johnston (Valkyrie, MGM/UA)<br />
Catherine Martin (Australia, 20th Century Fox)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Isis Mussenden (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Walt Disney Studios)<br />
Mary Zophres (Indiana Jones &amp; Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Paramount/Lucasfilm)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Makeup</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">John Caglione Jr., Conor O'Sullian (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)<br />
Greg Cannom (Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Paramount)<br />
Mike Elizalde (Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Universal)</span><br />
Paul Hyett (Doomsday, Universal)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Gregory Nicotero, Paul Engelen (Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Walt Disney Studios)<br />
Gerald Quist (Tropic Thunder, Paramount/DreamWorks)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Special Effects</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton, Craig Barron (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Paramount)<br />
Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber, Paul Franklin (The Dark Knight, Warner Brothers)<br />
Pablo Helman, Dan Sudick (Indiana Jones &amp; Kingdom of Crystal Skull, Paramount/Lucasfilm)<br />
John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick, Shane Mahan (Iron Man, Paramount/Marvel)<br />
Michael J. Wassel, Adrian De Wet, Andrew Chapman, Eamonn Butler (Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Universal)<br />
Dean Wright, Wendy Rogers (Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Walt Disney Studios)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best International Film</strong><br />
<br />
The Bank Job (Lionsgate)<br />
Forbidden Kingdom (Lionsgate)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">In Bruges (Focus)</span> (??? Why is this nominated?)<br />
Let the Right One In (Magnolia/Magnet)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight)</span> (?? Why is this nominated?)<br />
Transsiberian (First Looks Studios)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Animated Film</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Bolt (Walt Disney Studios)<br />
Horton Hears a Who (20th Century Fox)<br />
Kung Fu Panda (Paramount/DreamWorks)<br />
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Paramount/DreamWorks)</span><br />
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Warner Brothers/Lucasfilm)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Wall-E (Walt Disney Studios)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Network Television Series</strong><br />
<br />
Fringe (Fox)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Heroes (NBC)</span><br />
Life on Mars (ABC)(US Version)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Lost (ABC)</span><br />
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Supernatural (CW)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Battlestar Galactica (SCI FI)</span><br />
The Closer (TNT) (??? Why is this nominated?)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Dexter (Showtime)</span><br />
Leverage (TNT)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Cartoon Network)</span><br />
True Blood (HBO)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Presentation on Television</strong><br />
<br />
24: Redemption (Fox)<br />
The Andromeda Strain (A&amp;E)<br />
Breaking Bad (AMC)<br />
Jericho (CBS)<br />
The Last Templar (NBC)<br />
The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (TNT)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Actor in Television</strong><br />
<br />
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, AMC)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Matthew Fox (Lost, ABC)<br />
Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Showtime)</span><br />
Timothy Hutton (Leverage, TNT)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Edward James Olmos (Battlestar Galactica, SCI FI)</span><br />
Noah Wiley (The Librarian: The Curse of The Judas Chalice, TNT)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Actress in Television</strong><br />
<br />
Lena Headey (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Fox)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Jennifer Love Hewitt (The Ghost Whisperer, CBS)<br />
Evangeline Lilly (Lost, ABC)<br />
Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica, SCI FI)</span><br />
Anna Paquin (True Blood, HBO)<br />
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer, TNT) (??? Why is this nominated?)<br />
Anna Torv (Fringe, ABC)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Supporting Actor in Television</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Henry Ian Cusick (Lost, ABC)</span><br />
Thomas Dekker (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Fox)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Michael Emerson (Lost, ABC)<br />
Josh Holloway (Lost, ABC)<br />
Adrian Pasdar (Heroes, NBC)<br />
Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes, NBC)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Supporting Actress in Television</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter, Showtime)</span><br />
Summer Glau (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Fox)<br />
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Yunjin Kim (Lost, ABC)<br />
Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost, ABC)<br />
Hayden Panettiere (Heroes, NBC)<br />
Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica, SCI FI)</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best Guest Starring Role in a Television Series</strong><br />
<br />
Kristen Bell (Heroes, NBC)<br />
Alan Dale (Lost, ABC)<br />
Kevin Durand (Lost, ABC)<br />
Robert Forster (Heroes, NBC)<br />
Jimmy Smits (Dexter, Showtime)<br />
Sonya Walger (Lost, ABC)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best [US] DVD Release</strong><br />
<br />
Cold Prey (Anchor Bay)<br />
The Deaths of Ian Stone (Lionsgate)<br />
Jack Brooks Monster Slayer (Anchor Bay)<br />
Resident Evil: Degeneration (Sony)<br />
Starship Troopers 3: Marauder (Sony)<br />
Stuck (Image)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best [US] DVD Special Edition Release</strong><br />
<br />
Brotherhood of the Wolf (Director's Cut, Universal)<br />
Dark City (The Director's Cut, New Line/Warner)<br />
The Dark Knight (Two-Disc Special Edition, Warner)<br />
L.A. Confidential (Two-Disc Special Edition, Warner)<br />
Stephen King's The Mist (Two-Disc Collector's Edition, Genius)<br />
Zodiac: The Director's Cut (Paramount)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best [US] DVD Classic Film Release</strong><br />
<br />
Casablanca (Ultimate Collector's Edition, Warner)<br />
Heathers (20th High School Reunion Edition, Anchor Bay)<br />
The Nightmare Before Christmas (Walt Disney)<br />
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Warner)<br />
Psycho (Universal Legacy Series, Universal)<br />
Sleeping Beauty (Walt Disney)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best [US] DVD Collection</strong><br />
<br />
Abbott &amp; Costello (Complete Universal Series Collection, Universal)<br />
Dirty Harry (Ultimate Collector's Edition, Warner)<br />
Ghost House Underground Eight Film Collection (Lionsgate)<br />
The Godfather (The Coppola Restoration, Paramount)<br />
Mystery Science Theater 3000 (20th Anniversary Edition, Shout Factory)<br />
Planet of the Apes 40th Anniversary Collection (Blu Ray, Fox)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Television Series [US] Release on DVD</strong><br />
<br />
Doctor Who: The Complete Fourth Series (BBC Warner)<br />
Heroes: Season 2 (Universal)<br />
Lost: The Complete Fourth Season (Walt Disney)<br />
Moonlight: The Complete Series (Warner)<br />
Reaper: Season One (Lionsgate)<br />
Torchwood: Season 2 (BBC Warner)<br />
The Tudors: The Complete Second Season(Paramount/Showtime)<br />
<br />
<strong>Best Retro Television Series [US] Release on DVD</strong><br />
<br />
Columbo: Mystery Movie Collection 1990 (Universal)<br />
Early Edition: Season One (Paramount)<br />
The Incredible Hulk: The Complete Series (Universal)<br />
The Invaders: The First &amp; Second Seasons (Paramount)<br />
Mission Impossible: The Fourth &amp; Fifth Seasons (Paramount)<br />
Spaced: The Complete Series (BBC Warner)<a name="cutid1-end"></a><br />
<br />
The awards ceremony will take place on June 25 (USPT) at a site/time to be announced. It is not known if the ceremony will be televised (live/delayed) through a cable network or even webcast at this point.
</div>]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:37:36 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/9284163</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The 81st Oscars - The Results</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/689080.html</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">The audience at The Kodak Theatre loved the fact that Hugh was onstage, and he broke the 4th wall immediately by interacting with the assembled stars, physically as well. It was a bold move, and perhaps only Billy Crystal could have equally carried it off. As far as the performance goes? I think he was nervous. He had the weight of carrying the concept of 'rejuvenating the Oscars' on his shoulders and that is NOT a small weight to bear. He did go off tune at times, but remember that he was live, and dancing, and NOT lip-synching, but that honest, good-humoured, charming, smile NEVER wavered.<br />
<br />
Technical flubs abounded throughout the night (which were not Hugh's fault). The Sound Mixer should be shot, or at least banned from any live work. Steve, the curtain-puller, also won't be working again (anytime soon) either. I think they changed something partway through as Will Smith had to do one of Hugh's pieces on the construction of a feature film, and whilst Hugh kept the pace going, I found the idea a little contrived.<br />
<br />
I must add that I really liked the idea of having a past recipient of a Major Award come out and give their own thourhs on the performance of the nominee. The sheer star-power onstage during any one of those moments was awe-inspiring.<br />
<br />
Highpoints included: The musical numbers (thank the GODS they brought them back), the Award for Jerry Lewis, Best Documentray, Best Supporting Actor Award and response, Sarah Jessica Parker's breasts, Kate Winslet's breathing, Anne Hathaway's memorable Richard Nixon, and the animator who thanked his pencil.<br />
<br />
As far as the actual Awards, themselves, are concerned...<a name="cutid1"></a><br />
<br />
<strong>ART DIRECTION:</strong><br />
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON<br />
<em><sup>I was surprised, but I can see why. I may not agree with the choice in this one, but I can follow the logic.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:</strong><br />
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE<br />
<em><sup>("A 4-Way split which I can't choose - but if I were pushed I would choose SLUMDOG" and so it was).</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST COSTUME:</strong><br />
THE DUCHESS<br />
<em><sup>Seriously, a feast of sumptuous costuming, which was the best in the category by far.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:</strong><br />
Heath Ledger for THE DARK KNIGHT<br />
<em><sup>This was a foregone concusion, though some thought of the outside possibility of Phillip Seymour Hoffman taking it away from him for "Doubt". However, in my mind there never was any doubt. Well deserved, and an explosion of cheers with a standing ovation made for a genuine misty-eyed moment.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:</strong><br />
Penelope Cruz for VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA<br />
<em><sup>What The Fuck??? How?????? A bitter dissappointment, and perhaps only as a bit of a nod to Woody Allen moreso than anything to do with La Cruz's performance (it felt like she simply phoned in the performance). IMO Marissa Tomei and Amy Adams were seriously gypped.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST ANIMATED FEATURE:</strong><br />
WALL.E<br />
<em><sup>There was NO other competition in this category. The other two entries were very very strong, it's just that WALL.E was light-years better. I believe that this should possibly be renamed the Disney/Pixar Animation Award.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:</strong><br />
MAN ON WIRE<br />
<em><sup>Whilst I liked it a lot, I liked Werner Herzog's "Encounters..." more, although the acceptance speech was great and DID give one of the real magic moments of the night.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT:</strong><br />
SMILE PINKI<br />
<em><sup>A winner from left-field, even more obvious as the recipient was seated WAY in the back. The problem here is not being able to see all the entries and so I have taken steps to try and confirm this for next year (hopefullythe Academy will send me screeners of the short subjects next year [Yes, I HAVE asked]).</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST EDITING:</strong><br />
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE<br />
<em><sup>Absolutely.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST FOREIGN FILM:</strong><br />
OKURIBITO<br />
<em><sup>Honestly, even in this strong a field there was NO other choice for me than "Waltz With Bashir", so I even write it down as the winner, when out of left-field came the one we hadn't seen (from Japan). Maybe I should add 'Foreign Films to my request from the Academy.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST MAKEUP:</strong><br />
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON<br />
<em><sup>Again... What. The. Fuck???? IMO this was a travesty, and an opinion shared by everyone in the room (and there was almost half the room having professional experience in film there). So...now digital compositing gets the nod for a <strong>makeup</strong> award? WTF? I don't think so, and a strongly worded "Please explain what drugs you are on??" email to the Academy is in order for this. CG has it's places and it's own award/s. Make-up is a physical thing, and the only film which consistently raised the bar in the category was "Hellboy II".</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST ORIGINAL (MUSIC) SCORE:</strong><br />
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE<br />
<em><sup>All scores were pretty spot-on, though I agree with Amaya that "Slumdog..." did have a lot of repetition throughout, so I guess I was hoping for "Wall.E" (even though it really was a coin-toss)</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST ORIGINAL SONG:</strong><br />
"Jai Ho" from SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE<br />
<em><sup>I agree. It is a good number and a great moment at the end of the film. However, the performance of the three songs ("O Saya", "Down To Earth" and "Jai Ho") was the real winner of the night, where the Musical Director skillfully meshed all three songs in a Bollywood/Broadway manner which has everyone in the house, and at the Awards, cheering.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>SHORT FILM ANIMATED:</strong><br />
LA MAISON UN PETITE CUBES<br />
<em><sup>A winner from left-field (like "Pinki...") but this time I managed to see almost 3/4 of the entries, because I went spare seeing bits and pieces online so I could get a fair idea as to what they were like. Like all the other short subjects, seeing these is a real crap-shoot because you either catch them at Festivals or see what you can online. Again, I have written to the Academy for their suggestions (even though they have screenings for them in L.A, WE don't get to see them and that sucks). I also like the fact that it was a Japanese animator making a French animation who also thanked his pencil :)</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>SHORT FILM LIVE ACTION:</strong><br />
SPIELZEUGLAND (TOYLAND)<br />
<em><sup>Again, like the other short subjects, maybe we'll see tghem all next year. Thanks to Flickerfest for getting me to see "Manon...", but from what I saw piecemeal online, the winner well deserved it.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST SOUND EDITING:</strong><br />
THE DARK KNIGHT<br />
<em><sup>I was surprised, but not disappointed.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST SOUND MIXING:</strong><br />
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE<br />
<em><sup>Should NOT have gotten the gong, as "Wall.E"'s sound design was not only wide in scope, but had the balls to use no dialogue, just sounds for language.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST VISUAL EFFECTS:</strong><br />
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON<br />
<em><sup>A VERY strong field, and well deserved, IMO. Although, some dissented and insisted that "The Dark Knight" deserved it more.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:</strong><br />
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE<br />
<em><sup>I guess in this case I will HAVE to start seeing the films and instantly reading the material afterwards, to judge this category fairly.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:</strong><br />
MILK<br />
<em><sup>I still believe that my original choices were the right ones. "In Bruges" or "Wall.E" were better IMO</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:</strong><br />
JERRY LEWIS<br />
<em><sup>I wasn't aware of this one, and it was wonderful to see the man get something which he richly deserves. In his lifetime he has personally raised 2 BILLION dollars for kids with muscular dystrophy, There are no words to express my admiration for that feat alone.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST ACTOR:</strong><br />
Sean Penn for MILK<br />
<em><sup>They ALL deserved it, but Sean Penn wore this role so completely.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST ACTRESS:</strong><br />
Kate Winslet for THE READER<br />
<em><sup>It was Kate's year (especially seeing that it was widely circulated that the Academy would have entered her for both if her films if they could) and amongst a powerhouse of competition, she shone out.</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST DIRECTOR:</strong><br />
Danny Boyle for SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE<br />
<em><sup>Quite Dissappointing. Whilst "Slumdog..." was a good film, I believed that Ron Howard did a masterfully better job on "Frost/Nixon", so too did Gus Van Sant with "Milk" and were well-deserving of the award, moreso than Mr Boyle (in this instance).</sup></em><br />
<br />
<strong>BEST PICTURE:</strong><br />
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE<br />
<em><sup>I picked it, as it had too much momentum from the other Awards shows. I still think that "Frost/Nixon" was better and "Milk" was better overall, but I guess Bio-pics were not the flavour of the year for the major gong.</sup></em><a name="cutid1-end"></a><br />
<br />
That's it for another year of Oscar (Awards-Show) madness. many MANY thanks to those who came by and braved the mugginess (and thunderstorms) to fill the house. A HUGE thanks goes out to <span style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://arby-doll.livejournal.com/profile"><img src="http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif" height="17" alt="[info]" style="vertical-align: bottom; border: 0; padding-right: 1px;" width="17" /></a><a href="http://arby-doll.livejournal.com/"><strong>arby_doll</strong></a></span> for all the cooking for the night (more than ably assisted by Ben, The Waiter).<br />
<br />
<em>(Although, you DO know that the TONY AWARDS are in June and the PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS start the ball rolling (again) in August this year)...</em><br />
<br />
... I'll see you all there ;)
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      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:57:15 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/9133143</guid>
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      <title>Vale! John Drake!</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/682537.html</link>
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<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/iprisoneri-actor-patrick-mcgoohan-dies/2009/01/15/1231608833056.html"><img src="http://blogs.news.com.au/images/uploads/Prisoner_grab.jpg" /><br />
<br /></a>
<h2>
  <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/iprisoneri-actor-patrick-mcgoohan-dies/2009/01/15/1231608833056.html"><strong>R.I.P PATRICK JOSEPH MCGOOHAN<br />
  March 19, 1928 – January 13, 2009</strong></a>
</h2><br />
<br />
<br />
The man was eclectic, he was undoubtedly a genius, and he was a man of his time. He is also one of the world’s most recognised cult Television icons, something I am sure he did not expect when he started his career in The Sheffield repatory Theatre in the early 1950's.<br />
<br />
From his adopted home in Sheffield, Patrick McGoohan trod the boards across England for ten years, meeting his wife, actress Joan Drummond, and marrying in 1951. McGoohan was a rakish handsome actor, who filled many leading men's roles in English theatre, but who almost had his career soured by a contract signed with The Rank Organisation. The company was initially interested in patrick for his physique, yet was alerted to his talent by Orson Wells. Of course Rank was large and it pushed Patrick into fields of acting he might not have ordinarily gone, such as many 1950's grindhouse flicks such as "Hell Drivers". However, these did not stretch him as an actor. Due to many heated arguments and massive 'creative differences' his contract was dissolved and this gave Patrick time and the ability to pursue television work.<br />
<br />
A number of small roles led to Patrick being cast in the first of his iconic roles, that of John Drake in "Danger Man", a cerebral spy series where the fights were staged differently and throughout the entire series Drake did not kiss the girl. The series was released as "Secret Agent" in non-UK markets and the themesong 'Secret Agent Man' becamse a cult hit. After one year, the series, though innovative, faded in U.S ratings and revenue and was cancelled. It was brought back two years later, though, due to re-run fuelled public demand (well before the Star Trek letter-writing campaign of the later 60's), and the emerging public profile of it's star, McGoohan, who had worked extensively on-screen with the Disney corporation but had turned down some other similar leading spy-roles such as Simon Templar in "The Saint" and James Bond in "Dr No". Ironically it was the success of these two franchises which continued to raise new awareness for McGoohan and "Danger Man" returned, with an expended one hour timeslot and with McGoohan having script approval, and was a hit in the U.S, lasting for a further 3 more seasons before Patrick found he was once again no longer being challenged as an actor.<br />
<br />
The series creator, and McGoohan's mentor, Sir Lew Grade offered McGoohan something different. A miniseries, with McGoohan as star and Producer - seven connected episodes about a Secret Agent who resigns suddenly and then wakes up to find himself in a prison disguised as a holiday resort. It was called "The Prisoner" and is perhaps McGoohan's most iconic role - the one he will always be remembered for. The mini-series revolved around the agent (who is only ever referred to as a number) trying to escape the island and return to civilisation whilst trying to determine the identity of his nemesis, Number 1. The series was not a hit at the time, though the original seven episodes was increaded to seventeen. It was deemed as too cerebral, yet found favour with the university set, and as such became a cult phenomonen, outranking such cult hits as "The Twilight Zone", "The Outer Limits" and even "Dr Who" in the '25 Best Cult Television Series of All Time' poll in the UK.<br />
<br />
After wrapping work on "The Prisoner", Patrick worked on many TV series' such as "Rafferty" (said to be a inspiration for Hugh Laurie's "House"), and "Ice Station Zebra" which was said to be Billionaire Howard Hughes' favourite film. He won two Emmy Awards for his work on "Columbo" with Peter Falk, he appeared in Cronenbergs seminal "Scanners", in "The Phantom" with Billy Zane as The Phantom's father, and in Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" as King Edward Longshanks. He continued to work in television and film until the late 1990's, a classic working actor.<br />
<br />
A lot of his work in theatre and television, apart from certain shining roles, was of the supporting variety, yet was constant and of a high consistent quality. Throughout all his years, and fame, he maintained his marriage to his wife Joan Drummond McGoohan, fathering three daughters, Catherine, Anne and Frances. At the time of his death, McGoohan was mostly retired, living in Los Angeles with his wife of 57 years. He leaves A legacy of theatre credits, iconic film roles and some legendary stories on how top manage one's acting career long with his three daughters, he had five grandchildren (Sarah, Erin, Simon, Nina, and Paddy). On June 11, 2008, he became a great-grandfather to Jack Patrick Lockhart.<br />
<br />
He was 80, but he will always be Number 6.<br />
Be seeing you.
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      </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:46:19 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2009:/article/8778358</guid>
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      <title>Vale! Number One</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/679984.html</link>
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<a href="http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b74086_star_trek_universe_loses_majel_barrett.html"><img src="http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/j/Majel%20Barrett.jpg" /><img src="http://www.famous-couple.com/pics/majel_barrett.jpg" /><img src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_PVK6FRB79_o/SJREtSOrtMI/AAAAAAAAAOY/7m5HS-5KEPM/S240/lax.jpg" /><br />
<br /></a>
<h2>
  <a href="http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b74086_star_trek_universe_loses_majel_barrett.html"><strong>R.I.P MAJEL LEIGH HUDEC<br />
  (aka MAJEL BARRETT-RODENBERRY)<br />
  23 February 1932 – 18 December 2008</strong></a>
</h2><br />
<br />
<br />
With a career which spanned not only 5 decades, but also most of a Galaxy, Majel Hudec will be forever known as the First Lady of Star Trek. She was born in Cleveland Ohio, graduating from th University of Miamai, and then (with acting training and stock shows under her belt) moved through to Hollywood where she managed to land roles with the (then) prestigious Desilu Studios. She received comedy training from onone other than Lucille Ball herself, and was given bit parts in several of their house productions such as 'Bonanza', 'The Unctouchables', 'The Lieutenant' and Lucy's own show 'The Lucy Show'.<br />
<br />
During her stint on 'The Lieutenant', Majel met the series creator Gene Roddenberry and the rest, as they say, is history.<br />
<br />
Her association with Star Trek is legendary. First co-starring opposite Jeffrey Hunter and Leonard Nimoy in the original (and rejected) Pilot for the series, her role was reduced due to Network Executive insistence to that of a recurring character in the second, and successful, pilot. After the pilot was accepted by the Network, she continued appearing in almost every episode until the series cancellation in 1969 as both Nurse Christine Chapel and the female voice of the Enterprise shipboard computer. She recurred voicing her role as Nurse Chapel in the short-lived Star Trek Animated Series (as well as the computer and another regular character Lt M'Ress). She served as am ambassador of Star Trek throughout the years, appearing in at least one major fan convention per year, and reprising her roles as both Christine Chapel in two Star Trek films, thence making the crossover to the newly minted Star Trek The Next Generation in the late 1980's as a regular guest star, Lwaxana Troi, and once again providing her vocal talents as the Enterprise computer system. After the death of her husband, Gene, Majel continued to Executive Produce each subsequent series. She also made the cross-over to Star Trek Deep Space Nine (as Lwaxana Troi, and the Starfleet Computer voice) and Star trek Voyager in the same latter capacity. She lent her talents to various Star Trek video games, and even reprised her vocal talents for the computer voice of the USS Defient in an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise. On December 4, 2008, it was announced that she had just completed work as the voice of the new Enterprise in the upcoming Star Trek franchise reboot film, making her the only cast member to have appeared in every incarnation of Star Trek in the past 42 years.<br />
<br />
Majel also appeared in a number of other series, such as 'Leave It To Beaver', 'Genesis II', 'Babylon 5', 'Earth: Final Conflict' and 'The Family Guy'. She Executive Produced Gene Roddenberry's 'Earth: Final Conflict' and 'Andromeda' in the 1990's.<br />
<br />
Majel Barret-Roddenberry, source of unrequited affection for Mr Spock, Daughter of The Fith House, Heir To the Holy Rings of Betazed, and without doubt the First Lady of Star Trek, passed away on December 18 2008, in her Bel-Aire house, from complications associated with Leukaemia. She leaves behind her son Eugene Wesley Rodenberry, a career spanning 5 decades, and a legacy in Star Trek lore and fandom which may never be equalled. She was 76.<br />
<br />
We Grieve With Thee.
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      </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:40:28 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2008:/article/8563967</guid>
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      <title>Vale! The Boy Next Door</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/679817.html</link>
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        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">.<br />
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<a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/14/america/obits.php"><img src="http://www.upress.state.ms.us/images/books/books/fall2001/van_johnson.jpg" /><br />
<br /></a>
<h2>
  <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/14/america/obits.php"><strong>R.I.P CHARLES VAN DELL JOHNSON<br />
  August 25, 1916 – December 12, 2008</strong></a>
</h2><br />
<br />
<br />
He had no startling impact on lives, didn't rise to the iconic status of Brando or Flynn, yet 50-60 years ago (Charles) Van (Dell) Johnson was a film-idol to rival the likes of Gene Kelly, Fred Astair and Bing Crosby.<br />
<br />
From a troubled upbringing in Newport Rhode Island, which belied his ready and charming screen-smile, Charles Van Dell Johnson graduated High School, moving to New York City, and started a long-lived acting career. he toured with Summer Stock productions and became known as an excellent 'fill-in' dancer. From this fairly workman-like beginning he was recruited to tour Europe as a substitute dancer retirning to New York to appear in his first acting role in Broadway revue 'New Faces of 1936'. From there he was again recruited to tour summer stock productions in upstate New York (it was said that Patrick Swayze based his role in Dirty Dancing on his knowledge of Van Johnson's early career). After these summer stints, Johnson, having dropped both the 'Charles' and 'Dell' from his stage-name, moved over to Hollywood landing a bit part (and understudying for all the male leads) in the film adaption of 'Too Many Girls' and also understudying Gene Kelly in 'Pal Joey'. However, Columbia Pictures then knocked him back, Warner bros couldn't use his boy-next-door charm and looks and let him slide after an uneventful 6 month contract. It was only the intervention of Lucille Ball (whom Johnson met in his Summer Stock days) and an interduction to Billy Grady (Casting Director at MGM) which threw Johnson into a fully utilised contract at that prestigious studio.<br />
<br />
The roles came thick and fast for Van Johnson, now that his image and charm were being fully utilised. Starting with replacing Lew Ayers' Dr Kildare as the lead in the 'Dr Gillespie' series of movies, his versatility and reliability becamse an asset to MGM. A fortuitous (yet almost fatal) injury left Johnson unable to serve in WWII, so throughout the war MGM pushed his image. Van Johnson appeared in a number of films (both in and out of uniform) portraying that 'nice young fellow' who lived just down the street in 'Anytown, USA'. By 1945 Johnson equalled Bing Crosby in box-office drawing power (which was no mean feat), but the end of the war saw the return of other 'Matinee Idol' stars and so his stint at the top was somewhat short-lived.<br />
<br />
Despite rumours surrounding his sexuality, Johnson married newly divorced Eve Johnson in 1947, inheriting 2 children from her prior marriage to star Keenan Wynn, and later fathering his daughter, Schuyler. In 1961, the Johnsons seperated after Johnson's alleged affair with a young male dancer from his touring productrion of 'The Music Man', and 7 years later (in what was reported to be a very ugly courtroom display) they divorced, almost bankrupting the erstwhile star.<br />
<br />
Van Johnson is probably best known for his affable roles in 'Brigadoon' co-starring with Gene Kelly and 'The Caine Mutiny', co-starring with Humphrey Bogart. Later in Television Van Johnson is credited with originating the 'celebrity walk-on' roles in TV sitcoms (the first ever recorded being by himself in 'I Love Lucy'. Further appearances in television series' followed including 'Batman', and later on in such TV stock as 'Qunicy ME', 'The Love Boat', and his Emmy nominated performance in the TV mini-series 'Rich Man Poor Man'. From TV, Van Johnson returned to SUmmer Stock Touring and Dinner Theatre. Some may see this as a step down the ladder, but Johnson is said to have remarked that 'an actor needs the basics, and if he can do them well, he'll never be out of work.' In later interviews Johnson also noted that theatre gave a known quality of script whereas the films he was being offered were fewer and 'crappier' as the months rolled on. So for three decades he was one of the busiest stars in regional and dinner theaters, traveling throughout the country, as the epitome of the working actor.<br />
<br />
Toward the end of his life he was still working, still remembered as the 'boy-next-door' from years gone past, his last film appearance was in 1992 in 'Clowning Around'.<br />
<br />
Van Johnson was one of the last of the 'Matinee Idols', whose good looks and on-screen charm led to a slew of memorable roles. Though never awarded an Oscar, it is a wide-held belief by many critics that Johnson consistently delivered Oscar-worthy performances, which is more than most actors can say these days.<br />
<br />
He died on Dec 12th, of natural causes, at the Tappan Zee Manor, an assisted living facility in New York state, where he had lived since 2001. He was 92.
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      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:46:31 +0100</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">tag:ziki.com,2008:/article/8543353</guid>
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      <title>Vale &quot;The Dark Angel&quot;</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/679056.html</link>
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        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">.<br />
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<a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-page12-2008dec12,0,5310709.story"><img src="http://www.bettiepage.org/images/photos/bikini/bikini8.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<h2>
  <strong><a href="http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24789917-23109,00.html">R.I.P BETTY MAE PAGE (aka BETTIE PAGE)<br />
  April 22, 1923 - December 11, 2008</a></strong>
</h2><br />
<br />
<br />
What can you say about a 'timeless' icon of the pinup, rockabilly, fetish &amp; gothic communities, who had a profound impact on your life? That she was the face which launched a thousand black-haired, banged, imitators, and innocently sent people into paroxysms of fetish and pinup worship for over six decades. I discovered Bettie Page in an old Playboy magazine at a somewhat young age (well, young enough to be mesmerised by her looks and her innocent-yet-knowing image. From there I managed to stumble into her image (or her likeness) in so many places. To this day I have images of Bettie on my wall, on shot-glasses, in pin-up books, and even imitated by girl-friends.<br />
<br />
Born Betty Mae Page on April 22, 1923, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was the oldest girl of Roy and Edna Page's six children. Coming from a troubled home, in a time of economic depression, and her parents troubled marriage which ended in 1933, Betty literally raised herself and her siblings. Her mother, adverse to the thought of daughters provided little in the way of a family environment, in fact leaving Betty and her sister in an orphanage for 2 years. Despite these trials, Betty was a brilliant scholar (with a view to becoming a teacher) and graduated near the top of her classes, going on the graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree, from Peabody University, in 1944.<br />
<br />
After a failed marriage to Bill Neal, Betty moved around for a few years, working in jobs such as secretary, until meeting amateur photographer Jerry Tibbs in New York. Tibbs introduced Betty to the underground world of Camera Clubs (whose existance was widely known to be the legal loophole for the production or erotic photographs) where she changed the spelling of her first name to Bettie. Through these clubs, Bettie's image was circulated and appeared in many Men's Magazines of the time. It was then that Bettie met Irving Klaw, widely recorgnised as one fo the single biggest producers of mail-order Bondage and Fetish Photographs in the US at the time. Bettie's image was now sealed forever as being the world's first famous bondage model. Her fame (some would say notoriety) skyrocketed, yet Bettie wanted to do more than just pose for risque shots (although she would not stop for some time as she saw nothing wrong with the content of the shots at all). Bettie studied acting at the Herbert-Burgoff Studioos, appeared on TV programs such as 'The Jackie Geason Show', and made a few smaller risque films with other pin-up legends such as Lily St Cyr and Tempest Storm, such as Tease-erama. On one of Bettie's many modelling tours, being now the nighest paid model in New York State, she hooked up with the second most profound influence on her professional life, photographer Bunny Yeager who, after shooting the now famous 'Jungle Bettie' set in Florida, sent photos to Hugh Hefner of Playboy magazine. Betty became Playmate of the month in January in 1955, and awarded "Pin-Up Girl of The World" later that year.<br />
<br />
Her career continued to skyrocket until the now infamous 'Kefauver Hearings of the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency', commissioned after a young man was found to have died during an erotic session surrounded by images of a bound Bettie Page. It is widely accepted that the stress and severity of these hearings, coupled with her name now being besmirched by the Government, helped to drive Betty into a fundamental Christian community, where she 'found' salvation, and shielding from the press and her old life, which she severed all ties to. For a number of years Betty dropped out of the public eye, and indeed the public interest until in the late 1970's interest was kindled again by several publishers who started using her likenss (gleaned from copies of the once-banned Irving Klaw photos, and other photographers' associated works). The list is long but works such as 'The Betty Pages', 'Tor Love Betty', 'The Rocketeer', 'Bettie Page Queen Of The Pin-ups' all utilised her images and likenesses from photos which (ironically) were now in the public domain, and hence were not subject to copyright or roaylty payments. In the 1990's, and living in a share-house, Betty became aware of the resurgence of interest in her image, granting non-filmed interviews with hosts such as Robin Leach from 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous', E! Television, and NBC's 'Real Life'. Thanks to this wave of publicity, and some new biographies being published of her life, her financial future was finally assured after securing the services of the same agency which represented the images of both James Dean and Elvis Presley. A financial firm was engaged to recoup as much of her lost earnings as possible. She could now live off her well-deserved fame.<br />
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In a late-1990s interview, Page stated she would not allow any current pictures of her to be shown because of concerns about her weight. In 2003, however, she changed her mind and allowed a publicity picture to be taken of her, for the August 2003 edition of Playboy. In 2006, the Los Angeles Times ran an article headlined A Golden Age for a Pinup, covering an autographing session at her current publicity company, CMG Worldwide. Once again, she declined to be photographed, saying that she would rather be remembered as she was.<br />
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The subject, now of many films and so-called bio-pics, the most recent being 'The Notorious Bettie Page' in 2005, yet one more is due for release in 2009, directed by Academy Award winner Mark Mori, and made with Bettie's close assistance, the project taking approximately 10 years to complete.<br />
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On December 11th 2008, after 9 days in hospital due to a reported case of pneumonia followed by a major heart-attack, Bettie Page passed away at Kindred Hospital in Los Angeles, where she had been on life support since suffering her attack. She leaves behind two ex-husbands, no children, and yet a profound and lasting impact on popular-culture, having forever changed the face of modelling, and countless performers. She will always remain the vibrant Bettie Page of memory, of glamour and fetish modelling, forever in her 20's. An icon of the 20th Century. She was 85.
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      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>One Day to go...</title>
      <link>http://ozgenre.livejournal.com/676204.html</link>
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        <![CDATA[<div class="post_content wiki_text">...and more than during any other foreign election, the eyes of the world have turned to the United States in the hope that the mistakes and missteps of the past 8 years will be addressed and that the directions and policies instituted by (what has been noted by some as) <a href="http://www.pollingreport.com/BushJob.htm">the most unpopular President in US History</a> will be reversed.<br />
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In one day, eleigible citizens of the United States have the opportunity to signal their displeasure in the current economy, the ‘War on Terror’, their employment prospects, health care, aged care and a slew of other issues which hit home to the well-being of their nation, and (some say unfortunately) to the well-being of the Western World. As the US goes, so go we all, as the most recent economic turbulence will unfortunately demonstrate.<br />
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In one day, they will be able to signal their desire to see positives instead of negatives, security instead of paranoia, acceptance instead of xenophobia, their desire for change.<br />
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So, as we did last year with the Australian General Election, we now tune into the TV, and we look to see which direction Australians will be pointed (along with the rest of the Westernised World), we watch and we wait... for Change.<br />
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<a href="http://pics.livejournal.com/ozgenre/pic/00011t47/"><img src="http://pics.livejournal.com/ozgenre/pic/00011t47/s320x240" height="240" width="154" /></a><br />
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      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:20:38 +0100</pubDate>
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