Pacquiao easily beats Mosley to retain WBO title

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines retained his WBO welterweight title by recording an unanimous points victory over a lackluster Shane Mosley at the MGM Garden Arena on Saturday.

The 32-year-old southpaw dominated all 12 rounds against his defense-minded American opponent to improve his career record to 53-3-2 with 38 knockouts. It was Pacquiao's 14th consecutive win since his loss to Erik Morales in Las Vegas in March 2005, and enhanced his status as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter.

Fighting for the second time since winning a seat in his country's national congress last year, Pacquiao gained one-sided verdicts from all three judges -- 119-108, 120-108 and 120-107.

"Sugar" Shane Mosley, an 8-1 underdog against the 10-times world champion, slipped to 46-7-1 with 39 knockouts.

Loud chants of "Manny, Manny, Manny" rang out in the Garden Arena before the two fighters made their way to the ring.

Mosley came out first, led by American rapper and actor LL Cool J, before Pacquiao followed suit with Jimi Jamison of U.S. rock band Survivor singing the group's 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger."

Round one began with both fighters probing. Pacquiao connected early on with a left jab before Mosley landed a solid right-handed punch to the body.

TELLING COMBINATIONS

With the crowd again chanting "Manny, Manny, Manny" Pacquiao began to find a rhythm and he landed several telling combinations before ending the second round with a right hook followed by a straight left.

In round three, Mosley connected with another solid right before the Filipino sent the American crashing to the canvas with a crunching straight left set up by a right jab, only the third time Mosley had ever been knocked down.

Pacquiao began round four in the same vein, continually forcing Mosley to back-peddle, although the American connected with his first three-punch combination of the fight

In round six, Pacquiao kept moving forward and landed a solid upper cut before Mosley, mainly focused on defense, responded late on with a powerful right hook

The Filipino, wearing yellow gloves to give hope to those fighting hunger and poverty in the Philippines, kept Mosley on the retreat in round seven with his agile footwork and a series of probing combinations.

Pacquiao unleashed several accurate body and head jabs early in round eight against a tiring Mosley to maintain control as the crowd booed the American for his defensive strategy.

Mosley was initially more aggressive in round nine with his jab but the Filipino southpaw countered with a flurry of combinations before landing a crunching straight left on the American's chin.

Pacquiao, continually moving forward, forced Mosley back on to the ropes in the 10th round. The Filipino was surprisingly adjudged to have been knocked down after being pushed to the canvas by Mosley. Fired up, Pacquiao ended the round in aggressive mode, hitting Mosley late on with a withering left.

Sensing the chance of a knockout, Pacquiao kept coming forward in the final two rounds, pummeling his opponent at every opportunity and twice pinning Mosley against the ropes.

Read more »

50 Cent: Jackson is underrated

50 Cent says Samuel L. Jackson deserves an Oscar.
The rapper says the 62-year-old actor, who is famed for his roles in Pulp Fiction, Unbreakable and Snakes on a Plane, is overlooked as one of the greatest Hollywood stars. The American star, real name Curtis James Jackson III, can't understand why the legendary actor is yet to claim an award at the prestigious annual Academy Awards.
“Samuel L. Jackson is probably the most underrated actor. Like he’s trying to go for the world record of underrated. He deserves an Academy look,” he said in an interview with Vibe magazine.

Samuel, who has only been nominated for one Oscar, for his role in 1994 film Pulp Fiction, has been vocal about his disapproval of rappers embarking on careers in Hollywood.
50 Cent has recently branched out into movies. The 35-year-old, who famously lost 54 lbs for his role in Things Fall Apart, insists he understands Samuel’s frustration.
"He said something about me earlier. I was a fan of him before and after he said it. You understand, if you are that passionate... That person has disciplined himself and trained himself,” he explained. “I'm with Sam: I don't want to be in no movie with no damn rapper."

Read more »

Julia Roberts: My husband is hot

Julia Roberts says the secret to her happy marriage is her “interesting” husband.
The Hollywood actress, who is famed for her roles in Erin Brockovich, Pretty Woman and Steel Magnolias, says she is constantly reminded of how lucky she is to be married to her spouse Daniel Moder. Julia has been married to the cameraman since 2002, and has three children with him, Henry, three, and six-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus. Julia met him on set of her movie The Mexican in 2000, while she was still dating Benjamin Bratt.

The stunning star revealed the secrets behind her happy marriage to Daniel in an interview with Oprah.
"I'm just in love with my husband," she said on the Oprah show. “If you want an interesting relationship, stay in one. And it's true. He gets more interesting every day." Then, she added, "He's hot."
Julia, who is appearing alongside Tom Hanks in the upcoming Larry Crowne movie, appreciates the practical things in life.
The 43-year-old says she applies a simple mantra to living a happy life.
"Forward motion,” she replied.

Read more »

Jennifer Lopez resists candy

Jennifer Lopez says she tries hard to resist her kids’ sweets in order to maintain her svelte figure.
The singer-and-actress is famed for her enviable curves and stunning good looks. The star has three-year-old twins Max and Emme with her husband Marc Anthony, and says that since giving birth, her naturally slim body takes more work to maintain. The 41-year-old has to try hard to not give into sharing her kids’ sweets and chocolates which are always lying around.
"After giving birth, the body changes. You recover less easily, the excess weight is immediately visible, so you have to be careful. And at home, there are all the candies for the kids, so you have to resist,” she said in an interview with the French edition of Elle magazine.

Jennifer also avoids overly salty treats. However, she considers herself lucky to be able to eat carbohydrates with ease.
“Maybe it’s because I grew up eating lots of rice and bread so carbohydrates don’t make me gain weight. But I am very careful with the sugar, and salt,” she added.

Read more »

Bradley Cooper

WHY IS HE FAMOUS

Thanks to box office hits like Yes Man, He's Just Not That Into You and The Hangover, American actor Bradley Cooper has escaped from the over-populated "Oh, I know that guy" acting pool and has started headlining the "Hey, it's Bradley Cooper" list amidst a crop of growing supporters. Until now, he hasn't been at the point where audiences are lining up just to see him. We expect that's all about to change with his upcoming film Limitless, in which Cooper stars alongside Robert De Niro and Abbie Cornish as a writer who discovers a top-secret drug that gives him super-human abilities. 

Bradley Cooper Quote

" The only bachelor party that I've ever been to was in Palm Springs with five guys playing golf. "

75 MAGNETISM

Bradley Cooper's confident swagger resonates well with the fairer sex. He's very clear about what he finds attractive in a woman -- namely a natural style that emphasizes T-shirts and underwear over trashy makeup and clothes that leave no skin to the imagination (no dice, Paris Hilton). A solid believer in relationship chemistry and date ideas that are original and unforgettable (think bungee jumping), Bradley Cooper also asks that women accept his evening habit of watching The Charlie Rose Show while eating Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

Bradley Cooper has been involved in several high-profile relationships. In 2005, he dated Jamie King, his costar on Kitchen Confidential, but ended up marrying Spin City actress Jennifer Esposito a year later. Unfortunately, Bradley Cooper wasn't the one to reverse Hollywood's short-term marriage trend (we'll leave that to you, Pamela Anderson), and he divorced Esposito a year later. 

Cooper is now dating Renee Zellweger (the two have been a couple for over a year and a half), and he has denied rumors linking him to Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston.

52 SUCCESS

Bradley Cooper is an accomplished actor on stage, in movies and also on television. We say "accomplished" because he has already mastered two of the essential roles that every male actor needs for career survival: the heartless jerk and the supportive best friend. As a brash, adulterous hothead in Wedding Crashers, he made touch football look dangerous and made Dick Cheney's hunting skills look sharp. In projects like Alias and Yes Man, Bradley Cooper eased nicely into the "best friend" role -- you know, the friend who will support the story's main character, even if the lead is a spy who puts lives in danger or a slightly crazy guy who will say yes to anything.

With the jerk and the best friend roles firmly in his corner, Bradley Cooper is now gearing up to make the roles of comedy lead and hero his own. His characterization of the de facto leader of the group in The Hangover somehow made headaches and double-vision fun (again?), while his interpretation of Faceman in the big-screen A-Team made him a friend of neglected 1980s TV fans.

While it was The Hangover that turned Bradley Cooper into what industry types call a "bankable" star, he is now attempting his transition from member-of-the-gang to his first leading role in his upcoming film Limitless. We're rooting for him, but if it doesn't work out, The Hangover Part II (out in May) provides an eagerly anticipated fallback plan.

BRADLEY COOPER BIOGRAPHY

Bradley Cooper, he caught the acting bug from an elephant -- or more specifically an elephant man. A native of Pennsylvania, Cooper had just completed an honors degree in English from Georgetown University when he developed an uncontrollable urge to head to the Big Apple and try acting. This urge was due to a long appreciation for the acting craft, courtesy of The Elephant Man, a movie that left a lasting impression on him. After successfully gaining acceptance into New York's prestigious Actors Studio Drama School, he learned from the best (like acting legend Ellen Burstyn) and played John Merrick (the real-life Elephant Man) for his thesis project.

Before he had even graduated from the Actors Studio, Bradley Cooper began paying his acting and pop culture lexicon dues with a one-shot guest appearance as Jake on Sex and the City in 1998. The experience of working on a female-driven show would come in handy later on. After co-starring in the feature film Wet Hot American Summer and hosting Lifetime's travel and nature-themed Treks in a Lonely World in 2000, Bradley Cooper won a starring role on The $treet, the newest New York-set brainchild of Sex and the City creator Darren Star. Unfortunately, longevity wasn’t in the cards, and the series was scrapped after less than 15 episodes.

Bradley Cooper Stars On Alias And Wedding Crashers

With his schooling complete and a promising career temporarily derailed by uncertainty, Bradley Cooper switched coasts and moved to Los Angeles. He also auditioned for the role of Clay, a journalist and friend to a spy whose life is stupendously complicated. The show was called Alias and by the time it launched in 2001, Clay was renamed Will. In no time, the show's ardent popularity made She-Spies sexy, Jennifer Garner tabloid material and slapped J.J. Abrams with the tag of television genius.

Bradley Cooper was a regular on Alias for two seasons before leaving to pursue other opportunities on the entertainment circuit. The most notable one came in 2005, as he took on the role of the cheating lout "Sack" Lodge in Wedding Crashers, the movie that capitalized on the long-at-play male ritual of picking up at weddings. Not content to just injure Vince Vaughn's character in an innocent touch football game, he also fired a few shots into his backside during a hunting trip gone wrong. A likable character he was not, but a perfect one to incite laughter and hate from audiences, he most certainly was. Mission accomplished.

Bradley Cooper Stars In Yes Man And The Hangover

Hot from Wedding Crashers, Bradley Cooper took his heat into the kitchen for the chef-inspired FOX series, Kitchen Confidential. Low ratings turned any heat down for good and the show was canceled. After a Broadway stage run with Julia Roberts and Paul Rudd in Three Days of Rain and a recurring role on Nip/Tuck, Cooper went back to focusing his primary attention on films. In 2008, he played best buddy to Jim Carrey's Yes Man, watching in disbelief while his friend said yes to every opportunity, including over-matched bar fights and horny old ladies -- dentures and all.

If 2001 was Bradley Cooper's breakout year on television, 2009 was his breakout year in film. He started by playing a man caught between Jennifer Connelly and Scarlett Johansson (there are worse places to be) in He's Just Not That into You. Next was the surprise summer hit The Hangover, where he played a smug teacher who finances a bachelor party in Vegas by ripping off his students. His role also required him to take on the none-too-pleasant tasks of wrestling a naked gangster and dry-humping Mike Tyson's tiger against a police car. After playing a camera man who resorts to playing mind games with Sandra Bullock's crossword puzzle builder (who wouldn't?) in All About Steve, Bradley Cooper will begin experiencing '80s flashbacks and entering the realm of television folklore as Lt. Templeton"'Faceman" Peck in the 2010 big-screen version of The A-Team.

Bradley Cooper Stars In Limitless And The Hangover Part II

With his breakout film debuts far behind him, Bradley Cooper still has a lot to prove, but he's finally getting his chance to join the 30-something A-list. Alongside actors like Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds and, to some degree, Channing Tatum, Cooper is steadily making his way to the top. 

In his upcoming film Limitless, which will be released March 18th, Bradley Cooper plays a wannabe-writer (Eddie Morra) who discovers NZT, a drug that allows him to use 100% of his brainpower. On NZT, Eddie writes a best-selling novel, makes a fortune and revels in the company of gorgeous women. The movie costars Robert De Niro and Abbie Cornish. 

We're thinking Limitless could be the perfect move for the actor in order to broaden his range, but regardless of whether or not it bombs, we'll be looking forward to The Hangover Part II (out in May). In the sequel, Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug travel to Bangkok for Stu's wedding. Mike Tyson will make another appearance, as will Liam Neeson.

Read more »

Scarlett Johansson

 

WHY IS SHE FAMOUS

Before Megan Fox ascended Hollywood's Mount Sex Symbol, Scarlett Johansson could easily lay claim to the title of sexiest woman in Tinseltown. Both women are symmetrically gifted, blessed with full red lips and feminine curves that make the boys say "whoa." But their goddess-like features are where the similarities end. While Fox tries to resuscitate a film career that seems dead in the water, Johnasson continues to rack up roles with some of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors, while adding countless acting awards to her already impressive resume. Still only in her mid-20s, Johansson has managed to transcend her status as sex symbol, on her way to becoming one of the most respected young actresses in the industry. Recently split from husband Ryan Reynolds, Scarlett Johansson is also back on the market. 

Scarlett Johansson Quote

" Being a movie star is a quality that somebody sort of embodies, and being a celebrity is something that people recognize in you. I just hope to make good movies."

91 SEX APPEAL

Woody Allen -- who's directed Scarlett Johansson in three separate films -- famously called the actress "sexually overwhelming." Woody, we couldn't agree more. Everything from that smoky voice (no, her throat's not sore) to her famous cleavage (often called the best in Hollywood), drives us absolutely bananas, and makes ScarJo one of the most desirable women in the world. It’s no wonder she’s landed on virtually every list of the hottest women on the planet, and was selected “The Sexiest Woman Alive” by Esquire magazine. Aside from her good looks, Johansson has also demonstrated a capacity for intelligence and wit, which also led Allen to call the actress wittier than he is. She is, then, the ultimate catch, we thought Ryan Reynolds took her off the market for good when he married the actress in 2008. The couple recently announced that they have split up.

82 SUCCESS

In Hollywood women of a certain sexual stature are often relegated to playing bosomy bimbos whose sole purpose is to pout and preen for the camera while awaiting rescue by Shia LaBeouf. Scarlett Johansson, on the other hand, has used her physical prowess to her full advantage. Her performances in films like Lost in Translation, Girl With a Pearl Earring, Match Point, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona just to name a few, have taken full advantage of her status as sex symbol, while also showcasing Johansson’s considerable acting skills. With already four Golden Globe nominations to her credit, and a BAFTA award for her performance in Lost in Translation, Johansson has proven time and time again that she is one of world’s most talented young actresses. She’s also tried her hand at big budget popcorn flicks like The Island and Iron Man 2 proving that she’s got both brains and balls.

SCARLETT JOHANSSON BIOGRAPHY

Upon first glance, one could posit that Scarlett Johansson was actually made in a lab by a team of scientists hell-bent on creating the ultimate male fantasy. Instead she was born in New York City, and grew up with her twin brother in Greenwich Village (no wonder she’s so hip). The precocious youngster was a natural performer, and began landing roles in films like North, Manny & Lo and Robert Redford’s The Horse Whisperer, which wound up being her breakout role. After follow-up roles in the Coen Brothers’ The Man Who Wasn’t There, and Terry Zwigoff’s Ghost World, the young Scarlett Johansson, who was fresh out of the Professional Children’s School in Manhattan, landed the role of a lifetime. She was just 18.

Scarlett Johansson Stars In Lost In Translation

When Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation opened with the camera lingering on a beautiful bum covered only by sheer pink panties, we knew instantly that the owner of that bodacious buttocks was destined for stardom. The owner was Scarlett Johansson, and since playing an abandoned wife in Tokyo opposite Bill Murray in the unusual romance, Scarlett Johansson has emerged as a genuine force in Hollywood. As an 18-year-old playing a 25-year-old, Johansson exuded a maturity beyond her years, and earned her first Golden Globe nod for best actress, as well as the BAFTA Award for best actress. 2003 went on to be a banner year for Johansson, as her role in the period piece Girl with the Pearl Earring earned her a second Golden Globe nomination and signaled the arrival of a brave new talent.

Scarlett Johansson Becomes Woody Allen’s Latest Muse

Before hooking up with the legendary director Woody Allen, Scarlett Johansson had a few misfires with the romantic comedy In Good Company, and Michael Bay’s overblown sci-fi action flick The Island. Though her performance in A Love Song for Bobby Long earned her a third Golden Globe nomination, the film did poorly at the box office. It wasn’t until Woody Allen cast Johansson in his romantic thriller Match Point that the actress reached the same critical acclaim and mass appeal that she achieved with Lost in Translation. Johansson’s performance as a scorned, obsessive lover was sex personified, and it earned the actress her fourth Golden Globe nomination. Allen was so taken by his newfound muse that he again cast her in Scoop opposite Hugh Jackman, and in the instant classic Vicki Cristina Barcelona, opposite Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem.

At this point in her career, Scarlett Johansson had become accustomed to working with Hollywood’s top tier directors, having starred in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige and Brian De Palma’s The Black Dahlia. Her turns in The Other Boleyn Girl, the unfortunate The Nanny Diaries, The Spirit, and He’s Just Not That Into You prevented Johansson from becoming one of Hollywood’s elite, but there’s no doubt that as her career comes along, she’ll become more selective in her roles. Johansson’s Oscar glory isn’t a matter of if; it’s a matter of when.

Scarlett Johansson Marries Ryan Reynolds

Like most young actresses in Hollywood, Scarlett Johansson had her fair share of flings with some of the show business’ most eligible bachelors. Aside from a long-term relationship with heartthrob Josh Hartnett, Johansson has been linked to Justin Timberlake (she starred in the video for “What Goes Around Comes Around”), Jared Leto and Benicio Del Toro, with whom she was rumored to have a steamy encounter in an elevator. The woman who once claimed that monogamy was unnatural met and married Canadian-born actor Ryan Reynolds in 2008, but the couple recently announced their plans to divorce. Maybe Scarlett doesn't believe in monogamy after all.

Scarlett Johansson Embarks On A Singing Career

Scarlett Johansson has always held aspirations that reach far beyond the big screen, ambitions that have led her to a modeling career in which she's appeared in ad campaigns for Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana. She's also been an active political campaigner for Barack Obama. But Johansson has devoted the most time outside the film industry to her burgeoning music career. The songstress released her debut album called Anywhere I Lay My Head, which was entirely made up of Tom Waits covers and received lukewarm reviews at best. Her second disc was a collaboration with Pete Yorn called Break Up, and again received mixed reviews. Luckily for us, Johansson won’t be quitting her day job any time soon. After appearing as Natasha Romanoff in Iron Man 2, Johansson is set to reprise her role as the antihero in both the Nick Fury and The Avengers films in 2012.

Scarlett Johansson Presents At The Oscars

Scarlett Johansson is expected to appear at this year's Academy Awards alongside actor/comedian Russell Brand. The actress is currently filming We Bought A Zoo with Matt Damon.

Read more »

Adam Sandler

WHY IS HE FAMOUS

After becoming a mainstay on SNL, Adam Sandler moved on to make comedy classics like The Wedding Singer (1998), Anger Management (2003), Click (2006), and You Don't Mess With The Zohan (2008). His CDs also popularized his style of immature, creative jokes, bringing in platinum sales for each album he released. "The Chanukah Song" is arguably the best holiday jingle ever.

Adam Sandler Quote

"I'm just a buffoon. That's all. I look in the mirror, I see a buffoon. That's all I want to see."

71 MAGNETISM

Women always say that humor is one of the most important things they want in a man, which says a lot for Adam Sandler's appeal. Other than that, let's just say he has not done much to impress the ladies, from being Alec Baldwin's object of affection on SNL to playing Satan's demented son in Little Nicky. However, his quiet, everyday manner appeals to a great deal of female fans, including former girlfriend Alicia Silverstone. By and large, his quick wit wins them over and it's an enviable asset to have in your arsenal.

80 SUCCESS

Starting out as a writer for Saturday Night Live in 1990, Adam Sandler was quickly recognized as a natural in front of the camera. It only took him a year to become a full-time actor on the show and he quickly gained acclaim for his recurring roles as Canteen Boy and Cajun Man. As many rising SNL stars have done, Adam Sandler began to branch out into bigger things, starting with the release of Billy Madison in 1995. It was a huge success among the high-school crowd (and we'll admit it, with us too) and subsequently Adam Sandler knew where his future lay. Bulletproof (1996) with Damon Wayans and Happy Gilmore (1996) (where Bob Barker beats the crap out of him) were both box-office hits the following year.

It was soon apparent that Adam Sandler was the new king of comedy. He continued to produce success with The Wedding Singer (1998), opposite Drew Barrymore, The Waterboy (1998), Big Daddy (1999), Mr. Deeds (2002), 50 First Dates (2004), The Longest Yard (2005), Click (2006), and more. During that time, his comedy CDs also became huge hits: two of his five albums have gone double platinum and 1999's Stan & Judy's Kid set a record for most records sold for a comedy album in its first week of release. In Eight Crazy Nights (2002), Punch-Drunk Love (2002) and Spanglish (2004) he experimented quite effectively with two new forms of cinema, which further proved that the sky is the limit for Adam Sandler.

ADAM SANDLER BIOGRAPHY

Adam Richard Sandler, not surprisingly, was the odd one in his family. Born September 9, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, Adam grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire after parents Stan and Judy relocated there. Sandler stood out, in part, because unlike his two sisters and brother, he did not excel in school.

Always the clown, Adam Sandler reached a crossroads at 17 years old, unsure of whether to continue his education or not. His brother, having observed Adam Sandler's behavior, suggested he become a stand-up comedian and dared him to take the stage during amateur night at a Boston comedy club.

Adam Sandler On Saturday Night Live

Although he did not start off well, Adam Sandler got the taste for comedy and knew he wanted to be successful. The achievements of people like Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and John Belushi (all SNL members) motivated him, but at times he would get so nervous after a poor performance that he would begin stuttering uncontrollably. His brother then offered another piece of advice; he suggested singing as a way of controlling his jumpy nerves. It was at NYU, where Adam Sandler was earning a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, that his act, now replete with funny songs, caught someone's eye.

Adam Sandler soon landed a recurring role on The Cosby Show as Theo's friend Smitty. He began performing in bigger venues, but it was at a Los Angeles improv club where then Saturday Night Live cast member Dennis Miller saw his act and immediately put in a word for him with the show's producer, Lorne Michaels. Pulling strings worked, and Adam Sandler quickly rose from SNL writer in 1990 to full-time performer a year later.

Adam Sandler In Billy Madison And Big Daddy

With characters like Canteen Boy, Opera Man and Cajun Man, Adam Sandler became a perennial favorite and enjoyed huge success alongside Rob Schneider, Chris Farley and Phil Hartman. In 1993, Adam Sandler released They're All Gonna Laugh at You!, his first step outside of TV that sold record amounts and was even nominated for a Grammy.

Following in many SNL alumni's footsteps, Adam Sandler realized that his contribution to comedy could extend to movies. Billy Madison (1995), often recognized as his first big movie after doing bombs like Airheads (1994) and Mixed Nuts (1994), created a large fan following in 1995. Feeding off the acclaim, Sandler starred in Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, The Waterboy, and Big Daddy from 1996 to 1999. The Waterboy and Big Daddy both earned over $160 million each -- Adam Sandler was now arguably the comedian box-office king, commanding more than $20 million per film.

Adam Sandler In 50 First Dates And Spanglish

With Little Nicky and Mr. Deeds in the books in 2000 and 2001, the writer and actor soon realized that there was more he could do. He started putting more work into Happy Madison Productions, and created an animation company as well, called Meatball. Creating an even fuller and more meaningful life, he also proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Jackie Titone, in 2002. The couple married in 2003 and in 2006 they had their first child, daughter Lola Marie Titone-Sandler aka Sadie Madison Sandler.

Adam Sandler proved that he could go the route of Jim Carrey and do dramatic acting aside from the usual comedy in the 2002 release Punch-Drunk Love. His holiday movie, 8 Crazy Nights, was also a change from the usual; an animated film where Adam Sandler's voice was used for the three main characters. He returned to his particular brand of humor in Mr. Deeds, Anger Management, 50 First Dates, The Longest Yard (2005), and Click. That's not to say that he forgot about his dramatic success -- in 2004 he starred in another drama/comedy, Spanglish.

In 2006, Adam Sandler completed work on Reign Over Me (2007) and he also filmed I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007). 

Adam Sandler In You Don't Mess With The Zohan

Adam Sandler had two 2008 projects: You Don't Mess With The Zohan costarring Emmanuelle Chriqui and Bedtime Stories with Keri Russell.

Read more »

An extra guest in the royal wedding photos: A neon-pink toy “wiggly worm”

While Prince William's goddaughter Grace van Cutsem stole the show with her famous frown on the balcony of Buckingham Palace last week, another tiny royal bridesmaid, 3-year-old Eliza Lopes, had a little help getting ready for her closeup.

In the official family photograph from Prince William and Kate Middleton's lavish royal wedding, the little girl can be seen clutching a fuzzy, neon-pink "wiggly worm."

It stands out in stark contrast to her white silk dress but, according to her grandmother, Duchess of Cornwall (a.k.a. Camilla Parker Bowles), people have only just noticed it—and it's too late to do the photos over.

"Did you see the wiggly worm? That was the funniest thing," she told the Daily Mail. "I can’t believe no one has spotted it." The toy was a gift from her step-uncle, Prince Harry, who gave it to her when she was startled by the roar of the crowd during the carriage ride after the wedding. The scared toddler saw it and started to laugh—and then refused to give it back.

"I was so worried about Eliza. She is such a lovely little thing and looked so gorgeous in her dress, but it was a very big occasion for a child of her age," Camilla said of Eliza, whose mom is Camilla's daughter, Laura Lopes. "Harry pulled this wiggly worm out of his pocket in the carriage to keep them amused. Eliza loved it so much that she wouldn’t let go." "Can you believe it? She was holding onto my finger but in her other hand was this worm," Camilla said during a charity event yesterday.

The official royal wedding photographer, Hugo Burnand, came prepared with a few of the popular toys—as well as plenty of jelly beans—to ensure that all of the youngsters would be smiling in the family portrait. The photos were shot in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, and feature the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, their parents, siblings, bridesmaids, and pages. The shots were taken just after the ceremony, and just before the now-famous royal kisses on the balcony.

"We had spares of everything — cables, lights, cameras, lenses — and spares for the spares," Burnand told WWD.com. "Before the day, we staged dress rehearsals with stand-ins and stop-watches. We knew that if everyone had sprinted back from Westminster Abbey, we would only have had 44 minutes to shoot."

Seven staff members helped things go smoothly, as did Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen who designed the bride's wedding dress. "In the end, we did everything in 26 minutes," Burnand said. "I promised the kids jelly beans and wiggle worms, and it worked out.” The portrait photographer, who also shoots pictures for Tatler magazine, is a familiar sight at royal events: He photographed the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005. Burnand also shot Prince Charles’ 60th birthday portrait, and says that he met the latest royal newlyweds a few times before at various events.

Read more »

Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley Fight Prediction

Last November 13, 2010, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao rewrote the boxing record books one more time when he won the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Title after beating Antonio Margarito’s face to a pulp for 12 rounds.

With the win, the current #1 pound for pound boxer in the world extended his mind-boggling record of eight world titles in eight weight divisions.

While Pacquiao has nothing left to prove, fans clamor for a superfight between him and the former #1 on the mythical pound for pound list, the undefeated Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

However, the guy seems to duck the man; choosing instead to engage Pacquiao in a homophopic and racist tirade – then seemingly wanting prison over a boxing ring just to keep his sterling boxing record clean.

So, instead of a superfight, fans are instead forced to see Manny Pacquiao face an aging has-been.

This May 7, 2011, Pacquiao returns to Las Vegas after last year’s two-fight stopover at Arlington to face “Sugar” Shane Mosley.

Filipino Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (52 wins – 3 losses – 2 draws, 38 KOs) has won titles in a record eight weight divisions from 112 to 154 pounds beating the likes of Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito is on a 13-fight winning streak.

At age 32, he is at the peak of his career and has shown no signs of slowing down. It seems we see a different dimension of him in each fight and he just progresses with age.

American “Sugar” Shane Mosley (46 wins – 6 losses, 39 KOs) has won world titles in three weight divisions – Lightweight, Welterweight and Light Middleweight.

My results prediction?

Shane Mosley is already 39 years old. That said, he is years away from his prime when he dominated the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Fernando Vargas, Ricardo Mayorga and Antonio Margarito.

While there are many boxers past their prime that shocked the world by winning over younger fighters, I don’t see this happening with Mosley. His last fight with Sergio Mora was such a dud that judges declared it a draw because no one deserves to win such boring fight.

Pacquiao is simply too skilled, too intelligent and too fast for him. Pacquiao has proven that size don’t matter to him – he will just pepper you with thousands of punches until you simply can’t take it anymore.

The only question now is can Manny give Shane his ever career knockout loss? In fairness to Mosley, he possess a granite chin. That will work to his advantage because he will survive the Pacman onslaught.

Manny Pacquiao will coast to a one-sided Unanimous Decision after 12 rounds.

I will post here the Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley fight video after the bout once already available.

Don’t forget to watch Pacquiao vs Mosley LIVE stream free on fight night, May 7, 2011 from the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Check out list of Pacquiao vs Mosley pay-per-view (PPV) boxing TV providers and operators that will offer the bout.

Read more »

Girls’ Generation lures you into their world

If anyone knows a thing or two about K-Pop, it's the folks at SM Entertainment (SME), the mega management responsible for power acts like Super Junior, TVXQ, and SHINee. For all their successful idol groups, however, SME's crown jewel is the pop girl group So Nyuh Shi Dae (SNSD), more popularly known as Girls' Generation. If "Into the New World," the group's first live double CD, now available in the Philippines via MCA Universal, is any indication, the ladies of SNSD won't be relinquishing that title anytime soon.

Like Super Junior's "Super Show," "Into the New World" is a fan-pleasing combination of all things that make Girls' Generation arguably the most successful K-pop girl group offering pop music that crosses borders and nationalities. From the opening strains of "Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)," given a fresh sound with an electric guitar-driven instrumental, to concert closer "Oh," Girls' Generation confidently and capably entertains with a carefully chosen selection of hits from its short but enviably successful catalog. The girls also sing several Korean and international hits. Taeyeon's take on the Pussycat Dolls' "Hush Hush" and Yuri's version of Ciara's "1,2 Step", featuring f(x)'s Amber, are particularly inspired. There are numerous special numbers to entertain fans and hopefully earn them new ones.

"Into the New World" allows each member of Girls' Generation the opportunity to shine vocally — except Hyoyeon, whose vocal prowess is upstaged by her dancing ability. Aside from the aforementioned standout tracks by Taeyeon and Yuri, each Girls' Generation singer gets her moment in the spotlight. Other excellent performances include that of vocalist Jessica, who gets two show-off tracks--a duet with SHINee leader Onew in the song "One Year Later," and another duet with SHINee member Key in a remake of Aqua's 90s novelty hit "Barbie Girl." The group's maknae Seohyun sparkles in a brief piano solo of Maurice Ravel's "Alborada del Gracioso," which she plays before singing her innocent girl routine to the hilt with a tone-perfect rendition of "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" from "The Sound of Music." Yoona, Tiffany, Sunny, and Sooyoung also get their own moments in the sun, and do well. A picture of Sooyoung in a sexy Santa outfit crooning the Eartha Kitt holiday chestnut "Santa Baby" is positioned enticingly in the full-color booklet that came with the double CD.
The strength of Girls' Generation, however, is in their original tracks. The girls do not deny their pop sensibilities, just as much as, say, Super Junior isn't adamant about their own bubblegum debut days. The cuteness of the music is as undeniable as their management's attempt to package the girls into G-rated icons for little girls, teenagers, parents, and probably single ahjussi's to enjoy.
One unmistakable thing listeners will notice about "Into the New World" is that the audience shrieks are of a noticeably deeper quality. Unlike previous local live releases from other SME acts, notably Super Junior's "Super Show" and TVXQ's "Mirotic," the audience at Korea's Olympic Fencing Stadium, where this concert was recorded in December 2009, seems obviously male-dominated. Whether you find this amusing or jarring, and while there is no doubt that the song selection on "Into the New World" is marketed to reach out to both men and women, it further cements Girls' Generation's special appeal--women will buy the CD for the music (and possibly the fashion) while men will buy the CD for the music (and possibly the photos). Either way, you can hear the sound of ka-ching! ka-ching!
"Into the New World" is a carnival of feel-good pop songs from a concert recorded in December 2009. The audio CDs make one wonder what the girls' concert actually looks like, live. As disconcerting as it may be to hear their legions of male fans scream "Saranghae" in full testosterone-driven unison, there are many, many moments when the listener is overcome by a strange curiosity as to what is happening onstage to make the audience react the way it does. Girls' Generation has indeed made a name for itself by releasing irresistible pop songs with an edge.

Read more »

Hop on ‘The Fast and Furious 5′ thrill ride

Sad fact: Not a lot of movie franchises retain the essence and spunk beyond the third installment. (Remember Superman IV? Rocky IV? The Shake, Rattle, and Roll series?)

Nope? I thought so.

That's why I was gladly surprised when the fifth installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise was so good. It felt like the best joyride ever.

Not only does the film retain the heart-pumping chase actions and fight scenes, it also includes an awesome heist operation set in Rio (which eerily looks a lot like Manila).

Speedy story

"The Fast and the Furious 5: Rio Heist" continues where the previous storyline left off, but turns the entire series upside down.

The film starts with Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) literally flipping a bus to help Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) escape.

The thing is, Dom is bent on doing one more project: Stealing $100 million dollars from mob boss Reyes. He swears that after this, he'll "disappear forever." C'mon, with a build like that, can he really "disappear"?

Anyway, before I can even wrap my head on how much $100 million is (and how many cars I can buy with it,) Dom is already assembling his team.

Enter The Fast and Furious reunion special starring sweet-talker Roman Pearce (Tyrese), techie Tej (Ludacris), sexy Gisele (Gal Gadot), "chameleon" Han (Sung Kang), crew members 1 Santos (Don Omar) and crew member 2 Leo (Tego Calderon.)

Money's in the bag right? Well, not quite. Federal agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) is tracking the team and he will do everything to catch Toretto's gang even if it means he has to play dirty.

So what started out as a well-thought plan becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse game.

Will Dom and his group succeed? Will Agent Hobbs stop them?

Who will survive this epic pedal-to-the-metal showdown?

Fierce performances

I usually do not expect great acting in franchise films for the reasons that actors tend to be on "auto mode." Maybe because most of them just replicate their performances from the previous films.

However, I was surprised by the intensity and sensitivity that Vin Diesel brought to this installment. Clearly, this is Dom Torreto seeking redemption from all the mistakes that he has done and making sure his sister and now brother-in-law Brian live a better life.

Not to be outdone, Jordana Brewster shines even if she spends most of the time off the driver's seat. She has one unforgettable scene where she tries to keep her family together while running away from the police.

Dwayne Johnson also did not disappoint as the federal agent on the heels of Toretto. Clearly, if there's one person that can go head-to-head against Vin Diesel, it would be him. He is in the best fight scene of the film when he goes mano-a-mano with Vin Diesel.

However, the biggest scene stealer of the film is Matt Schulze who plays Toretto's childhood friend Vince. His moments are brief, but he plays it with such mystique and desperation that makes them so compelling.

Props to production

The film has really good performances, nail-biting action sequences and awesome story. The script is wittier and I really see the character development.

Also, the streets of Rio fit well with the gritty world in which the characters live in.

Some people may gripe that there are less car chases, but that was definitely fixed by putting in a tension-filled heist operation.

Finally, (and I expect die-hard fans of The Fast and the Furious series to go up and arms and disagree with me) I believe The Fast and Furious 5 is by far the best installment to date.

Read more »

Prince Harry prevents a three-year-old bridesmaid from crying during the royal wedding by amusing her with a toy

Britain's Prince Harry prevented one of his brother's bridesmaids from crying during his wedding by amusing her with a £1 toy.

The prince handed a pink wiggly worm to three-year-old Eliza Lopes when they were travelling back to Buckingham Palace after the marriage service between Prince William and Princess Catherine on Friday (April 29), stopping the youngster from becoming overwhelmed by the crowds. The tot—the granddaughter of Harry's stepmother Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall—liked the toy so much, she refused to give it back and it can even be seen in the official wedding portraits taken by Hugo Burnand.

Camilla said: "Did you see the wiggly worm? That was the funniest thing. I can't believe no one has spotted it.

"I was so worried about Eliza. She is such a lovely little thing and looked so gorgeous in her dress but it was a very big occasion for a child of her age.

"Harry pulled this wiggly worm out of his pocket in the carriage to keep them amused. Eliza loved it so much that she wouldn't let go and it even made the official photographs. Can you believe it? She was holding onto my finger but in her other hand was this worm.

"I was so proud of her, she looked adorable in her dress and couldn't stop twirling around in it. It was such a lovely, lovely day."

Meanwhile, Hugo has spoken of his delight about the last-minute shot he took of the newlyweds and their bridesmaids and pageboys, admitting he almost ran out of time to take the picture.

He said: "It was the last one and it was always understood that we might not have time for it. So at the end of all the great portraits, I asked William and Catherine if they were ready for the children, and though we were a little bit behind schedule, they told me to go for it. We had minutes.

"There was really no time for me to direct things, and what's fantastic about that is that every single character you see coming through in that picture is really the character of that person. Catherine naturally extended her hand onto William's knee, and each child is really being very much themself.

"But then when I look at that picture I also see a painted quality to it—a calmness. That's the amazing thing about the relationship we built up in the preparations with Catherine and William. They were able to give themselves to the pictures."

Read more »

Prince William and Duchess Catherine receive lavish gifts despite asking for donations to their chosen charities

Britain's Prince William and Duchess Catherine have received a number of extravagant wedding gifts, despite asking for donations to their chosen charities.

The couple—who married in London's Westminster Abbey last Friday (April 29)—asked guests and members of the public who wished to celebrate their nuptials to give money to organizations via a Charitable Gift Fund but they have still reportedly received a number of lavish gifts. A source told Closer magazine: "Presents were pouring in from state heads, celebrities and members of the public. Sir Richard Branson made a hefty donation and has also offered Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands, to them for their second, third and fourth honeymoon—he told them it was important to keep honeymooning!"

Although Prince William is a patron of a number of charities, he and Catherine decided to choose causes they have no relation to in order to help the organizations gain more exposure.

A statement on behalf of the couple before their wedding said: "All the charities intended to benefit from the Fund have been chosen by Prince William and Miss Middleton. They reflect the couple's passions and interests as well as some of their experiences in their lives together so far.

"None of the charities chosen have any formal relationship with either Prince William or Miss Middleton. Rather the couple have chosen to take the chance to benefit some causes that have less exposure or which are undertaking valuable work in areas of the community which the couple feel would benefit from this support.

"Prince William retains all his current Patronages and will continue to support them in his usual way."

PRINCE WILLIAM RETURNS TO WORK. The royal and his new bride, the Duchess of Cambridge, returned to their Anglesey home last May 3 following a brief honeymoon at an undisclosed location in the UK ahead of the prince resuming his duties as a search and rescue helicopter pilot yesterday (April 4).

A Ministry of Defense spokesman said of William's first day back: ''It will be a normal day at work for him after the wedding, nothing special planned.

"It's business as usual. He's back to usual RAF working patterns."

Meanwhile, Princess Catherine is said to be looking forward to a "quiet life" before she is handed full-time royal duties and decides on which charities she wants to support in her new position.

St. James' Palace said: "The Duchess' work within the Royal family initially will be to support her husband with his long-standing patronages and other official duties, and, like any member of the Royal family, to support the queen at home and abroad.

"He is already committed to a number of charitable patronages and Catherine will, initially at least, support him in that as his wife.

"She will, in time, become associated with her own charities but this won't happen immediately as she wants to explore the fields that interest her first.'

The duchess is believed to have received "thousands" of requests from charities seeking her patronage.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Kate is very keen to show her support but she wants to take her time to think about who will benefit most."

Read more »

Designer defends Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie for their hats at the royal wedding

Designer Philip Treacy has defended Britain's Princess Beatrice after she was ridiculed for her choice of hat at the wedding of her cousin Prince William to Princess Catherine last Friday (April 29).

Both Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie—the daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson—wore designs by renowned milliner Philip and despite widespread criticism of their outfits, he believes the pair looked "gorgeous and beautiful." Philip told HollywoodLife.com: "My inspiration was beauty and elegance; it's a 21st century royal wedding. They didn't tell me what they wanted because I've known them for a long time and I wanted them to look gorgeous and beautiful.'

"They trusted me to make them. Gorgeous and beautiful can be open to interpretation. I thought they looked gorgeous and beautiful. But no one is crying if anyone didn't."

However the sisters have come in for yet more ridicule as historian David Starkey suggested their outfits showed "bad breeding."

He told Britain's Daily Telegraph: "Beatrice and Eugenie suggest by their look bad blood and bad breeding. You looked at them and they looked like the sort of demi-monde of Paris just before the First World War.

"It was everything about them: the demeanor, the vulgarity. Their whole behavior was 'look at me.' I wonder if it's mummy's influence. By contrast, the Middleton family was so elegant, so poised."

Read more »

South Korean man found crucified, wearing crown

he body of a man with his hands and feet nailed to a wooden cross and a crown of thorns on his head has been found in an abandoned stone quarry, South Korean police said Wednesday.

A man wearing only underwear, with a wound on the side of his torso and nylon strings tied around his neck, arms and stomach, was found crucified Sunday in Mungyong, about 115 miles (190 kilometers) southeast of Seoul, said Chung Ji-chun, chief of the violent crime section at Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency.

Two smaller crosses were erected on each side of the cross he was nailed to, Chung said.

Police also found nails, a hammer, an electric drill, pieces of wood and instructions on how to build crosses inside a tent near the scene, Chung said. An SUV belonging to the dead man was found nearby.

Police are waiting for a forensic report to determine the exact time and cause of the man's death and whether it was a homicide or suicide.

Chung identified the man as a 58-year old surnamed Kim.

Popular representations of the death of Jesus Christ depict him crucified between the crosses of two thieves, wearing a crown of thorns, a white cloth over his loins, with a wound on his side from a Roman soldier's spear.

Read more »

Manny Pacquiao scores first global endorsement deal, named first House billionaire

Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has been tapped to promote HP's new TouchPad tablet, his first global endorsement deal, Pacquiao's promoter Top Rank told Manila Standard Today. According to the report, neither Top Rank nor HP divulged how much the deal was worth, but the website Campaign Singapore estimated it to be worth US$1 million per year.
Top Rank said they submitted Pacquiao's name to HP, who was looking for an endorser for its TouchPad tablet, reports Manila Standard Today. Pacquiao's campaign will include HP laptops, printers, smart phones and other products.

Campaign Singapore wrote, "Confusion surrounding Pacquiao's representation had left many international brands reluctant to sign the boxing superstar, despite his multi-million-dollar appeal and fanatical fan base... But because Pacquiao's sponsorship deals tended to be domestic within his native Philippines, he was free to embark (on) the HP deal."

Pacquiao has also signed a three-year contract to endorse Texas-based State Street Produce, a company that supplies restaurants in the US, reports Manila Standard Today. The trade name "Pacquiao's Produce" will be featured in advertisements, produce boxes, delivery trucks and more.
One of ESPN The Magazine's Best Paid Athletes of 2010, Pacquiao has also been named the first billionaire in the House of Representatives, reports Inquirer.net. Ricardo Bering, chief of the House records division, said yesterday that the Sarangani congressman reported a net worth of over P1 billion in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.

Read more »

Inside the Osama bin Laden Strike: How America Got Its Man

A crashed U.S. military helicopter is seen near the

hideout of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after a ground

operation by U.S. special forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2, 2011

Osama bin Laden's final night began with a group of four helicopters slicing through the night skies over Pakistan, making their way toward Islamabad from a U.S. base in northern Afghanistan. The mission, approved by President Barack Obama on Friday morning, had been set for early Sunday local time but was delayed by poor weather. Pakistani officials did not know they were arriving. The small, elite force flew low and fast, using terrain-following radar to hug the folds and valleys to avoid radar detection. It was after midnight when the team of U.S. commandos descended on the al-Qaeda chief's Abbottabad lair. "The walls around the compound were up to 18 ft. [5.5 m] high," a senior U.S. intelligence operative said Monday. "The balconies had 7-ft. [2 m]-high privacy walls. There were, in addition to wall heights, barbed wire along the top of the walls. The residents of the compound burned their own trash. There were two gates at the compound as well, and opaque windows," he continued. The White House summed it up more tersely. "It had the appearance of sort of a fortress," said John Brennan, Obama's chief counterterrorism adviser.

(See "On Scene in Abbottabad at bin Laden's Last Stand.")
About two dozen Navy Seals and CIA enablers swooped down on the suburban compound in a pair of choppers, leaving a second pair lurking nearby in case they were needed. They came under fire almost immediately, giving U.S. forces all the justification they needed to amp up their firepower. Helicopters can be ungainly machines, easily downed by rocket-propelled grenades or a flurry of small-arms fire. In addition to the choppers, heavier guns — perhaps AC-130 gunships — were likely on station overhead to rain down suppressive fire as U.S. forces moved in aboard specially outfitted CH-47 and UH-60 choppers.
Seven thousand miles away, U.S. officials could only watch as the operation unfolded. At the White House, Obama sat stone-faced in the Situation Room as some of his aides paced. Long periods of silence passed as the small, trusted national-security team huddled around the video monitors. Intelligence professionals say they did not know for sure that bin Laden was in the compound. The case was good, but circumstantial. The likelihood, officials told the President, was between 50% and 80%.
(See Osama bin Laden's obituary.)
Senior Administration officials said they had been monitoring the compound since August 2010, when a courier known to be trusted by bin Laden, as well as the courier's brother, began living there. "Everything we saw — the extremely elaborate operational security, the brothers' background and their behavior, and the location and the design of the compound itself — was perfectly consistent with what our experts expected bin Laden's hideout to look like," one official said early Monday. "Our analysts looked at this from every angle, considering carefully who other than bin Laden could be at the compound. We conducted red-team exercises and other forms of alternative analysis to check our work. No other candidate fit the bill as well as bin Laden did."
(See pictures inside bin Laden's Pakistan hideaway.)
Early discussion of bombing the compound was scrapped in favor of a snatch and grab — the U.S. wanted bin Laden's body as evidence of his demise. Even in a bombing mission, U.S. or allied personnel would have had to go to the compound for evidence. It made more sense, although it was riskier, to raid the place and get bin Laden, dead or alive. "The men who executed this mission accepted this risk, practiced to minimize those risks and understood the importance of the target to the national security of the United States," a senior Administration official said.
(Did Pakistan know bin Laden was there?)
And so they went in. Twenty-four Seals fast-roped to the ground; a total of about 80 U.S. personnel took part, either in the air or below. One helicopter lost lift because the compound's high walls upset its supporting airflow, forcing it to make a hard landing. The commandos elected to destroy the helicopter rather than try to recover it: time was short. The Seals fired hundreds of rounds as they blasted their way into the compound, clearing it room by room, until the top two floors of the main three-story building were the only areas left to be cleared.
Midway through the 40-minute mission, Pakistani military forces began scrambling to investigate the attack — U.S. officials feared a clash between the U.S. troops and their unknowing Pakistani allies. And as the Seals moved through the compound, authorities back in Washington began to sweat. "It was probably one of the most anxiety-filled periods of time, I think, in the lives of the people who were assembled here yesterday," Brennan said Monday. "The minutes passed like days ... it was clearly very tense, a lot of people holding their breath." The gunfire was almost ceaseless.
A woman, in some accounts believed to be one of bin Laden's wives, was shot. "She fought back when there was the opportunity to get to bin Laden," Brennan said of the lone woman who died in the raid. "She was positioned in a way that indicated that she was being used as a shield, whether or not bin Laden or the son or whatever put her there, or she put herself there ... she met her demise."
(See pictures of Americans celebrating the death of bin Laden.)
Then it happened. Back at the White House, a disembodied voice radioed, "We've ID'd Geronimo," referring to the agreed-upon code name for America's most wanted enemy. And then confirmation: Geronimo, Osama bin Laden, had been killed. It was 1 a.m. in Pakistan. No American casualties had been sustained. The three remaining helicopters took off bearing the commando team and the body of the slain al-Qaeda chief.
After undergoing DNA verification in Afghanistan, bin Laden's remains were flown to the U.S.S. Carl Vinson aircraft carrier. The body was washed, wrapped in a white sheet and placed in a weighted bag. A military official read a few religious passages in Arabic. And then, less than 24 hours after his death, and nearly a decade after the manhunt began, bin Laden's body slipped into the North Arabian Sea.

Read more »

After Kate, Prince William kissed his Filipino nanny

Bacolod City (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Royal nanny Araceli "Lillie" Piccio said Prince William thanked her twice for coming to his wedding and, along with his bride Kate, kissed her on seeing her at the reception at Clarence House on Friday (April 29).
Piccio, who is from Bacolod City, in central Philippines, was the lone Filipino invited to the royal wedding, having served as a nanny to both Prince William and Prince Harry, and later working for their mother Princess Diana.
"I cried at the wedding. It was both a happy and sad occasion for me," she told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a telephone interview. Piccio was happy to see the boy she had cared for turn into a handsome young man and finally get married, but she wept at the thought that his mother, Princess Diana, could not be at his wedding.
"The princess would have been so proud of him," she said.
Piccio said she had breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner at Clarence House on the day of the wedding and went home past 8 p.m. on Friday.
With the rest of the staff
When Prince William and his bride arrived at Clarence House from the Buckingham Palace reception in a dark blue Aston Martin, Piccio, along with the rest of the staff, lined up in the courtyard.
She said they were briefed to curtsy when the royals arrived.
"When Prince William drove in there was loud applause from everyone and all of a sudden I heard him call out 'Hi Lillie' and he came up to hug and kiss me, as if he really missed me," Piccio said.
"I was dumbfounded ... I was not able to say anything."
"He said he was so happy I came to his wedding and asked how I was. He also said he liked my dress," Lillie said. She wore a dress made by Bacolod designer Lourdes Lipa.
She added that Kate, who also kissed her, asked how she knew Prince William.
According to Piccio, Prince William told his bride that "She (Piccio) looked after Mummy before."
Stopped to talk
"I told her I had been working for the family since William was a baby. She (Kate) was beautiful and sweet," she said. "Everybody was looking at us because Prince William and Kate stopped to talk to me."
Asked if Kate was like Princess Diana, Piccio said, "Nobody can wear the shoes of Princess Diana. She was one of a kind, she was beautiful, kind and generous. She taught her boys to be humble."
Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, arrived at Clarence House later, she said.
"Prince Charles came up to me and asked how I was and asked where I was working, and I told him I was retired," she said.
Piccio added that she was having snacks when someone tapped her on the shoulder.
"When I looked up, it was Prince Harry. I tried to get up to curtsy to him but he told me to sit and he kissed me," she said.
A lovely couple
Later in the evening, Piccio said she saw Prince William come down dressed in his tuxedo along with his wife who was wearing a white gown to go to another party at Buckingham Palace.
"He looked so handsome, and she looked beautiful," she said.
On Saturday, Piccio said she was surprised to get a call from Bernie, the butler at Clarence House.
"He told me Prince William told him before he left to make sure to call and thank me for attending his wedding, and that he was so happy that I was there," she said.

Read more »

Dingdong Dantes

Biography

José Sixto Gonzales Dantes III, popularly known as Dingdong Dantes was born August 2 , 1980 in Quezon City. He is a model, host, director, television and film actor from the Philippines.

Dingdong first attended college at San Beda College and took up Marketing Management. He was kicked out from San Beda College and transferred at the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) as an Interdisciplinary Studies and Communication Arts major. He first became popular as a child star appearing in several commercials. He was part of the male dance group Abztract. As an actor, he debuted on GMA Network's youth-oriented show T.G.I.S. (Thank God It's Sabado), afterwards embarking on a promising career in show business.

Dingdong Dantes began as a print and commercial model and appeared in a famous dairy product commercial when he was nine years old. He was then part of an all-male dance group called Abztract Dancers. By the time he was seventeen, Dantes made his first television appearance when he was introduced as one of the lead cast in the second season of GMA Network’s highly popular youth-oriented flick T.G.I.S. (Thank God It’s Sabado). His role as the dashing boy-next-door Iñaki was massively well received and contributed much to his growing popularity. Almost immediately, Dantes was already a growing sensation. His pairing with Antoinette Taus, whom he was romantically involved with, spun films like Honey My Love So Sweet and I'm Sorry My Love and other television outings including Anna Karenina. It wasn’t long before Taus left to pursue a film and recording career abroad, by that time, their relationship had ended and Dantes ventured as a solo artist.

In 2002, Dantes was paired with actress Tanya Garcia as they top-bill in GMA-7’s primetime soap opera series entitled Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga. Their pairing was received satisfactorily but the show raked meager ratings. Dantes and Garcia also headlined in another primetime romance-drama billing in 2003 entitle Twin Hearts. Dantes then took on several hosting stints and has emceed for Binibining Pilipinas Pageant in numerous occasions. His flair and spontaneity in the field eventually led him to be selected as host for GMA Network’s reality artist search, StarStruck in 2003 and has since hosted in the seasons that followed.

Aside from his television stints, Dantes also appeared in several chartbuster films including Magkapatid and Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka and has starred with big wigs like Sharon Cuneta , Christopher de Leon, Regine Velasquez and Judy Ann Santos .

Dantes hosts the suspense-thriller program Wag Kukurap, for which he also occasionally serves as director. He is well-known for his role as King Ybrahim in the Encantadia fantasy-themed television saga, where he co-stars with his on-screen and off-screen romantic interest, singer-actress Karylle. The couple also co-star in the 2006 film Moments of Love.

Read more »

Deither Ocampo

Biography

A hunk with plenty of beefcake and brains, Deither Ocampo is a model, TV and films actor and part of the Philippines entertainment industry.

Born on 19 July 1976, Deither admits he is shy, weird and sexy. When asked why he entered the movie business, he says he didn’t want to be a bum forever!

At the age of 20, he auditioned for the ABS-CBN talent search in 1996. And, within a year and half, he worked in the Star Circle Batch II. In 1997, he made his first film appearance in ‘Calvento Files’. He has also modelled in commercials for brands such as Palmolive, PLDT, Jolt Cola and Goldilocks. The Talent Centre director at ABS-CBN, Johnny Manahan, advised him to use Ocampo, his mom's maiden name. Diether is the eldest child in a brood of three, and describes himself as a reluctant actor. He says he never imagined himself acting before the cameras and dislikes being public property, though he understands it is the price of stardom.

It was during college time that he became interested in music and soon formed a garage/alternative rock band with his other campus friends. He took acting classes with Peque Gallaga before he plunged into acting fulltime.

Deither Ocampo attributes his flourishing acting career is all thanks to Johnny Manahan and he is quite satisfied with the way his career is shaping up. He has been able to achieve almost everything he planned to do in the last five years. He has acted in many popular TV soaps such as ‘Gimik’, ‘ASAP’, ‘Super Laff-in’, ‘Mula sa Puso’, ‘Okat Tokat’, and ‘Star Drama Presents’.

Besides this, he has been able to make a smooth transition from TV to films with hits such as ‘Calvento Files the Movie’, ‘Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita’, ‘Magandang HatingGabi’, ‘Soltera’, ‘Gimik: The Reunion’, and ‘Bukas na lang kita Mamahalin’.Deither also owns two restaurants Cilantro Restaurant and Oregano Restaurant (Malate). He is an amateur photographer and enrolled at the Yamaha School of Music to learn classical guitar. However, all these activities have taken a backseat due to his rising popularity in show town and flourishing acting career!

Read more »

Dennis Trillo

Biography

A critically acclaimed actor who skyrocketed to fame and popularity with the movie Aishite Imasu, Dennis Trillo currently works with GMA Network.

Born Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho on 12 May 1981 in Quezon City, he is the currently counted amongst the best and most credible actors of the contemporary Philippine cinema. The eldest of 3 siblings, Dennis belongs to a well-off family, has had the privilege of acting the Ateneo de Manila University, and had a degree in International Studies from Miriam College.

ABS-CBN Network’s artist machinery show Star Circle (now known as Star Magic) is responsible for discovering Dennis as a talent youngster almost 5 years ago in 2001.The TV soap opera Sa Dulo ng Walang hanggan marked Dennis’ very first appearance and in this soap, he played the friend of one of the star leads. However, Dennis went unnoticed as an actor.

Soon after Dennis, decided to move to GMA Networks and this decision proved extremely beneficial for him. Soon he was cast and acting in many television series such as Twin Hearts, Kahit Kailan, and Love to Love. Continuing his contract with GMA, Dennis was well on his way to achieving unprecedented success and popularity with popular fantasy themed TV serial called Mulawin, where he played one of the leading stars. The serial was a huge hit with the children and adults alike.

With the release of his debut feature film Aishite Imasu: 1941, Dennis was able to prove that he was not just good-looking but also talented. Dennis won lot of rave reviews for his character as a cross-dressing spy during the Japanese invasion in the wake of World War II and won numerous awards, including the 30th Metro Manila Film Festival Award for the Best Supporting Actor and the Film Academy of Philippines’ Best Actor Trophy, the PMPC Star Awards for Movies and the Young Critics Circle.

In 2005, Dennis worked hard to solidify his position as an actor of repute when he became part of some of the best and popular hit TV series, which included various genres such as drama. In the same year, Dennis worked in the film Blue Moon along with award-winning actors.

Read more »

Benjie Paras

Biography

Venancio "Benjie" Johnson Paras, Jr. (born October 2, 1968) is a Filipino actor and a former basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He is the only PBA player to win both Rookie of the Year (ROY) and Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors, in a single season (1989). As its star Forward-Center, Paras led the Shell Turbo Chargers to championship titles. University Stint

(UP) A prized recruit from San Beda High School, Paras started as center for University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, where he once scored 19 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, and blocked seven shots against rival Far Eastern University. The prized UP player had all the basketball essentials in him-- agility, rebounding strength, and shooting touch. Eventually, the Maroons went on to win its second UAAP title against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors led by Jerry Codiñera.

The Rookie from UP

Drafted by the Shell Turbo Chargers in 1989, Paras, aptly nicknamed- "The Tower of Power", electrified the PBA with excellent ball-handling, powerful rebounding, deft mid-range shooting, well-timed shot blocks and the uncanny ability for inside scoring. Although his team did not win any title that season, these outstanding abilities overshadowed even the most skilled of players and because of these he not only took Rookie of the Year, but also became its Most Valuable Player. Benjie Paras was the only PBA player to have done this feat.

Paras as Turbo Charger

In 1990 (The Open Conference) Paras would lead Shell to their first title since entering the league by beating Anejo Rhum in a championship series that finished in 6 games, the climax featured a walk out by Anejo players. A year(1991) later Shell and Ginebra would meet again in the Finals (Reinforced Conference), Paras and the Tubro Chargers seemed poised to beat the Gins once again after taking a commanding 3-1 lead, but the Gins made a dramatic rally and coming back from the 3-1 deficit and winning the title in a classic Game 7 encounter that featured Rudy Distrito's game winner.

Paras was also selected to play in the 1990 Asian games Basketball Team that won the Silver Medal, coming up short against China in the Finals/Gold Medal match.

In 1992, Paras and the rejuvenated Turbo Chargers now with Leo Isaac, and Rey Cuenco led Shell to another title, winning it over the San Miguel Beermen. After 1992 title, Paras and Shell would show inconsistencies as it flirted to the cellars in several occasions. But Paras managed to earn a trip back to the Finals (Commissioner's Cup), thanks in part to import Kenny Redfield and supporting casts Peter Naron, Richie Ticzon, Victor Pablo, Jojo Lim etc. in 1996 and battled the grandslam seeking Alaska Aces, then known as the Alaska Milkmen in an unbelievable 7 Game series which Alaska won. Paras was also a contender to win the MVP in the 96 season of the PBA.

Paras would then re-enter the Finals 2 years later in the Centennial Cup Finals this time meeting the Talk N Text Phone Pals then known as Mobiline Phone Pals, in a one game title showdown, Shell came up short. Paras would get his revenge thanks to the help of Noy Castillo and Gerald Esplana as the rematch was set for The Governor's Cup Finals of the PBA against Mobiline. Shell came back after trailing the series 3 games to 2. Shell and Mobiline battled into a gruelling 7 games until Shell prevailed due to timely baskets by Paras and Esplana.

In 1999, Paras dominated the Filipino-Americans(Fil-Am) laden PBA by leading Shell to another Finals appearance this time against Tanduay Rhum Makers bannered by Fil-Am Eric Menk and the deported Sonny Alvarado. Paras held his own against the two taller, stronger and more athletic Fil-Ams as he led Shell to another title winning it 4-2. That would be Parás' last title, as his team was unable to stop the San Miguel Beermen in the title showdown for the Commissioner's Cup. Paras would win his 2nd MVP since 1989.

For his last three years, injuries plagued his playing career and it was so bad he only saw action in 44 games from 2000 to 2002. Before the opening of 2003 season, Paras, at 34, has finally called it quits.

Paras played in a total of 574 games in his career. Not counting the 2002 campaign, he collected 10,322 points, 4,402 rebounds, 1,822 assists, 1,323 blocks and 221 steals.

Awards

2-time Most Valuable Player (1989 & 1999)
Rookie of the Year (1989)
5-time Mythical First Team Selection (1989, 1990, 1991, 1995 & 1999)
3-time Mythical Second Team Selection (1992, 1994 & 1996)
Best Player of the Conference (1999 Commissioner's Cup)
Comeback Player of the Year (1999)
Eight-time PBA All-Star
2-time PBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (1994 & 1999)
PBA's 25 Greatest Players of All-Time
Other Basketball Highlights:

A Member of the 1990 Asian Games national team (Silver Medal)
He is also an actor


Career Developments
Paras retired in 2003, ending his 14-year career with the Philippine Basketball Association. However, he returned later in the year, suiting up for San Miguel Beer before calling it quits once again at season's end. He is currently an actor in show business.
He has performed in local films and television shows. He currently appears in Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita, a weekly sitcom by GMA Network and also starred in Encantadia, as the Ascano barbarian, Wahid. He is also the host of ABC 5's local version of Guinness Book of Records.

Paras is separated from his wife, the former actress Jackie Forster.

Read more »

Afghan Taliban likely to rethink ties to al-Qaida

KABUL, Afghanistan – Now that Osama bin Laden is dead, some analysts are speculating that al-Qaeda and its Afghan Taliban allies could go their separate ways, increasing the chances for a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan.
Osama bin Laden's death is likely to revive a debate within the Afghan Taliban about their ties to al-Qaida — a union the U.S. insists must end if the insurgents want to talk peace. The foundation of their relationship is believed to be rooted in bin Laden's long friendship with the Taliban's reclusive one-eyed leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, who might now find it more palatable to break with al-Qaida and negotiate a settlement to the war. Much may depend on the newly chastened power-broker next door: Pakistan.
"I think now is an opportunity for the Taliban to end their relations with al-Qaida," said Waheed Muzhda, a Kabul-based analyst and former foreign ministry official under the Taliban regime that was toppled in late 2001.
Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, said it was too early to comment.
But the death of the world's top terrorist gives momentum toward finding a political solution to the nearly decade-long war, according to analysts familiar with U.S. officials' stepped-up effort this year to push a peace agenda.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the Obama administration have said they will negotiate with any member of the Taliban who embraces the Afghan constitution, renounces violence and severs ties with al-Qaida. Informal contacts have been made in recent months with high-ranking Taliban figures, but no formal peace talks are under way.
The possible opportunity comes just as the spring fighting season is kicking into gear. The U.S.-led coalition hopes to hold ground in southern Afghanistan gained as a result of the addition last year of an extra 30,000 American troops. The Taliban's goal remains undermining the Afghan government, discrediting its security forces and driving the nearly 100,000 U.S. troops and other foreign forces out of the country.
Even before bin Laden was killed by Navy SEALs at a compound in Pakistan on Monday, the links between the al-Qaida and the Afghan Taliban had weakened during the 10 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, Muzhda said. Mullah Omar's refusal to hand over bin Laden after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon prompted the U.S.-led assault on Afghanistan that ousted the Taliban from power. By siding with bin Laden, Mullah Omar's hardline regime lost control of the nation.
The goals of the two movements are not closely aligned. While al-Qaida is focused on worldwide jihad against the West and establishment of a religious superstate in the Muslim world, the Afghan Taliban have focused on their own country and have shown little to no interest in attacking targets outside Afghanistan. The car bombing in May 2010 in New York's Times Square was linked to the Pakistani Taliban — an autonomous group on the other side of the border.
But breaking with al-Qaida would mean forgoing some reliable funding channels in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Syria, according to a Western intelligence officer. Mullah Omar's association with bin Laden also gave him clout, said the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence.
Al-Qaida shares its technical expertise in explosives and helps the Taliban traffic narcotics made with opium poppies grown in Afghanistan, he said. For their part, the Taliban allow al-Qaida to come into Afghanistan on the backs of Taliban fighters.
Still, some members of the Taliban's top leadership council have grown uncomfortable with al-Qaida, and a vocal minority want to distance themselves from the mostly Arab terrorist network, he said.
There are also cultural differences. Al-Qaida has viewed the Taliban as more backward, "kinda like West Virginia mountain folk — unrefined, uneducated," the officer said.
And "the older generation of Taliban leaders had long ago become fed up with the arrogance of Arab jihadists," Pakistani journalist Ahmed Rashid wrote Monday in a column in the Financial Times.
Two other issues, according to the intelligence officer, could affect the Taliban's internal debate about al-Qaida. While Bin Laden had personal connections to Taliban leaders, the man expected to replace him, Egyptian-born Ayman al-Zawahri, is a less charismatic, unifying figure. And top Taliban leaders now know that the U.S. might hunt them down in Pakistan even without the cooperation or knowledge of the Pakistani military — as was done with bin Laden.
In June 2010, CIA Director Leon Panetta estimated that there were probably only 50 to 100 al-Qaida fighters in Afghanistan — that most of the terrorist network was, without question, operating from the western tribal region of Pakistan. Last month, Gen. David Petraeus, the top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said that while some al-Qaida fighters have been searching for hide-outs in rugged areas of eastern Afghanistan, he did not think they were making a comeback inside the country.
Abu Hafs al-Najdi — a senior al-Qaida leader in Afghanistan and the coalition's No. 2 overall targeted insurgent in the country — was killed in an April 13 airstrike in Kunar province, a hotbed of the insurgency in the northeast. In the past several weeks, coalition forces reported killing more than 25 al-Qaida leaders and fighters.
While the military offensive continues, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said recently that the United States had accelerated a diplomatic push to craft a political solution to the war. Marc Grossman, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan who is heading up the effort, met with Afghanistan and Pakistan officials on Tuesday in Islamabad and agreed to set up a so-called Core Group for promoting the Afghan-led reconciliation effort.
With little known about the secret inner workings of the Afghan Taliban's governing council, called the Quetta Shura, analysts can only speculate about the group's plans.
"The killing of bin Laden might motivate them to sever their ties," said Brian Katulis, of the Washington-based think-tank Center for American Progress. "I think the signal that the Quetta Shura and others are getting from people in Pakistan in the security services will be key."
The U.S. has accused Pakistan's military-run spy service of maintaining links with the Haqqani network, which is affiliated with the Afghan Taliban and closely aligned with al-Qaida. Pointedly, the Americans did not inform Pakistan about Monday's helicopter raid that killed bin Laden until it was over.
That bin Laden's hideout turned out to be a three-story home a short drive from the capital, Islamabad, and close to various Pakistani army regiments has raised suspicions in Washington that the Pakistanis may have been sheltering him. For years, Western intelligence had said bin Laden was most likely holed up in a cave along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
The Pakistani government has denied suggestions that its security forces knew bin Laden was there. Pakistani officials have long argued that they have done their part in the fight against militants and denounce allegations that they are backing insurgents.
"The raid was obviously deeply embarrassing for the Pakistanis," Katulis said. "They could either redouble their efforts to try to cooperate more closely with the U.S. or they can continue to play their passive-aggressive game."
Don't expect a near-term divorce with al-Qaida, said Michael Wahid Hanna, an analyst with The Century Foundation, a New York-based think tank.
"It makes no sense for the Taliban to concede this point on the front end — without receiving any commensurate concession from the other side," Hanna said. "Some of the Taliban I have spoken to have made the point that as long as the military fight escalates, they will cooperate with other forces who are willing to assist them in their fight against the U.S.-led coalition. They portray any pre-emptive severing of ties as a type of unilateral, partial disarmament."
Seth Jones, a RAND Corp. political scientist who advised the commander of U.S. special operations forces in Afghanistan, said he suspects "the Taliban would interpret cutting ties with al-Qaida as kowtowing to the Americans."
Jones said that while the Taliban don't need al-Qaida to operate, they still retain ties with al-Qaida's senior leaders as they have for decades.
Former Afghan Deputy Interior Minister Lt. Gen. Abdul Hadi Khalid said some members of the Taliban want to split with al-Qaida. The fighting spirit of the Taliban has been dampened by recent brutal attacks around the country that killed scores of Afghan civilians — attacks he suspects were inspired by al-Qaida.
These Taliban members "feel they are going the wrong way," Khalid said.
However, Ahmed Wali Karzai, the half brother of the Afghan president, said top Taliban leaders directing the insurgency remain very closely associated with al-Qaida. Al-Qaida still helps train Taliban fighters, and foreign fighters aligned with al-Qaida continue to fight side-by-side with Taliban foot soldiers, he said.
"I don't know how they will be able to distance themselves," Karzai said.

Read more »