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Property prices go up in Peepli

Though Anusha Rizvi’s Peepli Live, produced by Aamir Khan, was shot in an obscure village called Badwai in Bhopal, it has turned out to be a blessing for a village in another part of the country. Located on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, in Aligarh district, a village called Peepli, which shares its name with the title of Rizvi’s debut directorial venture, has become a hotspot for property in the last 20 days.

At the same time, the number of marriage proposals for the eligible men and women of the village have seen a sharp increase.

Peepli LiveFor the first week, the villagers of the 4500-strong rural area, were bewildered at the sudden interest of the world in their village. On enquiry, they learnt that Aamir Khan’s movie had brought on this phenomenon.

Says the town’s sarpanch, Giriraj Singh, “We were surprised at what was happening, because people from cities as far as Mumbai were buying property in our village. We thought it was because there is an expressway near Peepli. We later found out that there was a movie based on our village, which spiked people’s interest.” Singh reveals that the property prices in Peepli have now doubled.

He also adds that because people are under the impression that the movie was shot there, they want to marry their sons and daughters to Peepli’s singletons.

“We have more proposals than bachelors and spinsters in our village now,” Singh says. The villagers from Peepli have now sent an invitation to the man responsible for this “miracle” – Aamir Khan. “We will give him a warm welcome, sings songs in his honour and put up skits for his entertainment if he comes,” Singh reveals.

“But he hasn’t replied yet.” Whether or not he comes, the villagers plan to travel together 10 kilometres away to cinemas in Aligarh or Faridabad to watch the movie that releases on Friday. “We have seen Lagaan and we know Peepli Live will be as good as that too,” Singh says.

Khan was unavailable for comment but his official spokesperson confirmed that he received the invitation, and will respond to it soon.

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Property-prices-go-up-in-Peepli/Article1-584172.aspx

Priyanka’s heart goes out for slum girls

Priyanka Chopra has always been in to promoting girl child education but now that she’s officially associated with UNICEF she is planning to go a step ahead. As a brand ambassador, she believes if she can influence masses she should use her star power. So, she is now planning to go door to door to speak to various families in small towns and villages. She is also planning to conduct lectures for them. The actress also made efforts to go to slums and meet the girls to understand the problem from grassroots level. While sharing her experience she said that it is indeed sad to see so many girls being subjected to work or get married at tender age instead of seeking education.

She hopes that all the parents would think like her parent who have brought her up to become an independent woman but is disappointed to know that even affluent families in the city like Mumbai do not give importance to the education of their girl child.

Source http://movies.indiainfo.com/priyankas-heart-goes-out-for-slum-girls-1512133.html

Teej Festival 2010 Begins

The Teej festival begins from today i.e. 12th August, 2010. This festival marks prosperity and greenery.

This festival is mostly observed by the women praying for a good harvest and cherishing the end of summer season. Teej is celebrated in the Shravan month. During this season, green coloured dresses are worn by women with green bangles. A very unique thing about this celebration is that the women sway in splendidly decorated swings suspended from trees. Happy songs are sung to praise Mother Nature so that prosperity prevails in the households.

There is a belief that during this season, Lord Shiva’s wife Goddess Parvati celebrated her matrimony with the Lord Shiva.

Married women fast and pray in this season and even unmarried girls fast praying for a good husband.

Source http://www.india-server.com/news/teej-festival-2010-begins-31817.html

A. R. Rahman asks media to project 'positive image' of Commonwealth Games

Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, who has composed the theme song of the Commonwealth Games, said that he was pained by the negative publicity for the mega sporting event.

Appealing to the media to present a positive image of the Games, Rahman said: "It is my humble request to you (media) to present a positive image of the Games to the international community."

"Hundreds of people are working day and night for making the Games successful. People across the world are asking if India will be able to hold them successfully… so kindly bring a positive image to the Games," said the music maestro.

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi quoted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Independence Day address in which he said the Oct 3-14 Games would be a "national festival".

"With 30 days to go for the opening of the Games village, we are confident of a great Games," Kalmadi said.

With the delay in preparations and corruption allegations in the biggest sporting event being organised in India since the 1982 Asian Games, Manmohan Singh issued clear instructions that the facilities for the Games be made ready in time and meet international standards.

Source http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14953526

Anil Ambani's Reliance and CBS to launch 3 TV Channels

Anil Ambani's Reliance Broadcast Network (RBN) with a joint venture with US' CBS Studios is all set to launch three English, General Entertainment Channels (GEC) in India with an aim to roll out multiple television channels in the country.

The joint venture is called the Big CBS Networks and will target the English-speaking audiences in India. The three channels such as BIG CBS Prime, a premium English general entertainment channel, BIG CBS Spark. While BIG CBS focuses on the youth and Love, an English entertainment channel is meant for women.

According to Tarun Katial, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network, the English GEC space is long way to go from the ground level in the market. But the move targets at an upper SEC audience for the good response.

As the R26, 000 crore television market in India always extends its hand for booming, the three channels from RBN and CBS Studios will be paid on the subscription-based growth to be available for other DTH players along with Reliance-owned DTH Company.

Source http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/business/3449-anil-ambanis-reliance-and-cbs-to-launch-3-tv-channels.html

Aamir Khan helps rebuild Leh school

Aamir Khan along with Hindustan Construction Company reached Leh to reconstruct the school in Leh where the last scenes of 3 Idiots were shot’. The school had got almost destroyed because of recent mudslide.

The London-based Drupka Trust, which runs The Druk White Lotus School, featured in the film, had approached the company to help it clear the mud and sludge. The school is located at Shey, about 15 km from here on the Leh-Manali highway.

"HCC India has deployed heavy earth moving equipment and several engineers to help the Druk White Lotus School, we have a team of 75 people working at the school who are clearing the mud." HCC General Manager, Niyati Sareen said.

Source http://ibnlive.in.com/news/aamir-khan-helps-rebuild-leh-school/129228-8-66.html

The Significance Of Onam

Onam is the most important and awaited festival of Kerala where the traditional aspects of the state unravels in fullest measure. Apart from being the harvest festival, ushering in a mood of celebration, it commemorates the golden reign of King Mahabali, the benevolent king of the Keralites.

The Vamana Avatara of Lord Mahavishnu is associated with the Onam festival of Kerala. As per a version of the legend, Indra and the Gods who ruled the heavens were in fear of King Bali's unparalled golden reign in Kerala. Hence they sought the aid of Mahavishnu who took the form of a Vamana (dwarf) and requested three steps of land from Bali. King Bali, extremely benevolent in nature,immediately agreed to materialise the need of the Vamana despite the dissuasion of his Guru Sukracharya. Immediately the Vamana (Mahavishnu) assumed a gigantic form and crossed over the heaven, the earth and the other worlds in just two steps. In order to keep up the promise, King Bali offered himself to the Vamana who pressed his foot on Bali's head and pushed him into the nether world at his third step.

The same legend is attributed to King Bali in another version. It is said that King Bali's pride owing to his glorious rule was checked by Lord Mahavishnu, by sending him to the nether world. Thus it is highlighted that pride arising out of virtuous deeds will also have to be shunned.

However the Lord being pleased with Bali's adherence to keeping up his word, allowed him to visit his land once a year. Hence Onam is the festival celebrated to welcome their benevolent King Bali by the Malayalees.

Onam Festivities

Feast and festivities are a part of Onam.'Thiruvonam' falls in the month of August/September every year. Onam is celebrated for ten days. The cultural and traditional aspects of Kerala is joyfully and colourfully represented in the celebrations associated with it. Pookalam, the multicoloured flower arrangements, Vallamkali, the snake boat race , the procession of caprisoned elephants and various dance forms like Kaikotti Kali, Thumbi Thullal, Pulikali, Kaduvakali, Kathakali etc are some of the important events that take place every year. The traditional Onam Sadhya, an array of delicious native Kerala dishes, spread on the banana leaf to be savoured is an integral and important part of the celebration.

The Symbolism in Onam

The story of King Mahabali highlights the element of self surrender. It represents the principle of Advaita Vedanta or Non-duality which is attained at the end of spiritual surrender. The gesture of king Bali surrendering himself to the Lord represents total surrender. The Lord placing his feet on the head of King Bali is symbolic of crushing the ego or banishing the non self which is the ultimate end of all spiritual endeavours resulting in spiritual enlightenment. The Lord Himself calls the King, 'Mahabali', 'Maha' meaning 'Mighty' and 'Bali' meaning 'Sacrifice'. Effortless sacrifice is one with surrender which brings forth enlightenment or oneness. Once when the ego is crushed, all that remains is pure bliss. The celebration of Onam thus marks the celebration of oneness with the supreme which results in ualloyed joy or bliss.

May we thus understand the significance of Onam and enjoy the celebrations comprehending its underlying essence.

Source http://living.oneindia.in/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2010/onam-significance-mahabali-legend-kerala-230810.html

Raksha Bandhan, Its Essence And Significance

Raksha Bandhan is one of the widely celebrated Indian festivals. The term 'Raksha' means 'protection' and 'Bandhan' means, 'bond'. The underlying essence of the Hindu ideals of love and harmony is portrayed in all the festivals which are reminders of the oneness in all beings.

There are numerous legends associated with Raksha Bandhan. Though with time it has come to practice that Raksha Bandhan is observed for brotherly and sisterly affection, in the earlier days it was for all relationships at large. It was tied by wives, daughters, mothers and Rishis as well to people who approached them for protection.

As per the popular legend, Indra sought the advice of Brihaspati or Guru to vanquish the demons when he almost lost the battle with them. Guru Brihaspati and Indrani his wife tied a sacred thread around his wrist on the auspicious Shravan Poornima day, after which he emerged victorious in the war. Hence Raksha Bandhan came to be celebrated on the Shravan Poornima day.

An episode from the Mahabharata also is associated with Raksha Bandhan. Draupati tore her silk sari and tied it around the bleeding finger of Lord Krishna, who got hurt in the process of slaying the evil 'Sari'. Lord Krishna's grace in averting the disgrace to Draupati getting disrobed by the Kauravas explains his compassion owing to her brotherly affection for Him.

Raksha Bandhan could also have had its source in the legend associated with King Bali. Lord Vishnu, pleased with the devotion of Bali, left Vaikunta to safe guard his devotee's kingdom. Goddess Lakshmi unable to suffer the pangs of separation from her Lord, disguised herself as a Brahmin woman and stayed in the palace of King Bali, tying a thread around his wrist, symbolising her brotherly affection for him. King Bali moved by the Lord's compassion, sent him back to Vaikunta with Lakshmi owing to the sisterly affection for her that blossomed from the tying of Rakhi.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration

Raksha Bandhan which is observed on Shravan Poornima day, in the month of August, now celebrates the brotherly and sisterly relationship across the country, irrespective of confining it to celebrate among blood related siblings. It has thus become a social celebration now crossing the barriers of religion, caste and creed.

It is a physical representation of the emotional binding of siblings. Sisters tie the thread of Rakhi around the wrist of their brothers seeking their love and protection. Brothers in turn give gifts to their sisters as a mark of authenticating their affection and protection amidst festivities and celebrations.

The Essence and Significance of Raksha Bandhan

The celebration of Rakha Bandhan has its origin in religion and stretches further beyond its boundaries for a broader view of universal brotherhood which paves way for universal oneness.

Love is the underlying essence of every religion. Unconditional love for all beings can be realised when one understands his true self, the spiritual self or the 'Atman' which is the same in all beings and which stretches beyond all seeming disparities.

Raksha Bandhan stands as the foremost among all festivals, celebrating unconditional love and universal harmony. Spiritual oneness, the ultimate end of observing rituals and festivals is thus recognised by the observance of Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha Bandhan thus serves as a reminder of our true nature, the real self which is lost in the apparent differences. So let us observe the rituals of the festival and celebrate it keeping in mind its essence, its true spiritual import.

Source http://living.oneindia.in/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2010/raksha-bandhan-essence-significance-rakhi-240810.html

Nagesh Kukunoor thanks his brother for Aashayein

Nagesh Kukunoor was inspired to make Aashayein, a film revolving around cancer patients, because of his brother Dr Rajesh Kukunoor, an oncologist based in Arizona, USA.

The conversations the director had with his sibling served as the reference point for the John Abraham-Sonal Sehgal starrer.

Says the director, "My brother often related the case histories of his patients to us at home. He would tell us that it was never easy having conversations with them and gauging the way they would respond."

He adds, "It was intriguing to know how these people responded.

In fact, the cool dudes would end up being the weakest while the ones who appeared scared and nervous were the ones who showed the greatest resilience!"

Kukunoor, however, has not based his film on any one particular patient his brother treated. "I have woven together several case histories I heard for the movie's subject."

He points out that it is easy for a fun, comic film to find an audience but it is heartening when you take an alternate subject (like Aashayein) and find the same.

Source http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20100151493&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=48184

My tears are for real, says Priyanka Chopra

Fear Factor 3 host Priyanka Chopra says she actually felt sorry for participants who had to go.

For the past few weeks, Priyanka Chopra has been shooting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for Fear Factor 3 - Khatron Ke Khiladi. The actress's first tryst with the small screen is proving to be both fun and exhausting. With two stunts to be shot daily, the star has had no time to indulge in sightseeing and retail therapy. She has to be present on the Colors show sets every moment - even as the contestants do their stunts. There is no break as she goads them to perform better.

One of the stunts was shot in a chocolate factory in Rio (where parts of The Incredible Hunk was filmed). PC wears a colourful short dress and is full of life as she jokes with the crew members and participants when the camera is not whirring.

But she can't talk. It's only when she is zooming to another location in Rio for another shoot that she can. In the car while opening a mineral water bottle, the actress spills water on her dress. "Oh I always do this," she coos as we ask her...

Question: Suddenly there are too many B-Town stars at the same time on the small screen.
Priyanka: Yes, but I'm currently the first to say yes to a reality show and also the first as to go on air. So I stand at number 1!

Question: How afraid are you of the much-dreaded TRPs that make or mar a show?
Priyanka: All this while, I used to dread Fridays, that is the time when we would know our movie's opening collections. Now it is going to dreadful Wednesdays for me - that is when I will know the television rating points.

Question: Tears (faked or otherwise) are an integral part of a reality show. Do you see yourself sobbing for participants who have to go?
Priyanka: Like most others, I used to think that the tears aren't for real. But now after having gone through it, I can say that they are. I have shed tears when one of the participants had to go. I was sorry for him and suddenly my eyes welled up while the camera was on.

Question: Were you disappointed when the original choice (cricketers) on the show fizzled out?
Priyanka: Not exactly. If there had been only cricketers on the show, then they would be all be talking about the same stuff, now as the participants belong to different fields there is more variety.

Question: Have you overcome any of your fears during the shoot?
Priyanka: From childhood, I used to suffer from arachnophobia - a fear of spiders. I dreaded them. But now after having held them in my hand for Fear Factor, I've overcome that fear.

Question: What was the main reason you agreed to host Fear Factor?
Priyanka: My family - my parents and my brother were kicked about it. They are regular viewers. There was no way I could have said no to it.

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100152377&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood&nid=50165&pfrom=Movies

Murali’s death a big loss to Southern film industry

Murali hailing from Karnataka was a darling of Tamil films for nearly 26 years. He acted in films of Shivaji Ganesan, Mammootty, Sarathkumar, Vijayakanth and others. He took to Tamil films when there was tough competition and when there were so many stars in the industry. With top stars like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijaykanth, Sathayaraj, Karthik and scores of others in Tamil industry during the 80s, Murali’s selection of subjects and choosing roles of one among the masses earned him laurels even in remote villages of Tamil Nadu.

Murali’s first film in Kannada was Prema Parva directed by his father Siddalingaiah. After completing Prema Parva, he boarded a train to Chennai to act as hero in Poovilangu, his first Tamil film. But it was Porkalam that gave him recognition as an actor. Murali was in Bangalore last month to introduce his son to Kannada film media. Sitting with his father and son, he spoke on various topics, recollecting his younger days. He also shared memories about being teased for his dark complexion. He planned to return in October this year to introduce his son in Kannada films.

Murali’s well known Kannada films are Ajeya, Prema Gange, Thayikotta Thali, Sambavami Yuge Yuge and Ajay-Vijay. But his Tamil film Idayam with Heera lingers in the minds of many. His role in Idayam touches all with a subtle romantic touch.

Murali was popular for his simple and beautiful manners. He was all set to come back in En Raasi Nalla Raasi (My star is a good star). But death intervened in the plans of this great actor who was born on 19th May 1964. Murali’s death at age 46 is really shocking. This dark charmer was a romantic hero with no action image, a simple person with millions of fans. His death is a great loss for Southern film industry.

The last function Murali attended was the wedding of Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya.

Source http://tamil.galatta.com/entertainment/livewire/id/_Murali_death_a_big_loss_to_Kannada_film_industry__41904.html

Prolific producer Ramanaidu gets Phalke award

Pushing 74, Daggubati Ramanaidu was shooting a film in Araku off Visakhapatnam on Thursday when the veteran producer learned about his being conferred with the country’s biggest honour in the field of cinema: the Dadasaheb Phalke award.

A joyous Ramanaidu termed it an honour for Andhra Pradesh.“This is the most satisfying moment of my life,” gushed Naidu, the country’s most prolific film producer, who has entered the Guinness Book of World records for producing not only the maximum number of films (130), but also for doing it in the maximum number of languages. “I’m thankful to the people of my state and my film-industry colleagues,” he said.

The 2009 award, to be presented next month during the International Film Festival of India at Goa, comprises a ‘Swarn Kamal’, a purse of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl.

Ramanaidu was born into an agriculture family in Prakasam district’s Karamchedu, where he did his schooling before graduating from Presidency College in Chennai — a city to which he moved to in 1962 on the advice of actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. There, his visits to the Andhra Club in Chennai helped him strike a rapport with celebrities like Ramana Reddy and Relangi. Soon he attempted film production.

The debut was a success. Ramudu Bheemulu, with legendary NTR in the lead, was a blockbuster.

But it was Nageswara Rao-starrer 'Premnagar' (1971) that established Ramanaidu in the industry. “If 'Ramudu Bheemudu' was the seed (for my success), 'Premnagar' was the tree,” he famously said. In 1986, he migrated to Hyderabad, where he built the eight-acre Rama Naidu Studio. An ex-MP from Bapatala, Ramanaidu has won numerous awards, including the AP state award committee’s special award, Indian Panorama and LV Prasad Gold Medal. His 'Asukh' (Bengali) won the National Award for the Best Film in 1999.But he is not one who rests on his laurels. “I have produced films in almost all major Indian languages, except Punjabi. I plan to do that soon,” he said.

Source http://expressbuzz.com/entertainment/news/prolific-producer-ramanaidu-gets-phalke-award/205596.html

Chhedi’s twin in Dabangg 2

He lost the leading role to Salman Khan and ended up playing the villain in Dabangg. But Sonu Sood is not complaining. In fact, the actor who modelled his character on Pappu Yadav, a politico in Bihar, says that he’s looking forward to the sequel, Robinhood Pandey, that will reportedly be set in Mumbai.

Talking about Chhedi Singh and his muse, the actor says that he found Yadav to be a humble guy.

Politically correct
“He took me around Purnia, his constituency, and watching him walk around with his bodyguards and interact with the locals, I was able to conceptualise Chhedi Singh,” says Sood.

He admits that Yadav, who is currently in prison, is yet to see the film. “His family saw Dabangg and enjoyed it, I’ve been informed. They liked my performance particularly the way I’ve incorporated some of Pappuji’s mannerisms,” beams Sood, adding that he’s been told that Yadav’s family is trying to arrange for him to see the film soon.

Remind him about the line, ‘Hum tum mein itne chhed karenge ki confuse ho jaaoge ki saans kahaan se le aur paadein kahan se’ that raises a guffaw everytime and Sood says, “The dialogue came from both Salman and me, along with director Abhinav Kashyap. I felt that we should allude to the word ‘chhed’ (hole) since my name is Chhedi Singh in the film. Salman added the rest in jest and Abhinav polished up the line by adding ‘confuse ho jaaoge’ to complete it.”

Hitting the right note
He says that the instant connection to the word ‘chhed’ has helped him. “When an actor is known by his character’s name, it means that the audience has connected with him,” Sood reasons.

Buzz is that the chartbusting Munni badnaam hui... was to be picturised on Malaika Arora Khan and him but Salman walked into it.

“Untrue. Chhedi is enjoying the song, and Chulbul who’s after him lands up there and joins in the reverlry. That’s how the screenplay went,” the actor explains.

Sood asserts that the Dabangg team is upbeat about the sequel and at his Eid party, Khan even asked him to suggest a name for Chhedi’s twin.

“Since we are moving to Mumbai, I suggested Ganpat Singh,” he beams. The sequel should release by the end of 2011.

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Chhedi-s-twin-in-Dabangg-2/Article1-600846.aspx

Kerry O'Brien steps away from ABC TV's 7.30 Report

After 15 years of presenting current affairs television, including helping to establish the Lateline program, Kerry O'Brien is resigning from his role as 7.30 Report presenter.

"The main thing I want to do over the next six months or so is find the most time I can to clear my head and contemplate new things," he reveals.

"I've been promising myself this for decades, that I would take time out, look at the rest of my life and maybe think of new things.

"If new things don't come, that's great, but if new things do come, that's great too.

"I'm hoping that a lot of things occur to me as possibilities," O'Brien adds.

One possibility that occurs to him is his replacement being English actress Miriam Margolyes, despite there being a host of suggestions ranging from the serious, such as Steve Cannane, to the absurd, such as Barry Humphries.

As soon as we know who it will be, we'll let you know...

Source http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/09/24/3021531.htm?site=sydney

'I still feel sick about it': Sarah Murdoch reveals what went wrong

Sarah Murdoch has appeared on television tonight, giving the inside story on just what went wrong when she incorrectly named Kelsey Martinovich the winner of Australia's Next Top Model during the show's live finale.

The host of the Fox 8 reality program said she wasn't told ahead of time who the winner was, instead she was waiting for it to be communicated via her earpiece.

Murdoch said the last information she had received before announcing the winner was "Kelsey one, Amanda two" but when it came time to announce the winner, the host was left hanging.

"I had nothing. It didn't come at that moment through my [earpiece] so I went with what I was last told.

"As far as I knew it was the right call, it was what I had been told."

Martinovich gave a brief thank you speech and Murdoch said she then heard the name 'Amanda' in her ear, so she threw the spotlight over to Amanda Ware, the supposed runner-up.

It was as Ware was giving her concession speech that Murdoch realised what had gone wrong.

"I started to hear a name in my ear, Amanda, Amanda ... and then it was communicated on a card in front of me."

The former model turned TV host said in that moment her only thoughts were of making it right.

Looking back on that moment now, Murdoch said she still feels sick about it and confessed that she hadn't been able to bring herself to watch a playback of the bungle.

Asked to comment on whether the mishap was actually a publicity stunt, Murdoch appeared visibly flustered.

"I don't even know how to answer this question. You can see how close we are with the girls.

"You wouldn't put your worst enemy through the siutation let alone these girls."

Murdoch said she had long been a fan of live television, but joked that perhaps she will stick with pre-records for now.

Source http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/i-still-feel-sick-about-it-sarah-murdoch-reveals-what-went-wrong-20100929-15x97.html

Parklife does Sydney and Melbourne

The Parklife juggernaut made its two biggest stops over the weekend, with back-to-back shows in Melbourne and Sydney. Saturday saw pristine weather at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, resulting in a festive atmosphere for the afternoon. While AFL tragics were appeased by their own area to watch the grand final, those who came to party were treated to standout sets from Classixx, Medhi, Kele and of course Soulwax, who proved as unstoppable as ever.

The most love, though, was reserved for Missy Elliot, whose bombastic stage show was met with so much adoration that 2manydjs admitted to inthemix they were a bit worried about taking over from there. After a laser-kissed send-off from Groove Armada, it was time to pull up stops and head to Sydney.

Parklife’s original home wasn’t as lucky on the weather front, with frequent spells of rain throughout the afternoon, but it wasn’t enough to dampen spirits. For crowd-amping, the prize had to go to Mixmaster Mike, but he had valiant competition from Busy P’s ‘Busy Pictionary’ antics. The clouds dispersed by the time the Dewaele brothers hit the stage in their 2manydjs guise, and the synched visuals were dazzling in the darkness. It was up to Groove Armada again to provide the Superstylin’ mainstage finish, while across the field The Glitch Mob did their thing in style.

Parklife’s final hurrah for 2010 is in Adelaide on Monday 4 October, and when ITM bailed up Busy P, he said everyone is looking forward to some well-earned rest. Check out the photos below!

Source http://www.inthemix.com.au/news/aust/48212/Parklife_does_Sydney_and_Melbourne

Big Day Out doubles up in Sydney

A SECOND Big Day Out show has been added for Sydney after tickets sold out in minutes on Wednesday morning.

Music fans are being offered the chance to see headliners Tool, Rammstein, Iggy And The Stooges and dozens more acts at a second date on Thursday, January 27.

It's only the third time in the festival's 19 year history that two shows have been staged in one city, after a second Sydney show was added last year.

Big Day Out will also be staged in Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide with ticket sales staggered to cope with expected high demand.

Source http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/big-day-out-doubles-up-in-sydney/story-e6frf7kf-1225934961151

Kanye West screens his film in Sydney

Kanye West has showcased his new film Runaway to a select audience in Sydney as the rapper completed a worldwide publicity blitz.

The US hip-hop star described making the new 40-minute music video as a "dream come true" after taking to the stage at Fox Studios dressed in a designer tuxedo.

The film is set to songs from his forthcoming album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and has been premiered at similar invite-only shows in Paris, London and Tokyo.

West's directorial debut follows the star's fantastical romance with a feathered phoenix, played by actress and model Selita Ebanks, who falls from the sky and attempts to integrate into his life.

The pair embark on a series of abstract adventures, including a firework parade and banquet turned ballet, with the phoenix slowly realising that her existence on earth is doomed.

After explaining to West that human kind is anything but - "everything that is different you try to change" - she runs away and sets herself in flames.

After the screening on Monday evening West hosted a Q&A session in which audience members quizzed him about the film and his recent work, which includes an internship for Italian fashion house Fendi.

The rapper said Runaway would be the first of several projects combining music and film, and he hoped to emulate the work of Michael Jackson.

He also hopes to reinterpret the film as a theatrical performance intended for Broadway.

West said the film's themes were drawn from fantasy but also inspired by the fallout from his infamous stage storming at the VMA Awards when he interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech and declared that Beyonce should have won.

"The story parallels my career and my career burning to the ground," he revealed to the audience of hundreds at Hoyts Cinema.

"For a year and two days now I haven't had a cell phone to get away from the commercial and pop worlds."

The singer behind hits like GoldDigger and Stronger said he had "worked on character flaws" and also promised a musical departure from the Kanye of old, taking hip-hop back to the sounds of A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan in favour of the digital experimentation and autotune that characterised his last album.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy will be released on November 22.

Source http://news.ninemsn.com.au/entertainment/8103906/kanye-west-screens-his-film-in-sydney

Tropfest 2011 kicks off with YouTube

Filmmakers from across the globe are being encouraged to enter the world’s largest short film festival - the 19th annual Movie Extra Tropfest.

For the first time ever Tropfest are offering to fly finalist filmmakers from outside Australia to attend the huge live event and walk the red carpet in Sydney on Sunday 20 February 2011.

Film buffs from around the world now have an opportunity to unlock the door to stardom by seeing their film screened to hundreds of thousands of film fans across Australia, and international film industry luminaries.

Judges have included Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Toni Collette, Rose Byrne, Geoffrey Rush, Russell Crowe, Samuel L Jackson, Baz Luhrmann, Keanu Reeves, Sam Neill, Ewan McGregor, Jane Campion, Salma Hayek, and George Miller.

Whether you are a novice or have a few films under your belt, Tropfest is open to anyone who is eager to tell a story through film. All you have to do is grab a camera, a few mates and start shooting your short film.

Entries close on Thursday 6 January 2011.

To enter, all you have to do is create a film that is no longer than seven minutes. In Tropfest tradition, your film must contain the 2011 Movie Extra Tropfest Signature Item - KEY.

As always, Tropfest will be hotly contested with more than 600 entries expected from across Australia and overseas.

For the first time this year entries will be received online through a new partnership with YouTube, making it easier for international entrants by eliminating the need to provide their film on a DVD.

Tropfest Founder and Director John Polson says the Festival is a phenomenal launching pad for filmmakers.

“This year we really want to encourage films from different places around the world. Hopefully the opportunity to come to Australia on us and have your short film screened in front of hundreds of thousands of people around the nation at the many live outdoor events and on the Movie Extra channel, is the right sort of motivation.”

“This year we’ve made the submission process even easier for international filmmakers with our new dedicated Tropfest YouTube channel. So go on and get brain-storming right now and get your submission in soon,” he says.

For the third year in a row, thanks to Tropfest’s Naming Rights Partner, the event will be broadcast live on Subscription TV channel MOVIE EXTRA, taking the fun and excitement of the festival into homes around the country.

Tropfest’s mobile category, Telstra Mobile Masterpieces, is back for the second year giving filmmakers an opportunity to unleash their creativity on their mobile phones. The same rules apply as the main competition, with the winner receiving $5000 cash and a trip to the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

2010 winner Abe Forsythe says Tropfest propelled his career. “Winning Tropfest was a fantastic experience. I encourage everyone out there to enter whether you’re a beginner, at film school or if you’re a seasoned professional. It could actually change your life,” he says.

Source http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tropfest-2011-kicks-off-with-youtube/story-e6frf7jx-1225938536449

Australian music sales hit sour note

RECORD sales in Australia have hit an alarming low with a British metal band hitting the No. 1 spot with just 3600 album sales.

British hardcore metal band Bring Me the Horizon made a surprising debut at No. 1 on the ARIA album charts yesterday, with just 3600 copies sold nationally.

This is the lowest sales to achieve a No. 1 album in Australia.

The figure highlights the impact illegal downloading has had on record sales.

As with each album on the ARIA chart, the sales include both physical CD sales and legal online digital sales.

Last week's No. 1 by Linkin Park sold just 4056 copies. Even the new Robbie Williams compilation sold only 2816 copies last week to debut at No. 6.

Sales should pick up this week with the release of new albums by Kings of Leon and John Farnham, who will both battle to be No. 1 next week.

Expected big sellers for Christmas include a "best of" Pink, new albums by Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Rihanna and Jessica Mauboy, and a Susan Boyle Christmas album.

Bring Me the Horizon will tour here in February for the Soundwave festival with their album There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret.

"To have a number one album, in a country we don't even live in, is amazing," frontman Oli Sykes said.

Source http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/australian-music-sales-hit-sour-note/story-e6frf96f-1225940393713

Glambert rocks Sydney

Gay goth rocker Adam Lambert brought his unique musical style to Sydney on Wendesday night, playing to a packed Enmore Theatre.

It was the American Idol runner-up’s second visit to the Sydney in a year, having played the Mardi Gras party earlier this year.

Lambert was in fine form, singing tracks from his album For Your Entertainment and a cover of Ring of Fire.

And there was one particularly lucky audience member who managed to score himself a little Lambert tongue in between songs.

Source http://www.starobserver.com.au/whats-on/2010/10/22/glambert-rocks-sydney/32294

The Veronicas Campaign Against Fur Use With PETA

Aussie pop duo The Veronicas are taking a stand against designers who use fur in their clothing.

Jess and Lisa Origliasso are helping People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in their latest campaign against animal cruelty.

Their campaign features the tagline 'Here's the rest of your fur coat', and includes a poster of the girls holding (fake) skinned rabbits.

Jess and Lisa appeared in Sydney to promote the advertisement.

"Designers that still use fur, to us it is just ignorant, it is unnecessary and it is unacceptable," Jess says.

They hope that they will raise awareness with young people who might think it's cool to wear fur, so that they can understand where fur comes from.

Just looking at The Veronica's PETA poster below is enough to convince us to become vegetarians!

Source http://www.take40.com/news/20662/the-veronicas-campaign-against-fur-use-with-peta

Free kick for Foxtel's Xbox 360 service

FOXTEL has created an exclusive sports channel, Fox Sports Play, for its new internet-delivered pay-TV service Foxtel on Xbox 360.

The service, which was developed with Microsoft and is exclusive to Xbox customers who have a subscription to the gaming console's Live online entertainment network, goes live in all Foxtel coverage areas tonight.

The starter pack of 11 channels costs $19.50 a month, on top of the monthly Live Gold subscription fee and the cost of a broadband subscription. Additional packages will offer entertainment, sports and two tiers of movie content at a cost of an extra $10 a month per package.

Foxtel product chief Patrick Delaney said the service would not be available to customers in regional areas as Foxtel's program rights did not allow it.

But the sports channel, which was created specifically for Foxtel on Xbox 360, would include most of the sports for which Foxtel has the internet rights.

"The English Premier League and the A-League (soccer) will be on there,'' Mr Delaney said. "We have paid extra to negotiate those rights. Other than the NRL and the AFL, I think Fox Sports has cleared almost all its sport to be on there.''

Telstra currently holds the internet rights rights for the NRL and AFL, which are set to be negotiated in the next year.

Xbox chief David McLean said the majority of Xbox Live's 500,000-strong customer base would be able to receive the service, which is delivered over the internet via the connection on the Xbox console.

"I estimate 85 per cent or thereabouts of our subscribers will be able to get acess from day one,'' Mr McLean said.

Mr Delaney said discussions were underway to see if the service could be rolled out, via Austar, in regional areas.

To date, no internet service providers have agreed to exempt Foxtel on Xbox 360 from counting towards a subscriber's broadband download cap, which means users may incur extra charges if they go over their limit.

Mr Delaney estimated one standard definition movie would use about 1.3Gb of data.

Subscribers can sign up for the service using their credit card on a month-by-month basis and there is no contract.

Xbox Live customers who don't sign up will still be able to pay to access the company's Foxtel On Demand pay-per-view movie and TV download service.

The service will compete with FetchTV's internet TV service, which will is expected to be available via a number of smaller ISPs for just under $30 a month after an initial establishment cost for the FetchTV box, and Telstra's T-box, which costs $299.

FetchTV's partner ISPs and Telstra's Big Pond will exempt their respective IPTV services from download charges.

Source http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/free-kick-for-foxtels-xbox-360-service/story-e6frg996-1225951340929

ITV loses Australia's Next Top Model contract over final gaffe

Sarah Murdoch making her slip-up in the Australia's Next Top Model final.

Two months ago Sarah Murdoch's embarrassment at naming the wrong winner of Australia's Next Top Model live on air became a viral hit. Now ITV's Australian production subsidiary has paid the price for the cock-up, losing the Australia's Next Top Model contract, according to a local media report.

The incident, which Murdoch – the show's presenter – said resulted from the wrong name being fed to her via an earpiece, has gone down as one of the biggest screw-ups in reality TV history.

Murdoch is the wife of Rupert Murdoch's eldest son, Lachlan. The Murdoch family part owns the show's broadcaster, Foxtel, through News Corporation.

ITV subsidiary Granada Media Australia has made the past six series of the reality TV show, but Murdoch confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald earlier today that a change in production company was being made.

"Granada produced Australia's Top Model for six years. I worked with them for two years," she said in a statement. "They are a very talented and hard-working crew. But after what happened this year I thought very hard about it and decided it was probably time for a change.''

It is not yet known which production company will take over for the seventh series, but the Sydney Morning Herald suggests that Shine, which is owned by Murdoch's sister-in-law Elisabeth Murdoch, is the favourite.

Source http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/nov/24/foxtel-loses-australias-next-top-model