Real brilliant

VIA «Symbol of illusory love»

Emotional: Both the boys, Jamie (left) and George were left in tears after their rap
And explaining their act to the judges, George said: 'We don't rap about how hard we are, we rap about making a change. But today we are going to rap about our grandads.'
Afterwards, judge Amanda Holden told them: 'Boys, I thought it was an excellent tribute to both your granddads who obviously had a massive influence in your lives.
'I think you both did your granddads proud.'
Proud: The duo's mothers were waiting in the wings, and seemed equally emotional about the performance
Michael McIntyre added: 'It was good lyrically and it was very heartfelt. It was very impressive.'
And Louis Walsh, who was standing in for David Hasselhoff, concluded: 'You're two great role models for young kids. i liked all the positivity of it. i think your grandads are going to be very proud.'
The Right Path unsurprisingly then received three yeses from the judges and are now through to the next round.
Another young act to impress the judges was seven-year-old Robbie Firmin, performing Frank Sinatra.
Dressed in a pinstripe suit and matching hat, the pint-sized boy belted out a rendition of the Sinatra classic My Way.
Mini Blue Eyes: Kent schoolboy Robbie Firmin, seven, sing Frank Sinatra's My Way on tonight's episode of Britain's Got Talent
Music mogul Louis told him: 'Robbie, that was fantastic. I’ve never heard anybody so young sing that song.'
Despite his tender age, Robbie even showed his cheeky personality by telling Louis his auntie - who was waiting in the wings - was looking for a boyfriend, saying: 'And I think she would want you to be it.'
Michael was equally enthused: 'Robbie I thought that was just brilliant, it had everything, you toyed with the audience, they were up, they were down, they were swaying. Robbie you’re a star.'
And, with three yeses, little Robbie was through to the next round.
Opening the show this evening were illusionist duo David, 39, and Karen, 27, who performed a modernised version of a Houdini trick.
Amazing: Judge Michael praised Robbie's professionalism on the stage
Proud: Robbie's family backstage, as well as presenters Ant and Dec, were thoroughly entertained by his act
Before their audition, Karen said: 'We are going to perform an illusion that was originally performed by Houdini but we have modernised it.'
And David added: 'Magic has struggled in the past on Britain's Got Talent but they haven't seen anything like our act yet.'
Karen and David then took to the stage and performed their act which saw David climb into a Perspex box on stilts which is then covered with a cloth.
Karen then waves a large sheet in front of the box and when it drops, David was holding the sheet and Karen is in the box.
Afterwards, Michael said: 'It was brilliant - it wasn't overly cheesy. I never have any idea how anyone does the trick - I'm a complete sucker for it and it was amazing.'
That's magic! Illusionists David and Karen perform tricks for the audience
Amanda added: 'That was annoyingly good. I am never keen on magic because it’s always so small time, people come on with cards and bits of cotton and no one can see anything.
'This is a massive show and if it goes onto the Royal Variety then that is a huge show to perform on, and there was no orange make-up, there was no Lycra, I hate to say it, but it was really good.'
And David concluded: 'You took to the stage and wowed us. You are what this show is about. Congratulations - it was great.'
Needless to say, the duo made it through.
How did they do that? David and Karen finished to rapturous applause from the audience
Delighted: David said performing in front of the judges and a live audience was 'the best moment of my life'
Next up was dog act Mexican Mayhem, led by 59-year-old Melanie, whose dogs Twizzle and Tucker performed a dancing act for the judges.
But altough Tucker did what he was supposed to during the dog agility course, Twizzle was 'a bit tired' and wasn't so up to par.
However, Melanie didn't let the judges and audience's laughter put her off, attempting to coax Twizzle through props including a windy tube.
Michael said: 'If both the dogs did what they were supposed to do, it wouldn’t have been nearly as entertaining as the fact that right off the bat one dog decided, "I’m not going to do this."
That really was mayhem: Melanie and her dogs Twizzle and Tucker's performance didn't quite go to plan
Difficult: Melanie struggled with one of the dogs, who she said was feeling a 'bit tired'
'It was almost like they were a comedy double act and I found it hilarious.'
And Amanda said: 'That doggy debut was hilarious for all the wrong reasons, but I really enjoyed it.'
While David said no tot he act, Amanda and Michael said yes - meaning Mexican Mayhem are through to the next round.
But Mexican Mayhem had some competition from some other dog acts, including Hoover and Jane, who didn't do too well with their tambourine playing act, and Jonathan and Bodhi, whose doggy skateboarding skills were less than impressive.
Up next were 'very good friends' Jon and Jenny, whose act was slightly ruined when Bodhi managed to run back onto the stage, much to the amusement of the audience.
Pianist Paul Gbegaje, 19, was next to take to the stage as the auditions moved up to Manchester.
Before making his way on for his audition, Paul said: 'I wasn't good at football or sports so every lunchtime I was in the music room playing music and composing. What I like about playing the piano is the feeling you get from it, it's a huge high.'
Impressive: Dance Angels Elite impressed the judges with their colourful outfits and enthusiastic performance
And, asked by Amanda if playing the piano was what he wanted to do full time, John replied: 'Definitely. This is how I express myself. I'm not a good talker but I communicate through music.'
While Michael called him sensational and Amanda said he was amazing, David caused drama with the audience when he said the audition was 'really nice'.
He added: 'I'm not sure it was great. But I love your spirit and your tenacity, so come back and show me up.'
Inspired: The Celtic Colleens were praised for their originality thanks to their illuminated Irish dancing routine
Mixed response: Pianist Paul wowed Amanda and Louis, but David wasn't convinced
Lightning fingers: Paul wowed the audience with his super-speedy piano playing
Better than Diversity? Amanda Holden told dance troupe Abyss they weren't as good as their predecessors
2011 Britans Got Talent amazing 7 year old louie kid 21/5/11 2011

Follow The Right Path Britains Got Talent 2011

2011 Britans Got Talent amazing dance group 21/5/11 2011

2011 Britans Got Talent amazing piano boy 21/5/11 2011

David and Karen - Britain's Got Talent 2011 audition.

2011 Britans Got Talent dog tryes to disracted the crowed 21/5/11 2011

source:dailymail

VIA Britain's Got Talent 2011: Teenage rappers The Right Path left in tears after heartfelt tribute to their grandfathers

The trailer for a biopic on the life of notorious (pardon the pun) rapper Biggie Smalls hit the world wide web today and, to my surprise, actually looks quite good. Newcomer Jamal Woolard is playing Biggie also known as the Notorious B.I.G and you can view the trailer here at youtube movies.

It will be interesting to see the effect this film has on the hip hop community upon its 2009 release especially since some of the central characters in the film are still alive today e.g Puff Daddy and Snoop Dogg. Until then, here’s a brief list of films I recommend to wet you appetite on the gangster rapper sub-genre:

Biggie and Tupac (2002)

This is an awesome documentary and a Herculean effort on behalf of white director Nick Broomfield who ploughed through the neighbourhoods of Tupac and Biggie in attempt to uncover the truth behind their deaths. There’s some brilliant and rare footage of the two rappers in their youth hustling and freestyling on the streets of Brooklyn. More than just the back-story, Broomfield literally risks his crazy life to document the events that led to the untimely deaths of two promising artists.

Get Rich or Die Tryin (2006)

From six time Oscar nominated director Jim Sheridan this film is based on the youth of Curtis `50 cent’ Jackson. Sheridan’s film exceeds the gangster genre by refusing to skimp on the details. He shows his protagonist for what he is; a criminal who leads a dangerous and empty life. Critically this was extremely well received and praised for working as a gritty crime thriller. A must see.

Fear of a Black Hat (1994)

A true diamond in the rough, this is one of the funniest films I have seen to date. A spoof on the hip hop culture of the nineties this mockumentary follows the journey of fictional rap group Niggaz With Hats as they try to conquer the international music scene. Along with an awesome response on Rotten Tomatoes, the parodies in the film are way ahead of its time.

VIA Notorious B.I.G and Friends...

That's magic! Illusionists David and Karen perform tricks for the audience
Music mogul Walsh told him: 'Robbie, that was fantastic. I’ve never heard anybody so young sing that song.'
Despite his tender age, Robbie even showed his cheeky personality by telling Walsh his auntie - who was waiting in the wings - was looking for a boyfriend, saying: 'And I think she would want you to be it.'
McIntyre was equally enthused: 'Robbie I thought that was just brilliant, it had everything, you toyed with the audience, they were up, they were down, they were swaying. Robbie you’re a star.'
That really was mayhem: Melanie and her dogs Twizzle and Tucker's performance didn't quite go to plan
Little Robbie was just one of several acts appearing on tonight's episode of Britain's Got Talent.
Another act impressing the judges were illusionist duo David, 39, and Karen, 27, who performed a modernised version of a Houdini trick.
Karen and David take to the stage and perform their act which sees David climb into a Perspex box on stilts which is then covered with a cloth.
Karen waves a large sheet in front of the box and when it drops, David is holding the sheet and Karen is in the box.
Holden told them: 'That was annoyingly good. I am never keen on magic because it’s always so small time, people come on with cards and bits of cotton and no one can see anything.
Mixed response: Pianist Paul wowed Amanda and Louis, but David wasn't convinced
At the Cardiff auditions, Melanie, 59, and her two dogs Twizzle and Tucker performed their dancing act Mexican Mayhem.
Altought Tucker did what he was supposed to during the dog agility course, Twizzle was 'a bit tired' and wasn't so up to par.
McIntyre said: 'If both the dogs did what they were supposed to do, it wouldn’t have been nearly as entertaining as the fact that right off the bat one dog decided, "I’m not going to do this."
Better than Diversity? Amanda Holden told dance troupe Abyss they weren't as good as their predecessors
Back at the Manchester auditions, David Hasselhoff was back as a judge and was booed when he failed to praise teenage pianist Paul.
Paul won over the crowd, McIntyre and Holden with his piano playing, but The Hoff wasn't so sure.
He was booed when he said: 'It was nice, it was really nice. I’m not sure it was great, but it was nice.'
Another act dividing the judges were dance act Abyss, who Holden said weren't as good as Diversity from two years ago.

BGT: Mini Sinatra and illusionists impress

source: dailymail

VIA Britain's Got Talent 2011: Mini crooner Robbie Firmin, seven, stuns the judges with his Frank Sinatra cover

The Egyptian-style pyramid-shaped tomb of Gaius Cestius, an Augustan era general, reopened to the public this week following an extensive restoration initiated in March 2013. Japanese fashion mogul Yuzo Yagi who funded the project said "It is extraordinary to return it to the white city like [it was] two thousand years ago. It was a great job with an incredible team led by two women", referring to Rita Paris and Maria Grazia Filetici, Italy's archaeological superintendency directors who oversaw the project.

The 120 foot-high pyramid, according to Paris, was constructed in 330 days, made of white Carrara marble. The 21st century restoration of the 2000-year-old tomb took a cumulative 327 days, 75 days less than projected.

Yagi donated two million euros to the innovative internal and external restoration that required a mix of traditional and non-tradition conservation in areas such as vegetation removal, marble facade protection, marble panel stabilization and damage prevention, and a handicap-accessible entrance ramp.

The restoration was much needed after centuries of wear and tear, which included, as Paris detailed, the tomb's incorporation into the 3rd century AD walls, looting in the Middle Ages, mid-17th century restoration, and use as a meeting spot in the 19th century.

Present at the invitation-only inauguration was Umberto Vattani, president of the Italy-Japan Foundation, cultural and foreign affairs undersecretaries Francesca Barracciu and Benedetto Della Vedova, Rome Cultural Heritage superintendent Francesco Prosperetti, and Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino.

Barracciu said that the restoration was "a brilliant best practice that strengthens our belief that the public and private collaboration is a way to go again with more determination. And since last July's Art Bonus, we are very confident ".

When asked if Yagi would finance future heritage projects in Italy, the fashion mogul said "we have a long list of aid to Japan, for the tsunami-affected areas. But I would be happy to return in the coming years".

Author: Erica Firpo | Credit: ANSAmed [April 21, 2015]

Emergency supplies: A box full of cans of beer stands in the mud this morning
You've got to laugh: Hayley Davenport manages to keep a smile on her face as she carries her guitar through the mud. Left, another festival fan is more than prepared for the expected wet weather
More than 177,000 people are expected to attend the festival in Pilton to see the likes of U2, Beyonce and Coldplay perform.
Unlike last year's sun-drenched festival, music fans have packed woolly jumpers, waterproofs and wellies as they brace themselves for autumnal temperatures and regular downpours.
Barefoot bravery: Katie Featherstone and Lucy Loretto arrive in the mud clutching their festival gear
Nearly all donned their wet weather gear as as the damp conditions threatened to cause a repeat of the 2007 mudfest.
Weather experts even warned revellers making their way to the annual bash that they may need to brace themselves - for hail.
Met Office forecaster George Goodfellow said: 'The weather for the period of Glastonbury Festival is looking very unsettled but we could see the most intense showers on Thursday.
'When we get these intense showers at this time of the year we can see hail, which is a possibility for Glastonbury.'

Carefree: A festival goer laughs as he arrives at the Glastonbury Festival site with a dirty face - and the fun hasn't even begun
The Met Office has also warned night temperatures will drop to as low as six degrees - while heavy rain is already turning the 1,100 acre site into a mud bath.
A spokesman said: 'It's not going to be a typically wet Glastonbury but it won't be like last year's either.
'We're expecting some heavy showers for the first two days but it will gradually improve and while Sunday won't be that bright it could be quite warm.'
Determined: Two festival goers have a steely look on their faces as they battle through the wind and mud
But the weather is unlikely to put off excited festival-goers who will turn Worthy Farm into the south-west's third largest city after Bristol and Plymouth.
James Beal, 25, from Bristol, is making his fourth trip to Glastonbury and spent last year's festival basking in the heat wave.
He said: 'This year's event will be brilliant, regardless of whether it's wet and windy or sunny and bright.
'I think it's impossible for the weather to put me off, I'm here for the music and the atmosphere.
'I can't wait to see Beyonce; I hope Jay-Z makes a guest appearance - that would be amazing.'
Some revellers will be enjoying the festival fun in rather more luxurious surroundings than others, however.
Popping up next to the Glastonbury Festival is the latest venture in posh camping - deluxe tents which cost up to £1500 for the weekend.
Festival-goers with fat enough wallets can spend the weekend in safari-style bell tents with double beds, valet parking, wooden deck flooring and hot showers in an upmarket encampment just outside the festival.
And for those who need a pick me up after a hard night's raving, the so-called pop-up hotel offers full English breakfasts to guests.
Missing the point? The luxury on offer at the Pop-Up Hotel just outside the festival site
Event organisers are employing around 1,600 staff to look after the event, which is now in its 40th year.
Thousands of acts from local unsigned bands to the world's biggest rock stars will be appearing on stage over the five-day festival.
Taking centre stage on the famous Pyramid this year are U2, Coldplay and Beyonce while Morrissey, Primal Scream and Tinie Tempah are also expected to draw huge crowds.
Lesser known acts will perform on the 100 other stages and performance areas.
Wet weather gear: In scenes that could be repeated this year, a discarded pair of wellies lie at the exit of Glasto' 2009
Compare and contrast: Brollies provided a different kind of protection for last year's festival as sunshine beat down on gig-goers
Festival organisers are dedicating six per cent of the event's revenue this year to keeping the place clean and tidy.
The site will have 20,000 rubbish bins colour-coded for recycling, enabling the festival to recycle more 400 tonnes of waste.
This is being co-ordinated by 160 'green police' who patrol the vast site ensuring people don't drop litter or urinate in the stream.
A team of 950 people will clean up rubbish every morning and ensure the 4,600 toilets are acceptable to use.
How to walk onto the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival 2011

A drive around Glastonbury Festival Site 18/06/11

source : dailymail

VIA Wellies and winter coats will be order of the day as weather looks grim for Glastonbury

The comments sent shock waves through the film world.
Kirsten told the Mail Online that she kept thinking, 'Lars, shut up'.
She added: 'He's a great film-maker who, sometimes I feel should let his films speak for themselves.'
In any event, the actress who has come a long way since starring in the Spiderman pictures.
Touched: She was awarded the coveted prize during the closing ceremony of the 64th Cannes Film Festival
She gives a terrific, deeply felt performance in Von Trier's film Melancholia as a newly-wed bride who instantly regrets her marriage while at the same time the planet Earth is on collision course with another planet.
Her character Justine is an utterly depressed young woman .
'I understood a little of what Justine was going through', the actress told the Mail Online.
Dressed for the occasion: Kirsten looked stunning in a silver and white floor length dress
It is a huge triumph for Kirsten as there was formidable competition from the likes of Tilda Swinton who starred in the British entry We Need To Talk About Kevin.
The win also helps Kirtsen make a shift from main stream Hollywood films to more independent fare.
The big award of the night, the Palme d'Or went to Terrence Malick's epic visual poem
The Tree of Life which starred Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.
Best actor went to Jean Dujarin for the enchanting picture The Artists which took a touching glance back to the era of silent films.
Best director went to Nicolas Winding Refn for his work on the brilliant but bloody-
thirsty thriller Drive which starred Ryan Gosling who is excellent as a movie stunt car driver by day and a getaway driver by night.
Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, and Christina Hendricks also star in the film which opens in the UK in the Autumn.
Other prizes went to the superb French movie Polisse which looked at a Parisian child
protection unit.
Jury members included Uma Thurman and Jude Law.
Delighted: The 29-year-old lapped up the attention from her peers during tonight's Closing Ceremony in Cannes
Critical acclaim: Dunst stars in Melancholia as a newly-wed bride who instantly regrets her marriage while at the same time the planet Earth is on collision course with another planet
source: dailymail

VIA Kirsten Dunst conquers the Cannes Film Festival and takes the best actress award

Emotional night: The 16-year-old hopeful became tearful after singing her last song of the night
Lauren soldiered on without any audible hiccups, becoming tearful during her last song, with both her and Scotty, 17, receiving high praise from the judges for their performances.
However, despite her setback, Lauren appeared to get the edge over Scotty, with the judges being slightly more impressed by her efforts.
After the final song, all three judges said Lauren would get their vote over Scotty - although it is the public who get to decide the winner.
Steven Tyler even went as far to say: 'Lauren gets it hands down.'
Graceful: Host Ryan Seacrest escorts the Georgia native into the audience at LA's Nokia Theatre as she sings Like My Mother Does
Proud: Lauren shares a hug with her mother as her father watches on during the performance
The show began with the drama over Lauren's voice being discussed.
She reassured host Ryan Seacrest: 'I'm fine,' after the programme's doctor explained how she had received medical treatment for her vocal chords.
Tonight saw the boy next door versus the southern belle as Scotty and Lauren put in their final performances ahead of tomorrow's finale.
Each contestant sung three songs for judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Tyler.
Let the battle commence: Lauren with fellow finalist Scotty McCreery and host Seacrest
Round one was their favourite song from the season, round two was a song picked by their mentors and round three was the single that each contestant will release if they win the competition.
Scotty's final song was the slow track, I love You This Big.
'When you hit that end note I was like "woah, dude". Scotty you are in it to win it. That was a brilliant vocal,' Jackson told him.
'You are a storyteller, you did an amazing job with that song,' said Lopez.

Southern belle: She started the night off in a gold, sparkly dress
Musician: Scotty performs with his guitar in hand. He also received high praise from the judges although they said Lauren had a slight edge over him
Lauren's final track was It's Like My Mother Does, which led her to hug her mother during the performance.
'Lauren Alaina has arrived America, that was amazing,' shouted Jackson.
'There was heart, emotion, feeling and a beautiful, beautiful voice,' said Lopez.
'It's been a tight race,' Lopez added. 'America has their job cut out for them.'
Here come the judges: Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson
In position: All judges agreed it was a close race, but called if for Lauren at the end of the night. The voting public will decide the winner, which will be announced in tomorrow's show
The songs were performed in LA's Nokia Theatre in front of seven thousand fans.
The public will vote for the winner with the result being announced tomorrow.
Tonight also saw a guest performance from Taio Cruz and American Idol winner David Cook from season seven.
This year marks Idol's youngest-ever, and first all-country music finale.
Alaina from Georgia, who has dreamed of appearing on the show since age six, is the youngest person to reach the finale.
McCreery, from North Carolina, has a deep voice that belies his youth and has barely put a foot wrong.
Guest performer: Taio Cruz took to the American Idol stage to entertain the 7,000-strong crowd
But whichever contestant prevails when the votes are announced on Wednesday - and predictions as usual are for a close race - country music may end up the real winner, some experts say.
'Either way they have two people who could do very well in country music,' said Yahoo! Music managing editor Lyndsey Parker.
'If you look at some of the biggest sellers of the past couple of years they have been Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert.'
Look who's back: Fellow American Idol winner David Cook closed the show
Swift has sold more than three million copies in the United States alone of her November 2010 album Speak Now.
Searches on Yahoo! for American Idol finalists have spiked 949 percent this week ahead of 10th season climax of the most-watched TV show in the United States.
Alaina is getting nearly nine times as many searches as McCreery, according to Yahoo! data.
American Idol 2011 Top 2 Finale - Lauren Alaina (Like My Mother Does)

Lauren Alaina - Flat on the Floor - American Idol Season Finale Top 2 Performances May 24,2011

American Idol 2011 Top 2 Finale - Scotty McCreery (Gone)

Scotty McCreery - Check Yes or No - Top 2 - American Idol 2011 Finale (2nd Song) - 05/24/11

source: dailymail

VIA Tearful Lauren Alaina sings through the pain after injuring vocal chords as she vies for American Idol crown