November Muster

Each month, the Ann T. Hathaway blog remembers officers who have died in the line of duty. Each one leaves behind family, friends, colleagues. They leave behind a world of actions that have enriched our community.
During this holiday season, we could also reflect upon the sacrifices made, and still felt, by the people that knew these officers well.

--Ryan Bonaminio--David Grove--Kevin Kell Roberts--

--Gary Chapin--Jonathan McDonald--Packy Pascewicz--Dwayne Parks--

--Patrick Sirois--Sam Brownlee--Michael Flisk--

I learned about these officers on the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Jewels of a Royal Love Affair Sell Big at London Auction

A collection of extraordinary jewels belonging to King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, the woman he abdicated the throne for in a crisis which shook the monarchy, fetched almost eight million pounds (12.4 million dollars, 9.5 million Euros) at auction Tuesday.

Of the 20 lots owned by the couple, it was a diamond panther bracelet and Cartier onyx which attracted the largest bid, fetching over 4.5 million pounds at the London auction. It is the most ever paid for a bracelet at auction, reports said.

Other items sold in the "exceptional jewels and precious objects collection" included gold watches, cigarette cases, various medals and Cartier brooches.

"It's not just jewellery, these are pieces of British history," said David Bennett of Sotheby's auction house. "For many pieces they supplied their own stones and were involved in the design process.

"Many pieces are engraved with intimate inscriptions. It's a document of their love affair," he added.

One Cartier compass is engraved "No excuse for going in the wrong direction, easter 1939," and a heart-shaped brooch bears the initials "W.E", for "Wallis Edward" on the back.

The pair caused a massive scandal in 1936 when Edward abdicated from the British throne so that he could marry Simpson, who was divorced.

US star Madonna is currently directing a film about the affair called W.E, which will star British actors James and Laurence Fox and Australian actress Abbie Cornish.

Tove Styrke - High And Low

"Where's the truth when I need it?"

Time for a belated Tove Styrke post. I had meant to write about this song a few weeks ago when I first heard the album, but it (wrongfully) got lost in the shuffle. As a whole, I've been a little underwhelmed by the album. It's perfectly nice, but the standouts are definitely the singles (especially the closing track). High And Low is my favorite non-single by a mile. It's got a subtle disco-sheen and one of the catchiest melodies on the album. It manages to be slinky and poppy and kind of cold at the same time. Tove's music isn't anything strikingly different than most electro-pop, but she's got the coolest aura about her. From the vocals to image to performance, she is way too cool to come from a reality show. Maybe that's why the album hasn't quite hit me the way I hoped it would. If it's possible, it might just be a little too cool.

Tove Styrke - High And Low by tattoowesley

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Tove Styrke - High And Low

"Where's the truth when I need it?"

Time for a belated Tove Styrke post. I had meant to write about this song a few weeks ago when I first heard the album, but it (wrongfully) got lost in the shuffle. As a whole, I've been a little underwhelmed by the album. It's perfectly nice, but the standouts are definitely the singles (especially the closing track). High And Low is my favorite non-single by a mile. It's got a subtle disco-sheen and one of the catchiest melodies on the album. It manages to be slinky and poppy and kind of cold at the same time. Tove's music isn't anything strikingly different than most electro-pop, but she's got the coolest aura about her. From the vocals to image to performance, she is way too cool to come from a reality show. Maybe that's why the album hasn't quite hit me the way I hoped it would. If it's possible, it might just be a little too cool.

Tove Styrke - High And Low by tattoowesley

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Gold Eternity Wedding Band

Gold eternity wedding band

$100,000 Ruby Diamond Engagement Rings Jessica Simpson

$100,000 ruby diamond engagement rings Jessica Simpson from NFL player Eric Johnson.

GOTHAM INDEPENDENT FILM AWARD WINNERS AND NOMINATIONS

Nominees & Winners
The 20th Anniversary
Gotham Independent Film Awards

Director Darren Aronofsky, actors Hilary Swank and Robert Duvall, and Focus Features CEO James Schamus were not only nominated, they've already won honorary awards!

The (other) winners will be announced Monday, November 29th at Cipriani Wall Street. UPDATED AND REPUBLISHED TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30 WITH THE WINNERS MARKED IN BOLD DARK RED!

The ceremony will be hosted by Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson.

I've indicated with an arrow ==> some films that I think are especially interesting, and may even win!


BEST FEATURE

==>Black Swan
Darren Aronofsky, director; Mike Medavoy, Arnold W. Messer, Brian Oliver, Scott Franklin, producers (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Blue Valentine
Derek Cianfrance, director; Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell, Alex Orlovsky, producers (The Weinstein Company)

The Kids Are All Right
Lisa Cholodenko, director; Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte, Celine Rattray, Jordan Horowitz, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Philippe Hellmann, producers (Focus Features)

Let Me In
Matt Reeves, director; Simon Oakes, Alex Brunner, Guy East, Tobin Armbrust, Donna Gigliotti, John Nording, Carl Molinder, producers (Overture Films)

==>Winter�s Bone
Debra Granik, director; Anne Rosellini, Alix Madigan-Yorkin, producers (Roadside Attractions)


BEST DOCUMENTARY

12th & Delaware
Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, directors/producers (HBO Documentary Films)

==>Inside Job
Charles Ferguson, director; Charles Ferguson, Audrey Marrs, producers (Sony Pictures Classics)

The Oath
Laura Poitras, director/producer (Zeitgeist Films and American Documentary/POV)

Public Speaking
Martin Scorsese, director; Martin Scorsese, Graydon Carter, Margaret Bodde, Fran Lebowitz, producers (HBO Documentary Films)

Sweetgrass
Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Ilisa Barbash, directors; Ilisa Barbash, producer (Cinema Guild)


BEST ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE

The Kids Are All Right
Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson (Focus Features)

Life During Wartime
Shirley Henderson, Ciar�n Hinds, Allison Janney, Michael Lerner, Chris Marquette, Rich Pecci, Charlotte Rampling, Paul Reubens, Ally Sheedy, Dylan Riley Snyder, Ren�e Taylor, Michael Kenneth Williams (IFC Films)

Please Give
Catherine Keener, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Rebecca Hall, Ann Guilbert, Lois Smith, Sarah Steele, Thomas Ian Nicholas (Sony Pictures Classics)

==>Tiny Furniture
Lena Dunham, Laurie Simmons, Grace Dunham, Rachel Howe, Merritt Wever, Amy Seimetz, Alex Karpovsky, David Call, Jemima Kirke, Sarah Sophie Flicker, Garland Hunter, Isen Hunter (IFC Films)

==>Winter�s Bone
Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Dale Dickey, Lauren Sweetser, Garret Dillahunt, Kevin Breznahan (Roadside Attractions)


BREAKTHROUGH DIRECTOR

John Wells for The Company Men (The Weinstein Company)

Kevin Asch for Holy Rollers (First Independent Pictures)

Glenn Ficarra and John Requa for I Love You Phillip Morris (Roadside Attractions)

Tanya Hamilton for Night Catches Us (Magnolia Pictures)

==>Lena Dunham for Tiny Furniture (IFC Films)


BREAKTHROUGH ACTOR

Prince Adu in Prince of Broadway (Elephant Eye Films)

Ronald Bronstein in Daddy Longlegs (IFC Films)

Greta Gerwig in Greenberg (Focus Features)

==>Jennifer Lawrence in Winter�s Bone (Roadside Attractions)

John Ortiz in Jack Goes Boating (Overture Films)


BEST FILM NOT PLAYING AT A THEATER NEAR YOU

Kati with an i
Robert Greene, director; Douglas Tirola, Susan Bedusa, producers

Littlerock
Mike Ott, director; Frederick Thornton, Laura Ragsdale, Sierra Leoni, producers

==>On Coal River
Francine Cavanaugh and Adams Wood, directors; Jillian Elizabeth, Adams Wood, Francine Cavanaugh, producers

Summer Pasture
Lynn True and Nelson Walker, directors/producers; Tsering Perlo, co-director/co-producer

The Wolf Knife
Laurel Nakadate, director/producer


FESTIVAL GENIUS AUDIENCE AWARD: Waiting For Superman

IFC HOME PAGE: http://www.ifc.com/

Awesome Photos of Cute Dogs

ABS-CBN To Launch its 2011 TV Shows on December 2 Trade Event

This Thursday, December 2, ABS-CBN will be launching its new shows for 2011 via Kapamilya Trade Event.

Here are the list of ABS-CBN 2011 shows:

* I Dare You: The Kapamilya Challenge - a franchise from AXN's I Dare You : The Ultimate Challenge which will be hosted by Melissa Cantiveros, Jericho Rosales and Iya Villania

* Your Song Presents: Kim - featuring Kim Chiu portraying different roles weekly

* Sabel - which will launch a new Kapamilya leading lady in the presence of Jessy Mendiola. Also part of this project are Joseph Marco and AJ Perez as Jessy's leading men

* Guns and Roses - an action drama project starring Bea Alonzo and Robin Padilla. Joining them are Ejay Falcon, Empress Shuck and Diether Ocampo

* Green Rose - a remake of Koreanovela action drama series of the same title. Anne Curtis will be paired with Jericho Rosales and Jake Cuenca in this project

* Minsan Lang - a family drama series featuring Andi Eigenmann, Coco Martin, John Estrada, Amy Austria and Lorna Tolentino

* Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 - hosted by Billy Crawford and Luis Manzano. Judges are Kris Aquino, Ai Ai Delas Alas and Freddie Garcia

* ShoutOut - a youth-oriented show featuring the Kapamilya network�s teen stars from Monday to Friday beginning November 29, at 5:15 p.m.

* Star Circle Kid Quest - ABS-CBN's search for the next Kiddie Superstar which will be hosted by KC Concepcion

* Laugh Out Loud (LOL) - TV comedy reality show featuring the wacky tandem of Luis Manzano and cosplay queen Alodia Gosiengfiao

* The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition - a reality show that centers on overweight contestants attempting to lose weight to fight for a cash prize. This show will be hosted by Megastar Sharon Cuneta

Pretty exciting list of shows, huh! What do you think?

Denise Laurel, Pregnant?

It is everywhere - tabloid columns, online journals and blogs. Netizens are talking about it. Denise Laurel is pregnant. The culprit? Her basketball player boyfriend Diamon Simpson, who is now playing at Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

But Arnold Vegafria, the Kapamilya actress' talent manager, on Tuesday said there is no truth to the rumors that Denise is pregnant.

According to Arnold, Denise is laughing off the rumors. He said Denise, who just arrived home from a family trip to Vietnam, is far from being pregnant and she�s sexier than ever.

"'Yong pregnancy rumor about kay Denise, as of last week when we were together, I didn't see any changes sa katawan niya. Then, I asked her about it, sabi niya sa akin, 'No. Look at me, I'm still sexy. I know na may lumalabas na mga rumors that I'm pregnant.'" he said.

Arnold added, "Then, I asked her family. The family naman never said anything, kasi we were together sa family function nila. So, wala naman akong nakitang anything, and I asked them, wala."

The rumors, according to Arnold, started after Laurel�s character on teleserye �Kristine� suddenly disappeared.

Aside from the pregnancy issue, some speculated that the actress was taken out of the show because of attitude problems. But this was also disputed by her manager.

He disclosed that, based on the script, Laurel�s character would be taken out of the series. He did not reveal though if she will still come back or not.

"[Denise] is out of Kristine because it's part of the story of the teleserye. But I don't know kung kailan ang balik niya. May balik 'yan, e, hindi ko lang alam kung ano ang plano sa Kristine.

"But on Thursday or tonight, I'll try to get in touch with Lauren Dyogi kung ano ang plano nila sa show. One of my artists din kasi papasok sa Kristine." he clarified.

Arnold also admitted that what makes his ward uncomfortable is the fact that her role in the TV series is too sexy. "[We have] some complaints. Actually, it's not a complaint, it's just a little ano lang, sa role niya, because nagiging daring na daring yata ang role niya.

"Some of their themes, hindi niya magawa, uncomfortable pa siya." he said.

Tomasz Usyk

Click images to enlarge

Video to Watch: Sabel - Full Trailer Starring Jessy Mendiola

Pretty young sexy Kapamilya actress Jessy Mendiola will play Sabel in the TV remake of the 1981 Joey Gosiengfiao film "Bata Pa Si Sabel" which starred Snooky Serna and Albert Martinez.

The 2010 remake is now simply titled as "Sabel" which marks Jessy's most daring role and her biggest break since being launched as Star Magic Batch 15 member in 2007.

But prior to "Sabel", Jessy actually was already getting good breaks. She played leading lady to the Giggerboys in "Your Song Presents: Boystown", was paired with Coco Martin in "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo" and led the young cast of "Gimik 2010".

Also getting their biggest breaks in "Sabel" are Giggerboys member AJ Perez and former GMA Artist Center talent Joseph Marco as Jessy's leading men.

Both attractive young men, here's how Jessy describes them on Twitter when asked by one of her followers as to who's more cute between AJ and Joseph: "cute si AJ, hunk si Joseph. Ha ha!"

A teaser is already being shown on TV and many have noticed that it's like "Katorse" aired last year and starred Erich Gonzales as Nene, Ejay Falcon, Enchong Dee and even Jessy herself in a guest role.

Even the promo shots above remind us very much of the said hit soap, which was also a remake of an 80's movie.

But Jessy is quick to differentiate "Sabel" from "Katorse" on Twitter and she said, "Parehas pong daring pero iba story and characteristics ni Nene at Sabel".

"Sabel" also stars Tonton Gutierrez, Glydel Mercado, Rita Avila and Raymond Bagatsing. It will replace Kokey @ Ako starting December 6, just 3 days after Jessy's 18th birthday.

Sabel - Full Trailer:

"The Janno Gibbs Anthology" Album, Out Now!

Janno Gibbs - the King of Soul brings a collection of hits spanning close to two decades of his music artistry in an album called "The Janno Gibbs Anthology".

The album comprises of Janno's 18 hit songs like "Fallin'", "Ipagpatawad Mo", "I Believe in Dreams", "Moments of Love", "Ikaw Lamang", "If I'm Not in Love with You", "Pinakamagandang Lalaki" and so much more!

"The Janno Gibbs Anthology" is now available nationwide at SM Music Box, Odyssey, Astroplus, Astrovision and The Landmark.

Jake Cuenca Covers GARAGE Magazine December 2010 - January 2011 Issue

Jake Cuenca is GARAGE Magazine's coverguy for its December 2010 - January 2011 issue.

Garage�s latest issue features �Retro Sleek: How to Rock the Total Look from Fashion to Hairstyle�, �Top Holiday Styles�, �Party Time!�, �Super Trooper� and more!

Other celebrities inside this issue include the Half-Pinoy Billboard charttopper Bruno Mars, 127 Hours star James Franco and the Korean drama actor Lee Byung Hun.

Garage Magazine December 2010 - January 2011 issue is now available at all magazine stands, bookstores and selected supermarkets nationwide.

Solenn Heusaff Covers PREVIEW Magazine December 2010 Issue

Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown finalist - Solenn Heusaff�is on the cover of Preview Magazine December 2010 issue.

Solenn is a model and make-up artist who is making a showbiz splash via her participation in the GMA-7 reality program Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown in which she is among the final four castaways. She is currently being rumored to have a secret romantic relationship with the show�s host, Richard Gutierrez.

Aside from Solenn, features inside Preview�s December issue include �123+ Editors Picks for the Hoidays�, �Party Hearty�, �Who�s Who in Korean Pop�, �Cary Santiago vs. Furne One�, �OMG! This Cover is Alive!� and more!

Preview Magazine December 2010 issue is now available at all magazine stands, bookstores and selected supermarkets nationwide.

Toast Art

 "Toast artist Nathan Wyburn, a young Welsh artist from Ebbw Vale, has created a series of celebrity portraits with jam and marmite, his latest works, covered the newly opened Costa Coffee on Watling Street with giant celebrity portraits, literally on pieces of Toast."

Half Snail

By Ken Liang?

Rant #394: Happy Birthday, Dad

After the calamities I experienced the past few days, I am happy to report that there is something good happening today.

My father turns 79 years young today.

And yes, I do mean young. Both he and my mother are the youngest older people I know. My mother has the energy of someone a third of her age (she turns 80 in March), and my father, while a little slower than she is, is as active as one can be at his age.

Proof: he still drives a New York City cab for a living!

No, he doesn't own his own cab anymore--he did for several decades--but he still drives a yellow cab for a fleet three days a week.

And don't think this is easy work.

He gets up at 1 a.m., leaves by about 2 a.m., gets into work by 3 a.m. or so, and begins work for the next 14 or 15 hours or so. Then he drives home, which is oftentimes a trip of two hours or more.

Double that regimen, and you get what he was doing for many decades before that when he worked five days a week (or sometimes six days a week).

He is the guy who brought me up with a sports-minded bent. I wasn't the greatest athlete--although I played all sports--but he was the one who taught me that the first part of the newspaper you turn to in the morning is the sports section.

He is my link to my heritage, as is my mom. With my grandparents long gone, both of them are the leaders of our family--spiritually, mentally, emotionally and religiously.

Sure, he isn't 25 anymore. He has had some health ills, but nothing catastrophic, I am happy to say.

He also has a wry sense of humor, says what is on his mind, and is stubborn as all hell--just like I am.

And I am very proud of him.

So happy birthday, Dad. I hope you have at least 79 more birthdays to celebrate!

And by the way, how is he celebrating his birthday?

He is, of course, behind the wheel of a New York City cab. As we speak here, he is happily at work.

He is a true one of a kind.

He turned out to be The Man of the hour- Anders Fernette!

The schlager world is right now buzzin' with the exciting News of the full line up for Melodifestivalen 2011. The full lists of stars and their song writers cannot dissapoint - with the likes of Shirley Clamp & her Angels, Linda Bengtzing, Sanna Nielsen, Linda Pritchard, Dilba Babsam Elisabeth Andreassen & Jenny Silver. Hey That's just the girls, yet with all this excitement - one guy hit the headlines- one spunk Anders Fernet!

Nothing to do with those 'Hungry eyes' of his, but his song had to be disqualified - about an hour after it was made public.

The US song-writers JC Chasez (NSync) Carl Falk & Kristian Lundin (Cheiron) had their song

'Don't Stop' - was released to MySpace and on the web already- so it cannot be eligible for Melodifestivalen. Yet all is not lost as the songwriters have a week to come up with a replacement song to be sung by Anders to keep that much sort-after slot in semi final 4.

JC Chasez from N'SYNC days

Anders starred in Fame Factory then had a couple of big hits in Sweden with a excellent cover of eighties classic 'Hungry Eyes' & follow up 'Lola' we hope he gets it together to still make the grade- cus your Melodifestivalen Needs you Anders-

Manny Pacquiao to Beyonce: "Sinong Beyonce?"

While Beyonce is all praises with Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, the 8-division world boxing champion seems not (or should I say 'never') to notice the international Pop Superstar.

Beyonce has named Pacman as one of her favorite athletes. In an interview with ESPN on Thanksgiving Day, Beyonce described Pacman as a "beast" in his boxing profession but is humble and "calm" deep down.

"When he gets in that ring, he is a beast! I love it!" she gushed.

The singer-actress-model also noted Pacman's personality inside and outside the ring.

"He showed that you can have humility and be a calm person and also be driven when it�s time and be a fighter,� Beyonce related.

She said she could relate to the Filipino boxing hero because he was "born" to do something.

"I love him because I really relate to people that were born to do something and get lost in the moment," she said.

However, when asked about his reaction to Beyonce's statement during the thanksgiving party conducted for him by Governor Singson at his Quezon City residence last night, Pacman surprisingly said, "Sinong Beyonce?"

Pacman is indeed a character.

Hahahahah!

Fotos Irina Sheik en revista GQ (Diciembre 2010)

La rusa Irina Sheik es portada de la revista GQ para el mes de diciembre del 2010, una mujer hermosa con un f�sico fant�stico, pareja del jugador del Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo.

Las fotos est�n fant�sticas, pero al parecer Irina Sheik no est� contenta, porque las fotos tienen Photoshop, ella denunciar� a GQ por publicar fotos donde aparece desnuda sin su permiso, pues afirma que la sesi�n fue en lencer�a y no desnudo.

GQ utiliz� las im�genes presuntamente adulteradas, con el objetivo de vender m�s y atraer a m�s clientes, con el titulo �Quieres ver desnuda a la criatura m�s hermosa del mundo?.

todas las fotos aqu�

Foxy Shazam - Heaven On Their Minds

"I've been your right hand man all along"

Foxy Shazam, one of my favorite bands of 2010, have released their cover of this Jesus Christ Superstar classic on the 2nd volume of the Christmas-themed Gift Wrapped compilation. It's one of the best, most dramatic songs from the musical and fits the band perfectly. As expected, they totally rock out on this, bringing an urgent punch to the show tune. Eric Nally sounds great (honestly, when doesn't he?) -- and this is not an easy song to sing, either. They're moving further into Queen territory with every release. This is, of course, a very good thing. On another note, what is it with my favorite singers and this musical? First Ola Salo from the Ark plays the titular character in Sweden and now this. I guess I can't blame them. It's a pretty epic soundtrack.

Foxy Shazam - Heaven On Their Minds by tattoowesley

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Foxy Shazam - Heaven On Their Minds

"I've been your right hand man all along"

Foxy Shazam, one of my favorite bands of 2010, have released their cover of this Jesus Christ Superstar classic on the 2nd volume of the Christmas-themed Gift Wrapped compilation. It's one of the best, most dramatic songs from the musical and fits the band perfectly. As expected, they totally rock out on this, bringing an urgent punch to the show tune. Eric Nally sounds great (honestly, when doesn't he?) -- and this is not an easy song to sing, either. They're moving further into Queen territory with every release. This is, of course, a very good thing. On another note, what is it with my favorite singers and this musical? First Ola Salo from the Ark plays the titular character in Sweden and now this. I guess I can't blame them. It's a pretty epic soundtrack.

Foxy Shazam - Heaven On Their Minds by tattoowesley

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Hunter Stabler

Click here for more.

Edward P. Gau- Russian Painter

Iya Villania - Tanduay Rhum Calendar Girl 2011

Saying that she�s more comfortable with her body now, television host and singer-actress Iya Villania has decided to drop her sweet and wholesome image.

The 24-year-old MYX VJ was officially launched by Tanduay Distillers Inc. as its latest sultry calendar girl for 2011.

"Para hindi na nila sabihing masyado akong dry, para may kaunting excitement,� Iya said of her new image.

"The timing was also good. The offer came at a good time when I really feel comfortable with my body and more mature also,� she added.

The Filipino Australian hottie assured that she will never compromise her personal beliefs despite the sudden shift in her image. �I still have my morals with me."

"Anything new that�s coming my way, why not, i-we-welcome ko lahat ang pagbabago as long as it's something I'm comfortable with," she said.

Iya also divulged that she was previously offered to pose for men's magazines, but she knew that it wasn't the right time yet. Also, posing for FHM magazine is still a no-no for her.

Did her boyfriend, Drew Arellano, approve of her decision to change her image?

�Drew has never stopped me from doing anything that I want to do. Sa kanya lang, as long as I'm not being told to do anything I am not comfortable to do with, he's full support," Iya said.

Iya now belongs to the roster of Tanduay's sexiest endorsers, namely Ehra Madrigal (2008), Bangs Garcia (2009) and Nina Jose (2010).