Iya Villania Performs for Princess Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah of Brunei

Iya Villania flew to Brunei to sing for the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, daughter of Brunei Sultany Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, at the Istana Sports Club.

With mostly family members, the intimate barbecue dinner party was also attended by the Crown Prince HRH Al-Muhtadee Billah (successor to the Sultan) and his wife HRH Princess Sarah. Also present were the husband of Princess Rashidah, HRH Yang Amat Mulia and the sultan’s other younger son, HRH Prince Malik.

"I am so overwhelmed with this experience. This is the first time I’ve come face to face with real prince and princesses. They treated us so well. I had so much fun and they are genuinely nice people. I will never ever forget this weekend I had with the royal family for the rest of my life." says Iya.

Iya’s rendition of Love Song, Bad Romance, Love Story, Money Honey, Smile and Last Dance was warmly received. The evening’s program also had group numbers by the children of the royal families. Other invited celebrities were two popular film actors from Indonesia — Joshua and Dimas, who sang famous Bahasa songs.

Iya also enjoyed a short tour around the city with members and friends of the royal family at the Empire Hotel, the famous Water Village and some of the malls and mosques.

Things We Plan for Bob G.'s Block Party

I promised Bob G. a birthday party to remember, way back in the spring. And oh, my, have we got the party!

From dawn to past midnight, we are going to be rocking Bob's neighborhood, on WHATEVER day of August his birthday might be. I only know Bob's a Leo, so it's got to be before the 21st.

First, the Invigorating Wake-Up Call to Sleeping America.

A good old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch Breakfast, only with fluffy scrambled eggs.
Just the way Bob Likes Them.

We thought about clowns, but Bob's OVER clowns. He doesn't want clowns. I just know it.

The Dutch Chefs will also be offering breakfast when the Muscle Car Association Shows Up. We're having a parade! The South Kansas City Observer used a few contacts and found the perfect Motor Club, with the right cars, the right muscle, and the right location. They've already applied for the permits. No other traffic allowed. It's Official!!

Instead of throwing beads or go-cups at the parade, we procured paperback dictionaries and free copies of the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. We'll be handing them to gracious on-lookers. The ungracious ones get Nada. These items deserve respect.

Anybody who wants to know how life is supposed to be spelled, pronounced, used, and noted, will have a chance as long as Bob G. is drawing breath! Hurrah, Bob!


Not everything will be V-6 powered.
Because life isn't ALL serious. Good times happen!

So Does Lunch. 

While the parade is underway, a Second Wave of Cooking commences, with aromas to bring Tears to the Eyes. In a good way, I mean. Especially for Mrs. G, since she may do As she pleases All Day Long. Just like Bob.

Barbecue brisket, chicken, ribs, and sausage. Potato salad, regular salad, fresh Indiana corn on the cob, green beans, cornbread, potato bread, shoofly pie, Apple pie a la mode, and various foaming drinks will be available to the Parade Participants. A little premium moonshine for those old enough and responsible enough to partake.

There will also be baby carrots for Mr. Bunny Rabbit, and bird seed for Bob's more melodious friends in the neighborhood.

Then rented hammocks and capacious umbrellas will be spread, so that everyone may take a snooze before the evening festivities. But if they're still revved--

--Bunkermeister from Bunker Talk is bringing exquisitely detailed Models to re-fight the Battle of the Bulge.  We figure the effect of all the war talk on the neighbors will  be awesome.

The Evening Events will be of a refined character. First, there will be speeches and chocolate cake, with a Very Few Discreet Candles. And, a big band will play swinging tunes and suave ones.  I am still working out the details with Keith at The Coolness is Timeless blog. This is the kind of style we are aspiring to.

Cabs have already been hired. No drinking and then driving home from Bob's House! A rousing mariachi soundtrack will send guests off in style, say, about midnight or one a.m.

Then I think everybody in the neighborhood will think twice about crossing Bob, ever again.

Happy Birthday, Bob! 

I know it's coming sometime in August. May you have many more celebrations to come!

--
Photo Credits: Two from photobucket; Constitution, wwu.edu; Shoofly Pie, What's cooking America dot net;  Mariachi, the hostess files at wordpress.com, a couple from Photobucket, and I'm sure I missed a few.

Jake Cuenca and DJ's Andi 9 and Jessica Covers MEG August 2010 Issue

MEG Magazine, the Fashion and lifestyle magazine for the young Filipinas, released their August 2010 issue with Jake Cuenca and DJ's Andi 9 and Jessica on the cover. The tagline for their latest issue is "Chart-Toppers".

Other exciting topics discussed in this latest issue of MEG are "How to be the next big thing in music," "Talk Points: A hard look at teen beating," "310+ must-have add-ons," "Country Dressing," "Pop + Fashion" and many more inside.

MEG Magazine August 2010 issue is now available at all magazine stands nationwide.

"Yogi Bear" Movie Poster and Trailer

Warner Bros. has released the movie poster and trailer for their newest animated film"Yogi Bear" in 3D live-action, CG-animated hybrid.

Plot:

Jellystone Park has been losing business, so greedy Mayor Brown decides to shut it down and sell the land. That means families will no longer be able to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors — and, even worse, Yogi and Boo Boo will be tossed out of the only home they’ve ever known. Faced with his biggest challenge ever, Yogi must prove that he really is “smarter than the average bear” as he and Boo Boo join forces with their old nemesis Ranger Smith to find a way to save Jellystone Park from closing forever.

Yogi Bear - Trailer:

Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake lend their voice for Yogi and Boo Boo respectively. Anna Faris, Tom Cavanagh, T.J. Miller and Andrew Daly are also among the cast ensemble to play live-action characters.

Sarah Geronimo, Sam Milby and Coco Martin Star in "Idol"

Aside from singing, the Kapamilya network is cooking a new primetime program for Sarah Geronimo that could showcase what she can also do good - acting.

After starring in two musical-drama series, "Bituing Walang Ningning" and "Pangarap Na Bituin", Sarah once again in another musical teleserye ala-Glee titled "Idol".

But unlike the first two series which are a remake of Sharon Cuneta's previous movies, Idol is an original project especially written for the Popstar Princess.

Acting as her love interests are Sam Milby and Coco Martin. Also part of the cast are Matteo Guidicelli, Sam Concepcion, K Brosas, Jon Avila and PGT grand champion Jovit Baldivino.

Idol is set to premiere on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida by September 2010.

Angelina Jolie New Scandal: The Photos That Will Tear Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Apart

Star Magazine has revealed a shocking old pictures of Angelina Jolie which were allegedly sold to Star by Jolie's former drug buddy.

With the nude Angelina on the cover, Star bravely predicts that these scandal will surely shake the blissful relationship of the most influential couple in the world - Brangelina. Star even featured other 8 scandalous pictures of Angelina that can be found in the mag.

Angelina and Brad Pitt are yet to react on the said scandal pictures.

Photo credit: Star Magazine

Eugene Domingo Stars as "Jejemom"

Eugene Domingo is one of the most bankable comediennes today, juggling her time among her numerous showbiz commitments for both television and film.

Despite the lack of an exclusive contract with GMA-7, Eugene is most visible on the Kapuso Station where she has three programs at present: Wachamakulit, Comedy Bar, and the upcoming weekly comedy series Jejemom.

In Jejemom, the box office comedienne plays Gigi, a single mother who works as a Barangay Secretary. A text-addict dressed up in multicolored outfits, Gigi manages to keep their household running while fulfilling her civic duties at the same time. Her life will turn upside down after she gets involved in a kidnapping incident and becomes the star witness of the case.

Under the direction of Dominic Zapata, the program features the modern Filipino family and uses the "Jejemon" culture as backdrop. It also stars Wendell Ramos, Ricky Davao, Gelli de Belen, Jennica Garcia, Buboy Villar, Chariz Solomon, Carl Guevarra and Bayani Agbayani.

Jejemom will premiere this August on GMA-7.

Torchwood - SFX Discusses Series 4

Everyone's favourite sci-fi magazine nowadays, SFX have done a cover for Torchwood with their latest issue and an interview with Russell T. Davies as well. Having read the interview, there's plenty for the new season that's intriguing me, even if the new setting is going to be all American. I know RTD said it would be international but the entire thing is being filmed in America and I have a feeling that London and Cardiff themselves will be barely seen at all.

In terms of the arc, it's supposed to be darker and something RTD planned a long time ago but after Children Of Earth, I was hoping for something closer to the first two seasons to be honest. Then there's also the new characters - CIA Agents Rex Matheson and Esther Katusi who seem like Owen and Toshiko all over again and new baddie, Oswald Jones, convicted murderer and paedophile, who do all have potential as newbies. Casting has yet to be announced but RTD did mention in his interview that he wanted familiar actors for the roles.

Filming for Series 4 begins in January 2011 with transmission expected during the summer.

SFX Interview: http://www.sfx.co.uk/2010/07/23/interview-russell-t-davies-talks-torchwood/
Rex/Esther/Oswald Descriptions: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/07/15/new-characters-from-the-us-torchwood-revealed/

Art of Embroidery | Incredible Realistic Scenes

Awesome Pencils Tip Carving by Dalton Ghetti

Premio Stresa di Narrativa 2010: Presentazione delle opere finaliste con gli autori

L'Assessorato alla Cultura Città di Stresa, l'Associazione Turistica Pro Loco di Stresa con il sostegno di Regione Piemonte - Assessorato al Turismo hanno organizzato la presentazione con gli autori delle opere selezionate come finaliste delPremio Stresa 2010 di narrativa che si terranno nei seguenti giorni all' Hotel Regina Palace:
Questa sera Sabato 31 luglio ore 21.15 - Hotel Regina Palace
Tullio Avoledo “L’anno dei dodici inverni” (Einaudi)

Priscilla Meirelles Covers FHM Philippines August 2010 Issue

Priscilla Meirelles, Miss Earth 2004 and soon-to-be Mrs. John Estrada, graces FHM Philippines August 2010 magazine cover.

Aside from the "Goodness Gracious" Priscilla, FHM Philippines latest issue also features "The Nest Top Male Models," "Internet Invasion," and their 3D features of FHM's Sexiest' Angel Locsin, Christine Reyes, Katrina Halili, Angelica Panganiban, Iwa Moto, Bangs Garcia, Jackie Rice among others.

FHM Philippines August 2010 issue is now available at all magazine stands nationwide.

Video to Watch: "Pilipinas Win Na Win" Pilot Episode - July 31, 2010

Nag-start na 2-hours ago ang pinakabagong Kapamilya noontime show, "Pilipinas Win na Win".

For the first time on Philippine TV, nagsama sa isang noontime show ang dalawa sa biggest and brightest stars ng Philippine showbiz na sina Queen of All Media Kris Aquino at ang "Pambansang Utol" Robin Padilla. Kasama nila ang tatlong "Paborito sa Pananghalian" na sina Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion at Pokwang.

OPENING NUMBER

Sa opening number, pinatugtog ang "I Gotta Feeling" ng Black Eyed Peas at sinabi ni Robin sa mga manonood na "It's nice to be back!" Nagpakitang-gilas din ang action star sa pamamagitan ng pagtalon mula sa railing at mag-front roll. Nagkaroon naman ng fireworks sa stage bago lumabas si Kris at nagsabi sa audience: "Kung sabi ni Robin na he's back, I'm here to stay!"



STAR-STUDDED PILOT EPISODE

Aside sa exciting line-up of new games, marami ring big star ng Kapamilya network and dumalaw, nag-perform, at nagbigay ng kanilang wishes para sa show.

Una sa listahan si Piolo Pascual na dumaan lang para batiin ng host at staff ng show.

Join naman si Jericho Rosales, Christian Bautista and Bianca Manalo sa bago nilang game na "Yaman ng Bayan" kung saan sila Karylle at Duncan Ramos naman ang naging singer para sa segment.

Kabilang naman sa mga nag-perform ay sina: Cristine Reyes to promote her upcoming teleserye "PHR Kristine", Concert King Martin Nieverra sings with Christian Bautista, Charlene Gonzales dances with King of Talk Boy Abunda na isa sa sorpresa ng show kay Kris na kilalang close friend ng Presidential sister.

Kasama rin sa nag-perform ay sina KC Concepcion, Juris, Xyriel "Momay" Manabat, Zaijian "Santino" Jaranilla, Ejay Falcon at ang daughter ni Robin na si Queenie Padilla na very proud sa kanyang daddy na hinde lang daw action star, singer kundi host na din.

Sa umpisa pa lang ng show ay nabanggit na ni Kris na gusto nyang i-play ng DJ ang favorite song nya this days. At di pa nga natatapos ang show, napilit na nyang ipakanta ang "It Must Have Been Love" kay KC. Di naman nagpatalo si Mariel, pinakanta din nya kay Juris ang song nya na "Kapag Ako ay Nagmahal" na patungkol kay Robin.

AUDIENCE

Kabilang sa mga nanood ng pilot episode ng Pilipinas Win na Win sa studio ay ang anak ni Kris na sina Josh at Baby James, business unit heads Lauren Dyogi, Deo Endrinal, Corporate Communications head Bong Osorio at ang members of the press.

STUDIO SET, GAMES, STAFF

Nang tanungin ang business unit head ng show na si Jay Montelibano kung ano ang mga bago sa Pilipinas Win na Win, sinabi nitong tiyak na maraming masisiyahan sa mga mapapanood nila. "The set will stay. Yung staff naman saka yung mga dancers, they will stay. Pati si 'Congratulations' [April Gustilo], she'll stay. It's the game segments that will see really total change. Naka-tailor fit talaga yung segments for Kris and Robin at kino-complement pa rin naman nina Mariel, Valerie at Pokwang."

Dagdag ni Jay, magiging kaabang-abang ang bagong kombinasyon ng mga hosts. "We know, of course, Kris as being the Media Queen, and bihasa na siya sa pagho-host ng mga ganyang palaro. Robin has the charisma. It would actually be an interesting combination. Iisa kasi yung adhikain nila, yung mapasaya yung tao. So both have the heart. Both have the passion. It's very, very interesting to see the mix."

Ngunit higit pa sa mga hosts, inihayag ni Jay na ang bagong hatid na palaro at papremyo ang mas lalong magbibigay-saya sa mas maraming Pilipino. "Focused ang Pilipinas Win na Win sa indibidwal, barangay, pamilya at sa lahat ng Pinoy sa buong mundo. Mamimigay pa rin siyempre ng milyong papremyo. Pero ngayon, mas maraming mananalo. Kasi kung dati, yung games ay one-is-to-one. Ngayon, mas pampamilya at mas pangmaramihan. It's interactive with the barangay at may palaro para sa pamilya," ani Jay.

Mapapanood ang Pilipinas Win na Win, mula Lunes hanggang Sabado, 12nn, sa ABS-CBN.

Kim Atienza Lives the Reptile Life in "Matanglawin"

Can Kim Atienza live like a lizard, a crocodile and a snake? Join the Trivia King as he imitates the moves and behavior of a real reptile this Sunday, August 1, in "Matanglawin".

Witness how Kim Atienza performs crocodile stunts such as gallop, highwalk and deathrolls and how he attempts to catch and eat a cricket using his tongue.

Also, learn about the Mexican Kingsnake that can live despite heavy sandstorm in the desert and the molting stage of a snake wherein it changes skin without even hurting.

All these and more in the exciting episode of "Matanglawin" this Sunday (August 1) 9:30 in the morning on ABS-CBN.

Momay's Life on Earth, Numbered!

Bilang na ang mga nalalabing sandali ni Momay (Xyriel Manabat) sa daigig. At ngayong, tanging ang "Bulaklak ng Buhay" na lamang ang makapagsasabi ng itatagal niya sa mundo, magagawa pa nga kaya niyang baguhin ang buhay ni Justin (Ejay Falcon) bago pa maubos ang kanyang oras?

Sa pagbabalik ni Lorna Tolenito sa nasabing primetime serye, marami ang naluha sa eksena nila ni Xyriel kung saan nayakap ni Momay ang kanyang matagal nang hinahanap na ina habang lumuluha ng todo todo. Sa kabilang dako, mapupuno ng mga makipigil-hiningang eksena at kagulat-gulat na pangyayari ang mga susunod na tagpo ng 'Momay' habang patuloy niyang isinasakatuparan ang kanyang misyon bago malanta ang Bulaklak ng Buhay. Sa nalalabing buhay ni Momay sa daigdig, hindi pa rin siya natitinag sa paghahanap ng makakasama ng kanyang kapatid sa mundo bago siya tuluyang maglaho.

Samantala, patuloy pa rin si Momay sa paghahanap sa kanyang inang si Shirley (Lorna Tolentino). Maiisahan kaya muli Hillary (Glydel Mercado) ang magkapatid na si Momay at Justin? Mahahanap pa nga kaya niya ang kanyang ina bago niya tuluyang lisanin ang daigdig?

Tunghayan kung paano niya mapaglalabanan ang patuloy na pagkaubos ng kanyang nalalabing oras at ang kanyang pakikipagsapalaran sa mga pagsubok na dumadating sa knanyang buhay. Abangan ang iba pang tagpo ng Momay pagkatapos ng TV Patrol sa ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Kantar Media/TNS National Household TV Ratings (July 26 - 29): "Noah, Agua Bendita and Midnight Phatom Lead the Nationwide Rating"

Here are the Top 10 Daytime and Primetime TV ratings of ABS-CBN, TV5 and GMA-7 programs on the overnight survey of Kantar Media (formerly TNS) among National households on July 26 - 29, 2010:

July 26, Monday

Daytime:
1. Boses ng Bayan: Ang Unang SONA Ni Pangulong Aquino (ABS-CBN) - 18.7%
2. Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) - 18.3%
3. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 16.7%
4. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 16%
5. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 15.7%
6. SONA 2010 (GMA-7) - 15.6%
7. Impostor (ABS-CBN) - 14.9%
8. Rosalka (ABS-CBN) / Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) - 14.1%
9. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) - 12.8%
10. Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN) - 9.4%

Primetime:
1. Noah (ABS-CBN) - 36%
2. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 34.3%
3. Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) - 33.6%
4. Momay (ABS-CBN) - 25.5%
5. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 25.4%
6. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) - 24.7%
7. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) - 23.6%
8. Endless Love (GMA-7) - 23.3%
9. Diva (GMA-7) - 17.4%
10. Rubi (ABS-CBN) - 17.2%

July 27, Tuesday

Daytime:
1. Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) - 16%
2. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 14.3%
3. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 13.4%
4. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 13.2%
5. Basahang Ginto (GMA-7) - 12.6%
6. Impostor (ABS-CBN) - 12.4%
7. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) - 11.7%
8. Rosalka (ABS-CBN) - 11.4%
9. Trudis Liit (GMA-7) - 11.3%
10. Panahon Ko 'To! (ABS-CBN) - 10.6%

Primetime:
1. Noah (ABS-CBN) - 37.8%
2. Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) - 36.6%
3. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 33.5%
4. Momay (ABS-CBN) - 26.3%
5. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) - 24.4%
6. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 24%
7. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) - 23%
8. Endless Love (GMA-7) - 22.4%
9. Rubi (ABS-CBN) - 18%
10. Diva (GMA-7) - 17.3%

July 28, Wednesday

Daytime:
1. Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) - 14.6%
2. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 14.2%
3. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 13.8%
4. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 13.2%
5. Basahang Ginto (GMA-7) - 12.7%
6. Impostor (ABS-CBN) - 12.6%
7. Trudis Liit (GMA-7) - 12.4%
8. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) - 12.1%
9. Rosalka (ABS-CBN) - 12%
10. Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) - 11.8%

Primetime:
1. Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) - 37.2%
2. Noah (ABS-CBN) - 36.4%
3. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 32.5%
4. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) - 25.5%
5. Momay (ABS-CBN) - 24%
6. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 23%
7. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) - 20.4%
8. Endless Love (GMA-7) - 20.1%
9. Diva (GMA-7) - 17.5%
10. Rubi (ABS-CBN) - 17.2%

July 29, Thursday

Daytime:
1. Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) - 17.6%
2. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 14.5%
3. Showtime (ABS-CBN) / Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 13.9%
4. Basahang Ginto (GMA-7) - 13.5%
5. Rosalka (ABS-CBN) - 13%
6. Impostor (ABS-CBN) - 12.8%
7. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) - 12.6%
8. Trudis Liit (GMA-7) / Panahon Ko 'To! (ABS-CBN) - 12.1%
9. Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) - 11%
10. Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) - 10.7%

Primetime:
1. Noah (ABS-CBN) / Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) - 37.6%
2. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 33.4%
3. Momay (ABS-CBN) - 28.3%
4. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) - 24.8%
5. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 23.1%
6. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) - 21.5%
7. Endless Love (GMA-7) - 20.8%
8. Diva (GMA-7) - 18.3%
9. Rubi (ABS-CBN) - 17.7%
10. Queen Seon Deok (GMA-7) - 15.2%

Source: Kantar Media (TNS)

Volunteer Charity: More Poems from the Front Lines

Yesterday, I posted the first three poems written by The Bug in 1986, when she volunteered at a charity organization. Together they make quite a statement. The reason I separated them into two posts, however, is to feature each one a little better, hopefully for a cumulative effect.

           IV. 

“Shut that baby up!”

And the child cries on.

Mary Justevich sings

her raucous song of life

& the child cries.

“The next time you come,

you leave that baby at home.”

And in the wounded eyes 

of the mother, I see

her cry:

There’s no one there

no one there

no one.

V. 

They sit as if they’re
used to waiting.
Staring off into space
thinking their own
thoughts.
Waiting. Waiting.
And I am angry.
I watch the waiting
from behind the desk
and I know.
My heart hardens
against the saints
as they talk
and wander about
ignoring the waiting.
thoughtless passages
of time.

            VI.

And in the “real” world
I see that I’ve changed.
The lights have gone gaudy –
I’ve seen the war
behind the glitter.
There will always be
dark, empty buildings
and Al & Fifi, &
even Buddy fighting
for a way of life
fighting for life
fighting.
The homes of the rich
frustrated me –
repugnant desire
of my fickle heart.
I will be gentry one day.
Will I forget
the other side of town?

The Bug posted one of these poems last week, and another post explaining what it was about and what she thinks now. This is what I think they are about: the humane, giving heart. But also, the world of humiliation that seems to go along with poverty and assistance. The humiliation of having your best impulses rebuffed--maybe because you've misjudged the scene or don't have the right thing to offer, or even that there is no right thing for someone in distress. She also writes how people on both sides shut down their best impulses, become indifferent. But there's also hope in these observations. She plunged into the work: recorded it, one poem per day. She Saw. And she knows things now that the rest of us can use. Very much so.

Thanks again, dear Bug, for an invaluable chance to gain some insights.

Hurts - Moscow

"Romance and perfect sex"

Technically this isn't a Hurts song. It's one of Daggers' old demos. But since a large chunk of Daggers are now Hurts, I'm relabeling it for clarification's sake. Hurts' impending success in Europe is a little bittersweet for me. I love them and am counting the days until their album's out, but I also loved Daggers. In fact, even though the band never released a proper album (besides the album-and-a-half worth of polished demo tracks and a single), I can genuinely say they're in my top ten bands of the decade. Hurts is more atmospheric and somber in nature than Daggers ever was, and it'll be interesting to see how that plays out. As far as Daggers' material, Moscow is the closing "bonus" track on my album playlist. It shares a lot of similarities with Hurts' sound when it comes to atmospherics, though its weird spacey beat places it in a category unto itself... sort of a transitional phase between Daggers and Hurts (which makes me wonder what year it was produced). It's also nearly six minutes long, though it hardly feels like it. Each phase of the song, from the extended, blippy intro to the dark verses, soaring chorus and catchy synth refrain, compliments what comes before and after perfectly. It's not the most instant or anthemic song in their catalog (there are too many others to choose from, really), but it's one that'll stick with you. I doubt whether there'll be something like this on the album, but I'm glad it exists at all!

Hurts - Moscow by alienhits

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

More Austria Eurovision Greatest Hits with Gary Lux from 1985

The song was 'Kinder dieser Welt' - The Children of World it came 8th at Goteburg in

1985 - the very year Lil Lindfors lost her dress during the presentation.

Upon Norway's first win with Bobbysocks 'Let it Swing' Lill said

"I must say I am honestly very happy that this happened because Norway

has been last on so many times that you really deserve it!"

Hanne Krogh replied, "You're happy? What do you think we are?!"

25 years later Norway has 3 wins are chasing Sweden's 4 wins historically

and even Austria are back in the game..

Carrie Underwood's Glitzy Diamond Ring

Carrie Underwood showing off her glitzy diamond ring.

Concerti Ciani: Questa sera recital della pianista Yuri WATANABE

Questa sera di Venerdì 30 luglio alle 21.30 con ingresso gratuito, per il XXI anno dei Festival Internazionali dell'Associazione Musicale Dino Ciani al Grand Hotel Regina Palace di Stresa si esibisce la pianista Yuri WATANABE.
Programma:
F. Chopin
4 Mazurke Op.24
Preludio Op. 45 Do diesis minore


Polacca fantasia La bemolle maggiore Op. 61

Sonata n. 3 Op. 58


Yuri WATANABE, pianista, è nata a Tokyo in Giappone il 15 Aprile 1988.
All'età di 4 anni ha cominciato a studiare il pianoforte con Mie Watanabe.
Dal 2005 studia all'Accademia Pianistica Internazionale "Incontri col Maestro" a Imola con Leonid Margarius.
Dal 2007 studia alla Facoltà di Lingue e Letterature Straniere all'Università di Bologna.
Ha vinto diversi concorsi pianistici in Giappone e in Italia, incluso il primo premio alla "International Chopin Piano Competition in ASIA" a Tokyo nel 2004, il primo premio assoluto al Concorso Pianistico Dino Caravita nel 2006, il primo premio assoluto al Concorso Pianistico Città di Riccione nel 2010, il primo premio assoluto al Concorso Pianistico di G. Rospigliosi di Lamporecchio nel 2010.
Ha tenuto il primo concerto all'età di 14 anni.
Ha suonato con l'Orchestra Filarmonica di Stato di Cracovia all'età di 15 anni.
Ha partecipato alla festa musicale a Brisighella nel 2006, ha suonato al concerto organizzato dall'Associazione Mozart a Rovereto nel 2007, ha suonato per il XXI anno del Festival Internazionale Dino Ciani di Stresa nel 2010.
Ha dato concerti in Giappone, Italia, Svizzera.

Il prossimo appuntamento con la rassegna Dino Ciani, organizzata in collaborazione con la Pro loco di Stresa e l'Associazione degli Albergatori, sarà lunedì 2 agosto alle 21.30, ingresso libero, al Grand Hotel Regina Palace con il pianista Pietro GATTO.

Direzione artistica Prof. Lilia Bertola Lani
Per info Associazione Musicale Dino Ciani: 0324243046 - 3356083581 - concerti@dinociani.com

AGB Mega Manila People's Ratings (July 26 - 29): "Noah and Agua Bendita Race to The Top Spot"

Here are the Top 10 Daytime and Primetime TV ratings of ABS-CBN, TV5 and GMA-7 programs on the overnight ratings of AGB Nielsen Philippines among Mega Manila Households on July 26 - 29, 2010:

July 26, Monday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 8.8%
2. SONA 2010 (GMA-7) - 8.5%
3. Boses ng Bayan: Ang Unang SONA ni Pangulong Aquino (ABS-CBN) - 5.9%
4. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 5.8%
5. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) - 5.6%
6. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 5.3%
7. Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) - 5.1%
8. Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) - 5%
9. Impostor (ABS-CBN) - 4%
10. Danz Showdown (GMA-7) - 2.6%

Primetime:
1. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) / Noah (ABS-CBN) - 14.8%
2. Endless Love (GMA-7) - 14.5%
3. 24 Oras (GMA-7) / Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) - 14.4%
4. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 12.4%
5. Diva (GMA-7) - 12.3%
6. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) - 12.2%
7. Queen Seon Deok (GMA-7) - 10.5%
8. Rubi (ABS-CBN) - 9.6%
9. Momay (ABS-CBN) - 7.9%
10. Langit Sa Piling Mo (GMA-7) - 5.6%

July 27, Tuesday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 8.9%
2. Basahang Ginto (GMA-7) - 6.9%
3. Trudis Liit (GMA-7) - 6.4%
4. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) - 5.7%
5. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 5.5%
6. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 4.8%
7. Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) / Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) - 4.3%
8. Rosalka (ABS-CBN) - 4%
9. Wipeout (GMA-7) - 3.9%
10. Impostor (ABS-CBN) - 3.6%

Primetime:
1. Noah (ABS-CBN) - 15.2%
2. Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) - 14.9%
3. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) - 14.3%
4. Endless Love (GMA-7) - 13.8%
5. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 13.6%
6. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 13.5%
7. Diva (GMA-7) - 12.1%
8. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) - 11.7%
9. Queen Seon Deok (GMA-7) - 10.9%
10. Rubi (ABS-CBN) - 10.4%

July 28, Wednesday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 8.3%
2. Trudis Liit (GMA-7) - 6.5%
3. Basahang Ginto (GMA-7) - 5.9%
4. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) - 5.3%
5. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 5.2%
6. Rosalka (ABS-CBN) - 5.1%
7. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 5%
8. Impostor (ABS-CBN) - 4.9%
9. Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) - 4.7%
10. Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) - 4.3%

Primetime:
1. Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) - 14.4%
2. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) - 13.4%
3. Noah (ABS-CBN) - 13.1%
4. Endless Love (GMA-7) - 12.9%
5. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) - 12.5%
6. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 12%
7. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 11.6%
8. Diva (GMA-7) - 11.5%
9. Queen Seon Deok (GMA-7) - 11%
10. Rubi (ABS-CBN) - 10.2%

July 29, Thursday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 7.9%
2. Basahang Ginto (GMA-7) - 7%
3. Trudis Liit (GMA-7) - 6.8%
4. Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) - 6.5%
5. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) - 5.5%
6. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 5.1%
7. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 4.9%
8. Ripley's Believe It Or Not (GMA-7) - 4.7%
9. Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) - 4.6%
10. Rosalka (ABS-CBN) - 4.2%

Primetime:
1. Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) - 14.7%
2. 24 Oras (GMA-7) / Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) - 14.3%
3. Endless Love (GMA-7) - 14%
4. Noah (ABS-CBN) - 13.3%
5. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 13.1%
6. Diva (GMA-7) - 12.1%
7. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) - 11.5%
8. Queen Seon Deok (GMA-7) - 10.8%
9. Momay (ABS-CBN) - 10%
10. Rubi (ABS-CBN) - 9.3%

Source: AGB Nielsen Phils.

Ellen DeGeneres Quits as "American Idol" Judge

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres announces a sudden exit as judge of "American Idol" after just one season on the judge's panel.

Ellen said in a statement that her job as judge "didn't feel like the right fit for me" and added that she told Fox and the producers of the show that she would like to leave.

"It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for," she said.

Fox, which broadcasts the top-rated TV singing contest, said it supported her decision.

"We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of Idol," said Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment, Fox Networks Group. "We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show."

Jennifer Lopez is rumored to replace Ellen De Generes as new American Idol judge.

Vice Ganda Says Goodbye To "Showtime"

...but only for a while!

Vice Ganda, the unevictable judge of ABS-CBN's hit morning talent show "Showtime" is taking an "indefinite leave" to rest, recharge and learn again.

"Oo magpapahinga muna ako. Hindi ko alam kung sino ang papalit. Nagpaalam na ako," Vice said.

He added"Ako mismo sa sarili ko gusto kong magpahinga. Hindi ako ganoon kagaling na entertainer, yong mga alam ko, ang mga pondo ko, nagamit ko na so ngayon kailangan kong mag-ipon ulit para may b, ago akong maipakita sa tao. Ayaw ko naman kasing pagsawaan nila ako,"

The actor-comedian also put an end to speculations that he will be moving to a rival network.

"Hindi, hindi ako lilipat ng ibang istasyon. Dito lang ako hanggat gusto nila ako dito sa ABS-CBN," he said.

Vice Ganda also extended his appreciation to all his supporters and viewers of Showtime.

"Sa mga sumusuporta sa akin, maraming salamat. Malungkot man eh mami-miss muna natin ang isa't isa. Mas magandang ma-miss niyo ako kaysa magsagawa kayo sa akin," he said.

A statement from ABS-CBN Corporate Communications said Vice Ganda will return to the show after taking a short break.

"Just like any other artist, Vice Ganda is taking a short leave of absence from Showtime. He will be back in the program after his leave," said Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications.

"Sharon" Will Soon Goes Off-Air

After 6 years of airing, Sharon Cuneta's weekly musical talk show "Sharon" will soon bid goodbye to its loyal viewers.

The news came straight from Jose Javier Reyes, the show's creative head writer, on last night's episode of TV'5 Juicy where he temporarily replaced its main host Mo Twister.

According to Direk Joey, "Sharon will be reformatted to a new format na babagay na sa status ni Sharon ngayon as an artist. It will become now a reality show. Bagama’t si Sharon pa rin naman ang magiging host nito, tsugi naman ang buong creative team nito. As in bago lahat ng staff."

He added that the ending of "Sharon" will also mark as the end of his professional ties with the Kapamilya network after his 24 years of service with them.