Thursday 4 February 2010
Harry Potter
| Author | J. K. Rowling |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy, Young-adult fiction, Mystery, Thriller |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing (UK) Arthur A. Levine Books (US) Raincoast Books (CAN) |
| Published | 30 June 1997 – 21 July 2007 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback) Audiobook |
Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The central story arcLord Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents in his quest to conquer the wizarding world and subjugate non-magical people (Muggles). Several successful derivative films, video games and other themed merchandise have been based upon the series. concerns Harry's struggle against the evil wizard
Since the 1997 release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which was retitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.
As of June 2008, the book series has sold more than 400 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages, and the last four books have consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.
English-language versions of the books are published by Bloomsbury in the United Kingdom, Scholastic PressAllen & Unwin in Australia, and Raincoast Books in Canada. Thus far, the first six books have been made into a series of motion pictures by Warner Bros., with the sixth, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, released on 15 July 2009. in the United States,
The series also originated much tie-in merchandise, making the Harry Potter brand worth £15 billion.
The series continues with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets describing Harry's second year at Hogwarts. He and his friends investigate a 50-year-old mystery that appears tied to recent sinister events at the school. The novel delves into the history of Hogwarts and a legend revolving around the "Chamber of Secrets", the underground lair of an ancient evil. For the first time, Harry realises that racial prejudice exists in the wizarding world, and he learns that Voldemort's reign of terror was often directed at wizards who were descended from Muggles. Harry is also shocked to learn that he can speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes; this rare ability is often equated with the dark arts. The novel ends after Harry saves the life of Ron's younger sister, Ginny Weasley, by destroying the diary in which Voldemort saved a piece of his soul (although Harry does not realize this until later in the series). The concept of storing part of one's soul inside of an object in order to prevent death is officially introduced in the sixth novel under the term "horcrux"
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Avatar
After six rounds on the foreign circuit, "Avatar" on the weekend became the biggest-grossing offshore title in movie history.
The James Cameron mega-budget blockbuster rolled up an overseas cume through Sunday of $1.288 billion, exceeding by $46 million "Titanic's" 13-year international boxoffice record of $1.242 billion. The record actually fell Saturday, as predicted.
The latest No. 1 weekend tally was $107 million grossed from 11,800 screens in 111 markets. It was the sixth consecutive weekend that "Avatar" grossed more than $100 million on the foreign circuit.
Among the key territories on the weekend were: France (cume $123.3 million), Germany ($95.7 million), the U.K. ($92.9 million), South Korea ($79.5 million), Japan ($77.7 million), Australia ($77.1 million) and Spain ($76 million). "Avatar" is now the biggest grossing film of all time in China, Spain, Russia, Hong Kong and Chile. It is the biggest Hollywood film ever to play in India.
Still to be broken are "Titanic's" domestic boxoffice record ($600.8 million) and its worldwide cume ($1.843 billion). "Avatar" has grossed $552.8 million in the U.S. and Canada, and $1.8408 billion globally. Given "Avatar's" current boxoffice pace, it should beat "Titanic's" worldwide record early this week.
The latest gross numbers underscore yet again the importance of the foreign circuit playoff to "Avatar's" success. Nearly 70% of the film's worldwide revenues come from overseas. That's about the same as the 67% slice of "Titanic's" worldwide total gross that originated abroad.
Peculiar to "Avatar's" success is the latest wave of exhibition technology. At least 65% of its overseas boxoffice and nearly 80% of its domestic earnings derive from 3D venues, which charge the equivalent of several dollars more than conventional theatrical sites. IMAX locations worldwide playing "Avatar" have rolled up $134 million in 38 days at ticket prices at about $15 each.
Big contributors to "Avatar's" foreign success are China and Russia, two key territories that were not significant boxoffice factors when "Titanic" played overseas. On the weekend, "Avatar" secured $11.8 million in China, boosting the market cume to $102.3 million. In Russia, the weekend tally was $3.9 million for a market cume of $95.4 million.
Then there is the inflation factor. According to a formula developed by the department of U.S. Labor Statistics, "Titanic's" 1997 worldwide gross is currently worth at least $2.5 billion on an inflation adjusted basis, or $805 million domestic and $1.664 billion foreign.
The James Cameron mega-budget blockbuster rolled up an overseas cume through Sunday of $1.288 billion, exceeding by $46 million "Titanic's" 13-year international boxoffice record of $1.242 billion. The record actually fell Saturday, as predicted.
The latest No. 1 weekend tally was $107 million grossed from 11,800 screens in 111 markets. It was the sixth consecutive weekend that "Avatar" grossed more than $100 million on the foreign circuit.
Among the key territories on the weekend were: France (cume $123.3 million), Germany ($95.7 million), the U.K. ($92.9 million), South Korea ($79.5 million), Japan ($77.7 million), Australia ($77.1 million) and Spain ($76 million). "Avatar" is now the biggest grossing film of all time in China, Spain, Russia, Hong Kong and Chile. It is the biggest Hollywood film ever to play in India.
Still to be broken are "Titanic's" domestic boxoffice record ($600.8 million) and its worldwide cume ($1.843 billion). "Avatar" has grossed $552.8 million in the U.S. and Canada, and $1.8408 billion globally. Given "Avatar's" current boxoffice pace, it should beat "Titanic's" worldwide record early this week.
The latest gross numbers underscore yet again the importance of the foreign circuit playoff to "Avatar's" success. Nearly 70% of the film's worldwide revenues come from overseas. That's about the same as the 67% slice of "Titanic's" worldwide total gross that originated abroad.
Peculiar to "Avatar's" success is the latest wave of exhibition technology. At least 65% of its overseas boxoffice and nearly 80% of its domestic earnings derive from 3D venues, which charge the equivalent of several dollars more than conventional theatrical sites. IMAX locations worldwide playing "Avatar" have rolled up $134 million in 38 days at ticket prices at about $15 each.
Big contributors to "Avatar's" foreign success are China and Russia, two key territories that were not significant boxoffice factors when "Titanic" played overseas. On the weekend, "Avatar" secured $11.8 million in China, boosting the market cume to $102.3 million. In Russia, the weekend tally was $3.9 million for a market cume of $95.4 million.
Then there is the inflation factor. According to a formula developed by the department of U.S. Labor Statistics, "Titanic's" 1997 worldwide gross is currently worth at least $2.5 billion on an inflation adjusted basis, or $805 million domestic and $1.664 billion foreign.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods' wife Elin has called off her divorce from the golf superstar, sources tell RadarOnline.com exclusively.
Elin spent last week visiting Tiger, and participating in his sex addiction rehab treatment, RadarOnline.com reported exclusively.
And while Elin had made up her mind to dump her husband after he was linked to more than 14 women and his secret life of cheating revealed, time - and Tiger's actions - have caused her to call off the divorce for now.
She returned to Orlando Sunday night by private jet after spending last week with Tiger. "She was happy when she came home," a source told RadarOnline.com exclusively. "Things went well."
Elin has not filed divorce paper but has explored her options. Tiger sought treatment to save his marriage and so far it's working, the source said.
"He's told her he's serious about making it work and doing whatever he can," the source said.
She's agreed to try to make things work.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
What? A confirmation? A formal confirmation of the split by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie themselves? Don’t be silly. But we don’t need a formal confirmation when we’ve got proof this watertight – Brad Pitt has just bought a house. A house with a cave attached.
And, yes, look, we know that Brad Pitt has bought several homes in the past, and none of the previous ones seemed to signal a romantic split from Angelina Jolie of any kind, but you’re missing the big picture here. This one has a cave. A cave, damn it! Remember when you spent $700,000 on a house with a cave last time you split up with your girlfriend? This is EXACTLY THE SAME THING.
President Obama is working on his State of the Union address today -- so why shouldn't you?
0 comments Posted by Mahfuz at 20:52 Barack Obama
We'd like to hear your suggestions on what the president should tell the nation Wednesday night, and what ideas he should propose.
We know the president will discuss domestic issues like jobs, the deficit, and health care. And don't forget forget foreign affairs, including terrorism and Afghanistan. What should he say on these items?
Heck, feel free to send us your own State of the Union, if you're so inclined.
Sunday 24 January 2010
Sasha Cohen
For Sasha Cohen, it's probably back to the ice shows.
Rachel Flatt's jam-packed program at the U.S. figure skating championship overpowered the rest of the field Saturday night. Her score of 200.11 was more than 10 points ahead of Mirai Nagasu.
The U.S. Olympic team, while not named, is likely to include Flatt and Nagasu. Ashley Wagner was third.
For Cohen (photo), the 2006 Olympic silver medallist, it was a disappointing finish to a comeback beset by challenges. Her free skate was sloppy and error-filled and her lovely look couldn't overcome that.
Sasha Cohen performs during the championship ladies short program skate at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Spokane, Wash., Jan. 21, 2010.
LUCY Amber Valletta May Have Given Jackie Chan The Two-Lipped Kiss Of DEATH!
0 comments Posted by Mahfuz at 21:12Amber Valletta
Model/Actress Amber Valletta is working on the set of a new movie 'The Spy Next Door' with kung-fu action star Jackie Chan. The martial arts star shared his first onscreen kiss with Valletta and he’s convinced she passed on her cold to him. But the actress insists any member of the sick cast and crew could have passed on the virus. She says:
“I was sick, there was colds going around, but we didn’t even swap saliva, so I don’t know what he’s talking about. It was probably from the little kids ‘cos he kept hugging and kissing them and picking them up.”
Jackie Chan isn't buying it, though, he's telling his media partners back home that from now on he's staying at least two feet away from her murderous lips! But now, we know the ultimate secret to defeating the kung-fu champ - blonde models!!!
Saturday 23 January 2010
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is the 15th player in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points and the youngest to hit the milestone.
0 comments Posted by Mahfuz at 01:42 Kobe Bryant
Bryant reached the mark by making one free throw late in the second quarter of Thursday’s showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
At 31 years, 151 days, Bryant got to 25,000 in 35 fewer days than Wilt Chamberlain, who finished his career with 31,419 points.
Earlier, Bryant was voted into his 12th All-Star game.
Next on the list for Bryant is Lakers great Jerry West (25,192) and former Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller (25,279).
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s career leader with 38,387 points.
Sunday 17 January 2010
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
BRAD PITT and his partner ANGELINA JOLIE have opted out of attending the upcoming Golden Globes ceremony - because the actor failed to receive a nomination for his role in INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS.
http://www.amazon.com/Crest-Whitestrips-Advanced-14-Count-Boxes/dp/B001OOLLVS
Pitt stars as an American soldier in the World War II drama, which is up for a string of awards at the bash including Best Picture and Best Director for Quentin Tarantino.
But the actor has decided against attending the event on 17 January (10) with his superstar partner, because he was not given a nod for his role in the film, according to Jolie's stylist Jen Rade.
Rade tells E! Online, "They're not going because he's not nominated individually. Inglourious Basterds is, but not him."
Rade tells E! Online, "They're not going because he's not nominated individually. Inglourious Basterds is, but not him."
Saturday 16 January 2010
Lady Gaga
The singer showed no apparent signs of illness as she performed a medley of her hits on the live show Friday. She wore a black outfit studded with spikes and, at one point, swung a gold, spiked ball on a chain into the windshield of a taxi on the stage.
The concert cancellation was announced from the stage Thursday night after opening acts Jason Derulo and Semi Precious Weapons had already performed.
A statement released by the school from Lady Gaga's tour management said she'd suffered a sudden illness and that medical personnel had advised her not to perform.
The concert was rescheduled for Jan. 26.
The concert cancellation was announced from the stage Thursday night after opening acts Jason Derulo and Semi Precious Weapons had already performed.
A statement released by the school from Lady Gaga's tour management said she'd suffered a sudden illness and that medical personnel had advised her not to perform.
The concert was rescheduled for Jan. 26.
Friday 1 January 2010
Tiger woods
The U.S. telecommunications company is the latest corporate sponsor to back away from the world's first billionaire athlete since he became engulfed in allegations of multiple extramarital affairs following a mysterious minor car accident outside his Florida home on November 27.
AT&T, which had previously said it was assessing its relationship with Woods, said in a brief statement on Thursday: "We are ending our sponsorship agreement with Tiger Woods and wish him well in the future."
Woods, believed to be the world's wealthiest athlete, estimated to earn about $100 million a year in endorsement deals before his troubles, confessed on December 11 to "infidelity" to his Swedish wife Elin Nordegren. He announced he would take an indefinite break from golf to save his marriage.
The scandal may have cost shareholders of companies endorsed by the world's No. 1 golfer $5 billion to $12 billion in losses, according to a study by two economics professors from the University of California, Davis.
"Our analysis makes clear that while having a celebrity of Tiger Woods' stature as an endorser has undeniable upside, the downside risk is substantial, too," one of the professors, Victor Stango of UC Davis Graduate School of Management, said in a statement released along with the study.
Some economic analysts, however, have questioned the accuracy of the UC Davis study, although they acknowledge that Woods' own marketable value as a subject for corporate endorsement has been badly hit by the scandal.
Sponsors who have revised their relationship with Woods include technology outsourcing and consulting firm Accenture Plc, which ended its endorsement, and Procter & Gamble Co's shaving products maker Gillette, which dropped the golfer from its marketing.
Some other companies, however, like American athletic shoe maker Nike Inc, have said they are standing by the golfer.
The scandal saw a parade of more than a dozen women -- from cocktail waitresses to porn stars -- come forward to say they had affairs with the married father of two.
Since the start of the scandal, Woods, who had previously carefully maintained a public image of a clean-living sports and family man, has kept out of sight of the media.
A spokesman for AT&T declined to give any details of its deal with Woods.
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