Steven Spielberg to lead Cannes jury this year

With the 'Lincoln' director in charge, the film festival will likely get an American tweak.


Steven Spielberg has finally found space on his busy schedule to head the jury for the Cannes Film Festival, according to the Associated Press.

He will replace Italian Nanni Moretti and with Spielberg in the post, the festival is likely to have an American edge.

Previous presidents include Tennessee Williams, Ingrid Bergman, Roman Polanski and Francis Ford Coppola.

"When this year I was told 'E.T., phone home,' I understood and immediately replied: 'At last!'" Gilles Jacob, the festival's president, said in a statement posted Thursday on the festival's website.

The 66th Cannes festival will be held May 15-26.

"It is an honor and a privilege to preside over the jury of a festival that proves, again and again, that cinema is the language of the world," Spielberg said in a statement from festival organizers. "The most prestigious of its kind, the festival has always established the motion picture as a cross cultural and generational medium."

Oscars boost Adele 'Skyfall,' Shirley Bassey katanyagan

Adele sings the theme from 'Skyfall' at the 2013 Academy Awards.

Sunday night's Academy Awards broadcast gave modest sales boosts to a few, but the 'Les Miserables' soundtrack tanked


The Academy Awards show, known for delivering big returns at the box office, is also goosing record sales after this year's music-centric production.

Adele, whose Skyfall won the Oscar for best original song, sold 56,000 downloads, up 56% from a week earlier, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

U.S. New Relief for Syria opposition

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, center, sits between Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi, right, and British Foreign Secretary William Hague during meetings at Villa Madama in Rome on Thursday.

Kerry: U.S. pledges $60M in new aid to Syria opposition
U.S. increases aid to rebels in effort to pressure Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down.ROME (AP) — The Obama administration said Thursday that it will provide the Syrian opposition with an additional $60 million in assistance and — in a significant policy shift — will for the first time provide nonlethal aid like food and medical supplies to rebels battling to oust President Bashar Assad.

Again Sudden Death, Week Two: The 'American Idol'

Sudden Death, Week Two: The 'American Idol' recap
Idol Chatter
Though Johnson's behavior throughout the season has been erratic and completely unpredictable, she possesses an incredible amount of raw talent and quite possibly the broadest vocal range of any singer in the competition.

 But where Idol singers more often are promising amateurs who need to learn the ropes, Johnson's challenge is to harness her wild creativity enough to make it palatable to the viewing audience.

Hollywood Stars Changed After Oscars

Stars Transform After Oscars
As soon as the show was over, these stars broke out the Uggs, hoodies, slippers, sloppy sweatpants, and more. Check out their transformations.

Anne Hathaway had to change Oscar dresses at the last minute. Instead of a Valentino gown, she wore this number by Prada. But by the next day, her style wasn’t so swanky.
When Hathaway stepped out after her Oscar win, she went a little heavy on the layers. She paired a Madewell dress with an Autumn Cashmere sweater, several bags, and sunglasses.

Britney Spears turned heads at Elton John’s Oscar party. She looked better than ever, thanks to a new hair color and a stunning black sequined Michael Cinco Haute Couture gown. But by the next day, the pictures weren’t so pretty.
After the Oscars, Spears emerged wearing an outfit that involved a T-shirt full of holes and stained sweatpants. She pulled her hair into a messy ponytail.

Tina Fey: She Will not host Oscars

Tina Fey: 'No way' she'd host Oscars
Let's hope she changes her mind.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were such a hit as hosts of the Golden Globes that there's a lot of chatter about how great they'd be as Oscar hosts.
But when Huffington Post writer Mike Ryan interviewed Fey for her upcoming movie Admission, she made it pretty clear that's a gig that isn't going to happen.

Harry hit by a shoe

Harry Styles gets hit by a shoe
It caused him to fall to the floor.
Ouch! And, guys, you know what I'm talking about.
At One Direction's concert in Glasgow, Scotland, on Tuesday night, the pop stars were chatting up the crowd when a shoe came flying onto the stage. It didn't hit anyone.

Muslim Army of Bangladesh so-called holiness gndy

Muslim Army of Bangladesh so-called holiness gndy
Muslim forces around the world as unbelievers and believers have been soft
Srmayy Jewish-Muslim country is seeing!
.....................
Sunni and Sunni beard of Prophet with such desecration, even by so-called Muslims. Merciful God

Can you believe this ?

'Huge' shark Attack On Men in New Zealand; beach closed

'Huge' shark kills man in New Zealand; beach closed  

 
shark attacked. He said police went out in inflatable surf-lifesaving boats and shot at the shark, which they estimate was 12 to 14 feet long.

"It rolled over and disappeared," Rutene said, without saying whether police are certain that they killed the creature.

Police recovered the body of the swimmer. The Herald reported that he was Adam Strange, a 46-year-old television and short film director, and that his family issued a statement expressing their shock and requesting privacy.

Obama to meet congressional leaders Friday

As $85 billion in budget cuts begin to descend on the economy Friday, President Obama plans to sit down with congressional leaders


President Obama will meet with congressional leaders on Friday, the day that $85 billion in automatic budget cuts are set to take effect.

Nielsens: Academy Awards are rewarded in ratings

But Tuesday night was a downer for 'Body of Proof,' 'Smash' and 'Cult.'

But Tuesday night was a downer for 'Body of Proof,' 'Smash' and 'Cult.'

Oscars climb. The 85th annual Academy Awards drew 40.4 million viewers Sunday, up from 39.3 million last year, as audience gains among host Seth MacFarlane's younger fan base more than offset declines among older viewers. ABC's red-carpet special averaged 18.2 million, while E!'s 3-hour version set a record with 3.7 million. And even against the Oscars, AMC's The Walking Dead continued its remarkable run with 11 million, marking the week's top scripted TV show among young adults, edging out CBS's The Big Bang Theory.

NIELSEN CHARTS: See how your favorite shows performed

Not proving a hit. ABC's nearly canceled, then retooled Body of Proof returned with a low 6.8 million viewers Tuesday, down from 9.4 million for its fall 2011 opener. But it still managed to double the audience NBC's Smash (3.3 million), its time-slot competitor. That same night, the opener of CW's Cult had a really small cult audience of 860,000.

Boss of me. CBS' hasty return of Undercover Boss to its Friday home (7.3 million viewers) dipped from recent airings but more than doubled the turnout for The Job, which was abruptly canceled after two weeks in the slot. Afterward, the ninth-season (and quite possibly series) finale of CSI:NY drew 9.5 million. Both won their slots.

At 51, Bon Jovi courts respect as artist, humanitarian

"There are those who advocate and those who do," the singer says of stars' charitable efforts.


UNCASVILLE, Conn. — On a new song called What's Left of Me, one of the world's biggest rock stars channels the voices of a farmer, a factory worker, a military veteran, even an unsuccessful musician — ordinary folks, all struggling to adapt to changing circumstances in our country.
 fThe star, in case you're wondering, is Jon Bon Jovi; the track isrom his band's 12th studio album,

Bloomberg candidate wins Dem primary in Illinois

The race for a Chicago-based district is the first since 20 children and six adults were killed in Newtown, Conn. in December.


WASHINGTON — Illinois Democrats sent a message Tuesday night about guns and the power of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as they nominated Robin Kelly in a special election primary for Congress.

Carrots & Cabbage Promote Beautiful Skin

According to the researchers from the University of St. Andrews, three servings of fruit and vegetables a day – including carrots, cabbage and kiwi – will provide the skin with a healthy glow and some resemblance of tan.

 They examined the connection between the use of fruits and vegetables and the skin color and found out that the abundance of vegetables in the diet increased the red and yellow colors of the skin, making it darker.

Eye Makeup Trend: Red Eyeshadow

The New York Fashion Week has outlined the new trend of the Fall 2013 season, and one should have a closer look at it. This is mascara-free, or nude lashes.

The idea was supported by the makeup artists at Altuzarra, Thakoon, Theyskens’ Theory, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and DKNY shows.

Supreme Court won’t allow challenge 2008 expansion of surveillance law to move forward

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court won’t let Americans challenge the expansion of a surveillance law used to monitor conversations of foreign spies and terrorist suspects.

The high court on Tuesday agreed with a government request to throw out a lawsuit from a group of American lawyers, journalists and organizations challenging the 2008 expansion of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

'Bachelor' Sean down to final two women

Sean Lowe narrows down his field to two.

The woman who was surest about her love for Sean is sent packing.


Someone's heart got broken, big time, on Monday's important Overnight Date episode. It was inevitable. Everyone knew it was coming. The only question was: Which woman would be sent home weeping? And which two are now in the running for an engagement rock?

Tilda Swinton co-stars in David Bowie's 'Stars' video

The nature of celebrity obsession is explored in the song from Bowie's 'The New Day' album, out March 12


The Stars (Are Out Tonight), an edgy and cutting tune on David Bowie's upcoming new album, undergoes a fittingly adventurous video treatment by director Floria Sigismondi.

Fatalities jumped 19% in the first half of 2012 compared with the first half of 2011.

Deaths of teen drivers jumped 19% in the first six months of last year, more than double the percentage increase for overall traffic deaths, according to a new report.
There were 240 highway fatalities of 16- and 17-year-old drivers through the first half of 2012, up from 202 for the same period a year earlier, says the Governors Highway Safety Association, based on preliminary data from its members.

TV's love affair with the NYPD goes on

From 'Naked City' in the '50s to 'Golden Boy' today, NYPD spells TV drama (and comedy).
NEW YORK — There are 8 million stories in the Naked City.

Here's another one.

That famous coda from ABC's Golden-Age cop show remains true more than a half-century later, and helps to explain television's eternal infatuation with the police force and legal system of New York City. With 8 million stories, you just never run dry.

Pretty powerful Oscars prep for Watts, Theron, Saldana

Naomi Watts arrives at the Oscar.

Anne Hathaway

Charlize Theron

The actresses worked with the industry's top pros to get glam for Hollywood's most dazzling night.


So you think these ladies wake up looking this flawless? Not quite. Perfection takes work, and planning worthy of a presidential motorcade.
"I think ahead all the time. It's a little stressful. For me, I always get nervous. It's a red carpet. It's a big deal. It's nerve-wracking. I want it to be perfect. Once I finish, we're good," says Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, who did Kerry Washington's hair for the Oscars.

Zoe Saldana.

Botox or your bills? Plastic surgery wins out

Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures increased, according to new data.

People may be struggling, but that hasn't stopped the number of cosmetic procedures.

Fewer Americans seem to be frowning on cosmetic plastic surgery.

People may be struggling with gas prices and health care costs, but cosmetic plastic surgery procedures rose 5% from 2011 to 2012, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports. Last year, 14.6 million procedures, including minimally invasive and surgical, were performed in the U.S., according to the organization's annual statistics.

20 Oscar questions we're dying to answer

It was Angelina Jolie's leg that made a splash at last year's Oscars. At last week's Grammys, it was Jennifer Lopez's. Whose will we see striking a pose come Sunday?

Yes, we want to know who wins. But the show is also about wardrobes, presenters and dates.
Naturally, Americans eagerly await the outcome of the Oscar best-picture race, which will be dramatically revealed tonight.

But some of us are not so high-minded: We can't wait to see who's going to come undone — in tears, in shock, in bliss or (maybe best of all) in the wardrobe department.

WH: Budget cuts will lead to long lines at airlines

The White House kicked off "sequester week" by putting Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Sunday shows to again warn that automatic budget cuts will lead to long lines at airports.

LaHood told CNN's State of the Union that the cuts set to take effect Friday will force the government to furlough many air traffic controllers, leading to delays of flights, backing up thousands of passengers.

Pope's last Sunday blessing draws crowd at Vatican

Tens of thousands packed St. Peter's Square to hear Pope Benedict XVI's last Sunday message before he retires.


VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his final Sunday blessing in front of a massive crowd in St. Peter's Square, even as a controversy alleging a network of gay clergy working within the Vatican walls grew.
Benedict did not address the controversy directly, though he did explain his reasons for becoming the first pope in nearly 600 years to abdicate.

High court's DNA case pits crime solving vs. privacy Richard Wolf, USA TODAY10:36a.m. EST February 24, 2013

Katie Sepich was raped, murdered and set on fire nearly a decade ago, and her parents' campaign for justice has reached the Supreme Court. So, too, have the privacy concerns raised by DNA collection.

WASHINGTON — Katie Sepich was a radiant beauty of 22, a graduate student at New Mexico State University, when she was brutally raped and strangled and her body set on fire in 2003. Despite DNA evidence, it took three years to identify Gabriel Avila as her killer. By then, he had committed other crimes.

Staples Singers vocalist Cleotha Staples dies at age 78

The Staples Singers in 1999. Pervis, far left; Cleotha, second from left; Pops, center; Mavis, second from right; and Yvonne, far right.  

Staples Singers vocalist Cleotha Staples dies at age 78
In a family of vocalists, it was Cleotha Staples' smooth and velvety voice that helped set apart the sound of the influential and best-selling gospel group The Staple Singers.

Staples, the eldest sister and member of the group her father Roebuck "Pops" Staples started in the 1940s, died Thursday at age 78. She was at her Chicago home and had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for the past decade, said family friend and music publicist Bill Carpenter.

UNC student found dead

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- A UNC junior was found dead at an off-campus location Friday night, according to Chapel Hill Police.

A roommate found Stedman Gage unresponsive and called 911.

The Daily Tar Heel reports Gage was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the son of former UNC-system Board of Governors Chairwoman Hannah Gage.

Fans injured when car sails into fence at Daytona; Beware Fans

At least 33 fans injured when car sails into fence at Daytona
Kyle Larson (32) goes airborne and into the catch fence in a multi-car crash involving Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88), Parker Kilgerman (77), Justin Allgaier (31), Brian Scott (2) and Alex Bowman (99) during the final lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, in Daytona Beach

MC Hammer: 'Not bitter' about arrest in Calif.

 DUBLIN, Calif. -- MC Hammer suggests he was a victim of racial profiling when he was stopped and arrested by police in the Northern California city of Dublin.

The '90s rap star tweeted on Saturday that an officer approached him in his car and asked "Are you on parole or probation?"

Milan Fashion Week: Fall 2013

The Best Looks from Milan Fashion Week: Fall 2013
Versace Fall 2013
Out they came. Yin and yang. Good cop and bad cop. Or rather a vixen in white and a vixen in black. Donatella Versace's collection was all about the vixen in patent leather, boots and studs.

Diane Kruger Hair Style

Diane Kruger Braided Updo
Diane Kruger's blonde braided buns had a powerful Princess Leia sensibility to them.
Diane Kruger Retro Hairstyle
Diane embodied the charm of a '60s pin-up girl with her blonde curls rolled up in this retro 'do.

Red Lipstick Make Up

 The Best Red Lipstick for Every Age
The red lipstick you wore last year? Put it on hold. The new rouges are brighter, richer and more modern than before. Click ahead to find your perfect match, and check out the new classic hairstyles inspired by the Spring 2013
runways.A pinky red is fresh and fun for your twenties, says Poppy King, founder of Lipstick Queen. Try a lipstick with a glossy finish or layer lip balm underneath your shade.