Deep Blue Sea

Video: On Set Rupert & Emma Talk Reading Habits

2009-12-29T04:50:43Z

I just saw this cute little video of Rupert and Emma on set of HP7 and thought I'd share. They talk about their reading habits.

I tried to open it on IE: the sound was good, but the width/length ratios was smaller than it was supposed to. (Safari didn't play at all.) So, if that happens, just open up Quicktime since it's a .mov and input the link.

http://raincloud.warnerbros.com/wbol/us/whv/med/harry_potter/ulitimateedition/ecclips/US-HEPR-ECClip-CastAndCharacters_CRMLoyalty_03-HP2UCE_qt_500.mov

Charity Auctions: New Moon & Versailles, The Job Market & Just Plain Luck

2009-10-23T04:12:58Z

1. Charity: Gabrielle's Angel Foundation -- The Angel Ball 2009
Location: New York City area on November 16, 2009 | 2 tickets
Start: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:13:00 PM EDT
Ends: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 2:02:00 PM EST

Description: Don't miss out on these highly sought after tickets to the advance screening of New Moon in the New York area on November 16, 2009. New Moon is the much anticipated second installment in the Twilight saga which continues with a cast of teen-heartthrobs Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart).

(Link: Charity Buzz: Two Advance Screening Tickets To New Moon, the Second Film In the Hit Twilight Saga!)

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I'm not in NYC, but this sounds exciting! Plus it's all for charity! =D

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2. Charity: Gabrielle's Angel Foundation -- The Angel Ball 2009
Location: Long Island (NY), Versailles, Paris, Champagne (France)
Ends: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:06:26 PM EDT (Ended already)

Description: Soak in the grandeur of this unparalleled city with a trip to romantic and historic Versailles. Prior to this grand adventure, shop for something special to wear and be treated like royalty with a $5,000 spending spree at the Americana Manhasset, Long Island’s most impressive shopping destination. Your very own personal shopper, Danielle Merollo, will help you choose the perfect outfit for your European adventure. This extravagant jaunt to the North Shore includes round-trip car service from Manhattan with lunch at one of their exclusive eateries.

Then, off to Paris! You and your guest will fly in style on Continental Airlines, followed by an indulgent four-day, three-night stay at the preeminent Hotel Le Meurice. Lavishly designed, the distinguished décor will transport you back to the splendor of 18th-century architecture. This crown jewel of French luxury hotels boasts the latest in contemporary comfort and elegance to offer a stylish yet serene getaway. The Hotel Le Meurice is ideally located opposite the Tuileries Garden, between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre and just a short walk from Place Vendôme and Rue Saint-Honoré, where luxury boutiques abound.

This spectacular trip culminates in an exclusive black-tie dinner at the Palace of Versailles for private dinner at Versailles November 4 – 8, 2009 (this date is non-changeable). You are invited to the Chateau de Versailles for a private visit of the "Louis XIV, l'Homme et le roi", made possible by the support of Moët Hennessy, Mecenat, followed by a private "table royale" dinner in the Chateau on Friday, November 6, 2009. This unsurpassed evening is an invitation-only affair you will never forget! Get an up-close look into the storied past of the French monarchy when you dine in this royal chateau.

You and your guest may just fall in love with France, so why not return at the most famous time of year? Enjoy it in the springtime at the storied Chateau de Saran, one of Moët & Chandon’s most luxurious estates in Champagne. Spend two glorious days in the French countryside courtesy of the world's leading luxury products group.

Indulge in the best France has to offer and enjoy the most romantic city in the world in true Parisian style!

(Link: Charity Buzz: Receive the Royal Treatment on Your VIP Escape to Paris, Versailles & Champagne)

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As you probably noticed, this auction has already ended, but I really wanted to go on something like this because I simply adore Versailles. I don't know how much it went for, but when I checked in on it during the middle of it, it was pretty high.

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3. Yesterday's NYT's article, "$13 an Hour? 500 Sign Up, 1 Wins a Job"...just wow. I'm not surprised so many people applied, but the way they just bypassed applicants/resumes that were even slightly overqualified was a bit shocking. Then, I reconsidered and well, the job title is Aministrative Assistant. I did a stint a few years ago during summer and after that, I completely decided the job isn't for me. Administrative Assistant = Ordering You Around & Being a Servant. They obviously weren't looking to better the company with experience, but rather looking for someone to boss around (or the polite term would be to grow with the company). Two interviews...okay. But hour long interviews with 128 questions?? Obviously, they were also looking for obedience and someone to do as they're told.

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4. Gosh, is this guy lucky!! He escaped death by seconds!!

(Link: NBC: The Today Show) (Low/Small)

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5. I'm completely going to work this weekend on all the commitments that I signed up on since midterms are over now. Essay time! (And fics, etc.) If I told you that I'll do something, never fear, I will get to it eventually this weekend.

Any Canadian Release Dates for "The September Issue"?

2009-09-12T01:20:20Z

The September Issue (A&E IndieFilms)

In Theatres: September 11, 2009 (limited in US)
Director: R.J. Cutler
Featuring: Anna Wintour
Classification: PG-13
Length: 90 minutes

It's a documentary - the title refers to the September 2007 issue. Anyone seen it already? It hasn't been picked up in Canada yet that I know of... I hope it's picked up soon!

(Alternative link to trailer)

Anticipating: Pirates 4

2009-09-12T01:02:30Z

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Walt Disney Pictures) [source]

In Theatres: Summer 2011
Director: Unknown
Featuring: Johnny Depp, Bill Nighy (?), etc.
Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer
Classification: NR (Not Rated Yet)
Length: Unknown

Completely excited! *bounces*

Interview Alert! New Moon: Taylor Lautner

2009-09-11T04:39:24Z

Taylor Lautner recently gave a short interview to Cineplex. It's viewable here. Split character? Of course! After all, he turns into a wolf...

Good-bye to Senator Edward Kennedy!

2009-08-26T09:24:34Z

Just saw this in my inbox:

Breaking News Alert
The New York Times
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 -- 1:31 AM ET

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Edward M. Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies at 77

Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, a son of one ofthe most storied families in American politics, a man who knew triumph and tragedy in near-equal measure and who will be remembered as one of the most effective lawmakers in the history of the Senate, died late Tuesday night. He was 77.

Read More: http://www.nytimes.com?emc=na

I'm so sad! I've always admired him for his devotion towards public life ('cause I don't think I can ever do that, as I'm a pretty private person) and he's always reminded me of the Gryffindor Lion -- loyal, courageous, and brave.

He will be sadly missed.

NBC's Brian William's tribute: Remembering Ted Kennedy (View in Small)

Come Join dmhgblitz!

2009-08-23T20:34:32Z

JOIN → WATCH → FAQ

smut4flowers in honour of simons_flower + thehogwartslife's fanswap

2009-08-23T03:54:47Z

Sign-ups will begin on Saturday August 22, 2009 and will end on September 3, 2009 @ 11:59 PM PST.

(Information Post)

smut4flowers is a multi-fandom fest to honour the memory of simons_flower. The fest will include all of simons_flower's favourite fandoms: Harry Potter, Torchwood, Star Trek, and Dr. Who.

~*~
The Hogwarts Life: A Harry Potter Fanswap

Information + Rules + Sign-ups

Sign-Ups: August 12th - August 26th
Prompts Listed: August 27th
All prompts due in by: October 22nd
Posting Begins: November 1st

You will be given 2 months to give 5 small gifts (drabbles, icons, art or mixes).

For the first signup, writers, artists and mixers are welcome to sign up! A gift is either:
a) One ficlet of at least 100 words
b) one fanart created specifically for the recipient
c) an EP fanmix (7 tracks)
d) icons

(I'm thinking of signing up for the second one, as it seems less time consuming...)

Suaad Hagi Mohamud case

2009-08-22T05:43:54Z

Suaad Hagi Mohamud was stranded in Kenya for three months (partially in jail) because when she was trying to leave, Kenyan officials asked for a bribe even though she has a Canadian passport. Then they claimed that her lips (her lips!) didn't match her passport photo. Canadian officials agreed and voided her passport, calling her an imposter. They also urged her to charge her with identity fraud.

She finally had to take a DNA test and it confirmed she was who she was saying all along.

I'm shocked that this can happen. What's the point of having a Canadian citizenship if the government is going to abandon you at your time of need?? I've always been proud to be Canadian, but I'm simply appalled.

Then to learn that a second Canadian, who also happens to have autism, has been stranded in Kenya under the same circumstance for THREE years is simply APPALLING.

And now she's suing the government for $2.5 million. And if she succeeds, guess where the money's going to come from? The tax-payers.

But I agree this shouldn't happen.

F-2 tornadoes...

2009-08-22T05:24:15Z

Thursday - huge storm, we ran to close the windows and everything. Didn't think anything of it until the next day, the headlines screamed, "Destruction", "T.O. Twisters", or something similar. That's never happened before and my parents have lived here for over 25 years. It wasn't actually in Toronto, though some people said they saw funnel clouds in downtown Toronto (Yonge & Bloor). It destroyed 600 homes in Vaughan (outskirts/north of Toronto) and even more in Durham.

My condolences to everyone affected in the devastation, especially the 11-year-old boy who lost his life.

I was at home, so I didn't even notice!! Plus, there were no warnings. I feel sorry for the people who didn't buy the tornado option in their insurance. 0_0

In Theatres Today!

2009-08-21T07:41:30Z

Inglourious Basterds (Universal Pictures & The Weinstein Company)

In Theatres: August 21, 2009 (UK, France, Belgium: August 19, 2009)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Featuring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl, Til Schweiger, Mélanie Laurent, B.J. Novak, Samm Levine, etc.
Classification: R (14A Canada - Ontario; 13+ Canada - Quebec; 18A Canada - Alberta/Britsh Columbia/Manitoba; 18 UK; MA Australia)
Length: 153 minutes (2 hrs & 32 mins)

I found it hilarious that the film's rated differently in various provinces in Canada!! We, Canadians, are all the same (I would think)! I'm thinking of seeing this film next Tuesday...

Trailer: International

Trailer: US

Trailer: Teaser

MSNBC August 20th Interview/Clip (View in Small | View in Large)
The TODAY Show August 14th Quentin Tarantino Interview with Ann Curry (View in Small | View in Large)
The TODAY Show August 14th Quentin Tarantino Interview #2 (View in Small | View in Large)
The TODAY Show August 17th Interview with Diane Krudger (View in Small | View in Large)
The TODAY Show August 18th Interview with Brad Pitt (View in Small | View in Large)
The Scoop with Courtney Hazlett on MSNBC (Review, August 20th) (View in Small | View in Large)
The TODAY Show's Gene Shalit Review (August 17th) (View in Small | View in Large)
Morning Joe August 21st Interview with Christoph Waltz (View in Small | View in Large)

Writing Contest Alert! Orlando Prizes by AROHO (USA)

2009-08-20T23:49:04Z

The Orlando Prizes are limited to women writers who are U.S. citizens. Four categories - $1,000 awards in each category. $15 ENTRY FEE.

Short Fiction - Deadline September 1, 2009. Maximum 20 pages.

Nonfiction - Deadline September 1, 2009. Maximum 25 pages.

Poetry - Deadline October 1, 2009. Maximum 90 lines.

Sudden Fiction - Deadline October 1, 2009. Maximum 1,000 words.

(Click on image to view more details, not the application.)

Writing Contest Alert! Women's Crime & Mystery Short Story (Australia)

2009-08-20T23:35:19Z

Feel free to pass this along to any female Australian writers you know!

(Must be original and unpublished works, and they have different categories open with a maximum of two entries per author.)

Win a $100 iTunes Card from Apple Canada

2009-08-20T23:25:03Z

The contest is open to any Canadian resident who is of legal age, and a student at a Canadian high school, university or college.

It ends at midnight on September 8, 2009, EST.

Enter Here

"Morning Joe" Interns: Apply Now

2009-08-19T23:56:22Z

"Morning Joe" has released a video about their interns. (View in Large | View in Small)

They wake up and go in at 4 a.m.? I guess that makes sense since "Way Too Early" starts at 5:30 a.m. and "Morning Joe" starts at 6 a.m., but still...that's quite early. I like how they all talk about how they all started off with internships. It gives me hope. =D

One of my favourite shows. To see more of "Morning Joe", their videos are under the Links Section to the left.

MSNBC interns must meet the following criteria:

Enrolled in a Bachelor's/Masters program at an accredited college or university

18 years or older and current sophomore standing or above

Able to receive academic credit from their college or university prior to starting assignment

Commit to a minimum of 3 days per week either on a part-time or full-time basis

Apply Here

Trailer Alert! New Moon: Meet Jacob Black

2009-08-19T20:37:20Z

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Summit Entertainment)
In Theatres: November 20, 2009 (France, Belgium, Spain: November 18, 2009)
Director: Chris Weitz
Featuring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathborne, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Edi Gathegi, Rachelle Lefevre, etc.
Classification: NR (Not Rated yet)
Length: Unknown

The Twilight Saga: New Moon 'Meet Jacob Black'

Alterntive Link: @ Cineplex

What do you all think?

I'm not sure I like the lighting, but I'm not the Director of Photography... and there are snippets of Italy. Red cloaks? I imagined a different type of red--darker.

Widget: Featuring the first trailer

Owl Post Exchange via the Muggle Post Office (please sign up!)

2009-08-17T03:03:05Z

This is such an awesome idea that I had to spread the word out! Does anyone want to participate in an Owl Post Exchange via the Muggle Post Office? You mail a care package (or more than one if you want to) and get one in exchange.

serade_black recently posted in hermionesirius and is running this exchange. The instructions are also in the above post and she'll take sign ups until August 31. Also, it doesn't have to be Sirius/Hermione driven.

Alice in Wonderland: The Touring Exhibition

2009-08-13T03:30:16Z

What?! There was a stop in Toronto?? I totally did not know this. I would have tried to go... But alas, there's only photos and video below. Click on the number to see the photos.

(ETA: Just found out it was for the media, partners, and exhibitors only. It took place at The Carlu last Wednesday.)

(More Photos Here)

Harry Potter: Retrospect

2009-08-13T00:44:49Z

In a previous post, I mentioned that WB had a collage of Harry Potter clips of Year 1 to 5. Exciting, isn't it?

Now, you can download it from iTunes for free. (Or you can view it below.)

Anticipating This Week...

2009-08-12T22:45:52Z

The Time Traveler's Wife (New Line Cinema)

In Theatres: August 14, 2009
Director: Robert Schwentske
Featuring: Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Arliss Howard, Ron Livingston, Stephen Tobolowsky, Jane McLean, Brooklynn Roulx
Producers/Executive Producers: Nick Wechsler, Dede Gardner, Brad Pitt, Richard Brener, Michele Weiss, Justis Greene
Classification: PG-13 (PG Canada; 12A UK)
Length: 107 minutes

I'm very excited to see this movie! Rachel McAdams is awesome and I'm sure Eric Bana will be too. I've only ever seen him in "Troy" and her in "The Notebook", which were fabulous films themselves. Actually, now that I'm looking at her list of films, I've also seen her in "Mean Girls" and "Wedding Crashers" too...

"The Time Traveler's Wife" ("The Time Traveller's Wife" in the UK) is based on the internationally best-selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger about a love that transcends through time.

The TODAY Show interview with Ann Curry that appeared today: View in Smallscreen | View w/Fullscreen Capibility

The TODAY Show interview with Kathie Lee & Hoda: View in Smallscreen | View w/Fullscreen Capibility

View select scenes from the movie: Clip 1: Library | Clip 2: You Can't Marry Him | Clip 3: Will You Marry Me? | Clip 4: You Can't Do That!

Preview all 23 tracks of the official soundtrack at Amazon.

The Official Music Video

Movie Review: “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”

2009-08-12T08:33:58Z

Director: Stephen Sommers
Actors: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Christopher Eccleston, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Byung-hun Lee, Sienna Miller, Rachel Nichols, Ray Park, Jonathan Pryce, Dennis Quaid, etc.
Classification: PG-13 (PG Canada; 12A UK & Ireland)
Length: 118 minutes
In Theatres: August 7, 2009
My Rating: See It In Theatres (3.5/5 stars)

I saw this on Friday and I meant to write it before today, but I got distracted. However, here it is!

This is a summer blockbuster. Lots of action, things blowing up, minimal plot, and all around general fun! It’s a popcorn movie. So if you’re not looking for this type of movie, then you probably shouldn’t see it. Or wait until the DVD comes out and rent it.

Oh, and it’s based on the cartoons, not on the action figures. So don’t blast it off the walls just because it’s not based on the action figures.

Set in the future, G.I. Joe is a special operatives unit in the military that technically doesn’t exist. They take on the assignments that are considered “elite” or “classified”. You don’t ask to join G.I. Joe; rather, they recruit you to join them. “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” follows “the Joes”, as they’re dubbed in the movie, while they track down and fight against an organization led by a rogue arms dealer. This leads them all around the world, most notably Paris, France, where the Eiffel Towers ends up in ruins (I’m not spoiling anything…this is in the trailer). They’re tracking nuclear weaponry that has been stolen by the unknown organization.

The CGI and special effects were amazing. I loved all the gadgets and all the futuristic tools. I was immediately pulled in their world and it didn’t feel fake at all (like some movies such as “Zathura” or even “Twilight”). Plus, I didn’t check the time once and I was quite disappointed that the movie was over.

I, especially, enjoyed all the characters that were on the bad side. What does that say about me? ;) Sienna Miller (“Alfie”, “Casanova”) was a joy to watch and Byung-hun Lee (“The Good, the Bad, the Weird”, “I Come with the Rain”) was awesome. Guess who was also in the movie? Doctor Who!! Well, not actually Doctor Who, but Christopher Eccleston who plays Mr. McCullen (and Destro). I didn’t immediately recognize his name, but I sure did recognize him when he appeared onscreen. His character was a backstabber, was selfish, and was after power—all of which he played brilliantly. Kudos also goes to Joseph Gordon-Levitt (“(500) Days of Summer”). With the mask and the wig on as Dr. Rex, he appeared almost unrecognizable. I thought he looked a lot like Keanu Reeves’ “The Matrix”. He was deeply chilling, and all around awesome.

The biggest surprise of all for me was Marlon Wayans (“Norbit”, “Dance Flick”) – he was hilarious and exceeded my expectations! His comedic timing was perfect and just made me crack up. I would say to definitely look out for him in the future.

Channing Tatum (“Step Up 2”, “Public Enemies”) … he was okay. I wasn’t too impressed and it felt like anyone could have played his part. He just didn’t seem to be able to make Duke his own. Instead, Duke came across as just another soldier who wanted revenge.

Who can resist Jonathan Pryce (“Pirates of the Caribbean”, “Bedtime Stories”) as President of the United States? Or Dennis Quaid (“American Dreamz”, “Vantage Point”) as General Hawk? Or even Ray Park (“X-Men”) as Snake Eyes (who by the way didn’t even speak, but managed to convey complex emotions)? It was so fun to watch them play these roles.

I didn’t manage to spot the scene with Larry Hama, who initially created the comics. I’m slightly disappointed because I did spot Stan Lee in Spiderman 3. You can view a featurette where Larry Hama and others talk about the movie.

A majority of the movie critics cried foul when Paramount decided not to screen to the critics. I think they learnt from what happened with “Transformers” after the critics panned the film. But really, I don’t think “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” is a critic type of film. But then again, even though the critics panned “Transformers”, it didn’t hurt them in the box office at all. Personally, I don’t think it’s necessary to only allow certain critics, which was a very small percentage, to see the film and ban the rest.

And I can end by saying that there’s obviously going to be a sequel coming out in the future. Probably depending on box office stats before Paramount gives the go ahead, and it’s probably a go ahead since the weekend box office gross is $54.7 million.

Note: The trailer and Sienna Miller’s The TODAY Show interview can be viewed here.

My Ratings:
Must See It In Theatres: Get Advance Tickets 4.5 - 5/5
See It In Theatres 3.5 - 4/5
Buy It On DVD 2.5 - 3/5
Rent It On DVD 1.5 - 2/5
Borrow It From The Library 0.5 - 1/5
Don’t See It At All 0/5

Harry Potter Music Video: "Big Beat Repeat"

2009-08-12T07:12:35Z

The music video of "Big Beat Repeat", which appears on the HBP soundtrack and shows scenes of the movie. It's quite funny! With all the clips and interviews released before the movie came out, I somehow missed this video.

Alternate Link: @ Cineplex

Are They Fighting Words, Really?

2009-08-12T06:02:06Z

Laura A. Munson recently wrote in a New York Times piece titled, "Those Aren’t Fighting Words, Dear". She chronicles how she "ducked" when her husband told her he didn't love her anymore. She understood (or at least tried to understand) that it wasn't about her, but that it was about him when her husband began to have a midlife crisis.

I don't think I would've reacted in the same way...I probably would have been shocked, and from what she went through, I think a lot couples nowadays would have divorced. But then again, what do I know? I'm not married and I'm quite young. Perhaps, if I've had such a long marriage as she had, then maybe I'd think differently. After all, if you love someone so much, you'd stick by them, right?

I seriously think her husband is lucky to still have her. I do agree with her on some levels. If he really did lose pride in himself, he really shouldn't have put the blame on his wife. What he should have done is talk to his wife. I guess life doesn't work that way sometimes though.

Nevertheless, her piece was quite poignant and touching. I'm sure what she meant to say was that divorce doesn't have to be the end of the road. Ducking worked for her, but I'm sure that doesn't work in all cases. What I perceived from her piece is that though difficult, love (and a hardness of a shell) overcomes everything.

But I still say it takes two to tango and communication is key. Ducking may have worked for her, but I'm not sure that'd work for everyone.

What do you all think?

Disney Auction!!

2009-08-12T05:16:17Z

Event Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009
Event Time: 7:00 PM
Event Location: Anaheim Convention Center - Anaheim, CA

(From their website)
D23 EXPO Live Auction Information:
Join us for an ultimate Disney fan experience as we unveil the magic of Disney during our D23 Expo Live Auction. Disney enthusiasts will have the opportunity to bid on unique Walt Disney Studio and Theme Park experiences, tours, artwork, props and more.

This sounds exciting...I'd love to go bid on a prop or what not, but alas...maybe next year?

Music Videos: Britney's "Kill The Lights" & "Radar"

2009-08-12T02:26:11Z

The animated video of Britney's "Kill The Lights". I really like the animation and her hair!!

I'd love to live in the house featured in Britney's "Radar"... =D