Chinese Pinyin - Clooney company working on Tehran film

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Clooney company working on Tehran film


(AP)
Updated: 2007-08-14 09:08



George Clooney's production company is writing a script for a movie based
on the true story of a CIA fake-identity expert who smuggled six
Americans out of Iran while dozens of others were being held hostage
there.

"Escape From Tehran" is in development but hasn't been approved for
production, Stan Rosenfield, a spokesman for Smoke House productions,
told The (Hagerstown) Herald-Mail for a story published Monday.

The trade journal Variety has reported that the script will be a
"dramedy" 鈥� a humorous drama 鈥� and that Clooney could direct and star.

The script would be based on a Wired magazine article published in April
about the rescue engineered by retired CIA agent Antonio Mendez of
Knoxville. Mendez told The Herald-Mail he agreed to be interviewed by
Wired in exchange for sharing movie rights with the magazine writer.

Mendez, honored in 1997 as one of the 50 greatest spies in CIA history,
devised the operation after the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, was overrun
by a mob on Nov. 4, 1979. Fifty-two of the 90 people inside were held
hostage for 444 days, but others fled. Six of the Americans who escaped
hid in the homes of Canadian embassy officials.

CIA agents pitched several rescue schemes, including disguising the
Americans as Canadian nutritionists or schoolteachers, Mendez said. Then
Mendez proposed outfitting them as employees of Studio Six, a fictitious
Canadian movie studio supposedly scouting locations for a science-fiction
movie called "Argo." Using his Hollywood makeup-artist connections,
Mendez bought full-page advertisements in Variety and Hollywood Reporter,
prompting articles that helped create cover for the rescue.

Mendez, posing as Irish film producer Kevin Costa Harkins, went to
Tehran, found the six Americans and coached them on their new identities.
Despite tense moments at the airport, the ruse worked and they flew out
on Jan. 28, 1980. President Jimmy Carter later honored Mendez.

The public didn't know details of the rescue until 1997, when the CIA
asked Mendez to talk openly about it to help promote the agency's 50th
anniversary. He and his wife, Jonna, a retired CIA disguise chief, have
spoken, lectured and written about it many times since then.

?








Related Stories ?



� Brad Pitt, George Clooney raise cash for Sudan
===========================================================================
� George Clooney schemes a great "Escape"
===========================================================================
� George Clooney lined up for Bolivian political drama
===========================================================================
� George Clooney issues denial to Web sites
===========================================================================
� George Clooney: Call me a traitor but I will ask questions
===========================================================================
� George Clooney campaigns in Egypt, China
===========================================================================
� George Clooney to produce Grisham non-fiction book
===========================================================================






















Top Entertaiment News ?




* Avril Lavigne arrives in Shanghai
* DiCaprio brightens up on gloomy green outlook
* Van Halen singer back in band after 20 years
* Jolie looks to Africa again for a fifth child
* Parker says snake in promo photo is real





Today's Top News ?




* US files trade case on China's IP protection
* N-issue discussed with Pyongyang
* Toy manufacturer suspected suicide
* Taliban free 2 South Korean women
* Dollar assets key part of reserves





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Chinese Online Class, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Chinese School - Christina Applegate divorce a done deal

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Gossip






Christina Applegate divorce a done deal


(AP)
Updated: 2007-08-11 17:17



LOS ANGELES - Christina Applegate is now unmarried ... with no children.
The actress and her actor husband, Johnathon Schaech, have officially
parted ways

a year and a half after he filed for divorce.

The pair's split was finalized in Superior Court on Friday, according to
court documents obtained by CelebTV.com.

Applegate, known for her role as ditzy daughter Kelly Bundy on TV's
"Married ... With Children," and actor Schaech married in October 2001.

They separated in November 2005, citing irreconcilable differences,
according to court papers. Schaech filed for divorce Dec. 5, 2006.

Applegate's publicist, Ame Van Iden, and Schaech's publicist, Cindy
Guagenti, both declined to comment Friday.

The judgment awarded Schaech more than $1.5 million in bank accounts
dating back to last February, a cement Buddha in Applegate's possession,
and a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500.

Applegate, 35, was awarded two of the ex-couple's Los Angeles residences,
a 2006 Lexus and more than $7.5 million in bank accounts dating back to
late December 2006, according to court documents.

Applegate has starred in movies including "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron
Burgundy," and earned a 2005 Tony Award nomination for her Broadway role
in "Sweet Charity."

Schaech's acting credits include 1996's "That Thing You Do!" and 2005's
"Sea of Dreams."

Both waived the right to seek spousal support.

The pair did not have children.























Top Entertaiment News ?




* Pavarotti's wife says tenor is improving
* Lohan's ex bodyguard blames parents for her wild behaviour
* Parking-lot fender bender for Britney
* AT&T errs in edit of anti-Bush lyrics
* Ricky Martin says he wants to adopt





Today's Top News ?




* China: One step closer to the Moon
* Plan to boost drug safety
* NASA finds gouge on Endeavour's belly
* Taliban 'hopeful' of Koreans' freedom
* China's economy to grow 11.4% in third quarter





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Chinese language, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Chinese language - Domingo makes an appearance on The Simpsons

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Television






Domingo makes an appearance on The Simpsons


(WENN)
Updated: 2007-08-09 11:23





?

Placido Domingo

?

Spanish tenor Placido Domingo has confirmed he'll be the latest celebrity
making a guest appearance on an upcoming episode of animated TV series
The Simpsons.

In the episode, called The Homer Of Seville, the opera great takes
singing lessons from Homer Simpson.

Domingo's spokeswoman Nancy Seltzer says, "He's had such a wonderful time
doing it... He had a ball."

The episode is scheduled to air in the U.S. on 30 September.

?























Top Entertaiment News ?




* Nicole Kidman to star in remake of Colombian horror flick
* Lopez may get $545,000 from ex-hubby Noa
* Melanie Brown married since June
* "Casablanca" to be remade on Indian shores
* Jessica Parker confirms 'Sex and the City' film role





Today's Top News ?




* China invites the world to 2008 Olympic gala party
* Income disparity getting worse: Report
* Govt pours $1b on drug, food safety
* Rain cripples New York City transit
* Two Koreas to hold summit this month





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Learning Mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Chinese language - Cruise beats Depp in 'Records' book

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Cruise beats Depp in 'Records' book


(WENN)
Updated: 2007-08-08 11:09



Tom Cruise has toppled Johnny Depp as the world's most powerful movie
star in the new Guinness Book of World Records.

Depp fronted the list last year, but Cruise is once again on top, with
former love rivals Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston coming in joint
first among Hollywood's leading ladies.

The new Guinness book also features a new record for The Most Hits from a
Soundtrack in the U.S. Charts simultaneously, which belongs to High
School Musical with nine.

Meanwhile, CSI: MiamiI has been named the world's most-watched show in
the new record book.








Related Stories ?



� Tom Cruise, ex-wife Kidman both filming in Berlin
===========================================================================
� Man arrested in Tom Cruise photo plot
===========================================================================
� Filming begins on Tom Cruise movie
===========================================================================
� Tom Cruise to receive career honor
===========================================================================
� German film board backs Tom Cruise's anti-Hitler film
===========================================================================
� Germany now would welcome Tom Cruise production
===========================================================================
� Nicole Kidman's plea to Tom Cruise to allow more time with her kids
===========================================================================






















Top Entertaiment News ?




* Timberlake, Beyonce top MTV VMA noms
* Release of Anna Nicole tape blocked
* "Stardust's" Claire Danes charts own course
* Forbes: Damon's a 'Bourne' moneymaker
* Van Halen, Roth to announce tour next week





Today's Top News ?




* Foreign media enjoy greater access in China: FM
* Taliban warn of more kidnappings
* Economist: China to keep inflation in check
* Law on personal info 'next year'
* China bans stiff family planning slogans





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese online, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Chinese School - From Malaysia via New York

? ?



CITYLIFE / Eating Out






From Malaysia via New York


By Jennifer Thome (City Weekend)
Updated: 2007-08-07 10:38





That restaurateur Cho is good at what he does is irrefutable. His new
restaurant, Sambal Urban, features the same dishes as Cafe Sambal, like
the Vietnamese roll (RMB 25) paired with an authentic and delectable
peanut sauce, the subtle yet impressive rojak (RMB 40), the succulent and
perfectly marinated satay chicken (RMB 50), the nyo nya captain curry
chicken (RMB 55), the beef randam (RMB 55) and of course, the best
mojitos in town.

Urban's decor adds a welcome dash of modern elegance to Beijing's dining
scene. Somewhere between the cleverly mismatched white Ming chairs, the
crystal chandelier and the orange lacquered bar there floats a
premonition of Beijing's future in classy and quality dining.

Perfect for: classy and sophisticated Malaysian dining.

Sambal Urban
Location: Shop 6, Phoenix Xintiandi, Shuguang Xili
Tel: 010-5866-8538

?























Feature ?




Pilgrimage to Tibet If you want to get a detailed Travel Handbook to
Tibet and know more interesting tour routes leading to this divine place.
Please click here!

Yunnan New Film Project Ten female directors from China! Ten unique
sights from mysterious Yunnan Province!Yunnan New Film Project,Travel
with the film.Wanna know more? Please click here!




Editors' Picks ?




* Master storyteller has something to say
* Lookng after your skin naturally
* Evocative scents in a glass of wine
* Go on a shopping spree to discount stores
* Teatime!





Beijing Guide ?


Eating out: Mouth-watering magic
Bars&Cafes: Catch underground bands
Weekend&Holiday: An Oasis at Shichahai
Shopping: Ice up your world
What's on: Smoke society





Shanghai Guide ?


Eating out: An institution in the making
Bars&Cafes: The new money
Weekend&Holiday: Band of gypsies
Shopping: Chinese made delicacy
What's on: Teenage wasteland





Learn Chinese, Chinese School, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Chinese Speaking - One year countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games?

? ?



CITYLIFE / Photo Gallery






One year countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games?



Updated: 2007-08-06 10:25





A general view shows the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the
Bird's Nest, as it is lit up by coloured lights during activities to mark
a one year countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games at night in Beijing August
5, 2007. The Chinese capital is gearing up to celebrate the one year
countdown to the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games on August 8.
[Photo: Reuters]







?? ?? 1?? 2?? 3?? 4?? ??

?? ?? 1?? 2?? 3?? 4?? ??
























Feature ?




Pilgrimage to Tibet If you want to get a detailed Travel Handbook to
Tibet and know more interesting tour routes leading to this divine place.
Please click here!

Yunnan New Film Project Ten female directors from China! Ten unique
sights from mysterious Yunnan Province!Yunnan New Film Project,Travel
with the film.Wanna know more? Please click here!




Editors' Picks ?




* Master storyteller has something to say
* Lookng after your skin naturally
* Evocative scents in a glass of wine
* Go on a shopping spree to discount stores
* Teatime!





Beijing Guide ?


Eating out: Mouth-watering magic
Bars&Cafes: Catch underground bands
Weekend&Holiday: An Oasis at Shichahai
Shopping: Ice up your world
What's on: Smoke society





Shanghai Guide ?


Eating out: An institution in the making
Bars&Cafes: The new money
Weekend&Holiday: Band of gypsies
Shopping: Chinese made delicacy
What's on: Teenage wasteland





Learn Chinese, Chinese Mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Chinese Class - A sure-fire plan to lure pirates to my books

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Hot Pot Column






A sure-fire plan to lure pirates to my books


By Raymond Zhou
Updated: 2007-08-03 14:39



A funny thing happened to me yesterday. A friend of mine MSNed me,
mentioning that a book I wrote two years ago was available for download
on a certain website.

It took me by surprise. I had licensed the digital version of two earlier
reference books to a database, which should not appear in book format. I
clicked to the offending site and found several of my essay collections
hyped for free downloading.

My friend, intrepid investigative reporter that he is, waded through the
convoluted process and spotted a scam. But to do that, he had to present
his cellphone number, and minutes later, a small chunk of kuai
disappeared from his account.

He made a lot of calls and inquiries, and in the end, he failed to access
anything except a brief introduction to my volumes. The unscrupulous
operator was just using my books as a bait, he concluded. I was at once
relieved and dismayed. How can I be upgraded to the status of a
plagiarism-worthy author? For me, it would be like winning the Nobel
Prize - almost, but with more street cachet.

"They should have stuck with Han Han. He could get them more suckers in a
day than I can in a year," I grumbled, suggesting the photogenic,
establishment-busting best-selling author-cum-race car driver.

I've published a dozen books, but they sold like cold cakes on a freezing
day. I've always wondered how to increase sales short of threatening to
jump off a skyscraper and creating media awareness.

Actually, I know how to write a profitable book. I can put out pamphlets
to impart my boundless knowledge of learning English, including how to
get a full score of TOEFL by cheating, of which I had been accused -
groundlessly, I should add. Those titles take one week to finish and can
sell to an endless stream of new buyers as each generation is given the
fresh headache of linguistic globalization in an artificially agonizing
pedagogy.

I can accept translation work. I tend to reject all such gigs. That has
upset the few who admire my bilingual writing. I have my reason: I can't
help embellishing with such abandon that it amounts to rewriting. After I
put my usual touch of genius on a piece of literature, the original
author was so flattered that he would consider offering me the byline.

Or I can write scripts for movies and television drama. For that, I need
to dumb myself down and get into a kitschy mode, which I picked up in San
Francisco. Instead of writing "I'm happy", I'll dramatize it to "I'm so
happy I'm fainting and I cannot get up." Chicks fall for this stuff. All
I need is to wax sentimental every five minutes and dictate that actors
emote profusely.

Or I can go for the adolescent market and churn out sexual fantasies.
China's testosterone-surging netizens will turn me into an instant star.
All I need is the Letter page of Playboy and I'll never run out of
details. Yes, I should give up column writing and get into creative
writing. I bet my books will be pirated hot off the press.

(China Daily 08/03/2007 page20)























Top Entertaiment News ?




* Willis performs at Kennedy Space Center
* New practice for Heigl - film producer
* Actors Berry, Thornton to star in new racism drama
* Hathaway felt pressure of "Becoming Jane"
* Richie wants to do time at county jail





Today's Top News ?




* China FM: Asia must drop Cold War mentality
* Paulson: China committed to yuan reform
* Taliban takes Al Qaeda tactics
* PLA budget to rise with the economy
* Domestic violence in spotlight





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Learning Mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Learn Mandarin online - Jessica Biel not interested in marriage

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Gossip






Jessica Biel not interested in marriage


(ANI)
Updated: 2007-08-02 11:15




?


?

Jessica Biel

Actress Jessica Biel says that marriage does not interest her.

The Illusionist star, who has been dating her new boyfriend Justin
Timberlake since May, insists that she is not prepared to settle down as
yet.

Biel strongly feels that spending two to three decades as a single and
then devoting the rest of the life to marriage does not make a good ratio.

"What's weird is: You're single for 20 or 30 years, and you're married
for like 70," Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

"It doesn't seem like a good ratio, does it?" she added.








Related Stories ?



� Jessica Biel dying to turn ugly and fat to prove acting prowess
===========================================================================
� Jessica Biel adores ridiculous men
===========================================================================
� Jessica Biel poses for GQ magazine
===========================================================================
� Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel aboard the love boat
===========================================================================
� Cameron Diaz and Jessica Biel face off
===========================================================================
� Jessica Biel: 'I'm too hot for Hollywood'
===========================================================================
� Jessica Biel in The Next
===========================================================================






















Top Entertaiment News ?




* Spielberg may resign as Olympic adviser
* Scary Spice files paternity petition
* Jolie drops battle over perfume named Shiloh
* Keith Richards working on memoir
* Photographers: Spears threatened us





Today's Top News ?




* 69 miners miners rescued after 3 days
* Lust vs love: 237 reasons we have sex
* China 'is no threat to anyone'
* PLA will not tolerate secessionist moves
* UN approves troops, police for Darfur





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Chinese Mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Learning Chinese - Malaysian group urges ban on Gwen Stefani concert

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Music






Malaysian group urges ban on Gwen Stefani concert


(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-31 19:06



KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia should pull the plug on the Kuala Lumpur leg of
U.S. singer Gwen Stefani's upcoming Asian tour because of her indecent
dressing and obscenity, a Muslim students' group said on Tuesday.



Singer Gwen Stefani performs in a 2007 photo. [Reuters]

The 10,000-strong National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students said
Stefani's August 21 concert, which is part of her 'Sweet Escape' tour,
would clash with local Asian and Islamic values.

"Her video clips promoting the event are too obscene," Mohamad Hilmi
Ramli, the group's president, told Reuters. "We want the organizers to
cancel the concert, failing which we will ask the authorities to
intervene."

Ethnic Malays, who are by definition Muslims, make up just over half of
Malaysia's 26 million people. Ethnic Chinese and Indians, who are mostly
Buddhists, Christians or Hindus, form sizeable minorities.

Hilmi also criticized Malaysian mobile phone firm Maxis Communications
for promoting the concert.

"Maxis has been staging a series of foreign acts ... to make a profit and
to expose our young generation to things such as moral decay," he said.

Maxis officials could not be immediately reached for comment.








Related Stories ?



� Gwen Stefani performs at Simon Bolivar park
===========================================================================
� Gwen Stefani sues Forever 21 over fashion logo
===========================================================================
� Gwen Stefani and her baby out on the beach
===========================================================================
� Gwen Stefani has been on a diet since 10
===========================================================================






















Top Entertaiment News ?




* Lawyer: Kevin Federline focused on prenting after dvorce
* Director McG plans scary buddy comedy
* Spielberg may resign as Olympic adviser
* Scary Spice files paternity petition
* Jolie drops battle over perfume named Shiloh





Today's Top News ?




* Paulson: China committed to yuan reform
* Taliban takes Al Qaeda tactics
* PLA budget to rise with the economy
* Domestic violence in spotlight
* China's economy on verge of overheating - report





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Learning Chinese, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing,

Chinese Pinyin - Former 'Enders actor Mike Reid dies, aged 67

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Television






Former 'Enders actor Mike Reid dies, aged 67


(Digital Spy)
Updated: 2007-07-30 16:21



Ex-EastEnders actor Mike Reid has died at the age of 67.

According to his agent, David Hahn, Mike - who played Frank Butcher in
the BBC soap for just under two decades - suffered a suspected heart
attack at his Spanish home.

Hahn told BBC News: "Mike was in fine fettle form. In fact only a couple
of weeks ago we were having dinner over here.

"Mike, that particular day, went to see his consultant and had a full
medical - and they gave him a clean bill of health."

He added: "He would see the funny side of any situation, no matter how
black it was. Even now I'm sure he's laughing."

Describing it as "absolutely devastating", close friend and fellow
comedian Frank Carson said: "We have just lost our friend Bernard Manning
a fortnight ago. I just can't realise... this is devastating news."

He added: "This is horrendous news. Everyone in showbusiness will be
shocked because this was one of the great friends of anything you wanted
to do in showbusiness."

Controller of BBC Drama John Yorke said: "Mike's genius was to capture
the heart of that flawed dreamer and make generations of viewers love
him," he said.

"Albert Square - and British television - will be a far poorer place
without him, as will the lives of those who loved and worked with him
throughout his extraordinary career."

Former Walford co-star Pam St Clement (Pat Evans) added: "It has come as
a terrible shock - somebody larger than life as Mike was in person and
character - he seemed indestructible."























Top Entertaiment News ?




* Depp toasts Hunter S. Thompson with "Rum Diary"
* Nicolas Cage, son unveil comic book
* 'The Simpsons Movie' earns big Doh!
* Tom Cruise, ex-wife Kidman both filming in Berlin
* 'Ugly Betty' wins at 22nd Imagen Awards





Today's Top News ?




* Negotiators 'hopeful' in Korean hostage crisis
* US to curb Iran with Gulf army deal
* Illgal gov't charges fuelling soaring house prices
* Penalties vary as kids die in hot cars
* Official urges Dalai Lama to abandon secessionist





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Learn Mandarin online, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing,

HSK Exam - Steve Martin weds at LA home ceremony

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Steve Martin weds at LA home ceremony


(AP)
Updated: 2007-07-29 16:36



LOS ANGELES - Steve Martin married girlfriend Anne Stringfield during a
ceremony at his Los Angeles home, his publicist said.

Former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey, a friend of Martin's, presided over
Saturday's ceremony, Alan Nierob said. Saturday Night Live creator Lorne
Michaels was Martin's best man, he said.

Most of the roughly 75 guests 鈥� who included Tom Hanks, Diane Keaton,
Eugene Levy, Carl Reiner and Ricky Jay 鈥� were not told that he and
Stringfield would wed when they were invited to his home for a "party,"
Nierob said. The ensuing nuptials were a surprise to them, he said.

Martin, 61, was previously married to actress Victoria Tennant, whom he
divorced in 1994 after about 8 years together, Nierob said.

It was the first marriage for Stringfield, 35, a writer and former
staffer for The New Yorker magazine.

The two had dated for about three years, Nierob said.

Martin delivered his vows sporting an Inspector Clouseau mustache he let
grow in for his appearance in the upcoming sequel to 2006's "Pink
Panther" remake.

His other movies include "Planes, Trains & Automobiles," "L.A. Story,"
"Parenthood," and "Father of the Bride."

His novel "Shopgirl" was made into a 2005 film starring himself and
Claire Danes.

The wedding was first reported by The Insider, a CBS celebrity news show.























Top Entertaiment News ?




* Nicolas Cage, son unveil comic book
* 'The Simpsons Movie' earns big Doh!
* Tom Cruise, ex-wife Kidman both filming in Berlin
* 'Ugly Betty' wins at 22nd Imagen Awards
* Spice Girls announce new tour dates in China, US, Canada





Today's Top News ?




* Negotiators 'hopeful' in Korean hostage crisis
* US to curb Iran with Gulf army deal
* Illgal gov't charges fuelling soaring house prices
* Penalties vary as kids die in hot cars
* Official urges Dalai Lama to abandon secessionist





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Chinese School, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Chinese Studies

Kelly Brook in bikini



? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Most Viewed Photos in 72 Hours







Kelly Brook in bikini




Updated: 2007-07-26 16:28









?? ?? 1?? 2?? 3?? 4?? ??

?? ?? 1?? 2?? 3?? 4?? ??









Related Stories ?



� Kelly Brook to voice for a sexy hamster in new cartoon series
===========================================================================
� Brunette bombshell Kelly Brook's vintage glamour
===========================================================================
� Kelly Brook's fashion secrets
===========================================================================
� A Kelly Brook picture moment
===========================================================================
� Poll: Actress Kelly Brook has 'best legs'
===========================================================================
� Kelly Brook has 'best legs'
===========================================================================
� Kelly Brook's new underwear range
===========================================================================






















Top Entertaiment News ?




* Eagles releasing first album in 28 years
* Queer Lion to roar at Venice Film Festival
* Spears accused of threatening paparazzi
* Nicole Richie confirms she's pregnant
* Keith Richards working on memoir





Today's Top News ?




* 69 miners miners rescued after 3 days
* Lust vs love: 237 reasons we have sex
* China 'is no threat to anyone'
* PLA will not tolerate secessionist moves
* UN approves troops, police for Darfur





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese, Learning Chinese, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing,

Learn Chinese - Damon appears in 'Clean My Ride' video

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / Movies






Damon appears in 'Clean My Ride' video


(AP)
Updated: 2007-07-25 09:24



Would Jason Bourne dress up as a gas pump for a YouTube video? Probably
not. But Matt Damon, who plays him on the big screen, is willing to look
silly when it comes to raising awareness about global warming.

Damon, who reprises his action role in the upcoming "The Bourne
Ultimatum" film, sports the getup during a one-minute cameo in a video
that is part of a series called "Clean My Ride, Flex My Fuel."

The 36-year-old actor 鈥� along with Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Sarah
Silverman and Joshua Jackson 鈥� are lending star power to a new campaign
aimed at putting pressure on lawmakers to require service stations to
sell corn-based ethanol for flexible-fuel cars.

"Come on, Congress," Damon says in the video. "Come on, big oil. Mandate
cleaner cars and cleaner fuel. Flex fuel. A little bit of corn and a
pinch of can-do attitude is all it takes. And kids love it too. Yippee!"

He then sends up his action-star image, punching out a guy for asking him
to do a little dance. "I feel like I'm being `Punk'd,'" he jokes.

The series of five-minute videos, produced by the Center for American
Progress Action Fund, a think tank based in Washington, also show Affleck
鈥� Damon's longtime friend 鈥� dressed as an ear of corn and vowing to
bring down "big oil."

Garner, who is Affleck's wife, makes an appearance in regular garb.
Silverman, known for drawing humor out of awkward moments, berates her
mother for driving a gas-guzzling car.

The final two videos in the six-part series were set for release
Wednesday and Thursday.























Top Entertaiment News ?




* Lohan latest star to tumble into abuse
* Oprah tops list of highest paid TV stars
* OK! has 'heartbreaking' day with Spears
* Julia Roberts to be honoured by Cinematheque award
* Rolling Stones donating share of Polish concert proceeds to bus crash
fund





Today's Top News ?




* Peacekeeping - a rising role for China's PLA
* China bank makes global finance foray
* UN rejects Taiwan's membership bid
* Taliban extends deadline for hostages
* ICBC tops Citigroup as world's biggest





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learn Chinese online, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Free Chinese Lesson - Hairspray

? ?



ENTERTAINMENT / New Releases






Hairspray



Updated: 2007-07-09 14:26


Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has
only one passion--dancing. Her dream is to appear on "The Corny Collins
Show," Baltimore's hippest dance party on TV. Tracy seems a natural fit
for the show except for one not-so-little problem--she doesn't fit in.
Her plus-sized figure has always set her apart from the cool crowd, which
she is reminded of by her loving but overly protective plus-sized mother,
Edna. That doesn't stop Tracy because if there is one thing that this
girl knows, it's that she was born to dance. After wowing Corny Collins
at her high school dance, Tracy wins a spot on his show and becomes an
instant on-air sensation, much to the chagrin of the show's reigning
princess, Amber Von Tussle, and her scheming mother, Velma, who runs
television station WYZT. Even worse for Amber is the fact that it's not
just the audience who loves the new girl in town; Amber's sweetheart,
Link Larkin, seems to be smitten with Tracy's charms as well. This dance
party gets personal as a bitter feud erupts between the girls as they
compete for the coveted "Miss Teenage Hairspray" crown. At school,
however, a short stint in detention and raised-eyebrows caused by the
budding relationship between her best friend Penny Pingleton and Seaweed
opens Tracy's eyes to a bigger issue than the latest dance craze or the
coolest hairdo--racial inequality. Throwing caution to the wind, she
leads a march with Motormouth Maybelle to fight for integration and winds
up with an arrest warrant instead. Tracy is on the lam now and goes
underground--literally--to her best friend Pennys basement. Has Tracy's
luck finally run out? Will she miss the final dance-off against Amber and
forfeit the title of "Miss Hairspray," or will she sing and dance her way
out of trouble again?

Production Status: In Production/Awaiting Release

Genres: Musical/Performing Arts and Remake

Release Date: July 20th, 2007 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG for language, some suggestive content and momentarily
teen smoking.

Distributors: New Line Cinema

Production Co.: Zadan/Meron Productions

Studios: New Line Cinema

?

Filming Locations: Toronto, Canada

Produced in: United States
























Top Entertaiment News ?




* `Chuck & Larry' has box-office edge
* Female president next for Fox's '24'
* Televangelist Tammy Fay Bakker Messner dies
* Gore and Diaz team up for climate contest
* Lohan surrenders to police in May crash





Today's Top News ?




* Hu tours flood-hit area as storm toll hits 152
* Local gov'ts 'ignoring' green model
* Children exposed to sexy adverts
* Deadline extended for Korean hostages
* SASAC: Central SOEs cut to 155





Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Learning Chinese - Beijing bans cigarette sale at newsstands

CITYLIFE / Hip & New








Beijing bans cigarette sale at newsstands
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-05-15 10:01


Beijing municipal authorities showed the red light to cigarette selling
at newsstands which are everywhere throughout the capital, to ensure
safety and curb fire risk.

Jointly issued by the Beijing Municipal Administration of Production
Safety and the Tobacco Monopoly Bureau, the regulations specify essential
facilities for the outlets of companies engaged in tobacco retails.

The requirements have ruled out possibility for poorly-equipped houses
such as newsstands to get license for tobacco retails due to their
questionable safety conditions.

Instead of makeshift shanties, all outlets shall be located in buildings
with a fire resistance capability. The external wall shall be at least 25
centimeters thick, the authority requires.

"Each two tobacco stands shall be located at least 150 meters apart in
bustling avenues," the regulations say.The regulations also demanded at
least two powder fire extinguishers in each outlet, and a GPS monitoring
system in each vehicle for tobacco transportation.

Tobacco retails enterprises are obliged to provide training on safety
production to its staff and equip them with necessities to ensure
occupational safety, according to the regulations.
















Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Today's Top




� Outsiders gobble up pricy houses in big cities

� Suspect held as bogus drug kills 4

� Chip scandal hurts high-tech push

� Retail sales rose 13.4% on incomes

� Pay rises by 16% for State sector workers








Alibaba is the largest B2B marketplace in the world. Source model ship,
wooden puzzle, one-piece toilet, RC hovercraft, photo album, prom dress,
pocket bike, Vaginal Speculum, Samurai Sword, String Panty and PVC Pipe.





Learn Chinese, Learning Mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Chinese Tutor - Knightly's birthday party in style

ENTERTAINMENT / Gossip








Knightly's birthday party in style

Updated: 2006-03-28 14:32





Keira Knightly/Retna


Keira Knightly celebrated her 21st birthday in style last night
(03.26.06) - at a 1920's themed party.

The stunning actress emerged from her West London flat dressed as a
Flapper. She wore a glittering gold gown and furry stole and had her hair
tightly curled.

A passer-by told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "Keira was absolutely
glowing. She seemed pretty emotional, and a girlfriend gave her massive
hug as she came out of her home."

The glitzy party was held at London's Paper nightclub and around 120
guests joined the frivolities.

The guest of honor was Keira's new boyfriend, Rupert Friend. The pair met
while filming "Pride and Prejudice" last year and have been an item since
December.

Rupert stuck to the roaring twenties theme, opting for a dark suit, black
tie and black trilby.

He was not the only man helping Keira celebrate her milestone birthday.
Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and ex-boyfriend Jamie Dornan all helped to
make the star's special day unforgettable.

An insider told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "Johnny Depp is close
pals with Keira and sent her flowers, while Jamie Dornan has bought her
some designer luggage."

















Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours








Today's Top News




� China tariff bill sidelined, new one unveiled

� 'Rise in human cases a dangerous sign'

� Backup plan to cap gas well delayed

� Olmert claims victory in Israeli election





Top Entertaiment News




� Nicole teased Tom Cruise' snoops

� Julia Roberts makes her Broadway debut

� Ang Lee's next film

� Spears sculpture on display next month

� Clooney, Pitt, Damon a Go for 'Ocean's 13'






Learn Chinese, Chinese Mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet

Obama in Europe in effort to burnish foreign cache

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama landed in Berlin Thursday, kicking off the European leg of his overseas trip amid high expectations.

The German capital is the first stop on a whirlwind tour that will take the presumptive Democratic nominee to Germany, France and Britain in an effort to burnish his foreign credentials.

Shortly after arriving, Obama and his retinue made their way from the Tegel Airport to the chancellery that sits across from the city's famed glass-domed Riechstag.

A column of black BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars ferried the candidate to a private meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel. Overhead, a police helicopter kept watch. Some 700 police have been deployed during the visit, which lasts through Friday morning.

Obama paused inside the gates of the chancellery to wave at a group of Bavarian 11th-graders whose class happened to be ending its tour of the building as he was arriving.

"We were really close," said an excited Michaela Schmid. "It was super, a real highlight."

Inside, Obama and Merkel shook hands and exchanged small talk just outside her office before heading behind closed doors.

On Wednesday, Merkel told reporters that she planned to talk about climate change and global free trade with Obama and made clear that Germany will stand by its refusal to send combat troops to southern Afghanistan.

The chancellery is an imposing sandstone-and-concrete cube. The 205,000-square-foot building faces the restored Reichstag in the heart of Berlin's new government quarter. It dwarfs the White House and has more than three times the area of the French president's Elysee Palace in Paris.

Later Thursday, Obama will meet with Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier at his office in the Foreign Ministry.

But Berliners are looking to Obama's speech in front of the Tiergarten's 226-foot high Victory Column. The speech has symbolic value because several U.S. presidents — including John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton — made significant addresses in Berlin.

Former German President Richard von Weizsaecker said the Obama event could help pave the way for a new trans-Atlantic relationship.

"Kennedy said the famous sentence, 'Ich bin ein Berliner,'" von Weizsaecker told the Bild newspaper. "Obama could send the Berlin signal: America is counting on Europe for its future."

"We have long believed that nobody in America is interested in our continent any more," von Weizsaecker added. "The appearance and the speech of Barack Obama are evidence that this preconception is false."

After landing at Tegel Airport, Obama's aircraft taxied by the soon-to-depart plane of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who visited Berlin this week for talks aimed at luring German companies to invest in his country.

Obama met with al-Maliki in Baghdad earlier this week.