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Tag: London

  • Dom Hemingway: Jude Law Stars in Against Type Role

    Jude Law’s titular role in the recently released Dom Hemingway has earned him mostly positive reviews.

    The film opens as safe-cracking petty criminal Dom Hemingway is released from a 12-year prison stint that could have been shortened had he been willing to testify against crime boss Mr. Fontaine (played by Demián Bichir.)

    After going on a bender in London, Dom heads to the south of France to collect his reward from Mr. Fontaine. He is accompanied by his only friend and fellow criminal Dickie Black, a role filled by Richard E. Grant.

    Law describes Dom Hemingway as an old-fashioned crook who lives by a dubious set of morals and rules. According to Law, Dom is an “explosive and poetic and strangely funny yet violent and scary man.”

    Law said he knew upon reading the script that he wanted the role:

    ” … there were sides of him that I knew I had never been allowed to play before.”

    He said the role was simultaneously a challenge and great fun.

    According to costar Grant, Law “goes at it absolutely full throttle on every take.”

    A generally unfavorable review in The Washington Free Beacon allowed that Law and Grant “have pretty solid chemistry and decent comic timing.”

    Dom Hemingway writer and director Richard Shepard said he wanted to write a character that “was outrageous and yet had a heart, but it was difficult to see it.”

    Of the against-type nature of Law’s character, Shepard said “actors really love to look bad.”

    Indeed, according to a review in The Boston Herald, Law “has gotten better since he left his pretty-boy days behind.”

    Law promises viewers Dom Hemingway will “shock you, he will make you laugh, he will titillate you, he will excite you … it’s like going down [to] the pub with him for an hour and a half and … it’s worth it.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Downton Abbey Experience Goes On Sale for Charity

    Downton Abbey Experience Goes On Sale for Charity

    Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael is offering up various Downton Abbey-themed experiences as part of her fundraising efforts for Haiti: Make Births Safe.

    Carmichael, who stars as Lady Edith on the hit series, is working with the organization to offer a range of prizes, the ultimate one being a day on set at Highclere Castle with Carmichael and other Downton Abbey cast members followed by dinner with Carmichael at London’s swanky Criterion Restaurant. Airfare and hotel for two is included.

    Entries start at $10 each. A donation of $7,500 will get you 1,500 entries plus tea with Carmichael in either London or New York City. There are six spots available, three in each location.

    Other prizes offered include a Skype “Etiquette Session from Lady Edith,” a period tea set, and an official behind the scenes of Downton Abbey book signed by the cast.

    Haiti: Make Births Safe represents the collaboration of three non-governmental organizations – Konbit Sante, Haiti Hospital Appeal, and the Haiti Health Trust – with the Haitian Ministry of Health to reduce infant and maternal mortality in northern Haiti.

    Carmichael visited Haiti in 2013 with Haiti Hospital Appeal.

    “It was one of the most memorable and amazing experiences of my life,” she said. “Having the opportunity to meet some of the amazing Haitian doctors who are doing so much, under such difficult circumstances, was incredibly moving and inspiring.”

    In speaking out about the health issues faced by Haitian women, Carmichael referenced a major Downton Abbey event from Season Three: when her on-screen sister Lady Sybil, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, died during childbirth from eclampsia.

    “In Haiti, eclampsia is still a major risk, and still tragically takes many lives,” Carmichael said. “The few doctors there are doing all they can to ease the situation. Seeing their passion was the real inspiration.”

    In August 2013 Haiti Hospital Appeal announced that Carmichael would officially serve as the organization’s “patron.”

    “I’m thrilled to support HHA because their work is so inspiring. They put their money into the hands of people who need it the most and are doing fantastic work building a hospital and children’s homes that will last for generations. HHA is a small charity that is doing vital work and I am so proud to support them,” Carmichael said at the time.

    Downton Abbey airs on ITV Network in the United Kingdom and on PBS in the United States. Season Five is currently in production and set to premiere in the UK later this year and in the US in January 2015.

    Creator Julian Fellowes recently made headlines when he warned cast members not to post anything related to filming of the show on their social media accounts following several tweets made by Season Five guest star Richard E. Grant.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Courteney Cox Living with Boyfriend Johnny McDaid

    Courteney Cox and boyfriend Johnny McDaid are living together, according to mutual friend Ed Sheeran.

    Sheeran, the 23-year-old British singer-songwriter who introduced Cox and McDaid last year, spoke about their romance at a recent VIP preview of Chris Moon’s exhibition A Splendid Isolation in London.

    “I’m not sure that it’s public knowledge, so maybe I shouldn’t have said anything – but, yes, they’re already living together … Things are moving fast. He moved in and, judging by the last time I saw them, they couldn’t be happier.”

    When asked if the couple would marry soon, Sheeran said “I wouldn’t be surprised, but it’s still early days.”

    Cox, 49, and McDaid, 37, made headlines in December when they attended a holiday party hosted by Cox’s friend Jennifer Aniston.

    In February they vacationed in Venice with Cox’s nine-year-old daughter Coco.

    In March Cox hit the red carpet at the Tribeca Film Festival with McDaid at her side. She was there to premiere Just Before I Go, the movie that marks her directorial debut.

    McDaid plays piano and guitar in the alternative rock band Snow Patrol. Originally from Northern Ireland, he and Sheeran lived together in Nashville and Los Angeles last year while working on Sheeran’s sophomore album.

    Sheeran is back in London, having told The Mirror that America can’t replicate the English countryside. But it looks like McDaid plans to remain stateside for the time being.

    Cox appears to have a good relationship with her ex-husband and daughter Coco’s father David Arquette.

    Arquette, who is expecting a baby with girlfriend and Entertainment Tonight correspondent Christina McLarty, has good things to say about McDaid:

    “He’s amazing. Great guy,” Arquette told talk show host Wendy Williams in February. “We’ve gone out to dinner a few times. My whole thing is that, he’s a great man and to have someone kind, that you trust around your kid is the most important part.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Margot Robbie Wows on Empire Awards Red Carpet

    Margot Robbie wowed onlookers at the 2014 Jameson Empire Awards on Sunday with an eye-catching scarlet jumpsuit.

    Robbie accessorized the off-the-shoulder, flared-leg number with minimal jewelry and makeup, a simple black belt, and black peep-toe heels. She wore her newly-brunette hair in loose waves.

    However, her show-stealing appearance was only one part of Robbie’s success at the London awards ceremony. Most notably, she won the Best Female Newcomer Award for her performance in The Wolf of Wall Street.

    The 23-year-old Australian actress faced some tough competition for the award, including Lupita Nyong’o, who took home an Oscar last month for her supporting role in 12 Years a Slave.

    Robbie’s role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street was her biggest to date but she’s been keeping busy since then.

    She’s set to star alongside Michelle Williams and Kristin Scott Thomas in the movie adaptation of Irène Némirovsky’s posthumously-published World War II novel Suite Française.

    Next up is Focus with Will Smith, scheduled for a February 2015 release.

    Robbie recently wrapped filming on Z for Zachariah, most of which took place in New Zealand. The post-apocalyptic science fiction flick also stars Chris Pine and is slated for a 2015 release.

    Finally, Robbie will star as Jane in a live-action version of Tarzan which is scheduled to release in July 2016. Samuel L. Jackson, Alexander Skarsgård, and Christoph Waltz will also star in the big-budget Warner Brothers production.

    Robbie’s love life is the subject of much speculation. In November rumors surfaced that she was involved with Focus costar Will Smith.

    In January Orlando Bloom reportedly showered Robbie with attention at a Golden Globes after party.

    In February Z for Zachariah production team member Henry Aitken posted a photo of himself and Robbie on his Facebook page, sparking a new round of rumors.

    Post by Henry Aitken.

    Image via YouTube

  • NFL Sets Its Sights On More Games To Be Played In London, Possibly A New Franchise

    It may seem like an odd thing to think about, but as the NFL becomes more about its money-making as a franchise, the league may look to add more games to the schedule that will be played in London.

    Although many people may not even realize it, the NFL has already had several teams playing games in London, but of course it does not happen often. There was one game played from 2007 until 2012, but 2013 had London hosting two games, and this year there will be three.

    The NFL continues to do whatever it can to attract viewers, and has gained a large number of fans in England as well, despite already having their own version of football that Americans call soccer. The NFL’s owners have been pleased with the results that London games have given so far, and as a business, it can usually help to expand to a larger market.

    The news of the possibility of adding a fourth game to the NFL’s London schedule in 2015 was revealed by Albert Breer via Twitter. Breer is with the NFL network, and said that it will be one of the big business decisions discussed at an owner’s meeting this week, although it will not be voted on.

    2014 will host three games in London, featuring teams from the NFC and AFC, and teams from around the country. One of the three games this year, Falcons-Lions in Week 8, will kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET. The other two, which will feature the Raiders against Dolphins in Week 4,and Cowboys-Jaguars in Week 10, will start at the usual 1 p.m. ET.

    Business tycoon, and NBA owner Mark Cuban also revealed his feelings about the NFL recently, and where he sees problems in the league. Cuban believes that the league is becoming such a greedy for-profit league that it could “implode in 10 years.”

    Evidence of the league’s greed can easily be seen from the salary that the NFL’s commissoiner Roger Goodell received in 2012, a grand total of $44.2 million. It places him among the highest-paid executives in the country.

    In regards to the NFL in London, the league has also mentioned that it may put a game in a venue other than Wembley Stadium, which has hosted all of the NFL’s London games so far. The NFL may even consider giving London its own franchise, but it is unclear how that would work.

    The NFL is likely to make a lot of money if, and when, it expands to having more games in London, and historically, the league will do anything to make money. Is it a good idea to have a franchise team in London?

    Image via Youtube

  • Kate Bush Announces First Full Shows in 35 Years

    English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer Kate Bush announced on Friday that she will be playing at least 15 full, live sets at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, beginning on August 26th. The Hammersmith Apollo is the same venue where the iconic singer performed the last shows of her 1979 tour, and while tickets have yet to go on sale, her website quickly crashed after the announcement, due to heavy traffic.

    Kate’s official announcement, per her blog:

    I am delighted to announce that we will be performing some live shows this coming August and September. I hope you will be able to join us and I look forward to seeing you there. We’ll keep you updated with further news on the web site. Meanwhile, all details of concert dates and tickets are in the note below.
    Very best wishes,
    Kate

    Bush’s hit single “Wuthering Heights”:

    Bush’s only full tour took place between April 2 and May 13 1979, after which she has only performed live on occasion. A few theories about why she’d stopped touring surrounded exhaustion, a fear of flying and most notably the accidental death of her lighting director, Bill Duffield. Duffield was killed in an accident during Bush’s April 2, 1979 concert at The Poole Arts Centre.

    The 1979 tour was a tightly choreographed, physically-demanding spectacle, which exhausted Bush at the age of 19. The sort of performance the artist plans for at 55 has intrigued her fans.

    Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill”:

    Bush’s fans took to Twitter after the announcement:

    Responding to rabid fan interest, Bush added this message to her blog:

    Hallo everyone,

    I was working all day yesterday and so was totally unaware of the reaction, apart from friends who’d told me it had all gone bonkers….I am completely overwhelmed and genuinely shocked by the incredibly positive response from everyone. Thank you!

    Tickets to Bush’s Hammersmith Apollo residency go on sale next Friday.

    Image via YouTube.

  • Angela Lansbury Shines On London Stage

    Angela Lansbury Shines On London Stage

    In January it was announced that Dame Angela Lansbury would be reprising her role as Madame Arcati in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, on the same stage her mother performed on in 1918.

    In Blithe Spirit, Lansbury’s Madame Arcati, a medium, is invited to the home of socialite and novelist Charles Condomine to conduct a seance. Charles only hopes to get some material for a new novel, but instead sees the ghost of his late first wife Elvira. When the seance is over, Elvira sticks around and tries to ruin Charles’s marriage to his second wife Ruth, who can’t see or hear Elvira.

    Now the critics have had a chance to see the play and they couldn’t be more thrilled with it and Lansbury’s performance.

    Theater critic Charles Spencer said Lansbury was “on sparkling form” and continued, “Thirty-five years ago I remember being bowled over by Lansbury’s performance as Mrs Lovett in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd on Broadway. She brings a similar energy and high definition wit to Madame Arcati. Her voice swoops and soars with superb grandeur and her extraordinary dance routine, in which she seems physically to vibrate as she goes into a trance, is a wonder to behold. This is a tour de force that will glow warmly in the memory of all who see it.”

    If you couldn’t guess, Spencer gave Blithe Spirit a five star review.

    While the Independent‘s critic Paul Taylor also enjoyed the performance, he only gave it four stars, saying, “With her red Princess Leia-style coiffure and clashing arty-meets-hearty wardrobe, Lansbury’s Madame A is a quivering, deliciously erratic blend of bohemian lady novelist and girl guide. It’s the way, though, that she emphasises the medium’s batty and strangely admirable self-belief that makes her portrayal so funny and endearing.”

    Rod McPhee of the Daily Mirror gave a five star review. “Lansbury shows she still has razor sharp comic timing and the arsenal of withering looks and gestures required to play this timeless comedy character. The most subtle change in delivery and tone of voice is perfected by the experienced star, leaving the audience in stitches throughout,” said McPhee.

    Fans also enjoyed Lansbury’s performance, taking to Twitter to share with those not lucky enough to have seen the play.

    Blithe Spirit continues to run through June 7 at the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End.

    Image via YouTube.

  • Claudia Schiffer Once Turned Down $1 Million Date with Arab Prince

    Claudia Schiffer recently recalled some of the most outlandish moments of her long and successful career in the fashion industry:

    “The strangest one was an Arab prince. He asked if he could hire me for a dinner for a million pounds. I declined, and some other supermodel took it.”

    “It’s not all about money,” Schiffer explained. “I just want to be able to walk down the street and be proud of what I do.”

    Schiffer’s modeling career started when she was discovered at a Düsseldorf, Germany night club at the age of 17. Schiffer said she never expected modeling to be a permanent thing. In fact, at one point she considered following in her father’s footsteps and becoming an attorney.

    Instead, Schiffer became one of the original “supermodels.” Despite her initial hesitation about that label and the fact that Schiffer was painfully shy, she admits to relishing the fame she enjoyed back in the heady 1990s.

    Twenty-six years later, Schiffer still works occasionally in the fashion industry but does so very selectively.

    “To be able to say no you have to be happy in yourself, and I am,” she says. “I am balanced and, though I am shy, I am secure and safe. I’m also secure in my position in fashion as I know I worked really hard over a long period of time.”

    Schiffer married British film director Matthew Vaughn in 2002, after a high-profile engagement to magician David Copperfield that lasted from 1994 to 1999.

    Schiffer and Vaughn have three children: Caspar, 11; Clementine, nine; and Cosima, three. In early 2013 the family decided to reside primarily in their rural Suffolk home, enrolling their children in what Schiffer calls “a country school” in order to escape the constant presence of paparazzi.

    “Matthew and I decided that it wasn’t a healthy environment in which to raise children,” Schiffer said of their life in northwest London.

    But Schiffer finds herself back in London for the time being as she adds the role of executive film producer to her impressive resume. She’s working with Vaughn on The Secret Service, a thriller due out in March 2015 starring Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Firth. Other big names rumored to be attached to the movie include Adele, David Beckham, Michael Caine, Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift.

    Schiffer is also working on interiors, props, wardrobe, hair and make-up for the film.

    “I’ve helped on all his films before,” said Schiffer, “but over the years I’ve got more and more involved and my husband is more involved in my projects, so we’ve moved everything closer together.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Angela Merkel Discusses EU Reform with David Cameron

    German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a much-anticipated visit to London on Thursday.

    The visit included a meeting with British Prime Minister and Conservative Party Leader David Cameron at his official residence in Downing Street, a rare address to both houses of Parliament, and tea with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

    Merkel’s visit comes as the British Prime Minister finds himself under increasing pressure for a referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership in the European Union.

    In January, Cameron promised an in/out referendum if his Conservative Party wins the 2015 general election. The news was welcomed by many in his own party, as well as those in the increasingly powerful United Kingdom Independence Party, whose primary policy focus is EU-withdrawal.

    Cameron wants to renegotiate terms and effect reform within the EU, then give his constituents the opportunity to vote on whether or not the UK will remain in the EU.

    “It is time for the British people to have their say,” Cameron said in January. “It is time to settle this European question in British politics. I say to the British people: this will be your decision.”


    Merkel’s address to Parliament on Thursday may have disappointed those who would like to see immediate and sweeping changes to EU policy:

    “Some expect my speech to pave the way for a fundamental reform of the European architecture which will satisfy all kinds of alleged or actual British wishes. I am afraid they are in for a disappointment,” she said.

    “Others are expecting the exact opposite and they are hoping that I will deliver the clear and simple message here in London that the rest of Europe is not prepared to pay almost any price to keep Britain in the European Union. I am afraid these hopes will be dashed,” Merkel added.

    In a letter published in The Telegraph in June 2012, Cameron characterized his issues with the EU: “Too much cost; too much bureaucracy; too much meddling in issues that belong to nation states or civic society or individuals. Whole swathes of legislation covering social issues, working time and home affairs should, in my view, be scrapped.”

    Key areas Cameron would like to reform include migration, job seeking, and benefits tourism.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Taylor Swift Debuts Picture of Short Hair Cut

    Taylor Swift has officially joined the short hair club! The 24-year-old country singing sensation took to her social media accounts to share a glimpse of her new look with fans.

    On Tuesday, Feb. 11, Swift traded her long tresses for a chic, shorter cut ahead of her concert at the O2 Arena in London. The “All Too Well” singer posted the debut picture to both Facebook and Instagram.

    However, the picture wasn’t all she offered. Since Swift is widely known for her signature long locks, she also shared a quick video of fans who actually wanted to have a front row seat of the amazing chop action! The video panned around the room showing all of the fans who waited in anticipation of the singer’s quick makeover.

    Swift can also be heard joking about the attention and notoriety she received over her haircut. “This is how many people are watching me get a haircut right now…We don’t do anything without an audience, do we?, ” she said.

    The picture of Swift’s” big reveal” captured a new and improved version of the Red singer showing off her new short cut alongside Ellie Goulding. “London, I could never thank you enough,” the caption said for the picture photo. “See you next time! PS: short hair, don’t care. (!!!)”

    Fans took to Twitter with their reactions to Swift’s new look. If the tweets are any indication of how the fans feel, its safe to say they’re rather pleased, and they love her even more!

    Although Swift enjoyed the momentous night, which wrapped up her third worldwide tour, she ended up flying back to Los Angeles shortly after. Once the picture of her new hairstyle hit social media, photographers were swarming in hopes of capturing the singer’s short cut. Of course, she was spotted as soon as she arrived at LAX. Pictures were snapped of the singer wearing a black top and matching, pleated black skirt with burgundy boots.

    So, now that the tour is over, does this mean Taylor Swift will be taking a break? Not a chance! She recently announced her upcoming concert dates, as she prepares to take the Red Tour to Asia.

    Image via Taylor Swift, Facebook

  • Fan Rushes Stage at Taylor Swift Concert

    We all know that country super star, Taylor Swift is quite the popular little lady, selling out tours like it’s nobody’s business. And did I mention her fanbase is a tad obsessed? Well they are.

    It turns out there’s one particular fan who took his obsession for the 24-year-old blonde star a little too far at her latest tour stop in London.

    Saturday, Feb. 1 Swift was finishing up singing hit, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” during her show at the O2 Arena in London when an over zealous fan rushed the stage.

    Eager to meet Swift, the male fan ran to Swift handing her something right before immediately getting carried away by security. Swift didn’t seem too bothered by the act, continuing to not only smile but sing.

    She even tweeted after the show to fellow-musician and tour buddy, Ed Sheeran.

    The show in London was the first of the tour’s four performances at that specific arena. Swift will be back at it on Tuesday, Feb. 4, Monday, February 10 and Tuesday, Feb. 11.

    What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done at a concert? Ever rushed the stage to meet your idol? Leave your comments below.

    Image Via YouTube

  • Prince Harry Trades Flight Suit for Business Suit

    Palace officials have confirmed that Prince Harry is, in fact, leaving his helicopter flying days behind him. Women worldwide mourned the loss as they realized that no more photos of the Prince looking hunky and debonair in his uniform would be forthcoming.

    However, Captain Wales is not entirely leaving his army duties in the dust. He has quite enjoyed his role in the Armed Services, stating that “I find it very easy to completely forget about who I am when I’m in the army. Everyone’s wearing the same uniform and doing the same thing. All the officers get called sir and it is great fun. I get on great with the lads and I enjoy my job. It really is as simple as that.” He is simply shifting his focus to internal affairs, at the request of his aging Grandmother, the Queen. According to a statement from Kensington Palace,

    ‘Prince Harry has completed his attachment to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and will now take up a Staff Officer role in HQ London District. The Prince will take the position of SO3 (Defence Engagement). His responsibilities will include helping to co-ordinate significant projects and commemorative events involving the Army in London. Prince Harry will retain the rank of Captain and be based from Horse Guards, in Central London.

    The first “significant project” that the Prince is engaging in? Bringing the “Warrior Games” to London. After visiting the United States last year to support a British team competing in the Olympic like games for wounded soldiers, the Prince became keen on the idea of hosting the games in the Olympic stadium in London.

    (image)

    Thus far, he has the support of both his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his grandmother, the Queen. With such prominent supporters, it seems likely that the Warrior Games will be traveling to London within the year. However, the initiative has yet to be approved by the office of the Prime Minister or the Government.

    According to The Evening Standard, “Prince Harry is passionate about this project. He believes it will be an amazing event that will bring the focus of attention on the problems facing those injured on the frontline and will serve to inspire servicemen and women and the wider public.” As a serviceman himself, completing a five month deployment in Afghanistan, Prince Harry is particularly attuned to the needs of his fellow soldiers and seems committed to gaining them the recognition they deserve with his new post.

    Images Via Wikimedia Commons (1) (2)

  • Kate Moss Celebrates 40th Birthday with Husband and Friends

    English model and international fashion icon Kate Moss celebrated her 40th birthday on Thursday by lunching with her husband Jamie Hince and a group of friends at London’s 34 Restaurant.

    Moss stepped out in a black dress and heels topped off with a coat in what has become her trademark leopard print pattern. According to the Daily Mail, St.Tropez skin-finishing expert Nichola Joss went to Moss’s home on Wednesday night to make sure her skin was looking nicely bronzed on the big day.

    The model’s birthday luncheon guest list was impressive, but not surprising given her status in the fashion world. Guests included Naomi Campbell, Sadie Frost, John Galliano, Stella McCartney, and Jo Wood. Sir Philip Green was also in attendance, escorting Kate’s mother into the Mayfield area restaurant.

    Green is CEO of the Arcadia Group, a retail conglomerate that includes British fashion retailers Topshop and Dorothy Perkins. Prior to the birthday celebration, Green presented Moss with an impressive if not slightly over-the-top birthday gift: a perfect-condition early 1970s model Porsche.

    Moss and Green share the same South London roots – they were both born in Croydon. It has been rumored that Moss played up their common origins when she introduced herself to Green, saying “I’m a girl from Croydon, you’re a boy from Croydon, why don’t we do something?”

    Moss began collaborating with Topshop, releasing her first collection in 2007. It generated over 3 million pounds – or almost $5 million – in revenue. After a three-year hiatus, she’s set to head back to the retail giant, which is quickly gaining popularity in the US. On its website, the retailer calls Moss a “long-time Topshop friend”:

    The fashion icon is returning to Topshop after a three year hiatus and has been working with stylist Katy England and Topshop creative director Kate Phelan on a collection that’s due to launch in April 2014. If you fell in love with her floral tea dresses or her denim cut-offs from Kate Moss’s seasons past, we have no doubt you’ll fall for what’s coming next.

    In addition to her Topshop collaboration, Moss will soon join Vogue UK as a contributing fashion editor.

    According to Forbes, Moss was the fourth highest paid fashion model in the world from June 2012 to June 2013, earning an estimated $5.7 million.

    Image via YouTube

  • Cressida Bonas and Prince Harry Dine in Style?

    Cressida Bonas and Prince Harry were spotted dining in a Kensington burger joint this week, despite rumors of a split. Seemingly enjoying one another’s company at Byron Hamburgers–a fast food joint not far from Harry’s apartment–the two chowed down on the restaurant’s casual fare. This definitely wasn’t dining fit for a king–or a prince, as the case may be, but sources say the two were “having a good time.”

    Rumors of Cressy and Harry’s split came as a result of spending most of December apart. Prince Harry was working at the South Pole and she was doing whatever young attractive Brits do in the Caribbean for most of the month. The two reunited, however, and she was set to attend an informal New Years Eve gathering hosted by Queen Elizabeth. Sources speculated that Prince Harry might propose to Cressida Bonas at the event, but that likely didn’t take place, as rumors on that topic have remained silent.

    A few months back when Harry was supposedly preparing to become engaged to Cressida Bonas, an unidentified source told the media that “talk of Harry and Cressida getting married could not be further from the truth,” and that while the prince “is incredibly fond of Cressida and loves her company,” he “has commitments and plans in other areas of his life that could be jeopardized by settling down.”

    Settling down seemed to be the furthest thing from Cressida Bonas and Prince Harry’s minds as they enjoyed their burgers in Kensington earlier this week. Perhaps the two are simply dating and the month apart meant nothing more than exactly what it was–a case of work and obligations taking them to different parts of the world. If and when Prince Harry decides to settle down, Cressida Bonas may in fact be the one. However the royals don’t seem to care right now. All eyes are on Kate Middleton and Prince William and their beautiful baby boy, Prince George. Harry might even like it this way. When the attention is on Will and Kate, there’s a bit less on him. And that means he has a while longer to behave simply as Prince Harry–wild, spontaneous and definitely not attached.

    Image via YouTube

  • Downton Abbey Christmas Special: The Crawleys visit Buckingham Palace

    The much-anticipated Christmas episode of the hit series Downton Abbey saw the Crawley family in London for Lady Rose’s debut at court.

    Although Season 4 won’t premier in the US – on PBS – until January 5, it’s been airing on the UK’s ITV television network since September.

    The Christmas special was the ninth episode of Season 4. Episode 8 aired on November 10, so viewers had to wait more than a month for episode 9.

    This year’s Christmas edition was significantly lighter fare than last year’s, which saw the shocking death of character Matthew Crawley. This year creator Julian Fellowes gave viewers a more comforting episode that tied up a few loose ends from Season 4 and left open interesting possibilities for Season 5.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zj3ZbwFPho
    The two-hour episode saw the Crawley family in residence at their London home, as Rose was to be presented at court for her society debut. In the days leading up to her debut, Rose managed to get the family involved in a royal scandal, which patriarch Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, skillfully maneuvered them out of, with a little help from his valet, underdog favorite Mr. Bates.


    Shirley MacLaine made her third appearance in the series. She’d previously appeared in the first two episodes of Season 3 as Martha Levinson, the American mother of Cora Crawley. According to Alex Fletcher on The Digital Spy, MacLane’s character “felt underused” in this episode.

    A highlight of the episode was Paul Giamatti’s debut as Harold Levinson, Cora’s free-spirited playboy of a brother. Fletcher described Giamatti as a “sheer delight.” The door was left open for future appearances, which seems a good idea given Harold’s positive reception last night.

    The blossoming romance between Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes might have been fans’ favorite part of the Christmas episode. The two shared a tender moment when the staff enjoyed a day at the beach, delighting fans with the materialization of a romance that has been anticipated since the end of Season 1.

    Image via Twitter

  • Keira Knightley Spotted Twice in Baggy Overalls

    Keira Knightley is known for her low-key, eclectic fashion choices.

    She lived up to her reputation a few days ago when she hit the shops in London on two different occasions wearing baggy denim overalls.

    Or, as they’re called in the UK, dungarees.

    Knightley’s apparent shopping uniform of choice was similar both days: she wore the baggy overalls over sweaters, topped with warm coats, and completed the look with a pair of clunky brown combat boots. On both occasions she appeared to be wearing little to no make-up and was sporting dark-framed glasses.

    And in another nod to low-key styling, there was no designer bag in sight. Knightley carried only cotton totes on her shopping expeditions, despite the fact that she surely has ample access to high end bags given her star power and her gig as the face of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance.

    The overall-wearing Knightley was accompanied on one of her London shopping excursions by husband, James Righton.

    Knightley married Righton, co-vocalist and keyboardist for the London-based band Klaxons, in May. The wedding, held in the South of France, was typical low-key Knightley style. So low-key, in fact, that Knightley chose a dress she’d previously worn as her wedding dress.

    She created a stir when she wore the dress a third time at a December 3 London gala supporting the Serious Fun Children’s Network.

    More than six months later, the Internet is still talking about Knightley’s wedding dress choice:

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Joanna Dennehy Admits to Serial Killings

    “I have pleaded guilty and that’s it.”

    Joanna Dennehy, 30, a former middle-class teen who ran away at the age of 15, has pleaded guilty to murdering three men and then dumping their bodies.

    According to the London Telegraph, Kevin Lee, 48, Lukasz Slaboszewski, 31, and John Chapman, 56, were stabbed within days of each other. Lee was found in a roadside ditch on Easter Sunday. Slaboszewski and Chapman were found by a local farmer four days later at Thorney Dyke, a remote location.

    Standing by her boyfriend in the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, commonly known as the Old Bailey, Dennehy also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of two other men, leaving the courtroom and her lawyers stunned.

    “The course of the arraignment is not one we had anticipated,” said her barrister, Nigel Lickley QC.

    “I’m not coming back down here again just to say the same stuff,” she said, objecting to her barrister receiving more time to check her guilty plea. “It’s a long way to come to say the same thing I have just said.”

    High Court Judge, Nigel Sweeney said, “She has pleaded guilty to a large number of counts, clearly intentionally, and in the circumstances if there is to be any application for a change than I will consider it but otherwise she has pleaded guilty.”

    Dennehy, Slaboszewski, and Chapman were said to have lived together in a house owned by Lee, a property developer and family man.

    “He was a wonderful husband, father, loving brother and son. His naturally infectious personality touched everyone who knew him,” said Chris Wilson, a friend of the Lee family. “We have no idea why he would be targeted or what has happened.”

    Toni Roberts, a former tenant in the house, said that Dennehy, Slaboszewski, and Chapman had been served an eviction notice and had to be out by April 29.

    Two other defendants, Leslie Layton and Robert Moore, appeared in court on Sunday by videolink. Both had previously denied helping Dennehy cover up the stabbings and hiding her and her boyfriend while the police searched for them. Dennehy’s boyfriend, Gary Richards, denied the two attempted murders and three charges of preventing burial.

    image via: London Telegraph

  • Joan Collins Gets Her Own One-Woman Show

    Joan Collins will be giving fans a chance to hear some never-before-told tales of her private life and see previously unseen film footage early next year, as she takes to the stage in London for a one-woman show.

    Collins rose to fame in the ’80s with a high-profile role on “Dynasty” and has written three very successful memoirs. This new show–which runs from February 2 to February 9–will encompass several years of the star’s life and give theater-goers an intimate look at her early years in show business. According to Broadway.com:

    “One Night With Joan follows the ups and downs of the TV legend’s life and career. Collins will screen rare and hilarious film footage and speak first hand about her screen test for Cleopatra and why she lost the role to Elizabeth Taylor, her on-set encounters with Bette Davis, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Paul Newman and Richard Burton, and, of course, her many relationships. Audiences can also expect to see outtakes of her legendary catfights with Linda Evans in Dynasty. The evening includes a question and answer session with the chance to ask Joan anything about her headline-making life.”

    Image: YouTube

  • Gillian Anderson Returning to the London Stage

    Gillian Anderson, best known for her role as Special Agent Dana Scully on the TV series The X-Files is returning to the stage.

    In Summer 2014, fans of Anderson can see her on the London stage. Anderson will play Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire, the 1947 play written by Tennessee Williams. This version will be directed by Australian Benedict Andrews.

    In A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche DuBois is “a fading, though still attractive, Southern belle whose pretensions to virtue and culture only thinly mask her alcoholism and delusions of grandeur. Her poise is an illusion she presents to shield others (but most of all, herself) from her reality, and is an attempt to make herself still attractive to new male suitors.”

    The character of Blanche DuBois was most notably played by Vivien Leigh in both the stage and film version. Cate Blanchett, Faye Dunaway, and Rachel Weisz have also played to iconic southern belle.

    The play can be seen at The Young Vic Theatre, who took to their Twitter to announce the news.

    David Lan, the Young Vic Theatre’s artistic director, said, “This was Gillian and Benedict working together. They sought each other out, and went through what they’d like to do, and came up with Blanche. With these two people involved there are going to be fireworks on the stage.”

    Andrews previously directed Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters at the Young Vic.

    Anderson was last seen on the London stage in 2009. She portrayed Nora in Henrik Ibsen’s, A Doll’s House, at Donmar Warehouse in London’s West End. She was nominated for a Lawrence Olivier Award in 2010 for Best Actress for her portrayal. The Olivier Awards are the highest honor in British theater.

    [Image via Anderson’s Twitter.]

  • Amy Winehouse Statue Unveiling Delayed

    Mitch Winehouse, father of Amy Winehouse, has delayed the unveiling of the much anticipated statue of his daughter in Camden, England. Even though the statue was finished and approved by May of this year, Mitch Winehouse states that there are several blemishes with the bronze statue created by London artist Scott Eaton. Amy Winehouse’s former boyfriend, Reg Traviss, told the British newspaper Mail that “He doesn’t want anything to go up that he’s not completely satisfied with. But obviously it’s never going to look exactly like her.”

    The statue depicts Amy Winehouse in a retro dress with a beehive hairstyle, which had become her iconic look. It is to be placed on a balcony at the Roundhouse, the venue where Winehouse gave her final performance, three days before her death. The statue is part of a larger project called #Amys30, which is a month-long celebration in September to commemorate what would have been Winehouse’s 30th birthday. The event is being put on by the Amy Winehouse Foundation. Founded by her father after her death, the Amy Winehouse Foundation seeks to help those who have addiction problems and has donated over 600,000 pounds to charities since its inception in 2011.

    This is not the first time controversy has arisen over the proposed statue. In March of this year, London officials finally gave clearance for the project to be constructed after several issues were raised by local authorities. The main concern was that this statue would cause people to gather in the street near it. However, the project was passed by the council after it was agreed that the statue would not be lit up at night, hopefully deterring those who sought to view the statue as a shrine.

  • Host City 2020 Olympics Will Be Tokyo, Japan

    Tokyo will be sports fans’ destination for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympics Games. The International Olympic Committee selected Japan’s capital city today, home to over 36,000 people.

    Tokyo last hosted the games in 1964. This round they used the slogan, “the Olympics will be safe in our hands.” This pitch and Tokyo’s pledge to spend a fraction of what the London Olympics cost likely weighed heavily in their favor against the backdrop of cities that have struggled to pull off the massive event, specifically Athens in 2004 and the Rio de Janeiro anticipating 2016, added to next year’s winter host Sochi coming in as the most expensive Games in history.

    Competing cities Istanbul and Madrid are feeling the sting of multiple disappointments in their Olympic hosting dreams. Both have congratulated Tokyo on the win.

    I was in Madrid during their attempt at winning last year’s Summer Games, when beat out by London, and the excitement (before) and disappointment (after) were palpable. This is Madrid’s third consecutive pitch, having been knocked out of contention for the 2016 Games as well by Rio. Barcelona was the site of the 1992 Summer Games.

    (image)

    NBA basketball star and Olympic silver medalist Pau Gasol, a prominent figure in Madrid’s presentation, said, “It’s a shame because we were confident and had a good feeling… I don’t think our work has been duly recognized in this instance.” Madrid actually presented the least expensive option to the IOC.

    Istanbul is suffering its fifth rejection by the IOC—it beat Madrid but a silver second can sometimes be most painful. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had optimistically flown to Buenos Aires, where the vote was being held, to make the country’s bid after attending the Group of 20 Summit in Russia. But Istanbul suffered problems in June when protesters and government officials clashed violently. Probably not working in the country’s favor either are a series of doping scandals involving Turkish athletes and uncertainty about violence in neighboring Syria.

    (image)

    Erdogan said after the vote, “It wasn’t our fate.”

    London mayor Boris Johnson sent Tokyo his congratulations, one host to another, “Huge congratulations to Tokyo for winning the honor of hosting the greatest sporting spectacular on the planet… I am sure that, like London, your great city will put on an extraordinary event.” He promised to share experiences from last year’s Games.

    [Images from Olympics and Istanbul Facebook pages and the author.]