As we see ‘Star Trek : Into Darkness’ sail to the top of the box office this week, and the anticipation for Star Wars 7 build, audiences continue to flock to see new releases in bigger and bigger numbers. It dawned on me that if Star Wars and Star Trek had never existed, what would have happened to our culture?

The history of both franchises is very different, but where they share a common language is community. Without these movies, millions of people would have never come together to enjoy these stories. Parents would have never gone to the cinema with their kids, friends and family would have never laughed together over memorable characters, and the world that we know today would have surely been different.

Visionaries like George Lucas and Gene Roddenberry defined decades of entertainment, and I think to myself, without these guys, and without the creative teams that came together to make these movies, my childhood and my values would have been different.

It’s thanks to clever characters like Data in Star Trek, or C3PO in Star Wars that we can make friendships with other people, because these fictional characters are an ice-breaker. We see the human qualities in them, and it’s just a lot of fun to share our views about them with others. But it’s also that form of escape; being able to go to the future in our minds, and identify with those characters in those situations, that makes it that much more special. Talented actors like William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, Natalie Portman, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher have all portrayed these characters so brilliantly, and created a cult following thanks to their interpretations.

It’s been a real delight to discover these movies, these personalities, and the battle of good versus evil. From special effects, to props, to sound design, and directing, it’s been an incredible collaboration, and I think that’s what filmmaking is really all about.

There is something truly special about both franchises, and I am just very grateful they have remained popular for so long, and continue to be reinvented and made. From the triumphs to the failures, the highs and the lows, the Star Wars and Star Trek universes are some of the greatest examples of our humanity today.

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Justin Bieber grabbed onstage

Singer Justin Bieber was performing at a concert in Dubai when a person attacked him from behind as he played the piano.

According to a report in the National, Bieber was playing the piano to his fans when a “youth in a white shirt and jeans” got on to the stage and grabed Bieber from behind.

Security then rushed to him as the attacker was grabbing hold of him. The piano which Bieber was playing on was also reportedly “knocked off its hinges”.

Despite the security breach according to the National, Bieber and the band were able to resume the song after the attacker was taken off the stage.

It is unclear what the motives of the attacker were and how he was able to get so close to Bieber during his performance. The young star is frequently in the media and has millions of fans, as well as ‘enemies’ around the world. Was his performance just too much for one disgruntled Bieber hater?

More to follow..

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Piers Morgan and NRA CEO clash

Piers Morgan released last night a video showing NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre’s speech at the NRA-ILA Leadership forum, criticizing him among other public figures of their stance on gun ownership.

Wayne LaPierre addresses supporters

“We know how they play the game. President Obama or Michael Bloomberg or some other official trots out on national television to scold and shame us, suggesting there is something wrong with law abiding people who want to own firearms, and then what happens? All the Piers Morgans, Lawrence O’Donnells, Rachel Maddows..they pound the message over and over again…”

The speech then cuts to Piers’ direct response to LaPierre, supported by footage of a man shooting an assault rifle at police.

Piers Morgan responds

“That’s right Mr LaPierre, I will continue to pound that message and continue to show shocking footage on this show until people like you realise the damage that guns are doing to Americans every day….This man used an assault rifle and a 40 bullet magazine, two things you don’t think should be banned. Try telling that to those police officers….”

CNN Video : Piers Morgan attacks LaPierre

In recent weeks the debate about gun ownership has raged in America. After new legislation was rejected, President Obama addressed Americans with deep disappointment of the result.

Obama addresses legislation vote

“I’m going to speak plainly and honestly about what’s happened here because the American people are trying to figure out how can something have 90 percent support and yet not happen. We had a Democrat and a Republican -– both gun owners, both fierce defenders of our Second Amendment, with “A” grades from the NRA — come together and worked together to write a common-sense compromise on background checks. And I want to thank Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey for their courage in doing that. That was not easy given their traditional strong support for Second Amendment rights.

As they said, nobody could honestly claim that the package they put together infringed on our Second Amendment rights. All it did was extend the same background check rules that already apply to guns purchased from a dealer to guns purchased at gun shows or over the Internet. So 60 percent of guns are already purchased through a background check system; this would have covered a lot of the guns that are currently outside that system.

Their legislation showed respect for gun owners, and it showed respect for the victims of gun violence. And Gabby Giffords, by the way, is both — she’s a gun owner and a victim of gun violence. She is a Westerner and a moderate. And she supports these background checks.

In fact, even the NRA used to support expanded background checks. The current leader of the NRA used to support these background checks. So while this compromise didn’t contain everything I wanted or everything that these families wanted, it did represent progress. It represented moderation and common sense. That’s why 90 percent of the American people supported it.”

- Full transcript via the White House

How will the gun debate evolve? Who’s right?

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Tom Hanks, ‘Kinky’ musical up for Tonys (via AFP)

Tom Hanks was the big name on the nominations list Tuesday for this year’s Tony Awards, but the musicals “Kinky Boots” and “Matilda” were vying for the heaviest haul of gongs. Hanks, better known for his work in Hollywood, shone in “Lucky Guy,” a Nora Ephron play about the ups and downs of controversial…

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Gary Goldstein turns to Kickstarter for new book

Hollywood Producer Gary Goldstein behind such hits as ‘Pretty Woman’ and action classic ‘Under Siege’ is turning to Kickstarter to share his knowledge with all those who want to become successful screenwriters.

Having produced some of Hollywood’s biggest movies, Goldstein’s valuable experience in working on big productions and getting scripts made is a dream many screenwriters wish to fulfil. Getting a script made however is an uphill struggle for first time screenwriters, especially with no insider connections, or knowledge on how that difficult process works. Even with a good script, and experience, getting in the door is not easy, and there’s lots of competition out there in the marketplace.

Goldstein decided to use the Kickstarter platform to help him raise money for the book, which he will self publish. He is also giving people the opportunity to have mentoring and script makeovers, along with personal coaching.

With the support of other key industry figures, including Producer Suzanne Lyons and Margo Romero (The Apprentice), Goldstein will be giving screenwriters additional giveaways if the project is successful.

At the time of writing, Gary has raised over $5000 in just a few short days. Check out his Kickstarter page here for more info.

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Obama plays Obama

Yes that’s right, President Obama got together with Steven Spielberg to define a new era of ‘Presidential method acting’.

Released at the White House Correspondent’s dinner last night, the funny ‘Daniel Day-Lewis skit’ has gone viral online, and has become the highlight of this year’s dinner.

Opening the skit, Steven Spielberg introduces a new movie that’s been on his mind since he went to bed the previous night : A movie about “Obama”. This new epic stars Daniel Day-Lewis as ‘Obama’, and unfolds before our very eyes.

Obama as Daniel Day Lewis but not

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyU213nhrh0

What really sets this video apart is that Obama plays the role of Daniel Day-Lewis playing Obama, which is pretty good considering you have to understand the mindset of Daniel Day-Lewis playing Obama. So if you guys can follow me on this:

Obama had to prepare, and study Daniel Day-Lewis to understand how he would portray Obama, then interpret what would be his performance of Obama, but whilst actually being Obama, playing another Obama.

Does President Obama have a future in Hollywood? He certainly does now

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Ben Affleck shopping list : $1.50

By now you will have heard that Ben Affleck is taking the noble decision to raise awareness for those who live on less than $1.50 a day. It’s unimaginable for most of us how anyone can survive on that budget. However Affleck could achieve quite a lot on such a small daily budget if he got creative with it.

Here are some high value items he could buy (not factoring in the daily food costs here) that would help him bring smiles to people around him, to himself and begin his money making career all over again.

Top 10 list of must have items

Affleck could begin to write screenplays from the minute he hits the streets. He knows he’s got a good reputation in the industry, and with the recent award season success he should have no problem getting back on the ladder when he sends in the next treatment.

If he is allowed to carry with him an MP3 player to begin his quest, he could listen, in loop for 24 hours a day, the song ‘Money’ by Pink Floyd to inspire him to find a way to increase his low budget.

With some sheets from a notepad, or any discarded paper on the street, Ben could be making shot lists for his next movie in no time, and sharing that with his future collaborators. He could also be drawing pictures of fluffy cats and silly dogs to give children smiles.

With a pair of scissors in hand, Ben could be cutting people’s hair in no time. It’s now or never to become a very succesful ‘street barber’.

If street bound, Affleck could walk into a community centre, hotel or any electronic store with a DVD player and put in his movie ‘The Town’. This would remind him of what he had achieved in the past, and that it was possible again, if he made the right choice from that moment on.

Picking up an American flag would give him that all-important patriotic feel. The American dream is just around the corner. Wave that thing!

Dark times call for unusual possessions. In his quest to find humor in the struggle for survival, Affleck could afford to get himself a pack of pony stickers to place on the cars of Hollywood celebs he hates (or admires). Seeing their smile, or anger, could inspire him to do street performing, and gauge the reaction of people when he does something silly or unexpected.

Knowing that the water he’s going to be drinking will likely be less than adequate, and somewhat dirty, why not spice things up a bit and put a childhood hero back in the mix. With a Super Mario mug, whatever substance he puts into it, will give him a smile.

Entertaining children is an art. By painting his face in absurd colours, Affleck could inspire parents in the local area to hire him out to entertain their restless kids.

With a few cents left over from the purchase, Affleck could be heading out to Beverly Hills knocking on doors to offer games of poker. Celebrities with enough pennies left over from indulging in unnecessary purchases can challenge him to a duel. If he’s good enough, Affleck can slowly but surely poker face his way to the millions once more.

Let’s hope he gets through this and on a more serious note check out Live Below the Line for more information on the campaign.

Research was conducted before the article was written to find items priced at less than $1.50 from multiple stores including Amazon and Walmart.

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President Obama issues message to nation

President Obama has just issued a statement to the press regarding the explosions that have rocked the Boston Marathon:

“Good afternoon everybody. Earlier today I was briefed by our homeland security team in boston…I’ve directed the full resources of the Federal Government..The American people will say a prayer for the people of Boston tonight…we don’t yet have all the answers. We do know that multiple people have been wounded. I’ve spoken to FBI Director…We reaffirm that on days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats. We are Americans….All Americans stand with the people of Boston.”

“We salute all those that assisted and responded”

“We still don’t know who did this or why. We will find out who did this, and why they did this.”

“Boston is a tough and resilient town, so are its people. The American people will be with them every step of the way….Our teams will provide you briefings. We are still in the investigation at this stage.”

Please note this is a partial audio transcription of the President’s speech moments ago. The full speech will be available via the White House website in due course. Thanks for reading.

Update:

Emergency number set up in Boston : +1 617 635 4500.

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CNN

Tragedy at Boston Marathon

Several explosions have rocked the Boston Marathon, with a 3rd reported in the last few minutes at the JFK Library.

As of yet we don’t know who is reponsible for these explosions. The airspace around the city has been restricted, the President informed, and the White House has yet to make an official statement.

All major networks have now tuned into what’s happening on the ground. As this story emerges we will have more to follow. 2 people have been killed with 28 injured.

Deadline reported that special coverage of the explosions would air on all major networks. Global media have also turned their attention to the unfolding events.

It is not yet clear whether this is a terrorist attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this tragedy.

UPDATE

There are reports of unexploded devices being defused by security. 8 people are believed to be in critical condition

Boston Mayor sets up emergency hotline : +1 617 635 4500.

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“A moment before you need more happiness,” quips Don Draper to a quizzical Roger Sterling in the season six teaser. While it seems out of reach for the cast of “Mad Men”, something about their unending, quest for happiness makes for some of the best television of our era.

At the end of season five, we left Don at the bar, courted by two lovely young sirens who are beckoning him to slip back into his duplicitous ways. We’re left with one of the most powerful, yet understated, cliff hangers thus far.

Don’s Sink or Swim: On a persona level, each complex character will continue to wrangle their inner demons as they deal with a changing world and a changing professional ecosystem. Don’s torment over the suicide of his brother was only compounded by Lane Pryce’s exit– the mental anguish Don grapples with over the loss of a friend and cohort could prove to be too much to bear. Don’s life has already been paved in loss and lined with stoic chagrin. Megan was supposed to be an emotional elixir for his self-reconciliation process, but her independent streak is starting to cause cracks in his idealized notion of her, and his morose complexities may prove too corrosive for her to handle without losing a bit of that free-spirited joy we’ve grown to love about her.

Peggy: Pressure doesn’t begin to describe the rigors of daily life that Peggy deals with. Although, her final confrontation with Don, as she ventures out on her own, could serve as foreshadowing to a to a reversal of roles— will Don be scrambling to impress Peggy someday soon? As self-destructive and vain as he can be, the end of season five reveals that he hasn’t lost all humility yet, but he has lost Peggy. Will she flourish on her own, or will she be confronted with, and disheartened by the same suitcase of problems she faced on her ascension up the ranks at Sterling Copper Draper Pryce?

Pete: Here’s a funny one; Pete Campbell may be the least likable character on the series, yet he manages to keep himself in the mix with the “big men,” somehow. Pete is like the whiny contestant that still somehow makes it into the big race. His disinterest in those he is supposed to love, makes us think that it won’t be long until karma gives him a hit he can’t recover from. Mad Men has never sought to provide its fans with  gift-wrapped solutions, so we sure hope he doesn’t end up on top.

Joan: Joan found herself on the bottom last season. After grappling with a fragile elf-esteem, that wants nothing but to be respected and loved for the right reasons, Joan realizes that she must pick herself up again. Unfortunately, Joan is at risk of becoming a scorned woman, and the psychological damage that comes out of that mess won’t be nearly as pretty as she is. Happiness doesn’t seem like a realistic option for Joan any longer, but just how much will her misery cost her new partners?

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