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(CNN) -- World champion Lewis Hamilton has been disqualified from last weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne after presenting "misleading" evidence to stewards. Hamilton has been disqualified from the Australian GP after presenting "misleading" evidence to stewards. The McLaren driver and Toyota's Jarno Trulli were called to an FIA hearing in Malaysia -- the site of this weekend's grand prix -- on Thursday to discuss an incident during Sunday's race. Trulli finished third at Melbourne's Albert Park, only to later be handed a 25-second penalty by race stewards which relegated him to 12th position and saw Hamilton lifted into third. However, following Thursday's hearing, Trulli has been reinstated in third position. McLaren had complained that veteran Italian Trulli had illegally passed Hamilton under yellow flags following an accident late on involving Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica in his BMW Sauber -- who were running second and third at the time. Trulli had decided not to appeal the original decision but the FIA, the sport's governing body, said it had received new information and pressed ahead with a second hearing. "The stewards, having considered the new elements presented to them from the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, consider that Lewis Hamilton, and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, acted in a manner prejudicial to the conduct of the event by providing evidence deliberately misleading to the stewards at the hearing on Sunday 29th March 2009," the FIA said in a statement. It said Hamilton and McLaren had violated its rules and retrospectively disqualified him from the race. Meanwhile, Trulli believes justice has been served after Thursday's decision. "I am happy because I wanted some justice and I got it," he told PA Sport. "I am happy for myself and the team and I have to thank the FIA because it does not happen very often they reconsider something. "It must have been really hard for them, but they had common sense to really try and understand what was going on. I have always been honest and it has paid off."
[ "What disqualified him?", "Who is the world champion?", "What is the evidence?", "What has Lewis Hamilton be disqualified from?", "What was Hamilton involved in?", "What kind of evidence did the team present?" ]
[ [ "presenting \"misleading\" evidence to stewards." ], [ "Lewis Hamilton" ], [ "\"misleading\"" ], [ "last weekend's Australian Grand Prix" ], [ "presenting \"misleading\" evidence to stewards." ], [ "\"misleading\"" ] ]
World champion Lewis Hamilton has been disqualified from the Australian GP . Stewards say Hamilton and McLaren team presented "misleading" evidence . Hamilton was involved in incident with Toyota driver Jarno Trulli in Melbourne .
(CNN) -- World champion Lewis Hamilton has been disqualified from last weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne after presenting "misleading" evidence to stewards. Hamilton has been disqualified from the Australian GP after presenting "misleading" evidence to stewards. The McLaren driver and Toyota's Jarno Trulli were called to an FIA hearing in Malaysia -- the site of this weekend's grand prix -- on Thursday to discuss an incident during Sunday's race. Trulli finished third at Melbourne's Albert Park, only to later be handed a 25-second penalty by race stewards which relegated him to 12th position and saw Hamilton lifted into third. However, following Thursday's hearing, Trulli has been reinstated in third position. McLaren had complained that veteran Italian Trulli had illegally passed Hamilton under yellow flags following an accident late on involving Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica in his BMW Sauber -- who were running second and third at the time. Trulli had decided not to appeal the original decision but the FIA, the sport's governing body, said it had received new information and pressed ahead with a second hearing. "The stewards, having considered the new elements presented to them from the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, consider that Lewis Hamilton, and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, acted in a manner prejudicial to the conduct of the event by providing evidence deliberately misleading to the stewards at the hearing on Sunday 29th March 2009," the FIA said in a statement. It said Hamilton and McLaren had violated its rules and retrospectively disqualified him from the race. Meanwhile, Trulli believes justice has been served after Thursday's decision. "I am happy because I wanted some justice and I got it," he told PA Sport. "I am happy for myself and the team and I have to thank the FIA because it does not happen very often they reconsider something. "It must have been really hard for them, but they had common sense to really try and understand what was going on. I have always been honest and it has paid off."
[ "who has been disqualified from the Australian GP?", "Who was disqualified from the GP of Australia?", "who was hamilton involved in the cincident with?", "Which world champion was disqualified?", "what did Stewards say?", "What was the evidence believed to be?", "What was the incident Hamilton was involved in?" ]
[ [ "champion Lewis Hamilton" ], [ "Lewis Hamilton" ], [ "McLaren" ], [ "Lewis Hamilton" ], [ "consider that Lewis Hamilton, and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, acted in a manner prejudicial to the conduct of the event by providing evidence deliberately misleading to the" ], [ "\"misleading\"" ], [ "presenting \"misleading\" evidence to stewards." ] ]
World champion Lewis Hamilton has been disqualified from the Australian GP . Stewards say Hamilton and McLaren team presented "misleading" evidence . Hamilton was involved in incident with Toyota driver Jarno Trulli in Melbourne .
(CNN) -- World champion race driver Jenson Button has joined the McLaren Formula One team, McLaren announced Wednesday. The jump to powerhouse McLaren -- already the home of previous world champion Lewis Hamilton -- creates the first team to start a season with the two previous world champions racing together, McLaren said. British media reports said the deal was worth $30 million over three years. Both Button, 29, and Hamilton, 24, are British. Button visited McLaren headquarters earlier this month as he was being lured to the team, he said in a statement Wednesday. "It wasn't simply the technical resources and the incredible standards of excellence that impressed me," Button said. "I was equally struck by the ambition, the motivation and the winning spirit that flow through everybody there. And then there's the team's epic history: put it this way, the trophy cabinets seem to stretch for miles." The Guardian newspaper reported that Button's former team, Brawn GP, offered to double Button's salary to keep the driver for 2010, but the terms were rejected. News of the decision coincides with an official announcement from German carmaker Mercedes-Benz that their allegiance has moved from McLaren to Brawn; the current champion constructors will compete under the Mercedes banner next season. Button's switch comes after news that former world champion Kimi Raikkonen will not race in Formula One in 2010, after failing to secure a team. The Finn's manager, David Robertson, told the BBC he had been trying to secure a deal with McLaren for the former Ferrari driver but the offer had not been enough for the 30-year-old to sign. It seems Raikkonen will now turn his attention to the World Rally Championship instead: "It wasn't in his interests to race for what [McLaren] were offering so he's going to go rallying," Robertson said. What do you think of Button's move? Have your say in our Sound Off below.
[ "Who did Jenson Button sign a deal with?", "Who will not race in 2010?", "When did Button visit McLaren headquarters?", "Who will not race in Formula One in 2010?", "What will former world champion Kimi Raikkonen not do?", "Who signs a three-year deal with McLaren?", "Who visited McLaren headquarters earlier this month?" ]
[ [ "McLaren Formula One team," ], [ "Kimi Raikkonen" ], [ "earlier this month" ], [ "Kimi Raikkonen" ], [ "race in Formula One in 2010," ], [ "Jenson Button" ], [ "Button" ] ]
Jenson Button signs a three-year deal with McLaren according to British media reports . Button visited McLaren headquarters earlier this month as he was being lured to the team . Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen will not race in Formula One in 2010 .
(CNN) -- World champions Italy meet France Tuesday at Euro 2008 in a rematch of the 2006 World Cup final and the 2002 European Championship final -- but with very different consequences. Italian players train Monday in Zurich ahead of their showdown with France. With both sides still seeking their first win of the tournament, defeat for either in Zurich would mean certain elimination from Group C and an ignominious return home for the losing squad. Should Romania beat the Netherlands -- who are expected to rest key players having already qualified for the quarterfinals -- in the group's other match in Berne both sides face elimination regardless of the result. French coach Raymond Domenech and Italian counterpart Roberto Donadoni could also find their jobs on the line if their players fail to meet the expectations of two countries steeped in footballing success. Going into the tournament, both the Azzurri and les Bleus -- who also met twice in qualifying -- had been considered among the favorites despite being placed in the toughest group. But shock defeats against the Dutch -- 3-0 and 4-1 respectively -- and failure to beat the defensively minded Romanians has left them scrambling for survival. "Nobody would have thought that Italy-France would be a last-ditch match," said Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, whose penalty save against Romania kept his country's slim hopes of making the last eight alive. "Before the European Championship, this was supposed to be the biggest match of the group." Either Italy and France could advance if they win and Romania are beaten or held to a draw by the Dutch. Italy could also sneak through with a score draw if Romania lose. Who will win Tuesday's crunch match between France and Italy? Have your say "We know what's at stake and we're ready to put our hearts and souls into it. For us, this is already a final," said Donadoni, who replaced Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi following Italy's win on penalties over France two years ago. "Both sides will be extremely motivated and will try to win. It should be exciting. I can't wait for the game to start." Admitting that both sides' fate was out of their own hands, Domenech recognized that France's qualification hopes hung by a thread with the Dutch unlikely to chase victory against a Romanian side they failed to beat in qualifying. "They (the Netherlands) won't play with as much energy as they did against us and Italy," said Domenech following his side's defeat by injury. "It's very difficult to imagine Holland beating Romania now... We have to forget the other game completely. We still have a tiny chance but it will only happen if we win our game." Domenech is still without veteran midfielder and captain Patrick Vieira of Italian champions Inter Milan, who has failed to feature in the tournament since picking up a thigh injury in training two weeks ago. Lyon striker Karim Benzema was tipped to return to the side after missing the game against the Netherlands. Italy could recall forward Antonio Cassano in place of veteran Alessandro Del Piero while AC Milan midfield pair Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini could also return to the starting lineup. Romanian coach Victor Piturca said he expected a tough match against the Netherlands despite the Dutch having already sealed their place in the last eight and Romania's victory over Marco van Basten's side in Bucharest during qualifying. "We had some experienced players who knew Dutch football well and that helped us with our tactics against them in the qualifiers," said Piturca. "However, that wasn't a good time for the Netherlands whereas right now, unfortunately for us, they are in extremely good form... We know the different scenarios but by the end of the game I hope we will have qualified because we deserve it." The runners-up in Group C will face Spain, the winners of Group D, in Saturday's quarterfinal in Vienna. The Dutch's next opponents will be the determined by the result of Wednesday's clash between Russia and Sweden.
[ "Who admits French hopes of qualifying are \"tiny\"?", "Who faces world champions Italy?", "when did frace face world champions Italy with losers going home?", "who beated netherlands in other group game?", "Who is to put \"heart and souls\" into winning the match?" ]
[ [ "coach Raymond Domenech" ], [ "France" ], [ "Tuesday" ], [ "Romania" ], [ "Donadoni," ] ]
France face world champions Italy at Euro 2008 with losers going home . Both sides face elimination if Romania beat the Netherlands in other group game . Italy to put "heart and souls" into winning the match, coach Donadoni says . French coach Domanech admits French hopes of qualifying are "tiny"
(CNN) -- World leaders rushed to congratulate President-elect Barack Obama as incumbent George W. Bush called his win "a testament to hard work, optimism and faith in the enduring promise of our nation." Kenya declared a national holiday for Obama's White House victory. Speaking from the White House, Bush said the people had chosen a president "whose journey represents a triumph of the American story." He said: "It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House. "I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have waited for for so long." Watch the speech from President Bush » Across the globe, people in city squares and villages, living rooms and shacks cheered his success, boosting hopes that America's first black commander-in-chief might herald a more conciliatory approach to the rest of the world. Leading the congratulations by world leaders, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was excited about the prospect of working with the new U.S. president. "I know Barack Obama and we share many values," he said. "And I look forward to working extremely closely with him in the coming months and years." Watch as Brown hails 'friend of Britain' » German Chancellor Angela Merkel also offered her congratulations and said she would work with Obama to deal with the challenges facing the world. "I'm convinced that through a close and trusting cooperation between the United States and Europe we will be able to confront new risks and challenges in a decisive manner and will be able to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that are opening up in our world," Merkel said. Obama met both Brown and Merkel over the summer while on an international trip through Europe and the Middle East and held a huge rally in Berlin that revived memories of President John F. Kennedy's 1963 visit. Chinese President Hu Jintao offered similar congratulations, urging Obama to join China in shouldering "important common responsibilities." "I look forward to endeavor together with you," he said. "To push the Sino-U.S. constructive and cooperative relations to a new level, in order to better benefit our two peoples and the peoples of the world." In Kenya, Obama's extended family danced in his ancestral village of Kogelo, chanting, "Barack Obama, Barack Obama is going to the White House." Obama's grandmother, half-brother and relatives eagerly watched the election results, while in the capital Nairobi, revelers marched and danced through the streets to sirens and whistles, singing Obama's name and carrying and waving American flags. Blog from Kogelo, Kenya Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki called Obama's election "a momentous day not only in the history of the United States of America, but also for us in Kenya. The victory of Senator Obama is our own victory because of his roots here in Kenya. As a country, we are full of pride for his success." Watch celebrations in Kenya » U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said: "On a personal note, as an African-American, I am especially proud because this is a country that's been through long journey in overcoming wounds, and making race not the factor in our lives." Her predecessor, another African-American, Colin Powell said he wept as he watched Obama deliver his victory speech in Chicago's Grant Park. Powell, in an interview with CNN in Hong Kong, said he believed Obama had the potential to be a great president and asked Americans -- including Republicans -- to get behind Obama. Watch as Powell describes his reaction » Powell, a retired U.S. general and a Republican, was once seen as a possible presidential candidate himself but endorsed Obama towards the end of the campaign. "Obama displayed a steadiness. Showed intellectual vigor. He has a definitive way of doing business that will do us well," Powell said Wednesday. In Jakarta, Indonesia
[ "Who is the President of Kenya?", "Who congratulates Barack Obama?", "What did President Bush say?", "What did Bush say that the Obama victory represents?", "Who congratulated Obama?" ]
[ [ "Mwai Kibaki" ], [ "leaders" ], [ "\"whose journey represents a triumph of the American story.\"" ], [ "a triumph of the American story.\"" ], [ "German Chancellor Angela Merkel" ] ]
President Bush: Obama victory represents a triumph of the American story . World leaders congratulate Barack Obama on winning U.S. presidential election . Most stocks rise in Asia as Obama win seen positively; markets fall in Europe . Kenyan President Kibaki calls Obama victory "our own victory"
(CNN) -- World number four Andy Murray continued his superb end of season form, coming back from a set down to beat top seed and defending champion Rafael Nadal in the final of the Japan Open in Tokyo on Sunday. Murray won last week's Thailand Open, as well as last month's Cincinnati Masters, but he looked to be on course for a sixth successive loss against world number two Nadal when the Spaniard powered through the opening set. But Murray turned things around in devastating style, taking the second set and then outplaying 10-times major champion Nadal in the decider, allowing his opponent just four points in the whole set, to complete an impressive 3-6 6-2 6-0 success. It was Murray's 21st win from his last 22 matches, his only defeat in that time coming to Nadal in the semifinals of the U.S. Open, and ensured he closed the gap to third-ranked Roger Federer ahead of next week's Shanghai Masters tournament in China. Murray told the official ATP Tour website: "I've played well in the last few months in Cincinnati and then the U.S. Open and I now need to carry on that form into Shanghai. "I need to keep up the wins and hopefully I'll get to the No. 3 ranking. It's not the ultimate goal, but it's the target I set myself for the last few tournaments of the year." He added: "It had to be some of the best tennis I have ever played in the third set. I've played some good matches against Rafa in the past but it was just very consistent. I didn't make too many mistakes and played well at important moments," he added. Nadal, who is again seeded to meet Murray in the final in Shanghai, conceded that his opponent was too strong for him on the day. "Andy's serve worked fantastic at important moments. He played unbelievable and made no mistakes in the third set when he played very aggressive and hit a lot of winners." Meanwhile, Czech Tomas Berdych claimed his first ATP Tour title in nearly two-and-a-half years with a 3-6 6-4 6-1 success over Croat Marin Cilic in the final of the China Open in Beijing. Third seed Berdych was securing his sixth career title but his first since winning on the clay courts of Munich in May 2009. In the women's final, 11th seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland overcame a second set hiccup to defeat Andrea Petkovic of Germany, seeded nine, 7-5 0-6 6-4 to claim her seventh career title.
[ "How many points did Nadal win in the final set?", "Who beat Nadal in the Japan Open?", "who did just four points in the final?", "How many matche has Murray won in the last 22?" ]
[ [ "3-6 6-2 6-0" ], [ "Andy Murray" ], [ "Rafael Nadal" ], [ "21st" ] ]
Andy Murray fight back to beat Rafael Nadal in the final of the Japan Open . Murray allows Nadal just four points in the final set to win 3-6 6-2 6-0 . It is Murray's 21st win in 22 matches, a run which has seen him win three titles . The two players are seeded to face each other again in the Shanghai final .
(CNN) -- World number one Rafael Nadal continues to prove unbeatable on his favorite clay-court surface, as he won his fifth Barcelona Open title in a row with a straight sets victory over fellow-Spaniard David Ferrer on Sunday. Rafael Nadal lifts the massive Barcelona Open trophy for the fifth year in a row after his win over David Ferrer. The 22-year-old Nadal, who last week secured his fifth Monte Carlo title in succession, repeated that feat on home soil by winning 6-2 7-5 in a repeat of the 2008 final. The victory gave Nadal his 35th career title (24 of them coming on clay) and meant the Barcelona tournament was won by a home player for a seventh straight year. "I could have never have imagined that I would win here for a fifth time," a beaming Nadal said after the match. "Congratulations to David also. Even if it was impossible for him to win today, he had a great tournament. For me, this is much more than a dream," he added. Nadal will have no time to celebrate as he heads directly for the Rome Masters which begins on Monday. Last year, an obviously exhausted Nadal lost in his opening match to compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero.
[ "How many tites have they won?", "How many years has the trophy been won?", "Who has the Open title?", "Who defeats David Ferrer?", "How many titles does Nadal have?", "Who took the trophy?", "What was the title?" ]
[ [ "35th" ], [ "fifth" ], [ "Rafael Nadal" ], [ "Rafael Nadal" ], [ "35th" ], [ "Rafael Nadal" ], [ "Barcelona Open" ] ]
Rafael Nadal defeats David Ferrer in straight sets to lift Barcelona Open title . World number one wins 6-2 7-5 to take the trophy for a fifth year in succession . The title was Nadal's 35th of his career with 24 of those coming on clay-courts .
(CNN) -- World number one Roger Federer has crashed out in the second round of the clay-court Rome Masters event, losing in three sets to unseeded Latvian Ernests Gulbis. The top seed looked set to cruise through after taking the opening set, but Gulbis fought back in the next two sets and, despite wasting six previous match points, the world number 40 eventually went through 2-6 6-1 7-5 in a match littered with unforced errors. Federer, who will defend his French Open title at Roland Garros next month, looked woefully out of form and made under 50 per cent of his first serves as he slumped to defeat in just over two hours. The win continued Gulbis' impressive 2010, which has seen him claim his first ever ATP Tour title at Delray Beach in February. "It's incredible, I was shocked after the match, it's a great feeling: indescribable," Gulbis told reporters. It was Federer's first opening round loss at the Foro Italico since losing to Andrea Gaudenzi in 2002 -- and the first time since the 2000 Monte Carlo Masters that the Swiss maestro had lost his first clay-court match of the season. "I hope I can bounce back, it's usually what I do after a loss like this," said Federer. "When you lose, you understand how difficult it is to dominate this Tour. "This knockout format is brutal -- one week you are great and the next week you are terrible," Federer told reporters. There were no such problems for second seed and 2008 champion Novak Djokovic, who took under an hour to demolish Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-1 6-1. And fourth seed Andy Murray also cruised through, easing to a 6-2 6-4 victory over home favorite Andrea Seppi. However, 16th seed Juan Monaco was beaten 7-6 6-4 by Romanian Victor Hanescu, while ninth seed Mikhail Youzhny lost 6-4 4-6 6-3 to former world number one Lleyton Hewitt.
[ "who was the world number one?", "Which round did Federer crash out in?", "Who beat Federer?", "what ranking is Roger Federer?", "who crashes out in second round of the Rome Masters?", "Who did Djokovic beat?", "who beat Jeremy Chardy ?", "who was the second favorite?" ]
[ [ "Roger Federer" ], [ "second" ], [ "Latvian Ernests Gulbis." ], [ "number one" ], [ "Roger Federer" ], [ "Jeremy Chardy" ], [ "Novak Djokovic," ], [ "Novak Djokovic," ] ]
Top seed Roger Federer crashes out in second round of the Rome Masters . The world number one is beaten 2-6 6-1 7-5 by Latvian Ernests Gulbis . Second seed Novak Djokovic cruises through after beating Jeremy Chardy 6-1 6-1 .
(CNN) -- World number one golfer Tiger Woods has become a dad for the second time after wife Elin gave birth to a boy, Charlie Axel, on Sunday. Elin hands daughter Sam to Tiger after his victory at last year's U.S. Open. The couple already have a daughter Sam Alexis, who was born in June 2007, and proud dad Tiger announced news of the latest family addition on his official Web site on Monday. "Elin and I are thrilled to announce the birth of our son, Charlie Axel Woods," said Woods who has been sidelined since knee surgery following his 14th major triumph at the U.S. Open last June. "Both Charlie and Elin are doing great and we want to thank everyone for their sincere best wishes and kind thoughts. "Sam is very excited to be a big sister and we feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. I also want to thank our doctors, nurses and the hospital staff for their personal and professional care. "We look forward to introducing Charlie to you at the appropriate time, and again thanks from all of us for your kindness and support." The arrival of Charlie Axel comes as Woods prepares to return to the Tour with his earliest realistic comeback in three weeks at the Accenture World Match Play in Tucson where he would be the defending champion. However, reports suggest he may wait until the Tour comes to Florida, where he lives, next month. "I have no restrictions -- it's just a matter of getting my golf endurance up. I don't have my golf stamina back yet," he said on his Web site. "I am excited about returning to competition. Early on I didn't miss golf because I enjoyed staying home with Elin and Sam and I knew I wasn't physically able to play. "The truth is, I would have embarrassed myself. Now I'm getting my feel and practice back. It's just a matter of playing more on the course. "I'm working hard to get myself back into tournament shape and will return as soon as I'm ready." Woods position at the top of the world rankings -- he was 11 points clear at the time of surgery -- is currently under threat from Spanish star Sergio Garcia who has closed the gap to less than three points.
[ "What surgery did he have?", "Who became a dad for the second time?", "Are they still married?", "What did the parents name the baby?", "Who is Tiger Woods?", "Who is the number one golfer?", "Who gave birth?", "Who has become a dad?" ]
[ [ "knee" ], [ "Tiger Woods" ], [ "wife Elin" ], [ "Charlie Axel," ], [ "World" ], [ "Tiger Woods" ], [ "Elin" ], [ "Tiger Woods" ] ]
World number one golfer Tiger Woods has become a dad for the second time . Wife Elin gave birth to boy, Charlie Axel, on Sunday Woods says on Web site . Arrival of Charlie Axel comes as Woods prepares for Tour return after surgery .
(CNN) -- World number three Rafael Nadal of Spain survived a three-set battle to reach the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 tournament at Indian Wells as second seed Novak Djokovic crashed out on Wednesday night. Nadal is starting to recover his best form after his injury problems of last year, but the giant Isner posed a continuous threat when he leveled at one set it looked ominous. But Spanish ace Nadal kept battling and got a lucky break in the fourth game of the decider as his U.S opponent's return hit the net cord and bounced back on his side of the net to fall down a break. It gave Nadal a decisive break and he held on for victory in the fourth round match. Nadal, who won the Indian Wells title last year and in 2007, is the lone survivor among former champions of the tournament: Top seed Roger Federer of Switzerland went out to Marcos Baghdatis in the third round while Serbian ace Djokovic of Serbia joined him on the sidelines with a 7-5 6-3 defeat to Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in their last 16 match. 27th-seeded Baghdatis could not repeat his heroics against Federer as eh slipped to a 7-5 0-6 6-4 loss to Spanish 18th seed Tommy Robredo. Home hopes were kept alive by Andy Roddick who advanced to the last eight with as a 7-6 6-4 win over Austrian Jurgen Melzer, while fourth seed Andy Murray was detained on court for only 38 minutes as his fourth round opponent unseeded Spaniard Nicolas Almagro retired with a left ankle injury. "He seemed like he was moving okay," Murray told the official ATP Tour Web site. "At the start we had some pretty good points. But then it seemed like it came on pretty suddenly. He said he had done it yesterday, and if you have a bad ankle sprain, it's obviously very difficult to move," Murray next plays Roland Garros finalist Robin Soderling, who reached the quarterfinals in California for the first time after beating ninth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 6-3 6-4.
[ "Who is the lone survivor among former champions?", "What rank is Andy Murray?", "Who was Novak Djokovic beaten by?", "Who is the lone survivor among former champions at Indian Wells?", "What rank does Andy Murray hold?", "Who beats Novak Djokovic?" ]
[ [ "Nadal," ], [ "fourth seed" ], [ "Rafael Nadal" ], [ "Rafael Nadal" ], [ "fourth seed" ], [ "Rafael Nadal" ] ]
Rafael Nadal is the lone survivor among former champions at Indian Wells . Spanish star sees John Isner of the United States in three sets . Second seed Novak Djokovic beaten in straight sets by Ivan Ljubicic . Fourth-ranked Andy Murray eases through as Nicolas Almagro retires .
(CNN) -- World number two Maria Sharapova limped out of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo after twisting her ankle during her quarterfinal match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic. Sharapova had hoped for revenge after the Kvitova beat her in the final at Wimbledon this year. But with Sharapova losing 4-3 in the first set the Russian fell and retired shortly after. "I hit a serve and then landed awkwardly on my left ankle. I felt a sharp pain and next thing I knew I was on the floor. It swelled up immediately and I knew there was no way I could continue," Sharapova said in a statement quoted by AFP. "I am incredibly disappointed and in a lot of pain. I obviously really wanted to win and felt that I was playing well." Sharapova's retirement means that Kvitova will now face another Russian, Vera Zvonareva, in the semifinals although the Czech player expressed her sadness at the manner in which the match ended. "We played very nice tennis, I think, and it was a great match," she told AFP. "I'm very sorry about her, because the ankle swollen was too big straight away. Hopefully... she will be back early." Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland will contest the other semifinal. But it was a day when injuries ruled the headlines after Novak Djokovic also pulled out of a tournament due to injury. The Serbian player, ranked number one in the world after his stunning U.S. Open triumph earlier this month, announced he was pulling out of the China Open after injuring himself in a recent Davis Cup match. The injury has also put Djokovic's appearance in next month's Shanghai Masters in doubt. World number three Roger Federer and Frenchman Richard Gasquet have already pulled out of the event. The injuries come at the end of a grueling season where several top players have raised the prospect of a strike over the amount of tennis being played.
[ "to what was the result in the first set?", "Where is Pan Pacific Open held?", "What was her injury?", "What sport do they compete in?", "What seed is she?", "Who is number one?", "Who is world number one?" ]
[ [ "Sharapova losing 4-3" ], [ "Tokyo" ], [ "twisting" ], [ "tennis," ], [ "number two" ], [ "Novak Djokovic" ], [ "Novak Djokovic" ] ]
Maria Sharapova pulls out of the Pan Pacific Open in Japan after twisting her ankle . She was losing 4-3 in the first set of her quarterfinal match against Petra Kvitova . World number one Novak Djokovic also announced he was pulling out of the China Open due to injury . Players had threatened a strike due to tournament 'burn out'
(CNN) -- World number two Rafael Nadal beat Milos Raonic in the second round of the Japan Open for the second successive year on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Tokyo tournament. Defending champion Nadal, top seed for the Ariake Coliseum event, completed a straight-sets 7-5 6-3 triumph without conceding a break of serve against his Canadian opponent. "His serve was impressive, especially at the beginning of the match," Nadal told the ATP Tour's official website of his 20-year-old opponent. "It was an important victory for me and now I am in the quarterfinals. Physically I feel fine and I have the motivation to keep going and keep practising hard." Next up for Spain's Nadal is Colombian Santiago Giraldo, who ended the challenge of Russia's Dimitry Tursunov with a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win. Second seed Andy Murray powered past American Alex Bogomolov Jr., smashing 11 aces on his way to a 59-minute 6-1 6-2 success. "It was good," said Britain's Murray, who has won 18 of his last 19 matches. "I wanted to get off to a good start, having played a long match against Marcos Baghdatis in the first round. "It was good to get the first set in 20 minutes. It was a bit tougher in the second. Against Baghdatis I had a lot of long rallies and tough situations I had to get through, so I am pleased with today's performance." World No. 4 Murray's next opponent will be 2002 Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian after the Argentinean eliminated big-serving Croat Ivan Dodig with a 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 victory. Spaniard David Ferrer also booked his place in the last eight, the third seed coming back from one-set down against Australian qualifier Matthew Ebden to seal a 4-6 6-2 6-2 win. Meanwhile at the China Open in Beijing Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga moved into the quarterfinals by knocking out Chinese wildcard Ze Zhang. World No. 7 Tsonga, top seed for the tournament, continued his quest for a seventh career Tour title with a 6-3 6-4 success in 77 minutes. The 26-year-old's win set up a clash with former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero after the Spaniard beat compatriot Marcel Granollers 6-4 6-4. In the women's draw, Romanian Monica Niculescu continued her unlikely challenge for a second WTA Tour title by inflicting a 4-6 6-1 6-2 loss on fellow-qualifier Virginie Razzano. Niculescu, who defeated French Open champion Li Na in the opening round, will come up against Maria Kirilenko next after the Russian eased to a 6-1 6-2 win over Austria's Tamira Paszek. Second seed Victoria Azarenka was forced to withdraw from her match against Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, meaning world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki is the only top 10 player left in the draw.
[ "who did rafael nadal beat", "What world rank is Rafael Nadal", "Who is in the China Open?", "Who beat Canada's Milos Raonic", "what rank was rafael nadal", "What place is Nadal in the Japan Open?", "Nadal is in the quarterfinals of what", "Who beats Milos Raonic?" ]
[ [ "Milos Raonic" ], [ "number two" ], [ "Jo-Wilfried Tsonga" ], [ "Rafael Nadal" ], [ "number two" ], [ "the quarterfinals" ], [ "Japan Open" ], [ "Rafael Nadal" ] ]
World number two Rafael Nadal beats Canada's Milos Raonic . Top seed Nadal now into quarterfinals of the Japan Open . Second seed Andy Murray has also reached the last eight . Jo-Wilfried Tsonga into last eight of China Open in Beijing .
(CNN) -- World record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt added yet another title to his tally after racing to victory in the Bupa Great CityGames 150 meter sprint in a new best time in Manchester on Sunday. Usain Bolt smashed the world 150m record in his first race of the season in Manchester on Sunday. The Jamaican, who broke both the 100m and 200m records before anchoring his country to the 4x100m relay title in Beijing, clocked 14.36 seconds -- smashing the previous world's best by 0.39 seconds. Bolt, in his first competitive outing of the season, finished well ahead of Britain's Marlon Devonish, who ran 15.07. The 22-year-old, who was only passed fit on Monday after a car crash which required minor surgery on his foot just over a fortnight ago, was given a bye into the final. But he did not disappoint and the breakdown of times in his sprint were staggering. He covered the first 100m in 9.90, which although well short of his record-breaking 9.69 in Beijing, was still impressive on a very damp temporary track constructed in the city center. Even better was his speed over what is termed "the flying 100" -- from 50-150m -- which he covered in just 8.72 seconds. It all added up to a run which eclipsed the previous best of 14.75 by American Tyson Gay, whose time was recorded during a 200m race and not a straight 150m sprint. "It is one more to the tally," Bolt told reporters when told of his world-best time. "I thought I would just go out there and run a good time. I am not in the best shape and I still have a lot of work to do but I am getting there," he added. Debbie McKenzie Ferguson of the Bahamas won the women's race in 16.54 seconds ahead of Olympic and world 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu, who finished in 17.10.
[ "What record did Usain Bolt shatter?", "when The 22-year-old old was only passed fit on?", "What race did Usain Bolt win?", "What was the sprinter's name who shattered world records?", "How many seconds did it take Usain Bolt to complete the 150m race?", "Who did Usain Bolt defeat?", "What was the winning time of the sprinter?" ]
[ [ "150 meter sprint" ], [ "Monday" ], [ "Bupa Great CityGames 150 meter sprint" ], [ "Usain Bolt" ], [ "14.36" ], [ "Marlon Devonish," ], [ "14.36 seconds" ] ]
Usain Bolt shatters world record by winning 150m in Manchester on Sunday . The Jamaican sprint king defeats Marlon Devonish in a time of 14.36 seconds . The 22-year-old old was only passed fit on Monday after a recent car accident .
(CNN) -- World-record signing Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his debut as Real Madrid kicked off the Spanish football season with a shaky 3-2 victory at home to Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday night. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after paying off a small chunk of his record transfer fee with a goal on his Real debut. Real's new generation of "Galacticos" were preceded onto the pitch by the world's fastest man Usain Bolt, with the Jamaican sprint star dribbling a ball to the delight of a packed Bernabeu crowd. Coach Manuel Pellegrini fielded seven new signings against a team who stunned Real 2-1 on the opening day last season to foreshadow a season of massive upheaval for the underachieving capital club. The first goal took just 26 minutes in coming as $92 million signing Kaka fed the ball to $50 million capture Karim Benzema, whose shot rebounded off the post and fell welcomingly to Real captain Raul to score. Ronaldo, who cost $130 million when he left Manchester United, then rose highest to meet a free-kick from $50 million midfielder Xavi Alonso but headed over the bar. Deportivo stunned the home crowd in the 30th minute when former Real striker Riki was allowed a free header to equalize in the type of defensive lapse that typified Madrid's performances last season. But while Pellegrini has obvious problems to sort out at the back, where he fielded debutants Ezequiel Garay and Raul Albiol in the absence of the suspended Pepe, he has volumes of attacking resources at the other end of the pitch. His team took the lead again in the 34th minute through Ronaldo, who coolly slotted home from the penalty spot after Raul went down under goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia's challenge following a clever pass from midfielder Lassana Diarra. However, Real could not hold onto the lead, with veteran Juan Carlos Valeron firing a leveler from the edge of the area just 43 seconds into the second half following a cross by Andres Guardado. Valeron should have made it 3-2 with an even easier chance 12 minutes later, but he sidefooted another pass from Guardado wide of the Real goal. Real continued to pile forward in numbers, peppering the Deportivo goal, but it was the unexpected figure of Diarra who netted the eventual winner in the 60th minute with a low drive from outside the box. Benzema should have doubled the lead soon after following a mistake by Aranzubia, but saw his chip over the keeper rebound off the bar. The Frenchman made way for last season's top scorer Higuain in the 72nd minute, with the Argentine lucky to avoid being booked for a blatant dive in the penalty area. Real's rivals Barcelona start the defense of their title on Monday at home to Sporting Gijon, having already won a trophy this season by beating Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 in the European Super Cup on Friday.
[ "Who scored on his debut for Real Madrid?", "Real kicked off the Spanish football season with a win over which team?", "What was the score?", "Who won in the first game of the Spanish season?", "Who kicked off Spanish football season with 3-2 win?", "Who scored on their debut for Real Madrid?", "Who leveled for visitors?", "Who scored the opening goal?" ]
[ [ "Cristiano Ronaldo" ], [ "Deportivo La Coruna" ], [ "3-2" ], [ "Real Madrid" ], [ "Real Madrid" ], [ "Cristiano Ronaldo" ], [ "Riki" ], [ "Cristiano Ronaldo" ] ]
World-record signing Cristiano Ronaldo scores on his debut for Real Madrid . Real kick off the Spanish football season with a 3-2 win at home to Deportivo . Raul scores opening goal and Ronaldo's first-half penalty makes it 2-1 . Juan Carlos Valeron levels for visitors before Lassana Diarra's 60th-minute winner .
(CNN) -- Worries about high tides overwhelming parts of Thailand in recent days have morphed into fears about water- and insect-borne diseases in the flood-ravaged country. Bangkok's central business district has avoided major flooding so far, but outlying areas are chest- or waist-deep in water. "The water in those parts is a filthy black color containing sewage, garbage and dead animals with a nasty smell. Mosquitoes are also breeding rapidly," said Igor Prahin of Bangkok. More than 370 people have died since the flooding began after heavy monsoon rains. U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Kristie A. Kenney said Monday that "the worst may be over for central Bangkok," but about 2 million people are still affected by the flooding. The United States has pledged a total of $1.1 million in aid. CNNGo: Updated travel information for tourists Charities working in the country have warned of diseases such as diarrhea, dengue fever and malaria in the coming days and weeks. "There are places on the outskirts of Bangkok and in other parts of the country which have been flooded for nearly two weeks," said Matthew Cochrane of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. "The country's prime minister has said that the city has 'dodged a bullet' -- the economic impact of central Bangkok being flooded would have been huge, and thankfully that did not happen -- but a huge part of the country is still under water," Cochrane said. "Outside the city it is certainly a humanitarian crisis, because there are people who have been cut off for weeks without any aid, supplies or food." UNICEF said it was providing 20,000 mosquito nets and handing out 20,000 pamphlets explaining how to stay safe and healthy in flood-stricken regions. Supatra (Jenstitvong) Assavasuke, who lives east of central Bangkok, took in two friends whose house on the west side of the city is submerged under 1 to 2 meters (3 to 7 feet) of water. It's unclear how long they will need to stay. She and her family have helped donate about 3,000 liters (almost 800 gallons) of drinking water to those in worse-off areas. "Those who got affected, they lose their houses, they lose their jobs, their cars -- many things," she said. But even those in the capital faced possible shortages of water. The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority said it had reduced the amount of tap water processed for residents from 900,000 to 400,000 cubic meters per day, because of high algae counts at one of its plants. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said authorities would speed up the process of draining water into Bangkok's canals and into the sea, raising hopes that water levels in the city could start to sink. However, the government has warned it may take more than a month for the floods to recede. Already, the flooding has caused an estimated $6 billion in damages, the Thai Finance Ministry has said. The Thai government has set up more than 1,700 shelters across the country, where more than 113,000 people have taken refuge. Yet many are trying to push through with their daily routines. In Bangkok's Chinatown area, a food vendor up to her knees in murky water continued to serve patrons at her small cart. One resident traveled down a street by row boat as a nearby bicyclist pedaled through thigh-deep flooding. And a man walked his dog near Bangkok's Grand Palace, the dog chest-deep in water. CNN's Bryony Jones, Kocha Olarn and Germain Perez contributed to this report.
[ "What kind of crisis is this?", "How many people are affected by the flooding?", "What does the water contain?", "what does the Charities working in the country warn about?", "What did the relief agency say?", "what Water in outlying areas has ?", "How many people affected by flooding?" ]
[ [ "a humanitarian" ], [ "about 2 million" ], [ "sewage, garbage and dead animals" ], [ "diseases such as diarrhea, dengue fever and malaria" ], [ "it was providing 20,000 mosquito nets and handing out 20,000 pamphlets explaining how to stay safe and healthy in flood-stricken regions." ], [ "sewage, garbage and dead animals" ], [ "2 million" ] ]
2 million people are affected by the flooding, a U.S. diplomat to Thailand says . Bangkok resident: Water in outlying areas has "sewage, garbage and dead animals" Relief agency: Places outside Bangkok cut off from supplies endure a humanitarian crisis . Charities working in the country warn about diarrhea, dengue fever and malaria in the coming weeks .
(CNN) -- Wrestler Edward Fatu, better known as the hulking, tattooed WWE superstar "Umaga," died Friday of a heart attack in a Houston, Texas, hospital, a family friend said. Born in American Samoa, Fatu, 36, was a member of the famous Anoa'i wrestling family, which includes cousin Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, his two uncles, who wrestled as The Wild Samoans in the 1980s, and brothers, Sam "Tonga Kid" and Solofa Jr. "Rikishi," according to Wrestlers Rescue, a support group for retired professional wrestlers. The two-time WWE Intercontinental champion, also known as "The Samoan Bulldozer," squared off with the likes of Triple H, John Cena and Ric Flair before the WWE terminated his contract in June for having violated the WWE's Wellness Program and refusing to enter rehab, the WWE said on its site. The organization offered its condolences to his family in a brief statement on its site. To friends and family, Fatu was a devoted father who was looking forward to spending more time with his children after leaving the WWE. "He had his demons, but he found a lot of strength in his family," said Dawn Marie Psaltis, family friend and founder of Wrestlers Rescue. "He was always a jokester, he was always playing a practical joke on someone. He comes from a long line of professional wrestlers and did his family proud."
[ "Who was Fatu's cousin?", "What was Fatu was looking forward to", "What was terminated?", "What will Fatu do after WWE?", "Who was looking forward to spending time with his children?", "Who violated the Wellness program?", "Who terminated his contract for violating Wellness Program, refusing to enter rehab" ]
[ [ "Dwayne \"The Rock\" Johnson," ], [ "spending" ], [ "his contract" ], [ "spending" ], [ "Edward Fatu," ], [ "\"The Samoan Bulldozer,\"" ], [ "WWE" ] ]
Relatives include cousin Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and uncles The Wild Samoans . WWE says it terminated his contract for violating Wellness Program, refusing to enter rehab . Fatu was looking forward to spending time with children after leaving WWE, friend says .
(CNN) -- Writer and producer Larry Gelbart, most known for his work on the hit television series "M*A*S*H," died Friday morning in his Beverly Hills, California, home, his wife said. He was 81. Larry Gelbart said, before "M*A*S*H," a TV set only produced feeling "if you touched it while you were wet." Gelbart died of cancer, Pat Gelbart said. The family will hold a private memorial service. Throughout his career, Gelbart developed a portfolio of more than 40 works spanning radio, television, theater and film. His fascination with radio as a child inspired him and influenced his evolving career. "I never had any aspirations of [a] literary career, but writing for radio seemed to be a natural extension of being such a radio fan," Gelbart told CNN in 1999. "So when I got my chance, that's what I did." Barely out of high school, Gelbart began as a comedy writer for radio in the 1940s. He wrote for various programs, including the Fanny Brice show and "Duffy's Tavern." While in the Army, he wrote for Armed Forces Radio. Later, he joined the staff of Bob Hope's show and jump-started his own television career as a TV writer for the star. Gelbart went on to write skits for the live comedy "Your Show of Shows" in 1953, winning two Emmys for his work. "'Your Show of Shows' was successful, was wildly successful. Not just because it got there first, but because it got there first with so much," Gelbart said. The 90-minute variety program was one of the first televised sketch comedy shows. Gelbart took his work to another stage, winning two 1963 Tony awards for his Broadway musical hit, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." In 1972, Gelbart helped create the Korean War comedy drama "M*A*S*H." The show went on for another 11 years, although Gelbart only wrote and produced "M*A*S*H" for the first four seasons. "M*A*S*H" won 50 awards, including eight Golden Globes. "M*A*S*H" was so popular it lasted much longer than the Korean War itself, and was seen as a commentary on American involvement in the Vietnam War. Gelbart also was involved in the short-lived sequel, "After MASH." For Gelbart, "M*A*S*H" mixed a bit of comedy with drama, allowing viewers to connect more with the story. "I said once that the only way before 'M*A*S*H' you would get any feeling out of your television set is if you touched it while you were wet," Gelbart said. He added: "We gave the audience permission to feel bad. Because America was feeling pretty rotten then, we were at war in Vietnam. And once the war stopped we didn't start feeling really terrific right away, if we ever will again about that situation." Gelbart continued steamrolling through the industry, with works including the 1982 hit film "Tootsie," "Oh, God!" in 1977 and the 2003 film "And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself," which starred Antonio Banderas. "Tootsie" earned Gelbart an Oscar nomination for best writing.
[ "At what age did Gelbart die?", "What caused Gelbart's death?", "Where did Gelbart start?", "when gelbart died?", "Who did Gelbart write for?", "where he started his carrer?", "What did Gelbart die from?" ]
[ [ "81." ], [ "cancer," ], [ "as a comedy writer for radio in the 1940s." ], [ "Friday morning" ], [ "various programs," ], [ "comedy writer for radio in the 1940s." ], [ "cancer," ] ]
Gelbart died of cancer at age 81, his wife says . Gelbart's film-writing credits include "Tootsie" and "Oh, God!" Gelbart started in radio, moved to TV as writer for Bob Hope . He said about "M*A*S*H:" "We gave the audience permission to feel bad"
(CNN) -- Xavi Hernandez scored the only goal of the game with a thunderous free kick as Barcelona beat nine-man Granada Tuesday to return to the top of La Liga. The Spanish champions, held 0-0 at home by Sevilla at the weekend, once again found goals hard to come by against their struggling opponents. But midfield ace Xavi did find the net with a long-range free kick on 32 minutes which flew into the top corner. At the start of the second half Granada's Jaime Romero was shown red, but despite dominating possession Barca could not grab a second, but they have gone seven games, a club record, without conceding a goal. In injury time, Granada's Daniel Benitez was also red carded after being cautioned for a second time. Barcelona can be overtaken at the top by perennial strugglers Levante, who go in search of a remarkable seventh straight win against Real Sociedad Wednesday. Real Madrid play Villarreal and can also leapfrog their arch-rivals with a win as Cristiano Ronaldo, on 98 goals for the club, aims to reach triple figures after his weekend hat-trick against Malaga. In Italy, Juventus went back to the top of Serie A after beating Fiorentina 2-1 in Turin Tuesday night. Udinese and Lazio are not playing until Wednesday as Juve took full advantage to regain the leadership they held until a 2-2 draw against Genoa Saturday. Leonardo Bonucci put them in front but Fiorentina hit back after the break and equalized through Stevan Jovetic. But Alessandro Matri grabbed the winner as Juve kept up their unbeaten start to the season. England's League Cup fourth round saw an immediate return to winning ways for Manchester United after their 6-1 defeat to Manchester City Sunday in the EPL. Making 11 changes to that team, Alex Ferguson's men beat fourth-flight Aldershot 3-0. Strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen, who have been frozen out of league action, scored the opening two goals with Antonio Valencia getting the third. Arsenal also reached the last eight with a 2-1 home win over Bolton.
[ "Who Manchester United beat?" ]
[ [ "City" ] ]
Barcelona beat Granada 1-0 to regain leadership of La Liga . Zavi Hernandez scores only goal of game with a fine free kick . Juventus back on top in Ialy after 2-1 win over Fiorentina . Manchester United beat Aldershot to reach last eight of English League Cup .
(CNN) -- Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati both said on Sunday that they have suspended players in the wake of a brawl between their schools' basketball players. The fight between the rivals broke out with just seconds left in Saturday night's game. Cincinnati said it would suspend players Yancy Gates, Octavius Ellis and Cheikh Mbodj for six games and Ge'Lawn Guyn for one game. Xavier suspended Dezmine Wells and Landen Amos for four games and Mark Lyons for two, the school said in a statement. Senior Tu Holloway was given a one-game suspension. "I really apologize for what took place," Holloway told reporters on Sunday. "We're not thugs; we're not bad kids here at Xavier University. We're all going to get degrees and we're incredible young men so I really apologize for what took place yesterday," he said. Cincinnati athletic director Whit Babcock similarly apologized for the fight and said there "will be zero tolerance for a repeat of this behavior." "We want to deal with this in a prompt and direct manner and send the message that we will not tolerate this from those who have the privilege of representing the University of Cincinnati," he said. Video from the game, which was played at Xavier, shows players pushing and shoving as people try to keep the teams apart.
[ "Where did the fight break out?", "Who has been suspended?", "What did Cincinnati say following the fight?", "What does an Xavier player say?", "At which game did a fight break out?", "Who did the schools suspend?", "What does Cincinnati say?", "A fight breaks out at a game between who?" ]
[ [ "Xavier University." ], [ "players" ], [ "it would suspend players Yancy Gates, Octavius Ellis and Cheikh Mbodj for six games and Ge'Lawn Guyn for one game." ], [ "\"I really apologize for" ], [ "Saturday night's" ], [ "Yancy Gates, Octavius Ellis and Cheikh Mbodj" ], [ "it would suspend players Yancy Gates, Octavius Ellis and Cheikh Mbodj" ], [ "University of Cincinnati" ] ]
Each school suspends four men's basketball student-athletes . A fight breaks out at a game between Cincinnati and Xavier . Cincinnati says there "will be zero tolerance for a repeat of this behavior" An Xavier player apologizes, says students aren't "thugs"
(CNN) -- Yahoo! announced Monday that the search is on for the Internet giant's next CEO. Jerry Yang, Yahoo! co-founder, speaks at an electronics show in Las Vegas in January. The new CEO will replace Yahoo! co-founder, Jerry Yang, who assumed the position in June 2007 and has since come under fire for failing to turn around the company. Yang will step down when a replacement is selected. Just two weeks ago at the Web 2.0 Summit, Yang was asked if he was the right guy to lead the battered portal. Yang dodged the question by defending his passion for the company he co-founded 13 years ago. "I didn't make the decision of being the CEO lightly," he said. "I wanted to make a change at Yahoo! that I believe I can make ... That's a dream that I felt I could achieve by being CEO and that's still the dream today." Now, Yang plans to return to his former role as "Chief Yahoo" and will still have a seat on the board, Yahoo! said. During his short tenure, Yahoo! has had two major rounds of layoffs and has seen its search market share shrink significantly while a series of reorganizations led to the departure of senior executives. Wall Street and shareholders criticized Yang for falling short of reaching an agreement to sell the company to Microsoft. Yang also was taken to task when Google pulled out of a controversial ad agreement earlier this month that would have boosted Yahoo's revenues by hundreds of millions of dollars. Yahoo! said the search for a new CEO will encompass both internal and external candidates. "Over the past year and a half, despite extraordinary challenges and distractions, Jerry Yang has led the repositioning of Yahoo! on an open platform model as well as the improved alignment of costs and revenues," said Chairman Roy Bostock. "Jerry and the Board have had an ongoing dialogue about succession timing, and we all agree that now is the right time to make the transition to a new CEO who can take the company to the next level."
[ "Who plans to resume their former role as Chief Yahoo?", "What was Yang's former role?", "What is Jerry Yang's former role that he is now returning to?", "What was Yang criticized for?", "What was the co-founder criticized for?", "Who was criticized for not reaching a deal to sell Yahoo?", "Who planned to resume his former role as \"Chief Yahoo\" ?", "When did Yang take over as CEO?", "Who took over as CEO in 2007?" ]
[ [ "Yang" ], [ "\"Chief Yahoo\"" ], [ "\"Chief Yahoo\"" ], [ "failing to turn around the company." ], [ "falling short of reaching an agreement to sell the company to Microsoft." ], [ "Yang" ], [ "Yang" ], [ "June 2007" ], [ "Jerry Yang," ] ]
Jerry Yang plans to resume his former role as "Chief Yahoo" The Yahoo! co-founder will still have a seat on the board . Yang criticized for not reaching deal to sell Yahoo! to Microsoft . Yang took over as CEO in June 2007 .
(CNN) -- Yemen told outside powers Wednesday to stay out of its battle with a Shiite rebel group in its northwest amid concerns that Iran and Saudi Arabia are being drawn into the conflict. The statement, carried by the state news agency Saba and attributed to a Foreign Ministry source, followed a statement of concern for Yemen's "national unity and territorial integrity" by Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Tuesday. "We welcome what Mottaki affirmed about Iran's position towards Yemen's unity and stability, and Yemen reaffirms that it definitely rejects the interference in its internal affairs by any party," the statement said. It said Yemen's battle with the Houthi, a Shiite Muslim rebel movement, is "an internal Yemeni affair, and Yemen can solve its issues without any interference from others." Battles between Yemeni government forces and rebels have raged intermittently for five years, and government troops launched a new offensive in late summer. Saudi Arabia, Yemen's northern neighbor, turned its air force against suspected Houthi rebels last week after it said the rebels had crossed into Saudi territory. The Houthi claimed that the airstrikes occurred within Yemeni territory, a claim both the Saudi and Yemeni governments denied. The persistent fighting has raised concerns that Yemen -- where U.S. officials say al Qaeda is attempting to establish a new foothold in the region -- could be the stage for a proxy struggle between Shiite-dominated Iran and the Sunni-led Saudi monarchy. Yemen says the conflict is about reasserting government authority and is not a sectarian war. Yemen has accused Iran of supporting the rebels. A Yemeni government official told CNN on Tuesday that Yemen's navy was "on the highest state of alert" after an Iranian boat was captured near Yemeni and Saudi territorial waters last week. In Washington, however, a senior State Department official told CNN that although the U.S. government is concerned about the Yemeni conflict it does not see any sign of an Iranian hand in the Houthi revolt. The State Department has been in touch with the Yemenis and Saudis about the need to reduce tensions but is yet to be convinced that Iran is involved in Yemen, the official said. The United Nations has expressed alarm over the fighting and said there has been a "significant increase" in the number of people displaced in recent weeks. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees estimates as many as 175,000 people have been affected by the conflict since 2004, U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said Tuesday. CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom and Elise Labott contributed to this report.
[ "who battles with yemen", "Who has expressed concern for Yemen's territorial integrity?", "Who has launched airstrikes against rebels?", "What have the Saudis launched?", "who is the minister", "what was launched", "Who has launched airstikes?", "What religion do the rebels follow?", "Which country is battling Shiite rebels in its northwest?" ]
[ [ "Shiite rebel group" ], [ "Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki" ], [ "Saudi Arabia," ], [ "new offensive" ], [ "Manouchehr Mottaki" ], [ "a new offensive" ], [ "Saudi Arabia," ], [ "Shiite" ], [ "Yemen" ] ]
Yemen battles with Shiite rebels in its northwest . Iran foreign minister expressed concern for Yemen's territorial integrity . Saudis launched airstrikes against rebels .
(CNN) -- Yemen's government has laid out ceasefire terms to Houthi Shiite rebels fighting in the country's north, Yemen's official news agency reported Thursday. Yemeni security forces have been fighting against rebels in the north and south. According to SABA, the government's demands include removing check points, ending banditry and destructive acts, handing over all military equipment and weapons and offering information on the fate of six kidnapped Europeans who disappeared in June. The announcement of cease-fire conditions by Yemen's Supreme Security Committee comes only days after Yemeni forces began an offensive against the Houthi rebels in the northern mountainous province of Saada, which is on the Yemeni border with Saudi Arabia. It follows one day after a state of emergency was declared in all regions of Saada Province by the Saada Local Council. The English language Yemen Post reported Wednesday that, according to local sources from Sa'ada, "army forces and fighter aircrafts launched a massive attack on Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi's headquarters in Saada province." Thursday, citing official sources, Yemen Post reported that, over a five-year period of sporadic battles between Yemeni forces and Houthi rebels, over 1,000 government soldiers have died and over 6,000 have been injured. According to Yemen Post, "it is said that thousands of civilians and Houthi's followers died in the same period, but the real number is unspecified." Yemen's government and Houthi rebels have been involved in intermittent fighting since 2004. The conflict is believed to be both separatist -- over who will have power in the area -- and sectarian -- whether Shia Islam will dominate even though the majority of Yemenis are Sunni. Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh is also faced with a separatist movement in the country's south and a growing threat from al Qaeda. Al-Qaeda's presence in Yemen has been a growing concern for the United States. In late July, Gen. David Petraeus, CENTCOM Commander, and an accompanying delegation, flew to Yemen and met with Saleh. According to SABA, one of the topics of discussion was how to better combat terrorism. Nine foreigners were abducted in June while apparently on a picnic in Saada Province. The bodies of three of them, a South Korean teacher and two German nurses were discovered. Five Germans, including three children and a Briton, are still missing and their status is unknown. It is still unclear who is behind the kidnapping. Initial official statements said the group was apparently seized by Houthi rebels. However, Yemen's news agency later reported Houthi rebels accused drug cartels of abducting the group and killing the three. In addition, SABA said a spokesman for the rebels accused regional tribes of being behind the kidnappings and slayings. The incident was the latest in a string of kidnappings of foreign workers in Yemen this year. All of the previous hostages had been released unharmed, including 24 medical workers seized in Yemen's Amran province. In March, four South Korean tourists were killed in the city of Al Shibam when a bomb exploded as they were taking pictures. In January, two female Belgian tourists and a Yemeni driver were killed by gunmen while the three were traveling in a convoy in Al Shibam.
[ "how many foreigners were abducted?", "How long have the government and Houthi rebels been fighting?", "when did they start fighting?", "How many foreigners were abducted in June?", "What were the foreigners doing when they were abducted in June?", "Who were Yemen forces fighting?", "what did the government say?", "When did fighting begin?" ]
[ [ "Nine" ], [ "since 2004." ], [ "since 2004." ], [ "six" ], [ "picnic" ], [ "Houthi Shiite rebels" ], [ "laid out ceasefire terms" ], [ "2004." ] ]
Move follows offensive by Yemeni forces against rebels in north . Government and Houthi rebels involved in intermittent fighting since 2004 . Conflict said to be separatist -- who will have power in the area -- and sectarian . Nine foreigners abducted in June while apparently on a picnic in Saada region .
(CNN) -- Yemenia Airways is canceling all its flights between Yemen and the Comoros Islands after this week's crash on the same route, the airline said Saturday. Bahia Bakari holds her father's hand as she lies on a stretcher in a plane after landing in France. One more flight between Sanaa and Moroni is scheduled for Sunday, but all flights on the route are canceled after that, Yemenia said. A Yemenia Airways Airbus 310 went down early Tuesday, carrying 142 passengers and 11 crew members. It originated in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and went down just miles from Comoros' capital, Moroni. One person, 13-year-old French girl Bahia Basari, survived for hours in the Indian Ocean clinging to the debris of the downed plane. She arrived home in France on Thursday, where she was reunited with her father. Watch teen survivor from crash » She is the only known survivor from the crash, which killed her mother. The Airbus 310 plane tried to land at the airport in Moroni, then made a U-turn before it crashed, Comoros Vice President Idi Nadhoim said. The Comoros Islands are between the east African country of Tanzania and the island nation of Madagascar. French and U.S. divers are helping to search for debris and bodies. The French military has detected a rescue beacon, but rescue workers say the wreckage is difficult to reach in deep waters. The plane's data recorders have yet to be found, said Capt. Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Qadir, a spokesman for Yemen's civil aviation department.
[ "What did Yemeni authorities say?", "What did Yemeni authorities say has yet to be found?", "who survived the plane crash", "What are divers helping to search for?", "Who survives the plane crash off the Comoros islands?", "Who was the only person to survive plane crash?", "Did anyone survive crash off Comoros island", "What countries are helping in the search", "Where did the accident occur?", "Did anyone survive the place crash off Comoros?", "Have the plane's data recorders been found", "Who is searching for the bodies?", "Have the black boxes been located?", "How many people survived the plane crash?", "Have the data recorders been found?" ]
[ [ "The plane's data recorders have yet to be found," ], [ "The plane's data recorders" ], [ "Bahia Basari," ], [ "debris and bodies." ], [ "Bahia Basari," ], [ "13-year-old French girl Bahia Basari," ], [ "One person, 13-year-old French girl Bahia Basari, survived" ], [ "French and U.S." ], [ "went down just miles from Comoros' capital, Moroni." ], [ "One person, 13-year-old French girl Bahia Basari, survived for hours in the Indian Ocean clinging to the debris of the downed plane. She arrived home in France on Thursday, where she was reunited with her father." ], [ "yet to be" ], [ "French and U.S. divers" ], [ "yet to be found," ], [ "One person," ], [ "The plane's" ] ]
Teenage girl only person to survive plane crash off Comoros islands . French, U.S. divers are helping to search for debris and bodies from the plane . The plane's data recorders have yet to be found, Yemeni authorities say .
(CNN) -- You can call 18-year-old Marc Davis a veteran of the racetrack. On everything from BMX bikes and Bandolero cars to Legends and Late Models, Davis has steadily moved up the ranks of competitive racing. Marc Davis, left, talks strategy with crew chief Billy Venturini in Concord, North Carolina. "I've been racing for 13 years. Started out when I was 6 years old," said Davis, who is set to race this month as NASCAR's only current African-American driver/owner. Two years ago, Davis signed a six-year contract with the Joe Gibbs Race team as a developmental driver. But then the economy went south, and Davis was let go in a cost-cutting move. He was another casualty of the recession. "We got bit by the economy," Davis said. Mike Herman Jr. has worked as Davis' coach for the past two years and feels that NASCAR could be in store for even rougher financial times. "In my honest opinion, I feel like motorsports is a year away from feeling the brunt of the recession." Davis' father, Harry, breaks it down further and says it's all about sponsorship money. "Sponsors are harder to find. Teams want more money. So now instead of being unemployed, Marc is now self-employed, moving forward and racing his own team." Watch Marc Davis at the track » Davis formed his own two-car team to compete in this year's Nationwide Series, with his first entry set for Bristol, Tennessee, on March 21. His team is being funded by family and a few sponsors, not an easy feat when it costs a minimum of $75,000 to enter a Nationwide Series race. In fact, a two-car team is considered a skeletal operation by NASCAR standards. Some of the better-funded racing teams have 12 to 20 cars at their disposal. But Davis' crew chief, Billy Venturini, says a two-car team can work for the time being. "It's a start-up deal, but I think with the short schedule he's got, I think we'll be in fine shape." Several NASCAR teams have scaled back on their budgets, and Davis feels that it actually levels the playing field a bit. "With a lower-budget team, you have a better shot of making races and winning races to be more competitive, since a lot of the higher teams have cut back their budgets as well." NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston agrees with Davis and goes one step further. "Several teams are watching their spending, and that brings more parity in the sport, with the result being a more competitive and enjoyable product for race fans." Davis plans to compete in a number of Nationwide Series races before moving on to the Sprint Cup Series. "I want to progress through the Nationwide Series and enter the Sprint Cup Series and win championships and hopefully be a full-time owner years down the road, so I think everything's going in the right direction," Davis said. With a strong family and a nuts and bolts crew behind him, Marc Davis could be on the cusp of something special.
[ "What caused the cut in sponsorship money?", "Davis is the only what in Nascar?", "What race is the teen?", "What is Marc Davis' age?", "what says his father?", "What cut sponsorship money?" ]
[ [ "the recession." ], [ "African-American driver/owner." ], [ "African-American" ], [ "18-year-old" ], [ "\"Sponsors are harder to find. Teams want more money. So now instead of being unemployed, Marc is now self-employed, moving forward and racing" ], [ "the recession." ] ]
NASCAR racer Marc Davis,18, lost driver's contract and became owner . His father says recession has cut sponsorship money . Family and friends sponsor Davis' 2-car team in Nationwide Series . Teen is only current African-American racer and owner in NASCAR .
(CNN) -- You can't get much more "inside baseball" than this: the story of how statisticians trump scouts when it comes to putting together a winning team. But thanks to a great script by Steve Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, a quietly compelling performance from Brad Pitt and shrewd direction by Bennett Miller ("Capote"), "Moneyball" should appeal to audiences well beyond sports fans. It's one of the classiest movies of the year and a strong bet for a ribbon of Oscar nominations. Michael Lewis' book chronicled the 2002 season of the Oakland As, when general manager Billy Beane infuriated conventional wisdom by applying "sabermetrics" to squad selection. Because the Athletics couldn't compete with wealthier teams for the big hitters, he looked to a different set of criteria, and especially at on-base percentages. It didn't have to be pretty. If the As walked their way to the World Series, that would be just fine. There's a conventional revenge-of-the-underdogs scenario lurking beneath the surface: something like "Major League" and "The Bad News Bears." There's the catcher who is drafted in to play first base (Chris Pratt as Scott Hatteberg), the pitcher with the wacky arm (Casey Bond as Chad Bradford) and the star who spends too much time partying in Vegas (Nick Porrazzo as Jeremy Giambi). Mostly, though, "Moneyball" ignores the clichés by keeping the focus off the field and on Beane and his new statistics guru Pete Brand (Jonah Hill). They make a great odd couple, and because the roles have been cast so well, Miller doesn't need to labor the point. Pitt is the ex-golden boy grown restive with a game he feels he can't win. Hill's an overweight computer geek straight out of Yale, the only guy wearing a suit to work. Naturally authoritative and at ease with himself -- except when a game's on (he can't bring himself to watch but can't resist checking in every other minute) -- Beane takes this awkward, earnest kid under his arm and shows him the ropes: how to cut players, how to trade. It's an unsentimental education for Pete and for us, too, as unexpectedly entertaining as the entrepreneurial maneuvers in "The Social Network." This is the everyday business of baseball, a side we might read about but rarely see for ourselves. The movie falls into a more familiar groove when the As season turns, and there isn't much Miller or anyone else can do to make short flashbacks to Billy's playing days anything other than functional. But the writing is always sharp and smart, it's lovingly photographed and delicately scored (by Wally Pfister and Mychael Danna, respectively). Yet it's Pitt's movie. Whether he's brooding in the dark as the As lose again, having it out with the team's recalcitrant coach (Philip Seymour Hoffman in a thankless role) and angry head scout (Vyto Ruginis), or trying to reassure his precocious 12-year-old (Kerris Dorsey) that his head isn't really on the block, Pitt has a watchful, introspective quality that makes "Moneyball" more than the sum of its statistical components. It's a fascinating portrait of a man who's given his life to baseball and is trying to figure out if it's worth it. The movie itself is not a game changer by any means, but it's more than good enough to make you think again about what success adds up to in the long run.
[ "What is the movie about?", "What is the writing", "What is fascinating?", "Who has a introspective quality?", "What is the name of the lead actor?", "What is the name of the movie?", "What is Moneyball?" ]
[ [ "2002 season of the Oakland As, when general manager Billy Beane infuriated conventional wisdom by applying \"sabermetrics\" to squad selection." ], [ "sharp and smart," ], [ "\"Moneyball\"" ], [ "Pitt" ], [ "Brad Pitt" ], [ "\"Moneyball\"" ], [ "one of the classiest movies of the year" ] ]
"Moneyball" is a fascinating portrait of a man who gives his life to baseball . The writing is always sharp and smart . Brad Pitt has a watchful, introspective quality .
(CNN) -- You can't get through a conversation with Jesse Dayton without hearing a reference to Texas at least once. Musician Jesse Dayton has branched out to a new fanbase by collaborating with Rob Zombie. He wears the name Beaumont, his birthplace, like a badge of honor and he rolls through a set list of stories about his musical collaborations in the Lone Star state with humble pride. Dayton has earned a hard core following in Texas. But his recent collaborations with rocker-turned-director Rob Zombie have earned him an unexpected fan base -- among horror movie fans. Most recently, Dayton joined Zombie to record a soundtrack for the movie "Halloween II" as Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures -- a gig that also earned him some time on screen. Watch Dayton discuss his new project » Dayton spoke to CNN recently about his career and newfound fan base. The following is a portion of that interview: CNN: You have a lot of appreciation for Waylon Jennings. Dayton: I was actually on a talk show in Nashville [Tennessee] and Waylon was cooking with his wife, Jessi Colter. They were watching the show I was on because Kris Kristofferson was on. They saw me and called me the next morning and said, "Waylon cut his finger. He wants you to come down here." So it was a total fluke. Waylon was like my Elvis, especially growing up. My earliest memories were my mom's 8-track in the parlor listening to Willie [Nelson] and Waylon. CNN: You are not really part of the Nashville music scene. Why? Dayton: I'm not intentionally staying away from what's going on in Nashville. I'm just being myself. Texas is like a whole other planet. Bob Wills got kicked off the Grand Ole Opry. Willie Nelson didn't get on the radio until he left Nashville. There's a long history of that. I don't put down Nashville. They're just doing what they're supposed to do, which is sell as many records as they can. But we've just learned that there's a whole crowd of people out there that love Johnny Cash but aren't into what they're playing on country radio. That's been the crowd we're attracting. The cool thing we love about having a cult following is that radio and record companies can never take that away from us. It's something we went out and earned one fan at a time. I love looking out in the crowd and seeing one guy with a cowboy hat on, one guy with long hair from the Rob Zombie camp and maybe some rockabilly kids. CNN: What is the story behind your collaboration with Rob Zombie in 2005? Dayton: He said, "Hey man, we're making the ultimate white trash horror movie called 'The Devil's Rejects.' We think your music would be perfect for it" which is kind of a left-handed compliment, I guess. CNN: Now you're appearing in "Halloween II" and recorded a soundtrack for the movie? Dayton: It's really fun for me. We're taking on this whole identity of this band. The record's going to be called "Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures." [Zombie] would call me and say, "Hey, I got this idea for this song called 'Doctor Demon and the Robot Girl' " or [he would ask me to write] a sort of '60s country thing-meets Tom Jones. CNN: Are you a good actor? Dayton: Elvis said, "The only thing worse than seeing a bad movie is being in one." I think the only thing worse than watching a bad actor is being one. I don't take it seriously at all. I'm just a musician who's there for color. If I can show up and be myself and not have to act? Perfect.
[ "What has Dayton been doing with Zombie?", "who does he work with", "What is the name of the musician?", "What did the pair record?", "Did he do some acting also", "What has Dayton gained?", "What types of fans like his music?" ]
[ [ "Musician Jesse Dayton has branched out to a new fanbase by collaborating with Rob Zombie." ], [ "Rob Zombie." ], [ "Jesse Dayton" ], [ "soundtrack for the movie \"Halloween II\"" ], [ "time on screen." ], [ "a hard core following in Texas." ], [ "unexpected" ] ]
Country musician Jesse Dayton has gained fans among lovers of horror films . Dayton has been collaborating with rocker-turned-director Rob Zombie . Pair recorded "Halloween II" soundtrack and Dayton does some acting in movie .
(CNN) -- You don't need to be a teenage boy to realize how scary girls can be. Girls know it too. Megan Fox plays a demonic cheerleader in "Jennifer's Body," written by Diablo "Juno" Cody. Certainly Diablo Cody does. The Academy Award-winning "Juno" scribe proves as much in her second screenplay, a horror comedy about BFFs Jennifer (Megan Fox) and Needy (Amanda Seyfried). These bosom buddies have a relationship that stretches back to the sandbox. They're inseparable opposites: Jennifer is a babe, head cheerleader and a bit of a snot. Needy is nerdy, conventional and a soft touch. Except that when we first meet her, she's locked up in the local mental hospital, kicking back at the guards and muttering darkly about the murders that put her here. Looking back, she dates this disastrous turn of events to the day Jennifer talked her into seeing an up-and-coming indie band at the roadhouse. The gig ends in a deadly inferno that claims the lives of several schoolmates, then Jennifer drives off with the band for an al fresco after-party involving satanic rites and virgin sacrifice. She survives on a technicality, but shows up later that night at Needy's place covered in blood, barfing blue goo and craving fresh flesh. In the days after the tragedy the entire school seems to be suffering from post-traumatic stress. Only Jennifer seems unfazed by the community's second sucker punch: the gruesome fate of the star quarterback in the woods. What's a girl to do if her best friend turns into a heartless boy-eating demon? Needy cleans up the mess and hopes it's just a phase. The last time a horror flick tried for a distinctly female point of view the result was "Twilight," which was more of a wan gothic romance than a chiller. Directed by Karyn Kusama, who made "Girlfight" and "Aeon Flux," "Jennifer's Body" isn't anything like that. It's a much edgier, snappier, bloodier film, aimed primarily at young hipsters and horror fans -- plus anyone else curious to see Megan Fox get nasty. (That's got to include a sizable chunk of the audience, surely?) So smoldering hot that at one point she coolly sets fire to her tongue, Fox makes a convincing vixen, callously picking up victims whenever her luster begins to fade. It's not hard to imagine she can have anyone who takes her fancy -- even Needy is not immune to her charms. Ironically, though, Jennifer is really the needy one here, while her friend eventually finds the self-possession to stand up to her. Similarly, you might come for Fox, but it's Amanda Seyfried's expressive range and toughness that leaves a more lasting impression. The "Mamma Mia" starlet is destined for good things. iReport.com: Share your review of "Jennifer's Body" The bitingly smart, funny teen-speak is carried over from "Juno," along with sharp pop culture references and a sassy feminist attitude, but the million-dollar question has to be: Is it scary? Only occasionally, I'm afraid. The gore scenes come with weird little flourishes: Jennifer's mounting body count attracts a crowd of curious woodland creatures, sounding a sweetly sick echo of "Bambi," and a climactic showdown is set in a spectacularly fetid abandoned swimming pool (don't they drain those things?). But the jokiness does tend to undercut the terror. I suspect the film will prove too freaky for "Juno" boosters, and could have used more straight-ahead scares and sustained suspense to appease the hardcore horror geeks. That said, this entertainingly oddball offering does twist fresh kinks into a genre that's always crying out for new blood. "Jennifer's Body" is rated R and runs 102 minutes.
[ "Who stars in the film?", "who wrote \"Jennifer's Body\"?", "Who wrote the film?", "What sort of film is it?", "who does Amanda Seyfried play in the movie?", "Diablo Cody also wrote what other film?", "Who is the star of the film?" ]
[ [ "Megan Fox" ], [ "Diablo \"Juno\" Cody." ], [ "Diablo \"Juno\" Cody." ], [ "horror comedy" ], [ "Needy" ], [ "\"Jennifer's Body,\"" ], [ "Megan Fox" ] ]
"Jennifer's Body" is a horror winner with doses of comedy, says Tom Charity . Film stars Megan Fox as a cheerleader who turns demonic . Amanda Seyfried, playing Fox's friend, provides movie's standout performance . "Jennifer's Body" was written by "Juno's" Diablo Cody .
(CNN) -- You had a close encounter with a 40-yard-wide asteroid this week, but the astronomer who first spotted the large rock said it's nothing to worry about. An asteroid (inside circle) passed within 38,000 miles of Earth on Monday. Asteroid 2009 DD45 on Monday passed within 38,000 miles of Earth, less than twice the height of the geostationary satellites we depend on for communications, according to Robert McNaught of the Australian National University. McNaught, who watches for asteroids with his telescope 250 miles northwest of Sydney, Australia, discovered the approaching rock last week. "It's not something to worry about, but something to be aware of," he said. While a direct hit on Earth could be a devastating natural disaster, McNaught said keeping track of asteroids can make a hit "potentially preventable." "If discovered in advance and with enough lead time, there is the possibility of pushing it off course, if you have decades of advance warning," McNaught said. "If you have only a few days, you can evacuate the area of impact, but there's not a great deal [else] you can do." In either case, he said, a global catastrophe as depicted in Hollywood movies such as "Deep Impact" is "very, very unlikely." The 2009 DD45 asteroid circles the sun every 18 months, but its path will not threaten this planet at least for the next century, he said. The number of "potentially harmful asteroids" discovered each year has grown dramatically over the past decade as "systematic programs" to scan the skies have been put in place, McNaught said. Nearly 100 new ones have been found in each of the past several years, he said.
[ "From where did Robert McNaught spot the asteroid?", "who spotted the asteroid", "What is the minimum distance the asteroid will pass by the earth?", "how far was the asteroid", "who saw the asteroid?", "What is the diameter of the asteroid?", "When did the asteroid pass" ]
[ [ "38,000 miles of Earth," ], [ "Robert McNaught of the Australian National University." ], [ "38,000 miles" ], [ "38,000 miles" ], [ "Robert McNaught" ], [ "40-yard-wide" ], [ "Monday." ] ]
Asteroid passes within 38,000 miles of Earth on Monday, an astronomer says . The 40-yard-wide rock was nothing to be worried about, he says . Asteroid was spotted by Robert McNaught through his telescope in rural Australia .
(CNN) -- You might think childbirth would be a topic too personal, too beautiful or way too graphic to write about on Twitter. Sara, the wife of Twitter's CEO, posted online from a hospital while she was in labor. But, as Sara Williams showed on Tuesday when she posted Twitter updates about giving birth to her child, online social networking has pushed its way into the delivery room. It's now a trend for expectant moms to post to sites such as Twitter from the time they conceive to the moment they deliver a baby into the world. Williams, wife of Twitter CEO Evan Williams, posted to her 14,000-plus Twitter followers when her water broke, when she arrived at the hospital, during contractions and when she decided to get an epidural. Her husband broke the news on his Twitter feed that their "perfect baby boy" was delivered on Tuesday afternoon. As if the real-time drama of her labor wasn't enough, Sara Williams managed to spice up her Twitter feed with humor along the way. "Dear Twitter, My water broke. It wasn't like Charlotte in Sex and the City," she wrote at about midnight ET on Tuesday. "Now, timing contractions on an iPhone app." After noting later that contractions are painful, she wrote, "Epidural, yes please." Her childbirth drew widespread attention online, where people who have never met Williams eagerly awaited the birth of her baby. Some moms and dads cheered her on, saying that by posting through labor she lifted the veil on a period that can be terrifying for pregnant women who don't know what to expect when their baby is ready to leave the womb. Others cringed at the idea, saying childbirth posts are too much information. Williams' childbirth is among the first to be publicized though Twitter, but she's far from the only woman to have published thoughts about the birth of her child while the process was happening. Terra Carmichael, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, said she tweeted through her third childbirth in February to keep her loved ones up to date. "At the moment nothing went through my head. It was just like, 'This is how I'm feeling and so this is going out there, and if you don't like it you don't have to read it,' " said the 36-year-old. "Afterwards, I was like 'I hope I wasn't too gross or graphic.'" She said posting to Twitter helped relieve some of the pain. "I would literally be coming down from a really painful contraction and I'd be saying, 'Give me my iPhone,' and [my husband] would be saying, 'You are weird. Why are you doing this,'" she said. "Some of it was for me. It just felt kinda good to get that out there, put that out to the universe so it wasn't just my pain, so other people could feel it for me and feel it with me a little bit." Kyle Monson, a new dad in New York City, did the tweeting for his wife. While she was in labor, he was busy sending text messages. "We were on our iPhone and Blackberry right up until the point when my wife started pushing, and then we had to put those phones down," he said. Monson posted updates about his wife's labor to Twitter by using code words only his friends could understand. Instead of posting "my wife just gave birth," for instance, he wrote, "Operation Bumblebee complete! Ada Elizabeth is 7lbs, 2oz, and is very happy to be here." Ada, who is the couple's first child, was born on August 5. Monson has nearly 800 Twitter followers and didn't want everyone in the world to know about the "blood and gore" of the birthing process. Most of the couple's friends and family live further West, he said, so the online networks helped them keep their
[ "What did Sara Williams do during labor?", "Whom is the woman married to?", "What did the wife of Twitter's CEO do during her labor?", "When was the baby born?", "What is the name of the wife of Twitter's CEO?", "Which social networking site dd the woman post messages on?", "What did she ask for at the hospital?", "Whats the woman's name?" ]
[ [ "posted Twitter updates about giving birth to her child," ], [ "Twitter CEO Evan Williams," ], [ "posted online" ], [ "Tuesday afternoon." ], [ "Sara," ], [ "Twitter" ], [ "\"Epidural, yes please.\"" ], [ "Sara Williams" ] ]
NEW: The wife of Twitter's CEO posted messages on Twitter during her labor . NEW: Sara Williams delivered a "perfect baby boy" Tuesday afternoon . One of her last posts from the hospital said, "Epidural, yes please" Some say it's a trend for moms to post online about labor and pregnancy .
(CNN) -- You pay for checking your baggage, for snacks and for extra legroom. Word is one airline has even toyed with charging you to use the toilet. So it makes perfect sense to some fliers that heavier passengers should pay for spilling over into the next seat. Earlier this year, United Airlines formalized a policy that charges some larger passengers for a second seat. Frequent flier Ross Murphy, 54, has been sandwiched between larger fliers in coach, and he believes they should have to shell out for a second seat. "They have a right to sit in the seat next to me," said Murphy, who travels cross-country at least 15 times a year to watch his sons' sporting matches. "But they don't have a right to sit in my lap." A growing number of airlines are forcing bigger passengers to pay more as they cope with the costly and uncomfortable quandary that arises when obese passengers cannot squeeze into a single coach seat. With airlines trimming flight schedules -- meaning fuller passenger loads this summer -- the issue is bound to spur some awkward encounters. Chart: Compare some of the common airline fees "It's a growing problem, no pun intended," said George Hobica, president of AirfareWatchdog.com, a site that is part of Smarter Travel Media LLC, which provides airfare deals and advice. "Everyone suffers. The obese people suffer and the people who are skinny and get spilled over on suffer as well." U.S. obesity rates have mushroomed during the last 25 years, but the width of a coach airplane seat has changed little, remaining between 17 and 18 inches in most commercial planes. More than one-third of Americans fall into the obese category, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This makes traveling in tight spaces vexing for airlines trying to bolster profits by selling the maximum number of seats. The Federal Aviation Administration does not regulate seat width, but it does require passengers be able to sit belted and with both arm rests down to comply with safety standards. In April, UAL Corp.'s United Airlines formalized a policy that says passengers who are unable to safely fit into one seat must pay full price for a second seat. They may receive it free if the plane has vacant seats. Flight attendants on the airlines are responsible for making sure passengers are fitting in their seats and may ask a heavier passengers requiring two seats to pay extra. Robin Urbanski, a spokeswoman for United, said the company received 700 complaints in 2008 from passengers who were upset because a larger passenger encroached on his or her seat. "This new policy was created for the comfort and well-being of all our guests on board," Urbanski said. A survey conducted this year by Europe's low-fare airline Ryanair found a third of the 100,000 passengers polled believed a "fat tax" should be instituted, requiring heavier passengers to pay more. Most U.S. airlines have a policy or plan for dealing with heavier passengers, though some are not formalized like United's. Officials worry heavier passengers squished into one seat may pose a safety hazard when a plane must be evacuated during an emergency. Southwest Airlines has had a "customer of size policy" for more than 20 years, requiring passengers to buy a second seat on a full plane if their body crosses the armrest boundary. The company will issue refunds if unoccupied seats are available, which they say is the case 97 percent of the time. Airlines with open seating policies such as Southwest find it easier to relocate passengers in need of an extra seat. On all airlines, passengers can buy first-class or business-class seats, which are wider. But those tickets cost more than a coach seat. Experts at Boeing Company, an aircraft manufacturer, say 17-inch seats can accommodate 95 percent of the traveling public. They say studies have found most seat space invasions happen because of wider shoulders and not derrieres. Still, some larger passengers who need more than one seat believe being charged extra is discriminatory and the airlines are not accommodating the growing American
[ "What is the change in the size of plane seats over the past 25 years?", "What obesity rates have done in the last 25 years?", "What happened with the obesity rate?" ]
[ [ "remaining between 17 and 18" ], [ "mushroomed" ], [ "have mushroomed during the last 25 years," ] ]
Obesity rates have grown in the last 25 years but plane seat sizes remain the same . A growing number of airlines are creating polices to deal with heavier passengers . Heavier passengers cost more fuel and space, say some passengers . National Association of Fat Acceptance says it's unsafe to cram passengers .
(CNN) -- You'd love to go. Just think of the history, the beautiful artwork ... the things you could learn. But upon hearing the word "museum," your kids break into a chorus of "I'd rather die." Your children can pet some of the world's insect species at the Insectarium in New Orleans, Louisiana. So you wheel, deal and promise ice cream in massive amounts. In return, they agree to whine only when it's absolutely necessary -- or every five seconds, whichever comes first. Perhaps you can avoid a situation like this on your vacation. Pauline Frommer, creator of the Pauline Frommer Guidebooks, has two kids, ages 6 and 10. As a travel author, she knows what makes a museum educational and interesting for adults. As a mom, she knows what will keep children from being bored to tears. "I think it's impossible to pick the very best five," Frommer said. "But here are five really terrific museums, with very different subject matters, that both kids and adults will groove on." The Spy Museum, Washington Frommer describes this museum as "an intriguing, surprisingly scholarly, fun and highly interactive introduction to the shadowy world of spies." When you enter the Spy Museum, you will be asked to pick an alternate identity. Throughout the building, you and your kids will be tested on keeping this cover. In addition to seeing all kinds of cool spy gadgets -- umbrellas with poison tips! --- you'll learn about famous spies throughout history, how the government uses these undercover agents and the common ways spies practice their trade. "I had trouble dragging my kids out of this one," Frommer said. "And I've been through it twice and enjoyed it both times." Adults $18; children ages 5-11 $15; children under 5 free The Grammy Museum, Los Angeles, California Only 3 months old, the Grammy Museum goes well beyond the famous music awards. "In truth, it's a museum that celebrates the history of recorded music and does so in a cutting-edge, highly interactive manner," Frommer said. Every genre from rock to hip-hop to country music is explored here. Top recording artists serve as your guide as they discuss, for example, what makes jazz such an important American phenomenon, what the song-writing process is like or how one genre of music has deeply affected another. Sound like child dull-ville? "Kids will love the booths that allow them to mix and produce music," Frommer said. The museum also has a dynamic touch-screen map that allows visitors to explore the nation's musical heritage and several video displays that will distract any kid's short attention span. Adults $14.95; children 6-17 $10.95; children under 5 free The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York You might not think world-renowned art exhibits would be a good fit with your kids; priceless objects don't often mesh with PB&J-smeared fingers. But Frommer says you will be doing your children a great disservice if you visit New York and don't bring them to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Don't worry, what with all the armor, the mummies and Egyptian temples, the always fun costume collection and the over-the-top grandeur of the place, there's no way they could be bored," she said. The museum also offers a number of family programs, associate museum educator Mike Norris said. The museum's kids Web site has activities to keep kids entertained while visiting, including guides that focus on specific areas of art like a scavenger hunt, from animals to doors to stained glass. Norris' top recommendation is not to view the museum as a whole, but as 16 to 18 mini museums. "It's best not to conquer us in one visit," he said. "Remember, [kids'] legs go at twice the RPMs that yours do." Other offerings
[ "what is the travel author name?", "Who recommended the museums?", "Which travel author recommends the museums?", "how many museums recommended by travel author?", "what is the name of museum for kids?" ]
[ [ "Pauline Frommer," ], [ "Pauline Frommer," ], [ "Pauline Frommer," ], [ "five" ], [ "Spy" ] ]
Travel author Pauline Frommer recommends five museums for adults and kids . Frommer: Sure, take your kids to the Metropolitan Museum of Art . The Insectarium pays tribute to everything creepy and crawly . Field Museum of Natural History has giant Tyrannosaurus rex fossil .
(CNN) -- You'd think someone who lasted 17 years as host of a television program in this day and age -- particularly a show as venerable as NBC's "Tonight Show" -- would be receiving praise and honor. Jay Leno has rarely impressed critics, but he's been the No. 1 late-night host for almost 15 years. Not so Jay Leno, whose final "Tonight Show" is Friday. "Without fail, Leno's show fills an hour and kills an hour," wrote The Associated Press' Frazier Moore in a recent column on Leno's "Tonight" legacy. "For 17 years in late night he has vigorously played a game of lowered expectations, and met them." Ouch. Leno has never been the critics' favorite. David Letterman, who watched Leno receive Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" desk but never Carson's blessing, has long been touted as the King of Late Night's true successor with his CBS show. Conan O'Brien, who began his run as Letterman's NBC successor facing howls of derision, leaves it with some critics' hopes that he'll infuse the "Tonight Show," his new home as of Monday, with new life. Watch how the late-night scene is changing » And Leno? He'll leave behind the heavily rimshotted jokes, the Dancing Itos, the "Jaywalking" and "Headlines" bits -- all the things that drove Letterman and O'Brien fans up the wall -- with an audience of 5 million, still tops among late-night TV shows. And he'll be moving to prime time in September. Some CNN iReporters, asked to choose between Leno and O'Brien, say it's no contest. iReport: Whom do you prefer? "I feel like Jay Leno is more for men and women," said iReporter Melissa Fazli of Yorba Linda, California. "Where I think Conan O'Brien, only men get. ... I don't get his sense of humor." "Jay Leno is like everybody's cool guy to go to. You want to hang out with Jay," said Kyle Aevermann of Itasca, Illinois. Leno's comedy has usually played off his regular-guy persona. In the 1980s, when he was a regular guest on Letterman's "Late Night," Dave used to welcome a wound-up Leno with a jovial, "What's your beef, Jay?" To which Leno -- who looked like a cross between a class clown and a Boston greaser -- would respond with a well-turned wisenheimer riff on being stuck in the middle seat on airplanes or evil-twin plots on television. (YouTube is full of Leno's old "Late Night" appearances.) Moore and other critics may criticize Leno for "lowered expectations," but upon taking the reins of "Tonight" on May 25, 1992, Leno opted for a more Jack Paar-esque "Tonight" show, mixing raconteurs among the comedians, actors and pop singers. Along with the usual entertainers -- Tom Cruise, Rosie O'Donnell -- among his early guests were opera singer Kathleen Battle, humorist P.J. O'Rourke and author-reporter Robert Krulwich. But the show, also beset by infighting between Leno's then-executive producer and NBC brass, suffered in the ratings, often finishing behind Letterman's CBS "Late Show," which premiered in 1993. Sources give various reasons for the turnaround -- a new set, Leno's growing comfort, broader jokes -- but generally pinpoint the moment Leno became late night's leader to the appearance of one guest: Hugh Grant. The actor, who was promoting his film "Nine Months," appeared on "Tonight" in July 1995, just after his arrest for consorting with a prostitute. Leno led off the interview with a humorously exasperated, "What the hell were you thinking?" The audience picked up, and "Tonight" has led the late-night ratings ever since. Entertainment Weekly recently named the Grant interview the best moment of Leno's "Tonight" tenure. Leno, though he's
[ "When will Conan O'Brien take over the show?", "who concludes 17 years", "How long was Jay Leno the \"Tonight Show\" host?", "what show was leno host of", "What was Leno criticized for?", "What do people criticize Leno for?", "who has been no. 1 for years", "Who will succeed him?", "When will Jay Leno conclude his run on the Tonight Show" ]
[ [ "Monday," ], [ "Jay Leno" ], [ "17 years" ], [ "\"Tonight Show\"" ], [ "vigorously played a game of lowered expectations," ], [ "\"lowered expectations,\"" ], [ "Jay Leno" ], [ "Conan O'Brien," ], [ "Friday." ] ]
Jay Leno concludes 17 years as "Tonight Show" host Friday . Leno has been criticized for dumbing down the show, but he's been No. 1 for years . He'll be succeeded by Conan O'Brien; in fall, he'll launch prime-time show .
(CNN) -- You're in a room with 10 other people who seem to agree on something, but you hold the opposite view. Do you say something? Or do you just go along with the others? Imaging techniques help scientists look at the basis for principles of social psychology in the brain. Decades of research show people tend to go along with the majority view, even if that view is objectively incorrect. Now, scientists are supporting those theories with brain images. A new study in the journal Neuron shows when people hold an opinion differing from others in a group, their brains produce an error signal. A zone of the brain popularly called the "oops area" becomes extra active, while the "reward area" slows down, making us think we are too different. "We show that a deviation from the group opinion is regarded by the brain as a punishment," said Vasily Klucharev, postdoctoral fellow at the F.C. Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging at Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands and lead author of the study. Watch to learn more about the study » Participants, all female, had to rate 222 faces based on physical beauty on a scale from 1 to 8. Afterwards, researchers told each participant either that the average score was higher or that it was lower than her rating. Some participants were told the average rating was equal to her rating. The researchers then chatted with the participant before suddenly asking the participant to do the rating again. Most subjects changed their opinion toward the average. The two leading theories of conformity are that people look to the group because they're unsure of what to do, and that people go along with the norm because they are afraid of being different, said Dr. Gregory Berns, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Berns' research, which he describes in the book "Iconoclast: A Neuroscientist Reveals How to Think Differently," found that brain mechanisms associated with fear and anxiety do play a part in situations where a person feels his or her opinion goes against the grain. Participants looked at projections of three-dimensional objects, and had to identify which shapes were similar. As with the new study in Neuron, participants tended to shift their opinion to the majority view, although in this case the problems had objectively correct answers. The effect was also more potent in this experiment because actors were in the room to simulate a group with a shared opinion, he said. But brain images revealed participants were not lying just to fit in. Changes in the activation of the visual part of the brain suggest the group opinion actually changed participants' perceptions of what they saw. One reason behind conformity is that, in terms of human evolution, going against the group is not beneficial to survival, Berns said. There is a tremendous survival advantage to being in a community, he said. "Our brains are exquisitely tuned to what other people think about us, aligning our judgments to fit in with the group," Berns said. The most famous experiments in the field were conducted by Solomon Asch in the 1950s. He found that many people gave incorrect answers about matching lines printed on cards, echoing the incorrect answers of the actors in the room. But unlike Berns' finding that fear and anxiety relate to this effect, Asch saw conformity studies reflections of people's reliance on one another for knowledge of the world, experts say. The darker side of conformity relates to Stanley Milgram's experiments of the 1960s and 1970s, in which most people obeyed orders to deliver electric shocks to an innocent person in the next room. As in these studies, subjects caved into social pressure, presumably going against their own previous moral convictions. Read more about the Milgram study The research calls into question decision-making bodies that operate by consensus, Berns said. For example, in the U.S. legal system, many cases are decided by the unanimous judgment of the members of a jury. "You can't separate those judgments from the fact that you have 12 people who have
[ "What does brain imaging show?", "What committees should be rethought?", "What does a new study show?", "what did Asch study in the 1950's", "what does the new study look at", "What did Solomon Asch study?", "What should be done about committees?" ]
[ [ "produce an error signal." ], [ "decision-making bodies that operate by consensus," ], [ "people tend to go along with the majority view, even if that view is objectively incorrect." ], [ "reflections of people's reliance on one another for knowledge of the world," ], [ "basis for principles of social psychology in the brain." ], [ "theories of conformity" ], [ "\"We show that a deviation from the group opinion is regarded by the brain as a punishment,\"" ] ]
New study looks at how people change opinions of the beauty of images . Brain imaging shows group opinion actually shifts perception in the brain . Solomon Asch studied conformity in famous experiment in 1950s . Researcher: Rethink committees that decide by unanimous consent .
(CNN) -- Your husband, an avid gamer and techie, dies of a heart attack, leaving his vast online life ­-- one you don't know much about ­-- in limbo. Eternal Space lets loved ones create customized online gravesites and memorial pages. His accounts, to which you don't know the passwords, go idle. His e-mails go unanswered, his online multiplayer games go on without him and bidders on his eBay items don't know why they can't get an answer from the seller. Web site domains that he has purchased, some of which are now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars,­ will expire, and you may never know. It's a scenario that's becoming more likely as we spend more of our lives online. And it's raising more questions about what happens to our online lives after we log off for the final time. The answer, until recently, was nothing. But now, as online usage increases and social-media sites soar in popularity, more companies are popping up to try and fill that void created in your digital life after death. Jeremy Toeman, founder of the site Legacy Locker, recognized that when he was on a plane and wondered what would happen to his online life if it crashed. While his will leaves everything to his wife, including all of his digital assets, Toeman realized how difficult it would be for her to access his accounts. "My GoDaddy account would belong to her, but it doesn't solve the practical reality of how she would get access to it," he said. He experienced a similar scenario after his grandmother died, and he tried to get the password for her e-mail account -- only to give up because of the hassle. So Toeman built his company to change all that. Legacy Locker allows users to set up a kind of online will, with beneficiaries that would receive the customer's account information and passwords after they die. "We know it's a hard thing to think about -- to get people to face mortality. We know it's kind of morbid, but for those who live their entire lives online, it's also very real." A Legacy Locker account costs $29.99 a year. Users can set up their accounts at www.legacylocker.com to specify who gets access to their posthumous online information, along with "legacy letters," or messages, that can be sent to loved ones. If someone contacts Legacy Locker to report a client's death, the service will send the customer four e-mails in 48 hours. If there's no response, Legacy Locker will then contact the people the client listed as verifiers in the event of his or her death. Even then, the service would not release digital assets without examining a copy of the customer's death certificate, Toeman said. Eddie Lopez is the kind of tech-savvy guy for which a service such as Legacy Locker was made. The St. Paul, Minnesota, man has three online banking accounts, a PayPal account, domain names, Web-hosting accounts, multiple e-mail addresses and many social-networking accounts. "I do think this is something people should be really considering these days," Lopez told CNN when asked about services such as Legacy Locker. He wants to hire a service to handle his digital assets but is concerned about privacy. "Although I'm glad there's people breaking ground in this area, I don't think I would jump at the first opportunity to sign up," Lopez said. "My concerns are turning over such an exhaustive list of user names and passwords to a single business. That's one-stop shopping for any hacker to get access to just about every detail of my life." Lopez would prefer to entrust half of his digital-security information to a service such as Legacy Locker and the other half to family members, so that each side's information would be useless without the other's. "I hope Legacy Locker and similar services can address these privacy-security concerns with some real-world solutions,
[ "what does legacy locker do?", "who is operating this", "what does eternal space do?", "what can designated loved ones do?" ]
[ [ "allows users to set up a kind of online will," ], [ "Jeremy Toeman," ], [ "lets loved ones create customized online gravesites and memorial pages." ], [ "create customized online gravesites and memorial pages." ] ]
New services are helping people organize their digital assets after their death . Customers can designate loved ones to access their posthumous online accounts . Legacy Locker allows users to set up a kind of online will, with beneficiaries . Eternal Space lets loved ones create customized online grave sites .
(CNN) -- Your saliva is doing all kinds of useful things for you all the time -- for instance, helping you chew and taste food. It's also home to more than 600 species of bacteria, which are harmlessly enjoying the moisture of your mouth. There's a slew of bacteria floating around in your mouth, but it's generally harmless. Since people have different eating habits in different places, you might think an American's saliva might look a lot different from, say, a South African's. But a new study published in the journal Genome Research finds that bacteria in saliva may not be as related to environment and diet as you might think. In fact, researchers found that the human salivary microbiome -- that is, the community of bacteria in saliva -- does not vary greatly between different geographic locations. That means your saliva is just as different from your neighbor's as someone's on the other side of the planet. "It was somewhat surprising to us, because in our sampling we didn't control for diet, or environment, or anything like that," said Mark Stoneking of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, and co-author of the study. Now, Stoneking and colleagues are trying to figure out why. One theory is that since the researchers looked only at the genus of the bacteria in question, they might find more differences at the level of individual species. They are investigating this in a follow-up study. Stoneking became interested in surveying the bacteria of saliva when he learned that saliva contains more DNA than blood, if you include DNA of bacteria and other organisms. Human blood, as you might guess, still contains more human DNA than saliva. Researchers took saliva samples from a total of 120 healthy subjects. The countries represented in this sample were Germany, Poland, Turkey, Georgia, China, Philippines, South Africa, Republic of the Congo, Argentina, Bolivia and the United States. This was the first global survey of bacteria diversity in human saliva. The most common type of bacteria found in the survey of saliva was Streptococcus, Stoneking said. People typically have Streptococcus in their mouths living benignly, although certain species are responsible for diseases such as strep throat, meningitis and bacterial pneumonia. Why do you need hundreds of bacteria species in your mouth? It turns out they're mostly not helping you at all -- you're just giving them a warm, moist home. "Having those bacteria -- that's the price we have to pay for having a lot of saliva in the mouth to begin with," said Nate Dominy, anthropologist at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Dominy, who has studied enzymes in saliva, found the results surprising, and said no one had previously surveyed the variety of bacteria in saliva. What else is inside saliva? One component of saliva that has been shown to vary according to diet is amylase, the only digestive enzyme that converts starch into sugar, Dominy said. Amylase is also found in the pancreas and the small intestine. The human body evolved to start the digestive process early, in the mouth, so we can maximize the amount of sugar that we take in, Dominy said. "Given that we have such large brains, and our brains are metabolically very demanding tissues, they're extremely costly and expensive to maintain, so we need a lot of sugar," he said. Americans in particular have a lot of amylase in their saliva because their diets are full of starch: chips, rice and baked potatoes. But the Pygmies of central Africa, for example, eat mostly game animals, honey and fruit. They have relatively little amylase in their saliva. Dominy and colleagues found these differences at the genetic level, meaning natural selection has favored large quantities of amylase in populations with starchy diets. But there is also evidence that amylase levels can rise and fall within an individual's lifetime. A study on college students in Ghana, who typically eat a lot of meat at the university, found that students who
[ "Streptococcus is what kind of living thing?", "What contains more DNA than blood??", "What contains more DNA?", "What is the most common bacteria in saliva?", "What causes there to be more DNA in spit than blood?", "What is the most common type of bacteria?", "What is the most common type of bacteria in saliva?" ]
[ [ "bacteria" ], [ "saliva" ], [ "saliva" ], [ "Streptococcus," ], [ "of bacteria and other organisms." ], [ "Streptococcus," ], [ "Streptococcus," ] ]
Saliva contains more DNA than blood because of all of the oral bacteria . Most common type of bacteria in saliva is Streptococcus, in a mostly harmless form . Saliva spreads molecules to the taste receptors on the tongue .
(CNN) -- Your saliva is doing all kinds of useful things for you all the time -- for instance, helping you chew and taste food. It's also home to more than 600 species of bacteria, which are harmlessly enjoying the moisture of your mouth. There's a slew of bacteria floating around in your mouth, but it's generally harmless. Since people have different eating habits in different places, you might think an American's saliva might look a lot different from, say, a South African's. But a new study published in the journal Genome Research finds that bacteria in saliva may not be as related to environment and diet as you might think. In fact, researchers found that the human salivary microbiome -- that is, the community of bacteria in saliva -- does not vary greatly between different geographic locations. That means your saliva is just as different from your neighbor's as someone's on the other side of the planet. "It was somewhat surprising to us, because in our sampling we didn't control for diet, or environment, or anything like that," said Mark Stoneking of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, and co-author of the study. Now, Stoneking and colleagues are trying to figure out why. One theory is that since the researchers looked only at the genus of the bacteria in question, they might find more differences at the level of individual species. They are investigating this in a follow-up study. Stoneking became interested in surveying the bacteria of saliva when he learned that saliva contains more DNA than blood, if you include DNA of bacteria and other organisms. Human blood, as you might guess, still contains more human DNA than saliva. Watch CNN's Elizabeth Landau talk more about saliva » Researchers took saliva samples from a total of 120 healthy subjects. The countries represented in this sample were Germany, Poland, Turkey, Georgia, China, Philippines, South Africa, Republic of the Congo, Argentina, Bolivia and the United States. This was the first global survey of bacteria diversity in human saliva. The most common type of bacteria found in the survey of saliva was Streptococcus, Stoneking said. People typically have Streptococcus in their mouths living benignly, although certain species are responsible for diseases such as strep throat, meningitis and bacterial pneumonia. Why do you need hundreds of bacteria species in your mouth? It turns out they're mostly not helping you at all -- you're just giving them a warm, moist home. "Having those bacteria -- that's the price we have to pay for having a lot of saliva in the mouth to begin with," said Nate Dominy, anthropologist at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Dominy, who has studied enzymes in saliva, found the results surprising, and said no one had previously surveyed the variety of bacteria in saliva. What else is inside saliva? One component of saliva that has been shown to vary according to diet is amylase, the only digestive enzyme that converts starch into sugar, Dominy said. Amylase is also found in the pancreas and the small intestine. The human body evolved to start the digestive process early, in the mouth, so we can maximize the amount of sugar that we take in, Dominy said. "Given that we have such large brains, and our brains are metabolically very demanding tissues, they're extremely costly and expensive to maintain, so we need a lot of sugar," he said. Americans in particular have a lot of amylase in their saliva because their diets are full of starch: chips, rice and baked potatoes. But the Pygmies of central Africa, for example, eat mostly game animals, honey and fruit. They have relatively little amylase in their saliva. Dominy and colleagues found these differences at the genetic level, meaning natural selection has favored large quantities of amylase in populations with starchy diets. But there is also evidence that amylase levels can rise and fall within an individual's lifetime. A study on college students in Ghana, who typically eat
[ "What fluid has more DNA than blood?", "What common type of bacteria is in saliva?", "What part of the body is often exposed to saliva?", "What is the most common type of bacteria in saliva?", "Saliva contains more what than blood?", "What does Saliva contain more of than blood?", "What contains more DNA than blood?" ]
[ [ "saliva" ], [ "Streptococcus," ], [ "mouth," ], [ "Streptococcus," ], [ "DNA" ], [ "DNA" ], [ "saliva" ] ]
Saliva contains more DNA than blood because of all of the oral bacteria . Most common type of bacteria in saliva is Streptococcus, in a mostly harmless form . Saliva spreads molecules to the taste receptors on the tongue .
(CNN) -- Zainab Alhusni was a simple seamstress in Syria, well-loved by all her neighbors and friends. Now, in a tragic turn of events, she has become a symbol of the cruelty gripping that conflict-wracked nation. Alhusni was only 18 when she stepped away from her Homs residence last month to buy groceries. Her family never again saw her alive. She was whisked away by Syrian security forces to coax the surrender of her activist brother, and ended up beheaded and dismembered, a neighbor, activists and human rights groups say. Waleed Fares, a neighbor and family friend, told CNN on Monday that Zainab's father died when she was just a toddler, leaving her mother and three siblings to fend for themselves in a country with often-unfavorable conditions for a single mother. All four children dropped out of school at a young age so they could work as laborers to provide for their family, Fares said. Zainab dreamed of owning her own tailor shop, so she could support her impoverished family, he said. But she never had a chance to fulfill that dream. Her older brother, Mohammed, became a well-known activist in the family's hometown of Homs in western Syria, often leading the demonstrations against embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and treating the wounded. "Protesters would carry Mohammed on their shoulders so he could lead the chants," Fares said. "He was very loved by everyone. The protesters even had a chant they would say for him, using his nickname: 'Abu Ahmed, may Allah protect you!'" Security forces pursued Mohammed Alhusni for months, raiding his family's home several times, causing the family to flee to a nearby neighborhood on July 25, Fares said. On July 27, Zainab Alhusni disappeared, leaving her family devastated and her siblings panicked and anxious, the neighbor said. "If it had been her brother it would have been different. Taking Zainab, it became a matter of family honor and family pride. Her mother was beyond depressed. She seemed to be between life and death," Fares said. Neighbors and family friends called on each other to collect donations to ease the family's financial troubles, but this became the least of the Alhusni family's concerns. Several days after Zainab disappeared, security forces called the family and offered to meet them in a pro-Assad neighborhood where they would trade Zainab for her activist brother. "The family did not trust the security forces. They would not even confirm to them that Zainab was alive, and they all believed it was a trap to take Mohammed, too," Fares said. On September 10, the family says, Mohammed was wounded in a demonstration. He came back to his loved ones a corpse. The family believes he was tortured to death. In a statement posted to YouTube, another brother, Yousif Alhusni, describes multiple gunshot wounds to Mohammed's chest and a single shot through his mouth. "His arms were broken and there were cigarette burns to his face," he adds. The family went to collect Mohammed's body from a hospital when doctors told them another unclaimed body with the label "Zainab Alhusni" had been kept in the morgue's freezer for some time. When the family received the body, her head and arms had been chopped off. Chunks of her flesh were charred, appearing in places to have been melted or burned down to the bone. Authorities forced Zainab's mother to sign a document saying both her daughter and her son had been kidnapped and killed by an armed gang, Amnesty International said in an online statement "If it is confirmed that Zainab was in custody when she died, this would be one of the most disturbing cases of a death in detention we have seen so far," said Philip Luther, Amnesty International's deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa. The case also drew the antipathy of the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which characterized the incident as "appalling" and an example of the
[ "What did the neighbour say", "What is she now the symbol of", "What did she become?", "What did Syrian girl dreamed of?", "What did the Syrian girl dream of", "What did the girl become", "What did zainab alhusni dream of" ]
[ [ "Zainab's father died when she was just a toddler, leaving her mother and three siblings to fend for themselves in a country with often-unfavorable conditions for a single mother. All four children dropped out of school at a young age so they could work as laborers to provide for their family," ], [ "the cruelty gripping that conflict-wracked nation." ], [ "a symbol of the cruelty gripping that conflict-wracked nation." ], [ "owning her own tailor shop," ], [ "owning her own tailor shop," ], [ "a symbol of the cruelty gripping that conflict-wracked nation." ], [ "owning her own tailor shop," ] ]
Syrian girl Zainab Alhusni dreamed of owning her own tailor shop, a neighbor says . Instead, she has become in death a symbol of the cruelty gripping Syria . "They were chosen to be at the front lines of the Syrian revolution," neighbor says .
(CNN) -- Zambia's incumbent president bowed out with "grace and honor" Friday after election results showed his main challenger had won, his party said in a statement. "The people of Zambia have spoken and we must listen," outgoing President Rupiah Banda said on the website of his Movement for Multiparty Democracy. "The time now is for maturity, for composure and for compassion." Zambians voted Tuesday in the presidential election. The incoming president, Michael Sata, will be sworn in Friday, party officials said. Sata is the leader of the opposition Patriotic Front and a major critic of China's investment in the nation. Ten candidates took part in the presidential race . Zambia has remained relatively peaceful amid unrest in neighboring Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
[ "who take part in the presidential race", "when was this event", "how many candidates take place in the race", "Who is Michael Sata?", "What is Michael Sata critical of?", "How many candidates took part in the presdential race?", "who is major critic of chinese investement" ]
[ [ "Ten candidates" ], [ "Friday" ], [ "Ten" ], [ "incoming president," ], [ "opposition Patriotic Front and a major critic of China's investment in the nation." ], [ "Ten" ], [ "Sata" ] ]
10 candidates take part in the presidential race . Winner Michael Sata is a major critic of Chinese investment in the nation .
(CNN) -- Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has warned against outside influences in next month's run-off election, likening one American diplomat to a "prostitute" and threatening to oust another from his country. Robert Mugabe tries to stir voters with a blistering speech criticizing the U.S. and Britain. "Zimbabwe cannot be British, it cannot be American. Yes, it is African," said Mugabe, whose speech Sunday was quoted Monday in The Herald, the state-run newspaper. "You saw the joy that the British had, that the Americans had, and saw them here through their representatives celebrating and acting as if we Zimbabwe are either an extension of Britain or ... America. You saw that little American girl [U. S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer] trotting around the globe like a prostitute..." Mugabe went on to say that U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe James McGee would be expelled from the country if he "persisted in meddling in Zimbabwe's electoral process," the newspaper reported. The fallout from Zimbabwe's stalled election has brought international criticism, with Frazer taking the most emphatic stance. In April, Frazer accused Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe for nearly three decades, of "trying to steal the election" and "intimidating the population and election officials as well." The first election was March 29. An announcement of the winner of the presidential election was delayed for weeks as opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai claimed he had won. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, after a long delay, ruled that neither candidate had won the required majority of votes, and scheduled a runoff election for June 27. Since the March balloting, there have been numerous reports from Tsvangirai's party and church groups about kidnappings, torture and other violence, including the deaths of opposition party members. They say the violence targets opponents of Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party. At about the same time Sunday that Mugabe was giving his campaign speech, Tsvangirai was speaking at a funeral. Tsvangirai spoke harshly as he stood near the casket of a man he claimed was killed by Mugabe's supporters. Watch Tsvangirai address mourners » "This is a clear testimony of the callousness of this regime," said Tsvangirai to a funeral procession of hundreds gathered outside the capital city of Harare. "They can kill us. They can maim us. But we are going on the 27th of June, our hearts dripping with blood, to vote him out of office." Mugabe denies his supporters were responsible for election-related violence.
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[ [ "election," ], [ "likening one American diplomat to a \"prostitute\"" ], [ "\"prostitute\"" ], [ "against outside influences in next month's run-off" ], [ "\"Zimbabwe cannot be British, it cannot be American. Yes, it is African,\"" ], [ "Mugabe's supporters." ], [ "kidnappings, torture and other violence, including the deaths of opposition party members." ], [ "Tsvangirai" ], [ "Zimbabwe" ] ]
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe likens U.S. diplomat to prostitute . Mugabe warns U.S. and Britain to keep out of Zimbabwe . Morgan Tsvangirai attends funeral and accuses Mugabe supporters of murder .
(CNN) -- Zimbabwe's capital of Harare was quiet Saturday night after polls began closing for elections that will decide the future of longtime President Robert Mugabe. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe campaigns in the capital of Harare last week. Results were not expected until Sunday. The main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change, alleged widespread irregularities and promised to release its own election results, defying a government order. Critics of the government have predicted that the elections will be rigged or marred by fraud, though the government has promised that they will be "free and fair." At a news conference in Harare, Movement for Democratic Change Secretary-General Tenda Biti said that some of the party's agents have been chased away from polling stations. The party also said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission claimed to have lost the accreditation for agents at 19 stations and refused to let them in. Biti said there was a "massive" deployment of soldiers and police at most stations. Journalists inside the country reported a heavy presence of the army and police but disagreed with Biti's description of it as "massive." Police said they were investigating the bombing of a house in Harare belonging to a parliamentarian candidate from Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party. The bombing happened early Saturday, and it was not immediately clear whether it was connected to the elections, police said. No one was inside the home at the time. The Zimbabwean government has denied CNN and other international news organizations permission to enter the country to report on the elections. Read about reporting on the elections. The elections are posing one of the toughest challenges to Mugabe's 28-year rule. Two candidates, both from different factions of the opposition party, stand a good chance of unseating him. One opposition contender is Movement for Democratic Change founder Morgan Tsvangirai, who fought hotly contested challenges against the president in 2000, 2002 and 2005. The other is Mugabe's former finance minister, Simba Makoni. He was a member of the Zanu-PF party until he announced his bid to unseat Mugabe and the party kicked him out. Voter turnout was high after the polls opened at 7 a.m. (1 a.m. ET), journalists reported, but it tapered off throughout the day. Shortly before polls closed at 7 p.m. (1 p.m. ET), "there was a rush of people to put in their last-minute votes" in some places, media rights activist Reyhana Masters said. Biti also said police were assisting many voters in casting ballots. The opposition has spoken out against "assistance" in the voting booth, calling it an intimidation tactic, but Mugabe passed a presidential decree this week that said police could help those voters who are elderly or infirm. Watch Zimbabweans worry their vote won't count » The government has warned the opposition not to release its own election results, saying that doing so is the role of the electoral commission and could spark violence of the kind seen in Kenya after elections there late last year. Some Zimbabweans reported irregularities in Saturday's voting. Eddie Matsangaise of the Zimbabwe Exile Forum said he had heard that the names of long-dead white colonialist leaders were on voter lists, but voters who thought they were registered were turned away. Iden Wetherell, editor of the newspaper Zimbabwe Independent, said the opposition had found large numbers of voters registered at one address where there isn't a building. Voter confusion was also a problem. The elections are not just for president but also for parliamentary, senate and local council seats, meaning voters have to cast a number of ballots in a limited amount of time. Limited voter education means many registered voters were not told which ward to go to and may turn up at the wrong polling stations. Watch claims of dead voters still on the rolls » The absence of international media and independent observers has heightened critics' concerns. The United States this week warned of a possible unfair election, and New York-based Human Rights Watch warned this month that the elections were likely to be "deeply flawed." Human Rights Watch said
[ "Who is Mugabe?", "What is Zimbabwe's main opposition?", "What number of challangers does Mugabe face?", "What is the name of the main opposition party?" ]
[ [ "Zimbabwean President" ], [ "Movement for Democratic Change," ], [ "Two" ], [ "Movement for Democratic Change," ] ]
Zimbabwe's main opposition alleges widespread irregularities in election . Opposition party says it will release its own election results Sunday . President Mugabe faces two challengers who have good chance of winning . Inflation is rampant in Zimbabwe, once called the breadbasket of southern Africa .
(CNN) -- ZipRealty is a full-service residential real estate brokerage firm which uses the Internet, proprietary technology and employee real estate agents to provide home buyers and sellers with value-added online service. ZipRealty's Web site provides users with access to comprehensive home listings data. ZipRealty's Web site provides users with access to comprehensive local Multiple Listing Services home listings data, as well as other relevant market and neighborhood information. Its proprietary business management system and technology platform help to reduce costs, allowing the company to pass on savings to consumers. ZipRealty was launched on August 29, 1999. Three weeks later, on September 21, the company celebrated the acceptance of its first real estate offer. ZipRealty completed its initial public offering on November 10, 2004. It currently operates in 34 major metropolitan areas in 19 states and the District of Columbia with over 2,000 sales agents.
[ "What does ZipRealty used?", "When did ZipRealty complete its initial public offering?", "What is ZipRealty?", "What does ZipRealty use?", "What does the website provide users with?", "When did they complete its initial public offering?" ]
[ [ "proprietary technology and employee real estate agents" ], [ "November 10, 2004." ], [ "full-service residential real estate brokerage firm" ], [ "proprietary technology and employee real estate agents to provide home buyers and sellers with value-added online service." ], [ "access to comprehensive home listings data." ], [ "November 10, 2004." ] ]
ZipRealty uses Internet, proprietary technology, employee real estate agents . Web site provides users with home listings, market and neighborhood info . ZipRealty completed its initial public offering on November 10, 2004 .
(CNN) -- iReporters have a message for Richard Wright: Shine on, you crazy diamond. Jessica Schuette's tattoo reminds her of her late friend, who was a big fan of Pink Floyd. Wright, a founding member of epic rock group Pink Floyd, died Monday. The keyboardist had been battling cancer and succumbed at his home in Britain. Wright is credited with writing some of the band's most well-known hits, such as "The Great Gig in the Sky" and "Us and Them." Pink Floyd has thousands of devoted fans across the world, and the news of Wright's death inspired many of them to write into iReport to share how Richard Wright and the rest of the group touched and changed their lives. Jessica Schuette shared a photo of her Pink Floyd-inspired tattoo: a shimmering diamond above the words "shine on." She got the tattoo in 2005 in memory of her best friend, who died in a car accident. "This was her favorite song. I got this tattoo to remember her," Schuette said. "If that doesn't say something about the impact that this band has had on people, I don't know what will." Pink Floyd touched the lives of Schuette and her friend even though they were never able to see one of the band's legendary live shows. Schuette, who is a dedicated Pink Floyd fan herself, pointed out that she's only 21 -- born 13 years after they released the epic album "Dark Side of the Moon," and too young to have seen the band live when they were touring. iReport.com: Read more of Schuette's thoughts Omar Pelea of Miami, Florida, hopes the tragedy of Wright's death will give Schuette and other fans their long-awaited chance to see the group live. He hopes the death will inspire the other members of Pink Floyd to begin touring again. Pink Floyd has not toured with lead singer and songwriter Roger Waters since 1981, although Rogers reunited with the band in 2005 for a concert at Live 8 in London. "Now would be a good time for the remaining members to contemplate the fact that a reunion is running short on time," he said. "There are bigger things in life than their differences. Perhaps they should put those differences aside and play for the world one last time." "To me, Pink Floyd is the greatest band ever to play on this Earth," he added. iReport.com: Pelea compares Wright to the late George Harrison Long-time Pink Floyd fan Pamela Keenan had the chance to perform some of the group's greatest works herself. She is a member of Endicott Performing Arts Center, a theatre company in Endicott, New York, that has performed its own adaptations of "The Wall" and "Dark Side of the Moon." "We had a band on the stage with us. We had images and films projected on the back of the stage and we had full choreography and vocals for all the songs from each album," she said. "I listened to all of the music over and over again as a teen, but to be able to perform it in my 30s brought a new respect for the lyrics and the sheer musical genius." iReport.com: See a Pink Floyd-themed bike ride Keenan described Pink Floyd as "one of the greatest bands that's ever been in existence," but thinks the group is underrated by mainstream society today. "Children aren't exposed to it anymore," she said. "My kids are exposed to it because we did the shows -- and they love it." iReport.com: Keen recalls Pink Floyd stage show "I credit Pink Floyd for being a big part of my imagination," said Dean Spiegal, who creates psychedelic videos inspired by the group's music. "Floyd was not a band, it was an experience. They did not make music for the people, they made music for their minds." iReport.com: Watch Spiegel's video tribute And Eric Beck put it simply: "It changed my
[ "Fans of what band shares their memories of late keyboardist Richard Wright?", "Where can one share memories of Pink Floyd and Wright?", "What band was Richard Wright a member of?", "Who shared memories of Richard Wright?", "Who remembers the first time he heard \"Dark Side of the Moon\"?", "Who paid tribute to the band?", "What was the name of Pink Floyd's keyboardist?" ]
[ [ "Pink Floyd" ], [ "iReport" ], [ "Pink Floyd." ], [ "Jessica Schuette's" ], [ "Jessica Schuette's" ], [ "Jessica Schuette's" ], [ "Richard Wright" ] ]
Pink Floyd fans shared their memories of late keyboardist Richard Wright . iReporters include theater company member who paid tribute to the band . Jimi Lee remembers the first time he heard "Dark Side of the Moon" Share your memories of Pink Floyd and Wright at iReport.com .
(CNNGo) -- Sure, luxury accommodation in Asia takes the headlines, but what about us regular folk who just want a decent bed before hiking in Berastagi? Big hotel chains such as InterContinental, Swiss-Belhotel International and Accor have recently announced plans to build more than 350 economy and express hotels in various parts of Asia including China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia by the end of 2012. Don't call the new breed budget hotels or hostels, which are usually in cheaper areas. High-end hotel companies that have "economy" brands are often higher quality, cleaner, chicer and closer to city centers. Read more on CNNGo: 15 bizarre hotels Post-recession business travelers are being more responsible with their money and hoteliers say young executives on the move are demanding high-quality hotels with fewer trimmings like business centers or rooftop pools. "Business tourists prefer two- to three-star facilities because it's convenient -- they don't want to waste money on facilities they won't use," says Gavin Faull, president of Swiss-Belhotel International. International Air Transport Association and Smith Travel Research also anticipated higher growth in business travel compared to leisure travel in the upcoming year, according to a report from Ernst & Young -- "Global Hospitality Insights: Top Thoughts for 2011." Read more on CNNGo: 10 adventures for chocoholics Global business travel spending is projected to grow 34 percent in four years, from US$896 billion in 2010 to US$1.2 trillion by 2014, with Asia, Latin America and the Middle East expected to grow faster than the current recovering economies of the United States and Europe, according to Ernst & Young's report. Fewer frills, more savings Much of the growth will be driven by the increased demand for economy hotels, which cost less than full-service hotels because guests pay only for basic amenities. For example, a one-night weekend stay in November at a standard Holiday Inn Express in Hong Kong costs 20 percent less than a room at the full-service Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Hong Kong. "[Express hotels are] everything you need and nothing you don't," says David Anderson, vice president at InterContinental Hotels. And the strategy for no-frills, but decent, rooms is working. Revenue per room grew 15 percent in Asia-Pacific during 2010, while the United States saw about 7 percent growth, as reported by Ernst & Young. "This growth [in the Asia-Pacific travel industry] is a complete reflection of domestic economy strength," says Evan Lewis, Accor's VP for Asia-Pacific communications. Read more on CNNGo: 10 cities, 100 fantastic free attractions For the regular non-business folk in Asia who just want to hit the beach on a nearby island over a weekend, this means more economy chains located in downtown cores. So while the roach-infested hovels with views over the sewer will still be there for those who like to slum it, there are now cheap places in good areas to toss your luggage and explore the city --- without forcing yourself to use the pool or gym you didn't ask for. Select economy hotels Holiday Inn Express, 33 Sharp St. East, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 3558 6688, www.hiexpress.com Hotel Ibis Shanghai, 858 Panyu Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, China, +86 21 6283 8800, www.ibishotel.com Swiss-Inn Batam, Komplek Villa Idaman Baloi Batam 29432, Batam, Indonesia, +62 778 457 500 © 2011 Cable News Network Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved
[ "What is providing more affordable accommodation for everyone?", "What do business travelers not want to waste money on?", "What traveler don't want to waste money?", "What are High end hotels building?", "What areas have had a boom in business travel?", "Hotels are building What brands?" ]
[ [ "Big hotel chains such as InterContinental, Swiss-Belhotel International and Accor have recently announced plans to build" ], [ "facilities they won't use,\"" ], [ "\"Business tourists" ], [ "more than 350 economy and express" ], [ "Asia, Latin America and the Middle East" ], [ "\"economy\"" ] ]
High-end hotels building "economy" brands that are closer to city centers than hostels . A boom in Asia-Pacific business travel means more affordable accommodation for everyone . Business travelers don't want to waste money on ammenities they won't use .
(CareerBuilder.com) -- 2009 has given employers and employees a run for their money -- literally. Budgets have been cut, layoffs made and furloughs instituted, and benefits and perks have evaporated. At the beginning of the year, 38 percent of employers said the economy would force them to make administrative cuts sometime during 2009, according to a survey by CareerBuilder.com. Sixty-five percent of those employers indicated that they would cut back company social events, 61 percent anticipated curtailing business travel, 25 percent expected to scale back on health-care benefits and 11 percent planned to reduce wellness benefits. Other areas where companies planned to cut spending included special office perks, such as coffee, ice machines or discounted vending (34 percent), incentive trips (28 percent) and philanthropic activities (21 percent). Such perks and benefits being taken away make for a tough situation for employees. Not only are they working harder to keep their jobs, but workers have to do more for less. While some argue that it's hard to keep employees motivated in this situation, others say that they shouldn't focus on incentives, but rather think about the bigger picture. "When perks and benefits are taken away, management often does this to allocate resources where they're needed, elsewhere. The money being saved by not buying bagels every Friday or purchasing Christmas gifts for employees may be going towards your salary," said Tom Gimbel, founder and CEO of LaSalle Network, a staffing and recruiting firm. "If you had to choose between taking a salary cut and not having free coffee versus being let go, most employees would likely take the former." Urmil "Tracy" Marshall, coordinator for the Office of Diversity and International Affairs at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia., agrees that it's important not to focus on what is being taken away. She said that due to budgetary constraints, furloughs were implemented at the school; but rather than get discouraged, she focused on the positive. "I reminded myself how blessed I was to even have a job," Marshall said. "We need to remind ourselves of our priorities in life, placing a greater emphasis on what we have -- not what we don't." Communication is key Although it's understandable for employees to be upset, frustrated and discouraged when benefits or perks are taken away, Kevin Sheridan, founder and CEO of HR Solutions, which specializes in helping organizations to keep employees engaged, said that employees are less likely to be upset if management communicates with employees. In fact, 82 percent of employees surveyed in HR Solutions' International Normative Database say that it's important that their organization allow them to choose from a variety of benefits to meet their individual needs. The survey consisted of more than 3.3 million responses from 2,400 organizations. "If an organization's leadership team simply decided amongst themselves which benefits would be best to cut, employees will commonly become upset and their engagement will be negatively affected," Sheridan says. "Open communication is a key driver of engagement, and employees will immediately recognize the fact that they had no voice in the situation. If leadership had simply asked employees which benefits were important to them, this situation may be avoided." Attitude is everything Despite having to deal temporarily with a few displaced benefits or perks, there are benefits to sticking around with your employer until those things are reinstated. "It's a good time to remember that the perks were never the reason that you liked the job. No one gets up in the morning saying, 'I'm really excited to go to the office because there's free coffee,'" said Paul Glen, author and management columnist. "If people feel that the [cuts] are being made in a good-faith effort to save jobs, they will be even more loyal than before, since they believe that the company is working on their behalf -- not just for executives." Additionally, according to the HR Solutions survey, 37 percent of employees have thought of resigning in the last six months. Twenty-
[ "Are employee benefits being cut?", "What did many husinesses say they would have to cut?", "Should businesses communicate bad news to employees?", "What should management communicate to the employees?", "Who said they would have to make large cuts in employee benefits?" ]
[ [ "and perks have evaporated." ], [ "company social events," ], [ "Communication is key" ], [ "choose from a variety of benefits" ], [ "(CareerBuilder.com)" ] ]
In a survey, many businesses said they would have to make large cuts in employee benefits . Management should communicate these issues to help employees adjust said, Kevin Sheridan . Darcy Eikenberg recommends for employees to dig deep and and find benefits still available . Concentrate on actions today that will help your organization succeed, said Jonathan Berger .
(CareerBuilder.com) -- Are you an online enthusiast? The dictionary doesn't have a definition for it just yet, but if it were to exist, I suspect it would look something like this: Internet enthusiast (n): 1. One whose hand has molded to fit the contour of the computer mouse; 2. One who feels energized by the glow of a computer screen in much the same way a fresh cup of coffee makes most people feel in the morning; 3. One who dreads going to sleep because he or she is unable to go online for eight hours. Is this you? Do you hate the fact that your job gets in the way of your Internet activity? Perhaps you don't let that stop you from surfing the Web during the day and praying the boss won't catch you. Whatever the situation may be, you might be better off at a different job. Say, a job where you're paid for your love of everything online. Maybe you need help weaning yourself off of the computer, but until your friends and family stage an intervention, you should consider one of these "webtastic" jobs. Branding consultant Branding is a buzzword that has worked its way into the permanent lexicon. Companies, organizations and individuals want to have a brand -- an identity that customers instantly recognize and respond to positively. Much of that branding is formed online via ad campaigns, press and customer interaction. Branding consultants help companies identify what type of brand they want. They then help create it and keep it consistent through all outlets. They know the likes and dislikes of their target audience so they try to be in front of them as much as possible to get exposure and gauge their reactions. The placement of banner ads, the spread of viral videos and other places you see a company's advertisements are the results of branding consultants' efforts. Public relations director The world of PR is busy and ever-changing. In fact, what you do as a public relations specialist or director depends on the organization in which you work. What is the same everywhere is the need to monitor what type of media attention you're getting and employ damage control if necessary. Directors give interviews online, in print, on radio and on TV to speak on the company's behalf. They stay on message so the company presents a cohesive voice at all times. Directors also monitor what publications and critics, both online and offline, are saying about the company and are prepared to respond to all inquiries that come their way. Recruiter The Internet has been changing industries for more than a decade. Recruiting has also experienced a shift, mostly due to networking sites. Sites where people can post their education history, work experience and skills are ripe for recruiters who need to find new talent. By logging on to a social network, they have access to thousands of potential employees at the click of their mouse. Of course, good recruiters want the right candidate, so they spend hours scouring different networks to find the most qualified individuals. Social media consultant Social media is still relatively new in the business world, as is this position. In some companies, a social media consultant is a busy, high-level job. In others, it's a part-time gig suited for an intern. What you can be certain of is the need to find new ways to engage customers online. Companies need someone to set up and maintain accounts on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and any other social media site that pops up. The social media consultant might work for a public relations director or alongside a branding consultant. Whatever the case, this person needs to keep the content fresh, monitor user feedback and create a persona for the company -- all through the click of a mouse. User operations analyst What one thing do advertisers and site owners want to know more than anything else? How online users behave -- the pages they visit, how far they scroll down a page, how many clicks they are willing to make to find information and anything
[ "What do recruiters have access to?", "For what number of years has the internet been changing industries?", "What's been changing industries?", "What has been changing industries?", "What you do as a public relations specialist depends on what?", "What differs depending on a organization?" ]
[ [ "thousands of potential employees" ], [ "more than a decade." ], [ "The Internet" ], [ "The Internet" ], [ "the organization in which" ], [ "you do as a public relations specialist or director" ] ]
The Internet has been changing industries for more than ten years, now . What you do as a public relations specialist or director differs depending on that particular organization . Recruiters have access to thousands of potential employees at the click of their mouse thanks to social networks .
(CareerBuilder.com) -- As the year draws to a close, it's not the promise of a new year that brings us the most joy. No, it's the chance to reflect on the past year's most memorable work stories that gives us the most delight. This year's selection of workplace tales ranges from ingenious to inspiring to just plain weird, but they all left their own special mark on pop culture. So without further ado, we present you with our roundup of the weirdest and most notable work stories of 2011. 1. His "winning" remarks caused him to lose his job Over the past several years, actor Charlie Sheen has made headlines for his destructive behavior, short-lived marriages and alleged substance abuse. Yet despite the steady drum of rumors and allegations, he continued to show up and dutifully film his TV show, "Two and a Half Men." That is until he had his meltdown. While the seedlings of chaos began to sprout at the end of 2010, things took a turn for the worse in early January, when he was rushed to the hospital for "stomach pains." From there, Sheen became the center of media attention, making news for his bizarre behavior, crazy rants and admittedly addictive catch phrases. There was constant speculation over whether the show would drop him, and he was eventually fired after blasting the show's creator. While Sheen has since cleaned up his act, those few months of insanity are ones we won't soon forget. [Source: People] 2. Rubik's cube expert, prom king and other ways to stand out in your cover letter There's no shortage of advice on how to develop an effective cover letter, but job seeker Roanald took some of that advice to the extreme. Yes, a cover letter should be attention-grabbing, but using profanity and listing one of his qualities as honorable because he is "the son of a librarian and a Capricorn" may be pushing it. Needless to say it's an entertaining read, and it impressed the cover letter's recipients (Chicago bar The Aviary) enough to get him a job. [Source: The Huffington Post] 3. The homeless man with that "golden voice" What started as a videotaped interview of a homeless man by Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch videographer Doral Chenoweth soon turned into a widespread Internet sensation. The man in the video, Ted Williams, had a voice any radio or TV announcer would kill for. In fact, earlier in his life, before falling on hard times, he'd attended school for voice acting and did some work in radio. After the video went viral, Williams began receiving job offers and even appeared on NBC's "Today." Yet the sudden media attention was too much for him to bear, and he reverted to drinking and other destructive behavior. While the hoopla has since died down, the homeless man with the silky smooth voice won't soon be forgotten. [Source: The Columbus Dispatch] 4. Playing around on the Internet really can get you a job Sure, you've been told to "follow your dreams" and "do something you love," but it's never really that easy, right? For one Philadelphia native, it was. The Philadelphia 76ers launched a voting contest to name the team's new mascot but didn't use social media to promote it. So self-described "social media sponge" Jerry Rizzo took it upon himself to create Twitter handles for the three mascot finalists. At first, the team shied away from the extra social media help, asking Rizzo to hand over the Twitter handles and back away from Twitter. But the CEO soon realized there was a real opportunity to grow the team's social media presence, and ultimately offered Rizzo a social media position with the team. He gladly accepted. [Source: Mashable] 5. A cop who didn't want to be late Miami police officer Fausto Lopez led other officers on a high-speed chase, all in the name of getting to work on time. While Lopez's dedication to
[ "What show is Charlie Sheen losing?", "what does charlie sheen lose", "What job did Charlie Sheen lose?", "What was the contest about?", "What ranged from ingenious to inspiring to just plain weird?", "what ranges from ingeniouss to inspiring", "who hosted a contest" ]
[ [ "\"Two and a Half Men.\"" ], [ "his job" ], [ "\"Two and a Half Men.\"" ], [ "to name the team's new mascot" ], [ "This year's selection of workplace tales" ], [ "This year's selection of workplace tales" ], [ "The Philadelphia 76ers" ] ]
This year's selection of workplace tales ranges from ingenious to inspiring to just plain weird . Charlie Sheen losing his "Two and a Half Men" job tops the list . The owner of a chain of Iowa convenience stores hosted a contest to see who would be fired .
(CareerBuilder.com) -- Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are nearing retirement age. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are 78.2 million boomers, and that every hour, 330 of them turn 60. That means an entire generation of workers might leave the work force in the coming years. But they might not. Many baby boomers are choosing to postpone retirement and stay at their current jobs or find new ones. Some can't afford to retire, but many want to explore new avenues. After decades of working in jobs that paid the bills but didn't fulfill them, they're moving to different industries. For their book "225 Best Jobs for Baby Boomers," authors Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin decided to comb through data to discover what the best jobs are for baby boomers. They looked at salaries, projected job growth and the number of openings to calculate which jobs have the most promise. Farr and Shatkin break down their findings in more than 70 lists, ranging from the best-paying jobs to the best jobs for boomers age 45-54. Whatever your criteria are, Farr and Shatkin have the job for you. Below you'll find the list for the 25 overall best jobs for all baby boomers: 1. Management analysts What they make*: $67,005 Projected annual openings**: 78,000 2. Teachers, post-secondary What they make: $68,456 Projected annual openings: 216,000 3. Logisticians What they make: $44,563 Projected annual openings: 162,000 4. General and operations managers What they make: $93,594 Projected annual openings: 260,000 5. Registered nurses What they make: $66,427 Projected annual openings: 215,000 6. Anesthesiologists What they make: $310,132 Projected annual openings: 38,000 7. General internists What they make: $351,307 Projected annual openings: 38,000 8. Obstetricians and gynecologists What they make: $285,254 Projected annual openings: 38,000 9. Family and general practitioners What they make: $198,221 Projected annual openings: 38,000 10. Psychiatrists What they make: $191,080 Project annual openings: 38,000 11. Surgeons What they make: $322,281 Projected annual openings: 38,000 12. General pediatricians What they make: $181,764 Projected annual openings: 38,000 13. Medical and health services managers What they make: $94,269 Projected annual openings: 33,000 14. Financial managers, branch or department What they make: $101,963 Projected annual openings: 71,000 15. Treasurers, controllers and chief financial officers What they make: $172,946 - $240,588 Projected annual openings: 71,000 16. Chief executives What they make: $382,705 Projected annual openings: 63,000 17. Government service executives What they make: $167,766 Projected annual openings: 63,000 18. Private sector executives What they make: $169,570 Projected annual openings: 63,000 19. Pharmacists What they make: $108,499 Projected annual openings: 23,000 20. Lawyers What they make: $116,810 Projected annual openings: 53,000 21. Education administrators, elementary and secondary school What they make: $150,467 Projected annual openings: 31,000 22. Administrative services managers What they make: $86,666 Projected annual openings: 40,000 23. Sales representatives, agricultural What they make: $53,034 Projected annual openings: 44,000 24. Sales representatives, chemical and pharmaceutical What they make: $88,049 Projected annual openings: 44,000 25. Sales representatives, electrical/electronics What they make: $51,105 Projected annual openings: 44,000 *Salary figures based on data from CBsalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.com **Projected annual openings figures based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. &copy CareerBuilder.com 2009. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority.
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Census: Every hour, 330 of the 78.2 million baby boomers turn 60 years old . Many will retire in the coming years, but some may continue working . Authors Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin detail best jobs for boomers . School administrators, doctors, teachers and sales representatives in top 25 .
(CareerBuilder.com) -- It can be tough to pinpoint exactly what the term "personal brand" means, especially when it's loosely used to describe everything from professional image, to manner of dress, to online reputation. While this broad definition may make the term seem like just another empty business buzzword -- developing a personal brand can actually be a great get-ahead strategy for both job seekers and those looking to advance their careers. So what exactly is a personal brand? According to Dan Schawbel, author of "Me 2.0: 4 Steps to Building Your Future" and owner of PersonalBrandingBlog.com, "A personal brand is what you stand for and what makes you special. [It's] composed of values, a mission, and a positioning statement that depict what you do and who your audience is. [It] is an indicator for how valuable you are to employers and customers at every stage of your career." Your personal brand also encompasses the way you market yourself to your professional community, whether it be via your résumé, your LinkedIn profile, your manner of speaking or, yes, even the way you dress. While creating a personal brand may seem daunting, chances are, you've already started building one. Here's what you need to know in order to expand upon, shape and make use of the personal brand you're already creating. Careerbuilder.com: Five tips for confidently speaking up at meetings Define your brand First and foremost, you need to decide what you want your personal brand to convey about you. According to Schawbel, "Your personal brand should represent something that is unique to you; your personality, your passions, your talents and your dream goal. Ask yourself: 'What do I want to be known for?'" For instance, if you've spent most of your career as a human resources manager in the financial world, and your ultimate goal is to become the vice president of human resources at an investment bank, then your personal brand needs to send the message that you're an expert and a leader in the areas of HR, management and finance. Market your brand Once you decide upon your professional goals and values, it's time to start letting others know about them. This may seem like an odd concept at first -- especially for those who have trouble tooting their own horn, so to speak -- but there are plenty of ways to subtly start getting your new message out there. The Internet is a good place to start establishing both visibility and a strong personal brand, Schawbel says. "[Take] ownership of your online presence because that is where almost all first impressions now occur. Start your own blog or website under your full name, as well as accounts on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Then, add your bio information to each and start reaching out to people in your industry using the tools. By constantly getting your name, face and valuable content out there, you will start to build and shape your brand, which will turn into opportunities," he says. On LinkedIn and Facebook, for example, that may mean joining groups that reflect your professional goals. On Twitter, that means tweeting about what's going on in your field instead of your plans for the weekend. If you have a blog, update it regularly with posts and insights on your industry. CareerBuilder.com: Favorite on-screen work nemeses Be consistent "Think about how you dress, how you behave, what you publish online -- and what that says about who you are," Schawbel says. All of these things should be consistent with the message your personal brand is trying to send. For example, if your goal is to reach an executive-level position in the next five years; highlight your leadership qualities on your résumé, follow corporate leaders on Twitter, offer to spearhead new projects at work and dress like you're already in the executive position you're aiming towards. "Your brand should be consistent because you never know how someone might find you," Schawbel says. Look at how
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Developing a personal brand can be a great strategy for job seekers . A personal brand is what makes you stand out . Decide what you want your personal brand to say about you . The Internet is a good place to establish both visibility and a strong personal brand .
(CareerBuilder.com) -- The importance of references seems to be a hot topic these days. Employers want to make sure they are hiring the right person for the job; but some thwart the process because checking references can be labor-intensive. On the other hand, job seekers provide references they know will give a glowing report, but employers are getting smarter and finding references you didn't provide. So, what's the deal? Do references matter? Do employers even check them anymore? What's the protocol for providing them to a potential employer? Who are the best people to include as references? And, if an employer doesn't call any of your references, is it a bad sign? While the definitive answer to any of these questions depends on the employer, overall, yes, references do still matter. The process has just changed. "References play a huge role in the hiring process, perhaps now more than ever," said Heather R. Huhman, founder and president of Come Recommended, an online community that connects internship and entry-level job candidates with employers." Oftentimes, hiring managers fall in love with a candidate on paper and then again in an interview, only to find out through a reference check that none of their previous employers would ever hire them again. By checking a candidate's references, hiring managers save themselves the frustration of hiring a person who is not a good fit for a company. In this economy, where hiring budgets are slim, every hire must be a great fit." Provided references are no guarantee Though the majority of employers do check references, others skip this step. Not only is it labor-intensive to check references for people who might not be poised for a job offer, but Jack Harsh, adjunct professor at the University of Richmond Robins School of Business, said that many employers worry about the risk of liability in rejecting a candidate based on poor references. "[Hiring] decisions cannot be based on information that is discriminatory in nature, so to avoid any liability, the checks are forgone," Harsh said. "Sadly, the first reference the employer gets in such cases is from colleagues after employment has begun." Steve Langerud, director of career development at Depauw University, adds that sometimes, the quality of references is benign. "Everyone wants to be helpful and supportive to former employees, but in the end, they offer little substance to a new employer," he says. "Legally, they are limited by what they can or want to say about former employees. I think the old formal system of references is dead in most professional fields." Langerud warns that just because an employer isn't checking personal references the traditional way doesn't mean he isn't checking references at all. "Employers are more likely to check the informal, but tangible, behavioral reference sources like LinkedIn, Facebook, credit history [or] criminal history than the more subjective references provided by candidates," he said. "Candidates should be much more intentional about crafting a professional identity that serves the role of a 'reference' but within the context of the work, profession and colleagues you seek to engage. It eliminates the weaknesses inherent in the old style of references that become so watered down they are useless." Making the right choices The last thing you want to do is give an employer useless references, but many job seekers make the mistake of not taking the time to thoughtfully choose the right people to speak on their behalf, said Elaine Varelas, managing partner for Keystone Partners, an outplacement and talent management consulting firm. "You want people who can speak to your role as a professional, not as a nice neighbor," Varelas said. "Candidates can make their references count by prepping them to discuss their specific skills as they relate to the job and the impact they brought to the job, which can be just the differentiation needed in this highly competitive market." Harsh agrees that when he receives a résumé with references attached, he gives them virtually no weight. "They seldom
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Refrences still matter these days, but the process has changed on how they are used . Often times an employer will use more informal tools like Facebook and LinkedIn, said an expert . Make sure to include references only when requested by an employer, and never before . Seek references from people who actually know you and your work, not just personaly .
(Coastal Living) -- Barefoot on the sandy shore of Catalina Island, Kim Francis shades her eyes from the sun and peers back to mainland California. "I can't believe we're 22 miles from Los Angeles," she says, grinning. "I may never go back." Paddlers can experience Catalina from the water's surface. Behind her, the rugged terrain of Two Harbors stretches over rolling hills crossed by winding paths. Near the ferry dock, the modest village (a gift shop, an activities booth and one restaurant) buzzes with visitors. They come here to Catalina's west end -- away from Avalon, the island's much larger settlement -- to hike and watch wildlife. Many have their first try at snorkeling and paddling, says kayak guide Jason Clarke. Adjusting his colorful mask and snorkel, Jason plunges from the 45-foot catamaran Garibaldi into Isthmus Cove and encourages a tour group to do the same. "You won't find kelp forests like this just anywhere," Clarke says. "And always cross your fingers for a dolphin." Paddlers can experience Catalina from the water's surface, with tours that visit secluded coves and mysterious caves, all open for exploration. A few strokes of the paddle separate kayakers from pelicans, sea lions and a bison, which watches from land. "If his tail wags, the buffalo is in a good mood," says Rod Jackson, who helps run Hummer tours to see bison. "But never get too close." The bison have been on the island since the 1920s, when they were brought in as film extras. Today, they number nearly 250 and are protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. "Sometimes we get a rebel," Jackson says, gesturing to a lone bison across from the area's only inn, The Banning House Lodge. Free hiking permits allow visitors to wander the island at will. Adrenaline junkies will want to tackle Boushay Trail, which climbs 1,800 feet to Silver Peak, the highest point west of Two Harbors. Those who make it to the top will be rewarded with sweeping Pacific views. And, like Kim Francis, they may not want to leave. Best of the west end For comprehensive information about all of the businesses listed, visit visittwoharbors.com. Stay: The Banning House Lodge, a rustic 1910 bed-and-breakfast with 11 rooms, has no TVs, clocks or telephones. Some rooms provide views of Isthmus Cove and Catalina Harbor. (Room 11 has spectacular cove vistas.) Winter rates start at $89; call 310/510-4228. To camp in the area, call 310/510-8368, or to rent a cabin between November and April, call 800/626-0720. Play: Visitor's Center; 310/510-4205. Dive and Recreation Center; 310/510-4272. For charter-fishing day trips to Two Harbors, call Afishinado Charters at 323/447-4669 or visit fishcatalina.com. Dine: The Harbor Reef Restaurant and the Harbor Reef Saloon serve fresh seafood entrées, steaks and unique cocktails. We recommend the signature Two Harbors "Buffalo Milk" -- a sweet (and strong) concoction of liqueurs, vodka and whipped cream; 310/510-4215. E-mail to a friend Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com
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Two Harbors, on Catalina's west end, is much quieter than Avalon . Paddling tours visit secluded coves and mysterious caves . Free hiking permits allow visitors to wander the island at will .
(Coastal Living) -- New Orleans without music? That's like Venice without canals -- and just as hard to imagine. Music weaves New Orleans' past with its present, and the infinite jazz variations -- from the ethereal warble of classic Dixieland to the tuba-powered street funk of brass bands -- serve as a soundtrack to this storied city. The best way to keep New Orleans music alive? Visit. New Orleans music sounds sweeter today, and here's why: In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, few were certain the streets would resound as they once did. It's not that clubs flooded and venues were wiped out -- many were on high ground and survived just fine -- but the rising waters took out much of the city's affordable housing and its tourism industry. That uncertain future made it unclear whether pass-the-hat musicians and hardworking club regulars would be able to regain their footing in the city. But several groups took the lead to ensure that musicians would still have a home in New Orleans. Locally revered nightclub Tipitina's earmarks its proceeds to help musicians return to town and to put musical instruments back into the flooded schools. Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis, two New Orleans natives, partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build the Musicians' Village in the Upper Ninth Ward. Today, this cluster of colorful shotgun-style cottages, located an easy bike ride from the French Quarter, is gradually being filled by musicians (and others) as volunteers continue to travel here to build the houses. CoastalLiving.com: Beyond Bourbon Street While some still debate whether the music scene has fully regained its pre-storm luster, there's no denying that anyone who shows up hungry for the famous New Orleans sound will leave sated. You can still stroll the French Quarter or nearby Frenchmen Street and pass dozens of clubs where languid notes wander out into the muffled, humid air, pause for a moment, and disappear into the night. The best way to keep New Orleans music alive? Visit. And bring your friends. Go to clubs. Here are four not to miss. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro has the feel of a speakeasy -- you enter through a low-ceilinged bar into an open performance space that's at once intimate and grand. With live music nightly, this is a good spot for classic, straight-ahead jazz. Expect talents such as Ellis Marsalis (father of Branford and Wynton), Charmaine Neville (a member of New Orleans' first family of music), and powerhouse trumpet player Irvin Mayfield with his New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. CoastalLiving.com: Gulf Coast Eateries Three decades ago, a handful of local musicians was dismayed that piano legend Professor Longhair had no place to showcase his talents. They acquired a bar Uptown (it's about a 10-minute cab ride from the French Quarter), and renamed the venue after the Professor's signature song. Today Tipitina's, a spacious, two-level club in a boxy yellow building marked by a Dixie beer sign, attracts local and touring musicians ranging from inimitable songwriter-composer Allen Toussaint to rising stars such as Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. Seating is nonexistent -- assume you'll be standing the whole show --but the open space works to your advantage on Sunday evenings, when Tip's hosts a Cajun dance party, with the emphasis on dance. For the gold standard of New Orleans performance venues, visit Preservation Hall. Carved out of a 1750 Creole residence in the heart of the French Quarter, it's had the self-appointed mission of preserving local music since 1961. The audience lines up on the sidewalk, crowds in (it's one of the few places in town to enjoy music without smoke), then taps their feet along with bands schooled in the old ways of New Orleans. Great local musicians perform regularly, all linked by their devotion to traditional music. Thursdays are typically brass-band nights, where the "big" gets put in "big New Orleans sound. When people imagine a laid-back New Orleans jazz club, they're thinking of a place like Donna's Bar and Grill
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Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro is a good spot for classic, straight-ahead jazz . Tipitina's is a spacious, two-level club that attracts local and touring musicians . Donna's Bar and Grill showcases a revolving cast of local greats .
(Coastal Living) -- The Little Dipper's seven patio tables overlook a twinkling Caribbean. Tonight, the chef -- who's also waiter and hostess -- prepares Creole fish with vegetables. Although the small restaurant is one of the best in Grenada, it's the vista that stands out. Founded in the late 17th century, the capital city of St. George's sits on the island's southwest coast. Sailboats sway at anchor on Clarkes Court Bay, and lights blink on against dark green hills. The island's hidden treasure is its views -- and not just from quaint seaside cafés. Take the nearby resort of Laluna, on Portici Bay. With 16 hillside cottages huddled around a private cove beach, it overflows with scenic panoramas. Founded by a former fashion consultant from Italy, Laluna is chic, but not pretentious -- a stylish retreat on one of the Caribbean's quietest islands. Eco-inspired rooms feature fabric-draped four-poster beds from Bali, individual plunge pools, and bamboo-topped verandas. The most distant cottage sits 150 feet from the beach, making the resort a barefoot, lounging kind of place. Ultracasual dress code aside, Laluna takes meals seriously. Dinner comes prepared by an Italian chef who mingles his home country's techniques with Caribbean flavors. You can start with octopus salad with potatoes and chickpeas, then make your way down the menu to pappardelle with a nutmeg cream sauce. It won't be the last time you see nutmeg on a menu here. Grenada provides a third of the world's supply of the spice, which can be sampled as a powder, syrup, or jam. Almost every visitor brings some home, usually in a small basket also packed with cloves, cinnamon, mace, bay leaves, and ginger. The country may not claim flashy casinos or high-rise resorts, but Grenada grows more spices per square mile than any other place on the globe. Coastal Living: The other Caribbean It takes a lush climate, such as the rain forest at Grenada's center, to produce these flavors. Grand Etang National Park preserves the island's tropical flora and fauna. Visitors can book guides to lead them through terraced banana farms and forests of giant gommier trees, teak, and wild orchids. From a mountain peak, 90 percent of the island is visible, vivid green after a midday rain. As one might expect, the cities here move at a sleepy, island pace. But the township of Gouyave on Grenada's western coast jumps to life on Fish Fridays, which are part street-food festival, part outdoor concert, and part extended-family gathering. Beginning late afternoon, the fishing village's streets and side passages fill with tables of seafood. Vendors sell sample-size servings of everything from lobster to jerked marlin to deep-fried fish cakes. Music lifts the spirit, as do the enthusiastic greetings of friends and relatives. Visitors to Gouyave are a little reluctant to leave. But eventually they'll head back to Laluna, along a cliffside road illuminated by stars on a cloudless night -- yet another unforgettable view. Island Info Laluna's cliffside cottages start at $390. Rates do not include meals, but all snorkeling and kayaking is included; 866/452-5862 or laluna.com. Guided hikes from Henry's Safari Tours cost $40 to $55 per person. Denis Henry offers trips tailored to your experience level. His taxi tours are also the best on the island; 347/721-9271 or henrysafari.com. Reservations at Little Dipper on Clarkes Court Bay in Woburn can be made through Laluna, or by calling 473/444-5136. From Laluna, a round-trip taxi to Fish Fridays in Gouyave costs roughly $100. Food at the festival will run between $15 and $20 per person. Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com
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Grenada provides a third of the world's supply of nutmeg . The casual, quiet island offers a wealth of spectacular views . The township of Gouyave jumps to life on Fish Fridays .
(Coastal Living) -- Visitors love driving Oregon's coast, but it's a shame not to get out and hike the stunning landscape, too. Here are several trails to get you started. Explore forested headlands, tour tide pools or stroll the beach barefoot on some of the Pacific Northwest's best coastal trails. Ecola State Park area, near Cannon Beach Novice explorers can trek along the Pacific on Clatsop Loop Trail, a two-mile historical interpretive route in Ecola State Park that leads travelers in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. More seasoned hikers might want to drive the extra miles to Tillamook State Forest for the Kings Mountain Trail, known for panoramic views and wildflower meadows. But be warned: Hikers must endure a 2,546-foot elevation gain in two and a half miles to enjoy the stunning mountain scenes. Devil's Punch Bowl, near Depoe Bay Formed by the collapsed roof of two sea caves, this "punch bowl" features dramatic water displays that are definitely worth the hike. An easy walk down Beverly Beach and a cliff-climbing staircase leads to the nature-carved basin. Spend the day exploring extensive tide pools, then amble back over to the bowl to witness the wildly churning waves that accompany high tide. The area also promises whale watching and birding. Seaside accommodations are within walking distance at The Inn at Otter Crest. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and environs, near North Bend Wind-sculpted dunes, a sparkling blue freshwater lake, and a historic lighthouse all await visitors here. Set aside a day for roaming the path at William M. Tugman State Park, which circles Eel Lake and its many inlets, and expect a few wildlife encounters along the way. The nearby Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area contains the largest coastal sand piles in North America and offers an array of arduous hiking opportunities. Travelers looking for a more laid-back excursion, however, can make their way to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park for relaxing walks and a glimpse of the 65-foot tower known for its distinctive red-and-white flash. CoastalLiving.com: Oregon's Perpetual Appeal Columbia River Bar and Fort Stevens State Park, near Astoria The Columbia River Bar has always been a navigational nightmare for sailors, and a hike beside the "Graveyard of the Pacific" will show you why. Pass by the shipwrecked remains of Peter Iredale, one of 2,000 ships that have sunk in this area, on your way to the viewing platform overlooking the jetty. For another slice of history, take a walking tour of Fort Stevens, or enjoy a scenic two-mile jaunt around the fort's Coffenbury Lake. Humbug Mountain State Park, near Port Orford Rising 1,756 feet over the Pacific, the forested peak of Humbug Mountain provides visitors with switchback trails and magnificent coastal vistas. Family-friendly paths, such as the paved Old Highway 101 Trail, wind through old-growth Douglas fir, Oregon myrtle, and Western red cedar and yield striking seaside views. Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com
[ "Where is Coffenbury Lake?", "Where is Humbug Mountain near?", "What can be enjoyed?", "What does Devil's Punch Bowl feature?", "What rises 1,756 feet over the Pacific?", "What features dramatic water displays?" ]
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Devil's Punch Bowl, near Depoe Bay, features dramatic water displays . Enjoy a scenic two-mile jaunt around Fort Stevens' Coffenbury Lake . Humbug Mountain, near Port Oxford, rises 1,756 feet over the Pacific .
(ESSENCE) -- As the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa Jackson wears many hats: environmentalist, upholder of anti-pollution policy and toxic chemical regulator, to name a few. Lisa Jackson wears many hats as the administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. But when she reflects on her role as the first African-American to head the agency, her aim is to make people see the connection between the environment and their lives. Jackson spoke to ESSENCE.com about school safety, asthma, environmental racism -- and what she's doing to battle all three. The following is an edited version of that interview: ESSENCE.COM: You've said that your overarching goal is to return the EPA to its roots, to serve the American people and show that your work involves issues that they care about. Can you give us some examples on how you plan to achieve that? Watch powerful women and grieving mothers » Lisa Jackson: The example that probably best epitomizes it is what we're doing on air toxin's in schools. USA Today did a front-page story saying they'd done some risk assessments, and think schools across the country have high level of toxins in the air around them. The American people are rightfully worried, thinking, 'So now you're telling me that when I put my child on a school bus, I have to worry about them once they're there?' We're in the middle of a 60-site monitoring effort with states to get air toxins information from the schools that are among the worst -- schools near highways with cars, buses and trucks, or schools that might be near factories. We want to try to get a handle on this, not to comfort people, but to get them answers. ESSENCE: Lisa Jackson brings change to EPA ESSENCE.COM: You've also spoken about elevated asthma rates in communities of color. What can the EPA do to improve air quality when minority neighborhoods are already so congested? Jackson: You have to think about the big actions that we do. We know that one of the main triggers is high ozone levels. You can't attack that in one area; that's a global problem. What the EPA has to do is ratchet down on emissions from cars, trucks, factories and manufacturing processes that produce ozone. That's regulatory work -- setting permit levels low enough and making sure there's enforcement so that people abide by those levels. EPA has also proposed a monitoring network near major transportation arteries to better understand the pollution that's happening in the communities that are located next to them. ESSENCE: Will the new green jobs go to black people? ESSENCE.COM: Understanding that the EPA doesn't necessarily focus on the location of every bus depot or landfill in the country, it's still a big problem. The decisions to locate polluting sites in minority neighborhoods are usually made by people who don't live in them. Since their voices are so often not at the table, how can EPA regulate how those decisions are made, to break the cycle? Jackson: That's what the environmental justice movement has been saying for a long time, that there ought to be some screen that you can use in permitting decisions to say, "Are we talking about a place that's already disproportionately impacted? And, if so, don't add to that pollution." I think that is the policy challenge of our time. It's all about public participation to me. As you said, the decision is made not by the people who have to suffer the consequences of it. ESSENCE: Give back like your favorite celebs People should be able to advocate and say, "Okay, you can put that here, but we want to make sure that the level of contamination coming from the stack is something that's acceptable, and that we believe is safe for our community." That's a big difference. ESSENCE.COM: So, how do you educate them about this? What does EPA outreach to minority communities look like? Jackson: I think it looks like the kind of outreach we
[ "who is the first African-American to head Environmental Protection Agency", "what does the epa need to do", "Who is Lisa Jackson?", "what did Jackson sayabout her goal", "what does jackson want to do", "what is lisa jackson", "what did Jackson say about EPA" ]
[ [ "Lisa Jackson" ], [ "ratchet down on emissions from cars, trucks, factories and manufacturing processes that produce ozone." ], [ "the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency," ], [ "return the EPA to its roots, to serve the American people and show that your work involves issues that they care about." ], [ "her aim is to make people see the connection between the environment and their lives." ], [ "administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency," ], [ "the big actions that we do. We know that one of the main triggers is high ozone levels. You can't attack that in one area; that's a global problem." ] ]
Lisa Jackson is first African-American to head Environmental Protection Agency . Jackson says her overarching goal is to return EPA to its roots . "What the EPA has to do is ratchet down on emissions," Jackson says . Jackson says EPA feels they are still not accessible enough to the people .
(ESSENCE) -- Two weeks ago, 3-year-old Jaquan Reed was fatally shot on Chicago, Illinois', West Side. Men participate in the Million Father March to support children going to school. While the case shook the city, such shootings involving children are no longer rare in the Windy City. Within the current academic year, 36 Chicago-area students were killed. Essence.com spoke to Phillip Jackson, a well-known political activist in the city and also founder of Black Star Project, a Chicago-based community outreach group, about what is being done to end the senseless shootings involving children. The following is an edited version of that interview: ESSENCE: There have been so many shootings and deaths. Please tell us what's happening in Chicago? ESSENCE: Xerox names Ursula Burns CEO Phillip Jackson: This is a national catastrophe that is happening while we as a country do nothing. We're asking for national attention. This is a pandemic. We will not be able to solve this problem in Chicago unless they can solve this same problem in Houston [Texas] and other cities. Watch our panelists talk about the growing violence in Chicago » ESSENCE: The nation's first black president is from Chicago. And you still do not feel like there is enough attention placed on this problem? Jackson: Newspapers from all over the world have come to our offices this past week to say, "What is happening in President Barack Obama's backyard?" And 75 percent of the children murdered here in Chicago happened within eight miles of President Obama's former house. So if he doesn't respond as president, and we are hoping he does, he needs to respond as a resident. ESSENCE: What has been the police response? Jackson: They've put together a 400-unit gang SWAT team. They're trying to match guns with the gangs. But with all of that they can't stop one murder because they're approaching it from the wrong way. ESSENCE: Obama's time in office ESSENCE: What is the right way to approach it? Jackson: Instill strong families and strong communities. Build strong parenting groups. Do you know what has been the best mentoring organization in the United States of America? Street gangs. ESSENCE: In other cities, where there is a lot of gang violence, like Baltimore [Maryland], there are regular people in the community coming together and trying to fix it. What are regular people doing about this in Chicago? Jackson: First of all, they're raising their voices. Number two, they're rallying, they're marching, and they're organizing. That's what this effort is going to take. Number three, they're engaging in recreational programs. ESSENCE: Toledo cops say teen provoked them So there is more happening at the grassroots level than at the federal level. But those people cannot succeed without support. And that's why we're asking President Obama to bring his resources. ESSENCE: What is the mind-set of Chicago youth with all of these horrendous acts of violence occurring? Jackson: Hopelessness, desperation, anger. They live in America. They see how America takes care of the whole world but won't take care of them in the communities in which they live.
[ "Who did Essence speak to?", "Who did Essense speak to?", "what do children see", "How many children were killed?", "How many Chicago students were killed in an academic school year?", "What did the activist say?", "How many of the children were killed within 8 miles of Obama's former house?", "who spoke to the activist", "What percentage was killed within 8 miles of obama's former house" ]
[ [ "Phillip Jackson, a well-known political activist" ], [ "Phillip Jackson," ], [ "They" ], [ "36" ], [ "36" ], [ "This is a national catastrophe" ], [ "75 percent" ], [ "Essence.com" ], [ "75 percent" ] ]
Essence speaks to political activist in Chicago about children's deaths . 36 Chicago-area students killed in current academic school year . 75 percent of children killed within 8 miles of President Obama's former house . Children see how America takes care of the world but not them, activist says .
(ESSENCE.com) -- While the country celebrates the first black president, African-Americans are facing critical challenges from high unemployment, home foreclosures and a record number of black men in prison. Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League. Despite these disparities and the fact that African-Americans have been hit hardest by the current economic meltdown, a recent New York Times/CBS News poll found that 59 percent of African-Americans believe the country has made real progress in race relations, a 30 percent jump from last year. The National Urban League, in its report "The State of Black America 2009," acknowledges the feeling of hope the Obama administration brings, but demands the president examine the sobering issues facing African-Americans. ESSENCE.com asked president and CEO of the Urban League Marc H. Morial whether or not the sentiments reflected in the poll mirror the national Black perspective. ESSENCE: With all of these factors that are challenging the African-American community today, do you really believe most of us feel like race relations between blacks and whites have improved? See how a few Americans feel about race relations » Marc H. Morial: I know that a poll is a snapshot of time, and while it's important to keep the proper context, this is a positive thing. Yes, people are beginning to have a healthier view of race relations. But we must keep in mind the underlying conditions that people are currently living in. There are still very significant disparities between blacks and whites in America. The unemployment rate in the current recession is but one example. ESSENCE: Do you believe the election of the first African-American president had anything to do with the change in black attitude toward the future of the U.S.? Morial: This is clearly a visible example of the effect of President Obama's election. It has created hope, optimism and a better way of thinking about the issue of race. I just hope that it's sustainable. If it's sustainable, it means we can work towards addressing and alleviating some of those underlying conditions. We should hope that it maintains and translates into positive action to try to close some of the difficult challenges like the economic gap and the housing problem. ESSENCE: Does it surprise you that white people had an equally positive outlook on race relations? Morial: Not in light of Obama. He got more white votes than Kerry or Gore. He also got a higher black turnout than at any other time in American history. So he has demonstrated this unique important ability at the national level to appeal to a broad cross-section of people. People place a considerable amount of trust and optimism in his leadership. Watch an Essence editor talk about her interview with Michelle Obama » ESSENCE: How have organizations like the National Urban League reinforced this new attitude about race? Morial: I really believe a great deal has to do with President Obama. To have that kind of effect and impact means that people are willing to move forward and they believe and hope that things are getting better. Our mission at the National Urban League is to help children and adults, young and old, achieve economic parity, through programs and public policy. Those that have worked in the trenches for many years to improve relations and conditions deserve some credit, but the issue for us is about sustainability and transferability. Have race relations improved? Watch to find out » We want to see this epidemic of high school dropouts improve. We want to see this disparity that exists in economics reduced. These issues are so critical and important. My hope is that this new change in attitude will ultimately lead to that.
[ "What has Obama done?", "what kind of challenges do African-Americans still face", "What is one of the critical challenges that African American face?", "What has made progress?", "what does the National Urban League CEO talk about", "What group have challenges?", "Who has created hope, optimism, and a better way of thinking?", "what did the CEO say" ]
[ [ "created hope, optimism and a better way of thinking about the issue of race." ], [ "high unemployment, home foreclosures and a record number of black men in prison." ], [ "high unemployment," ], [ "the country" ], [ "Marc H. Morial: I know that a poll is a snapshot of time, and while it's important to keep the proper context, this is a positive thing. Yes, people are beginning to have a healthier view of race relations. But we must keep in mind the underlying conditions that people are currently living in." ], [ "African-Americans" ], [ "President Obama's" ], [ "This is clearly a visible example of the effect of President Obama's election. It has created hope, optimism and a better way of thinking about the issue of race." ] ]
African-Americans still face critical challenges such as high unemployment . Majority of blacks believe U.S. has made progress in race relations . National Urban League CEO talks about "The State of Black America 2009" CEO: Obama "has created hope, optimism and a better way of thinking"
(EW.com) -- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" features one of the more soul-destroying death orgies in Fantasy-lit history, with a whole cavalcade of Potter supporting players winding up as casualties in the climactic wizard battle. The series never shrank from death -- Books 4 through 6 each end with a major character dying, and the whole saga begins with Harry as a newly orphaned baby. But in a new special feature on the "Deathly Hallows 2" DVD, author J. K. Rowling notes that she'd planned one fatality that would have probably scarred a generation of young readers. As reported by the Guardian, Rowling says, "I did seriously consider killing Ron." Apparently, she briefly thought about killing off Harry's red-headed sidekick around the middle of the series, when she "wasn't in a very happy place." It's an interesting piece of what-might-have-been trivia. In some ways, it reminds me a little bit of the mythic notion that Han Solo was supposed to die in Return of the Jedi -- an idea which was supported by original Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz and Harrison Ford. Kurtz told the Hollywood Reporter that Solo lived because George Lucas didn't want to kill off any of his main characters. It's hard to accuse Rowling of any such anxiety, given the "Deathly Hallows" bloodbath. Still, it's fun to speculate on how such a major change would have altered the book series. Rowling doesn't specify in what context she was picturing Ron's death, but it's easy to imagine that he might have bit the dust relatively early. Lots of people were shocked when Rowling killed off Cedric Diggory in "Goblet of Fire," but Diggory was a minor character who, in hindsight, was always kind of a handsome readymade corpse -- think of how much freakier the latter Potters would have felt without good ol' Ron around to relieve the tension. Conversely, imagine if Ron had sacrificed himself in Deathly Hallows' climax. It certainly would have changed the tone of the ending, which was a pretty upbeat Happily Ever After, all considering. See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "Who considered killing Ron?", "what is easy to imagine?", "what did he consider?", "Who could have bitten the dust earlier?" ]
[ [ "Rowling" ], [ "he might have bit the dust relatively early." ], [ "killing Ron.\"" ], [ "Ron's" ] ]
"I did seriously consider killing Ron," Rowling said . It's easy to imagine that he might have bit the dust relatively early . How much freakier the latter Potters would have felt without good ol' Ron around .
(EW.com) -- "Joyful Noise," a squeaky-clean pop-gospel fairy tale featuring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah in canned catfights, reflects the inspiration of "Glee" and God, in that order. The "Glee" side, at least in my book, doesn't exactly amount to a recommendation, but it does mean that the movie's musical numbers are catchy and rollicking and, in their bright sunshiny way, rather soulful. In the small town of Pacashau, Georgia, times are hard -- every other storefront is empty -- but the Divinity Church choir has lifted local spirits by rising to become a semifinalist in the National Joyful Noise Competition. Can these spunky vocalists go the distance? Not until they learn to work together in harmony. Which means that Vi Rose Hill (Latifah), the choir's new director, has to stop feuding with G.G. Sparrow (Parton), widow of the former choir leader, over the direction of the group's music. Vi Rose, feisty and smart-mouthed, favors tradition, while G.G., whose grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordan) is the new songbird on the block, is out to shake things up. Parton now looks like a "Spitting Image" puppet (the film makes plastic-surgery jokes about her so that we don't have to), but she still has a way with lines like ''I'd call you stubborn, but that'd be an insult to mules!'' "Joyful Noise" also finds room for a teenager with Asperger's syndrome (Dexter Darden) who loves one-hit-wonder songs (but can he learn to love himself?), as well as a romance between Randy and Vi Rose's daughter Olivia (Keke Palmer). These two are pretty -- and as bland as balsa wood. But each time the innocuousness starts to get to you, you're woken up by Randy and Olivia's swooning ''Maybe I'm Amazed'' duet, or a kid-choir rendition of Billy Preston's ''That's the Way God Planned It,'' or the final ''I Want to Take You Higher'' blowout. These numbers create a deep river of feeling, even when stuck in the shallow banks of a movie like this one. B- See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "Who has a romance", "Who's numbers are catchy", "What is the musical called?", "Who has lifted local spirits by becoming a semifinalist in a competition?", "What are \"Joyful Noise's\" musical numbers?", "What is the name of the choir?", "Who lifted local spirits", "What does \"Joyful Noise\" also find room for?" ]
[ [ "Randy and Vi Rose's daughter Olivia" ], [ "\"Joyful Noise,\"" ], [ "\"Joyful Noise,\"" ], [ "Divinity Church choir" ], [ "catchy and rollicking and, in their bright sunshiny way, rather soulful." ], [ "Divinity Church" ], [ "Divinity Church choir" ], [ "a teenager with Asperger's syndrome" ] ]
"Joyful Noise's" musical numbers are catchy and rollicking and rather soulful . The Divinity Church choir has lifted local spirits by becoming a semifinalist in a competition . "Joyful Noise" also finds room for a romance between Randy and Olivia .
(EW.com) -- "Real Steel" showed what it was made of, as the robot-boxing action drama won the weekend with an estimated $27.3 million. That's the strongest opening ever for a boxing-themed picture, beating "Rocky IV"'s $20 million debut in 1985 (when not adjusting for inflation). DreamWorks' $110 million film, which was released by Disney's Touchstone Pictures, scored a superb "A" rating from CinemaScore graders. That bodes well for the movie's box-office stamina, especially since there are no other major family films hitting theaters until "Puss in Boots" pounces on October 28. Unsurprisingly for a movie about mechanical fighters beating up one another, "Real Steel" skewed male -- 66 percent of the audience according to Disney. It also attracted a younger crowd, with 44 percent under the age of 25. The PG-13 movie's respectable opening must also come as a relief to star Hugh Jackman, who hasn't had a non-X-Men film open to more than $20 million since 2004′s "Van Helsing." In second with $10.4 million was the political thriller "The Ides of March." The R-rated film -- which George Clooney directed, co-wrote, and co-stars in along with Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, and Marisa Tomei -- particularly appealed to older women. According to Sony, 58 percent of the audience was female and 60 percent was over the age of 35. The $12.5 million movie earned a "B" grade from CinemaScore participants, which is a bit lower than expected considering its awards buzz and positive reviews. "The Ides of March" will need to hold up well the next few weeks if it wants to keep its Oscar hopes alive. The rest of the top five consisted of prior releases that all dropped around (a very commendable) 35 percent from last week. In third place, the family film "Dolphin Tale" slipped 34 percent for $9.2 million, pushing the film's cumulative tally to $49.1 million. The Brad Pitt baseball drama "Moneyball," a critical darling, grossed $7.5 million for a 38 percent decline. And the well-reviewed cancer comedy "50/50," starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen, fell 36 percent for $5.5 million. In limited release, the why-does-this-movie-exist horror sequel "The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence" stitched together a decent $54,000 from 18 theaters, with most locations only offering late-night showings. 1. Real Steel -- $27.3 mil 2. The Ides of March -- $10.4 mil 3. Dolphin Tale -- $9.2 mil 4. Moneyball -- $7.5 mil 5. 50/50 -- $5.5 mil See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "What won the weekend with an estimated $27.3 million?", "How many percent did\"Dolphin Tale\" slipped?", "How much did the political thriller \"The Ides of March\" cost?", "How much did real steel make over the weekend?", "What percent did dolphin tale fall by?", "Which film took $10.4million?" ]
[ [ "\"Real Steel\"" ], [ "34" ], [ "$12.5 million" ], [ "$27.3 million." ], [ "34" ], [ "\"The Ides of March.\"" ] ]
"Real Steel" won the weekend with an estimated $27.3 million . With $10.4 million was the political thriller "The Ides of March" "Dolphin Tale" slipped 34 percent for $9.2 million .
(EW.com) -- A remake, a prequel, and one woefully misguided bird-watching comedy couldn't take down Hugh Jackman and the robots of "Real Steel" at the box office this weekend. "Steel" punched up an estimated $16.3 million this weekend, marking a healthy 40 percent drop from its $27.3 million debut. As evidenced by the film's impressive 64 percent boost on Saturday, it appears that "Real Steel" is playing as an outright family affair, and that sort of appeal will help it achieve small drops in the coming weeks. Still, the $110 million Dreamworks film, which is being distributed by Disney's Touchstone Pictures, has a very long way to go before it's in the black. So far, "Real Steel" has earned $51.7 million in ten days. Paramount's $24 million remake "Footloose" managed to open in second place with $16.1 million, a rather lackluster result. Instead of playing like a hyped-up event movie, "Footloose" played much more like a typical dance flick. It attracted fewer dance fans than movies like "Save the Last Dance" (2001, $23.4 million opening) and "Step Up" (2006, $20.7 million opening), but it performed on the same level as "Step Up 3D" (2010, $15.8 million opening) and "You Got Served" (2004, $16.1 million). The film played best with women, who made up 75 percent of the audience, and older moviegoers, who composed 61 percent of the opening weekend crowd. "Footloose" earned a solid "A" CinemaScore grade, and strong word-of-mouth could help it dance its way out of financial trouble, but it will not be able to match the $80 million total that the original "Footloose" achieved back in 1984. In third, Universal's horror prequel "The Thing" didn't scare up many ticket sales this weekend, opening with $8.7 million. The film, which totes a reported $35 million budget, performed below Universal's expectations, becoming the latest 2011 horror film to not connect with audiences. Movies like "Scream 4" ($38.2 million total), "The Rite" ($33 million), and "Priest" ($29.1 million) have all struggled at the box office this year. Even "Thing" star Mary Elizabeth Winstead's former franchise film, "Final Destination 5," performed unremarkably, earning only $42.1 million. The best comparison for "The Thing" is probably "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," which opened with a similar $8.5 million and finished with $23.2 million. Considering "The Thing" earned a weak "B-" CinemaScore grade and a sad $2,990 per theater average, that total is about the best it can hope for. George Clooney's political thriller "The Ides of March" held very well in its sophomore weekend, dipping only 28 percent to $7.5 million in fourth place. That decline is far less severe than Clooney's other recent political flicks, "The American" and "The Men Who Stare At Goats," which dropped by 57 and 54 percent in their second weekends, respectively. Perhaps Clooney has made a political movie that's a bit more palatable for general audiences -- or perhaps it's just the Ryan Gosling effect. Either way, after ten days, "Ides," which cost Sony $12.5 million to produce, has earned $22.2 million. If it keeps up the soft declines, it could become a serious Oscar contender. "Dolphin Tale" spent one last weekend in the Top 5, sliding 31 percent to $6.3 million. After four weekend's Warner Brothers' surprise 3-D hit has accrued a nice $58.7 million total. Along with "Moneyball" ($57.7 million after four weeks) and "The Lion King 3D" ($90.5 million after five), "Dolphin Tale" is one of the few box office bright spots since "The Help." The weekend's other new wide release, "
[ "Did The Thing connect with audiences?", "Name the 2011 horror film", "what film is playing as an outright family affair", "The Thing was released in what year?", "What 2011 horror film did not connect with audiences", "Footloose was what kind of typical flick?", "What is playing as an outright family affair>?" ]
[ [ "not" ], [ "\"The Thing\"" ], [ "\"Real Steel\"" ], [ "2011" ], [ "\"The Thing\"" ], [ "dance" ], [ "\"Real Steel\"" ] ]
"Real Steel" is playing as an outright family affair . "Footloose" played much more like a typical dance flick . "The Thing" is the latest 2011 horror film to not connect with audiences .
(EW.com) -- After ABC changed a new show's mildly profane title during development, upcoming comedy "Apartment 23" has now more-or-less reverted to its original head-turning name. The official new title of the show is "Don't Trust The B----- in Apartment 23," dashing out the letters of the curse in an attempt to soften its impact (not entirely unlike how CBS solved buying short-lived "S**t My Dad Says" last season, substituting the non-word "$#*!"). The Disney-owned network has two upcoming shows that previously used the word "b**ch" in their title -- "Don't Trust the B**ch in Apartment 23" and drama "Good Christian B**ches." The former was shorted to "Apartment 23" right before the network's broadcast upfront presentation in May. The latter was change to "Good Christian Belles," and was then changed again to "GCB." ("Good Christian B**ches," in particular, was singled out by some culture critics who were ready to pounce on the show should it hit the air with its original title). 'Dancing with the Stars': Cher was there! (Not that Chaz Bono noticed) In the case of "Apartment 23," the new title was rather anonymous; it didn't tell you anything about the show. The new version more clearly suggests the show's premise -- about a naive midwesterner (Dreama Walker) who moves in with a hardcore party girl (Krysten Ritter). And given that CBS' "2 Broke Girls" and Fox's "New Girl" have successfully launched girl-with-new-roommate(s)-in-the-big-city premises this fall, the cleverly written "Apartment 23" might likewise pop for viewers. The show does not yet have a premiere date, but is expected to debut sometime this season. Although networks are wary about the swear word in a show's title, on-air use is fair game. According to a story in the New York Times a couple years ago, the use of the word "b**ch" in primetime tripled in the last decade, growing to 1,277 uses on 685 shows in 2007 from 431 uses on 103 prime-time episodes in 1998. See full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "what was the good christian b**ches was changed to", "What was the title shortened to in May?", "What was the sitcom called?", "what is the new title", "When does the show air?", "What is the official title of the show?", "what was the sitcom's title shortened too.", "Whats the different names of the show?", "What was \"Good Christian Belles\" shortened to?" ]
[ [ "Belles,\"" ], [ "\"Apartment 23\"" ], [ "\"Don't Trust The B----- in Apartment 23,\"" ], [ "\"Don't Trust The B----- in Apartment 23,\"" ], [ "sometime this season." ], [ "\"Don't Trust The B----- in Apartment 23,\"" ], [ "\"Apartment 23\"" ], [ "\"Don't Trust The B----- in Apartment 23,\"" ], [ "\"GCB.\"" ] ]
The sitcom's title was shorted to "Apartment 23" before the upfronts in May . The official new title of the show is "Don't Trust The B----- in Apartment 23" "Good Christian B**ches" was changed to "Good Christian Belles" and then to "GCB"
(EW.com) -- After months of speculation about who would play the villain in the next James Bond installment, we finally have an answer, friendo: Javier Bardem. During an interview with Christiane Amanpour on Nightline, in which the Spanish actor talked about his involvement with a charity to help west Saharan refugees, Bardem confirmed that he would be playing the bad guy in "Bond 23." "I am very excited. My parents took me to watch the movies and I saw all of them. So to play that is going to be fun," Bardem said about his joining the 00-franchise. "They chose me to play this man, but I cannot give you many details." See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "Where is the actor from?", "What did they say?", "How much detail can be given?", "What did Bardem say?", "What did the actor say?", "What nationality is the actor?", "WHat was said about the role?", "Does he like the role?" ]
[ [ "Spanish" ], [ "\"I am very excited. My parents took me to watch the movies and I saw all of them. So to play that is going to be fun,\"" ], [ "I cannot give you many details.\"" ], [ "\"I am very excited. My parents took me to watch the movies and I saw all of them. So to play that is going to be fun,\"" ], [ "\"I am very excited. My parents took me to watch the movies and I saw all of them. So to play that is going to be fun,\"" ], [ "Spanish" ], [ "So to play that is going to be fun,\" Bardem" ], [ "\"I am very excited." ] ]
The Spanish actor said he's excited about the role . "So to play that is going to be fun," Bardem said . "I cannot give you many details," he said .
(EW.com) -- After two weekends atop the box office, "Puss in Boots" was thwarted by a pair of newcomers, "Immortals" and "Jack and Jill," both of which opened to solid numbers. "J. Edgar" wasn't quite as fortunate, but overall, the box office exhibited life like it hasn't for the past few months, and the top ten ticked up 18 percent over the same weekend last year -- a good sign headed into Thanksgiving. Check out all the details below: Relativity's "Immortals" became the new box office titan, fending off competition and scoring a strong $32 million opening. While that number pales in comparison to the openings of 300 ($70.8 million) and "Clash of the Titans" ($61.2 mil), it puts "Immortals" ahead of other swords-and-sandals debuts like "Prince of Persia" ($30.1 mil) and "Alexander" (13.7 mil). The Tarsem Singh-directed visual feast, which stars Henry Cavill and Freida Pinto, also revives the ancient epic genre's viability in 2011 after flop openings from "The Eagle" ($8.7 mil) and "Conan the Barbarian" ($10 mil). For Relativity, a $32 million debut (66 percent of which came from 3-D screens) is a major win. The studio spent a surprisingly small $75 million on the film, and a rep told me on Friday that they were hoping for a $25-26 million start. Now, Relativity is hoping that broad appeal will continue to drive attendance. The studio's exit polling reveals that "Immortals'" audience was 60/40 percent male/female and ethnically diverse as well -- 35 percent Hispanic, 30 percent Caucasian, 13 percent Asian, and 12 percent African-American. According to Kyle Davies, Relativity's President of Worldwide Theatrical Distribution, "A lot of people are enjoying the picture, and when you look down the road going into the holidays, there's just nothing for the action fans, so I think that's good for us." But will the film actually continue to perform well into the Thanksgiving holiday? That could be difficult. "Immortals" looks like it may already be suffering from the fanboy effect, which occurs when eager sci-fi fans rush out to the theater en masse on opening night, thereby inflating numbers on the front end of a film's box office run. This can often lead precipitous drops in the days/weeks that follow. Just look at "Immortals'" weekend trajectory: the flick earned $15 million on Friday, followed by a 32 percent drop to $10.2 million on Saturday (while the rest of the Top 10 increased by an average of 8 percent), followed by a more-standard 33 percent decline to $6.8 million on Sunday. Davies attributes the large Friday-to-Saturday drop to the fact that Veterans Day fell on a Friday. He claims that with kids out of school all day, Fridays numbers were boosted substantially. We'll have to wait and see how "Immortals," which earned an alright "B" CinemaScore grade, does in the weeks to come. In second place (for now) was Adam Sandler's latest comedy, "Jack and Jill," which scored a $26 million debut out of 3,438 theaters -- good for a $7,563 per theater average. Sony's $80 million picture performed within expectations, but when compared to the rest of Sandler's bawdy mainstream comedy wheelhouse, this is one of his poorer results, and his worst live-action comedic opening (not including 2009′s death-themed dramedy "Funny People") since "Little Nicky"'s $16.1 million bow in 2000. "Jack and Jill" received atrocious reviews, and while those have never stopped Sandler's films from succeeding in the past, there is a sense that the summation of so many truly awful critical reactions back-to-back-to-back -- when not balanced by winking affection for lovably dumb films like "Big Daddy" and "
[ "What movie had a strong opening?", "Which movie was in second place?", "which movie had a $32 million opening?", "what movie was in second?", "what did Immortals become upon scoring a strong $32 million opening", "who scored a $26 million debut", "which movie came in third?" ]
[ [ "\"Immortals\"" ], [ "\"Jack and Jill,\"" ], [ "\"Immortals\"" ], [ "\"Jack and Jill,\"" ], [ "new box office titan," ], [ "\"Jack and Jill,\"" ], [ "\"Puss in Boots\"" ] ]
"Immortals" became the new box office titan, scoring a strong $32 million opening . "Jack and Jill" scored a $26 million debut . "Puss in Boots" settled for third with an estimated $25.5 million .
(EW.com) -- Although it didn't set a franchise record, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" had one of the best openings in box-office history by debuting to $139.5 million, according to studio estimates. That's the fifth-best opening weekend ever, behind "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2," "The Dark Knight," "Spider-Man 3," and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," which held on to the franchise record. "New Moon" debuted to a slightly better $142.8 million on the same November weekend two years ago. What's interesting is how closely "Breaking Dawn" followed "New Moon's" trajectory. "New Moon" grossed $72.7 million its first day, and then dropped 42 percent on Saturday and 34 percent on Sunday. By comparison, "Breaking Dawn" earned $72 million on Friday (the third-best opening day ever), and then fell 44 percent on Saturday and a projected 34 percent today. "New Moon" ultimately finished its domestic run with $296.6 million, and it's too early to tell whether "Breaking Dawn" will wind up a bit short of that final figure. Even if it does, Summit Entertainment won't be complaining about grossing nearly $300 million from the fourth movie of its franchise. And, of course, the domestic box office is only a part of the equation here. "Breaking Dawn" took in $144 million from 54 foreign territories this week, pushing its worldwide debut to a staggering $283.5 million. Summit reports that "Breaking Dawn" attracted a crowd that was, unsurprisingly, 80 percent female. What is surprising is that the PG-13 movie's audience wasn't as young as you'd think, with 60 percent over the age of 21. According to CinemaScore, 30 percent of the film's audience was under 18, but an even larger 42 percent was between the ages of 18 and 34. The popular conception is that The "Twilight Saga" is merely a teenage phenomenon, but these figures seem to prove otherwise. The $110 million movie received a good-but-not-great B+ rating from CinemaScore graders. In second place was Warner Bros.' 3-D animated sequel "Happy Feet Two," which fell far short of expectations by dancing to only $22 million. The 2006 original, an Oscar winner for best animated feature, opened to $41.5 million -- and that was without the benefit of 3-D surcharges. "Happy Feet Two" was saddled with mediocre reviews, which might have discouraged some parents. Furthermore, five years could have been too long of a wait, especially for a sequel that appeared very similar to its predecessor. The original "Happy Feet" was released a year after March of the Penguins, when the Antarctic birds were having a moment in the cultural zeitgeist. That moment has clearly passed. The $135 million sequel earned a B+ rating from CinemaScore moviegoers, and 3-D theaters accounted for 50 percent of its weekend tally. The rest of the top five consisted of holdovers. The 3-D action flick "Immortals" dropped a harsh 62 percent for $12.3 million -- a second-weekend decline that was larger than both "300" (54 percent) and "Clash of the Titans" (57 percent). "Jack and Jill" witnessed a typical Adam Sandler fall of 52 percent for $12 million. And even though "Happy Feet Two" underperformed, "Puss in Boots" lost much of its family audience. The animated adventure dropped 57 percent for $10.7 million in its fourth weekend. In limited release, Alexander Payne's "The Descendants," starring George Clooney, debuted to $1.2 million from 29 theaters -- enough for a tenth-place finish. The Oscar hopeful raked in an impressive $42,150 per location. Only "Midnight in Paris," "The Tree of Life," and "Jane Eyre" opened to stronger per-theater averages this year, and those movies started out on far fewer screens than "The Descendants."
[ "What movie fell far short of expectations?", "What was the box office for Immortals?", "How much did the movie make?", "What type of movie is Immortals", "What type of feet are mentioned", "What movie had the third-best opening day ever?", "How much did Breaking Dawn earn on Friday", "What movie dropped a harsh 62 percent?" ]
[ [ "\"Happy Feet Two,\"" ], [ "$12.3 million" ], [ "$139.5 million," ], [ "3-D action flick" ], [ "\"Happy" ], [ "\"Spider-Man 3,\"" ], [ "$139.5 million," ], [ "\"Immortals\"" ] ]
"Breaking Dawn" earned $72 million on Friday (the third-best opening day ever) "Happy Feet Two," fell far short of expectations by dancing to only $22 million . The 3-D action flick "Immortals" dropped a harsh 62 percent for $12.3 million .
(EW.com) -- Although the tower in question in the gimcrack action comedy "Tower Heist" is fictional, many New York tourists will recognize the aggressive nouveau-riche opulence of the building's exterior as that of an actual Manhattan hotel condominium owned by aggressive nouveau-riche Donald Trump. The aesthetic pairing of The Donald and director Brett Ratner is a natural. This brassy production, an imitation "Ocean's 13½," features the name-brand talents of Ben Stiller (as an honorable Tower manager named Josh) and Eddie Murphy (as a con man called Slide) leading rookie thieves in an elaborate Robin Hood-style heist. Their target? The oversize penthouse of one Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda), a shady billionaire who keeps a rare 1963 Ferrari in his living room. In other words, "Tower Heist" is the cinematic version of a Trump property: overblinged, eye-catching, and essentially tacky. For a movie that claims its heart is with the masses -- the 99 percent! -- there's an awful lot of production-design admiration lavished on the trappings of the effin-rich 1 percent. (Ratner had specific ideas about which pedigreed modern-art reproductions he wanted on the walls.) Shaw is a fictional variation on Bernie Madoff: Entrusted with the retirement savings of the multicultural low-wage employees who keep the Tower running, he takes their money and ruins their lives. And so, rallied by egalitarian friend-to-all Josh -- the guy takes the subway to work from Queens, so you know he's a mensch -- and hastily educated in criminal technique by Josh's less honorable Queens neighbor Slide, these blue-collar little people rise up in triumph to steal their money back. By the moral standards of Occupy Hollywood, the crime earns an ethical thumbs-up. You may think I am picking too much on what's built to be a fun, diverting, New York-state-of-mind caper comedy -- a joke-filled cavalcade that marks 50-year-old Eddie Murphy's welcome return to the edgier stuff that made him famous. Alrighty, let's talk about Murphy: He's nowhere to be found in the first half of the movie! And he's only there to illuminate selected scenes in the second: He's like the spot lighting supplied by a big-a** chandelier in an ostentatious Trump lobby. That's too bad, because when Murphy is on screen, his comedic vigor -- reminiscent of Chris Tucker's jive-talk mania in Ratner's "Rush Hour" movies but with a blast of Murphy-specific danger -- gooses the movie's energy level. I've missed that guy. But whenever Murphy wanders off, the movie's pulse rate drops. Tower Heist is in effect two movies: One belongs to Murphy, the other to the rest of the cast. Josh's drippy in-house recruits include Matthew Broderick as a broke ex--Wall Streeter and Tower resident (and the kind of fretful nebbish he perfected on Broadway in The Producers); Michael Peña as an uncouth rookie bellhop; and "Ocean"'s alumnus Casey Affleck as an unreliable concierge who happens to be Josh's stressed-out brother-in-law. (The band of gentlemen credited with the story and screenplay includes Ted Griffin, who worked on Steven Soderbergh's 2001 "Ocean's Eleven.") Two female characters also join the increasingly frantic male-driven mayhem. (Here's where I mention with an eye roll that, in what I hope is a quickly passing trend in male- as well as female-driven comedies, vaginas are briefly discussed, this time by Affleck.) Téa Leoni, who worked with the director 11 years ago in "The Family Man," gamely plays a no-nonsense FBI agent with cute rough edges. And Gabourey Sidibe, the striking plus-size Oscar-nominated star of "Precious," makes her Hollywood leap as a feisty Jamaican chambermaid who gets in on the heist action. (The girl's got mad safecracking skills.) I don't know why Ratner and cinematographer
[ "What is the name of a movie about a Trump highrise?", "What part does Sidibe play?", "Is Murphy in the first half?", "What is the cinematic version of trump property?", "what is the cinematic version of a Trump property?", "Who was no where to be found in first half?" ]
[ [ "\"Tower Heist\"" ], [ "feisty Jamaican chambermaid" ], [ "He's nowhere to be found in the" ], [ "\"Tower Heist\"" ], [ "\"Tower Heist\"" ], [ "Murphy:" ] ]
"Tower Heist" is the cinematic version of a Trump property . Murphy's nowhere to be found in the first half . Sidibe's self-possessed working girl is something new .
(EW.com) -- Brendan Conlon (Joel Edgerton), a high school physics teacher, has a house the bank is about to foreclose on and a daughter with an (expensive) heart defect. He's also a former mixed-martial-arts champion, and so -- strictly for the money -- he decides to get back in the ring, even if the clawing, kicking, anything-goes bouts threaten to kill him. Tommy Conlon (Tom Hardy), an Iraq-war veteran who left the battlefield under mysterious circumstances, is also an MMA fighter, and he too wants back in the ring. The two men are brothers, and were once close. But the only thing that unites them now, apart from their ruthless hand-to-hand prowess, is how much they hate their father, Paddy (Nick Nolte), a recovering alcoholic whose drinking tore the family apart. 'Rescue Me' series finale: Were you satisfied? "Warrior," a two-track drama of fighting and redemption, tells the parallel stories of Brendan and Tommy, and the movie, with its grim, deliberate rhythms and grainy '70s-style look, comes on as if it were no mere sports fable. It's about demon-haunted Irish Catholic men testing and punishing themselves. It's about broken families coming together. It's about economic desperation and about America getting off the ropes and recovering its fighting spirit. If "Rocky" was sweet and inspiring, and "The Fighter" was touching and fascinating, "Warrior" is at times almost gravely self-important. The gifted director Gavin O'Connor ("Miracle") brings the film an affecting, ripped-from-the-guts spirit, even if he can't really hide how many old-movie tropes are floating around in it. PTC slams 'Toddlers & Tiaras' for 'Pretty Woman' hooker costume Mostly, "Warrior" is a showcase for its up-and-coming stars. Edgerton, from last year's "Animal Kingdom," and Hardy, who stole scenes as the identity forger in "Inception," both have a tense, tough presence, though in a slightly colorless way. You buy them as brothers, and as gnarly brawlers hungry to win, but Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale they are not. In this film, they're closer to the second coming of Tom Berenger and Michael Paré. B See full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "what is a \"Warrior\" ?", "What is gravely self-important?", "what is at times almost gravely self-important?", "What is Warrior?" ]
[ [ "movie," ], [ "\"Warrior\"" ], [ "\"Warrior\"" ], [ "a two-track drama of fighting and redemption," ] ]
"Warrior" is a two-track drama of fighting and redemption . It tells the parallel stories of Brendan and Tommy, and has a grainy '70s-style look . "Warrior" is at times almost gravely self-important .
(EW.com) -- Disappointing news for fans of "All My Children," which was supposed to earn a second lease on life next year when it was supposed to resurface via The Online Network in January. The company that bought it from ABC may hold off premiering it for at least a few months and focus on getting "One Life to Live" back to fans, instead, according to Variety. Prospect Park, a media and production company founded in 2009 by Jeffrey Kwatinetz and former Disney Studios head Rich Frank, bought "AMC" and "OLTL" last July after ABC canceled them. ("AMC" ended in September; "OLTL" goes away in January). The hope was to bow new installments of "AMC" online starting in January, but that was before Prospect started having a tough time securing stars from the longtime serial (here's looking at you, Susan Lucci!). So far, only Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery) and Lindsay Hartley (Dr. Cara Castillo Martin) have agreed to continue with "AMC" once it goes online. In contrast, "OLTL"'s Erika Slezak (Victoria Lord), along with Ted King (Tomas Delgado), Michael Easton (John McBain) and Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer), among others, will stay in the fictitious town of Llanview for Prospect's new venture. Along with the soaps, The Online Network is supposed to feature entertainment and lifestyle shows. See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "Which company bought from ABC?", "who buy all my children", "What programs has the network?", "What will the Online Network feature?", "what is the focus", "what is supposed to feature", "What bought the company?", "What show was bought?", "What will have fans?" ]
[ [ "Prospect Park," ], [ "Prospect Park," ], [ "\"All My Children,\"" ], [ "entertainment and lifestyle shows." ], [ "getting \"One Life to Live\" back to fans," ], [ "entertainment and lifestyle shows." ], [ "Prospect Park," ], [ "\"All My Children,\"" ], [ "\"One Life to Live\"" ] ]
The company that bought "All My Children" from ABC may hold off premiering it . It will focus on getting "One Life to Live" back to fans . The Online Network is supposed to feature entertainment and lifestyle shows .
(EW.com) -- Henry Winkler is often called the Nicest Man in Hollywood, but now he's also known as an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). He was awarded the honor from the Queen this week in recognition of his services to children with dyslexia and special educational needs. According to the British Embassy in Washington, he's spent much of the last two years touring the U.K. to educate about dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Winkler, who was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult, is also the author of 17 children's books centered on Hank Zipzer, a boy with dyslexia who overcomes his struggles at school and with bullies. There are two things I love about the press release: One, that "Happy Days" the show is never actually mentioned, although Sheinwald sneaks in a reference ("Henry Winkler is living proof that difficulties can be overcome and that for those suffering disability and self-doubt, happy days can nevertheless lie ahead"). And two, the sense of formality that insures you will also not see the words "the Fonz" or "Fonzie" ("Mr. Winkler's portrayal of Arthur Fonzarelli garnered him two Golden Globes and three Primetime Emmy nominations"). What I love about this in general is that it's just another wonderful, unexpected line on Winkler's résumé. It's kinda like the first time you read that he was an executive producer on "MacGyver" or heard that he saw the short film that "Better Off Dead"... writer/director Savage Steve Holland had made about having suicidal thoughts after his high school girlfriend dumped him for the captain of the ski team and gave him an office so he could write it as a feature. It's easy to just think of Winkler as "The Fonz" instead of as a man who's also done multiple Adam Sandler movies, "Arrested Development," and "Childrens Hospital" among other things (like wear orange shirts on "Royal Pains"). Every now and then we like to stop and remember. See the full story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "Henry Winkler was awarded the", "What was he diagnosed with as an adult?", "that was diagnosed Winkler?", "that honor was awarded Henry Winkler?", "What did he spend much of the last two years doing?", "What was Henry Wrinkler awarded?" ]
[ [ "Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)." ], [ "dyslexia" ], [ "dyslexia" ], [ "Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" ], [ "touring the U.K. to educate about dyslexia and other learning difficulties." ], [ "Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)." ] ]
Henry Winkler was awarded the honor from the Queen this week . He's spent much of the last two years touring the U.K. to educate about dyslexia . Winkler was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult .
(EW.com) -- How did the makers of "I Don't Know How She Does It" not know that there are two insurmountable problems with their bogus chick flick about the amusing travails of a working mother? The first is that the movie is based on a 2002 novel by British journalist Allison Pearson, and we live in 2011. True, Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker) is now an "investment manager" in Boston rather than a British hedge-fund shark. Otherwise, Kate.2011 has the same accessories as Kate.2002, including a cute architect husband (Greg Kinnear), two kids who push Mommy's guilt buttons, and various male associates oblivious to commonplace 2011 workforce realities. Into this time warp screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna ("Morning Glory," "27 Dresses") adds gratuitously bitchy stay-at-home gym-rat mothers and a boss (Kelsey Grammer) who blanches at the word mammogram. Pierce Brosnan plays a fairy-tale New York businessman as princely as he is single. The second insurmountable problem is the difference between Parker's performance as a fortysomething banker, wife, and mother musing (in voice-over) at her computer and her previous performance as a single, thirtysomething girl-about-town in "Sex and the City": There is none. I don't know why she does it. EW.com rating: D+ See the full story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "Who plays a fairy-tale New York businessman?", "The movie is based on a 2002 novel by whom?", "who is allison pearson", "What is the movie based on?", "who is pierce brosnan", "name of british journalist", "What is the name of the British journalist?", "What is the year of the novel?", "Who plays a fairy-tale?" ]
[ [ "Pierce Brosnan" ], [ "Allison Pearson," ], [ "British journalist" ], [ "2002 novel by British journalist Allison Pearson," ], [ "a fairy-tale New York businessman" ], [ "Allison Pearson," ], [ "Allison Pearson," ], [ "2002" ], [ "Pierce Brosnan" ] ]
The movie is based on a 2002 novel by British journalist Allison Pearson . Kate.2011 has the same accessories as Kate.2002, including a cute husband . Pierce Brosnan plays a fairy-tale New York businessman as princely as he is single .
(EW.com) -- Huge news for "American Chopper" fans: Jesse James is returning to the network that made him famous to compete head-to-head against the Teutuls on "American Chopper." Marking his first appearance on Discovery Chanel in five years, the former "Monster Garage" star will guest star on "Chopper" across two nights in December. Not only that, but "American Chopper" is going live for the first time -- pitting James, Paul Teutul, Senior and Paul Teutul Jr. in a bike-building battle at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. The face-off airs December 5 and 6 at 9 p.m. both nights. The first night is the regularly scheduled "American Chopper." You'll see Senior, Junior and James building the bikes, and viewers will vote for their favorite. The second night is a live show from Las Vegas where the winning bike will be revealed. For "Chopper" fans, this is the stuff of online message-board wish fulfillment. Jesse James' documentary "Motorcycle Mania" helped launch the whole cable reality motorcycle craze back in 2000, whereas relative later-comer "American Chopper" helped bring the genre to a greater level in popularity. James then left Discovery and went on to other ventures, including his short-lived Spike TV series "Jesse James is a Dead Man" (and drawing international headlines for his divorce from Sandra Bullock). Though James and the Teutuls respective motorcycle garage shows overlapped during James' years at Discovery ("Monster Garage" ran from 2002-06; "Chopper" has aired since 2003), this event marks the first time the combustible personalities have gone head-to-head on one of the programs. See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "What show will the former Monster Garage star appear in?", "Who's at the battle of construction of bicycles?", "What is going live for the first time?", "Who will guest star on Chopper?", "Who will be in a bike-building battle?", "Who is the \"Chopper\" guest star?", "What is live for the first time?" ]
[ [ "\"Chopper\"" ], [ "James, Paul Teutul, Senior and Paul Teutul Jr." ], [ "\"American Chopper\"" ], [ "Jesse James" ], [ "James, Paul Teutul, Senior and Paul Teutul Jr." ], [ "Jesse James" ], [ "\"American Chopper\"" ] ]
The former "Monster Garage" star will guest star on "Chopper" "American Chopper" is going live for the first time . James, Paul Teutul, Senior and Paul Teutul Jr. will be in a bike-building battle .
(EW.com) -- In response to Netflix's recently released list of the "Top 10 Movie Rentals of All Time," BitTorrent has release its own -- albeit utterly illegal -- list of the "Top 10 Most Pirated Movies" of all time. The usual suspects were there, with "Avatar" (21 million downloads) taking top (dis?)honors, and "The Dark Knight" tying for second place with "Transformers" at 19 million downloads apiece. And, yes, of course there's a "Pirates of the Caribbean" installment on there. It's only right. Still, there is surprisingly little overlap between the lists (only "Inception" and "The Departed"). Apparently Netflix users favor Oscar bait while Internet thieves go for tentpole popcorn movies, with the Venn Diagram overlap between those two strangely being Leonardo DiCaprio. So what other movies made the list, and which were the most head scratch-inducing? See the full list after the jump. 1. Avatar (2009) 2. The Dark Knight (2008) 3. Transformers (2007) 4. Inception (2010) 5. The Hangover (2009) 6. Star Trek (2008) 7. Kick-Ass (2010) 8. The Departed (2006) 9. The Incredible Hulk (2008) 10. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "where is surprisingly little overlap?", "What is Avatar winning?", "Who is in second place?", "How many downloads did Transformers get?", "How many downloads did The Dark Knight get?", "What is surprising?" ]
[ [ "between the lists" ], [ "\"Top 10 Most Pirated Movies\"" ], [ "\"The Dark Knight\"" ], [ "19 million" ], [ "19 million" ], [ "little overlap between the lists" ] ]
"Avatar" (21 million downloads) taking top (dis?)honors . "The Dark Knight" tying for second place with "Transformers" Still, there is surprisingly little overlap between the lists .
(EW.com) -- It's been an interesting year for Charlie Sheen. From getting fired from his gig on "Two and a Half Men" to flooding Twitter with non-sensical ramblings (#winning anyone?), and most recently, appearing on the Emmys to wish his old co-stars good luck, he's had his share of ups and downs. And tonight, he got called out for them. Comedians Seth MacFarlane, Jon Lovitz, Jeffrey Ross and Mike Tyson (?), among others, were all on-hand for Sheen's sometimes brutal Comedy Central roast, which aired shortly after his character's mock funeral on Two and a Half Men (poetic timing much?). The comedians took a no-holds barred approach, taking aim at Sheen's history of employing prostitutes and using drugs (read eight of the meanest jokes here). Even Sheen's kids weren't off-limits. "If you're winning, this must not be a child custody hearing, said Ross. "The only time your kids get to see you is in reruns -- don't you want to live to see their first 12 steps?" Sheen laughed and applauded. The comedian also singled out Sheen's ex-wife Brooke Mueller (who was in the audience), in an especially touchy bit alluding to the actor's previous domestic violence charges. "[Brooke Mueller] is not very bright unless Charlie throws a lamp at her," Ross said. He later added, while addressing Tyson, "There's no denying the fact that Mike Tyson had the hardest hitting right hook in history -- your opponents spent more time bleeding in the corner than Charlie's ex-wives." For his part, Sheen seemed to take it all in stride and even fired back with some zingers of his own ("I'm done with 'the winning' because I've already won"). Although, it's hard to imagine he didn't feel a single singe while sitting in that hot seat. But how about you? Did the heat from Sheen's roast make you uncomfortable? Or were you enjoying the skewering? Do you think the jokes went too far? Or was it all fair game? Weigh in with your take in the comments below. See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "What was Sheen reaction?", "Who's career had ups and downs?", "what did sheen do", "What approach comedians took?", "what did the comedians do" ]
[ [ "laughed" ], [ "Charlie Sheen." ], [ "getting fired from his gig on \"Two" ], [ "no-holds barred" ], [ "took a no-holds barred approach," ] ]
Charlie Sheen has had his share of ups and downs . The comedians took a no-holds barred approach . Sheen fired back with his own zingers .
(EW.com) -- On "A Very She & Him Christmas," professionally adorkable "New Girl" star Zooey Deschanel reunites with Portland folkie M. Ward, this time wrapped in holly and (mostly) good cheer. While some covers feel dreary -- ''Silver Bells'' is less tinkly than dirgelike -- Deschanel's unfussy voice puts a charming spin on yuletide chestnuts ''Blue Christmas'' and ''Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.'' The self-penned ''Christmas Day,'' with its gingerbread-spicy surf licks, is sweet enough to cure an eggnog hangover. B See full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "What show is she on?", "What TV programme is metioned", "What is the name of the folkie?", "What show was the actor a star in?", "Where is M. Ward from", "What is the name of the actress?", "Who was reunited with M Ward?", "What is the name of the self penned song", "Whats the show called?" ]
[ [ "\"New Girl\"" ], [ "\"New Girl\"" ], [ "M. Ward," ], [ "\"New Girl\"" ], [ "Portland" ], [ "Zooey Deschanel" ], [ "Zooey Deschanel" ], [ "''Christmas Day,''" ], [ "\"New Girl\"" ] ]
Zooey Deschanel reunites with Portland folkie M. Ward for "A Very She & Him Christmas" The "New Girl" star's unfussy voice puts a charming spin on the classics . The self-penned ''Christmas Day,'' with its gingerbread-spicy surf licks, is sweet .
(EW.com) -- Oof. The Miami and Dallas audition rounds of "The X Factor" brought us a few solid acts -- and one stunning one -- and an utterly ridiculous amount of screentime dedicated to losers and fools. Have I been suckered into recapping "America's Got Talent?" Thankfully, Simon and company redeemed themselves by sticking a grey-sweatered dagger into that festering zit of a human being Xander Alexander (stage name) at the very end of the show. If you look up "the worst" in a dictionary, you will find this tattered seafoam creature, standing all alone with only his terrible attitude and a trash-basket Pepsi to keep him company. FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE. Books are timeless. I'd love to have seen more footage of promising "yeses" like Jeremiah Pagan (one of "only like seven" male sopranos in the world -- as if), or blink-and-you'd-miss-her Ma'at Bingham Shango. 31-year-old blonde-banged Hannah Jackson, I know you've just become able to fly out of your birdcage, but come back to me! Hog farmer Kyle Corr, sing to me some more! I almost always feel like a pig, so I promise it won't be weird. Stick with me, people! No dice. In lieu of more quality time spent with promising acts like girl group 2Squar'd, country singer/teacher Kendra Williams, and music instructor Brandon O'Hara, we got entire segments devoted to the likes of a defective Justin Bieber doll (if Justin Bieber dolls had been around in the '80s) and motormouth yawns like Ashley Nothing At All Like Pink and Ashley Ghost Hunter. (The ensuing inter-judge antics re: ghosts was pretty much the dumbest thing I've ever seen, and I've been watching "Dancing With the Stars" for 13 seasons.) The airtime devoted to yellow-bloused high school junior Caitlynne Curtis was a little easier to swallow, because it's been a while since we've seen Pauler put on her thinking cap and concoct a delicious scheme to trot up and hug someone. That poor girl's life would have been a lot worse from that moment forward if Paula hadn't done that. And she was sweet, you know? I would have hugged her myself. I cannot say the same about Dreamcatcher Crotch. But Nicole might. Despite an inspirational visit from local hero Gloria Estefan and a giant rainbow-colored beach ball, the talent in Miami was dreadful. "Honest to God, nothing," complained Simon. "I hope this is the worst session. I'm beginning to wonder why we came here." Way to inspire people to keep watching, boss. And.... cue music! Meet Vanilla Ice Nick Voss, 21, who got fired from a job at the airport because all he wanted to do was dance. Silly airport. Those planes don't need to know where they're going! What Nick lacks in vocal talent and fully-grown-in eyebrows, he makes up for with fancy footwork and enthusiastic family members. Stevecrest Jones even did an overhead clap during Nick's rendition of Elvis Presley's "Trouble." A beaten-down L.A. Reid immediately gave in, "because this is really the entertainment business." Wise Paula suggested Nick lose the Michael Jackson choreography and focus on his vocals, and Simon declared "Nick, I absolutely love you." He had to. The episode was getting that bad. But Melanie Amaro, 18, redeemed it completely. FINALLY! We heard her entire amazing performance of Beyonce's "Listen" -- cutting her off would have seemed illegal. I got total Whitney Houston/Leona Lewis vibes from Melanie's voice alone. The fact that she has such a real, unassuming personality on top of the voice makes me want to go buy her entire album right now. It was so refreshing to see such a good-natured reaction to the crowd's overwhelming reception. There's nothing worse than an 18-year-old who knows she's the s---. The judges were nearly passing
[ "what people heard the entire performance", "What song Melanie Amaro was performing?", "What did Paula suggest", "what woman said nick should lose the choreography" ]
[ [ "Melanie Amaro," ], [ "\"Listen\"" ], [ "Nick lose the Michael Jackson choreography and focus on his vocals," ], [ "Paula" ] ]
We heard Melanie Amaro's entire amazing performance of Beyonce's "Listen" Dexter Haygood broke out a rote James Brown tribute act with "Sexy Machine" Paula suggested Nick lose the Michael Jackson choreography and focus on his vocals .
(EW.com) -- Spidey will cast his net across millions of TV screens during Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but that's not where Thursday's televisual treats end. Whether you're a certified dude, a lady with a taste for the finer things, a procedural junkie, a spy fan, or someone who understands "There's always money in the banana stand," we present a list of the all that's worth watching this Turkey Day. Fun for the Whole Family While you're slaving over your bird bright and early, give the kids a taste of what could await them if they don't toe the line with the Style Network's "Supernanny" marathon (6 a.m.-6 p.m.) Kids will also love back-to-back "Tom & Jerry" episodes on Cartoon Network (9 a.m.-7 p.m.), and teens will be occupied by MTV's double header of "Friendzone" (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) and "Ridiculousness" (3-7 p.m.). Dudesgiving There's a plethora of guy-friendly fare on all day. Early risers can flip between A&E's "The First 48" marathon (8 a.m.-4 a.m. Friday) and History's 12-hour block of "Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads" (8 a.m.-8 p.m.). Outdoorsy types can catch up with "Hillbilly Handfishin'" on Animal Planet (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), and weapons buffs have a choice between Discovery's two-series gun spectacular ("American Guns" from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and "Sons of Guns" from 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) or G4′s "Bomb Patrol" (1-11 p.m.). For those with a truly unquenchable blood lust, Spike TV is kicking off the day at 10 a.m. with a "Steven Seagal marathon" spearheaded by the martial arts master's 1994 eco-actioner "On Deadly Ground." Ladies' Choice Where better to go to appreciate your own dysfunctional family than WE tv? The lady net is airing episodes of "Braxton Family Values" from 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday. Past noon, the time will be right to bust our your diamonds (and perhaps even your claws) with Bravo's "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" (noon-6 p.m.), not to mention pop open the champagne with Patsy and Edina of "Absolutely Fabulous" on LOGO (1-7 p.m.). Come nightfall, BET is catching you up with its newest original offering, "Reed Between the Lines" starting at 6 p.m. Get Your Procedural On For those who can't get enough of procedurals, TNT is airing "Bones" all day starting at 10 a.m., followed by a "CSI: NY" marathon at 8 p.m. USA has "NCIS" fans covered (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) and Oxygen is taking the night shift with a "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" block from 7 p.m.-midnight. Eating With Your Eyes We have no idea how you could possibly be hungry, but in case you are, choose between TLC's "Cake Boss" and "Cake Boss: Next Great Baker" (6 a.m.-8:30 p.m.), Nadia G's "Bitchin' Kitchen" on the Cooking Channel (2-8 p.m.), and OWN's "Welcome To Sweetie Pie's" (5-11 p.m.) The Geek Tube Whether you geek out over music, space (the final frontier), or Buster Bluth, there's a choice for you. VH1 i showing "Pop Up Video" back-to-back from 12:30-2:30 p.m., and Fuse is airing its MC series "Beef" from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Over on BBC America, spend the day with Captain Picard on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (8 a.m.-5 a.m. Friday). Perhaps most thankful of all, fans can eagerly anticipate the 2013 return of "Arrested Development" with 12 hours of the show on IFC (6 a.m.-6:30 p.m.). Just Like Old Times The end of the year always lends itself to a bit of nostalgia, so why not embrace the remembrance of things past with some old classics? Syfy presents its annual "James Bond Marathon" (8
[ "What can outdoorsy types catch up withq", "Reed Between the Lines is on what network?", "What time does the Bones marathon start?", "Hillbilly Handfishin is on what network?", "When is Bones airing", "What is the original offering of" ]
[ [ "\"Hillbilly Handfishin'\"" ], [ "BET" ], [ "10 a.m.," ], [ "Animal Planet" ], [ "all day starting at 10 a.m.," ], [ "\"Reed Between the Lines\"" ] ]
Outdoorsy types can catch up with "Hillbilly Handfishin'" on Animal Planet . BET is catching you up with its newest original offering, "Reed Between the Lines" TNT is airing "Bones" all day starting at 10 a.m., followed by a "CSI: NY" marathon . Fans can enjoy 12 hours of "Arrested Development" reruns over on IFC .
(EW.com) -- The 2012 box office got off to a fine start this weekend, as Paramount's "found footage" (riiiight...) horror movie "The Devil Inside," which the studio acquired for just under $1 million, earned a tremendous $34.5 million in its first three days, becoming the first breakout box office star since "The Lion King 3D." In fact, the strong debut marks the third-best January opening of all time behind "Cloverfield" ($40.1 million) and a re-release of "Star Wars" ($35.9 million). Is this a sign of things to come in 2012? Perhaps. But it's more likely a sign of the recent popularity of possession movies. Demonic tales have made a mini-comeback in the last few years -- starting with the success of 2005′s "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," which earned $75.1 million domestically. Since then, similar titles like 2009′s "The Haunting in Connecticut" ($55.4 million), 2010′s "The Last Exorcism" ($41 million), and 2011′s "Insidious" ($54 million) have all proven lucrative thanks to their tiny budgets. "Insidious," for example, cost just $1.5 million to make. Of course, the "Paranormal Activity" movies (the fourth of which was just announced this week) are the biggest success stories of this whole trend. A total of $8 million has been spent making the three "found footage" movies, yet they have earned $296.7 million domestically. Paramount marketed "The Devil Inside" in much the same way the studio markets the "Paranormal" films. Commercials included ample shots of audiences screaming at the screen, and viewers were encouraged to use social media to chat up the film with the "Tweet Your Scream" campaign. Indeed, all the promotional costs -- certainly a much higher number than the budget -- helped "The Devil Inside" achieve a stellar debut, but where does it go from here? Well, it falls. Fast. Due to their overwhelmingly young audiences, who love to rush out to the theater on opening weekend, horror movies almost always open big and fall precipitously at the box office, but "The Devil Inside," with its utterly terrible "F" CinemaScore grade (some issue has been raised as to whether the grade is actually an "F" or closer to the "C" range), will likely plummet even more quickly. Not that it really matters, though -- the horror pic is already in the black, and it may finish with as much as $70 million. In second place, "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," another Paramount film, continued its comeback performance with $20.5 million in its fourth weekend. The action blockbuster, which became the biggest hit of the holidays, has now earned $170.2 million, and it should finish well above $200 million. "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" held onto third place with a $14.1 million weekend. The sequel, which initially appeared a major disappointment when compared to the original "Sherlock Holmes," has redeemed itself handily in the last few weeks. After two weekends, "Shadows" was trailing "Sherlock Holmes" by $59.7 million, but over the past two weeks, the sequel has narrowed that gap to $22.7 million, and it now has a running total of $157.4 million -- still disappointing, but not nearly the disaster it first appeared. "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" finished the frame in fourth place with $11.3 million, dipping only 24 percent, the smallest drop in the Top 10. Could the edgy adaptation finally be finding its adult audience now that the warm n' fuzzy holiday season is over? After 19 days, "Dragon Tattoo" has grossed $76.8 million, and if it maintains strong holds like this, it should pass $100 million. "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" rounds out the Top 5. The kiddie threequel, which has majorly underperformed compared to expectations, dropped 42 percent to $
[ "who held onto third place with a $14.1 million weekend?", "What were the earnings of The Devil Inside in its first three days?", "What place did Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows get in the weekend sales?", "How much did Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol earn?", "who earned a tremendous $34.5 million in its first three days?" ]
[ [ "\"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows\"" ], [ "$34.5 million" ], [ "third" ], [ "$170.2 million," ], [ "horror movie \"The Devil Inside,\"" ] ]
"The Devil Inside" earned a tremendous $34.5 million in its first three days . "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," continued its comeback performance with $20.5 million . "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" held onto third place with a $14.1 million weekend .
(EW.com) -- The box office had to contend with the World Series, a very early snowstorm in the Northeast, and Halloween festivities across the country this weekend, but audiences still managed to make it to the movies! That being said, grosses for new releases "Puss in Boots," "In Time," and "The Rum Diary," weren't all that strong. Check out how they performed below: Dreamworks Animation's "Puss in Boots" was the top cat this weekend, clawing its way to a $34 million debut, 51 percent of which came from 3-D screens, and 7 percent of which was from IMAX theaters. On paper, that number sounds good -- and, to be clear, it is by no means a disaster -- but the result comes with a "Real Steel"-ish caveat. "Puss in Boots" cost $130 million to produce, and it earned Dreamworks' third-worst debut for a computer animated film, beating only "Flushed Away" and "Antz," which started with $18.8 million and $17.2 million, respectively. The 3-D "Shrek"-spinoff, cost as much as Dreamworks' "Megamind," which opened in early November 2010, but that film began with $46 million, and it played well through the Thanksgiving season on its way to a $148.4 million total. "Puss in Boots" entered theaters a week earlier, but it will need to endure even better than "Megamind" to earn back its budget. The "A-" CinemaScore grade it earned from audiences should at least make that achievement possible, but considering people are already familiar with the "Puss in Boots" character, it's doubtful that the film will attract many uninitiated viewers. We won't officially know where "Puss in Boots" is headed until next weekend, when we see how much the snowstorm, the World Series, and Halloween really affected the box office this frame. (My guess is not much -- and I'm not just being catty.) Second place belonged to "Paranormal Activity 3," which fell by 65 percent to $18.5 million in its second weekend. The found footage horror sequel has scared up $81.3 million after ten days in theaters, and considering the huge business the film will likely do on Halloween, "PA3" is only a day away from passing Paranormal Activity 2's $84.8 million cume. Not too shabby for a film that cost Paramount only $5 million to make! Fall Movies: Get the latest news, photos, and more Fox's $40 million Justin Timberlake/Amanda Seyfried thriller "In Time" underwhelmed with just $12 million in its opening weekend. That debut is less than Timberlake's last film, "Friends with Benefits," which began with $18.6 million on its way to $55.8 million, as well as Seyfried's recent "Red Riding Hood," which debuted with $14 million on its way to $37.6 million. Ads for "In Time" failed to effectively communicate the convoluted time-shifting story, and negative reviews likely kept older moviegoers away. Timberlake's leading man status may not have helped matters too much, either -- audiences seem to find him more appealing as part of an ensemble, like in "The Social Network" and "Bad Teacher." Moviegoers issued "In Time" an unenthusiastic "B-" CinemaScore grade, which may prevent the film from finding the same kind of legs that time-jumping thriller "Source Code" ($14.8 million opening, $54.7 million total) enjoyed earlier this year. In its third weekend, dancing remake "Footloose" fell to fourth place, dropping 48 percent to $5.4 million. The $24 million production has now earned $38.5 million after 17 days in theaters, and it will pass the total of Julianne Hough's first feature film, "Burlesque" ($39.4 million), sometime this week. Johnny Depp's latest, "The Rum Diary," stumbled out of the gate with just $5 million. "Pirates of the Caribbean" this was not. The disappointing opening
[ "what did earn Dreamworks' third-worst debut for a computer animated film?", "Which film fell by 65 percent in its second weekend?", "How much did Puss in Boots earn on debut?", "what did has a $34 million debut?", "Which company produced Puss in Boots?" ]
[ [ "\"Puss in Boots\"" ], [ "\"Paranormal Activity 3,\"" ], [ "$34 million" ], [ "\"Puss in Boots\"" ], [ "Dreamworks Animation's" ] ]
"Puss in Boots" had a $34 million debut . "Puss in Boots" earned Dreamworks' third-worst debut for a computer animated film . "Paranormal Activity 3" fell by 65 percent to $18.5 million in its second weekend .
(EW.com) -- The last time we saw him on our TV sets, T. R. Knight was playing "Grey's Anatomy"'s beloved Dr. George O'Malley before he met an untimely end in 2009. In his first television role since (he's been continuing a successful stage career), Knight plays somewhat against type: George O'Malley was the bumbling, baby-faced surgeon with a nervous smile and horrible luck with women; his latest character, Gabriel Thomas from last night's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," is an alleged (SPOILER ALERT!) "power-reassurance serial rapist" with a neck tattoo -- sure, the tat is of a yin-yang symbol -- but still, a neck tattoo pretty much never screams "nice guy." Gabriel sure looks like George, but that's where the similarities end. Like George, Gabriel's into blonds, but only of the submissive variety -- that would certainly exclude Izzie Stevens. It's rather inspired to cast an actor so associated with a recognizably benevolent character in such a disturbing role (sort of the effect Elijah Wood had as the expressionless, evil Kevin in "Sin City"). Seeing Knight go from a bright-eyed family man one moment to a sinister predator who snarls, "Tell me you love me, Mommy" to the women he's assaulting (ick) in the next is appropriately chilling. And, as it turns out, the dichotomy makes even more sense as, in a twist typical of this long-in-the-tooth series, Knight is pulling a Sarah Michelle Gellar and playing estranged identical twins, one of whom has a seemingly charmed life whereas the other's is in serious shambles. It may be a long shot, but for fans, his appearance on "Law & Order" might be a sign of more T. R. to come. In the enduring spirit of cross-promotion, NBC seems to use "SVU" as a testing ground for future series leads. Beautiful relationships between NBC and stars often begin in that famous interrogation room. Just look at Hayden Panettiere's two roles ramping up to Heroes, and Maria Bello's significant role last season en route to Prime Suspect (which really is getting better -- save that show!). Even though Knight's return to TV was welcome in my eyes, I found his performance weirdly unsatisfying. He didn't get to sink his teeth into his role(s) as much as I'd hoped because a lot of the episode was devoted to initiating new detectives Nick Amaro (Danny Pino) and Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish); plus, his characters' Southern accent sounded a bit inconsistent -- anyone else notice that? See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "What is his character into?", "Who plays somewhat against type?", "who is into blonds", "What is Knight's first television role since \"Grey's\"?", "who didn't get to sink", "What role didn't he get to sink his teeth into?" ]
[ [ "blonds," ], [ "Knight" ], [ "Gabriel's" ], [ "Gabriel Thomas from" ], [ "T. R. Knight" ], [ "\"Law & Order\"" ] ]
In his first television role since 'Grey's,' Knight plays somewhat against type . His character is into blonds, but only of the submissive variety . He didn't get to sink his teeth into his role .
(EW.com) -- There are two ways for pop stars to make a Survivor Album: either power-sing through your problems like Christina Aguilera, or make like Rihanna and dance till you forget what you're supposed to be getting over. On her first release since checking out of rehab, Demi Lovato wants to have it both ways. She's front-loaded "Unbroken" with leave-no-synth-effect-behind R&B (''You're My Only Shorty,'' featuring Iyaz), shy love-in-this-club tracks (''Who's That Boy''), and Timbaland bangers (''All Night Long,'' with Missy Elliott). So it's a little unnerving when she gets to the album's second half -- the part where, as she told Ryan Seacrest, ''I'm singing about some issues that I've never even spoken about before.'' Having struggled with cutting since she was a preteen, Lovato admits, ''I ended up with wounds to bind ... and I just ran out of Band-Aids'' on the hugely affecting ballad ''Fix a Heart.'' Demi Lovato covers Lil Wayne's 'How to Love' in NYC: Watch it here The piano confessional ''For the Love of a Daughter'' finds her picturing herself at age 4, begging her dad to ''put the bottle down'' and keep his ''selfish hands'' to himself. And then there's ''Skyscraper,'' an anthem so honest you can hear her voice breaking. Taylor Swift teams with Hayley Williams in Nashville for 'That's What You Get' Clearly it's been a tough year for Lovato. But as Rihanna could tell her, sometimes bad years make great songs. B+ See full review at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
[ "what \"Unbroken\" is Demi Lovato's?", "what is demi lovato's first release since checking out of rehab?", "What is Demi Lovato's first release since rehab?", "What does Lovato say about it?", "What is \"unbroken\" loaded with?", "what is she singing about?", "what did she front-load \"unbroken\" with?" ]
[ [ "her first release since checking out of rehab," ], [ "\"Unbroken\"" ], [ "\"Unbroken\"" ], [ "before.''" ], [ "leave-no-synth-effect-behind R&B" ], [ "some issues that I've never even spoken" ], [ "leave-no-synth-effect-behind R&B" ] ]
"Unbroken" is Demi Lovato's first release since checking out of rehab . She's front-loaded "Unbroken" with R&B, shy love-in-this-club tracks and Timbaland bangers . ''I'm singing about some issues that I've never even spoken about before," she said .
(Editor's note: Marnie Gustavson is Executive Director of PARSA, a Seattle-based nonprofit working with widows, orphans and the disabled in Afghanistan. She spent her teenage years in Kabul, where she now lives with her family. For more information about PARSA, read here and here Marnie Gustavson says the real Afghanistan is more textured than could be seen from secure bunkers. KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- In my Afghanistan, the days are compiled images of Afghans living their simple lives. My Afghanistan is a kaleidoscope of real people, from the stick-thin bearded Paghmani man, an imposing 6-foot-5, rhythmically lifting rocks, 12 hours a day, seven days a week for $4 a day, his shalwar kameez billowing in the hot summer breezes; to the grin of the boy in his blue shirt as he labors to cut the alfalfa after school to feed the flock of big-bottomed sheep. To the kiss of the old widow, her family gone, whose feet hurt incessantly; she's forgotten the English she once knew when she worked for the government. And of course, to the communities my organization works with to help them better their lives through direct education and training programs. A Pashtun orphan, about 11, enters my office with a plate of freshly picked summer apricots. He was rescued from a madrassa that trained him how to throw grenades and to be a suicide bomber. He spends time with me when he gets a chance, tidying my desk, pulling my papers out of the copier and stacking them. We can't speak much as I do not know Pashtun and he hasn't yet learned Dari or English, but he tucks his head into the crook of my neck for a couple of minutes watching me type. In these gentle moments, he begins to unwind and I experience the fragile connection that is being created between our worlds. Living and working in Afghanistan for nearly five years now, I do not recognize most of what the international news accounts of this area report as anything remotely close to my experience. A visiting journalist recently observed with some surprise that "parts of Afghanistan are at war and parts are peaceful." Indeed, like Ireland and many other sites of civil unrest in the world, there are pockets of peace and pockets of war. The things that concern me most as I go about my day-to-day activities are not suicide bombers, kidnappings, and the "insurgency." These are all just a backdrop to the much more textured story that is Afghanistan, though it rarely touches the lives of the 2,500 or so foreign aid workers who live and work in Kabul. Yet these stories of violence dominate the news outside and thus color the way the world imagines Afghanistan. Internationals living in the country are constantly bombarded with "threat alerts" and rarely visit the desperately poor Afghan communities their projects are ostensibly attempting to help. This is what concerns me: how my country is spending development dollars here without really being here. The results of the fear that dominates the management of most development projects are an incompletely informed group of international professionals working in Afghanistan who can literally spend years here without seeing the country but through the windows of their armored cars. Living as they do under cloistered, fearful conditions behind razor-wired walls, venturing out only to a select list of "secure" locations, they make often questionable decisions on spending, frequently without the input of Afghan nationals. From this entrenched, isolated position, they are managing hundreds of millions of dollars of international development funds. When news reports talk about Afghanistan's high levels of corruption, they do not lift the veils to see that the development projects themselves are actually enabling it with security conditions that resemble apartheid. While folks at home are hunkering down, Afghanistan projects are concerned with tripling their monthly "burn rates" and managing projects remotely -- projects that almost certainly are less than the books indicate, or worse, have been paid for several times over by different organizations. It is time for those controlling the funding investment in this country to listen to their
[ "What is Afghanistan?", "which place is described as having pockets of war and peace?", "what does she say will help the young people?" ]
[ [ "is a kaleidoscope of real people," ], [ "Afghanistan" ], [ "direct education and training programs." ] ]
Marnie Gustavson: Afghanistan is a complex place with pockets of war and peace . She says the image of Afghanistan provided in the media isn't complete . She says some aid organizations hide behind fences and miss the real story . Gustavson: We must build bridges to the young people of Afghanistan .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- For the past three weeks in a row, Michael Jackson's "Number Ones" has been the biggest-selling album in the country. For the first time in a month, the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 is actually the No. 1 selling album. Each time, it's been disqualified from Billboard's flagship Billboard 200 chart, along with all Jackson's other releases, due to its age. That unusual run of asterisked Billboard 200 chart-toppers is now over. Which artist put an end to Jackson's posthumous flummoxing of the Billboard rules, you ask? The answer is Chris Daughtry, whose "Leave This Town" bows atop the chart with a very nice 269,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. That's actually a bit of a drop-off from the 304,000 that the first album from American Idol alum Chris Daughtry's band sold when it hit shelves in 2006, but it's more than anyone else could muster in this sales frame -- yes, even Michael. And so for the first time in a month, the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 is actually the No. 1 selling album in the U.S., no tricks, no fooling. ("Number Ones," meanwhile, sold another 192,000 this week, landing it handily atop the Top Comprehensive Albums chart, which counts catalog albums alongside new ones. So don't think that MJ's sales have dried up just yet.) Other Billboard 200 debuts this week came from the Dead Weather's "Horehound" at No. 6, demonstrating that at least 51,000 devotees can be counted on to buy any side project Jack White dreams up. R&B singer Joe, shows up at No. 7 after signing over 49,000 units of his "Signature"; Twista fast-talked his way into 45,000 sales and a No. 8 bow; and Christian power-pop teens pureNRG squeak in at No. 20 with 22,000 copies sold. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What are the names of the other top albums this week?", "How many copies sold Daughtry's?", "What is the name of Michael Jackson's biggest selling album in the past weeks?", "Who has been biggest-selling album?", "How many copies of Doughtry's first album sell?", "What was the biggest selling album in the last two weeks?", "Which year was released first Daughtry's album?", "How many copies did Daughtry's chart sell?" ]
[ [ "(\"Number Ones,\"" ], [ "269,000" ], [ "\"Number Ones\"" ], [ "Michael Jackson's" ], [ "304,000" ], [ "\"Number Ones\"" ], [ "2006," ], [ "269,000" ] ]
Daughtry's "Leave This Town" tops chart with 269,000 copies sold . In past weeks, Michael Jackson's "Number Ones" has been biggest-selling album . Daughtry's first album sold 304,000 when it was released in 2006 . Other top albums this week are from Dead Weather, Joe and Twista .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- "The Time Traveler's Wife," adapted from the 2003 best-seller by Audrey Niffenegger, is one of those gooey romantic mind-benders, like "Ghost" (which I adored) or "The Lake House" (not so much), in which a couple must come to grips with some trippy impediment to their relationship, such as life after death or a hole in the space-time continuum. Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana star as a couple trying to connect in "The Time Traveler's Wife." Only instead of being milked for elaborate science-fiction thrills, the problem at hand gets treated as a weepy and grandiose inconvenience. Sort of like the metaphysical version of having a husband who takes too many business trips. Henry (Eric Bana) is deeply, and eternally, in love with Clare (Rachel McAdams), and she with him. The only problem is that he has a "genetic anomaly" that causes him to skip around through time without warning. All of a sudden, he will melt out of the present and pop up ... somewhere else, in the future or in the past, without a stitch of clothing on, so that he must scramble for cover and regain his bearings. Then, just as suddenly, he'll pop back into Clare's life -- sometimes when he's too young a man to have any idea who she is. (A little confused? So was I.) More jarringly, he sometimes appears when he's an adult and she's an adoring young girl standing in a pastoral meadow. That's when she falls in love with him -- which is meant to be innocent, but comes off as a bit unintentionally creepy. I mean, is the movie supposed to look like a contemporary version of "The Lewis Carroll Story"? To muddle matters further, Henry is seen at assorted ages, but except for the moment when he shows up at his wedding with sudden streaks of gray in his hair, Bana looks exactly the same in every scene. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is built as a game that the audience learns to play, and after a while, yes, we do get the hang of it. That is, we accept the film's mixture of the playful and the slightly arbitrary; we become romantic time travelers too. Although the script is by Bruce Joel Rubin, who wrote "Ghost," the film's mood doesn't change very much; it's gentle, wistful, gauzy, and placid. Bana, so fantastic in "Munich," has always had to work overtime to prove that an actor who looks like the Aussie gym-rat version of Rodin's "The Thinker" can play a gentle, unassuming regular guy. But he does nicely here. He and McAdams are sweet together, with matching dimples and starry eyes, and we grow eager to see them remain in the same place. In the end, that's all there is to the movie, really. It's a time-travel fantasy in search of a cozy love seat. EW Grade: B-minus CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What is the name of the movie?", "What is the movie about?", "Who stared in the movie?", "What is the name of the actress?", "Who are the actors?", "What is the movie called?" ]
[ [ "\"The Time Traveler's Wife,\"" ], [ "a time-travel fantasy in search of a cozy love seat." ], [ "Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana" ], [ "Rachel McAdams" ], [ "Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana" ], [ "\"The Time Traveler's Wife,\"" ] ]
Chemistry between Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams saves "Time Traveler's Wife" Movie about man who can travel through time, hurting chances for romance . A lot is silly, just waiting for the couple to get together at the right time .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- "Whip It!" suggests what might have happened if Juno had gone to a high school as poky as Napoleon Dynamite's and decided that although her mother wanted her to be a beauty queen like Little Miss Sunshine, she'd rather just strap on roller skates. Ellen Page plays roller derby competitor Babe Ruthless in "Whip It!" Only here the petite, droll, feisty, Ellen Page-like heroine played by Ellen Page is named Bliss. And her idea of sass while chatting up a cute rocker (Landon Pigg) in this desexualized, slow-speed grrrl-power sports fantasy is "I'm Bliss, but I could change that." Bliss does change her name, at least at the Roller Derby rink. She sneaks away from her square parents (Marcia Gay Harden as the U.S. Postal Service's least likely mail carrier and Daniel Stern as a nice schlub who likes beer) to roll with a sisterly Austin team who call themselves the Hurl Scouts. There, she dubs herself Babe Ruthless, making up in speed what she lacks in muscled aggression. She's heck on wheels, or so we are asked to believe: The rink footage is pretty un-whippy. Even Juliette Lewis, playing the film's designated bad girl and Bliss/Babe's nemesis on the rink, is more of a cute bee-yotch than a real threat. The movie is Drew Barrymore's directorial debut (she also plays fellow Hurl Scout Smashley Simpson), and it's clear she's more attuned to grrrlishness than real athletic power: Smashley is the first to scream ''Food fight!'' and the 34-year-old actress leads the charge in kidlike mayhem. EW Grade: C+ CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "Drew Barrymore's directorial debut starts with what?", "Who plays a women who signs up for roller derby?", "What marks Barrymore's directorial debut?", "What role is Ellen Page playing ?", "Who does Ellen Page play?", "What was Drew Barrymore's directorial debut ?", "What is the film leaning towards ?" ]
[ [ "The movie" ], [ "Ellen Page" ], [ "The movie" ], [ "roller derby competitor Babe Ruthless" ], [ "roller derby competitor Babe Ruthless in \"Whip It!\"" ], [ "\"Whip It!\"" ], [ "grrrlishness" ] ]
"Whip It!" marks Drew Barrymore's directorial debut . Ellen Page plays woman who signs up for roller derby . Film leans towards softness, which hurts impact of roller derby .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- Actor Jude Law is expecting his fourth child, his spokesperson said. Actor Jude Law's publicist confirmed he is expecting his fourth child. In a statement released to Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, the single actor confirmed that he will once again become a father. "Jude Law can confirm that, following a relationship last year, he has been advised that he is to be the father of a child due in the fall of this year," the statement said. "Mr. Law is no longer in a relationship with the individual concerned but he intends to be a fully supportive part of the child's life. This is an entirely private matter and no other statements will be made." The statement was released exclusively to Entertainment Weekly, whose site broke the story on Wednesday. Law, 36, has three children with ex-wife Sadie Frost. The handsome British actor known for appearing in movies such as "Cold Mountain" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and headlines a few years ago after an alleged fling with his children's caregiver and a broken engagement with actress Sienna Miller. He is scheduled to appear in "Hamlet" on Broadway in October and will star opposite Robert Downey Jr. in the movie "Sherlock Holmes" slated to open Christmas Day. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What will happen to Jude law in the fall?", "What did entertainment weekly say?", "When is he expecting his next child?", "How many children has Jude Law?", "What did Jude Law's spokesperson say?", "Which did Law not reveal?", "Who broke the news?" ]
[ [ "expecting his fourth child," ], [ "Jude Law is expecting his fourth child," ], [ "fall of this year,\"" ], [ "expecting his fourth child," ], [ "expecting his fourth child," ], [ "individual concerned" ], [ "Entertainment Weekly," ] ]
Jude Law's spokesperson says he will become a dad again in the fall . Entertainment Weekly broke the news the actor is expecting his fourth child . Law, who is divorced, did not reveal the identity of the mother .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- After all the anticipation and hubbub, the weekend is coming to an end and the box office results are here: "Watchmen" (No. 1) grossed $55.7 million during its first frame, according to early estimates from Media by Numbers. "Watchmen" led the weekend box office, grossing $55.7 million during its first weekend. That's a solid sum, to be sure, although it's certainly on the low end of most projections. "Watchmen" premiered in more theaters (3,611) than any other R-rated movie in history, and it averaged an impressive $15,413 per venue, despite a potentially problematic long running time. It also scored the biggest debut of 2009 so far. Nonetheless, the movie's $55.7 million take (including $5.5 million from 124 IMAX screens) is substantially smaller than the $70.9 million that 300, the last R-rated graphic-novel movie from director Zack Snyder, earned on its opening weekend two years ago. And aside from that theater-count statistic (which almost any film could break at any time, really), there will be no major records to report on this weekend (for example, "Watchmen's" debut was just the fifth-best opening ever for an R-rated movie). I'd argue, in fact, that this opening is a bit soft, considering the great expectations that came with Snyder's adaptation of Alan Moore's landmark comic book -- not to mention "Watchmen's" hefty grosses from screenings at midnight on Friday and throughout its first day. After attracting some major initial interest, banking $25.1 million on Friday, the film's audience dropped off dramatically during the weekend: It grossed $19 million on Saturday and is expected to bring in just $11.5 million on Sunday. These are all big numbers, don't get me wrong, but, when combined with the fact that the film got a lukewarm CinemaScore grade of B from an audience that was largely comprised of older men, it all points to a rapid downward trend that may be difficult to reverse in the weeks to come. Elsewhere -- yes, there were other movies playing at the multiplex this weekend! -- a number of films continued to do what "Watchmen" must now aspire to, perhaps in vain: They stayed strong deep into their long runs. Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes to Jail" (No. 2) grossed $8.8 million on its third weekend; the film, Perry's biggest yet at the box office, has banked $76.5 million to date. "Taken" (No. 3) also moved along like the unstoppable force it has been for more than a month now, earning $7.5 million and bringing its six-week sum to $118 million. Best Picture winner "Slumdog Millionaire" (No. 4) was next with $6.9 million, which boosted its domestic haul to $125.4 million. And "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" (No. 5) took its eight-week total to $133.6 million thanks to another $4.2 million gross. iReport.com: What did you think of 'Watchmen'? Meanwhile, "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" (No. 9) completely fell off the map, dropping a staggering 78 percent to gross just $2.8 million. According to Box Office Mojo, that's the 15th biggest second-weekend decline of all time. Overall, the cumulative box office was up nearly 8 percent over the same frame a year ago, when 10,000 B.C. opened big, making this the fifth consecutive "up" weekend at the multiplex. So, all in all, I'd say today's was a good report, indeed. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What was the Best Picture winner?", "What was the amount it grossed?", "What was the gross for Tyler Perry's \"Madea Goes to Jail\" (No. 2)?", "What premiered in more theaters than any other R-rated movie in history?", "What was the movie rated?", "Which slot the \"Slumdog Millionaire\" take?", "What did Madea Goes to Jail gross?", "What did Watchmen do?", "What was slumdog millionaire?" ]
[ [ "\"Slumdog Millionaire\"" ], [ "$55.7 million" ], [ "$8.8 million" ], [ "\"Watchmen\"" ], [ "R-rated" ], [ "(No. 4)" ], [ "$8.8 million" ], [ "grossed $55.7 million during its first frame," ], [ "Best Picture winner \"Slumdog Millionaire\"" ] ]
"Watchmen" premiered in more theaters than any other R-rated movie in history . Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes to Jail" (No. 2) grossed another $8.8 million . Best Picture winner "Slumdog Millionaire" took the No. 4 slot with $6.9 million .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" has spawned a raft of imitators, most of which pale in comparison; the latest, "The Lost Symbol," is by Brown himself. Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol" is his first novel since the blockbuster "The Da Vinci Code" in 2003. Once again, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to the scene of a gruesome attack, joins forces with an attractive and erudite love interest, and speeds around a world capital chasing clues, solving puzzles, and risking his life while dropping cocktail parties' worth of scholarly minutiae. Even the setting, though new, will be familiar to most readers: Washington, D.C. This time, Langdon is lured to the Capitol to save his mentor, Peter Solomon, a prominent member of the Freemasons who's been kidnapped by a cryptic, heavily tattooed, Homer-reading psycho calling himself Mal'akh -- a vicious fellow even less plausible than the albino monk in "The Da Vinci Code." Our hero is also in possession of an ancient Masonic artifact whose clues lead him on a treasure hunt to various D.C. tourist spots as he searches for a secret long hidden by the brotherhood. Watch the frenzy surrounding "The Lost Symbol" » That secret, of course, is one giant MacGuffin -- though Brown is the rare thriller writer who seems to lavish as much attention on the object that sets his plot in motion as he does on the action itself. But for thriller fans, it's the chase that really matters. Especially since the secrets of Freemasonry just aren't as compelling as, say, a controversial theory about Mary Magdalene and Jesus. Luckily, Langdon remains a terrific hero, a bookish intellectual who's cool in a crisis and quick on his feet, like Ken Jennings with a shot of adrenaline. The codes are intriguing, the settings present often-seen locales in a fresh light, and Brown mostly manages to keep the pages turning -- except when one of his know-it-all characters decides to brake the action for another superfluous, if occasionally interesting, historical digression. (Did you know there's a carving of Darth Vader on the National Cathedral?) Even after the book's climactic showdown, you must slog through another 50-plus pages of exposition that Brown couldn't cram into the main narrative. Sometimes it seems that authors, like their villains, don't know when to leave well enough alone. EW Grade: C+ CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "what is borwns new novel", "who wrote novel da vinci code", "According to EW it doesn't equal his previous novel entitled what?", "Dan Brown's new novel is called what?", "who is dan brown" ]
[ [ "\"The Lost Symbol,\"" ], [ "Dan Brown's" ], [ "\"The Da Vinci Code\"" ], [ "\"The Lost Symbol,\"" ], [ "rare thriller writer" ] ]
EW: Dan Brown's new novel, "The Lost Symbol," doesn't equal "Da Vinci Code" Book concerns the death of a Freemason that puts Robert Langdon back in action . Brown offers plenty of minutiae, but not all of it's interesting .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- England doesn't yet swing in the transporting, ruefully tender coming-of-age drama "An Education." Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard star as a couple in "An Education." It's 1961, and Jenny (Carey Mulligan), a bright 16-year-old schoolgirl in a tidy London suburb, nurtures aspirations of sophistication that involve smoking cigarettes and dreaming of the day she can sit in a Paris cafe. Beatles-era grooviness and sexual liberation haven't yet reached this corner of the Empire, where cautious, 1950s-style postwar provincialism still prevails -- the same squareness the gents across the pond in "Mad Men" are just beginning to bend. Jenny's dad (Alfred Molina) is fearful and fussy; Mum (Cara Seymour) is resigned. So the good student studies her Latin, grinding for admisson into Oxford University. Life lessons don't begin until she meets David (Peter Sarsgaard), who's in his early 30s, and Jewish, and suave. He's so charmant, he even dazzles Mum and Dad. Being included in David's exotic, if mysteriously shady, universe -- the travel, the jazz clubs that hint at wider horizons, and, oh yes, the sex -- is like a crash course in worldliness. And as this picture of times that were a-changin' demonstrates with quiet, though conventionally built, artistry, worldliness has its discontents. "An Education" is the vivid story of how one girl became a woman -- and how Olde England morphed into the youthquake center of '60s yeah yeah yeah. None of which would be quite so vivid without the beguiling performance of newcomer Mulligan. She's very much an It Girl, with her natural elegance in a brunet upsweep à la Audrey Hepburn. And she's protectively partnered by Sarsgaard in the tricky job of playing sweet yet suspect, a balance he sustains with nonchalance. Equally important players: Dominic Cooper and the divine Rosamund Pike as David's ever-so-knowing pals, Olivia Williams as a teacher who hates to see her prize pupil make poor choices, and Emma Thompson, steaming forth like a battleship as Jenny's headmistress. The movie, in a palette of cloudy blues, is adapted from a vivid memoir by British journalist Lynn Barber and directed by gifted Danish filmmaker Lone Scherfig from a screenplay of economical empathy by "High Fidelity" novelist Nick Hornby. Afterward, you'll want to listen to the Beatles sing "She's Leaving Home." It might be a girl like Jenny the lads had in mind. EW Grade: A-minus CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What year did the film take place?", "WHo else was in the film?", "What film was Carey in?", "Who gave a good perfomance?" ]
[ [ "1961," ], [ "Peter Sarsgaard" ], [ "\"An Education.\"" ], [ "Carey Mulligan" ] ]
Carey Mulligan does fine job as teen seeking greener pastures in "An Education" Film is about a girl in 1961 Britain who starts dating 30-something man . Good performances all around, especially from Peter Sarsgaard, Emma Thompson .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- For many, the creative relevance of 3-D cinema remains very much an open question. But when the history of Hollywood's 21st century embrace of 3-D is written, it very well may point to this weekend as the moment when the format definitively established its commercial power at the box office. "The Final Destination" scared up by far the most box office receipts, banking $28.3 million. Despite a moviegoing weekend dominated with R-rated violent thriller-type films ostensibly shooting for the same audience, "The Final Destination" scared up by far the most box office receipts, banking $28.3 million for an easy No. 1 berth, according to early estimates from Hollywood.com Box Office. That's almost $10 million better than the opening frame for the last film in the creatively-dispatching-model-perfect-unknown-actors franchise (which, for those keeping track, was "Final Destination 3"). There's really only one reason why: Although just over half its 3,121 theaters were screening the flick in 3-D, fully 70 percent of its box office take was from 3-D theaters, which typically charge an extra few bucks per ticket for the privilege of watching the film with those comfy stereoscopic glasses. Rest assured, despite its title (and its abysmal "C" Cinemascore grade), this is by no means the final "Final Destination" movie. The folks at the The Weinstein Company, meanwhile, continue to enjoy good news for their much scrutinized bottom line: Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" landed at No. 2 with a rather spectacular $20 million, just 47 percent down from its opening weekend for $73.7 million total. TWC's sister company Dimension Films, meanwhile, saw its "Halloween II" debut at third with a nothing-to-sneeze-at $17.4 million. Granted, director Rob Zombie's second re-imagining of the 31-years-old slasher franchise made nothing close to the $30.6 million Labor Day weekend debut of Zombie's first night out with Michael Myers. But given the steep competition, and the film's $15 million budget, Dimension must be breathing a sigh of relief that their film will most likely see a decent profit. The box office love continued through much of the weekend's top 10: District 9 dropped just 41 percent with $10.7 million, strong enough to hold on at fourth place and, with a $90.8 mil running total, well on its way to joining the $100 million club. At number five, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" banged out $8 million, a 34 percent drop and $132 million total. And Julie & Julia savored a tiny 16 percent drop for sixth, with $7.4 million in its forth weekend for $70.9 million total. In fact, the only true disappointment for the weekend was Focus Features' "Taking Woodstock." Director Ang Lee's trip back to the iconic three-day concert debuted at ninth with just $3.7 million, doubly disappointing since it opened wide in 1,393 theaters (after a Wednesday opening in New York and Los Angeles), with a feeble $2,691 per theater average. By contrast, two limited release debuts did rather well: Vogue magazine documentary "The September Issue" bowed on six screens with a very fashionable $40,000 per theater average; and the extreme-sports-fandom-gone-wrong dramedy "Big Fan" won $13,000 per theater on two screens. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "Which film landed at number two?", "What movie was at number two?", "What other films made the box office?", "How much did \"The Final Destination\" make?", "How much money did G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra bank during the weekend?", "When did the film debut?", "How much did The Final Destination bank during its debut weekend?" ]
[ [ "\"Inglourious Basterds\"" ], [ "Quentin Tarantino's \"Inglourious Basterds\"" ], [ "\"The Final Destination\"" ], [ "$28.3 million." ], [ "$8 million," ], [ "Labor Day weekend" ], [ "$28.3 million." ] ]
Horror flick "The Final Destination" banked $28.3 million during its debut weekend . Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" landed at No. 2 with $20 million . At number five, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" banged out $8 million . Check out which other flicks made this weekend's top 10 at the box office .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- Fueled by a hefty dose of tweener love, Zac Efron's "17 Again" won this weekend's box office sweepstakes without breaking a sweat. Zac Efron stars in "17 Again," which debuted in the No. 1 slot at the box office. The high school time-warp comedy, which costars Matthew Perry and Leslie Mann, earned $24.1 million, according to studio estimates from the box office tracking firm Nielsen EDI. The film's haul marked another No. 1 debut for Efron, who helped boost ticket sales with an appearance this weekend on Saturday Night Live. In 2007, the musical "Hairspray," which co-starred Efron, opened first at $27.5 million. Last year, Efron's "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" bowed with $42 million, and while "17 Again" may have fallen short of that mark, it still represents an auspicious maiden voyage for Efron's post-Disney career. Despite the raft of critics who pooh-poohed the film, which received a 61 percent fresh rating on Rottentomatoes.com, audiences were more favorably inclined, giving it a strong A- CinemaScore. Landing at No. 2, the Russell Crowe-Ben Affleck thriller "State of Play" pulled in $14.1 million. The film, which garnered generally positive reviews, is the latest of a string of adult-oriented dramas to lag at the box office, although its final tally actually came in somewhat higher than anticipated and was an improvement over the $12.9 million opening for Crowe's last outing, last fall's "Body of Lies." While "17 Again" mopped up moviegoers on the younger end of the age spectrum, a whopping 75 percent of "State of Play's" audience was over 35. Holding steady at No. 3 for the second week in a row, "Monsters vs. Aliens" took in another $12.9 million. The film's impressive performance in its fourth weekend brings the grand total for the animated kiddie flick to $162 million the highest this year by a wide margin. "Hannah Montana: The Movie" dropped 61 percent from its opening last weekend, but the Miley Cyrus starrer still proved strong enough for the No. 4 spot with $12.7 million, boosting its cumulative gross to $56.2 million. Rounding out the top five, "Fast & Furious" still had plenty of gas in the tank, earning $12.3 million in its third weekend for an overall cume of $136.7 million. The same, however, can't be said for the Jason Statham action flick "Crank High Voltage," which sputtered into a distant sixth place with a decidedly low-voltage $6.5 million. Overall box office was up for the fourth straight weekend, surging 21 percent over this same weekend last year. Recession? What recession? CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What is the name of the movie that Crowe starred in?", "What was the box office debut for \"17 Again\"?", "What were the box office earnings?", "Who stars in the movie?", "What movie debuted at No. 1?", "Which film was at number two?", "What film debuted at number one at the box office?", "How much money did \"17 Again\"pull in?", "What were the box office earnings of the film at the top of the charts?" ]
[ [ "\"State of Play\"" ], [ "$24.1 million," ], [ "$12.3 million" ], [ "Zac Efron" ], [ "\"17 Again,\"" ], [ "\"State of Play\"" ], [ "\"17 Again,\"" ], [ "$24.1 million," ], [ "$24.1" ] ]
"17 Again" debuted at No. 1 at the box office, pulling in an estimated $24.1 million . The Russell Crowe-Ben Affleck thriller "State of Play" was No. 2 with $14.1 million . Overall box office earnings were up for the fourth straight weekend .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- How are the elements of the charming, traditional romantic comedy "The Proposal" like the checklist of a charming, traditional bride? Let me count the ways ... Ryan Reynolds wonders if marrying his boss, Sandra Bullock, is a good thing in "The Proposal." Something old: The story of a haughty woman and an exasperated man who hate each other -- until they realize they love each other -- is proudly square, in the tradition of rom-coms from the 1940s and '50s. Or is it straight out of Shakespeare's 1590s? Sandra Bullock is the shrew, Margaret, a pitiless, high-powered New York book editor first seen multitasking in the midst of her aerobic workout (thus you know she needs to get ... loved). Ryan Reynolds is Andrew, her put-upon foil of an executive assistant, a younger man who accepts abuse as a media-industry hazing ritual. And there the two would remain, locked in mutual disdain, except for Margaret's fatal flaw -- she's Canadian. (So is "X-Men's" Wolverine; I thought our neighbors to the north were supposed to be nice.) Margaret, with her visa expired, faces deportation and makes the snap executive decision to marry Andrew in a green-card wedding. It's an offer the underling can't refuse if he wants to keep his job. (A sexual-harassment lawsuit would ruin the movie's mood.) OK, he says. But first comes a visit to the groom-to-be's family in Alaska. Amusing complications ensue. Something new: The chemical energy between Bullock and Reynolds is fresh and irresistible. In her mid-40s, Bullock has finessed her dewy America's Sweetheart comedy skills to a mature, pearly texture; she's lovable both as an uptight careerist in a pencil skirt and stilettos, and as a lonely lady in a flapping plaid bathrobe. Reynolds, meanwhile, is just refining his dry comedy thing, learning to get the most from his deceptive cute-face looks. Who knew these two would, hmmm, complete each other? Working together, both are surer and more disciplined in delivering their comedy goods. iReport.com: "Proposal" has "plenty of laughs" Something borrowed: The boisterous family dynamics. The eccentric supporting players (none more extreme than Oscar Nunez from "The Office"). The snappy screwball dialogue in Pete Chiarelli's script. And the way Anne Fletcher directs like a camp counselor wrangling bunkmates ... it's all been seen before. For a reason. These elements work. Something blue: As the wise and saucy matriarch of the family, the divine 87-year-old Betty White has fun as one hot grandma -- and inspires her younger stars to say "I do," too. EW Grade: B+ CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "EW: \"The Proposal\" is a top-notch what?", "What is a top-notch romantic comedy?", "What does the movie adhere to?", "The movie adheres to what?" ]
[ [ "romantic comedy" ], [ "\"The Proposal\"" ], [ "the charming, traditional romantic comedy" ], [ "traditional romantic comedy" ] ]
EW: "The Proposal" is a top-notch romantic comedy . Movie adheres to formula, but it's well done, very funny . Casting is perfect, script delivers .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- If anybody had a reason to doubt whether Tyler Perry has become one of the most bankable brands in all of movies, be skeptical no longer. The domestic dramedy maestro's latest release, Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes to Jail," ran away with a big victory on the typically slow Academy Awards weekend, grossing a hefty $41.1 million, according to early estimates from Media by Numbers. That opening sum is the biggest of all time for a Tyler Perry film, besting the $30 million debut of 2006's "Madea's Family Reunion." Too, it's the top bow in the history of indie studio Lionsgate, improving upon all the Tyler Perry and "Saw" flicks that came before it. The movie's per-theater average of $20,236 ranks in the top 40 for all wide openers ever. And, no surprise, "Madea Goes to Jail" achieved all this success with a solid A CinemaScore grade from a crowd that included mostly older women. Watch Tyler Perry talk about his success » Second place went to "Taken," which added another $11.4 million to its four-week tally, bringing said total to $95.2 million. Fellow strong holdover "Coraline" (No. 3) was next with $11 million. "He's Just Not That Into You" (No. 4) declined a sharp 56 percent to bank $8.5 million on its third weekend. And Best Picture favorite "Slumdog Millionaire" rounded out the top five with $8.1 million -- a sum that brings its domestic total to $98 million. Reigning champ "Friday the 13th" suffered one of the biggest drops ever, a stunning 81 percent, to finish in sixth place with $7.8 million. And this weekend's other major new release, the cheerleader comedy "Fired Up!" (No. 9), grossed a weak-but-expected $6 million. The film garnered an okay CinemaScore grade of B from a crowd comprised of mostly younger ladies. Overall, the weekend was up nearly 30 percent over the same frame a year ago, when "Vantage Point" led the way. Eight of the past nine weekends have improved upon the previous year's grosses. And I'd be remiss if I didn't take a quick peek at the main Oscar contenders, for whom the box office report is mixed headed into the ceremony. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" leads the way with $124.2 million. The aforementioned "Slumdog Millionaire" should clear the $100 million mark in the next several days, whether it wins the top prize or not. Then it's a big jump down to "Milk" ($28.2 million), "The Reader" ($23.2 million), and "Frost/Nixon" ($17.4 million). And let's not forget multiple nominee "The Dark Knight," which may not be up for Best Picture, but did finally become the fourth movie ever to cross the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "what was the per-theater average", "what won big this weekend", "who won second place", "what is in the top 40?" ]
[ [ "$20,236" ], [ "\"Madea Goes to Jail,\"" ], [ "\"Taken,\"" ], [ "The movie's per-theater average" ] ]
"Madea Goes to Jail" won big this weekend, grossing a hefty $41.1 million . Per-theater average of $20,236 ranks in the top 40 for all wide openers ever . Second place went to "Taken," which added another $11.4 million to its tally .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- If you're interested in actor Marlee Matlin, you'll want two questions answered before deciding whether to read her memoir, "I'll Scream Later": Actress Marlee Matlin appears on CNN's "Larry King Live" to talk about her sexual abuse. 1. What does she say about her relationship with William Hurt, her former lover and costar in "Children of a Lesser God," for which Matlin won a Golden Globe and an Oscar in 1987? 2. Why does she want to scream? The answer to the first is easy: Yes, yes, good Lord, yes, Matlin can't stop talking about Hurt and their passionate, turbulent, at times violent relationship. For instance, "We made amazing, mind-blowing love. And we fought." Good to know. And also, "No matter what triggered our fights, they were made far worse by his drinking and my drug use." Got it. Mr. Hurt no doubt sends his regards. The answer to the second is more complicated -- something to do with Matlin's being deaf in a hearing world, and being headstrong and wild, and receiving news of her Oscar nomination while dealing with drug addiction (at the age of 21) at the Betty Ford Center. This memoir, dutifully wrestled into order by L.A. Times film critic Betsy Sharkey, is more ramble than holler, but Matlin clearly enjoys making some noise. EW Grade: C+ CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What does the memoir say plenty about?", "Who does she talk about in the book?", "What was the memoir called?", "What is Marlee Matlin's memoirs called?", "What did EW give it?", "What grade did the book get?" ]
[ [ "Hurt and their passionate, turbulent, at times violent relationship." ], [ "her relationship with William Hurt," ], [ "\"I'll Scream Later\":" ], [ "\"I'll Scream Later\":" ], [ "C+" ], [ "C+" ] ]
Marlee Matlin's memoir "I'll Scream Later" says plenty about William Hurt . Book more muddied when it comes to why she wants to scream . For a ramble, it isn't bad, but EW gives it a C-plus .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- In "Marley & Me," it doesn't take long to learn why Marley, an incorrigibly frisky golden Labrador retriever adopted by Florida newspaper writers John and Jenny Grogan (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston), is the "world's worst dog." In "Marley & Me," Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston's characters welcome a dog into their lives. He's friendly and lovable, but he devours everything in sight -- drywall, socks, big chunks of furniture (no, he doesn't just chew on them, he eats them). As a dog owner, I can testify that "Marley & Me," based on the real John Grogan's smash 2005 memoir, is the single most endearing and authentic movie about the human-canine connection in decades. As directed by David Frankel ("The Devil Wears Prada"), though, it's also something more: a disarmingly enjoyable, wholehearted comic vision of the happy messiness of family life. John and Jenny share an existence that, from the standpoint of our current economic times, already looks like paradise. He's a reporter who gets refashioned, by his testy editor (Alan Arkin), into a lifestyle columnist (only to keep complaining about it -- poor guy!). She's a feature writer who becomes a stay-at-home mom. As the kids come along (three of them), the Grogans move into bigger and bigger houses, yet they have thwarted ambitions, fights that go on for days, and a general attitude of wistful loss toward all the freedoms they have given up to become parents. "Marley & Me" celebrates two ordinary people as they try to fit love, work, children, and one volcanically misbehaved pooch into a single space. Marley may be the dog from hell, but we're meant to see that the Grogans, in their hearts, wouldn't have it any other way. Marley stands in for all the unruliness that can never be domesticated out of life. You can domesticate Owen Wilson, but the shock is how good the role of beleaguered breadwinner looks on him. He and Aniston forge a nimble connection (they even get mad in style), and Wilson has a scene near the end with Marley that's the most wrenchingly tender acting of his career. Using his scratchy, lackadaisical warmth to voice a testament to family, and to where dogs fit into it, he makes you feel like it's a wonderful life indeed. EW Grade: A- CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What is Marley & Me about?", "Who stars in the film of Marley & Me?", "Who is getting high marks?", "Who stars in the film?", "what is marley and me about", "What is the film called", "What is the comedy about?" ]
[ [ "frisky golden Labrador" ], [ "(Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston)," ], [ "\"Marley & Me\"" ], [ "(Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston)," ], [ "frisky golden Labrador retriever" ], [ "\"Marley & Me,\"" ], [ "two ordinary people as they try to fit love, work, children, and one volcanically misbehaved pooch into a single space." ] ]
"Marley & Me" works as both comedy about dog and profile of family . Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston star in film version of memoir . High marks for Wilson, in particular, as newspaper columnist and dog owner .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- In a sound-bite sure to be re-watched in years to come by the eight kids Jon and Kate Gosselin have brought into the world, Jon Gosselin told Good Morning America, "I despise her." Jon Gosselin speaks out about his bitter break-up with his wife in a new television interview. Kate, said Jon, "beat me down... like a lame fish." Speaking to interviewer Chris Cuomo, Gosselin, always the less voluble of the couple and recently better known for pictures of his post-separation partying than his pithy statements, let loose. "Stop feeding into the frenzy," he responded when Cuomo asked if he had a message to Kate. Jon was referring to Kate's continuing public profile, such as her recent Larry King Live interview. Watch Gosselin let loose on wife » Even Cuomo seemed taken aback by Jon's vehemence. When Jon used the word "despise," Cuomo warned him gently to be careful, that the "tit-for-tat" sniping might be harmful. Jon just piled on more. "Our relationship will never be fixed," he said flatly. Asked why he doesn't still wear his wedding ring, as Kate wears hers, he said, "She took my ring." When Cuomo looked skeptical, Jon said, "Who else would take it?" He added he'd looked under his kids' pillows for it, so I guess he considered them no longer suspects. Cuomo said the interview lasted three hours. Depending on your point of view the good news or the bad is that it's been edited down to just enough to fit in to tonight's one-hour ABC show "Primetime Family Secrets," at 10 p.m. ET. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "Who has been going through a bitter break-up?", "Who gave a television interview?", "What happens with Jon and Kate Gosselin?", "What has Jon and Kate Gosselin's break-up been like?", "What did Jon say about their relationship?", "What is the reality TV show called?", "What TV show did they do?" ]
[ [ "Jon Gosselin" ], [ "Jon Gosselin" ], [ "bitter break-up" ], [ "bitter" ], [ "\"Our" ], [ "\"Primetime Family Secrets,\"" ], [ "\"Primetime Family Secrets,\"" ] ]
"Our relationship will never be fixed," Jon Gosselin says in a television interview . Jon and Kate Gosselin have been going through a bitter break-up . The pair star in the reality TV show "Jon & Kate Plus 8"
(Entertainment Weekly) -- In the enchantingly original and romantic (500) Days of Summer, Summer (Zooey Deschanel) is a girl -- capricious, alluring, and not entirely knowable -- and Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is the greeting-card writer who convinces himself that she's "better than the girl of my dreams." Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel fall in love -- for a time -- in "(500) Days of Summer." Five hundred days is the duration of their relationship, but the movie presents those days out of order, as an impish romantic flipbook, so that we keep skipping forward and back -- from, say, day 8 to day 154. Most romantic comedies have half a dozen situations at best: Meet Cute, Infatuation, Pop Song Montage, Contrived Mix-Up, Angry Breakup, and Final Clinch. "(500) Days of Summer" is about the many unclassifiable moments in between. Director Marc Webb, working from Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber's witty script, stages each scene as a vivid snapshot memory, and his sense of play is boundless. The film leaps in a heartbeat from the furtive glances (and shared fixation on the Smiths) that ignite an office love affair to a rooftop-party reconciliation that plays out, via split screen, in two simultaneous versions (how the hero wants it to be and how it happens) to a morning-after-the-first-sex saunter that evolves, with joyful hilarity, into a musical number scored to "You Make My Dreams." This has to be the first movie ever to give equal props to Morrissey and Hall & Oates. "(500) Days" is like a mood ring cued to the ups, downs, and confusions of modern love. It's a Gen-Y "Annie Hall" made by a new-style Wes Anderson who uses his cleverness for humanity instead of postmodern superiority. None of it would work, though, without such lived-in performances. Deschanel makes the lovely, sensuous Summer just precocious enough to know what she wants without coming out and saying it, and Gordon-Levitt, with his junior Springsteenian chin jut, lets you read every glimmer of hope, pain, lust, and befuddlement beneath his nervy facade. It's a feat of star acting, and it helps make "(500) Days" not just bitter or sweet but everything in between. EW Grade: A CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What is the plot?", "What is the name of the movie?", "What is the film about?", "Who acted in the film?" ]
[ [ "the duration of their relationship," ], [ "\"(500) Days of Summer.\"" ], [ "Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel fall in love" ], [ "Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel" ] ]
"(500) Days of Summer" is absolutely wonderful, says EW . Film is about an 18-month relationship, but avoids pitfalls of formula . Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are outstanding .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- In the first truly shocking box office result of the year, "Fast & Furious" sped away from expectations to gross a humongous $72.5 million, according to early estimates from Media by Numbers. Paul Walker stars in "Fast & Furious," which exceeded expectations after taking in $72.5 million. That result is effectively double what most industry observers had predicted for the debut of the fourth feature in Vin Diesel's car franchise, and it left in the dust a number of notable records: - Best April opening ever, beating "Anger Management's" $42.2 million. - Best Universal Pictures opening ever (three-day), beating "The Lost World: Jurassic Park's" $72.1 million. - Best F&F franchise opening ever, beating "2 Fast 2 Furious'" $50.5 million. - Best opening yet in 2009, easily beating the bows of the more-buzzed-about "Monsters vs. Aliens" ($59.3 million) and "Watchmen" ($55.2 million). - Best opening ever for stars Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster, as well as for director Justin Lin. Oh, and let's not forget that it was the best opening ever for a car-themed movie! (Beating "Cars'" $60.1 million.) This outcome is impressive, indeed, something that has caught Hollywood by surprise and has the potential to really change things up -- like when summer-esque blockbusters are released (rarely does one open so early in the year) and like, you know, what everyone thinks of Vin Diesel. The film did it all on the strength of a solid A- CinemaScore review from an audience that was 57 percent male and 59 percent over age 25. Like the jaw-dropping early-year debuts of "The Passion of the Christ" and "300" before it, this is a history-making premiere that you may well be hearing about for a long time to come. So, yeah, I almost forgot to mention: "Fast & Furious" was the No. 1 movie at the box office this weekend. Coming in strong at No. 2 was "Monsters vs. Aliens," which dropped a respectable 44 percent to earn $33.5 million. In 10 days, the 3-D extravaganza has banked $105.7 million. "The Haunting in Connecticut" (No. 3 with $9.6 million), "Knowing" (No. 4 with $8.1 million), and "I Love You, Man" (No. 5 with $7.9 million) rounded out the top five. And the weekend's other big new release, "Adventureland," struggled with $6 million at No. 6. Overall, the box office was up a monstrous 68 percent from the same frame a year ago, when holdover 21 outplayed a number of weak new movies, none of which had Vin Diesel ... whom you're going to start hearing a lot about, once again. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "what is the best april opening ever", "What is the record that Fast &Furious break?", "what is the best opening ever for universal", "what percent was the box office up" ]
[ [ "\"Fast & Furious,\"" ], [ "humongous $72.5 million," ], [ "\"Fast & Furious\"" ], [ "68" ] ]
"Fast & Furious" is best April opening ever, and best opening ever for Universal . Also the best Fast & Furious franchise opening ever, previously $50.5 million . Box office was up a monstrous 68 percent from the same frame a year ago . Check out the box office top 10 chart .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- In what feels like a box-office weekend from "The Twilight Zone," a low-budget and critically acclaimed movie with no stars and an unknown director managed to top the charts. "District 9," the alien action pic produced by Peter Jackson, crushed the competition grossing $37 million. "District 9," the alien action pic produced by Peter Jackson and directed by the 29-year-old Neill Blomkamp ? who shot the film in Johannesburg, South Africa, of all places -- crushed the competition by grossing $37 million, according to early estimates. Audiences clearly enjoyed what they saw too: "District 9" has already soared to No. 78 on IMDb's top 250 movies list, although it'll obviously drop some as the initial euphoria wears off. Second place went to "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," which dropped 59 percent in its second weekend but still managed to recruit $22.5 million. The $175 million action movie should pass $100 million domestically by Monday. "The Time Traveler's Wife" materialized into third place with $19.2 million in its debut weekend, proving that there is a market for watching Eric Bana disappear. Rounding out the top 5 were "Julie & Julia" (No. 4 with $12.4 million) and "G-Force" (No. 5 with $6.9 million), respectively. Also opening wide was a trio of movies that failed to make a significant dent on the box office. "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard," a cars-salesmen comedy starring Jeremy Piven, barely registered on the mercury thermometer by earning $5.4 million. "Ponyo," the 10th film by Japan's animation auteur Hayao Miyazaki, grossed $3.5 million on 927 screens. While that amount represents Miyazaki's best opening weekend in America, it's still fish feed compared to "Ponyo's" worldwide gross of $187 million. The music comedy "Bandslam" won't be getting any requests for encores after making only $2.3 million from more than 2,000 screens ? even the promise of seeing the "Taylor Lautner takes off his shirt" trailer of The "Twilight" Saga: New Moon couldn't save the Vanessa Hudgens movie. In limited release, the Jimmy Page/The Edge/Jack White music documentary "It Might Get Loud" opened promisingly, grossing $101,000 from just seven theaters. And "500 Days of Summer" continues to cement its title as "the indie breakout of the summer" by charming $3 million more from moviegoers, bringing its total to $18 million so far. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "What is district 9 about?", "What movie made third place?", "What is percentage that \"G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra\" dropped?", "How much did district 9 gross?", "Which movie is in third place?", "What movie dropped 59%?", "Which movie grossed $37 million?", "What movies made this week's top ten?" ]
[ [ "alien action" ], [ "\"The Time Traveler's" ], [ "59 percent" ], [ "$37 million." ], [ "\"The Time Traveler's" ], [ "\"G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,\"" ], [ "\"District 9,\"" ], [ "\"District 9,\"" ] ]
"District 9," the alien action pic, crushed the competition grossing $37 million . "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" dropped 59 percent, bringing in $22.5 million . "The Time Traveler's Wife" materialized into third place with $19.2 million . Check out which other movies made this week's top ten list .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- In yet another blow to the already ailing soap opera world, Eric Braeden, the venerable star of CBS' "The Young and the Restless," has exited the top-rated daytime drama after a nasty negotiation with Sony. Eric Braeden's last episode as Victor Newman will air on November 2. The production company wanted the popular actor to take a pay cut for playing mega mogul Victor Newman, but Braeden -- who's been on the soap since 1980 -- opted to leave instead. Barring any last-minute change, Braeden's final episode will air on November 2. Reps for Sony and CBS had no comment, though one insider indicated that no further talks are planned. EW talked with Braeden, 68, about Sony's decision to exercise a draconian clause in his contract (his deal that was set to expire in November 2010 can still be renegotiated every 26 weeks) and what it means to the future of daytime dramas. EW: Where do things stand? Did your representative counter Sony's offer and you have yet to hear an answer? Eric Braeden: Precisely. EW: As of today, are you willing to take what Sony offered? Braeden: No. There is no appreciation of the fact that I've been an important part of the show for 27 years that has been No. 1 in the ratings. That's extraordinary. So to be dealt with in a perfunctory matter as if you had just known these people for a few months is what is most offensive. This is a certain corporate culture now that is very deleterious. EW: Is it true you offered to take a pay cut before? Braeden: I was the first one [to offer] because I knew that if we all did it, we would insure the continuation of the show. I did it two years ago when I signed my last contract, which I thought would last until next November. EW: Did you say your on-set goodbyes? Braeden: I said this could be a long goodbye, and I may not see you for a long time. Who knows? I'm not saying I've been let go -- we're still negotiating. But it feels like that. EW: What does this say about the state of the industry when a production company is asking the star of the No. 1 show in daytime to take a pay cut? Should everyone be worried? Braeden: Yes, though it depends on what the star does. All options are open right now. What can I tell you? I know there are certain economic realities that dictate the actions they are taking right now, but the manner in which its being done is most insulting. EW: You taped your last episode on September 23. Was that the way you wanted Victor to go? Braeden: No. It was rushed. It was obviously meant to intimidate. It was obviously done with enormous forethought to coincide with the end of the 26-week cycle. Essentially that is what the business is doing now and has been doing for a while. And quite frankly, it's outrageous. When I sign a three-year deal, I'm obligated to fulfill that deal. The producers, however, can come to me after a half-year and say, "We've changed our minds." Where in the world of business does this kind of contract exist? Do I blame the people for wanting to squeeze as much out of us as they can? I do not. The question is, when do you squeeze too much? EW: Would you do another daytime drama? Braeden: I doubt that. Never say never in this business or in life, but I doubt that. EW: Can you see the genre still existing in 10 years? Braeden: Yes I can. How many reality shows can you watch? They're so obviously phony. Our show deals with adult problems in a long continuous manner, and very much like the way things are dealt with in real life. In that sense
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[ [ "leave" ], [ "November 2." ], [ "two" ], [ "November 2." ], [ "Eric Braeden," ], [ "to leave" ] ]
Eric Braeden opted to leave the daytime soap instead of taking a pay cut . The actor said he'd taken a pay cut two years ago when renewing his contract . Braeden: "There's no appreciation that I've been an important part of the show" Braeden's last episode will air November 2 .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- It couldn't top its predecessors, but "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" still brought in quite a haul, grossing an estimated $87 million for the opening weekend of the summer movie season. Hugh Jackman stars as the title character in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." The Hugh Jackman pic brought in a strong $21,225 per-theater average in 4,099 movie houses, despite generating mixed reviews. The film fell $15 million short of 2006's "X-Men: The Last Stand" but it is still an enormous success for Jackman and director Gavin Hood. Matthew McConaughey's "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" generated an estimated $15.3 million for a second place bow. It's not a shabby opening but it is far less than McConaughey's previous romantic outings including last year's "Fool's Gold" ($21.6 million) or 2006's "Failure to Launch" ($24.2 million). (Perhaps women were too busy checking out all those hunky mutants this weekend?) The two new openers did help the industry maintain its year-over-year increase of 16 percent. Also aiding that statistic was Beyonce Knowles' "Obsessed." Dropping a not-surprising 57 percent for its second weekend in theaters, the thriller earned another $12.2 million to put its ten-day gross at a shockingly strong $47 million. And Zac Efron's "17 Again" showed surprising stamina, too, grossing an additional $6.3 million its third weekend for a total take of $48.4 million. The other new wide release for the weekend was the anemic 3-D animated sci-fi film "Battle for Terra." Opening on 1162 theaters, the Justin Long, Evan Rachel Wood-voiced feature proved to be little competition for the other 3-D movie in the marketplace. Dreamworks Animation's juggernaut "Monsters vs. Aliens" grossed another $5.8 million its sixth weekend for the fifth slot in the rankings, while newcomer "Terra" couldn't muster more than $1 million for a twelfth place in the box office derby. Summer has officially begun -- at least in Hollywood -- so expect a giant event film every weekend. Wolverine may have bowed mightily but with "Star Trek" hot on its heels next weekend, the Marvel superhero is going to need more than adamantium to maintain its box office lead. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "How much did \"Ghosts of Girlfriends Past\" gross?", "What movie takes the top slot at the box office?", "What movie took second place?", "How much is the top movie earning?", "Which movies came in second and third place?", "Who directed the movie \"Wolverine\"?", "How much did \"Monsters vs. Aliens\" earn?", "How much did Monsters vs. Aliens take at the box office?", "What took in and estimated $15.3 million?", "How much did Ghosts of Girlfriends Past take at the box office?", "How much did \"Monsters vs. Aliens\" gross?", "What did Wolvering take?", "Which film took in an estimated $15.3 million?", "How much did Wolverine take at the box office?" ]
[ [ "an estimated $15.3 million" ], [ "\"X-Men Origins: Wolverine\"" ], [ "\"Ghosts of Girlfriends Past\"" ], [ "$87 million for the opening weekend" ], [ "\"Ghosts of Girlfriends Past\"" ], [ "Gavin Hood." ], [ "$5.8 million" ], [ "another $5.8 million" ], [ "\"Ghosts of Girlfriends Past\"" ], [ "$15.3 million" ], [ "$5.8 million" ], [ "an estimated $87 million" ], [ "\"Ghosts of Girlfriends Past\"" ], [ "$87 million" ] ]
"Wolverine" takes the top slot at the box office, earning an estimated $87 million . "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" took in an estimated $15.3 million for second place . Dreamworks Animation's "Monsters vs. Aliens" grossed another $5.8 million . Check out the rest of the top 10 movies at the box office this weekend .
(Entertainment Weekly) -- It was a glass half-full, glass half-empty kind of weekend at the box office for "Funny People," writer-director Judd Apatow's comedic meditation on fame, humor, life, and death. Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen star in "Funny People," which took the No. 1 slot at the box office this weekend. According to figures from Hollywood.com Box Office, it opened at the top spot with an estimated $23.4 million, better than Apatow's The 40 Year-Old Virgin ($21.4 million) -- hence, the glass is half full. But that figure is far lower than the debut for Apatow's "Knocked Up" ($30.7 million), and it's the worst opening for a comedy for star Adam Sander since his 2000 turkey "Little Nicky" -- hence, the glass is half empty. Of course, "Funny People" was billed more as a thoughtful dramedy than a balls-out Sandler laugh-fest, and when matched against the opening frames for Sandler's serious efforts "Reign Over Me," "Spanglish," and "Punch-Drunk Love," Funny People is far and away the winner -- and the glass is half full again. But whether it's a comedy, drama, or dramedy, "Funny People's" $75 million budget is quite the handful of pretty pennies, and with a shaky "B-" Cinemascore, the film is going to have a hard time overcoming tepid word-of-mouth -- and we're back to the half-empty glass. So let's just move on, shall we? The cup of a certain adolescent wizard, meanwhile, definitely runneth over. Thanks to its debut on IMAX (and the premium ticket prices that come with it), "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" came in second with $17.7 million, a soft 40 percent drop from last weekend for $255.5 million total. At this rate, the film is well on its way to the upper ranks of the 'Potter' franchise. The guinea pigs of "G-Force" were right on its heels at third place, nibbling up $17.1 million, a decent 46 percent drop for a two-week cume of $66.5 million. And Katherine Heigl's romcom "The Ugly Truth" took in an additional $13 million, a 53 percent drop for fourth place and $54.5 million total. Of the two other wide releases this weekend, at least the sci-fi family comedy "Aliens in the Attic" -- which grossed a meager $7.8 million for fifth place -- broke into the top 10. The torture porn flick "The Collector" collected a grisly $3.6 million and plopped dead at 11th place. Box office on a whole was down a massive 22 percent from last year, when The "Dark Knight" and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" both took in over $40 million, but the specialty market showed some vibrant signs of life. Bone fide indie hit "(500) Days of Summer" expanded to 266 theaters for $2.7 million, a $10,338 per theater average. And three widely disparate films opened in four theaters each to healthy per theater averages: The quirky romantic comedy "Adam" ($16,566 per theater), the stylish vampire film "Thirst" ($13,793 per theater), and the eco-thriller-cum-documentary "The Cove" ($13,600 per theater). Finally, a true milestone was reached this weekend by "The Hangover." With $5.1 million this weekend for a running total of $255.8 million, the summer's biggest die hard blockbuster has passed "Star Trek" and (for a brief moment) "Harry Potter 6" as the third highest grossing movie of the year. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly
[ "Which pigs of \"G-Force\" were right on Potter's heels at third place ?", "What is number 1 at the box office?", "what did harry potter make", "Which movie was third place at the box office?", "what made 23.4 million", "What movie came in second with $17.7 million ?", "who was in third place", "What was the movie title with 17.7 million?", "\"Funny People\" is No. 1 at box office with an estimated how much ?" ]
[ [ "guinea" ], [ "\"Funny People,\"" ], [ "$17.7 million," ], [ "\"G-Force\"" ], [ "\"Funny People,\"" ], [ "\"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince\"" ], [ "\"G-Force\"" ], [ "\"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince\"" ], [ "$23.4 million," ] ]
"Funny People" is No. 1 at box office with an estimated $23.4 million . "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" came in second with $17.7 million . The guinea pigs of "G-Force" were right on Potter's heels at third place . See what other flicks made this week's top 10 box office chart .