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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Mr. Popper's Penguins (book)

Mr. Popper's Penguins is a children's book written by Richard and Florence Atwater, originally published in 1938. It tells the story of a poor house painter named Mr. Popper and his family, who live in the small town of Stillwater in the 1930s. The Poppers unexpectedly come into possession of a penguin, then get a penguin from the zoo who mates with the first penguin to have 10 baby penguins. Before long, something must be done before they eat the Poppers out of house and home. This book is often included in the reading curriculum in grades 2, 3, or 4 of American elementary schools.

Plot
Mr. Tom Popper is a poor house painter who dreams of traveling to many far places around the world. He is an avid reader, and usually reads magazines about famous people and distant lands. One day, the Popper family tunes in to a radio broadcast by an Admiral Drake, who is exploring Antarctica. The admiral answers a letter from Mr. Popper on-air and promises him a surprise in the mail.
The surprise turns out to be a penguin, which comes in a large box. Mr. Popper names the penguin "Captain Cook" after the famous James Cook. Mr. Popper cleans out the icebox so that the penguin can sleep inside. As time goes by, the Poppers find that Captain Cook is growing large, but his health is failing. Mr. Popper writes to the curator of a large aquarium, asking for help. The curator replies that the aquarium has a female penguin, Greta, who unfortunately is also experiencing the same symptoms, and he suggests that perhaps the penguins are simply lonely. Soon after, the Poppers receive their second penguin in the mail.
The pair of penguins are revitalized by each other's presence. As both birds cannot fit into the icebox together, Mr. Popper opens the window to let in the cold winter air, creating a snow-covered habitat. As this solution will not work in springtime, Mr. Popper has the main things moved upstairs and a freezing plant installed in the basement for the birds.
As time passes, Greta lays an egg. She continues laying a new egg every three days until the total reaches ten. As penguins do not normally lay so many eggs, Mr. Popper attributes this to the change in climate the birds have experienced. When the eggs hatch, the Popper family now has twelve penguins to feed, and the contractor is looking for payment on the household changes.
Mr. Popper decides to raise money by training the twelve penguins and turning them into a circus act. The act debuts at the local theater, and soon the "Popper's Performing Penguins" are featured throughout the country. But in the theater in New York, the penguins cause trouble; what's worse, they've accidentally shown up at the wrong theater. The manager of the wrong theater is extremely angry and has Mr. Popper arrested, along with the penguins.
Admiral Drake, having arrived to see Popper's Performing Penguins for himself, posts bail for Mr. Popper. After speaking with the Admiral, Mr. Popper decides that show business is no life for a penguin. Drake lets all of the twelve penguins go with him on his expedition to the North Pole, where they will be released experimentally into the Arctic. The Poppers are sad to see the penguins go, especially Mr. Popper himself — that is, until Admiral Drake invites Mr. Popper to accompany him on the trip. The Poppers wave goodbye as Mr. Popper and his penguins sail away towards the North Pole.

Movie review: Mr Popper's Penguins

Jim Carrey is a haunted man and if you’re not careful Mr Popper’s Penguins will follow you to your grave. You think I’m joking? You think this is going to be one of those smart-alec reviews delivered with a knowing wink because it’s just a silly kids movie? Go find a cinema showing this, sit down in front of the screen and spend the next 85 minutes staring into Jim Carrey’s eyes and try to come out of the cinema with a reason to live. Good luck.

Carrey hasn’t been making many films lately – the recently released I Love You Phillip Morris was sitting on a shelf since 2009 and the one before that was the all-CGI Christmas Carol, making his last mainstream comedy 2008’s Yes Man – but whatever it is he had that made him a star, he’s still got it. Mr Popper’s Penguins doesn’t want him using all that much of it because it’s a kids’ movie about adorable CGI penguins, not a rubber-faced loon who gives off a palpable sense of menace. But it’s still there. Only now it’s brought the Devil along for the ride.

The story begins with Popper growing up listening to his explorer dad on ham radio as he tours the world giving his son the gift of emotional distance. It’s a gift that comes in handy 30 years later when he lurches on screen with a divorced wife and two kids who supposedly like him but don’t want to spend any actual time alone with him. Suits him fine, he’s busy being the sleaziest real estate developer ever. This is meant to be a kids’ movie, right?

While most Park Avenue zillionaires would have those penguins served as sushi at their next cocktail party, Popper keeps them to impress his estranged wife (Carla Gugino) and kids, and even turns his swanky apartment into a glacial winter wonderland. That thaws out his icy heart but it also endangers the biggest deal of his career; to prise a prized Central Park property from a wealthy baroness (Angela Lansbury).

For some unknown reason, director Mark Waters (Mean Girls) has changed the book's plot, where Popper teaches the penguins to dance and takes them on the road. That sounds like much more fun than seeing Carrey in middling middle-aged mode and the penguins as his mildly amusing house guests.

And that raises an interesting point; who is the star of the show here? On the one hand, Carrey shelves much of his manic gifts to let the penguins take centre stage and bring the funny. On the other hand, the penguins (a fairly seamless mix of real Gentoos and computer wizardry) are a rather bland group of waddlers, presented as much as pests as lovable, funny furry friends.


So why put Carrey in a kids' comedy and NOT let him rip? Why put in penguins and not make them adorable, rambunctious and flat-out funny? Either one would be preferable to both being the bland caricatures they are here. That said, there is a neat scene at New York's Guggenheim Museum where the penguins slide down the spiral gallery on their tummies. And as Mr Popper's alliteration-addicted assistant Pippi, the comically named Ophelia Lovibond almost steals the show. Well, she could have - no one else puts up much of a fight.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth, born 11 August 1983 is an Australian actor. He played the role of Kim Hyde in the Australian soap opera Home and Away and the titular character in the Marvel Studios film, Thor. Hemsworth will portray Thor again in the upcoming film The Avengers.

Early life
Hemsworth was born in Melbourne, Australia to Leonie and Craig Hemsworth. His family relocated to a cattle station in the Northern Territory and lived there for a few years before moving to Phillip Island.Chris enjoyed surfing and playing sports while growing up.

Career
In 2004, he auditioned for Home and Away, for the part of Robbie Hunter (played by Jason Smith), but failed to get the part. He was subsequently recalled for the part of Kim Hyde. He was successful in gaining the role of Kim Hyde and moved to Sydney to join the cast of Home and Away, appearing in 171 episodes of the series. He left the cast of Home and Away on 3 July 2007. He has received two Logie Award nominations and has won one for Most Popular New Talent on Home and Away back in 2005.
Hemsworth portrayed James T. Kirk's father, George Kirk, in the opening scenes of J. J. Abrams' 2009 film Star Trek. He also played the character Kale in the thriller A Perfect Getaway the same year.Hemsworth will star in upcoming horror film The Cabin in the Woods executive produced by Joss Whedon and will portray Jed Eckert in the upcoming Red Dawn remake.
Hemsworth portrayed Thor in the film adaption of the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name. Initially, his brother Liam reached the final four for the role, while Chris failed to make the shortlist, but he won the role after director Kenneth Branagh decided to re-evaluate earlier candidates. Chris Hemsworth received advice from his brother, saying "We're competitive, but in the best way." His mother helped him with his audition tape by playing Odin. Hemsworth is also scheduled to reprise his role as Thor in The Avengers, also based on a Marvel comic about a team of superheroes assembled to protect Earth, which is scheduled for release in 2012.
In the 2010 film CA$h, Hemsworth played Sam Phelan, an economically troubled young man. CA$h marked Hemsworth's Hollywood debut, as it was the first film he shot upon his arrival in the United States. In behind-the-scenes interviews, the film's director Stephen Milburn Anderson stated that Hemsworth had only been in the United States for six weeks when he had auditioned for the role. Anderson said, "Here's a guy who is young, has the right look, is a very good actor and, let's face it, he's beautiful. So I say, we need to get this guy in. I was very impressed".

Personal life
Hemsworth is married to actress Elsa Pataky,whom he met through their mutual representative in early 2010. They made their relationship public at a party held by LACMA in Los Angeles on 25 September 2010, and got married three months later.
His older brother Luke and younger brother Liam are also actors, and have had recurring roles as Nathan Tyson and Josh Taylor on Neighbours, respectively.

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
2009 Star Trek George Kirk
A Perfect Getaway Kale
2010 Ca$h Sam Phelan
2011 Thor Thor
2012 The Cabin in the Woods Curt Post-production
Red Dawn Jed Eckert Post-production
The Avengers Thor Production
Snow White and the Huntsman Eric Pre-production


Chris Hemsworth to star in action movie Shadow Runner

Chris Hemsworth, who starred in Kenneth Branagh's critically acclaimed $150 million production Thor, has agreed to play the lead in Columbia Pictures' action thriller Shadow Runner, Variety reports.

The flick is based on an original idea by Oscar-nominated writer Hossein Amini, who wrote the screenplay for Ryan Gosling's new film Drive, 2008 film Killshot, The Four Feathers (2002) and 1997's The Wings of a Dove. The plot remains underwraps.

Plot details are being kept secret but the project is based on an original idea from Hossein Amini, who is one of the writers of Snow White and the Huntsman, which also stars Hemsworth.

Australia-born Hemsworth is best known for his star-turning performance as "Thor," a character he will reprise in next summer's "The Avengers."

Sony last month picked up U.S. distribution rights to "Hurt Locker" director Kathryn Bigelow's timely movie on the killing of Osama bin Laden by an elite Navy Seal team.


Nicole Kidman arrives in Australia for family reunion

Oscar winner flew into Sydney on Tuesday, the Seven Network reported.

Kidman was carrying baby Faith Margaret, six months, and holding hands with elder daughter Sunday Rose, two, as she left the airport.

She was due to head to the city's north to spend time with her family, including sister Antonia who now lives in Singapore with her second husband Craig Marran and her five children, including the couple's baby son Nicholas.

Faith Margaret was born on December 28 in Nashville, Tennessee, through a surrogate mother and is the biological child of Kidman and husband Keith Urban.

Faith was carried by her famous mother as the family arrived at Sydney airport and were met by her sister Antonia with son Nicholas.

Mini me: Nicole Kidman's daughter Faith, who was born to a surrogate last December, showed off her red hair as they arrived in Australia
It was something of a family reunion for the Kidmans, as TV presenter Antonia now lives in Singapore while Nicole is based in Nashville with husband Keith Urban.
Nicole kept a firm grip on little Faith who, like Antonia's adorable son Nicholas, was born last December.
And Nicole also clutched eldest daughter Sunday as they arrived Down Under after a long flight from the U.S.

Reunion: Nicole's sister Antonia is also in town from Singapore with her five children including little Nicholas (pictured)
Urban was not on the trip, and Antonia's husband, banker Craig Marran was also absent.
It was clearly a time for these devoted siblings to catch up alone, and to enjoy the miracle of their latest children who were born so close together.
Antonia, home from Singapore, also brought her other four children with her for the family reunion.

Ten faces business-wide cost restructure

Staff in sales and programming, as well as those working for its outdoor advertising arm, Eye Corp, face redundancy as a result of a strategic review ordered by interim chief executive Lachlan Murdoch in February.

Jim Carroll, the news director who hired 60 journalists for the extended news and current affairs schedule, resigned because he disagreed with the direction Ten was taking under Mr Murdoch. The Australian can reveal another Ten executive, Sydney station manager and head of broadcast control Darren Farnham, has also resigned.

Mr Farnham is the latest executive to stand down since Mr Murdoch and James Packer acquired 18 per cent of the free-to-air network in November and began to dismantle some of the news strategy. Carroll's well-attended farewell was held at the Lord Dudley pub in inner Sydney on Friday and the mood was sombre as news spread of the fate of many of the journalists working in newsrooms across the country.
About 90 staff, including programmers David Mott and Beverley McGarvey and state news directors, toasted Carroll's 10-year tenure at the network at what was seen as a last hurrah before the axe fell.

On-air staff who attended included newsreaders Natarsha Belling, Deb Knight, Kath Robinson and Brad McEwan.

Executives who have left the network since November include chairman Nick Falloon, chief executive Grant Blackley, head of sport David White, chief financial officer John Kelly, head of integrated sales Jude Allen, and chief digital officer Nick Spooner.

The network's news department, which received a massive $20 million boost six months ago, is expected to be hit hard by the cost restructure. A significant proportion of the sixty journalists hired by Ten as part of the news expansion are now under threat.

The future of current affairs programme 6.30 with George Negus is also in doubt, the Herald Sun reports. While the move to 6:30pm has improved its standing, the show remains well behind the offerings on Seven and Nine.

However, network insiders believe Ten Late Night News and Sports Tonight will be dropped before anything else. Such a decision could make longtime newsreader Sandra Sully the first high-profile casualty. The Daily Telegraph also claims Ten's local weekend news bulletins could be axed.

Ten already confirmed last week that it would not pursue rights to any AFL games from next year.

Meanwhile, Ten's Sydney station manager and head of broadcast control, Darren Farnham, is reportedly the latest executive to resign. It follows news director Jim Carroll stepping down earlier this month after disagreeing with the direction Murdoch is taking the network.

These represent just two in a long line of executive departures since Murdoch and James Packer purchased 18 per cent of Ten in November. Others include chairman Nick Falloon, chief executive Grant Blackley, general manager for sport David White, chief financial officer John Kelly, head of integrated sales Judy Allen, and chief digital officer Nick Spooner.

Dicko fights political correctness

IAN Dickson does not miss being a judge on Australian Idol. The 48-year-old says he always thought there was more to life and to him. Finally, he has the chance to prove it.

Dickson is sitting in an office inside Channel Ten's compound in South Yarra. He has just completed a media preview of Can of Worms, a panel-based program he is hosting that will make its debut on the network on Monday.
The conceit of the show comes from the man we used to call Dicko's most infamous moment as judge on the now defunct but once powerhouse Idol franchise.
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One of that show's season-one contestants, Paulini Curuenavuli, walked on stage wearing that black and gold dress.
Dickson, as ever, was blunt in appraising her appearance.

''I said she needs to shed pounds or choose more appropriate clothes,'' he recalls. ''That was me with a filter on. But my whole world went into meltdown.''
Australian public have had my opinion for eight years and it's time for me to shut up," he said. "To be honest, I'm sick of what I think, so I'm sure the public is too."
Warnie, The White Room, The Catch Up and Ben Elton: Live From Planet Earth are just some similar chat-style shows that have suffered the chop not long after making their debuts.

But the 48-year-old says in the cut-throat world of commercial television he has the backing of Ten to ensure the axe won't fall on the quirky show too quickly.

"TV ratings are like a national pastime in Australia," he says. "It's bizarre and I've never seen this in any other country.
"Everyone's out there waiting for you to fail. This is a show that may not find its feet until episode five or six. I don't want to focus on the figures because it's an unusual concept and it might take people some time to catch on to what it is."
Dickson says he has high hopes of taking the show global, with his eye on a UK launch should the show hit the mark Down Under.
But what about his own can of worms - the rumours that he didn't want to be called Dicko anymore?

"I really don’t know where that came from, honestly, and it makes me laugh. I’m sure that story was designed to make me look like a bit of a wanker, and I don’t need any journalist’s help for that.
"There’s only one person in the world that calls me Ian and that’s my wife when she’s really p***ed off, so if everyone starts calling me Ian, I’ll be a nervous wreck. It’s Dicko. It’s always been Dicko and always will be Dicko.

Florence Brudenell-Bruce: Prince Harry

Prince Harry, the rough-and-tumble brother of the recently wed Prince William, is dating lingerie model Florence Brudenell-Bruce. Or, rather, meeting Brudenell-Bruce for a series of "secret trysts."

This despite Harry's recent assertion that he's "100 percent single," he's apparently been spotted making time with Brudenell-Bruce and spending time at her Notting Hill home.

And, because stuff like this apparently figures into tabloid gossip in London, comely young Florence is "a descendant of the seventh Earl of Cardigan who led the Charge of the Light Brigade." Which obviously makes her way more attractive than, say, some lingerie model whose ancestors merely churned butter or were pressed into service in the Royal Navy.

in reality, he's reportedly with Florence Brudenell-Bruce, an underwear model who could hold her (hot!) own against Kate's cute sister.


The two have been friends for years, sources tell The Daily Mail, with an insider saying:

"It's very early, but Harry and Florence are an item. "She is a lot of fun, blonde and very good looking. Harry really likes her."

Brudenell-Bruce is a descendant of the seventh Earl of Cardigan. As we all know, he led the Charge of the Light Brigade on October 25, 1854.