How to become a splendid cheerleader?

How to become a splendid cheerleader?

(xinhua)

Michael Jordan engaged to model Yvette Prieto

NBA basketball great Michael Jordan pauses during a ceremony where he was inducted into the North Carolina Sport Hall of Fame, during halftime of the NBA basketball game between the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Bobcats, in Charlotte, North Carolina December 14, 2010.

Basketball legend Michael Jordan is engaged to his long-time girlfriend Yvette Prieto, his spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Jordan, 48, considered the greatest U.S. basketball player of all time, proposed to Cuban-American model Prieto, 32, over the Christmas holidays, the spokeswoman told TV station WCNC in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The couple have been dating for about three years. It will be the second marriage for Jordan, who divorced his wife Juanita in 2006 after 17 years.

Jordan spent almost 19 years with the National Basketball Association (NBA), retiring twice from the Chicago Bulls before finally quitting the game and the Washington Wizards in 2003.

He endorsed the successful line of Nike Air Jordan athletic shoes and appeared as himself in the 1996 movie "Space Jam."

Jordan is currently the majority owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.

(Agencies)

Russell Brand-Katy Perry marriage over

Russell Brand (L) and Katy Perry arrive for the European premiere of the film "Arthur" in London April 19, 2011.

British comedian and actor Russell Brand called it quits on his 14-month marriage to "Teenage Dream" singer Katy Perry on Friday, filing for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.

Brand, 36, star of the movie "Get Him to the Greek", and U.S. pop star Perry, 27, met in 2008 and married on October, 2010 in a lavish wedding in India.

The irreverent, former drug addict and the perky Christian-raised singer of international hits like "California Gurls" and "Firework" seemed an unlikely match, but they quickly became one of the most high-profile couples in the entertainment industry.

In recent weeks however, celebrity media reported that their marriage was in trouble.

They spent the Christmas holidays apart, with Brand being photographed in England, and Perry spotted in Hawaii -- both without their wedding rings.

"Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends," Brand said in a statement on Friday, after filing divorce papers in Los Angeles Superior Court. No separation date was given.

Perry's representatives did not return calls for comment on Friday.

Brand, who starred in the 2011 box-office flop "Arthur", dismissed rumors earlier this month that the couple were planning to split.

"I am married to Katy perpetually. Until death do us part was the pledge. I am still alive," the comedian told U.S. talk show host Ellen DeGeneres in a December 2 interview.

Perry, who first tried a career as a gospel music singer, transformed herself from what music critics thought might be a one hit wonder with the single "I Kissed a Girl" in 2008 to become one of the world's biggest pop stars.

Her "California Dreams Tour 2011," played up her carefully cultivated bubblegum pop image with sex appeal. But she told Reuters in an interview earlier this year she was able to stay away from the wild, party life with the help of honest people around her, including Brand, himself a recovering drug addict who is now clean and sober.

Brand rose quickly through the ranks of Hollywood.

His antics include being forced to resign as a BBC radio host in 2008 after making lewd, prank phone calls before appearing in break-out role as a music pop star in the film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and repeating the character for "Get Him to the Greek."

(Agencies)

U.S. rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly remembered with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 7-- U.S. rock star Buddy Holly has posthumously received the 2,447th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Wednesday, when the singer would have celebrated his 75th birthday.

The singer-songwriter's widow, Maria Elena Santiago, accepted the honor on his behalf at an event held in front of the Capitol Records building on Vine Street.

She was joined by Phil Everly, of the Everly Brothers, Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon and actor Gary Busey, who played Holly in the 1978 biographical drama "The Buddy Holly Story."

Born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, Texas, on Sept. 7, 1936, Holly signed a contract with Decca Records in 1956, recording demos and singles in Nashville, Tennessee, under the name Buddy Holly and the Three Tunes.

He shot to stardom after he and a revised band lineup, now dubbed the Crickets, recorded "That'll be the Day" in 1957. Of the Top 40 Hits worldwide, Holly had 27 in the ensuing 18 months before his death in February 1959, when the private plane he was traveling on went down in Iowa en route to Moorhead, Minnesota for a performance.

Holly's legacy inspired and influenced contemporary and later musicians, notably The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton, and exerted a profound influence on popular music. He was also among the first group of singers to be inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

In 2004, Holly was ranked by "Rolling Stone" as the 13th among "The Fifty Greatest Artists of All Time."

(Xinhua)

Miss Universe 2011 contestants gather at samba dance class

Miss Universe 2011 contestants attend a samba dance class at Rosas de Ouro samba school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 26, 2011. The beauty contest will be held on September 12.

2Miss Universe 2011 contestants attend a samba dance class at Rosas de Ouro samba school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 26, 2011. The beauty contest will be held on September 12.

Miss Universe 2011 contestants attend a samba dance class at Rosas de Ouro samba school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 26, 2011. The beauty contest will be held on September 12.

Samba dancers perform for Miss Universe 2011 contestants during a samba dance class at Rosas de Ouro samba school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 26, 2011. The beauty contest will be held on September 12.

(Rahel Patrasso)

Mila Kunis in panties on GQ

Mila Kunis poses in her panties for the cover of the upcoming August 2011 issue of GQ Magazine.

Mila Kunis poses in her panties for the cover of the upcoming August 2011 issue of GQ Magazine.

Mila Kunis poses in her panties for the cover of the upcoming August 2011 issue of GQ Magazine.

Mila Kunis poses in her panties for the cover of the upcoming August 2011 issue of GQ Magazine.

Mila Kunis poses in her panties for the cover of the upcoming August 2011 issue of GQ Magazine.

Mila Kunis poses for the cover of the upcoming August 2011 issue of GQ Magazine.

Mila Kunis poses for the cover of the upcoming August 2011 issue of GQ Magazine.

Mila Kunis poses for the cover of the upcoming August 2011 issue of GQ Magazine.

(mtime.com)

"Cowboys and Aliens" premieres in London

British actor Daniel Craig (L-R) and U.S. actors Olivia Wilde and Harrison Ford pose for photographs as they arrive for the British premiere of "Cowboys and Aliens" at the O2 Arena in London August 11, 2011.

U.S. actress Olivia Wilde poses for photographs as she arrives for the British premiere of "Cowboys and Aliens" at the O2 Arena in London August 11, 2011.

British actor Daniel Craig (L) and U.S. actress Olivia Wilde pose for photographs as they arrive for the British premiere of "Cowboys and Aliens" at the O2 Arena in London August 11, 2011.

British actor Daniel Craig (L-R) and U.S. actors Olivia Wilde and Harrison Ford pose for photographs as they arrive for the British premiere of "Cowboys and Aliens" at the O2 Arena in London August 11, 2011

(Reuters)

Stars shine at Sundance Film Festival

Actresses Naomi Watts (R) and Kerry Washington (L) arrive with Samuel L. Jackson for the premiere of the film "Mother And Child" during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 25, 2010.

Cast member Kevin Kline arrives for the premiere of the film "The Extra Man" at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 25, 2010.

Actress and cast member Katie Holmes arrives for the premiere of the film "The Extra Man" at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 25, 2010.

Director Rodrigo Garcia (R) arrives with the cast for the premiere of the film "Mother And Child" during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 25, 2010.

Actresses Naomi Watts (R) and Kerry Washington arrive for the premiere of the film "Mother And Child" during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 25, 2010.

Comedian Joan Rivers (C) arrives with co-directors Annie Sundberg (R) and Ricki Stern for the premiere of the documentary "Joan Rivers - A Piece Of Work" during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 25, 2010.

Actress and cast member Katie Holmes talks during an interview as she arrives for the premiere of the film "The Extra Man" at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 25, 2010.
(Reuters)

Paris Spring Summer 2010 fashion show

A model presents a creation by French designer Stephane Rolland as part of his Haute-Couture Spring Summer 2010 fashion show in Paris January 26, 2010.

A model presents a creation by Italian designer Giorgio Armani as part of his Haute-Couture Spring Summer 2010 fashion show in Paris January 25, 2010.

A model presents a creation by German designer Karl Lagerfeld as part of his Haute-Couture Spring Summer 2010 fashion show for French fashion house Chanel in Paris January 26, 2010.

A model presents a creation by French designer Stephane Rolland as part of his Haute-Couture Spring Summer 2010 fashion show in Paris January 26, 2010.

French designer Stephane Rolland appears at the end of his Haute-Couture Spring Summer 2010 fashion show in Paris January 26, 2010.

A model presents a creation by French designer Stephane Rolland as part of his Haute-Couture Spring Summer 2010 fashion show in Paris January 26, 2010.
(Reuters)

Swan Lake from Russia with love

A scene from Swan Lake by the Kremlin Ballet Theater

Jan. 26 -- Even a few years ago, ballet in China meant just one thing, Swan Lake, and Russian companies were almost always the most popular. This has gradually changed as more renowned ballet companies from around the world grace the capital's stage.

We've seen British's Royal Ballet, romantic French ballet, contemporary German ballets and mixed American ballet. At the same time, we've realized there are dozens of Russian ballet companies touring the world every day. They boast about their Kirov/Bolshoi pedigrees and have confusing names. The result is that people are becoming more fastidious about which shows they watch.

Picky audiences have forced producers to bring high-class productions to Beijing, otherwise the tickets do not sell.

Beijing XDR Cultural & Communication Company has organized a "Spring For Ballet" festival for the past 10 years and it succeeds because it always invites the Russian National Ballet. It's not as famous as the Kirov or Bolshoi, but is working hard to rise above the second tier and their performances retain real Russian energy and passion.

"Their performances are not without flaws and curious historical details, but its well-trained dancers convey a sense of warmth and personal pride that is rarely seen in touring companies," says Zhao Hong, deputy manager of Beijing XDR Culture & Communication Company.

When the company toured the United States with Swan Lake last year, the Washington Post reviewed it "a cut above many of its rivals. The Swan Lake was the real thing."

The Russian National Ballet Theater was founded in Moscow in the late 1980s when many of the great dancers and choreographers of the Soviet Union's ballet institutions were exercising their new-found creative freedom by starting new companies dedicated not only to tradition but to new developments in dance from around the world.

The principal dancers of the company came from the top ballet companies and academies of Moscow, Riga, Kiev; and even Warsaw, in Poland. In 1994, the legendary Bolshoi principal dancer, Elena Radchenko, was selected as artistic director. She has focused on inheriting the tradition of Russian ballet and developing new talent, with a repertory of virtually all the works of Marius Petipa, including Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker.

For the 10th anniversary of "Spring For Ballet", Beijing XDR Culture & Communication Company will also invite another acclaimed Russian ballet company, the Kremlin Ballet, to this year's festival.

The Kremlin Palace used to be the second stage for the Bolshoi Theater. When Bolshoi stopped using the stage in the late 1980s, Andrei Petrov who had danced as soloist with Bolshoi since 1965, decided to found a new ballet company there. Its premiere production was a full-length ballet Macbeth in 1990.

Petrov, as the artistic director, had a clear vision of the company's development. Its repertoire would be based on the masterpieces and modern dance trends.

"We won't go out to conquer, astonish, enter into competition with the Bolshoi Theater. We simply want to create our own company which will present sound productions in which our young dancers will be able to show what they are made of," says Ekaterina Maximova, who co-founded the company with Petrov.

For "Spring For Ballet," The Kremlin Ballet brings Petrov's 2008 production Figaro, an original comic ballet with music by Rossini and Mozart.

"It's my long time dream to introduce the quick-witted barber on to the ballet stage in a comic work," the choreographer says.

(China Daily)

Cat king lives!

BEIJING, Jan. 22 -- Ask someone in China, "what's your favorite Elvis song?" and you're often met with a blank stare and a puzzled attempt at repeating his name. Its only after using his more familiar moniker "Mao Wang" (Cat King) will you get a polite yet still uncertain nod of recognition.

Elvis impersonator Jiang Zhenwei

This vague familiarity typifies the relationship between the King and the Middle Kingdom. And as fans throughout the world paid tribute to Elvis on what would have been his 75th birthday on January 8, here there was less than royal fanfare for the King of Rock and Roll, yet another indicator of how China and the West were worlds apart during the 1950s and 60's, the period of Elvis' golden reign.

But that doesn't mean there aren't those doing the good work in keeping the King alive in China and what better ambassador of such a Western cultural icon than an Elvis with Chinese characteristics.

"Chinese Elvis is the best of the West with an Eastern twist. He is charming, peace-loving, egalitarian and above all sexy, which is unusual," said Paul Hyu, a UK-based British- Chinese tribute artist who bills himself as the "Chinese Elvis."

"Most other ethnically diverse Elvi are jealous of Chinese Elvis. I can't prove this, of course, but its a hunch I get when I meet them. So far my only proof is that I won the Elvis-special edition of The Weakest Link (BBC TV) against Elvi from Canada, Norway, Germany and Malta," he added.

Hyu is a professional stage actor who has performed as his kingly persona all over the world, bridging gaps in culture with rock and roll diplomacy.

"I believe all Sino-Western relations could be improved by having Chinese Elvis present, endorsing the good stuff with a sexy shake of his pelvis and making both sides realize what we have in common is far greater than what makes us different."

Hyu is not the only Elvis gyrating for Sino-Western relations. China has her own King of Rock and Roll and he's making up for lost time.

"Historically, China just missed Elvis, it was a matter of timing," said Jiang Zhenwei, the most famous (and only) Elvis impersonator in China. Over the past six years, the 27-year-old Shanghai resident and graphic artist has performed on various nationally broadcast programs on almost every CCTV station, even catching the attention of some foreign media. However despite his e. orts, most in China are still clueless about the King.

"Some might have heard the name, but most people have no idea who he is or what he's about. I'll say "Cat King" and many think I'm talking about my pet."

The origin of this Chinese translation for Elvis draws from two sources; "Cat" referring to "Hillbilly Cat," a name Elvis was billed under early in his career and the more obvious "King of Rock and Roll." However other Chinese, especially those from Hong Kong, also cite Elvis' pelvic twists resembling the strut of a cat as inspiration for his feline nickname.

Admittedly, Jiang was unaware of the origins of Elvis' name or even his music until he was in college. While studying art at Nanjing Conservatory, a couple of his schoolmates called to his attention that "he looked just like Elvis."

"It wasn't until then I started buying his CDs and when I listened, even though I knew nothing about his music, I felt I'd heard it all before, like it was destiny."

Despite his success, Jiang is not as optimistic as his British Cat King-in-arms about Elvis finding a home in China, especially in a country steeped in Mandopop.

"Originally I wanted to bring the spirit of Elvis, something that had changed my life, to as many people as possible. But I found that in facing what passes as popular Chinese music, there doesn't seem to be any room for him."

Despite the cultural odds, Elvis' music managed to find its way into the hearts of Chinese musicians, at least those curious enough to look back to the roots of a genre that had already morphed and splintered into a full spectrum of varieties by the time Cui Jian, considered by many to be China's godfather of rock, had introduced the style the late 1980s with his politically charged album, Nothing to My Name.

"Most listening to rock and roll today got into it post-1990, with many their first tastes being heavy metal. After that, China started to fall in line with current music and not many were bothering to listen to the music of the 1950s," explained Wang Hui, lead singer of the Beijing rockabilly outfit DH & Chinese Hellcats.

Even if his was not a direct influence, Elvis is such a part of Western culture that his presence is hard to ignore.

"Because Elvis' contribution to rock and roll was so great, he indirectly influenced music and culture in China whether people know it or not," Wang added.

Elvis was not only a cultural force, but also a culmination of his era, a time when America was experiencing tremendous growth and change, the same change that is reflected in the simmering rock of China.

"Rock here is in a pre-Elvis stage. There are a lot of people doing it, but relatively not many people know about it," said Desmond McGarry, lead singer of the Beijing rock fixture Black Cat Bone, a five-piece rhythm and blues band that has performed across the country.

"One of the great contributions Elvis made to music was that he kicked that door down to let everyone know what was happening and China is still waiting for that agent," he added.

(Global Times)

Big teeth fashion show

A model presents a creation from Alexandre Herchcovitch's Fall/Winter 2010/11 collection during the Sao Paulo Fashion Week in January 21, 2010.

(Reuters)

Avatar sets box office record in China,grossing 540 mln yuan

Director James Cameron (L) and wife actress Suzy Amis arrive at the Fox after party after the 67th annual Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California January 17, 2010.

BEIJING, Jan. 20 -- Global hit "Avatar" had grossed about 540 million yuan (79.7 million U.S. dollars) in China since its premiere on Jan. 4 to become the most successful film in the country.

Tong Gang, director of film bureau of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) released the figure at a symposium on the Hollywood blockbuster Tuesday.

Weng Li, spokesman of the China Film Group Corporation, the film's distributor in China, was not immediately available for further information of the box office on Wednesday.

The film broke the box office record set by '2012.' The disaster film had raked in 460 million yuan in 2009 after it premiered in China on Nov. 13.

Responding to the recent reports that Chinese cinemas are pulling the 2D version of the blockbuster from screens across the country, Zhang Hongsen, deputy director of the film bureau, said the act was a natural result of the market response, because the box office returns of 2D version had been low.

Tong said the box office for the 2D version of the blockbuster only accounted for one third of the total revenue.

"The screening of 2D version of Avatar will end on Thursday," Li Xianping, general manager of Beijing Ziguang Cinema, told Xinhua Wednesday.

She said the tickets for 2D version simply did not sell in her cinema even on weekends but the two 3D theaters had been crowded with audience.

"I believe the 3D Avatar will continue its run till Spring Festival," She said. The festival, known as Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 14 this year.
(Reuters)

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Two models display creations of designer Sam Frenzel during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Autumn/Winter 2010 at the Bebelplatz in Berlin, capital of Germany, on Jan. 20, 2010.

A model displays a creation of designer Sam Frenzel during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Autumn/Winter 2010 at the Bebelplatz in Berlin, capital of Germany, on Jan. 20, 2010.

A model displays a creation of designer Sam Frenzel during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Autumn/Winter 2010 at the Bebelplatz in Berlin, capital of Germany, on Jan. 20, 2010.

A model displays a creation of designer Sam Frenzel during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Autumn/Winter 2010 at the Bebelplatz in Berlin, capital of Germany, on Jan. 20, 2010.

A model displays a creation of designer Sam Frenzel during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Autumn/Winter 2010 at the Bebelplatz in Berlin, capital of Germany, on Jan. 20, 2010.

A model displays a creation of designer Sam Frenzel during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Autumn/Winter 2010 at the Bebelplatz in Berlin, capital of Germany, on Jan. 20, 2010.
(Xinhua)