<![CDATA[NTDTV - Arts & Entertainment]]>

<![CDATA[NTDTV - Arts & Entertainment]]> http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/index.html <![CDATA[16th Annual Webby Award]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 17:54:01 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/16th-Annual-Webby-Award.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/16th-Annual-Webby-Award.html

On Monday night, the 16th Annual Webby Awards, billed as the "Oscars of the internet," was held in New York.

Webby Awards is an annual, international award presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Science. Each category has two winners. Categories include websites, interactive adveritisng, online film and video, and mobile and apps.

Bjork, an Icelandic singer, was named artist of the year. She is known for creating the first app album, and has a great range of style including pop, alternative rock, jazz and classical music.

[Scott Sneesby, Film Maker]:

"Her new release 'Biophillia' which I had the pleasure of developing with her is the world's first ap album, an interactive in the exploration of the connection between nature and music and technology. The music moves us, and we get to move the music."

When receiving her award, Bjork simply said "a, e, i, o, u," in following the show's five-word acceptance speech theme.

Another award honored Steve Jobs, the late Apple founder. Richard Dreyfuss, actor for the company's campaign, voiced his opinion about Mark Zuckerberg and Eric Brin before Jobs' video tribute.

[Richard Dreyfuss, Actor]:

"Before we talk about Steve I just want to say, Mark Zuckerberg and Eric Brin, have you thought of the words Quid Pro Quo? If you're going to take our privacy away from us why don't you tell us something private about yourselves? And if you're going to change our world why don't you pay for it, because it's theft. The story goes - you think I'm kidding, huh, you know I'm not kidding."

Steve Jobs died in October 2011 due to cancer. Some of the key figures featured in the video tribute is President Obama, former President Clinton, and comedian Jimmy Fallon.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 2 <![CDATA[Experts Discuss Freedom at Free Speech Film Festival]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 16:28:11 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/experts-discuss-freedom-at-free-speech-film-festival.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/experts-discuss-freedom-at-free-speech-film-festival.html

On May 16th the first ever “Free Speech Film Festival,” organized by American Insight, was held in Philadelphia.

Preceding the award ceremony, a panel of experts discussed their views on the topic of free speech.

[Anne-Marie Slaughter, Former US State Dept. Director of Policy and Planning]:

“Truth can be silenced, but once spoken, it cannot be ignored.”

[Karen Curry, Former CNN Bureau Chief]:

“How can you run when you know? We do know the price of freedom, and we best not run, or we just might lose it forever.”

[Reggie Shuford, Executive Director of Law and Policy at the Equal Justice Society]:

“Justice and democracy go hand in hand, and free speech is essential for both.”

[C.K. Williams, Award Winning Poet]:

“Who said, with my eyes closed I see more, not me.”

The winner of the inaugural Free Speech Award is “Free China: The Courage to Believe.” The film covers the story of two practitioners of the Falun Gong meditation practice, who were imprisoned in China for their beliefs.

Free China is a co-production between NTD Television and World2be Productions. The film was directed by Michael Perlman and produced by Kean Wong.

[Margaret Chew Barringer, Free Speech Film Festival Founder]:

“This year’s Free Speech Award winning film was created by two superb young film makers, based on a book written by one young woman, who had the courage to say no to both government and cooperate fascism. There is no way towards peace, the Quakers say, peace is the way. I hope this film changes our world.”

Moderator of the panel, Bob Craig, says the movie was eye opening.

[Bob Craig, WRTI Host of Big Band Jazz + Voices of Jazz]:

“When you realize the torture and the mishap that these people have suffered, I mean this is like something that is eye-opening for the whole world to hear, and with a film this powerful, I believe this is something that should even be brought into the class rooms.”

“Free China will continue to tour the international film festival circuit. The film has just been accepted into the 8-city Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, as well as the “Free Thinking Film Festival” in Ottawa, Canada.

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1,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 12 <![CDATA[Eurovision Song Contest Brings Nations Together]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 16:10:35 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/eurovision-song-contest-brings-nations-together.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/eurovision-song-contest-brings-nations-together.html

Musicians from 18 countries will compete in Eurovision’s 57th Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan.The semi-final held in Baku, May 22nd, features performers from Albania, Austria, Switzerland and other Eastern European countries takes place.

Another set of semi-finals will be held, but only performers from 10 counties can qualify for the finals to be held on May 26th.In Baku, determined performers warmed up the audience in a dress rehearsal before the semis.

Eleftheria Eleftheriou of Greece sang "Aphrodisiak” to move the crowd in hopes to be a finalist and Albanian singer Rona Nishliu belted out “Suus” in a solo routine.

In 1973 ABBA was a winner of this contest and since reaped a successful musical career.

The winners of this year’s event seek exposure and publicity for global recognition in the music world. The performance begins 3:00pm CET.

You can log on to Eurovisions Song Contest website and stream a live broadcast vote, tweet, cheer on your favorite performers at www.eurovision.tv/esctv.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 29 <![CDATA[David Beckham is Awarded For His Contributions]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 13:04:12 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/david-beckham-is-awarded-for-his-contributions.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/david-beckham-is-awarded-for-his-contributions.html

Britain’s iconic football player, David Beckham was awarded at the 27th annual Sports Spectacular gala in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 20th.

He was honored not only for his athletic status, but also for his effort to combat genetic birth defects.

In the audience were Beckham’s wife Victoria, and their three sons. Beckham calmly received his award.

[David Beckham, Britain’s iconic football player]:

“I kick a football around. Some guys throw a ball around, some guys hit a ball some guys bounce a ball. But it's nothing compared to what you guys do. The amount of money that you've raised over many years is truly incredible and for that you should be congratulated.”

In previous years, the Cedars-Sinai Medical Genetics Institute fundraiser raised more than $21 million.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 11 <![CDATA[Black Eyed Peas Singer becomes the 109th Olympic Torch Bearer]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 12:53:36 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/Black-Eyed-Peas-Singer-becomes-the-109th-Olympic-Torch-Bearer.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-22/Black-Eyed-Peas-Singer-becomes-the-109th-Olympic-Torch-Bearer.html

Black Eyed Peas singer Will.i.am joined the Olympic torch relay across the UK on Monday (May 21). Carrying the Olympic flame through Taunton, Somerset, to the delight of onlookers.

Will.i.am became the 109th torchbearer, and made the most of the opportunity. During the walk Will.i.am tweeted about the experience with one hand while holding the torch in the other. He even performed a brief moonwalk in honor of Michael Jackson.

Afterwards he spoke of how happy he was to take part, and his personal connection to the Olympics.

[Will.i.am, Black Eyed Peas Singer]:

"That was like, a surreal moment. You know I remember in 1984, the Olympics in Los Angeles, and me being a little Will, watching it on TV, wishing I could be at the Olympic Games, and I had that flashback when they handed me the torch to run through Taunton, so it's like a blessed moment, and a surreal moment, and a I-can't-believe-it moment all at the same time."

The Olympic torch is currently on a 70-day tour of the UK, before arriving back in London for the start of the Games.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 17 <![CDATA[Judge Yungchia Chen Talks About NTD's Dance Competition]]> Mon, 21 May 2012 15:50:53 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-21/judge-yungchia-chen-talks-about-ntd-s-dance-competition.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-21/judge-yungchia-chen-talks-about-ntd-s-dance-competition.html

As part of our mission, every year NTD promotes traditional Chinese performing arts through our competition series.

Yungchia Chen won the gold award at NTD's International Chinese Classical Dance Competition in 2007. Chen later became a judge for the contest.

A key component in NTD’s dance competition is how contestants portray characters. It's Chen’s portrayal of a character from Chinese history that won him the prize in 2007.

[Yungchia Chen, NTD Dance Competition Judge]
“At that time my dance was performing the character of an ancient warrior, it was a sword dance, expressing the spirit of this ancient warrior.”

It is this expression of inner spirit that Chen looks for when judging contestants.

[Yungchia Chen, NTD Dance Competition Judge]
“Principally we look at the degree to which they understand the character. We can see this from factors including their form, facial expression and the spirit they express…no to people’s dance movements are exactly the same, so from these aspects we can see how culturally accomplished they are or their ability of artistic appreciation.”

Classical Chinese dance also involves a variety of techniques and movements. The dancers’ techniques are meticulously scrutinized. Yet Chen says that it is the artistic aspects of Chinese dance that make the biggest impression and can play the deciding role when contestants are technically matched.

[Yungchia Chen, NTD Dance Competition Judge]
“What can move people most is the art. When their form and expression and portrayal of characters displays the performer’s inner world, that is what moves people the most.”

NTD’s 2012 Dance Competition will start with the Asia-Pacific preliminary rounds in Hong Kong in August, followed by the North American preliminaries and the finals in New York in October.

Ben Hedges, NTD News, New York

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 86 <![CDATA[Striking A Chord Documentary Shown at Tribeca Cinemas]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 21:11:22 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-18/striking-a-chord-documentary-shown-at-tribeca-cinemas.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-18/striking-a-chord-documentary-shown-at-tribeca-cinemas.html

So you probably heard of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD and It’s affecting allot of people inside and outside of the military.

A film maker Susan Rockerfeller and The Rotary Club of Wall Street, currently screened “Striking a Chord” which raised issues on how the military are dealing with this issue.

The Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs say that 10 percent of Gulf War Vet’s have this disorder, those who serve in Afghanistan between 6 and 11 percent and military personel who serve in Iraq range from 12 to 20 percent.

This film shows how music helps to relieve the condition who are affected with it and so we caught up with Suzan Rockerfeller and the President of the Rotary Club, Stanley Kules and some members of the military and how they’re dealing with this issue.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 47 <![CDATA[NTD's "Free China" Film Wins Free Speech Award in Philadelphia]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 01:37:23 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-18/ntd-s-free-china-film-wins-free-speech-award-in-philadelphia.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-18/ntd-s-free-china-film-wins-free-speech-award-in-philadelphia.html

It would be hard to find a more apt location for the first ever Free Speech Film Festival. Across the road from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, at the American Philosophical Society’s Benjamin Franklin Hall, the Free Speech Award is being handed out…

…the winner… Free China: The Courage to Believe, a film by Michael Perlman, co-produced by NTD Television and World2Be Productions.

It follows the story of two practitioners of the Falun Gong meditation discipline, who along with tens of millions of other Falun Gong practitioners have been persecuted for their beliefs in China.

[Kean Wong, Producer, Free China]:
“Ten years ago I met Jennifer and she had just escaped China. She was writing her book and to be able to tell her story after so many years and get it out and to be acknowledged… this is about not just her story but also those inside China who are being suppressed, so this is for them.”

The film received a warm welcome from VIPs at the event.

[Karen Curry, Former CNN New York Bureau Chief]:
“When you can tell a story that’s a pretty broad story through two intensely compelling characters like Jennifer and Charles, from a filmmaking standpoint, I thought that was really pretty extraordinary.”

Festival founder Margaret Chew Barringer says Free China was a clear winner.

[Margaret Chew Barringer, Founder, Free Speech Film Festival]:
“Technically perfect, the music is superb, and the cause, of all the films we saw, related to the most people.”

Director Michael Perlman says the spirit of the Free Speech Film Festival could not have come at a more crucial time in China’s history.

[Michael Perlman, Director, Free China]:
“If China allows itself to open up and allow freedom of speech, and religion and assembly, they’ll become a much stronger nation, both economically, politically and in the world stage so this is really a critical time for the Chinese leadership and for the people inside China to understand this and to embrace it and we’re just here to give our support for this. This is history in the making, now.”

This spirit also reflects the mission of NTD television.

[Lee Zhong, NTD President]:
“It’s part of our mission to really spread the word about freedom, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, that’s why the platform of NTD exists. This is great, and we finally see this is being recognized and a lot of people love this movie.”

This is the third award the movie has won and it will continue to tour the global film festival circuit.

Ben Hedges, NTD News, Philadelphia

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1,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 588 <![CDATA[New York Russian Film Exploring Family Life in a Pop Culture]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 19:58:57 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-11/New-York-Russian-Film-Exploring-Family-Life-in-a-Pop-Culture.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-11/New-York-Russian-Film-Exploring-Family-Life-in-a-Pop-Culture.html

The movie Downtown Express is set in the streets of New York within the Russian immigrant community.

[David Grubin, Director, Writer, Producer of Downtown Express]:
“I like making a movie in the streets of New York, with immigrant communities, capturing the energy of the streets, and transforming the story into fiction.”

Sasha is a Russian immigrant and a conservatory student. He is drawn to the popular music while experiencing life in New York.

The movie explores through music the clash of Sasha's family values with the excitement of the pop culture.

Julliard-trained violinist Philippe Quint plays the main character and performed the music for the film. It is Philippe's big screen debut.

[Philippe Quint, Violinist]:
“I cannot consider myself an actor. I am still at this stage a musician, who has played a role. I consider the world of theatre and cinema to be an art that requires you to spend as much time to master as I did to learn to play the violin.”

Quint’s role in Downtown Express is the first time a classical musician is featured as the lead in an American independent film.

His partner in the film Nellie McKay is a musician as well and it was the first time for her to work on screen with Russian performers.

[Nellie McKay]:
“It was great and the hardest part was not adopting a Russian accent oneself in a movie because you hang out with these Russians all day. You want to talk like them.”

The film has received positive reviews from American critics.

NTD, New York

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 170 <![CDATA[Johnny Depp for "Dark Shadows," Beyonce for Met, and More Entertainment News ]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 17:18:00 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_northamerica/2012-05-08/johnny-depp-for-dark-shadows-beyonce-for-met-and-more-entertainment-news-.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_northamerica/2012-05-08/johnny-depp-for-dark-shadows-beyonce-for-met-and-more-entertainment-news-.html

It was the fashion event of the year in New York on Monday (May 07) - the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Benefit gala. The night's show-stoppers were new mom Beyonce, who stunned in a barely there Givenchy dress, and newly engaged couple Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel made a rare joint appearance, posing together for pictures. Other A-listers attending included Rihanna, Mick Jagger, and Gisele Bundchen with husband, Tom Brady.

American writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak, who is best known for his classic children's books including "Where the Wild Things Are," has died. Sendak died in Connecticut from complications from a recent stroke. Sendak was 83.

Lady Gaga got a warm welcome to Japan, as hundreds of fans turned up to greet her at the airport. Gaga is in the country for a string of concerts that start on Thursday (May 10) and run through Sunday (May 13).

Finally, Johnny Depp hit the red carpet in Los Angeles for his new film, "Dark Shadows." The actor posed for pictures and waved to fans. He was joined at the event by co-star Michelle Pfeiffer, and director Tim Burton.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 103 <![CDATA[Pink Diamond Expected to Fetch $8 Million at Auction, Largest Ever]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 16:35:18 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/rare-pink-diamond-ever-auctioned-expects-to-fetch-over-8-million.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/rare-pink-diamond-ever-auctioned-expects-to-fetch-over-8-million.html

CREATED AT 4:50 PM MAY 8; UPDATED AT 5:45 PM MAY 8.

The largest pink diamond ever auctioned is expected to fetch more than $8 million US dollars at Christie’s Hong Kong Spring Auctions, which begins later this month.

Christie’s jewelry specialist talks about the history of the 12.04-carat brilliant cut pink diamond.

[May Lim, Christie’s Jewelry Specialist]:

"It's the largest diamond, round pink diamond, ever to appear in auction history. So why is this pink diamond so out of the ordinary? Because in 1976 the collector that actually bought the diamond, bought it from Harry Winston and that was the same year the United States launched the Martian Exhibition and to commemorate this event, Harry Winston decided to name this diamond the Martian Pink."

Lim says colored diamonds are rare.

[May Lim, Christie’s Jewelry Specialist]:

"Colored diamonds are very rare, they don't usually appear, and in order for a pink diamond to be this intense in color is extremely out of the ordinary. And for it to be this saturated, for it to become a round brilliant diamond is exceptional, you rarely find it in the market at all."

The Martian Pink is one of the only two famous pink diamonds in the world.

The other one is the 23.60-carat Williamson Pink diamond that belongs to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. It’s given to her as a wedding gift in 1947.

Christie's hopes to cash in more than $76 million dollars from 300 items during its spring sale, which starts on May 29.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 184 <![CDATA[“Free China” Wins Top Award at West Hollywood “Awareness” Film Festival]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 16:05:03 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/-free-china-wins-top-award-at-west-hollywood-awareness-film-festival.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/-free-china-wins-top-award-at-west-hollywood-awareness-film-festival.html

The feature length documentary “Free China: The Courage to Believe”, directed by Michael Perlman and produced by Kean Wong from NTD, has won the top award in its category at the Awareness Film Festival in West Hollywood over the weekend. It was the film’s premier in Los Angeles, following another top award at the 45th World-Fest Houston Film Festival last month.

Free China follows the stories of two people persecuted for their belief by the Chinese regime: mother and former Communist Party member Jennifer Zeng, and Chinese American businessman Dr. Charles Lee. Its exposure of human rights abuses in China earned Free China the top Award in the International Political and Cultural Documentaries and Narrative Category of the Awareness Film Festival, a festival that fielded over 300 entries in 11 categories.

[Kean Wong, Producer of Free China: The Courage to Believe]

"It's very exciting to win this award. The first L.A. film festival that we got into and to be acknowledged by the Awareness Film Festival, we're very, very grateful for that and very excited to get more awareness. This is about awareness. And this film is about creating awareness for the dire situation in China regarding the persecution of not just ten millions of Falun Gong practitioners, but Christians, Tibetans, and human right's abuses in general.”

Jennifer Zeng and Charles Lee are both practitioners of Falun Gong. It’s a traditional Chinese self-improvement practice that was once promoted by the Chinese government for its health and other benefits. But in 1999, after authorities estimated more than 70 million took up the practice, Falun Gong was banned and adherents were subjected to widespread torture, slave labor and live organ harvesting that continues to this day.

The documentary also features interviews with human rights activists who have carried out their own investigations into the atrocities committed against Falun Gong adherents in China.

[Skye Kelly, Awareness Film Festival Director]

“Oh my goodness…yes! The film is incredibly powerful, incredibly well done. Really speaks to such a cause. I was unaware of the conditions that were still there. I think a lot of people are as well and kind of opened my eyes to a situation and something that I want to be proactive about. So it was very powerful.”

Prior to the awards ceremony, the producer of Free China Kean Wong, was invited on a Filmmakers panel which gave audience members greater insights about the film.

[David Smyth, Panel Moderator]

“It was very touching. Certainly didn’t know about the Chinese culture at least not in any significant fashion. I certainly had no idea that the Chinese culture was being suppressed by the Chinese government. That was completely off my radar. And that was very surprising that the government would do that. That was heartbreaking.”

[Monique Lukens, Californian Resident]

“I love this group of people because they really have the passion and compassion in their hearts to go out for what they want to bring out to the public, what they want the audience to know and it’s all about truth.”

The film is now an Official Selection, 1 of 6 films in the running for the Free Speech Film Festival’s Grand Award, which will be announced at the awards ceremony on May 16th in Philadelphia.

For more information about the film please visit: www.FreeChinaMovie.com

NTD News, Los Angeles.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 188 <![CDATA[Maurice Sendak, "Where the Wild Things Are" Author, Dies]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 10:34:21 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/maurice-sendak-where-the-wild-things-are-author-dies.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/maurice-sendak-where-the-wild-things-are-author-dies.html

CREATED AT 10:34 AM MAY 8; UPDATED AT 11:52 AM MAY 8.

Maurice Sendak, writer and illustrator of the beloved children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are”, has passed away due to complications from a recent stroke. He was 83.

His editor, Michael di Capua, told the New York Times that the prolific author died on Tuesday in Danbury, Connecticut.

Sendak wrote and illustrated 17 books. Of them, his most famous may be “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “In the Night Kitchen.” Both are parts of a trilogy, released in 1963 and 1970, respectively.

Both also garnered much controversy.

“Where the Wild Things Are” was a story of Max, a child who, after being punished by his mother, imagines a mysterious world of the Wild Things. The story brought dark illustrations into the realm of children’s picture books, which some believed would scare children.

“In the Night Kitchen” included an anatomically correct nude male protagonist. Even while it received much critical acclaim, the book was censored or banned by many groups. To this day, it is still consistently censored.

Maurice Sendak was born in 1928 in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish-Polish immigrant parents. He said the effects of the Holocaust had a great deal of impact on his life.

The National Endowment for the Arts gave Sendak the National Medal of Arts in 1996. It was presented by President Bill Clinton.

Harper Collins published Maurice Sendak’s last book,”Bumble-Ardy,” in September.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 46 <![CDATA[Hong Kong Residents Celebrate World Laughter Day]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 08:12:48 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/hong-kong-residents-celebrate-world-laughter-day.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/hong-kong-residents-celebrate-world-laughter-day.html

On Sunday, the chants of "ho-ho-ha-ha-ha" reverberated across Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. About 200 people spent two hours laughing together.

They’re celebrating World Laughter Day, which falls on the first Sunday of every May. People in 70 countries around the world gathered together to celebrate the day.

Laughter Yoga was started in India 17 years ago when a doctor asked people to join him and laugh for no reason in a park.

This activity is now practiced by more than 6,000 social laughter clubs around the world.

[Dick Yu, Laughter Yoga Instructor]:
"Through the process of laughing, you can automatically perform breathing through your stomach. This means when you laugh, you are automatically doing the yoga way of breathing. So you don't have to intentionally practice the so-called yoga way of breathing. Through the laughing movement, you can laugh in a more beautiful and happy way. So it's very simple and easy, and everyone can design their own moves."

Yu says participants can experience yoga breathing without having to do different poses. He runs seven classes every week.

Yu said laughing has many benefits.

[Dick Yu, Laughter Yoga Instructor]:
"Research has shown that laughing for one minute is equivalent to rowing for ten minutes, so it's a very good aerobic exercise. When you laugh, you’re exercising your diaphragm, so it’s healthy for your digestive system. It can help you de-stress, so you will end up with less stress."

The participants paraded along the Avenue of the Stars—attracting the attention of tourists and passers-by.

[Zhu Mei-Ching, Laughter Yoga Participant]:
"I'm very happy! We have a big crowd and we follow the teacher and go 'ho-ho-ho!' This is also healthy. My daughter also came here with me to join us. So I am very happy."

It was May Lai’s first experience with Laughter Yoga.

[May Lai, Laughter Yoga Participant]:
"Before I began participating myself, I was affected by other people here and felt a bit happy. But after I tried it, now I feel very happy! Although I'm very tired, I want to do it again."

After the parade, some people stayed back to participate in a longest-laughter competition.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 67 <![CDATA[Zhostovo trays - The Ancient Chinese Traditions on Display in Russia]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 08:10:53 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/ancient-chinese-traditions-on-display-in-russia.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-08/ancient-chinese-traditions-on-display-in-russia.html

These are Zhostovo trays, named after the small village of Zhostovo. About 20 miles north of Moscow, this tiny town has been keeping alive a big tradition. For nearly 200 years, locals have been making these trays.

[M.V.Lebedev, Art Director]:
"Peter the Great went to Europe, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands where he saw those beautiful lacquer wares made in China and Japan. He liked them very much and took some of them back to Russia, in the hope of making similar handicrafts in St. Petersburg. He even brought in craftsmen from the UK and the Netherlands who made handicrafts similar to those made in China."

The trays are still made and painted by hand. Flowers are the most common theme.

[Tonia, Moscow Resident]:
"The painted flowers are so beautiful that they seem almost real. I want to touch them with my own hands and smell their fragrance."

A single tray takes days to make, and must be completed by a master painter.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 34 <![CDATA[Will Smith Returns in "Men in Black 3"]]> Mon, 07 May 2012 17:39:47 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-07/will-smith-returns-in-men-in-black-3-.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-07/will-smith-returns-in-men-in-black-3-.html

With a mission to preview the film “Men In Black 3” and to meet the stars, about 1,000 fans gathered around the lobby of Seoul’s Times Square.

After holding a news conference to promote the film, Hollywood stars Will Smith, Josh Brolin, and director Barry Sonnenfeld walk down the red carpet and greet their fans.

[Park Hee-Ji, Student]:

"I am really happy to see Will Smith. It was thrilling to see him in person - I am still puzzling whether I saw him on television or in person. The school exam was over, I am going to see the movie. I am really happy."

[Lim Kuk-Bin, 24-Year-Old]:

"I like Will Smith better than any other actors. I noticed he had a handsome and childlike face. He was cute and had strong voice. Well, I really enjoyed seeing him in person.”

10 years after Men in Black 2, the Earth and the life of Agent K (played by Tommy Lee Jones) are at stake. Agent J (played by Will Smith) has to travel back in time, and team up with young Agent K (played by Josh Brollin) to stop an alien criminal before the murder happens.

The director, Barry Sonnenfeld, says that he is proud of the movie.

[Barry Sonnenfeld, Director]:

"What I love about Men in Black 3 is of all the movies we have done it has got more action, more aliens, more comedy, and more heart. It's my favorite emotionally of the three movies. And these guys (actors) were fantastic making it."

Returning from his four-year break, Will Smith said at the news conference that this feels like a family reunion.

[Will Smith, Actor]:

"Playing a character three times for me, it feels like home. You know it is wonderful. I have been off camera for about four years now. So, it is the first movie, I have made in, in almost four years. So for me, coming back to something that I know that is warm like a family reunion."

Smith visited Korea ten years ago to promote “Men in Black 2”. He said Korea is the perfect place to release the sneak peak of the movie.

[Will Smith, Actor]:

"Korea is, you know, a huge growing market in the film world, it seems like a perfect place to begin.”

Smith also suggested Sonnenfeld to release the film in South Korea on May 24th, and in the US on May 25th.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 135 <![CDATA[Avengers Breaks Opening Weekend Box Office Record]]> Mon, 07 May 2012 12:31:14 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-07/Avengers-Breaks-Opening-Weekend-Box-Office-Record.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-07/Avengers-Breaks-Opening-Weekend-Box-Office-Record.html

[i]Marvel’s The Avengers[/i] has broken the all-time opening weekend box-office record, taking in an estimated $200.3 million.

The film received little competition, with no other releases from major studios. The second-highest earner for the weekend was [i]Think Like a Man[/i], pulling in $8 million.

The previous record holder was [i]Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2[/i], which earned $169.2 million during its opening weekend last July.

Released internationally two weeks ago, the film has earned $441.5 million outside of the US, bringing the total box office take to $641.8 million. The film’s production budget was $220 million.

The Avengers film is about the eponymous team of Marvel Comics superheroes. Its group consisted of characters including Iron Man, Captain America, and the Hulk.

In the past four years, Marvel Studios debuted feature films for many of the characters of the movie. Five successful movies spanned from [i]Iron Man[/i] of 2008 to last summer’s blockbuster [i]Thor[/i].

[i]Thor 2[/i] and [i]Iron Man 3[/i] are due out in 2013. A sequel for [i]Captain America: The First Avenger[/i] is expected in 2014.

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0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 37 <![CDATA[Adam Yauch, Beastie Boys' Founder, Dead at 47]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 14:47:01 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-04/adam-yauch-beastie-boys-founder-dead-at-47.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-05-04/adam-yauch-beastie-boys-founder-dead-at-47.html

Adam Yauch, founder of the of the legendary hip-hop group Beastie Boys, has passed away today at age 47.

Yauch, perhaps better known as MCA, passed this morning after a long battle with cancer. He had announced in 2009 that he had begun treatment for a tumor in his salivary gland.

It is not immediately clear if the cancer was directly related to the cause of death.

Russell Simmons’ GlobalGrind website first reported the passing.

Yauch was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1964. He attended Edward R. Murrow High School along with friends Mike ‘Mike D’ Diamond and Adam ‘Adrock’ Horovitz, formed the Beastie Boys, a hardcore punk band.

Two years after dropping out of Bard College, at age 22, Yauch would release his band's first album, Licensed to Ill, in 1986. It went on to top the Billboard 200, the first hip hop album to do so.

A practicing Buddhist, Adam Yauch visited India to seek the advice of Tibetan doctors. At their behest, Yauch became a vegan.

Yauch helped organize the Tibetan Freedom Concert series, which ran between 1996 and 2001.

The Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. They were just the third hip hop group to be selected, after Run DMC and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Yauch was unable to attend the ceremony.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 139 <![CDATA[Mariah Carey on "Top of the Mountain" in Austria]]> Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:54:53 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-30/mariah-carey-on-top-of-the-mountain-in-austria.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-30/mariah-carey-on-top-of-the-mountain-in-austria.html

Mariah Carey strutted across the stage in front of several thousand fans at the annual "Top of the Mountain" concert held at the over 7,600 foot-high Idalp mountain.

The US singer-songwriter performed to mark the end of the ski-season at the Austrian resort of Ischgl.

Artists Kylie Minogue, Alicia Keyes, The Killers and Elton John have all featured in the annual season-closing event. Carey admitted in an interview that she had had problems with her voice because of the altitude. Despite that, she enjoyed the unusual venue.

[Mariah Carey]:

"It was beautiful, performing on the mountain in this setting, I don't think anybody could understand unless you've done it, just standing there and looking at the gorgeous mountains. It's just like nothing I've ever experienced."

The performance also took place on Mariah and her husband Nick's fourth wedding anniversary and the first birthday of her twins, Moroccan and Monroe. She said that family celebrations to mark the two events had been held in the past few days.

[Mariah Carey]:

"We were in Paris obviously, and the children had their own party and they had their own little cars and things and it was really cute. We didn't want to go over the top but I am me and I can't help it."

The Grammy-award-winning singer and her husband renewed their vows on Friday in a ceremony at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

As for the next step her music career, Mariah Carey kept it under wraps.

[Mariah Carey]:

"It's very difficult for me to balance it all but I'm working on a couple of songs right now with certain people and I want to keep certain things a secret but I'm really excited. I couldn't be more excited about what I'm doing."

The 2011-2012 ski season was opened in Ischgl in November by Swedish pop duo Roxette.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 205 <![CDATA["The Scream" Expected to Fetch Over $80 Million at Sotheby's]]> Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:10:48 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-27/-the-scream-expected-to-fetch-over-80-million-at-sotheby-s.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-27/-the-scream-expected-to-fetch-over-80-million-at-sotheby-s.html

Edvard Munch's "The Scream" is expected to go for over $80 million USD at Sotheby’s in May. This is the highest pre-sale value the auctioneer has ever put on a work of art.

Four versions of this famous painting exist. The other three belong to Norwegian museum collections.

Out of these four versions of “The Scream,” the one up for auction at Southeby’s is unique. Co-chairman of Sotheby’s Impressionist and Modern Art department, David Norman, explains at a media preview.

[David Norman, Sotheby’s Worldwide]:

"It is also the only piece that is in the artist's original frame. There's a plaque at the bottom, which in his own handwriting describes the moment when he conceived this piece. He was walking across the bridge, you see his friends ahead of him, he felt dead tired and he couldn't move further. The sky was blazing red and orange in the sunset and then he says, 'I heard the great shriek of nature.' Everyone believes the figure is screaming, but really what's happening is the figure is reacting, recoiling from the noise of the world. And also amongst the four versions, this is the one with the greatest brilliance of color, the strong vibrant primary colors and rich caking on of the pastel surface. Each one has their unique characters."

The plaque on the frame reads, "I was walking among the road with two Friends / the Sun was setting - The Sky turned a bloody red / And I felt a whiff of Melancholy - I stood / Still, deathly tired - over the blue-black / Fjord and City hung Blood and Tongues of Fire / My Friends walked on - I remained behind / - shivering with Anxiety - I felt the great Scream in Nature - EM"

“The Scream” seeks to communicate Munch's own anxiety in the hills above Oslo. Many see it as the embodiment of modern-day anxiety and existential angst.

[David Norman, Sotheby’s Worldwide]:

"It is a universal image of anxiety, suffering, the response to the modern age throughout the 20th century. Events have occurred that have shown Munch in 1895 really presaged, you know, all the turmoil and violence that would come. People just respond so viscerally and personally to this. The world sometimes is too enormous, too challenging at times."

"The Scream" will be sold to the highest bidder on May 2 at Sotheby's in New York.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 166 <![CDATA[Cannes Announces Jury, 2012 Most Beautiful Woman, and Honorary Citizen]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:24:59 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-26/Cannes-Announces-Jury-2012-Most-Beautiful-Woman-and-Honorary-Citizen.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-26/Cannes-Announces-Jury-2012-Most-Beautiful-Woman-and-Honorary-Citizen.html

Ewan McGregor and French designer Jean Paul Gaultier will be on the nine-member jury at this year's Cannes film festival, organizers said on Wednesday (April 25).

The panel will decide the awards handed out at a closing ceremony including the coveted Palme d'Or for best movie in the main competition.

Beyonce was named the world's most beautiful woman for 2012 on Wednesday (April 25) by People magazine. The 30-year-old entertainer was awarded People's top spot after she and her rapper husband Jay-Z welcomed their first child in January.

Beyonce topped the magazine's annual list and joined other women who have held the title including Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie and last year's winner Jennifer Lopez.

Bosnia's capital has named Angelina Jolie its honorary citizen. A statement issued by the Sarajevo authorities Wednesday said it made the decision in recognition of Jolie's role in preserving the "truth about the war" in Bosnia, through her directorial debut "In the Land of Blood and Honey." It was not yet clear if Jolie will attend a May 3 ceremony in Sarajevo.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 204 <![CDATA[Vito Vincent: The Talented Tabby Having Tough Times in Tinseltown]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:49:42 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-26/vito-vincent-the-talented-tabby-having-tough-times-in-tinseltown.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-26/vito-vincent-the-talented-tabby-having-tough-times-in-tinseltown.html

It's not easy to make it in Hollywood - any actor will tell you that. But for wannabe animal star Vito Vincent, the task may be even harder. That's why the orange tabby hits the streets of Beverly Hills - hoping his calm demeanor and cute looks will catch a casting agent's eye.

Vito and his owner, Michael LeCrichia, moved to Los Angeles nearly a year ago, after finding some success in New York. There, Vito had landed roles in TV shows like "30 Rock" and "The Colbert Report."

But LeCrichia said they had to take a chance on Hollywood if they were going to make it big.

[Michael LeCrichia, Owner]:

"I knew that since he was a working actor in New York, if he wanted to try and make it in movies, we might have a better opportunity to make it into a movie in Los Angeles, in Hollywood. So we ventured out here in May of last year."

But Vito has had a hard time breaking in - mostly due to the Hollywood wrangling agencies that have monopolized animal casting for decades.

So working as a free agent, Vito and LeCrichia take to the posh streets of Beverly Hills hoping to be discovered, or at least in the meantime, just putting a smile on the faces of shoppers.

[Michelle Klein]:

"A cat on Rodeo Drive, I was surprised. Most cats are pretty aloof and so he's a very friendly and chatty little guy here."

[Lyn Winter]:

"I think it's very Los Angeles and I'm not from here, I would like to have my cats walking down Rodeo Drive."

So like so many of his human actor counterparts, Vito will keep paying his dues - entertaining the public on the sidewalk, until Hollywood comes calling.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 67 <![CDATA[Beijing International Auto Show Dazzles Car Lovers]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:21:32 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-25/beijing-international-auto-show-dazzles-car-lovers.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-25/beijing-international-auto-show-dazzles-car-lovers.html

Car enthusiasts flocked to the 2012 Beijing International Automobile Show on Wednesday. It’s the first public day for visitors to catch a glimpse of the latest designs of the world's top car brands.

The annual event kicked off Monday—with more than 1,000 vehicles geared for the attention of the world's largest car market.

The exhibition—set to dazzle visitors—is one of the biggest car shows in the world. It features products from more than 100 companies from 14 countries—including the global debut of 120 new cars.

Leading carmakers such as Volkswagen and Toyota displayed a full range of vehicles. Luxury brands, like the Aston Martin, stole the show with glitzy limited editions.

But visitors are also coming to see the latest family models.

[Zhang Dingzheng, Beijing Resident]:

“I came to see these luxury cars from those famous brands. For another, I want to pay attention to the family-use cars as I am thinking of changing my family car.”

Despite the global economic slowdown, carmakers are looking to China to boost sales—as rich Chinese snap up SUVs, luxury cars, and green cars, perhaps.

Electric and hybrid cars have yet to ripple China's mainstream market. But, carmakers hope to change that soon. Visitors at the auto show eyed the Denza electric car.

[Ge Qiang, Beijing resident]:

"I mainly focus on new-energy cars…fuelling has become more and more difficult nowadays. The new-energy cars—like this electric car—has its advantages in a crowded city by using clean energy. So I come to see these cars."

Chinese carmaker BYD and Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler jointly created this new low-cost and eco-friendly model—specially tailored to the Chinese market.

The Beijing auto show is on until May 2nd.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 84 <![CDATA[World's Largest Pink Diamond Up For Auction In Shanghai]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:28:16 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-25/World-s-Largest-Pink-Diamond-Up-For-Auction-In-Shanghai.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-25/World-s-Largest-Pink-Diamond-Up-For-Auction-In-Shanghai.html

Here in Shanghai, auctioneers had a chance to marvel at this year’s Spring Auction by Christie. But many came for this - The Martian Pink, a 12.04-carat pink diamond evaluated over 8 million dollars. It’s the biggest pink diamond in the auction market history. It’s been paired with another 11.85-carat pink diamond valued at 1.7 million dollars.

According to Chiang Chaofeng, diamond expert in Christie’s Hong Kong office, the stability of a diamond value is the major advantage of diamond investment, and that attracts lots of China mainland purchasers.

[Chiang Chaofeng, Christie’s Hong Kong Office Diamond Expert]:

“The appreciation of diamond investment grows slowly compared with other investment aspects, but the biggest advantage is stability of the growth. More than 10 percent of our buyers are from the Chinese Mainland, and it has increased dramatically from five or six years ago. We predict mainland buyers will continue to increase gradually in the future.”

Some famous watch companies are also exhibiting their newest products, including Patek Philippe, Chopard, Rolex, and Vacheron Constantin, to name a few.

33 pieces of art are up for bid, including masterpieces from famous artists Zhang Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji and Yue Minjun.

The 2012 Christie’s Spring Auction will next travel to Hong Kong from May 25 to 30.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 239 <![CDATA[Shakespeare in Maori: Only at the "Globe to Globe" ]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:56:39 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-25/Shakespeare-in-Maori-Only-at-the-Globe-to-Globe-.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/arts_entertainment/2012-04-25/Shakespeare-in-Maori-Only-at-the-Globe-to-Globe-.html

It's Shakespeare like you've never seen or heard before.

This rendition of "Troilus and Cressida" by New Zealand's Ngakau Toa theater company is performed in Maori, the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand.

And this dance is Haka, the traditional war cry of the Maori people.

It kicked off a marathon of the Bard's work at London's Globe theater titled "Globe to Globe" and is part of the 2012 World Shakespeare Festival.

Thirty-seven companies from around the world will each perform a Shakespeare play here, all in a different language.

In six weeks after the final curtain call all of the playwright's theatrical works will have been performed.

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