http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/ Lifestyle http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122968/ News Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:27:20 +0200
"This is a modern-day romanticism, a dramatic sensuality, a dark glamour, with subtle games of provocative intellect," creative director Frida Giannini wrote about her latest collection.

The collection mixes military accents with ultra-feminine styles complete with sequins and slits. The basic Gucci silhouette has a tiny waist and straight skirt with uneven hemline, long in back, shorter in front with subtle draping.

On a strictly dark background, Gucci brightens up the look with tapestry textiles, floral prints and embroidery. Colors are never garish but rather dark shades of green, plum and indigo blue.

Velvet and silk or brocades and leather created an opulent look, highlighted by over-the-top feathered creations. Crocodile riding boots and oversized coats were paired with demure velvet skirts and embroidered see-through equestrian pants.

Night wear is dreamy and feminine with long dresses in wrinkled tulle or velvet, embroidered with hand-sewn floral patterns.

The new stirrup bag, roomy as well as classy, has a revisited metallic spur closure. Gucci offers a more structured version of the saddle bag for eveningwear in de rigeur black crocodile. Footwear is either flat and masculine, or slipper-like with a sharp high heel.

The models wore their hair long and pulled back, but sported glasses to give the collection a brainy accent.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122938/ News Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:21:08 +0200
Gaitana, known for a strong voice and seductive outfits, will represent Ukraine with the English-language hit "Be My Guest."

Yuri Sirotyuk, of the political party Svoboda, told the New Region agency on Monday that Gaitana was a bad choice because she was not authentically Ukrainian.

"Yes, Gaitana sings well, but she does not represent our culture," Sirotyuk was quoted as saying. "Eurovision must be a show of national talents."

"It looks like we don't want to show our face and Ukraine will be associated with a different continent, somewhere in Africa."

Svoboda is not represented in parliament, but has been gaining popularity recently.

Gaitana strongly condemned Sirotyuk's statement, saying it tarnishes Ukraine.

"I am very much ashamed for such racist statements, because they destroy Ukraine's reputation in front of the whole world," Gaitana told reporters. "We are doing everything we can so that Ukraine becomes a part of the European family, a part of the world, so that nobody would be afraid to come here and have children here."

Hanna Herman, an adviser to President Viktor Yanukovych, also spoke out against the statement, saying that Ukrainians should not be divided according to the color of their skin, their faith or their language.

Ukraine's National Television, which held the contest where Gaitana was selected by a combined vote of viewers and jurors, demanded that Sirotyuk apologize to Gaitana.

Sirotyuk told The Associated Press that he has nothing to apologize for.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122943/ News Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:46:25 +0200
On Monday, after days of teasing, Rihanna and Chris Brown debuted two songs featuring each other. Brown sings and raps on the remix of Rihanna's song "Birthday Cake," and she appears on a new version of his upbeat tune "Turn up the Music."

Fans have been split on the topic. Some support Rihanna and Brown's collaborations, others condemn it. The topic was still trending on Twitter on late Tuesday, with plenty of tweets criticizing Rihanna for embracing her former abuser.

Rihanna seemed to address the controversy Tuesday when she won best international female artist at the Brit Awards.

"At times when I feel misunderstood, my fans always remind me that it's OK to be myself," Rihanna said.

But Bill Werde, editorial director of the music trade publication Billboard, says Rihanna's decision to make music with Brown could disappoint some of her supporters.

"I think there are people out there that feel betrayed (by) Rihanna," he said. "She has every right to be an individual ... she has every right to date who she wants to date and be with whoever she wants to be with. She's a grown woman. But you just need to recognize that then the fans have every right to feel how they're going to feel about that."

Emails to both Brown and Rihanna's record labels asking for more information on the songs went unreturned Tuesday, and while Rihanna's representative had no comment, Brown's publicist did not return a request for comment.

When rumors about the collaboration sparked last week, both stoked the talk about it. Brown tweeted: "Let them be mad!!!! We make music. Don't like it, don't listen!" On Tuesday, after weighing some of the negative feedback, he tweeted: "You are not GODS to judge us. U have no say! Positivity & LOVE! My fans make a difference."

The release of the songs comes three years after Brown attacked his then-girlfriend on the eve of the Grammys, leaving her with a split lip, a black eye and other injuries.

Later that year, when she addressed the assault in an interview with ABC, she went into detail about how Brown punched and bit her during an argument that turned violent. She said Brown had "no soul in his eyes" and she had no idea how the beating would end. She also warned other women facing domestic violence to not let themselves become blinded by love.

"I think the existence of these (songs) show that she's still kind of struggling with that, as many humans would," said Werde.

Sandra Ramos, who founded the women's shelter Strengthen Our Sisters in 1970, says she hasn't seen many abusers change, and that victims — like Rihanna — get "caught up in this cycle."

"She should be working on herself and not allowing herself to be near her addiction, her temptation, who's this guy that purports to be charming when he is a batterer," Ramos said. "He could have killed her."

After Brown pleaded guilty to a felony charge, he saw his career plummet: A former Billboard artist of the year, he lost endorsements and his third album, "Graffiti," released 10 months after his attack, was a commercial disappointment. A restraining order prevented him from being close to Rihanna and he was put on probation (which remains in effect). Since then, he's returned to the top of the music charts, releasing a slew of hit songs and the album "F.A.M.E. (Forgiving All My Enemies)," which won him his first Grammy this month. He also made his physical return to the Grammys, the same night Rihanna performed (the restraining order is no longer in effect). Brown performed twice at the show, which drew criticism.

But now Rihanna may face criticism as well. Werde, who expects the songs to find success, says he doesn't believe she'll lose any of her endorsements, but adds that image could change.

"This will be white-hot for a few minutes in the big scheme of things and then it will die down. But what's going to be left behind is the complicated residue of who Rihanna is as a role model," he said.

Even before the songs were officially released, Billboard addressed the matter in open letters to Rihanna and Brown. In Rihanna's letter, Billboard said her pairing with Brown was "not cool, to a whole lot of people."

"Young girls look up to people like you to guide them through circumstances too complex for them to tackle on their own, and by granting Chris Brown an iota of tolerance, you implicitly encourage others to consider doing the same," the letter read.

Rihanna is currently a spokeswoman for Nivea, and has endorsed CoverGirl and Gucci in the past. In November, she said in an interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that her goal is to be her true self, and not necessarily a role model to others.

"I used to worry about it a lot, but then I realized the message I really want to send is not perfection, it's individuality," she said.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122926/ News Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:55:06 +0200
The 59-year-old former European player of the year was named Ukraine coach for a second time in April after leading the team to the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals in his first stint.

Ukraine, co-hosting the tournament with Poland, have been drawn in a tough group with Sweden, France and England.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122919/ News Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:38:06 +0200
The brand has about 600 stores in the United Kingdom, and another 200 franchises across the globe, including 10 in Ukraine. Here the brand is popular with students for its relatively low prices and frequent sales.

The brand itself was founded in 1884 by Albert Frank Peacock in Britain. It first shops in Ukraine opened in 2005.

×èòàéòå îá ýòîì íà www.kyivpost.ua]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122899/ News Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:01:27 +0200
Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor confirmed the one-time collaboration Tuesday with Lambert, 30, a runner-up in season eight of the popular American TV song competition.

The Sonisphere show marks the third time Lambert has sung with the landmark band, following an eight-minute set at the MTV Europe Awards in November to celebrate Queen's Global Icon Award, and a 2009 performance of "We Are the Champions" on "American Idol."

"It's great, they are the coolest guys, they are so down-to-earth," Lambert told The Associated Press in a recent interview in London.

"They are very sweet and just to be up there doing this music is such an honor. Freddie Mercury was a hero to me and his voice, his song writing and being gay, the whole package is amazing," the American singer said.

Mercury's final concert with Queen also took place at Knebworth in August 1986. But Lambert, who is also gay and theatrical, insisted he was not trying to take Mercury's place.

"I in no way am trying to copy or mimic or replace Freddie or do what he did, that would be insulting to his memory and to the fans that hold him in such high regard," Lambert said. "I just am paying tribute. I am excited to sing the songs that he wrote and to try to give them some sort of flair that he would appreciate."

A new single from Lambert's highly anticipated second album "Trespassing" — "Better Than I Know Myself" — is out now in the U.S. and being released next month in Britain.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122898/ News Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:43:26 +0200
Fluid silk-dipped back gowns, fur-trimmed pencil skirts and beaded satin shifts in rich berry reds, turquoise and vivid purple at Roksanda Ilincic painted a picture of refined, aristocratic allure, but this season the Serbian designer decided to mix things up a bit by adding a sporty, urban theme.

Ilincic, who is best known for her glamorous evening wear and has dressed the likes of Michelle Obama, said she used parkas, hoodies and leisure wear because she didn't like how women always feel that they have to look immaculate.

The clothes may be casual, but they are far from slovenly looking. Sweatshirts had fur hoods and silk panels, while the printed puffer jacket, seen at other shows this week including Christopher Kane, was white with artistic, hand painted black ink stripes.

"As a designer you can't do the same thing over and over again," Ilincic said after the show. "It's about keeping it fresh and evolving."

While Ilincic's beloved jewel tones — worn with clashing lemon court shoes — made up the collection's rich color palette, the designer closed her show with a series of pristine white outfits. The last model, who wore a slim, long white wool dress with a frill hem and luxe fur hood, looked like a regal snow queen.

"It's quite wintry," Ilincic said of the white designs. "It's like a breath of fresh air."

Greece-born Mary Katrantzou was the other show that wowed the crowds Tuesday — though her aesthetic could not have been more different.

For her keenly awaited new collection, Katrantzou displayed experimental silhouettes, opulent rainbow colors, and crazy prints of pencils, spoons and typewriters.

Her admirers wouldn't expect anything less. Since her debut at the capital's fashion week in 2008, Katrantzou has gained a wide following with her unique flair for artsy design, extraordinary prints and architectural cutting.

Inspired by the colors of a crayon box and Victoriana, the designer opened with a series of garments that played with exaggerated structure: These included the designer's signature stiff lampshade-shaped skirts, ruffled waistlines, and babydoll shaped dresses that had ruffled chiffon skirt layers billowing dramatically from the chest down.

Then there was an eruption of intricate, all-over prints, which included hyper-real bows, clocks and spoons. One of the models wore a red dress incorporating a print of an old typewriter, while another sported a long-sleeved, high-necked maxi dress that was covered with a green garden maze print. A third wore a witty pair of yellow trousers with a pinkish waistline — the trousers resembled a giant pencil with eraser.

If that wasn't enough, one skirt was composed of dozens of actual pencils. She closed her show with a series of dresses with Victorian-inspired details including corsets and high collars.

While Katrantzou's show was wild, but also admirably creative, fun and different — design duo Meadham Kirchoff went even further.

The pair — Edward Meadham, who is English, and Benjamin Kirchhoff, who is French — threw trends and seriousness to the air and delivered a totally fun, outrageously styled show full of glitter, tinsel and a 70s disco vibe.

Circus-style face paint, psychedelic rainbow colors and sequined, flared-leg trouser suits were paraded out in a feel-good finale to ABBA's "Dancing Queen," which made the usually somber fashion crowd erupt in grins and giggles.

Tuesday's catwalk shows followed more established, mainstream productions by regulars such as Burberry Prorsum, Mulberry, Paul Smith and Matthew Williamson.

It was one of the biggest London fashion weeks yet, with Stella McCartney and McQ by Alexander McQueen both debuting in the capital.

The week closes Wednesday, which showcases menswear collections — before the fashion crowd head to Italy as Milan Fashion Week begins.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122871/ News Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:07:44 +0200
"I want to knock him out in the ring. This account is still open," he said.

However, Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente has ruled out a rematch.

Klitschko beat Chisora on points in Munich on Saturday night, but the win was overshadowed by the challenger's conduct outside of the ring.

It culminated in a post-fight brawl with former WBA champion David Haye, for which the 28-year-old has apologized.

"I saw everything from the podium. I thought I was in the wrong film," Klitschko said. "You can't behave like this, neither in a sporting way nor as a person. It was below the bottom drawer."

Chisora slapped Klitschko at their weigh-in on Friday, and spat water in younger brother Wladimir's face before the bout.

"Before the fight I still thought that how he was presenting himself, how he behaved, was a show. But then I realized he wasn't acting. He must be crazy. When I think about all he's done ... then he threatens to shoot someone, to kill. How can you be like that as a person? Unbelievable. I cannot believe it.

"Everything I had to do with him seems like a nightmare."

German police want to speak to Haye about the incident but may have to wait as the former WBA heavyweight champion posted a picture of himself on Twitter in a first-class aeroplane seat Tuesday, reportedly on his way to Las Vegas.

"Jetting off to warmer climates. Its PARTY TIME!" Haye tweeted.

Klitschko partially tore a ligament in his left shoulder during the fight, but said he would "never" have given up against Chisora.

"I'd rather have died than to give him anything," he said.

The World Boxing Council fined Chisora a reported $50,000 for the slap, and Klitschko said any further punishment "has to really hurt. It can't be that this lout drags the sport of boxing into such disrepute."

The 40-year-old said he had no immediate plans to retire and that he still has dreams to realize. He did not say what those dreams are.

"I'm superstitious and believe that when you speak of dreams before they're realized, they won't come true," he said.

Klitschko harbors political aspirations in his native Ukraine, where parliamentary elections will be held in October.

"For now I am concentrating on Wladimir's title defense and getting back to full health as quickly as possible," he said.

Wladimir Klitschko was declared "super" WBA champion after beating Haye in Hamburg last July and will defend the belt, and the IBF, WBO, IBO titles, against Jean-Marc Mormeck of France in Duesseldorf on March 3.

The older Klitschko said Chisora and Haye were "both cut from the same cloth," but he did not categorically rule out a muted bout against the latter.

"For him (Haye) the same goes as what I said about Chisora."

×èòàéòå îá ýòîì íà www.kyivpost.ua]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122884/ News Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:12:17 +0200
Yet at least one person did not like it. Yuriy Syrotyuk, a senior member of Svoboda party, said that “Gaitana is not an organic representative of the Ukrainian culture.” He added that she is “great singer,” nevertheless.

“Eurovision is our chance to promote Ukraine,” Syrotyuk said. “As we want to be accepted to the European Union, it could be our opportunity to show the Europeans that we are also a European nation. We need to show our originality,” he told Kyiv Post on Feb. 21.

Syrotyuk said that the Ukrainian band Gaydamaky would be a better choice, while Gaitana, “who represents another race, will provoke an association of Ukraine as a country of a different continent.”

His comments provoked an outrage among Ukraine’s artistic and online communities, but not much political reaction.

Singer Marichka Burmaka said on her Facebook page that “with friends like these you need no enemies,” and wished Gaitana luck at the contest, which Ukraine won in 2004.

Eduard Klym, Gaitana’s producer and husband, says that if there’s something that feeds the unflattering stereotypes about Ukraine, it’s precisely the kinds of statements made by Svoboda's representative.

“It doesn’t even hurt,” Klym said. “We just feel shame for our society.”

Klym believes that Gaitana has everything to win the contest, but said that political and social factors also weigh in on victory.

“It’s not the name of the contestant that is showed in the corner of the screen, but the number and the country's flag,” he explains. “But we will do everything possible to present the best show we can.”

Walid Harfouche, deputy head of the state-run UT-1 channel and co-organizer of the national selection, also believes that the nation picked a strong representative. “On Feb. 18 everyone felt that the song is strong and positive,” he says. “Gaitana herself is full of positive energy. It was a real feast.”

Harfouche says hopes that people like Syrotiuk will understand that their remarks stir up conflicts among Ukrainians.”

Kyiv Post staff writer Alyona Zhuk can be reached at zhuk@kyivpost.com]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122883/ News Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:59:35 +0200
Although the precise author of the copy has not been determined, both the Prado and Louvre believe it is probably the earliest known copy of "La Gioconda," as the painting is also known since it is believed to depict Lisa, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo.

The Prado described it as "the most important version known to date of Leonardo's emblematic painting."

The copy has been part of Spain's art collection for hundreds of years. It had previously been on display in the Prado but was given little attention as it was considered a mediocre copy.

But hours after opening Tuesday, dozens of people packed the area around the work to try to get a closer look, triggering further comparisons with the original in the French capital.

"It's a good thing for the Prado — anything that brings people here and encourages them to look and to think," said Gabriele Finaldi, the museum's deputy director of conservation and research.

The Prado said it will continue to hang the copy alongside other early Italian works when it returns from Paris, but consider moving it to a more spacious area if it continues to attract big crowds.

"This, after all, is a copy, said Finaldi. "The interesting thing is that it's a copy that takes you into Leonardo's studio. It's not a copy made afterward. It's made at the same time as the great master is working."

Visitors were uncertain what to think.

"I think the Mona Lisa that we have always known is much more romantic, maybe because I thought of it as unique," said Spanish nurse Marta Diaz. "The woman in the copy is much prettier but I prefer the original."

For more than 200 years the background behind the Gioconda copy was black, not the pretty mountainous landscape of the "Mona Lisa".

But when work began two years ago to get it ready for the da Vinci exhibit, X-ray tests revealed the landscape underneath and showed that changes made in the copy were similar to those made to the original as it evolved.

"It was a genuine revelation," said Finaldi.

Blackening backgrounds to highlight figures was not an unusual practice with paintings in the past.

The Prado hopes the work will help further studies into the "Mona Lisa," and says it reveals details and sketch lines no longer immediately apparent in the original.

Varnish has been removed from the face of the copy, making it brighter and younger than the face of the "Mona Lisa" coated with cracked, darkish varnish at the Paris museum.

Finaldi said part of the veil and braid are much clearer in the copy, having been obscured by varnish applied to the "Mona Lisa".

The discovery is likely to further fuel debate over whether the Louvre's "Mona Lisa" should be subject to further restoration or continue to be left alone.

One major difference from the original is that the figure in the copy has eyebrows and the Mona Lisa in the real masterpiece does not.

There are dozens of the surviving replicas of the masterpiece from the 16th and 17th centuries.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122858/ News Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:58:02 +0200
And few would be surprised to see her walk away with the best single honour for "Someone Like You".

Adele, shortlisted for three BRIT awards and due to perform at the O2 Arena later on Tuesday, trailed Ed Sheeran, the 21-year-old singer/songwriter, who garnered four nominations.

He is contesting best album ("+") and best single ("The A Team") as well as best British male solo artist and British breakthrough act.

Recognisable by his unkempt red hair, the video for "Lego House" featured Harry Potter star Rupert Grint -- with whom he bears a passing resemblance -- as an obsessive fan.

His album "+" has sold a million copies, and while he is followed by hoards of fans known as "Sheeranators", he has yet to convince some critics that he lives up to the hype.

Sheeran will performing on the night alongside Adele, Rihanna, Coldplay, Noel Gallagher, Florence & The Machine, Bruno Mars and Blur, who will receive an outstanding contribution award.

Other BRIT nominees include Jessie J, who is up for three awards, and veteran Kate Bush, shortlisted for best female, sealing a remarkable comeback.

Florence & The Machine and Coldplay are each nominated twice, as are Emeli Sande, this year's Critics' Choice winner, and Americans Bon Iver and Aloe Blacc.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122816/ News Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:58:21 +0200
"Whilst my behavior was inexcusable, there were many things that went on behind the scenes that ultimately caused my frustrations to boil over," Chisora said. "Despite all of this, the bottom line is I have let my family, my team and — worst of all — the sport I love down.

"I acknowledge that my actions were totally unprofessional, with or without provocation. Now, with a cool head and the benefit of hindsight, my actions at the weekend were regrettable to say the least and I am deeply embarrassed."

Chisora, who was questioned for seven hours by German police and is being investigated by the British Boxing Board of Control over the incident, did not say what provoked him to descend from the top table and confront Haye.

Former WBA champion Haye had been at the news conference trying to taunt Klitschko into agreeing to a bout later this year. Haye also waved three fingers at Chisora, indicating that his compatriot had just suffered the third loss of his 18-fight professional career.

"I cannot go into the specific details at the moment as, quite rightly, the British Boxing Board of Control will be investigating this matter," said Chisora, adding that he was struck by a bottle during the brawl.

"I have a duty as a professional boxer to conduct myself properly at all times, especially with boxing being a sport of controlled aggression. I have let lots of people down on Saturday night, including myself, and for that I am truly sorry."

German police released Chisora without charge and want to speak to Haye, who left the country before being apprehended but released a statement Monday in which he alleged that Chisora and his entourage were wholly to blame.

"Chisora climbed down from the top table, removed his robe and then walked towards me, entourage in tow, in an aggressive manner," Haye said. "I held my ground, but unfortunately he caused a serious disturbance to occur, something which threatened to damage the reputation of the sport we both love."

Haye said he was at the bout as a commentator and had only become involved in the news conference dialogue by Klitschko's manager, Bernd Boente.

"(I) have been thinking about what happened ever since, as well as replaying the incident many times via YouTube," Haye said. "I am bitterly disappointed to have been a part of what transpired on Saturday evening.

"I realize I am no angel and don't mind a bit of professional trash-talk to help raise boxing's profile, but during my 21 years in the sport I have never been involved in or even witnessed such a serious fracas."

Boente told Sky Sports News that he had turned down a request from Haye's camp for ringside seats and that his fighter was not interested in being part of a comeback by Haye.

Chisora will appear before British boxing's governing body on a misconduct charge Wednesday but the BBBC cannot take action against Haye because the Londoner retired last year after a defeat to Klitschko's younger brother, Wladimir.

Haye has since decided he wants to return to the ring to fight Vitali Klitschko but would need to apply to the BBBC for a license.

Chisora slapped Klitschko at Friday's weigh-in and spat water in the face of Wladimir Klitschko before the fight.

The body is looking into his behavior "prior, during and after his contest," BBBC General Secretary Robert Smith said in a statement. "A further statement will be issued once the stewards have decided on what action will be taken."

Chisora taunted Haye about losing the WBA belt to Wladimir Klitschko in July, leading to a heated exchange before the pair came to blows. Haye also fought with members of Chisora's entourage, and his coach, Adam Booth, was bleeding from a cut on his head.

Booth said Monday he did not know what he had been hit with.

He told Sky Sports News that Haye would be "more than happy" to speak to German police if contacted and denied rumors that the brawl had been staged as a publicity stunt.

"I didn't get that memo," Booth said. "If I did, I might have ducked."

Haye said he would assist the BBBC but did not say whether he would return to Munich to speak to police.

Chisora faces a possible charge of simple assault in Germany. His coach, Don Charles, also faces a charge of assault for his involvement in the melee. The pair have returned to England.

Munich police spokesman Werner Kraus told The Associated Press that several legal obstacles need to be resolved before a warrant could be issued for Haye's arrest.

"The criminal police are still investigating. If they decide to take it further, they will have to present the case to the state prosecutor for review," Kraus said. "Eventually the state prosecutor could decide to ask, in this case the British police, for help.

"But ultimately only the state prosecutor can make that decision."

Haye could face charges of simple assault and grievous bodily harm.

A conviction for assault carries a possible prison term of up to five years, while grievous bodily harm could lead to a 10-year sentence.

Wladimir Klitschko said Monday he was "shocked and deeply embarrassed" by Chisora and his team.

He said "these kinds of actions ... must be stopped, otherwise the sport of boxing is going to go down the hill fast."]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122815/ News Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:41:51 +0200
The 26-year-old Korobka won silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the over 75 kilogram category and had been expected to challenge for a medal at the Summer Games in London.

She has been suspended until November 2015.

Ukrainian media reported that Korobka has left the team's Kiev training camp, and her coach, Vasyl Kulak, has been fired.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122811/ News Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:58:34 +0200
"I liked the colors, the beading — it was so lovely," said television presenter Alexa Chung.

Kane, who is known to pair traditionally feminine details with tough futuristic touches, opened his show with a series of black coats, jackets and silk trousers all printed with thin, widely spaced white pinstripes.

The all-black ensembles soon gave way to colors — and this season, it was all about purple and red — even the catwalk and the seats were covered with a lilac carpet.

A purple leopard print appeared on various separates in different materials, including a semi-matte PVC coat. Then came a sheer short-sleeve purple dress, loosely cut, embroidered with oversized black velvet flowers. The huge velvet flowers appeared later on another dress — in that case, red flowers on a red sheer dress.

One of the more memorable outfits was fire-engine red from head to toe: A long red fluffy turtleneck, paired with red wide-leg trousers with a black leather trim down the side.

Thick and solid black leather trims were used prominently throughout, appearing at pockets, collars, and hemlines to toughen up and modernize the look. Beaded floral and animal print separates were paired with black leather shirt collars or leather sleeves.

The show closed with beaded dresses in a vintage style floral pattern in lilac and red, with models wearing the outfits with matching box clutches.

The show, one of the most eagerly anticipated at the fashion week, drew American Vogue's Anna Wintour, Samantha Cameron — stylish wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron — and model Yasmin le Bon to its front row.

Hilary Alexander, a veteran British fashion writer, called the show "extraordinary," saying it highlighted the fabric embellishment, printing and arts and crafts that set London's young designers apart from those showing in other fashion capitals.

"Young British designers these days are reaching ever stronger heights with digital printing," she said. "They're not afraid to experiment."]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122803/ News Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:54:07 +0200
The 27-year-old Korobka, who has been suspended until November 2015, won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Games and was among Ukraine's hopes for a medal at the 2012 Olympics but will now miss the Games in London.

The IWF amended the world championship results on its website, disqualifying Korobka from bronze-medal position in the over 75kg category.

Korobka left her team's training camp without comment after the ban was announced and Ukrainian media said her coach, Vasyl Kulak, had been sacked.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122801/ News Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:32:04 +0200
"Of course we still want to talk to Mr Haye and question him to find out about his involvement," Munich police spokesman Wolfgang Wenger said.

"There are of course investigations centred on him and the prosecutor will decide here how to get hold of him, whether this will happen in England or here. The judiciary must decide how to proceed."

The British Boxing Board of Control has ordered Chisora to appear at a hearing on March 14 to explain his part in the disgraceful scenes during the post-fight press conference and before the fight when he slapped Klitschko at the weigh-in.

"Mr. Dereck Chisora has been called to appear before the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control on Wednesday, 14th March 2012 under Regulation 25 (misconduct) with regard to his behaviour prior, during and after his contest for the World Boxing Council Heavyweight Championship against Vitali Klitschko," a BBBC statement said.

Chisora issued a statement through promoter Frank Warren on Monday, apologising for his behaviour.

"I have let my family, my team and worst of all the sport I love down. I acknowledge that my actions were totally unprofessional, with or without provocation," Chisora said.

"Now, with a cool head and the benefit of hindsight, my actions at the weekend were regretable to say the least and I am deeply embarrassed at the scenes reported in the media."

Haye, the former world heavyweight champion who lost to Klitschko's brother Vladimir last July, had been attending the bout and news conference as a television pundit.

He exchanged comments with Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente and Chisora and situation degenerated when Chisora got up to confront his fellow Briton and the pair traded blows. Haye's manager Adam Booth suffered a cut head during the brawl.

The 31-year-old Haye said he fled Germany due to the death threats he received from Chisora before adding he would "happily assist the boxing authorities with any investigation they wish to launch".

"I realise I am no angel - and don't mind a bit of professional trash-talk to help raise boxing's profile - but, during my 21 years in the sport, I have never been involved in, or even witnessed, such a serious fracas," Haye said in a statement.

"It goes without saying, I am bitterly disappointed to have been a part of what transpired on Saturday evening."

The BBBC's General Secretary Robert Smith said both Chisora and Haye, who retired in October, could face life bans.

"It's a possibility," Smith told BBC Radio 5 live. "The board have many powers. They can fine, they can suspend and they can withdraw a licence."

During the post-bout fracas Chisora was heard to say he would "shoot and burn" Haye.

Police spokesman Wenger added: "We need to question Mr Haye and the others who were involved and then we need to decide if there will be further questioning. The investigations are underway and these need time and thoroughness.

"This is also part of the investigations. From what we can see in the videos, and of course there may also be other evidence, it seems to be a case of assault, as well as suspicion of grievous bodily harm because perhaps a bottle or tripod was also used to hit someone.

"This is grievous bodily harm. A threat would be if an actual threat was made to the life of another. This still needs to be clarified."]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122789/ News Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:11:33 +0200
Chisora slapped Klitschko at the weigh-in Friday and spat water in the face of his opponent's brother, Wladimir, before the fight. He then brawled with former WBA champion Haye at the post-fight news conference and was questioned at length by German police on Sunday.

The BBBC said it is investigating Chisora on a misconduct charge.

The body is looking into his behavior "prior, during and after his contest" against Klitschko, BBBC General Secretary Robert Smith said in a statement. "A further statement will be issued once the stewards have decided on what action will be taken."

Chisora taunted his fellow Londoner Haye about losing the WBA belt to Wladimir Klitchko in July, leading to a heated exchange before the pair came to blows. Haye also fought with members of Chisora's entourage, and his coach, Adam Booth, was bleeding from a cut on his head.

Haye, though, looks likely to escape sanction by the BBBC because he officially retired after his defeat to Wladimir Klitchko.

"Mr. Haye is not a licensed boxer with the British Boxing Board of Control and therefore no longer under the jurisdiction of the British Boxing Board of Control," Smith said.

Chisora faces a charge of simple assault in Germany but was released Sunday after nearly seven hours of questioning by police. His coach, Don Charles, also faces a charge of assault for his involvement in the melee.

The pair have returned to England.

Munich police want to question Haye but "understand that he's back in England," police spokesman Werner Kraus told The Associated Press on Monday.

Kraus said several legal obstacles need to be resolved before a warrant could be issued for Haye's arrest.

"The criminal police are still investigating. If they decide to take it further, they will have to present the case to the state prosecutor for review," Kraus said. "Eventually the state prosecutor could decide to ask, in this case the British police, for help. But ultimately only the state prosecutor can make that decision."

Wladimir Klitschko said Monday he was "shocked and deeply embarrassed" by Chisora and his team.

He said "these kinds of actions ... must be stopped, otherwise the sport of boxing is going to go down the hill fast."]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122783/ News Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:22:38 +0200
Chisora slapped Vitali at the weigh-in and spat water in Wladimir's face before the WBC heavyweight title bout, and then brawled with Haye at the post-fight news conference.

Klitschko says "these kinds of actions ... must be stopped, otherwise the sport of boxing is going to go down the hill fast."

Chisora and his coach, Don Charles, were questioned by German police Sunday before returning to England. They face possible charges of simple assault.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122780/ News Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:00:37 +0200
Julien said celebrity collectibles often become available after their namesakes die.

"It proves a point that these items, they're an investment," Julien said. "You buy items just like a stock. Buy at the right time and sell at the right time, and they just increase in value."

But could it be too soon to profit from Houston's passing? She was just buried on Saturday.

"It's a celebration of her life," Julien said. "If you hide these things in fear that you're going to offend someone — her life is to be celebrated. These items are historic now that she passed. They become a part of history. They should be in museums. She's lived a life and had a career that nobody else has ever had."

Houston is "someone who's going to maintain a collectability," he said. "For people who are fans of Whitney Houston and never would have had a chance to meet her and never got to talk to her, these are items that literally touched a part of her life. They are a way to relate to her or be a part of her life without having known her."

The singer's floor-length black dress is valued at $1,000 but likely to collect much more. Same goes for the vest she wore in "The Bodyguard," listed at $400, and the faux-pearl earrings that start at $600.

Houston fans and other collectors can bid online, by phone or in person during the "Hollywood Legends" auction on March 31 and April 1. Lots will be shown during a free public exhibition beginning March 19 at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, just blocks from the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where Houston died at age 48.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122745/ News Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:24:30 +0200
"It's become a really, really exciting place to be. Especially in the last five years. People are realizing that there's a lot of businesses here that are very scalable," British designer Alice Temperley told Reuters.

Temperley, whose collection was inspired by Renaissance paintings, sent her models out in huge fluffy fur hats, brightly colored printed dresses with oriental flower patterns and delicate sheer evening gowns with rich beaded detailing and embroidery that oozed decadence and the glamour of past eras.

Dressed in a deep blue navy lace jacket and skirt, the designer said she wanted to have fun creating something that was new, current and sensual with something that was rich and opulent. She added that attention she had received from Kate Middleton (now the Duchess of Cambridge) and her younger sister Pippa had boosted her label.

"They're great British ambassadors and we're a British brand. It can only be a good, healthy thing," she said.

At Issa London, models wore vibrant printed dresses and colorful evening gowns of deep rich hues. Subtle embellishments of beading, fur hats and a Chinese red lace piece drew approval from the crowd.

Actress Gemma Atherton, musician Tinie Tempah and American DJ and model Leigh Lezark graced the front row of Issa, another favorite of the Duchess of Cambridge, as models sashayed past with fur hats or printed scarves neatly tied about their necks.

MILITARY TREND

Issa, the label created by Brazilian designer Daniela Helayal, said its printed dresses and separates were inspired by a trans-Siberian adventure, Faberge eggs, St Basil's Cathedral and the traditional print of Babushka dolls.

Aquascutum showcased a more masculine silhouette with models sporting slicked-back hair and winged eyeliner. Leather jackets with shiny patent panels adorned with fur, elegant and ladylike dresses and textured skirts with mid-length hemlines were mixed with discreet shades of grey, olive and burgundy and smart separate pieces.

Carrie Tyler, editor of ELLEUK.com, told Reuters she saw a big military trend emerging in New York.

Tyler said Topshop owner Philip Green's renewed ten-year sponsorship of the NEWGEN platform of designers ensured talents like Mary Katrantzou, Christopher Kane and Erdem will get the necessary funding to grow.

"The mayhem at Katrantzou's Topshop collection launch proves that there's a global desire for these British labels. Fresh new British talent Phoebe English, Fyodor Golan and Corrie Nielsen kept London's reputation for evolution alive," Tyler said.

Rising star Fyodor Golan showcased a collection on Friday that was not only extremely creative but also contemporary and wearable. Models with intricately braided hair were adorned in rich materials of leather, burnished metallic and ruffled silk.

London is also gaining a sharp sense of business acumen that has helped its reputation grow commercially.

"As businesses, we deliver on time, we deliver really good products and there's more of those scalable businesses than there were before," Temperley said.

"It's not just about the new generation, there are people coming through that are obviously very creative and very inspiring and what London is renowned for, but it's also about people who have good businesses that can and do sell globally."]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122730/ News Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:47:50 +0200
2. Bobby Brown came in at the start of the service, walked to the front and touched his ex-wife's casket before leaving. He said security guards repeatedly asked him and his children to change seats and he didn't want to risk creating a scene.

3. Toward the end of the service, Houston's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, hugging singer Ray J., who spent time with Houston in her last days. The two embraced at length and spoke.

4. Kevin Costner, Houston's co-star in the blockbuster film "The Bodyguard," giving a moving speech that spoke of her vulnerability, even as a superstar. He remembered a movie star who was uncertain of her own fame, who "still wondered, 'Am I good enough? Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?'"

5. R. Kelly singing. The singer wrote songs on Houston's last album, "I Look To You." His version of the album's title song was moving and filled the church with his powerful voice.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122726/ News Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:06:32 +0200
Mourners including singer Jennifer Hudson and Houston's mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, stood, swayed and clapped along in the aisles as gospel singers CeCei and BeBe Winans and the Rev. Kim Burrell joined with pop stars like Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and R. Kelly in paying tribute to the 48-year-old pop superstar who first began singing in the Newark church.

"You wait for a voice like that for a lifetime," said music mogul Clive Davis, who shepherded Houston's career for decades.

Others were more mournful; singer Ray J., who spent time with Houston during her last days, broke down crying. His sister, singer Brandy, put her arm around him. Cissy Houston and Whitney Houston's daughter, 18-year-old Bobbi Kristina, clutched each other in the front row.

Actor Kevin Costner, her co-star in "The Bodyguard" that spawned her greatest hit "I Will Always Love You," remembered a fledgling movie star who was uncertain of her own fame, who "still wondered, 'Am I good enough? Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?'"

"It was the burden that made her great and the part that caused her to stumble in the end," Costner said.

Filmmaker Tyler Perry praised Houston's "grace that kept on carrying her all the way through, the same grace led her all the way to the top of the charts. She sang for presidents."

Wonder and Oprah Winfrey were among the biggest names gathered to mourn Houston, along with Hudson, Monica, Brandy and Jordin Sparks — representing a generation of big-voiced young singers who grew up emulating her. Houston's voice, a recording of "I Will Always Love You," was to close the funeral.

Houston's cousin, singer Dionne Warwick, presided over the funeral, introducing speakers and singers and offering short comments about Houston between them.

Houston's mother was helped by two people on either side of her as she walked in and sat with her granddaughter and other family to begin the service. Houston's ex-husband, Bobby Brown, briefly appeared at her funeral, walking to the casket, touching it and walking out. Security guards said Brown was upset that he would have to sit separately from the people he arrived with, and left. A Brown representative didn't immediately comment.

Mourners fell quiet as three police officers escorted Houston's casket, draped with white roses and purple lilies. White-robed choir members began to fill the pews on the podium. As the band played softly, the choir sang in a hushed voice, "Whitney, Whitney, Whitney."

Close family friend Aretha Franklin, whom Houston lovingly called "Aunt Ree," had been expected to sing at the service, but she was too ill to attend. Franklin said in an email to The Associated Press that she had been up most of the night with leg spasms and sent best wishes to the family. "May God bless and keep them all," she wrote.

A program featuring a picture of Houston looking skyward read "Celebrating the life of Whitney Elizabeth Houston, a child of God." Pictures of Houston as a baby, with her mother and daughter filled the program.

"I never told you that when you were born, the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long," Cissy Houston wrote her daughter in a letter published in the program. "And I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years."

"Rest, my baby girl in peace," the letter ends, signed "mommie."

The service marks one week after Houston, one of music's all-time biggest stars, was found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel in California. A cause of death has yet to be determined.

To the world, Houston was the pop queen with the perfect voice, the dazzling diva with regal beauty, a troubled superstar suffering from addiction and, finally, another victim of the dark side of fame.

To her family and friends, she was just "Nippy." A nickname given to Houston when she was a child, it stuck with her through adulthood and, later, would become the name of one of her companies. To them, she was a sister, a friend, a daughter, and a mother.

"She always had the edge," the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader, said outside church Saturday. "You can tell when some kids have what we call a special anointing. Aretha had that when she was 14. ... Whitney cultivated that and took it to a very high level."

A few fans gathered Saturday morning hours before the service as close as they could get to the church, some from as far away as Washington, D.C., and Miami. Bobby Brooks said he came from Washington "just to be among the rest of the fans."

"Just to celebrate her life, not just her death," said Brooks, "just to sing and dance with the people that love her."

Others were more entrepreneurial, setting up card tables to sell silk-screened T-shirts with Houston's image and her CDs. But only the invited would get close to the church; streets were closed to the public for blocks in every direction. But their presence was felt around the church, with a huge shrine of heart-shaped balloons and personal messages that covered the street corner around the church entrance.

Houston's death marked the final chapter for the superstar whose fall from grace while shocking was years in the making. Houston had her first No. 1 hit by the time she was 22, followed by a flurry of No. 1 songs and multi-platinum records.

Over her career, she sold more than 50 million records in the United States alone. Her voice, an ideal blend of power, grace and beauty, made classics out of songs like "Saving All My Love For You," ''I Will Always Love You," ''The Greatest Love of All" and "I'm Every Woman." Her six Grammys were only a fraction of her many awards.

But amid the fame, a turbulent marriage to Brown and her addiction to drugs tarnished her image. She became a woman falling apart in front of the world.

Her last album, "I Look To You," debuted on the top of the charts when it was released in 2009 with strong sales, but didn't have the staying power of her previous records. A tour the next year was doomed by cancellations because of illness and sub-par performances.

Still, a comeback was ahead: She was to star in the remake of the movie "Sparkle" and was working on new music. Her family, friends and hard-core fans were hopeful.

The funeral is for invited guests only. Houston is to be buried next to her father, John Houston, in nearby Westfield, N.J.

__

Contributing to this report were Global Entertainment and Lifestyles Editor Alicia Quarles and Mesfin Fekadu.

___

Online:

http://www.whitneyhouston.com

__

Nekesa Mumbi Moody is the AP's music editor. Follow her at http://www.twitter.com/nekesamumbi]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122725/ News Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:42:22 +0200
Chisora slapped Klitschko across his left cheek with his open right hand and launched a series of insults at the Ukrainian during the weigh-in for the bout.

Sulaiman says Klitschko "behaved like a gentleman and kept calmed."

The WBC did not disclose how much Chisora was being fined for his "indiscipline and disrespect" but said that the proceeds would be split between two charities.

Klitschko promised that Chisora "will get his beating" at Munich's Olympic Hall on Saturday.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122709/ News Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:30:25 +0200
Read the story here.
]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122705/ News Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:15:01 +0200
Although Houston was one of the most famous people in the world, she never felt comfortable in the spotlight.

Houston often spoke about feeling uneasy in her role as a superstar. Even as she prepared to stage a comeback nearly three years ago, she yearned to shed the celebrity-centered, tabloid glare that came with her fame.

"I am not geared for it. It goes along with the territory," she told The Associated Press in a 2009 interview. "I just want to be recognized for my music and for what it does and how it inspires people and how it makes people feel as opposed to talking about Whitney all the time kind of thing. That's all done. It's passed, and I would just like to be recognized for my music."

Houston will be recognized for that, and for much more, on Saturday, when her funeral is held at Newark's New Hope Baptist Church. While she died last weekend in tony Beverly Hills, California, amid a media and celebrity crush ahead of her mentor Clive Davis' pre-Grammy Awards party, her funeral will be a chance to reclaim Whitney Houston the person, instead of the icon.

The church, which seats about 300 people, will be filled with friends, family members and some of her famous connections. Kevin Costner, her co-star in the movie blockbuster "The Bodyguard," is scheduled to speak, as is Davis, the music mogul responsible for launching and guiding her career. Her cousin and fellow singer, Dionne Warwick, will be on the program, as will friends including Alicia Keys, Tyler Perry and gospel stars Donnie McClurklin, Kim Burrell and Cece Winans.

Ray J, who spent time with Houston in her last days, also will be in attendance. In a statement released Friday, he expressed his devastation over her loss and referred to her by her nickname, Nippy.

"Nippy, I miss you so much!" he said.

Aretha Franklin also remembered Houston as Nippy and recalled how Houston used to refer to her as Aunt Ree.

"Hard to believe," Franklin wrote in an email on Thursday, as she prepared to sing at the funeral for the girl she watched growing up.

Houston became near equals with Franklin in terms of fame: Houston is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, and her fame stretched beyond music, into movies as well. But she never embraced her celebrity and turned to drugs as a way to escape. Her career stalled as her addiction grew more serious, tarnishing her image as America's graceful pop queen.

In another 2009 interview, this time with Oprah Winfrey, Houston talked about how bad her addiction had gotten. She said her mother, Cissy Houston, arrived with a court order, prepared to force her into getting help.

"She said, 'I'm not losing you to this world. I'm not losing you to Satan!'" Whitney Houston recalled. "'I want my daughter back.'"

It's unclear if drugs caused her death. Houston was found in a bathtub, underwater, by a member of her staff at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It will take weeks before toxicology results determine what medications and quantities, if any, were in Houston's system at the time of her death.

But despite her mother's efforts, Houston indeed was lost, at the age of 48. She had appeared to be set for another comeback: She had a new movie, "Sparkle," due out this summer and was working on other projects, including a sequel to "Waiting to Exhale."

After the funeral, Houston is scheduled to be buried beside her father, John Russell Houston, at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, near where she grew up.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122700/ News Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:11:19 +0200
Fifteen hundred guests are expected to attend the private funeral services including Aretha Franklin, Clive Davis and Stevie Wonder.

Houston died in Beverly Hills at age 48, one day before the Grammy awards.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122696/ News Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:12:05 +0200
Police have urged the thousands of fans expected to crowd the area to stay home and watch the funeral which will be broadcast live.

The singer died in a Beverly Hills hotel room almost a week ago on the eve of the music industry's Grammy Awards. She was found underwater in a bathtub in her hotel room, according to police.

Other top names taking part in the program include Houston's mentor Clive Davis and Hollywood actor and producer Tyler Perry, who donated his plane to fly Houston's body from Los Angeles to Newark.

Singer Elton John, Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Cosby are also expected to attend the service, according to media reports. It is not yet known if Houston's ex-husband singer Bobby Brown will attend.

The death of the beloved pop star, who had a history of addiction to alcohol and cocaine, stunned the music world, her family and her fans.

Police plan to lock down the streets near Saturday's private funeral and have said there will be no procession from the funeral home to the church.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Coroner's Office has not released details of an initial autopsy and is awaiting results of tests for drugs, alcohol and other substances that may have been in her system.

Officials investigating her death have also issued subpoenas for her medical records after finding prescription drugs in her hotel room.

In Los Angles, two radio personalities of KFI AM 640 station's "The John and Ken Show" -- have been suspended after making disparaging comments and jokes about Houston and her addiction to drugs.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122692/ News Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:23:22 +0200
Pattinson, sporting shaved hair, was at the festival for the world premiere of "Bel Ami", a costume drama set in late 19th century Paris based on Guy de Maupassant's novel about a poor man who sleeps and cheats his way to the top of society.

It marks a big step away from the "Twilight" world which turned Pattinson into a star, and will go some way to showing how versatile he is as an actor.

"I'd be curious what Stephenie would write, but I just think I'd probably be too old," he told reporters after a screening of "Bel Ami", which also features Uma Thurman and Christina Ricci. "I'm already too old. But yeah, it'd be kind of interesting."

The five-film "Twilight" franchise is based on Meyer's best-selling four-novel series. The four movies out so far have amassed around $2.5 billion at the global box office, with the final chapter due to hit theatres in November.

In "Bel Ami", Pattinson plays Georges Duroy, a poor ex-soldier who uses his looks and charm to seduce society beauties and convince his newspaper employers to give him important jobs.

Everywhere he turns he sees slights directed at him, and his ruthless desire for revenge, power and wealth means he turns insults to his advantage, no matter what the consequences.

That sensitivity struck a chord with Pattinson when he read the script a long time ago, he explained.

"If someone insulted me I would get 10 years of ambition out of it ... But I think I've grown up a little bit now. I'm not as horrible."

The part contrasts with that of the noble and faithful Cullen, which Pattinson said was what interested him.

"The character of Georges rarely comes up in any movies any more, because he's unrepentant," he said. "It was quite fun playing that and I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity to play him again."

Pattinson said he was amused by similarities between 19th century gossip columnists and today's celebrity-obsessed media.

Theatre director Declan Donnellan, directing his first movie, found the themes of Maupassant's novel still relevant today -- a "corrupt" government, a complicit media and a controversial invasion of an Arab country.

"What I'm interested in is now," he said. "It's very good to use that world to talk about ourselves."

Pattinson hoped he could bring some of his fiercely loyal "Twilight" fan base with him to see Bel Ami.

"The biggest disservice you can do to your audience is trying to repeat the same thing and get them to come just to get money or whatever.

"But if people are interested in what you are doing, then if you try and do interesting films on interesting subjects then I think it's great."

Asked what he thought of the fans waiting to see him outside the hotel where the press conference was held, he replied:
"The audience outside here is from everywhere, people came from Thailand and stand out in the cold there. I can't relate on any level, but it's definitely very nice."]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122683/ News Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:24:38 +0200
His debut album "Let Them Talk" was released in 2011. The album, which consists of classic blues songs, was recorded in Los Angeles and New Orleans.

"In my imagination, New Orleans just straight hummed with music, romance, joy, despair; its rhythms got into my gawky English frame and, at times, made me so happy and sad, I just didn't know what to do with myself," the concert organizers quoted Laurie as saying.

"Acting is largely about putting on masks, and music is about removing them," the actor was quoted as saying.

Hugh Laurie was first became well known as one half of the Fry and Laurie double act, along with his friend and comedy partner Stephen Fry. The duo than starred in the Jeeves and Wooster TV series adapted from P.G. Wodehouse's stories.

The international fame hit the actor when he played Dr Gregory House, the protagonist of the eponymous U.S. TV series.

Along with his TV career, Laurie is a vocalist and keyboard player for the Los Angeles charity rock group Band From TV, whose members are all actors from U.S. television series. In addition to piano Laurie plays guitar, drums, harmonica and saxophone.]]> http://www.kyivpost.com/news/guide/guidenews/detail/122682/ News Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:11:46 +0200
Chisora has been taunting Klitschko and predicting that he will knock him out in the eighth round.]]>