Tom Hanks: 'There are a lot of people who have binders full of women'
Tom Hanks' upcoming movie "Cloud Atlas" might be a little confusing for those who haven't read the book on which it's based. In the movie, actors play multiple races with varying accents and even different genders -- and they do it across eras past, present, and future.
Despite this, Hanks -- who called the screenplay a "page turner like 'Thornbirds' " -- thinks it will become self-explanatory as the film progresses, especially for careful observers.
"Even before the opening credits say 'Cloud Atlas,' " Hanks said, "Jim Broadbent as (the character) Timothy Cavendish explains the movie in one line. If you're hip to figure that out, you'll see it."
For those who miss that explanation, Hanks had one of his own ready: "I found it actually gave a language to the connections we all have with each other," he said. "What 'Cloud Atlas' is all about -- individual people have to make this decision between cruelty and kindness, someone has to go against a mindless version of the status quo, and it's this idea that great acts of kindness last forever and reverberate through eternity. It's another definition of human history."
But, said Hanks, some stories are more important than others to the larger narrative. Take presidential politics for example: Hanks takes the recent round of presidential debates with a grain of salt.
"You know what? The debates are just TV shows," he said. "Now, they carry a lot of weight because of all the stuff that goes on, but they're just TV shows. I don't think there's any new policy that comes out of them."
Hanks said it's "interesting to watch the ballyhoo" following a debate, especially regarding a candidate's choice of words, such as Mitt Romney's "women in binders" comment. "You know what? There are a lot of people who have binders full of women," Hanks joked. "Actually, I have a loose leaf notebook that has them in it."
But despite the discussion following a televised debate, Hanks doesn't think the actual debate is much of a factor in deciding the election. He cites the John Kerry-George W. Bush debates in 2004, in which Kerry would jump in the polls following a showdown with Bush, and yet Kerry ultimately lost the race.
So even if one candidate seems to dominate, and the other crumbles, it won't matter, Hanks said, "unless someone says something so incredibly dumb that you can't trust them after a while. But those guys aren't going to do that. They're both good at what they're doing. They've both got it. But I don't think anybody says anything that magically alters our concept of anything."
But, as Hanks well knows, anyone can say something "incredibly dumb" once in a while. Hanks, for example, did so on "Good Morning America" Friday.
Speaking in the voice of one of his "Cloud Atlas" characters, he accidentally swore on live television. But will it make anyone trust him less? Probably not, but it might encourage networks to use a seven-second delay while he's promoting the film -- an idea he suggested seconds after using the F-word.
"Man, oh man," Hanks apologized on "GMA." "I'm sorry, I slipped. ... I have never done that before. I would apologize to the kids in America that are watching right now. And let me say the next time I'm on the show, there will be a seven-second delay."
Source- CNN
Adele Gave Birth To Baby Boy
British singer Adele is now the proud mom of a baby boy.
The “Rolling In The Deep” singer and her boyfriend Simon Konecki welcomed their first child on Friday (October 19).
Sources told a British tabloid that the couple is ecstatic over their new bundle of joy.
“Adele and Simon are ecstatic at their new arrival,” source said. “She was over the moon that they were expecting their first child together.”
In a statement issued to PEOPE magazine, the couple asked for privacy during this time.
“Obviously we’re over the moon and very excited but please respect our privacy at this precious time,” she wrote.
The couple is reportedly renovating a home in Hove, Southern England, where they can be away from the spotlight.
Beyonce And Jay-Z Baby “Blue Ivy” Lost First Legal Battle
Hip Hop’s royal family lost their first legal battle involving Blue Ivy Carter.
According to reports, Beyonce and Jay-Z lost a legal showdown over the name Blue Ivy. The couple recently filed a suit against Boston based events planning company Blue Ivy Events.
However, Blue Ivy Events owner, Veronica Alexandra, successfully defended her company’s name. This means the Carter family has no legal right in keeping the name Blue Ivy to themselves.
The company has been in operation since 2009, long before Beyonce conceived her first child Blue Ivy Carter. Both Beyonce and Jay-Z, real name Sean carter, wanted to trademark the name. Allegations are that the couple want to start a baby clothing line with the name.
Blue Ivy Carter turns one year old in January.
Justin Bieber nude photo on computer theft a 'hoax'
Claims that Justin Bieber's computer was stolen earlier this month were part of a hoax the 18-year-old knew about, it's being reported.
The singer had tweeted that "personal footage" had gone missing from his camera and computer after the items were taken while he was on stage.
There were also rumours of leaked video clips and a picture which showed the Canadian naked.
It would appear now that Bieber was behind the joke.
"Since I was 14 I have had a lot of things said about me, from dying, to saying I had a baby with a woman I never even met, nude pics, drugs...but today...today i get to be in on it... " he tweeted.
It's thought the information was put out in the public domain as part of a publicity stunt to promote his new video Beauty and A Beat.
The video, which is from his album Believe had 10.6 million views within the first 24 hours of release - that has since risen to more than 33 million views.
Andy Williams mourned at star-studded tribute
Fans and celebrities have paid tribute to singer Andy Williams at a memorial in his adopted home-town of Branson, Missouri.
The Osmonds, Bob Newhart and Williams' wife Debbie were among those who spoke at the star's Moon River Theater.
Others sent video tributes, including comedian Bill Cosby and Ethel Kennedy, who recalled swooning as she once danced with the singer.
Williams, known for songs such as Music To Watch Girls Go By, died last month.
The 84-year-old's health had failed him after he was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2011.
He started out in showbusiness with his three brothers as The Williams Quartet, and sang backing vocals on Bing Cosby's Wishing On A Star in 1944.
His solo career received a boost in 1956, when the swing song Canadian Sunset reached number seven in the US singles chart.
In 1962, he started The Andy Williams Show, which was broadcast around the world and went on to win three Emmys. His annual Christmas specials, featuring Williams dressed in colourful sweaters singing festive favourites, were a staple of US television schedules.
"Christmas is never going to be the same to me," said entertainer Bob Newhart, who choked up with emotion at Sunday's memorial.
Tapestry
Attended by more than 1,000 people, the tribute started as an invitation-only event but tickets were released to the public after popular demand.
"He just had a way of connecting to folks," Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley told local news channel KY3. "He was a part of their weddings and celebrations. They watched him on TV for so many years and then watched him here. Everyone has their own personal memory. That's why they are here."
The service began with an extended video montage from The Andy Williams show, before The Lennon Sisters shared their memories of the singer and sang The Lord's Prayer.
They were followed by Anthony Gigliotti, who spoke as a representative of Williams' fan club.
"For his fans, his music is the tapestry of our lives - it can soothe life's difficult moments, help to celebrate the glorious ones," he said.
Music was the cornerstone of the service, with The Gatlin Brothers singing Heaven's Jubilee and Greatly Blessed, while Williams' brother Dick performed Goodbye Old Friend, drawing a standing ovation.
The Osmonds, who were given their big break by Williams, appeared to share their memories of their time on his TV show, before singing their tear-jerker Remember Me, with the refrain: "Anytime it feels like you can't make it through, remember me and I'll be with you".
Williams' widow Debbie shared a video she had made about the couple's life together. She recalled the day they met and discovered there was "such a thing as love at first sight."
The ceremony ended as it began, with Williams on a video screen singing May Each Day, with the closing lines: "May each day of your life be a good day. And good night."
As the video faded, the theatre lights were extinguished and the audience applauded.
A programme for the service said: "Thank you for being a part of the 'Celebration of Life' for our husband, father, friend and consummate entertainer. Andy Williams memory and talent will live forever in our hearts."
Petronas bid for Progress Energy Resources blocked
Canada has blocked a $5.2bn(£3.3bn) takeover bid from Malaysia's Petronas, saying it would not benefit the country.
Petronas had wanted to buy Canadian oil and gas firm Progress Energy Resources. It now has 30 days to adjust its offer.
Analysts said the move raises questions about Canada's appetite for foreign investment in key industries.
The decision also casts doubt over a $15.1bn (£9.3bn) bid for Canada's Nexen by Chinese state-owned Cnooc.
"If they can reject Petronas it doesn't look good for Cnooc," said Laban Yu, energy analyst at Jefferies in Hong Kong.
International investment
The offer from Petronas for Progress Energy Resources, worth 5.18bn Canadian dollar, was agreed by the companies in June.
However, in a statement on Friday the Canadian industry minister said the deal was not of "net benefit" to Canada.
A takeover would give Petronas access to shale gas reserves in the Montney region of British Columbia and Alberta, a resource many firms are keen to develop.
Chief executive of Progress Energy Resources, Michael Culbert, expressed the company's disappointment at the decision.
"Progress will be working over the next 30 days to determine the nature of the issues and the potential remedies," he said.
"The long-term health of the natural gas industry in Canada and the development of a new liquefied natural gas export industry are dependent on international investments such as (the one by) Petronas."
Japanese exports to China fall amid territorial dispute
Japanese exports to China tumbled in September compared to the previous year, as a territorial dispute between the two countries weighed on the economy.
Exports from Japan declined at their sharpest pace since the aftermath of last year's earthquake and tsunami.
Overseas shipments fell 10.3%, compared to last year, the Finance Ministry said.
Relations between China and Japan have soured in recent weeks.
Islands dispute
Shipments to China fell 14.1% in September compared to the previous year. The month was marred by widespread protests in China against Japan over ownership of the islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.
Both countries, as well as Taiwan, lay claim to the territory.
In some cases the protests turned violent with people directing their anger at Japanese brands, such as the automotive giants Honda and Toyota.
Since then Japanese car manufacturers have said they will cut output to China.
Analysts said along with the bleak global picture, especially in Europe, this was one of the main factors that led to the drop in exports.
The worsening of exports reflected both the global slowdown and anti-Japan protests in China," said Naoki Iizuka, from Citigroup Global Markets in Tokyo.
"Exports will likely fall even further and the trade deficit will grow in October as the impact from the boycotting of Japanese products will play out more clearly in October."
The sectors most impacted were cars, electronics and general machinery.
Recession
The bleak trade picture comes after warnings about the overall strength of the Japanese economy.
Masaaki Shirakawa, the governor of the Bank of Japan, has warned that the financial system is at risk of shocks from Europe's debt crisis.
Slowing demand in key markets, as well as a strong yen, has weighed on manufacturing and exports.
That has led some economists to forecast that growth will stall for the rest of the year and that Japan may slip back into recession.
Germany may see economy shrink in fourth quarter
Germany, the main funder of the eurozone's many bailouts, may see its economy shrink by the end of the year as the crisis bites, the central bank has warned.
Europe's largest economy will grow in the third quarter, but may experience a "slight contraction" in the last three months, the Bundesbank said.
Germany has so far continued to grow while many of its neighbours shrink.
Meanwhile, Greece's deficit last year was higher than previously expected.
Greece's deficit was 9.4% of output in 2011, the Hellenic Statistical Authority said. In April, it estimated that the public deficit stood at 9.1%.
That compares to -10.7% in 2010 and -15.6% in 2009.
Greece's debt stood at 170.6% of GDP, a large jump from 148.3% in 2010.
In Germany, the Bundesbank said: "There are increasing signs that, following a noticeable expansion in output in the third quarter, we might see stagnation or even a slight contraction in gross domestic product (GDP) in the fourth quarter."
Germany grew 0.5% in the first quarter and 0.3% in the second quarter.
Europe's largest economy is the main backer of the two eurozone rescue funds, which have been used to bail out Greece, Ireland, Portugal and, soon, Spain's banks.
Greece is already predicting its economy will shrink by much more than previously estimated this year and said that its economy will shrink for a sixth year in 2013.
US considers giving more Caribbean states more duty free access
Several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries could benefit as the United States considers whether to designate them eligible to receive benefits under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA).
Since 1983, the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) has granted unilateral duty-free treatment for imports of certain eligible articles from CBI beneficiary countries. Currently 17 countries and dependent territories receive benefits under the CBERA. Seven of these countries and dependent territories receive benefits under the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA).
The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington, DC, said it is requesting comments no later than November 9 on the possible extension of trade preferences under CBERA, as amended by the CBTPA to countries not currently receiving them.
The USTR is considering whether to designate Aruba, The Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis and St Vincent and the Grenadines as eligible to receive benefits under CBTPA.
It said while Congress identified The Bahamas, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent for benefits under CBERA in 1983 and CBTPA in 2000, these countries did not request benefits under CBTPA until 2012.
The CBTPA is currently authorised through September 30, 2020, and the USTR said that it is considering whether to designate Curacao, St Maarten, and the Turks and Caicos Islands as eligible to receive benefits under CBERA/CBTPA.
USTR said that Congress had identified the Turks and Caicos as potentially eligible for benefits in 1983 but the country did not request beneficiary status until July 2012.
Separately, as a result of the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in October 2010, Curacao and St Maarten became successor political entities and have therefore requested the receipt of CBERA and CBTPA benefits.
Similarly, Aruba was designated as a CBERA beneficiary country as of January 1, 1986, upon becoming independent of the Netherlands Antilles but did not request CBTPA benefits until October 2012.
USTR said that interested parties should submit comments on whether these countries meet the appropriate eligibility criteria.
For CBERA, these include whether the country is communist, has nationalised ownership or control of property owned by a US citizen or corporation, fails to act in good faith in enforcing arbitral awards in favour of US citizens or corporations, and affords preferential treatment to the products of another developed country that could harm US commerce among other criteria.
It said that other measures include the country’s economic conditions, assurances of equitable and reasonable access to its markets and basic commodity resources, compliance with accepted rules of international trade, use of export subsidies, export performance requirements or local content requirements that distort international trade, contribution to regional revitalization through trade policies.
Eurozone Leaders Praise Greek Austerity Efforts
Eurozone leaders are praising the efforts of debt-ridden Greece to resolve its financial woes and resume its cost-cutting austerity.
Some of the 16 other countries in the euro currency bloc have often attacked Athens for its slow pace in adopting financial reforms, even as the Greek populace has grown increasingly angry at the demands of the country's lenders. But Friday, eurozone leaders gathered at the European Union summit in Brussels said they welcomed the determination of the Greek government and commended the "remarkable efforts by the Greek people."
The eurozone leaders also agreed in the coming months to appoint a new supervisor of banks throughout the currency union. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said support for the banking overseer and the statement on Greece are significant.
"We have made advances on the banking union because we have agreed to have regulation by the end of the year and to implement it in 2013," he said. "There have also been advances on fiscal union. Furthermore, there's been something really important, which is that there has been strong support given to Greece, and I hope that whenever we have the troika's report on Greece, all doubts and uncertainty will be over."
Despite the support for Greece, its leaders have been stymied in reaching an agreement with the EU, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund over a new $17 billion austerity plan. The three outside lenders have demanded more Greek spending cuts before releasing a new segment of Greece's second bailout that Athens says it needs to avoid running out of money next month.
Tens of thousands of Greek workers have struck twice this month in protest of the creditors' demands, with some of the protests turning into clashes with riot police. One pensioner, Antonis Dremetsikas, said the austerity and the rescue packages have not improved life for the country.
"The road Greece has taken is not towards progress," said Dremetsikas. "It's downhill. It's a shame to be going from installment to installment. They've brought us to the point of shame simply by saying, 'come get your installment.' And under this pressure they force you to take measures. These are not measures of development. They're measures of misery."
Some information for this report was provided by AP.