Saturday 16 August 2014

Lessons of stigmas, stereotypes in Williams' death

Jamie Masada, the owner of the fabled Los Angeles-based comedy club the Laugh Factory, vividly remembers a warm exchange with comic Richard Jeni of the two sharing words of encouragement and gentle ribbing."The next day I heard...


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Sinead O'Connor: 'If you live with the devil, you find out there's a god'

The first thing you notice about Sinead O'Connor, even after all these years, is her hair - or rather, the lack of it. The Irish singer recently released a series of photographs to promote her new album, I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss...


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The Block is back

It's a bitterly cold morning as I make my way down a little street in Pt Chevalier. The sun has barely risen above the horizon and although my piping hot coffee is trying its best to warm me up, it's fighting a losing battle against...


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The Illusionists: Now that's magic

The Illusionists look like a line-up of Dr Whos and call themselves the Master Magician, the Warrior, the Manipulator, the Futurist, the Trickster and the Unusualist. But as far as sex appeal goes, London-based the Deceptionist could...


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Spy News: My Kitchen Rules fires up (+interviews)

The social media campaigns have started, the advertising hoardings are up and the hype is at fever pitch. Forget the election - it's the arrival of two hotly-anticipated rival reality TV shows that has everyone buzzing.TV One celebrated...


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Wilder memoir to give gritty view of prairie life

PIERRE, South Dakota (AP) Laura Ingalls Wilder penned one of America's most beloved children's series of the 20th century, but her forthcoming autobiography will show devoted "Little House on the Prairie" fans a more realistic, grittier...


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Five of the best Bond themes

Several years ago Auckland singer Tim Beveridge was with a mate when the Sheena Easton power ballad For Your Eyes Only popped up on the playlist. It got them talking about the best songs from 50 years of James Bond films, and bringing...


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Paquin and family in capital for lead-up to election

Kiwi Oscar winner Anna Paquin and her husband, Stephen Moyer, have landed in Wellington - lending some heavyweight celebrity endorsement to the Greens.The True Blood co-stars are in New Zealand with their almost 2-year-old twins...


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Getting the mix right for My Kitchen Rules

Stay cool, stay friends and stay happy — the My Kitchen Rules Australia teams have given recipes for success to fledgling New Zealand couples preparing for their time in the competition.The popular TV show celebrated the...


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'Atlanta Exes' members create own lane to fame

ATLANTA (AP) Torrei Hart's career took a backseat for years to raise two children, allowing her then-husband Kevin Hart to pursue his comedy career.The two ultimately ended an eight-year marriage with divorce in 2011 after she...


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Abbey Clancy looks worse for wear as she leaves Nick Grimshaw's 30th birthday party





ABBEY CLANCY seemed all partied out as she headed home after celebrating Radio 1 DJ's Nick Grimshaw's 30th birthday at Shoreditch house in London on Friday night.


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Happy birthday Madonna! The Queen of pop turns 56





THE QUEEN of pop celebrates her 56th birthday today but Madonna shows no signs of slowing down, when it comes to being provocative.


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Let's get ready to tumble! Sarah Harding flexes her muscles ahead of BBC gymnastic show





SHE made an impressive debut on BBC's new gymnastic talent show 'Tumble' and by the looks of it Sarah Harding is in it to win it.


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Candlelight vigil marks 37 years after Elvis death

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Fans of Elvis Presley are making a nighttime candlelit walk past his gravesite at Graceland during a memorial of his death 37 years ago.Devotees of the King of Rock 'n' Roll participate each year in a vigil...


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First, the fish was killed

The exhibition Unstuck in Time at Te Tuhi in Pakuranga began with interactive performance art in the courtyard on the afternoon of the opening. Sally J. Morgan, from Wellington, delivered How Long Have I Been Here? which involved...


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Meeting of the clans

With its loud explosions and gory details reducing more nervous attendees to gibbering wrecks, The Generation of Z is not a conventional theatrical experience. However, the interactive zombie drama is the runaway hit of the inaugural...


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The shocking truth about Bob Hope the bigamist





A SECRET first marriage, countless affairs and a childhood spent behind bars an explosive new book reveals the shocking truth about the Hollywood star.


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He got a Ticket To Ride! Ivor Davis reveals what life was like on tour with The Beatles





WHEN the Fab Four went to America 50 years ago this month, Daily Express reporter Ivor Davis had a ringside seat to the shenanigans that ensued.


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Janet McAllister: Debate reveals lack of vision

An actor, a writer and a musician walk into an arts debate. "What happens now?" they ask the politician.Okay, that's not quite how last Tuesday's discussion unfolded at Q Theatre. Personable Green thespian Richard Leckinger showed...


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Restyled Volkswagen Scirocco breezes in





BACK in the 70s and 80s the Volkswagen Scirocco was one of those cars that small boys wanted and big boys bought.


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Emma Willis on presenting live TV, being a busy mum and feeling younger than 38





IT’S been a busy year for Emma Willis – presenting The Voice UK, raising a young family with McBusted singer Matt Willis and now hosting Celebrity Big Brother. So how does she fit it all in?


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Golden wonders: Warming fish pie and zingy lemon tart recipes





TRIED?AND?TESTED tips from Saturday magazine's celebrity chef Aldo Zilli for making pies and pastries


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Meet natures brave baby animal orphans





COUNTRYFILE presenter Ellie Harrison and cameraman Max Hug Williams help orphaned creatures


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Must have: Feeling blue? Accessorise azure outfits with touches of gold and white





THERE'S something for every budget in this week's must-haves


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Expectant mum and actress Claire Sweeney unearths a long?forgotten family secret





CLAIRE Sweeney makes a shocking discovery about her family just as she is expecting her first child


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Undercover secrets: Pretty lingerie from polka dots to floral





THIS season’s prettiest underwear is available on the high street


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Interview: Helen Flanagan on moving to Holby City from Coronation Street





SINCE leaving Coronation Street two years ago, actress Helen Flanagan has been nursing her ambition…


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Holiday hair heroes: Shield your crowning glory from the harsh sun and sea





THE sun and sea can play havoc with your hair so make sure you protect your tresses


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Think ahead: Get growing daffodils in time for next spring





If there’s one thing that’s irritating about so-called gardening experts it’s their tendency to be thinking ahead. You see, here you are, enjoying your summer beds and borders in full fig and here am I about to tell you to plant daffodils.


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Once Were Warriors: Twenty years on

In the plush lobby of an Auckland hotel, Jake the Muss is schooling me."When you're working with Rena Owen," he says, staring at me hard, his voice low and ever-so-slightly menacing, "you're faced with a lot of what we called 'ihi'....


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Talk shows are too boring for Ricky Gervais





WHILE James Corden is set to become a household name taking on a top US chat show as its host, fellow comedian Ricky Gervais says the role would bore him senseless.


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“We are all on tenterhooks”: Mel and Sue on the new series of Great British Bake Off





THIS year’s Bake Off contestants are “sickeningly good”, admit Mel and Sue. The pair can’t wait for something to “sink or collapse”


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Friday 15 August 2014

Shavaughn Ruakere: Out of the blue

Shavaughn Ruakere is one of those people who can fall into a swamp and come out clutching a shiny nugget.Setbacks seem only to spawn opportunities, so who knows what'll happen now that her long-term relationship with Auckland radio...


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Helen Wood crowned queen of the Big Brother house





THE fifteenth series of Big Brother was tonight won by Helen Wood.


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Michele Hewitson: Going back to Boganville

"It's not my fault. I get f***en reflux," says burping Amber, a foul-mouthed slapper of a character in Upper Middle Bogan (Thursdays, TV One, 8.30pm). Don't we all? Because here's Robyn Malcolm, as the tough as old rubber matriarch...


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SNL alum Chris Kattan gets probation for DUI

LOS ANGELES (AP) Chris Kattan has been sentenced to three years' probation for driving under the influence and crashing his Mercedes into a Department of Transportation vehicle on a Southern California freeway earlier this year.The...


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Movie review: Postman Pat: The Movie

The original British stop-motion animation television show, Postman Pat , has been given an upgrade for its big-screen debut. Preschoolers can now watch in computer-generated 3D as their favourite postman and his adorable cat Jess...


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Publicist: Casey Kasem to be buried in Norway

LOS ANGELES (AP) The wife of Casey Kasem plans to bury the late radio personality in Norway contrary to Kasem's desire to be interred in Los Angeles and against the wishes of his adult children, a publicist for Kasem's daughter...


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Cliff Curtis haunted by Uncle Bully

Cliff Curtis never said yes to being part of Once Were Warriors and didn't want to do it.The actor, currently riding high on acclaim for his role in The Dark Horse , played the infamous Uncle Bully in the hit local movie -- which...


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California moves to keep film production at home

LOS ANGELES (AP) Hoping to keep film production in California, lawmakers have moved to quadruple tax subsidies for location shoots.The state Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill Thursday that would boost total subsidies...


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'Anything Goes' for Florida Georgia Line's 2nd LP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of country dude duo Florida Georgia Line know all eyes on Music Row are on them as they prepare to release their second album, "Anything Goes," on Oct. 14.Everybody wants to...


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Germany: Bieber pays bill for former pet monkey

BERLIN (AP) German authorities say Justin Bieber has paid 8,000 euros ($10,700) he owed after attempting to bring a pet monkey into the country last year without the necessary papers.Bieber failed to produce vaccination and import...


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Blooming! Pregnant Charlotte Hawkins showcases hint of baby bump in floral dress





SHE ONLY announced she was expecting her first child earlier this week, but Charlotte Hawkins already seems to be displaying hints of a baby bump.


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Delevingne rumoured for latest Bond film

She has only just turned 22 and has the world at her feet. Is the next step for Cara Delevingne a starring role in the next Bond movie?She's already conquered the fashion world, with countless catwalks and advertising campaigns...


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Cliff Richards under the spotlight

Speculation about his private life has followed Sir Cliff Richard for decades.From his whirlwind romance with tennis star Sue Barker to talk of celibacy and questions over his sexuality, Richard's status as a lifelong bachelor has...


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Review: Spiritual Bach piece played with passion

Stephen Layton was responsible for the memorable Mass in B minor , presented by Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra as its 2012 Choral Masterpiece concert.On Thursday, the English conductor returned, once more for Bach, with a St...


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Kardashian kerfuffle over 'NZ radio thing' no big deal, says Gillespie

A Kiwi broadcaster is wondering what went wrong, after her questions sparked a knockabout Kardashian family row.Polly Gillespie from The Hits radio station has taken to Facebook to share her bafflement over a clip from the family's...


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Richard flying home to fight claims

Sir Cliff Richard has plenty of reasons to remember the night of June 28, 1985. Not only did he perform in front of a crowd of 47,200 as a guest of the American evangelist Billy Graham but he also met the Bishop of Sheffield to defuse...


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MKR judges spill the beans

It's one thing to cook up a single plate of food, and deliver it perfectly, but it's another skill all together to be able to replicate that plate for 10 people at the same time, and that's one key piece of advice that newly appointed...


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SNL alum Chris Kattan gets probation for DUI

LOS ANGELES (AP) Chris Kattan has been sentenced to three years' probation for driving under the influence and crashing his Mercedes into a Department of Transportation vehicle on a Southern California freeway earlier this year.The...


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Daniel Radcliffe finds interest in actors 'weird'

LONDON (AP) Daniel Radcliffe says he finds the concept of celebrity and the level of interest in the trivia of actors' lives "weird."While promoting his first romantic comedy "What If," directed by Michael Dowse the 25-year-old...


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Chris Kattan gets probation for drunken driving

LOS ANGELES (AP) Chris Kattan has been sentenced to three years' probation for driving under the influence and crashing his Mercedes into a Department of Transportation vehicle on a Southern California freeway earlier this year.The...


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Jackie Chan: It's time to slow down

LONDON (AP) Action movie veteran Jackie Chan admits doing stunt work is "not like it used to be" as he no longer bounces back from big scenes."The next morning, you realize wow, it hurts!" says the actor, who turned 60 earlier...


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Broadway stars sleep rough to help homeless

NEW YORK (AP) The kids at the Covenant House homeless shelter are always looking for somebody to lean on. They got it one summer night last year, along with a lullaby sung by some of Broadway's best.More than 50 Broadway artists...


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Michael Cera releases album he calls 'honest'

NEW YORK (AP) Michael Cera released an indie folk album last week quietly, in a way almost as unassuming as the actor himself."I would record a lot of the songs in the middle of the night just at home. I never thought anyone would...


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'Anything Goes' for Florida Georgia Line's 2nd LP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of country dude duo Florida Georgia Line know all eyes on Music Row are on them as they prepare to release their second album, "Anything Goes," on Oct. 14.Everybody wants to...


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'It's a once in a lifetime thing': Jessica Brown Findlay on her time on Downton Abbey





SHE WAS dramatically killed off at the end of the third series of Downton Abbey, but Jessica Brown Findlay has revealed that she felt truly honoured to be part of the period drama.


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Catherine Zeta Jones puts estate on the market after reconciliation with Michael Douglas





CATHERINE Zeta Jones has put her sprawling mansion in New York on the market for $8.1million.


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Rochelle looks radiant in skintight yellow frock after presenting This Morning with Marvin





THEY'VE TAKEN over hosting duties of This Morning for the summer and Rochelle and Marvin Humes certainly look like they're enjoying themselves.


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VIDEO: Russell Crowe and Colin Farrell fight on-set





RUSSELL Crowe and Colin Farrell bash all hell out of each other as we go behind the scenes on the film shoot for A New York Winter's Tale


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Dealing with depression: 10 self-help tips for coping with mental illness





LIFE coach and clinical hypnotherapist Sloan Sheridan-Williams shares her tips for overcoming depression


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How to be a better baker: 10 tips from Great British Bake Off's Holly Bell





FROM the secret of a fluffy sponge to the perfect way to pipe, the season two Great British Bake Off finalist shares her best baking advice


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