Junior & Lulu Have An Afternoon Nap At Post Apocalyptic Bohemia

The Fast & The Furious

The Husband & I when we had been together one year.

A blogger that I admire documented, with discourse & photography, his long diet & exercise regime as he changed his shape over the course of a year. I admire his accomplishment. I don't believe in diets, but I am in favor of changing eating habits. I have done it a few times in my considerable life. I became a vegetarian 30 years ago & I once gave up coffee for 15 years.

Since I have been on a full blast binge of espresso, whiskey & pizza for 4 years, I have decided to do a cleansing fast: nothing white, no flour, grains, rice, sugar, dairy or booze. 3 smart individuals in my company & a good friend have done this with real rewards of weight loss, clarity & focus. I could use all 3.

The Husband, with his tiny waist & mostly vegan diet, joined me to be of support. I believe his true intention was to show that he could go through this program as proof of his prowess at poise, sobriety & self-restraint, while I will most certainly fail. The Husband plans to point out the cheese on my chin, forgetting my resolve at self-denial. If I need to, I can have the countenance for abstinence of a nun.

15 days. The first 5 days: all the vegetables & fruit you wish. The middle 5 days: juice... all you can stomach & lots of water, & finish the last 5 days back with the veggies & fruit again. Today is the end of day 4.

The Husband has a decided advantage with his regular diet being close to this routine, minus the candy bars (I find the wrappers. He thinks I don't know.) & Americanos. I work around an astoundingly ambrosial array of fresh food for 45 hours a week. For me this adventure is akin to the scene in The DeVinci Code when Paul Bettany flagellates & thrashes himself.

15 days without alcohol. I have not gone 15 days without alcohol since, well... since I was 15 years old.

I will not being doing daily updates. I do not weigh myself. I only look in the mirror to trim nose hair. I just wanted you to know, dear readers, should you note that my posts are cranky, crazy or confused.

Ron Artest joins Dancing with the Stars cast

Ron Artest © Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty

Ron Artest is a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, but due to the NBA lockout (for all non-sports fans: a situation where players and owners fail to reach a new contract) he has much more time on his hands. Now the athlete has joined the cast of the 13th season of Dancing with the Stars, although he actually doesn't dance and isn't a big fan of the dressing up. So what made hime decide to start dancing? His daughter Diamond, she said "Daddy, you should do it." Diamond is now 8-years old, but she battled cancer at age 4, the possibility to raise money for cancer research played a role in Ron's decision to put on his dancing shoes. "I had a change to play basketball overseas and I had a chance to do Dancing with the Stars. She asked me to do it, and I thought I could dance and raise some money for cancer research. I'm going to donate the profits," Ron, 31, said.

Dan Karaty and wife Natasha welcome a baby girl

Dan Karaty © Edwin Smulders

Choreographer Dan Karaty is a dad!

Natasha, the wife of the 34-year old Holland's Got Talent judge, gave birth to a daughter on Tuesday evening. Dan had flown back to the US on Friday, to be there for the birth of their first child. The new parents live in the Netherlands, where Dan is a talent show judge. However, they did want for their child to be born in their homecountry, so Natasha had gone home earlier in the pregnancy. Dan has said in the past, that when the family remains in the Netherlands, they're planning on raising their daughter bilingual.

Further details (name & weight) are currently unknown.

Congrats to Dan & Natasha!

UPDATE: On Friday September 2nd, Dan announced to the world - in a live show of Holland's Got Talent - that he and Natasha have named their daughter Quinn Vanessa.

Justin and Jessica spotted together in Canada anew

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel were spotted riding bikes together in Toronto, Canada over the weekend. Justin and Jessica also took brunch together at hip diner Swan restaurant.

A video report of Justin and Jessica being spotted together in Toronto | Courtesy of "PopSugarTV"

It is not the first time Justin and Jessica were seen in public together after splitting last March. On July 3rd this year, many saw them spending time together in Canada as well.

Are they back as a couple?

There are no official statement from the both sides, yet. But according to a report, the two "have a very strong love for each other" and thus it is possible that they might be reuniting.

Quoting a "close Timberlake ally", Sun Times reported, “Justin feels right about things with Jessica. He knows he’s tough to live with and has a mercurial personality, but the two of them have a very strong love for each other. … Justin also believes that she is the only woman who truly understands him and will be able to roll with the punches — able to keep their relationship going, living in the fishbowl existence that celebrities are forced to deal with.”

Singer-actor Justin Timberlake, 30, and model-actress Jessica Biel, 29, stayed as a couple for nearly four years before breaking up in March.

Apart from Jessica, Justin's former flames include Britney Spears and Cameron Diaz.

Iglot debuts strong on primetime TV ratings race

Iglot , the newest fantasy series on GMA-7, debuted strong on the primetime TV ratings race during its premier last Monday.

Iglot ratings high enough to place third on the primetime TV ratings race

According the People/Individual Ratings of AGB Nielsen in Mega Manila, Iglot received a rating of 12.6%, making it the third most watched primetime show during that day in Mega Manila.

Amaya, an epic series on the same network, topped the race with 16.9%, closely followed by another Kapuso show Munting Heredera which got 15.4%.

Iglot is being topbilled by Claudine Barretto, Marvin Agustin, Jolina Magdangal, Luis Alandy, Patrick Garcia, Pauleen Luna and newcomer, Milkach Wynne Nacion. It airs weeknights on GMA-7.

During its premier on August 29, Iglot trended on Twitter as well as on Yahoo! Philippines.

Check out one of the trailers of Iglot below:



Data courtesy of PEP Scoopbox

Alyssa Milano welcomes baby Milo

Alyssa Milano's baby arrives!

Alyssa Milano, a Hollywood actress known for her childhood role as Samantha Micelli in the sitcom "Who's the Boss?" and for her character in hit TV series "Charmed," has given birth to a baby boy Wednesday, reports said.

Milano and her husband David Bugliari welcomed 7 lbs Milo Thomas Bugliari who arrived at 9:27 am PDT Wednesday morning.

Milano and Bugliari married on August 15, 2009 in New Jersey and Milo is their first baby. Via Twitter, Milano announced they were expecting their first child in March this year.

It is going to be a busy few months for the 38-year-old "Charmed" actress after giving birth since she is part of the cast of the upcoming films "New Year's Eve" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked," which are both to be released this year.

Summer Songs #39... If You Go Away

It is difficult to wrap my head around... summer is winding down, Labor Day weekend is the second bookmark that holds the season up, & that holiday's stab is the start of summer's sleep. I took a vacation day yesterday & the first half of the day was greeted by dark & drizzle. I just got right in there & threw myself into a fit of melancholia. For a guy who looks tough, I do wistful & woeful well.

I have loved Ne Me Quitte Pas since the early 1960s, when at age 7, I would pose & brood while sipping a whiskey, wearing a beret as I would regard the rain listening to Jacques Brel.

I sang Ne Me Quitte Pas at my Elementry School graduation ceremony, & it has been covered by nearly every important singer of the past 60 years: Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Brenda Lee, Shirley Bassey, Madonna, Marc Almond  & Cyndi Lauper, but Dusty Springfield does my favorite cover.

Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas

Il faut oublier

Tout peut s'oublier

Qui s'enfuit déjà

Oublier le temps

Des malentendus

Et le temps perdu

A savoir comment

Oublier ces heures

Qui tuaient parfois

A coups de pourquoi

Le coeur du bonheur

Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas

Moi je t'offrirai

Des perles de pluie

Venues de pays

Où il ne pleut pas

Je creuserai la terre

Jusqu'après ma mort

Pour couvrir ton corps

D'or et de lumière

Je ferai un domaine

Où l'amour sera roi

Où l'amour sera loi

Où tu seras reine

Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas

Je t'inventerai

Des mots insensés

Que tu comprendras

Je te parlerai

De ces amants-là

Qui ont vue deux fois

Leurs coeurs s'embraser

Je te raconterai

L'histoire de ce roi

Mort de n'avoir pas

Pu te rencontrer

Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas

On a vu souvent

Rejaillir le feu

De l'ancien volcan

Qu'on croyait trop vieux

Il est paraît-il

Des terres brûlées

Donnant plus de blé

Qu'un meilleur avril

Et quand vient le soir

Pour qu'un ciel flamboie

Le rouge et le noir

Ne s'épousent-ils pas

Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas

ne me quitte pas

Je ne vais plus pleurer

Je ne vais plus parler

Je me cacherai là

A te regarder

Danser et sourire

Et à t'écouter

Chanter et puis rire

Laisse-moi devenir

L'ombre de ton ombre

L'ombre de ta main

L'ombre de ton chien

Ne me quitte pas

Jacques Brel

1959

In English, loosing a lot in translation, I am told:

 

If you go away on this summer's day,

Then you might as well take the sun away

All the birds that flew in the summer sky

When our love was new and our hearts were high

When the day was young and the nights were long

And the moon stood still for the night bird's song

If you go away, if you go away, if you go away.

 

But if you stay, I'll make you a day

Like no day has been, or will be again

We'll sail on the sun, we'll ride on the rain

& talk to the trees & worship the wind

But if you go, I'll understand

Leave me just enough love to fill up my hand

If you go away, if you go away, if you go away.

If you go, as I know you will

You must tell the world to stop turning

Till you return again, if you ever do,

For what good is love without loving you?

Can I tell you now, as you turn to go

I'll be dying slowly till the next hello

If you go away, if you go away, if you go away.

But if you stay, I'll make you a night

Like no night has been, or will be again

I'll sail on your smile, I'll ride on your touch

I'll talk to your eyes that I love so much

But if you go, I won't cry

Though the good is gone from the word goodbye

If you go away, if you go away, if you go away.

If you go away, as I know you must

There is nothing left in this world to trust

Just an empty room, full of empty space

Like the empty look I see on your face

I'd have been the shadow of your shadow

If you might have kept me by your side

If you go away, if you go away, if you go away

Rod McKuen

1964

Prince Harry filmed diving fully clothed into pool at a club in Croatia (Video)

Prince Harry was caught on cam jumping with his clothes on into a pool at Veneranda Club on Croatia's trendy Hvar island.

An amateur video shows the British royalty dancing beside the pool and then diving right into it after he lost his balance a bit. He comes up from the water and dances again.

Check out the said video below:

Prince Harry spotted dancing at a club, diving into pool fully clothed | Video courtesy of Telegraph

"Harry was dancing around with his arms in the air. He was having a great time and seemed pretty tipsy," a fellow clubber told British tabloid The Sun. "Suddenly he just jumped into the pool and one of his friends jumped in after him. Everyone thought it was really funny and Harry was laughing his head off. He was soaked to the skin but he didn't care. He loved being the center of attention."

Another onlooker said, "Harry's dancing wasn't great. In fact it was embarrassing. But once they realized who he was, everyone wanted to have a photo with him."

Prince Harry, 26, who recently broke up with British lingerie model Florence Brudenell-Bruce, reportedly left the club at dawn arm-in-arm with two local models.

Hvar is said to be a favorite summer destination of celebrities. Gwyneth Paltrow, Gerard Depardieu and Steven Spielberg have reportedly visited the island in the past.

Justin Bieber involved in minor car accident

Justin Bieber | Photo: Justindrewbieberblog

Justin Bieber got into a minor car crash in Los Angeles, Tuesday afternoon.

According to several entertainment sites, a Honda Civic collided with Justin Bieber's super expensive black Ferrari. Justin was driving at that time and he was with a companion believed to be his assistant.

No one was hurt from the car accident. The teen pop singer is fine, so as his car and passenger.

"Justin Bieber was driving a Ferrari and the other car was a Honda... we have no injuries, no damages to either car," a Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman told AFP.

The LAPD added that Justin's car was "tapped" from behind by the Honda Civic.

Photo: Jason Castro's newborn daughter

Madeline Emilia Castro

Jason Castro and his wife Mandy welcomed their first child into their family on Sunday, when Mandy gave birth to a daughter. The baby girl was given the name Madeline Emilia.

Jason and Mandy got married last year and revealed news of their pregnancy in April. He then wrote on his website, "We just found out yesterday that it is going to be a girl! That makes me laugh ... what am I going to do with a sweet little girl?! Probably just smile a lot ... I cannot wait!!!" Now former American Idol contestant Jason, 24, posted photos of his adorable daughter on his website. Among the photos a cute shot of the new dad with his little girl.

Jason Castro with his daughter Madeline

Matthew Fox arrested after attacking a woman in Cleveland

Matthew Fox arrested in Cleveland

Matthew Fox was arrested Monday morning after allegedly attacking a female bus driver in Cleveland.

According to reports, Fox was accused of punching a lady driver named Heather Bormann, 29, in the chest and stomach after the latter blocked the entrance of the private party bus she was driving when the "Lost" actor attempted to hitch on the vehicle which was already rented out by someone else.

Fox reportedly received a blow to his mouth in return, sustaining a cut on his lips. He was briefly detained and was later released to a friend.

An American actor and former model, Matthew Fox's first major role was playing older brother and family patriarch Charlie Salinger on "Party of Five" in the 1990s, co-starring with Scott Wolf, Neve Campbell, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Lacey Chabert. He is also known for his role as Dr. Jack Shephard on the ABC drama series "Lost."

Rihanna gets waxed by Madame Tussauds again

Rihanna has a new wax figure at Madame Tussauds, this time in Berlin, Germany. The said Rihanna's wax double came almost a year after when the first one was unveiled in the Washington, D.C branch of the museum.

Rihanna's wax figure | WENN.com

Rocking the same funky outfit from her "Who's That Chick" music video, the latest statue has been updated with the Rihanna's more recent red coif and new tattoos, making it more life-like.

Meanwhile, 9 months after shooting, the music video of Nicki Minaj and Riri song "Fly" has debuted a few moments after Nicki's win at the MTV Video Music Awards 2011. Check it out here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/08/nicki-minaj-fly-music-video-featuring.html

Cebu Pacific 'Piso Fare' ends today

Cebu Pacific announced a seat sale yesterday wherein base fares for all domestic flights scheduled on December 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 were all set to Php1. The said "Piso Fare" seat sale will end today, August 30, 2011.

Cebu Pacific Piso Fare 2011

To book a flight, please visit the Cebu Pacific website: www.cebupacificair.com.

Here are more details about the promo:

--Domestic Seat Sale
--Pick your favourite seat from as low as P200
--Supersize your baggage! Pre-book and SAVE up to 50%
--Get insured in travel insurance.
--Choose from available domestic and international rooms with Hotels
--Get exclusive deals! Sign up for SeatSaleAlert!.
--Sale Period: Up to Aug. 30, 2011 or until seats last
--Travel Period: Dec. 1, 2011 - Jan. 31, 2012
--Quoted fares are one way. Limited availability. Fares are non-refundable.
--Fares are exclusive of government fees, taxes and fuel surcharges.
--Flight changes must be made more than 24 hours before scheduled time of departure.
--At time of booking, pre-purchase your baggage allowance to save time and money at check-in.
--CAB approved terms and conditions of carriage apply and are available online.

Beyonce pregnant with first child

Beyonce pregnant with first child | Photo courtesy of MTV

Beyonce is pregnant!

Beyonce herself revealed the news at the recently concluded 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

While walking on the red carpet, she hinted the press she has "a surprise."

On stage, following her electrifying performance of her song "Love on Top," Beyonce unbuttoned her jacket, showed her baby bump and told the crowd that she is expecting her first child with Jay-Z.

“I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside of me," Beyonce said.

In her recent interview with In Style magazine, Beyonce had said,  “Now I’m a woman, and because I gave it my all, I can focus on my marriage. I can decide I want to have kids. I can be the mother I want to be and dedicate myself to my children.”

The pregnancy announcement made history in the popular social networking site Twitter.

"Last night at 10:35 pm, Beyonce's big MTV #VMA moment gave Twitter a record bump: 8,868 Tweets per second," Twitter Global announced.

The previous record was 7,196 tweets per second which was made last July during the grand final match between Japan and USA in the women's World Cup.

Meanwhile, among the tweets pertaining to Beyonce's pregnancy included those from the singer's friends and family. Among them were the following:

“I’m sooo happy for Beyonce & Jay Z,” reality TV star Kim Kardashian tweeted. “Be’s preggo!!! Congrats!”

“I Finally get to say congratulations to Beyoncé and Sean Carter,” singer-song writer The Dream tweeted. “Bless You Both!”

“We couldn’t be more excited,” Beyonce's little sister Angie tweeted. “The sweet anticipation of the new arrival!”

Beyonce, 29, and Jay-Z, 41, got married on April 4, 2008 in New York City.

Born On This Day- August 29th... Musical Theatre & Karl Ulrichs... Coincidence?

Did you know that the Broadway musical & the term "homosexuality" were invented almost simultaneously? Pure coincidence?

Beginning in Paris with Jacques Offenbach & in Vienna with Johann Strauss, the operetta waltzed and can-canned its way across Europe. In the same era, America stumbled upon a musical theatre of its own. The Black Crook (1866) had little plot, crappy songs & lots of spectacle. There had been American musicals before this show, but this was the first to be a great big SRO hit. It spawned 100s of musical spectaculars with fantasy themes, known as extravaganzas. American audiences made these early musicals a thriving part of what was then referred to as "the show business." The Musical Comedy Queen was born, & meanwhile, in Europe:

In 1839, German born- Karl Heinrich Ulrichs & his riding teacher began a sexual affair when Ulrichs was a youth. As a lawyer, he seemed restless, often moonlighting as a freelance writer. As a closet gay, he risked financial ruin in engaging in a relationship with a soldier, & several other men.

When he was 34 years old, Ulrichs lost his government job for being gay, & he began publishing pamphlets explaining & defending love between men. When he had just turned 42 years old, he addressed the German congress, coming out publicly & demanding they repeal their anti-gay laws. He was shouted down before he could finish his speech. His books were banned, but he continued writing about homosexuality (a term that he was the 1st to use) for the rest of his life.

100 years before Stonewall, his book- Araxes, would put forth the modern arguments for gay rights. In 1879, he published- Research on the Riddle of Man-Manly Love. In bad health & feeling he had done all he could in Germany, he went Italy, where he settled in L'Aquila, where his health improved.

Ulrichs continued to write prolifically & publish his works (in German & Latin) at his own expense. In 1895, he received an honorary diploma from the University of Naples. Shortly after he died in L'Aquila, where he had lived as the guest of a local landowner, Marquis Niccolò Persichetti, who gave the eulogy at his funeral.

Forgotten for many years, Ulrichs is now a cult figure in Europe. There are streets named for him in Munich, Bremen & Hanover. His birthday is marked every year by with a street party & poetry reading at Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Platz in Munich. The city of L'Aquila has restored his grave & hosts the annual pilgrimage to the cemetery.

Ulrichs: "Until my dying day I will look back with pride that I found the courage to come face to face in battle against the spectre which for time immemorial has been injecting poison into me and into men of my nature. Many have been driven to suicide because all their happiness in life was tainted. Indeed, I am proud that I found the courage to deal the initial blow to the hydra of public contempt."

I like to think that this most important of gay rights pioneers would have named CATS- now & forever, as his favorite Broadway Musical.

'Game of Thrones Season 2' new cast revealed

Just a couple of days after its debut on TV in the US last April, HBO's medieval fantasy series "Game of Thrones" was immediately picked up for a second season.

Games of Thrones Season 1 Trailer

A month later, casting was started for Season 2. And the list of new cast and characters looks like this so far:

--Gwendoline Christie as the female warrior Brienne of Tarth
--Liam Cunningham as the former smuggler Ser Davos Seaworth
--Oliver Ford Davies as Maester Cressen
--Stephen Dillane as would-be king and Robert's brother, Stannis Baratheon
--Natalie Dormer as Lady Margaery Tyrell, betrothed of Renly Baratheon,
--Carice van Houten as Melisandre of Asshai
--Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy
--Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos
--Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H'ghar,
--Kerr Logan as Matthos Seaworth,
--Roy Dotrice as Pyromancer Hallyne,
--Hannah Murray as Gilly
--Karl Davies as Alton Lannister
--Ben Crompton as "Dolorous Edd" Tollet,
--Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton,
--Robert Pugh as Craster,
--Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy
--Daniel Portman as Podrick Payne
--Ian Hanmore as Pyat Pree

The first season of the series ended last June, 2011 in the US -it premiered just this August in some other parts of the world. The premiere of "Game of Thrones Season 2' is yet to be announced.

Justin Bieber's videos on Youtube gone?

Justin Bieber's videos on Youtube reportedly were inaccessible for a short period of time today because they have been temporarily removed after copyright claims from a user named "ilCreation."

A screen cap of the most watched video on Youtube, Justin Bieber's "Baby"

"ilCreation" is said to be responsible for similar removal of Lady Gaga's and Rihanna's videos today as well.

However, it was found out that they were all fraudulent claims and the videos were immediately restored.

On Facebook, VEVO said they worked on having the videos back.

"We're aware of the shady activity happening now with our channels on YouTube. The videos have not been deleted, there have just been fraudulent copyright claims. We are working with YouTube to restore everything now. Thank you for your patience," VEVO announced.

According to unverified reports, "ilCreation" is a 13-year-old boy from Pakistan.

"ilCreation" trended for sometime today on Twitter.

Hydrangea At The Post Apocalyptic Bohemian Garden

Native to Japan & Korea, there are hundreds of variaties. I used to consider them a "grandma" plant, but they have won me over with their long season show. The flowers set bud in early spring, the blooms come slowly & once open they change color every few weeks through October & beyond. One of the few plants that flower on new wood.

When we moved to Post Apocalyptic Bohemia we had inherited bad sod & a bunch of Rhododendrons pressed against the house. The land was scorched, with very little shade or cover. The back garden had been overrun with blackberries & ivy (neither native to Western Oregon) & had a dog run & clothesline. A decade later we have a shade garden, with peek-a-boo sun during the day.

We have planted many Hydrangea, which do well in our regular soil & shady conditions. They need little extra care & in the PNW, seem to have little pest problems.

Ruben Nicolai is a dad again

Ruben Nicolai © fotovantellingen.nl

Dutch presenter Ruben Nicolai and his girlfriend Laurien welcomed a daughter on Saturday morning. The baby girl was given the name Daantje. Ruben, 36, and his girlfriend are already parents to 4-year old daughter Liv.
Congrats!

I Am 6 Degrees of Separation From Activist/Pioneer Edward Carpenter On His Birthday

Gay activist, socialist, feminist, pacifist, nudist, mystic, poet, essayist, sandal wearer… The Post Apocalyptic Bohemian? Wrong... today’s Birthday gay is Edward Carpenter. Challenging both capitalism & the values of Western civilization, Edward Carpenter had an extraordinary impact on the cultural & political landscape of the late 19th & early 20th centuries. Carpenter’s enjoyed friendships with Walt Whitman, Robert Graves, Oscar Wilde, E.M. Forster, Isadora Duncan & Emma Goldman. After reading Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, Carpenter envisioned a world of brotherly love that would do away with the class system & bring true freedom & democracy.

Edward Carpenter in1874

George Merrill in 1874

Carpenter graduated from Cambridge & held a position once filled by Leslie Stephen, the father of Virginia Woolf. He gave public lectures for the working class,but attended only by the middle class, who didn’t like to his ideas. He unsuccessfully sought the friendship of laborers, but in 1891, after meeting by chance on a train, he & uneducated worker- George Merrill became lovers. In 1898, when Carpenter was 54 & Merrill was 32, they set up house together, unheard of in England which was profoundly anti-gay after the Oscar Wilde trials. They lived openly as a couple for 30 years until Merrill’s death, & their love affair, crossing the classes, was the direct inspiration for their friend E.M. Forster’s novel Maurice, as well as D.H. Lawrence’s straight version- Lady Chatterley's Lover. American- Harry Hay, credited Carpenter’s writings for galvanizing him to start the 1st gay rights group- The Mattachine Society, in L.A. in 1950.

Carpenter in 1924

 Carpenter felt strongly that people tend to settle down into a single deep permanent union, but along the way they should be experiencing a variety of relationships & sexual adventures. He warned that the ideal of exclusive attachment can lapse into a stagnant 2 way selfishness. He saw a society with love & devotion between individuals without the quality of their love being defined by exclusiveness based on jealousy, a sense of private property in the other person, social opinions, & legal unions. He believed that such unions suffocate love in egoism, lust, & meanness.Carpenter wrote of sex as a good thing in human consciousness & not a sign or cause of human frailty & sinfulness.

In May 1928, Carpenter suffered a stroke leaving him almost helpless. He lived another 13 months before he died on a perfect summer afternoon, Friday June 28, 1929, exactly 40 years before the Stonewall riots. In 1910 Carpenter had written:

"I should like these few words to be read over the grave when my body is placed in the earth; for though it is possible I may be present & conscious of what is going on, I shall not be able to communicate. Do not think too much of the dead husk of your friend, or mourn too much over it, but send your thoughts out towards the real soul or self which has escaped to reach it. For so, surely you will cast a light of gladness upon his onward journey, & contribute your part towards the building of that kingdom of love which links our earth to heaven."

In 1967, gay Beat poet Allen Ginsburg interviewed Gavin Arthur (grandson of U.S. President Chester A. Arthur), world traveler, adventurer, & later a San Francisco astrologer,about his experience, as a young man of 23 years old, visiting Carpenter in England & having sex with the then 80 year old. Carpenter had told Arthur of his own sexual experience, as a 33 year old man, with the 58 year old Walt Whitman. When the young Arthur asked how Whitman had made love, Carpenter replied, "I will show you." The account of their night together is very sweet.

The Post Apocalyptic Bohemian in 1971

This means I am 6 Degrees of Separation from Walt Whitman
... who slept with Edward Carpenter:

Edward Carpenter slept with Gavin Arthur

Gavin Arthur slept with Beat poet Neal Cassady

Neal Cassady slept with Allen Ginsberg
Allen Ginsberg slept with James Dean
James Dean slept with producer Robert Fryer
Stephen slept with Robert Fryer in 1974.

For more on Edward Carpenter check out- Edward Carpenter: A Life of Liberty & Love by Sheila Rowbotham

Miss Universe 2011: Shamcey Supsup believes in aliens, wants to be a bird and fly

Shamcey Supsup's Miss Universe gown

Shamcey Supsup was recently made to answer three questions for her web interview - all were generic questions also given to the rest of the Miss Universe 2011 candidates. Here were Shamcey's answers:

Do you believe in life on other planets?

Well, I believe there are other people in other planets because if we are living on earth and it's a big place... and it is small... you know... thing compared to the galaxy and another galaxy... I believe there are people out there. We just have to find them out sooner.

What advantage do women have over men?

Well, I think one advantage is that we rely on our intuition. And they always say that when a woman has an intuition, it is usually right.  So we know if you are lying or not. So guys don't ever fool us. noypistuff

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Hmmmm... If I'd be an animal, I wanna be bird... because I wanna fly without limit.. like see the mountains and the seas...  And you know just feel free and feel the wind on my face. So I'd be a bird, any kind of bird.

Check out the video of the said Shamcey Supsup's Miss Universe 2011 web interview below:



Shamcey Supsup, the Philippines' representative, is competing against 88 other candidates from all over the world in Brazil right now for the most coveted Miss Universe 2011 title. The  pageant's coronation will be on September 13th and will be aired live on ABS-CBN.

Choose Philippines launches 'Piliin mo ang Pilipinas' music video

Choose Philippines, an ABS-CBN-owned local tourism-driven social networking website, has launched the music video of its theme song "Piliin mo ang Pilipinas."

Choose Philippines music video screen-grab featuring Angeline Quinto

The Choose Philippines theme song was performed by “Star Power” champ Angeline Quinto and singer Vincent Bueno who previously collaborated in the summer station ID of ABS-CBN, "Bida Best sa Tag-araw." The festive song was written by Robert Labayen, the one who wrote “Bro Star ng Pasko,” a Christmas station ID theme song of the TV network.


 Choose Philippines Music Video
The "Piliin mo ang Pinas" music video was released on ASAP Rocks last Sunday in commemoration of the National Heroes Day which is being celebrated in the country today.

Apart from being a travel website dedicated in providing information about the places, food and culture of the Philippines, Choose Philippines also allows users to share updates about their locality and share stories and experiences of their journeys, thus considered a social networking site as well.

Here are more info about the new website courtesy of its Facebook Fan Page:

Have you discovered the true Philippines?

C-Culture
H-History
OO-Open Outdoors
S-Shopping
E-Events

Choose Philippines, a community that showcases the best of the Philippines - as they see it. We have learned a lot in the few months we've been up and we're sure that if you are a fan, you have learned a lot too.

So come Choose the Philippines! Pili-pinas! It's an archipelago loaded with places to go (PINASyal), food to eat (PINASarap), people to meet (PINASikat) and events to celebrate the whole year (PINASaya)!

Pili-pinas, Choose Philippines! A whole new world to discover today! Join us!

Bird Flu is back, mutant strain spreading: UN

Bird Flu resurgence feared

Bird Flu or the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 cases are on the rise again and the possibility of a major resurgence is being feared. These prompted the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to advise health authorities around the world to step up surveillance and readiness.

"Wild birds may introduce the virus, but people's actions in poultry production and marketing spread it," said Juan Lubroth, the chief veterinary officer of FAO.

Lubroth added, "The general departure from the progressive decline in 2004-08 could mean that there will be a flare-up of H5N1 this autumn and winter, with people unexpectedly finding the virus in their backyard."

Since 2003, there have been 565 individuals reported to have contracted Bird Flu. According to the UN, at least 331 of them died.

Because of the Bird Flu, more than 400 million domestic poultry have been destroyed since 2003, damaging $20 billion to world's economies before bird flu was supposedly eradicated from the majority of the 63 nations infected in 2006 (bird flu peak).

However, H5N1 has continued to be endemic in six countries - Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Egypt, China and Bangladesh.

The number of domestic and wild birds infected fell from 4000 in 2006 to 302 in 2008. However, over the last twenty-four months, numbers have been steadily rising. 800 cases were reported in 2010-2011.

A mutant strain of the deadly Bird Flu is reportedly spreading in Asia and other parts of the world. The FAO has described its risks to the human health as "unpredictable."

At least eight people have reportedly died of Bird Flu in Cambodia this year. 

'Connected' featuring Barbie Hsu airs on ABS-CBN

A tagalized version of the award-winning movie titled "Connected" was aired on ABS-CBN Tuesday.

The action-crime thriller features Barbie Hsu, who is well known by Noypi fans for her role as Shan Cai in Taiwanese drama "Meteor Garden" and Louis Koo, who starred with Jackie Chan in Rob-B-Hood.

The Benny Chan-helmed film revolves around a distressing phone call received by debt collector Bob (Koo) from Grace (Hsu) who has been kidnapped.

The movie was a box office hit when it was released in Hong Kong in 2008. It is a remake of the Hollywood film "Cellular" starring Chris Evans, Kim Basinger and John Statham.

Check out the trailer of "Connected" below:

Beyoncé is pregnant!

Beyoncé at the MTV Awards © Jason Merritt/Getty

At Sunday's MTV Music Video Awards Beyoncé wore a gorgeous orange dress. It wasn't the dress that got all attention though, it was her hands cradling her belly, whilst saying, "I have a surprise!" After performing at the MTV Awards the 29-year old singer unbuttoned her jacket and rubbed her stomach, as the crowd cheered and clapped. A rep for the singer confirms the good news to People Magazine, "I'm happy to say that it's true".

People Magazine quotes a source as saying, "They told friends in the last month. She's never been happier. Seriously it's all she's been waiting for. And Jay is like an excited kid. They're adorable." In June Beyoncé was already hinting at a pregnancy, when she said in an interview to Piers Morgan, "I always said I would have a baby at 30." Beyoncé will turn 30 September 4th.

This will be the first child for Beyoncé and Jay-Z. The singer and the rapper and music mogul, 41, started dating in 2002. They were married on April 4th, 2008.

Petra Ecclestone and Jamie Stunt are married

Jamie Stunt and Petra Ecclestone © Richard Young/Startraks

The new owner of Aaron Spelling's Candyland, British heiress and socialite Petra Ecclestone and businesmman James 'Jamie' Stunt were married in a three-day event just outside Rome, Italy. The 22-year old daughter of former model Slavica and Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone tied the knot in a Vera Wang gown. The outdoor ceremony took place at Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, the castle where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes married in 2006.

The lavish event was attended by 350 guests and Eric Clapton and the Black Eyed Peas were among the entertainment for guests such as Nicky and Paris Hilton and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. 

Once the redecorating is done, Petra and Jamie are planning on settling in L.A. (for a while). Petra's handbag line will be released in the US this fall.

Anne Curtis sings 'Sukob Na' on ABS-CBN's Station ID 2011

Anne Curtis, who will be launched as a recording artist soon with the upcoming release of her album "Anne-bisyosa," has somehow officially debuted her singing career through the Station ID of the Kapamilya network for the rainy season.

Anne Curtis while recording "Anne-bisyosa" | Photo courtesy of Anne

Check out Anne Curtis performing "Sukob Na" on ABS-CBN's Rainy Season Station ID 2011:

Anne Curtis - Sukob Na, ABS-CBN Rainy Season Station ID 2011 | Video courtesy of ABS-CBN

What can you say? :D

Originally sung by 17:22, "Sukob Na" has been used by ABS-CBN for their rainy season Station ID twice, in 2002 and 2010.

If you wanna sing along, you can check out the song's lyrics below:

"Sukob Na" Lyrics

Tuwing umuulan ay naaalala tayong dalawa
Kay sarap isipin na may kasama sa buhay ‘pag bumaha

CHORUS 1
Sukob na, halika na
Sabay tayo sa payong ko
Hawak ka, kapit pa
Sa payong ko, magkasama tayo

Ohh ooh
(Sukob na, sukob na)

Hinding-hindi ka pababayaan na mag-isa sa ulan
Aalagaan, magtatawanan, wala na ‘tong iwanan noypistuff

CHORUS 2
Sukob na, halika na
Sabay tayo sa payong ko
Hawak ka, kapit pa
Umula’t bumagyo, magkasama tayo

BRIDGE
‘Di ko na inakala pa na ika’y paririto
Ngunit salamat na lamang at dumating ka sa buhay ko

[Repeat CHORUS 2]

CHORUS 3
Sukob na, halika na
Sabay tayo sa payong ko
Yakap ka, kapit pa
Umula’t bumagyo, magkasama tayo

Sa payong ko, magkasama tayong dalawa
(Sukob na, sukob na)

Nicki Minaj 'Fly' music video featuring Rihanna now online

Nicki Minaj has released the music video of her new single "Fly" wherein she collaborated with Grammy-award winning artist Rihanna.

Nicki Minaj and Rihanna on "Fly" music video

The MV came just a few moments after she was awarded "The Best Hip-Hop Video" for her 2010 hit "Super Bass" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

Will this new MV win the VMAs next year?

Check out the Nicki Minaj's Fly music video below:

Here's the song's lyrics just in case you want to sing along:

Nicki Minaj, Rihanna "Fly" Lyrics

[Rihanna - Chorus]

I came to win, to fight, to conquer, to thrive

I came to win, to survive, to prosper, to rise

To fly

To fly

[Nicki Minaj]

I wish today it will rain all day

Maybe that will kinda make the pain go away

Trying to forgive you for abandoning me

Praying but I think I’m still an angel away

Angel away, yeah strange in a way

Maybe that is why I chase strangers away

They got their guns out aiming at me

But I become near when they aiming at me

Me, me, me against them

Me against enemies, me against friends

Somehow they both seem to become one

A sea full of sharks and they all see blood

They start coming and I start rising

Must be surprising, I’m just summising

Win, thrive, soar, higher, higher, higher

More fire

[Rihanna - Chorus]

I came to win, to fight, to conquer, to thrive

I came to win, to survive, to prosper, to rise

To fly

To fly

[Nicki Minaj - Verse 2]

Everybody wanna try to box me in

Suffocating everytime it locks me in

Paint they own pictures than they crop me in

But I will remain where the top begins noypistuff

Cause I am not a word, I am not a line

I am not a girl that can every be defined

I am not fly, I am levitation

I represent an entire generation

I hear the criticism loud and clear

That is how I know that the time is near

So we become alive in a time of fear

And I aint got no muthaf-cking time to spare

Cry my eyes out for days upon days

Such a heavy burden placed upon me

But when you go hard your nay’s become yay’s

Yankee Stadium with Jay’s and Kanye’s

[Rihanna - Chorus]

I came to win, to fight, to conquer, to thrive

I came to win, to survive, to prosper, to rise

To fly

To fly

[Nicki Minaj - Bridge]

Get ready for it

Get ready for it

Get ready for it

I came to win

Get ready for it

Get ready for it

I came to win

[Rihanna - Chorus]

I came to win, to fight, to conquer, to thrive

I came to win, to survive, to prosper, to rise

To fly

To fly