New Iron Man 3 Teaser Art: Is Tony Stark Now a Mutant?!

Look who's ready to suit up again!
Iron Man 3 doesn't hit theaters until next May, but we're already starting to see bits and pieces of what to expect from the Robert Downey Jr.–headlined flick.
It's what's we're not seeing in these teasers, though, that's got the geekverse abuzz.
Marvel has released an image of concept art from the flick that shows Downey's Tony Stark battling baddies in what appears to be an armored suit ermerging from his body.
MORE: Robert Downey Jr. Starts Filming Iron Man 3—Everything You Need to Know!
The pic, which was posted on The Avengers' Facebook page, depicts only sections of the suit on his left arm and left leg, with the rest of his armor MIA.
The image immediately reinforced fanboys' theories that the film's top-secret plot would indeed be based on the comic book's famous Extremis storyline, in which a scientist creates a drug that grants superhuman abilities to its subjects.
That, or Tony Stark was rushing to get dressed and forgot to strap on a few accessories. Hey, happens to all of us!
The flick already starting filming in late May with Gwyneth Paltrow, who reprises her Pepper Potts role, as well as potential new love interest Rebecca Hall. (Jessica Chastain reportedly had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.)

Guy Pearce is also on board as a geneticist named Aldrich Killian, who supposedly creates the Extremis serum.
As for the baddie, Ben Kingsley has signed on to play a supervillain, and although the studio has yet to confirm his identity, speculation is running high that he could take on the role of Mandarin, a wealthy scientist and martial-arts expert who draws his immense power from highly advanced alien technology.
Hopefully, some of those questions will get answered when Iron Man 3 hits Comic-Con on July 14 and invades the the San Diego Convention Center's vaunted Hall H.
The film arrives in theaters on May 3, 2013

 

San Diego Fireworks Fail: Everything Goes Off at Once, Show Over in 30 Seconds

A bootleg fireworks fail on some random guy's street? You almost expect that on July 4. But the seventh-largest U.S. city screwing up? That's more noteworthy!

The July 4 fireworks show in San Diego ended abruptly after a malfunction on three barges in the city's coastal bay caused all the explosives to go off at the same time.
An extravaganza that was supposed to last 25-30 minutes was compressed into about that many seconds. Silver lining: those 25-30 seconds were awesome!!

 

San Diego Fireworks 2012

Zombie Theme Park: "Z World" Bound For Detroit?

If entrepreneur Mark Siwak has anything to do with it, Detroit's economy may soon have new life breathed into it by ... the undead. How's that for irony?
He is hoping to bring a zombie theme park called "Z World" to the motor city.
"Z World" would be a massive, 200-acre theme park, a "survival ride" of sorts where people stay the night and try to fend off zombies. Good times!
If players are caught in the night, they would turn into zombies and go chase their friends, he says. So it's like zombie apocalypse meets laser tag.

From Rudy Eugene to Karl Laventure, zombies among us are all the rage these days. But would a park based around something like this be a real draw?
Siwak, who is trying to raise $140,000 to create "Z World," said that Detroit is a perfect fit as parts of it almost resemble a post-apocalyptic town.
Siwak said of the plan: "There are formal proposals to essentially abandon some Detroit neighborhoods. That's not a solution. We must be more creative than that."
"Let's start something fun and unique to revitalize an area and create jobs."
It's true, if you were going make a zombie theme park, Detroit seems like the place to do it ... plenty of vacant lots, and the real estate prices are a steal!
So far, Siwak doesn't have too many supporters, however. His fundraising page at indigogo has only raised $4,231, more than $135,000 short of his goal.

Woman Selling Soul on eBay For $2,000

Selling everything from ghosts to haunted objects on eBay is nothing new, but an actual mortal soul is now up for bids at a relatively affordable cost if you want it.
A freelance writer by the name of Lori N. is currently selling hers on the online auction side for $2,000, a reasonable amount for something so potentially powerful.
According to Click On Detroit, Lori was in a car crash not too long ago, an accident that has had a very negative effect on her existence - mentally and physically.

She’s currently “at the end of her rope” and her body is a mess, she claims, and she’s just looking to make some money on what’s left of her soul. Understandable.
“What I’m going to deliver is the opportunity for someone to save my soul. They can save it through prayer, they can save it through conversion,” its owner says.
“And I’m also going to give them a certificate detailing the white and black marks on my soul,” which is listed as slightly used on eBay.
That's a relief … you don't want to get ripped off by some inauthentic soul.
Astonishingly, no one has bid yet, but have no fear, you still have until 12:52 Pacific time tomorrow to do market research and pull the trigger.

Tomas Lopez, Lifeguard Fired For Saving Man Outside His Coverage Zone, Offered Old Job Back

Fired Florida lifeguard Tomas Lopez, who was let go earlier this week for saving a swimmer outside his jurisdiction, has been offered his old job back.
His response: Thanks but no thanks.
"It's another chapter in my life closed and I am just going to continue to get my schooling finished and get on with my career," Lopez told CNN.

The much-publicized incident took place at Hallandale Beach, north of Miami, on Monday, when Lopez instinctively went after a drowning man.
Lopez said the man had turned blue and "was having a lot of trouble breathing." He was outside Lopez's coverage zone, though, so he got fired.
The pink slip was handed down by Jeff Ellis Management Co., which says lifeguards are not insured outside the beach for which they are responsible.
Ellis told CNN on Thursday: "Clearly, he should not have been terminated for what had occurred. I know that he has tried to do the right thing."
"I have no doubts I did the right thing," Lopez, who said he knew the rules but acted anyway, told CNN in the aftermath of his pink slip.
"I believe I did what was right, and that if someone needs help you're going to go help them, regardless if you're a lifeguard or not."
Three other lifeguards quit in protest and two others were dismissed after saying they would have followed Tomas Lopez's example.
As for the drowning victim, a nurse on the beach assisted him until EMTs arrived. He is said to be in good condition as of Friday, CNN reports.

Britney Marshall, 14, Pressured By Mom to Get Breast Implants

Britney Marshall, a 14-year-old from Nottinghamshire, England, is the youngest of five girls in her family ... and the only one without breast implants.
Her mother, Chantal Marshall, wants to change that.
The elder Marshall told the Sun (UK), "Britney is going through a funny phase at the moment and saying she doesn’t want to get her boobs done."
Marshall really wishes she would, she openly admits.

"At the moment she doesn’t really have what I would say are boobs. I’d like her to follow in her sisters’ footsteps... I really love the fake look of my girls."
"I know Britney will go that way when she’s a bit older."
Chantal and her four other daughters collectively own $50,000 worth of fake boobs, with sizes ranging from 32DD (Ripley, 21) to 34HH (Terri, 27).
But Britney Marshall is determined to stay au naturel... for now. It seems Britney's brothers provide an alternative perspective on the matter.
According to the Daily Mail, Chantal Marshall admitted, "Some of my sons think we’re crazy... They keep telling Britney she should be different."
Listen to your brothers, Britney. Please.

San Diego Fireworks Fail: Everything Goes Off at Once, Show Over in 30 Seconds

A bootleg fireworks fail on some random guy's street? You almost expect that on July 4. But the seventh-largest U.S. city screwing up? That's more noteworthy!

The July 4 fireworks show in San Diego ended abruptly after a malfunction on three barges in the city's coastal bay caused all the explosives to go off at the same time.
An extravaganza that was supposed to last 25-30 minutes was compressed into about that many seconds. Silver lining: those 25-30 seconds were awesome!!

San Diego Fireworks 2012

UEFA Euro 2012 Poland-Ukraine 'Germany running scared'

Italian playmaker Andrea Pirlo believes Euro 2012 semifinal opponents Germany are running scared ahead of their clash with Italy in Warsaw on Thursday.
Germany have never beaten Italy in a competitive match, losing three times and drawing as many in World Cup finals and European Championships.
They also met in a World Cup qualifier in 1962 with the game ending in a draw.
And Pirlo, 33, believes that history will give Italy the edge.
"Germany are definitely scared of us, they know we can create difficulties for them given what's happened in the past and they will have to be careful to avoid a repeat of what happened in 2006," said the Juventus midfielder.
The two sides met at the same stage of the World Cup in Germany six years ago and Italy won 2-0 - Pirlo's stunning pass setting up their first in the final stages of extra-time - before going on to beat France on penalties in the final.
Italy also triumphed over West Germany in the 1970 World Cup semifinal and the final in 1982.
While Italy came into the tournament in the midst of a crisis of form and confidence as well as surrounded by ugly match-fixing headlines, they have steadily improved during the competition.
And Pirlo believes they just need to continue playing the same way and success will come.
"We'll play in the same way because it's the only way we know. We'll try to have possession and make the most of our strengths.
"Germany play differently to England, they play (rather than just defend) and can create chances but we're ready, we've come here to win the Euros.
"We're strong in every department but it's not just been in this competition, it was the same in other years.
"It will be a great game and worthy of a semifinal."
Italy have always played after Germany throughout the tournament meaning they had the chance to watch their opponents' matches and Pirlo has been impressed with Mesut Ozil.
"We've seen all their games because they played before us so we were all in front of the television.
"They're a great team, in the last 20 years they've reached six semifinals, they always go far.
"They're a great team but we've studied them.
"They have many great players but Ozil is very important both for Germany and Real Madrid.
"He's a great player and has proved that on the pitch."
That Italy have come this far is intriguing for a pair of reasons.
The first being their poor form in friendlies before the competition as they had lost three games in a row, including a 3-0 defeat to Russia on June 1 in Zurich.
The second reason being the Calcioscommesse football-betting scandal back home.
The last two times Italy have won a major international competition, the World Cups in 1982 and 2006, they did so following domestic match-fixing scandals.
Few people gave them a chance of going all the way when they turned up in Poland but history is on the brink of repeating itself.

Landslide death toll 86

Death toll in landslide and house collapse due to heavy downpour in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Bandarban rose to 86 yesterday.
Of the victims, 36 died in Bandarban, 23 in Chittagong and 27 in Cox's Bazar, officials in the respective districts said.
At least a dozen others died in drowning and lightning in Cox's Bazar and Sylhet over the last two days.
The death toll yesterday jumped from 15 the day before and is feared to mount further, with scores remain missing following multiple landslides in those districts.
Rescue operation was intensified yesterday with army troops joining the salvage efforts by volunteers and fire brigade members.
Heavy monsoon rain battered the southeast region of the country causing several landslides and house collapse in the hill slopes over the last three days.
All domestic and international flight operations to and from Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport were declared suspended at 4:30pm on Tuesday as the runway, like much of the port city, went under rainwater.
Flight operations were supposed to resume at 5:00am today, according to civil aviation authorities.
Train services on the Dhaka-Chittagong route were also cut off as a railway bridge at Bhatiari collapsed around 8:00pm on Tuesday, presumably due to the downpour that began around 3:30am.
Atiqur Rahman, deputy secretary of food and disaster management ministry who is working at the ministry's National Disaster Response Coordination Centre, said information of death continued coming up to the centre.
The center will remain open from 6:00am to 12:00pm every day for the next few days, a press release of the ministry said.
The government on Tuesday allocated Tk 10 million and 1,450 tonnes of rice for the affected people in Chittagong, Bandarban, Cox's Bazaar, Feni, Sylhet, Habiganj and Moulvibazar, among other districts.
In addition, local administrations in Chittagong, Bandarban, Cox's Bazaar, Feni and Sylhet have distributed 172 tonnes of rice and Tk 7 lakh among the victims.
Our Chittagong bureau office reports 18 people, including women and children, died in the port city and three in Banshkhali upazila.
Five members of a family were buried alive after a huge chunk of earth fell on their hillside home at the city's Biswa Colony on Tuesday, said Abdul Latif, officer-in-charge of Khulshi Police Station.
In the city's Motka Ghona area two sisters aged seven and eight died in a landslide on Tuesday evening.
Five people, including two two-year-old girls, were killed at Yasin Colony under Khulshi Police Station.
Twenty four members of Bangladesh Army were conducting rescue operation in the area.
Captain Gazi Mohammad Maksud-ur-Rahim, who led the operation, told The Daily Star they recovered three bodies from 7 to 8 feet under earth.
Three young members of a family were buried under mad on Tuesday night at Banshkhali upazila in Chittagong. The victims are Shahidul Islam, 12, Khorsheda Begum, 8 and Fatema Begum, 4.
In a wall collapse, 15-year-old schoolgirl Kawser Ani died at Chikandandi union under Hathazari upazila.
The incident happened when a roadside demarcation wall fell on her amid ceaseless rain while she was passing through around 6.00pm, said Mohammad Idris, a member of the Chikandandi union.
Eight-year-old Abul Hossain of Ambagan area also died in a wall collapse on Tuesday night.
Four members of a family were buried alive at Andharmanik area under Khulshi in another incident of landslide on Tuesday night. The dead are Jahanara Begum, 40, and her three children Subarna Akter, 19, Rabeya Akter, 13, and Tanvir Ahmed, 9.
Meanwhile, city life started to return to normal yesterday as water receded in most of the city areas.
Power supply which was disrupted Tuesday was also restored in many areas yesterday.
However, loading and unloading of cargos at the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port still remained suspended due to bad weather, said Sayed Farhad Uddin, secretary of Chittagong Port Authority.
In Cox's Bazar, 10 bodies were recovered from Ukhiya, eight from Chakaria, seven from Ramu, five from Moheskhali, three each from Cox's Bazar sadar and Pekua and two from Kutubdia, said Abdul Mozid, district relief and rehabilitation officer.
He said 24 of them died in landslide, three in house collapse, and five in lightening while six people drowned, he added.

Rain plays havoc on Ctg people

The Chittagong Met office recorded 342.5 millimetre rain in the last 24 hours till 6:00pm yesterday, the highest rainfall this year. The Met office forecasts more shower in the next 24 hours.
PORT AUTHORITIES BLAMED
City dwellers hold the CCC responsible for their recurring sufferings.
“Two years have passed since the Mayor took office. But we do not see any significant initiative by the city authorities to address the water logging problem," said Masud Ahmed of Panchlaish.
Dozens other echoed his sentiment.
Asked, Bijoy Kumar Chowdhury, a councillor of the CCC, said the CCC alone could not solve the problem.
The job must be done in coordination with the Water and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) and the Chittagong Development Authority, added Bijoy, also chairman of CCC's standing committee on water logging.
Mahbub Alam, senior vice-president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also stressed the need for coordination between the CCC, Wasa and CDA to rid the city of the problem.
According to Zarina Hossain, a town planner, unplanned urbanisation is to blame for water stagnation.
Bijoy said the CCC had done a lot of work to address this problem but some major projects remain incomplete due to fund shortages.
“We have submitted a project proposal to dig a canal in the port city from Bahaddarhat to the Karnaphuli River,” he said, adding that the proposal was under consideration of the local government ministry.
The seven-km canal will go through Khawza Road before falling into the Karnaphuli.
Bijoy hoped that Chittagong's water logging problem will be solved to a great extent on completion of the Tk 297-crore project.

UN must strive to put an end to Rohingya persecution

AS THE office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees continues to implore Dhaka to open its borders to Rohingyas fleeing the sectarian strife in the western Rakhine state of Myanmar, in line with Bangladesh’s ‘long history of compassion and solidarity’, it is perhaps time to revisit the political roots of the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Regardless of the foreign minister’s insistence that the decision to not open the border to the fresh flux of Rohingya refugees is ‘logical and lawful’, which the UN agency’s acknowledgement that ‘Bangladesh has been bearing the brunt of the forced displacement caused by earlier crises in Myanmar’ tends to lend credence to, the government, as we have argued in these columns just the other day, cannot, and must not, look the other way while an increasing number of Rohingyas flee their burning homes.
That said, however, it needs to be pointed out that the UN and the international community must come out of what may be called its short-term crisis management mindset and bring the pressure to bear on the military junta in Myanmar so that Rohingyas are no longer subjected to persecution either by the state itself or forces that it patronises, directly or indirectly. According to the UN itself, as mentioned in a report front-paged in New Age on Saturday, describes Myanmar’s estimated 800,000 Rohingyas, whom the military junta considers to be foreigners and stripped citizenship of, as one of the world’s most persecuted minorities. The international community has time and again decried gross human rights violation by the dictatorial regime in Myanmar. However, such criticisms and condemnations have hardly translated into any meaningful actions to make the country’s military junta to put an end to sustained repression on its people, especially pro-democracy political leaders and activists, and minority communities. Of course, there have been international sanctions on Myanmar but it is the people at large who have borne the brunt of such measures. Besides, the sanction was imposed on different ground.
Of late, the West, especially the US, has gone gaga over the recent by-election in Myanmar, taking it to be an evidence of the military regime’s willingness to bring about the much-needed political reforms, and actually started contemplating withdrawal of economic and other sanctions. The latest spate of violence against the Rohingyas, which, many suspect, may have been encouraged and abetted by the government, would perhaps put a damper on such enthusiasm. Here, it needs to be pointed out that the response of Aung Sung Suu Kyi, the pioneer of the pro-democracy movement, to the unfolding crisis has been rather disappointing. Now in Geneva, Suu Kyi rightly said ‘such communal strife will continue’ until the rule of law is established. However, the people must have expected strong condemnation of the military regime from the Nobel Peace Prize winning leader for persecuting the Rohingya community.
Be that as it may, the UN and the international community need to realise that, while extending support to the Rohingya refugees in immediate term is extremely important, it is even more important to ensure that their citizenship is restored and that they are not forced to flee their homes ever again.

Woody Allen's “To Rome with Love” launches LA film fest

The Los Angeles Film Festival kicked off Thursday night with the North American premiere of Woody Allen's "To Rome with Love," an ensemble comedy that is the veteran director's follow-up to last year's successful "Midnight in Paris."
The 76-year-old filmmaker's 2011 tale of romance in the City of Light was Allen's most successful box office performer to date over a long career, earning more than $150 million at worldwide box offices and winning Allen an Oscar for screenwriting.
"To Rome with Love" drew mixed reviews in Europe where it debuted earlier this year, but Allen and the film's distributor, Sony Pictures Classics, are hoping the Los Angeles Film Festival in Hollywood's hometown and the North American release on June 22 will offer a fresh start for the movie.
"If you like the picture, I'm thrilled," Allen told the packed house before the lights went down, then added with his wry sense of humor. "If you hate it and think it was a waste of time coming, don't let me know cause I get depressed easily."
In its 18th year, the Los Angeles Film Festival, which is organized by non-profit group Film Independent continues to lure ever bigger movies and crowds. This year's event from June 14-24 features over 200 films, shorts and videos from 30 countries.
Independent and international filmmakers get the chance to mingle with directors such as William Friedkin ("The Exorcist"), Steven Soderbergh and Allen at panels, screenings and parties.
Making its world premiere on closing night, Steven Soderbergh's "Magic Mike," starring Channing Tatum, is loosely based on the actor's experience as a male stripper.
Between Allen's opening film and Soderbergh's closing night movie, gala screenings followed by star-studded parties will be held for Pixar's summer movie, "Brave," and Fox Searchlight's Sundance favorite "Beasts of the Southern Wild," as well as the Steve Carell-Keira Knightley apocalyptic comedy, "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World."
Guest Director William Friedkin will introduce his new movie, "Killer Joe" starring Matthew McConaughey as a matricidal cowboy. And film composer and frequent Tim Burton collaborator Danny Elfman will lead a conversation about movies and music.
Lesser-known films from independent writers and directors will compete for prizes - feature film and documentary category winners take home a top prize of $15,000 each.
Among this year's feature narrative competition, alienation is explored in movies like Portugal's "All is Well" about two Angolan sisters who immigrate to Lisbon where they struggle on the fringes of society, and "Four" in which a father and daughter find themselves trapped by lies they tell themselves.

Mayar Khela staged to celebrate Tagore-Nazrul anniversaries

Bangladesh-India Friendship Society arranged a programme to celebrate the birth anniversaries of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. The programme, held on June 15 at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy featured staging of the Tagore dance drama “Mayar Khela” by Shadhona.
The organisers were scheduled to stage a musical featuring Nazrul works; however, time limitations compelled them to cut short the second phase and perform songs and recitations of the National Poet's literary works.
Deputy Leader of the National Parliament, Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, was the chief guest. Pankaj Saran, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, was special guest and Dr. AK Azad Chowdhury, chairman UGC, presided over the inaugural session.
The cultural segment commenced with the rendition of the national anthems of both nations. Students of the Department of Music, Dhaka University sang the Tagore song “Aji Jhara Jhara”.
Shadhona premiered the Tagore dance drama at the beginning of the year. The exquisite production takes the audience into the world of colours.
“Mayar Khela” articulates the eternal theme of love. Mayakumari and Kumar (nymphs and sprites)weave illusions, entangling the minds of men and women. The story follows Amar, who loves Shanta but is taken in by Promoda's beauty and charms.
Promoda rejects Amar and two other suitors - Kumar and Ashok. Amar returns to Shanta. To make matters even more complicated, a lovelorn Promoda now seeks Amar. In the denouement, Shanta's unconditional love triumphs.
The dance section was directed by Amit Chowdhury and Sabbir Ahmed Khan. The set and costume of the production were designed by Ali Ahmed Mukul and Lubna Marium. Dancers Tahmina Anwar Anika, Arthy Ahmed, Shammy Akhter, Laveena Amreen Mazhar, Akash Haque Abir, Hanif Hossain and Sharif Nayan performed.
After the staging of “Mayar Khela”, artistes recited the Nazrul poem “Bidrohi” on the 90th anniversary of its publication and sang several Nazrul songs

Jaya Ahsan touches new heights

Popular star Jaya Ahsan continues to make new strides in her career, capturing both media attention and praise from viewers for her performances. On June 14th, the leading actress of the country was present at the 'maharut' of a new commercial film, where she will star opposite the top favourite of the contemporary silver screen, Shakib Khan. Both the stars were present at the 'mahurat', which was held at Zahir Raihan Color Lab, BFDC.
The upcoming movie, to be directed by Shafiuddin Shafi and produced by Friends Film International, has been titled “Purno Doirgho Prem Kahini”. Jaya said that the project was finalised only 15 to 20 days prior to the event, and shooting is due in August. Shooting will take place in Dhaka and abroad.
Asked about her character in the film, Jaya said the details are still sketchy as work on the script is still on, but added that the movie will be a “sweet love story”. Explaining her decision to work in a commercial film, she said that the people behind the project seemed sincere about making a quality film. She added that she is against being stereotyped in her work and her latest film will give her the chance to play a radically different role. Even if the story requires her to dance, the actress will not step down; and if her efforts help bring positive changes to the Bangladeshi film arena, she will go full steam ahead, said Jaya. She however claimed not to differentiate between commercial and parallel films. Pointing out that she has worked in an array of TV plays and movies through the years, Jaya added that the challenges in acting will continue in all forms and she will focus on producing a high quality film.
The chance to work with the top movie star of the time feels great, says Jaya smilingly, adding that the script required her act opposite a mainstream hero.
Shakib Khan is optimistic about the success of the film and is confident that Joya's presence will add to the attraction of the celluloid work. The storyline is quite different from the run of the mill stories, says Sakib.
On a different note, the actress informed that this was her first time at BFDC and she had the chance to interact with several new actors. However, Jaya Ahsan asserted that her new endeavours do not mean that her talent is confined only to celluloid, she will stay active in TV dramas as well. She has also recently worked on a play called “Na Komola, Na Meherjan”.
Meanwhile, "Chorabali", another of Jaya's silver screen efforts, currently awaits release. Kolkata star Indranil worked opposite her in the film. Jaya has also finished shooting for a Kolkata movie "Aborto". Shooting for "Guerrilla" was a different experience, while viewers will get to see another side of her in "Aborto". In "Chorabali", Jaya will play a journalist, and it's a movie which she claims is completely fresh. None of her past performances will match her new ones, Jaya asserted and that she doesn't want to become 'typed' in the eyes of the audience.
On the other hand, people involved in the movie industry take a positive view of Jaya's decision to work in a commercial film. BFDC managing director Pijush Bandapaddhay, actress Afsana Mimi, Amjad Hossain, Film Directors Association president Mohammad Hannan were present at the ',mahurat' of the new film.
Jaya added that she had received much appreciation on that day, specially from Afsana Mimi.
Jaya is scheduled to visit USA later this month to take part in a Bangla Utshob in New York. Later she will head for London to visit her younger brother, before she returns home.