News & Politics - Entertainment News #8 ~ Everything Has Beauty, But Not Everyone Sees It - Page 4

**sunnykerr** · 03-08-2014, 11:59 AM

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Adam Lambert to join Queen for 19-date summer U.S. tour

Lambert first performed with Queen in 2009 when he was a contestant on "American Idol," where he placed second. The band and Lambert have since performed together, including last year's iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas and a European tour in 2012. They sang such hits as "We Are the Champions" and "We Will Rock You."

Still, Lambert has to stand in the shadow of the singer many regard as one of the greatest to front a rock band.

"At first it was a little daunting when we did our first incarnation of this. I definitely felt apprehensive. Freddie Mercury is one of the greatest singers that ever lived," Lambert said.

"It's such a treat for me to get on stage and pay my respects, and pay tribute to one of my favourite singers ever, and to sing some of the greatest music ever written," Lambert added.

The 19-date U.S. tour kicks off June 19 in Chicago. It wraps up July 20 in Washington, D.C. Tickets go on sale Friday.

Original members Brian May and Roger Taylor flanked Lambert for the news conference Thursday and, in the interviews that followed, defended their choice as Mercury's successor.

"'American Idol' is a long way in the past for Adam now. He's a solo artist and well-established. And also we are established as a partnership ... if you concentrate on the negative you're not going to get anywhere. It's very important to have focus, and you play to people who want to hear us," May said.

"Good is good, and quality is quality," Taylor added on Lambert's ability.

May said the band will pay tribute to Mercury in the show. But "The mere fact that we're playing songs that Freddie wrote is a tribute," he said.

The guitarist also touched on releasing some old recordings of Freddie Mercury, including a collaboration with Michael Jackson, recorded in 1983. Mercury died in 1991; Jackson in 2009.

"I was surprised that there was a little bit more in the can that we had overlooked for a long time, so we have a few songs which we're working on right now. Freddie songs as fresh as yesterday," May said. "It's really amazing. We're all playing together, and I think people will enjoy it.

While Mercury has been gone for 23 years, his legacy has lived on. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, has sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide, and has a longstanding musical, celebrating the band's catalogue that has played on London's West End for 12 years.

"It's been a constant reminder to people of our music, especially younger fans making us cross generational. And 'We Will Rock You: The Musical' has played a big part in that," May said.

That prompted Lambert to add: "What's so genius about the catalogue is that there are so many different colours. There are huge power ballads that are really important like "Who Wants to Live Forever," and "The Show Must Go On." Huge, amazing dramatic songs. There are these songs that are all different vibe."

I didn't follow his career on American Idol (don't watch the show) or since, but it was impossible to not come across a clip of the performance Adam Lambert did on that show with the Queen players.

And, well, what can I say? I thought that, there will never be another Freddie Mercury and Lambert isn't necessary in the same league... but he does come as close as I've seen someone else, you know?

So I think that this could be an interesting partnership.

**sunnykerr** · 03-19-2014, 06:11 PM

Exciting news, if you're me:

Quote:

Star Wars: Episode VII filming to begin in UK in May

Star Wars: Episode VII will start shooting at Pinewood Studios near London in May, its producers have said.

Disney and Lucasfilm confirmed the latest instalment in the series would be set about 30 years after the events of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.

It "will star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces", the press release added.

Star Wars: Episode VII, directed by JJ Abrams, will be released in cinemas on 18 December 2015.

The news of a return for "some very familiar faces" will fuel rumours that the stars of the original trilogy - Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher - will appear in Episode VII.

Open auditions

According to the Hollywood reporter, Adam Driver is in final negotiations to play the main villain.

He is best known for his role in hit TV series Girls, but has also recently appeared in films including Lincoln and Inside Llewyn Davis.

Open auditions for two roles in the new films were held in the UK and Ireland last November.

They were a "street smart and strong" orphaned girl in her late teens and a "smart capable" man in his late teens or early 20s.

It is not known whether any of the actors eventually cast in the film were found through the open auditions.

Episode VII will be the fifth Star Wars movie to to be shot in the UK.

The original Star Wars trilogy was filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, while The Phantom Menace began shooting on 26 June 1997 at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire.

George Lucas directed a bluescreen sequence with actors Ian McDiarmid and Ray Park, who played Senator Palpatine and Darth Maul.

Of course, the "last" trilogy was fairly derided, although I enjoyed it.

The fact that Lucas is minimally involved in this one (and certainly not scripting anyone's dialogue) gives me hope.

Plus, if we get to see any of the old crew again? Oh, I think my brain would explode.

**sunnykerr** · 03-22-2014, 08:38 AM

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Double trouble! Chris Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky welcome twin boys

Chris Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky have welcomed twin boys, E! News reports.

Elsa checked into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Thursday ahead of the birth and the couple welcomed the latest additions later that day.

TMZ reported that two security guards were standing watch outside the 37-year-old's suite at the celebrity-favoured hospital in Los Angeles.

Chris - who already has daughter India Rose with Elsa - was reportedly spotted pacing the halls escorted by a guard.

The couple, who have been married for three years, announced their second pregnancy in late November.

In January, they happily confirmed the exciting news that they were expecting twins.

While it's unclear exactly how far along the Spanish Fast & Furious 6 star was when she confirmed her pregnancy, it's not unusual for multiple births to be premature.

The two new additions to the family have joined big sister India Rose, 22 months.

The babies are the first Americans in the family, with Elsa giving birth to the couple's daughter
in London, where her Australian husband was filming at the time.

On February 22, the star enjoyed a baby shower at her LA home with A-list guests including Matt Damon and wife Luciana, and Vin Diesel and his long-time partner Paloma Jimenez, in attendance.

I don't like gossipy sort of news, but this seems more or less confirmed.

And it's good news, so, you know...

Congrats to the family!

**sunnykerr** · 03-29-2014, 09:13 AM

I can't believe no one posted anything about the SXSW car crash:

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Fourth death confirmed in SXSW festival car crash

A fourth person has died after a car crashed into crowds at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in the US.

Austin police named DeAndre Tatum as the latest victim of the crash, which happened on 13 March.

The driver, 21-year-old Rashad Charjun Owens, currently faces two capital murder charges after a man and a women were killed in the collision in Austin, Texas last Thursday.

On March 17 Sandy Thuy Le, 26, was named as the third victim of the crash.

Following the incident, Jamie Ranae West, 27, was the first named victim.

She was on a moped with her husband Evan West, 29, when they were hit.

He is listed as one of the people still being treated in hospital. It had been previously reported that both of the fatalities had been on the moped.

The man who died in the crash was on a bicycle, police said, although they did not release his name.

Massive Music, a company with offices in Amsterdam, New York and London, said employee Steven Craenmehr, 35, died suddenly in Austin.

Rashad Owens is also charged with 23 counts of aggravated assault with a vehicle.

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo said an officer on a drink-driving patrol had initially tried to stop Owens, who then tried to escape.

"It's clear for me from his actions, from what I've seen, that this is an individual who showed no regard for the human beings that he ploughed through in his attempt to get away," he added.

Blood samples from the accused are currently being tested.

Local students have started fundraising initiatives to help the victims, while medical teams have also been appealing for people in the area to donate blood.

Images of ambulances and fire engines and people being treating at the scene were shared on social media.

Police confirmed the news on Twitter and also appealed for people who had been in the area at the time to come forward.

"If you witnessed the incident that took place at 9th and Red River please make sure you talk with an officer on the scene. #SXSW," they wrote.

The collision happened outside of the Mohawk venue. According to its website, Tyler the Creator was due to perform at the venue in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The venue also posted a message on the social media site, confirming the shows and events had been cancelled.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims from tonight's tragedy. Make sure everyone you know is home safe tonight," they added.

SXSW, which ran from 11-16 March, is known as one of the world's best platforms for rising talent.

I kinda hope they throw the book at him.

**sunnykerr** · 04-02-2014, 05:27 PM

So, I find this very creepy news:

Quote:

New Michael Jackson album to be released in May

Nearly five years after Michael Jackson's death, eight rare and previously unreleased tracks have been compiled on an album entitled "XSCAPE," which will arrive in stores from May 13.

Previously recorded but never made available to the public, the songs were chosen by music producer and Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid, who is currently a judge on the reality TV talent show "The X Factor."

The recordings have been revisited and polished by various producers, including Timbaland, to give them a more contemporary sound without destroying their essence.

"XSCAPE" will follow "Invincible," Michael Jackson's last studio album, released in October 2001. The song "XSCAPE," which was leaked online in 2002, was originally recorded for the 2001 album.

Sony and Epic Records announced the new album on Monday.

I mean, of course, this is great news for his fans.

I just find it creepy to have new music from a dead person.

That's a personal opinion, of course.

Logan · 04-03-2014, 04:14 PM

Thinking of going to the concert

David Letterman makes big announcement - CBS News

It's the end of an era: David Letterman announced Thursday that he's retiring from CBS' "Late Show" sometime next year.

He made that announcement during the taping of his program Thursday afternoon at New York's Ed Sullivan Theater.

Letterman announces retirement: Stars react
"The man who owns this network, Leslie Moonves, he and I have had a relationship for years and years and years, and we have had this conversation in the past, and we agreed that we would work together on this circumstance and the timing of this circumstance. And I phoned him just before the program, and I said 'Leslie, it's been great, you've been great, and the network has been great, but I'm retiring,'" said Letterman.

Poll: Who should replace David Letterman?
"I just want to reiterate my thanks for the support from the network, all of the people who have worked here, all of the people in the theater, all the people on the staff, everybody at home, thank you very much," he said at the taping.

And in true Letterman-style, the Indiana native made a joke about band leader and "Late Show" sidekick Paul Shaffer: "What this means now, is that Paul and I can be married."

Letterman, who's the longest running late-night talk show host in U.S. TV history, said, "We don't have the timetable for this precisely down -- I think it will be at least a year or so, but sometime in the not too distant future, 2015 for the love of God, in fact, Paul and I will be wrapping things up."

Les Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, said in a statement: "When Dave decided on a one-year extension for his most recent contract, we knew this day was getting closer, but that doesn't make the moment any less poignant for us. For 21 years, David Letterman has graced our Network's air in late night with wit, gravitas and brilliance unique in the history of our medium. During that time, Dave has given television audiences thousands of hours of comedic entertainment, the sharpest interviews in late night, and brilliant moments of candor and perspective around national events. He's also managed to keep many celebrities, politicians and executives on their toes -- including me."

Moonves added, "There is only one David Letterman. His greatness will always be remembered here, and he will certainly sit among the pantheon of this business. On a personal note, it's been a privilege to get to know Dave and to enjoy a terrific relationship. It's going to be tough to say goodbye. Fortunately, we won't have to do that for another year or so. Until then, we look forward to celebrating Dave's remarkable show and incredible talents."

The late-night talk show host, who will celebrate his 67th birthday next week, made his debut on the "Late Show" on Aug. 30, 1993.

Letterman got his television start in 1978 on the CBS variety series "Mary," starring Mary Tyler Moore. Months later, he paid his first visit to "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" -- marking the first of 22 appearances. He also guest-hosted "Tonight" numerous times.

In 1980, Letterman started hosting the Emmy Award-winning morning comedy-variety program, "The David Letterman Show," which ran for three months on NBC. He followed that up with "Late Night with David Letterman," which premiered in February 1982 and ran for 11 years.

In 2011, Letterman received the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence at Comedy Central's first annual The Comedy Awards. Letterman has also won two American Comedy Awards as funniest male performer in a television series. He was honored as "Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host" at the 31st annual People's Choice Awards in 2005.

Letterman was one of the 2012 recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, where he was called "one of the most influential personalities in the history of television, entertaining an entire generation of late-night viewers with his unconventional wit and charm."

Over the past few months, there's been a couple of shake-ups in the late-night world, with Jimmy Fallon taking over for Jay Leno on the "Tonight Show" and Seth Meyers slipping into the "Late Night" slot at NBC. So, it's not surprising to see a bit of change in the landscape at CBS.

**sunnykerr** · 04-03-2014, 07:26 PM

Good for him.

Good for us, too.

**sunnykerr** · 04-06-2014, 06:44 PM

Apparently, Howard Stern might be Letterman's replacement.

I know who Howard Stern is, of course, but I've never seen (or, I guess, it's "heard," right?) his show.

**sunnykerr** · 04-07-2014, 05:05 PM

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Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney dies aged 93

Mickey Rooney, the child actor who became the world's top box office star, has died aged 93.

Born in Brooklyn, he began his career aged 18 months in his parents' vaudeville act, Yule and Carter, and continued filming right to the end.

In a film and musical career spanning nine decades, Rooney was nominated for four Academy Awards and received two special Oscars for his body of work.

By 1965, Mickey Rooney's 200 films had earned more than $3bn (£1.8bn).

Sir Laurence Olivier once referred to him as the greatest film actor America ever produced.

Rooney's death was first reported by US entertainment magazine Variety. The actor is said to have been ill for some time.

Los Angeles Police Commander Andrew Smith said Rooney was with his family when he died at his North Hollywood home.

Reckless lifestyle

Smith said police took a death report but added that there was nothing suspicious and it was not a police case.

Star Trek actor William Shatner was one of the first to pay tribute to Rooney on Twitter, describing the actor as "one of the greats!"

Broadway star Carol Channing said: "I loved working with Mickey on Sugar Babies. He was very professional, his stories were priceless and I love them all... each and every one. We laughed all the time."

Rooney was married eight times, including a first marriage to screen beauty Ava Gardner.

He separated from his last wife, Jan, in 2012. They married in 1978.

Asked once if he would marry all his wives again, Rooney replied: "Absolutely. I loved every one of them."

Initially named Joe Yule Junior, he was barely six years old when he had his first film role as a cigar-smoking adult in Orchids and Ermine.

In 1937, the actor took the part of Andy Hardy in the film A Family Affair. Playing the son of a small-town judge proved a huge box-office draw, and spawned a hit series lasting eight years.

At the same time, a series of barnyard musicals - including Babes on Broadway and Strike Up the Band - paired him with another celebrated youth star, Judy Garland.

By 1939, Rooney was established as the film industry's top box office draw and that year, at the age of 19, he became the youngest person to be nominated for a best actor Oscar for his role in Babes on Broadway.

His other Oscar nominations were for The Human Comedy (1943), The Bold and the Brave (1956) and The Black Stallion (1979).

Rooney joined the Army in 1943, spending most of his World War II service entertaining troops.

On his return, he went on to enjoy international triumph alongside Elizabeth Taylor in the 1944 movie National Velvet.

But despite his success, Rooney admitted his fame had forced him to grow up too quickly. By the time he was 30, he said he felt 100 years old.

Rooney appeared in four TV series during his career, including The Mickey Rooney Show in the 1950s.

But his star was on the wane, as he dropped from leading man to second man in films such as Military Policeman with Bob Hope and Korean war drama The Bridges at Toko-Ri alongside William Holden and Grace Kelly the following year.

The show business legend was declared bankrupt by the early 1960s, with much of his money spent on maintenance for his ex-wives and a reckless lifestyle.

However, his career enjoyed a revival with the film Pete's Dragon in 1977, and his show Sugar Babies, which hit Broadway in the late 1970s.

True to his motto to "never retire but inspire", Rooney continued to work in film, television and theatre.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, at the time of his death, Rooney was working on a film called The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

And Night at the Museum 3 director Shawn Levy tweeted that Rooney had shot scenes for the film just last month.

Well, at 93 years of age, I certainly hope he lived a full life.

He had children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which isn't a guarantee of anything, but I still hope it means he was surrounded by loving family in his last years and such.

**sunnykerr** · 04-10-2014, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Stephen Colbert to Succeed David Letterman at The Late Show – 5 Burning Questions Answered

Nation, get ready for a whole different Stephen Colbert.

The Colbert Report host has been tapped to fill David Letterman’s Late Show seat when Letterman retires next year, CBS announced Thursday.

The announcement begs several questions, including:

WHEN WILL HE START? | The Comedy Central host signed a five-year agreement with the Eye Network; his first day at Late Show will be determined once Letterman nails down his final broadcast schedule.

WILL COLBERT STAY IN NEW YORK? | In a press release, CBS noted that certain details about Colbert’s Late Show – such as its production team and location — will be determined at a later date.

WILL HE HOST AS HIMSELF OR AS A CHARACTER (A LA THE COLBERT REPORT)? | Colbert confirmed that he will not do The Late Show in his ultra-conservative Colbert Report persona. “I won’t be doing the new show in character, so we’ll all get to see how much of him was me,” he told The New York Times’ Bill Carter on Thursday. “I’m looking forward to it.”

DOES THIS MEAN THE COLBERT REPORT IS DONE? | Shortly after CBS’ announcement, Comedy Central released a statement hinting that The Colbert Report will stop production when Colbert leaves.

“Comedy Central is proud that the incredibly talented Stephen Colbert has been part of our family for nearly two decades,” the network said. “We look forward to the next eight months of the ground-breaking Colbert Report and wish Stephen the very best.”

WHAT DOES LETTERMAN THINK ABOUT ALL OF THIS? | The outgoing Late Show host was quick to give Colbert his official stamp of approval.

“Stephen has always been a real friend to me,” Letterman said in a statement. “I’m very excited for him, and I’m flattered that CBS chose him. I also happen to know they wanted another guy with glasses.”

“Simply being a guest on Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career,” Colbert, who has sat on the Late Show couch 12 times, said in a statement. “I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead.”

He added: “I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth.”

Colbert’s appointment is the latest in a recent series of big late-night changes that includes Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show takeover and Seth Meyers’ move from Saturday Night Live to the Late Show.

Jon Stewart, on whose Daily Show Colbert made a name for himself as a correspondent, told Vulture on Thursday that his friend and colleague would be a “remarkable” fit for the CBS chat fest.

“He’s wonderful in Colbert Report, but he’s got gears he hasn’t even shown people yet,” Stewart said.

Well, darn.

Now I just might have to try and catch that show once in a while.

**sunnykerr** · 04-12-2014, 10:20 AM

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Nirvana inducted to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Grunge band Nirvana have been enlisted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside the likes of Kiss and Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

REM's Michael Stipe inducted the group, saying: "Nirvana tapped into a voice that was yearning to be heard.

"Nirvana were kicking against the mainstream. They spoke truth and a lot of people listened."

The band's career was cut short by Kurt Cobain's death in 1994. His widow, Courtney Love, attended the ceremony.

"You know, I have a big speech, but I'm not going to say it," she said, before hugging Cobain's bandmates Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl.

"That's it," she concluded. "I just wish Kurt was here to do this."

Grohl, Nirvana's drummer and now frontman of rock group Foo Fighters, paid tribute to the musicians who formed the early line-ups of Nirvana, in particular drummer Chad Channing, who he singled out for his contributions to the band's breakthrough album Nevermind.

Bass guitarist Novoselic added: "Nirvana fans walk up to me every day and say thank you for the music.

"When I hear that, I think of Kurt Cobain."

Nirvana received their place in the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Artists can only be considered for the honour 25 years after their first release.

The remaining members, also including guitarist Pat Smear, were joined on stage by four female musicians to perform some of the band's best-known songs.

Joan Jett sang Smells Like Teen Spirit, Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon took on Aneurysm, alternative musician St. Vincent performed Lithium, while New Zealand pop star Lorde sang All Apologies.

Other honourees at the New York ceremony included Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, 15 years after their leader was inducted as a solo artist.

He welcomed the band on stage, saying: "I told a story with the E Street Band that was, and is, bigger than anything I could have told on my own."

"We suffered ageing, illness and death together," Springsteen said. "We took care of each other when trouble knocked, and we hurt each other in big and small ways. In the end, we stuck with each other."

Their induction took 85 minutes, including performances of The E Street Shuffle, The River and Kitty's Back.

They were followed into the Hall of Fame by Maneater singers Daryl Hall and John Oates.

"Lucky for you, there are only two of us," Hall said to laughter from the audience.

Britain's Peter Gabriel was inducted by Coldplay singer Chris Martin, and made light of his elaborate stage outfits as a member of Genesis in the 1970s.

"Dream big, and let your imagination guide you, even if you end up dressing as a flower or a sexually transmitted disease."

Rock legends Kiss were one of the more controversial inductees, having pulled out of a performance at the ceremony over a disagreement about their line-up.

Famous for their elaborate stage make-up and costumes, the band wanted to play with their current line-up, including founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, causing friction with retired members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss.

But the quartet made peace and saluted each other in heartfelt induction speeches.

"This is a pivotal moment for all of us," said Simmons, the bass player on hits like Crazy Nights and Rock and Roll All Nite.

"We are humbled that the fans gave us the chance to do what we loved doing."

Country queen Linda Ronstadt, who has Parkinson's disease, was unable to attend the ceremony, instead receiving a musical tribute from Carrie Underwood, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks.

Glenn Frey, who played in Ronstadt's band before joining the Eagles, led her induction with a glowing tribute to "one of the greatest voices of all time".

"Linda Ronstadt recorded 31 albums. She sold over 100 million records and had a career that spanned five decades," he said.

"She has been a shining example and a true inspiration to every woman who ever stood in front of a microphone and sang her heart out."

The ceremony also saw the first ever inductions for managers of rock bands, which went to the late Brian Epstein, who guided the Beatles to stardom, and Andrew Loog Oldham, who launched the careers of the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Eric Clapton.

However, the former Stones' manager boycotted the ceremony.

"I won't be there," he said at a recent lecture in Berlin. "I'll tell you why: It's a television show.

"Twenty years ago, it was an incredible party in the Waldorf-Astoria where everybody could behave exactly as they could 20 years ago.

"And then it became a business. I think those people basically hijacked the name 'rock and roll.'"

Twenty years later, I think the impact Nirvana had in their short career is still being felt.

They weren't my kind of band, but I think the fact that they were the voice of my generation is undeniable.

☆♥~Buffyverse_Lover16~♥☆ · 04-13-2014, 08:13 PM

I am a big fan of that band. I really love their music. It is nice to hear that they are still going on these days. It is nice that they still grieve over Kurt.

**sunnykerr** · 04-16-2014, 07:15 PM

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Paul Walker's brothers helping to finish 'Fast & Furious 7'

NEW YORK -- Paul Walker's brothers are stepping to help finish filming on "Fast & Furious 7," the film Walker was in the midst of making when he died in November.

Caleb Walker and Cody Walker have been enlisted to complete their brother's action scenes and "fill in small gaps left in production," Universal Pictures said in a statement Tuesday on the film's Facebook page.

"Having them on set has made us feel that Paul is with us too," read the statement.

Production on "Fast & Furious 7" recently resumed after it was suspended following Walker's death.

The 40-year-old Walker died in a car crash on Nov. 30 outside Los Angeles along with his friend Roger Rodas. A police investigation found the Porsche that Rodas was driving was travelling up to 94 mph when it went out of control.

The release of "Fast & Furious 7" was delayed to April 2015 following Walker's death. The film, which is directed by James Wan and also stars Vin Diesel and Tyrese Gibson, has since been adjusted to incorporate the footage shot with Walker and give his character some kind of send-off.

"It will allow the character of Brian O'Conner to live on and let us celebrate Paul in his most defining role," read the statement.

Honestly, you have to figure the movie production people laid quite a lot of pressure on those two to get them to do something like this.

What else were they going to do if the brothers didn't want to cooperate, right?

And I can certainly imagine that they would want to honour their brother in a way, maybe this way even, but it all feels so very maudlin to me that I can't imagine anyone would ever actually volunteer to do something like this.

Good for everyone involved, I suppose, that they're finding a way to do it in honour of Paul Walker.

**sunnykerr** · 04-17-2014, 10:01 PM

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Author Gabriel Garcia Marquez dies

Nobel prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez has died in Mexico aged 87, his family says.

Garcia Marquez was considered one of the greatest Spanish-language authors, best known for his masterpiece of magical realism, One Hundred Years of Solitude.

The 1967 novel sold more than 30 million copies and he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.

Garcia Marquez had been ill and had made few public appearances recently.

He achieved fame for pioneering magical realism, a unique blending of the marvellous and the mundane in a way that made the extraordinary seem routine.

With his books, he brought Latin America's charm and teaming contradictions to life in the minds of millions of people.

'Greatest Colombian'

"Gabriel Garcia Marquez has died," a spokeswoman for the family, Fernanda Familiar, said on Twitter.

"[His wife] Mercedes and her sons, Rodrigo and Gonzalo, have authorised me to provide the information. Such deep sadness," she added.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos also took to Twitter to pay tribute to the author.

"One Hundred Years of Solitude and sadness for the death of the greatest Colombian of all time," he wrote.

US President Barack Obama said the world had "lost one of its greatest visionary writers - and one of my favourites from the time I was young".

Former US President Bill Clinton also said: "I was always amazed by his unique gifts of imagination, clarity of thought, and emotional honesty. I was honoured to be his friend and to know his great heart and brilliant mind for more than 20 years."

Poor health

The cause of Garcia Marquez's death was not immediately known but he was recently hospitalised for a lung and urinary tract infection in Mexico City.

He was sent home last week but his health was said to be "very fragile" because of his age.

The BBC's Will Grant in Mexico City says his loss will be particularly felt in his native Colombia but in Mexico too, which for more than 30 years became his adopted home.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto tweeted: "On behalf of Mexico, I express sorrow over the death of one of the greatest writers of our time."

Colombian pop star Shakira said "Gabo", as the author was affectionately known, would "always be in my heart".

"Your life, dear Gabo, will be remembered by all of us as a unique and singular gift," the singer said.

Peruvian Nobel prize-winning author Mario Vargas Llosa called him a "great writer".

"His works gave literature great reach and prestige. His novels will survive and will continue to find new readers everywhere," he told Peruvian media.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez's other works include Love in the Time of Cholera, Chronicle of a Death Foretold and The General in His Labyrinth.

Controversy

The novelist was also an accomplished journalist whose reporting shone in his work News of a Kidnapping.

The non-fiction book recounted high-profile abductions by the Medellin drug cartel run by Pablo Escobar, a notorious Colombian drug lord who died in 1993.

The novelist was at times a political figure too.

His friendship with the former Cuban President Fidel Castro sparked some controversy among literary and political circles in Latin America.

But he insisted their friendship was based on books.

"Fidel is a very cultured man," he said in an interview. "When we're together we talk about literature."

Unlike other authors in the region, his work transcended Latin America with One Hundred Years of Solitude, which was translated into more than 30 languages.

The Chilean poet and Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda called the novel "the greatest revelation in the Spanish language since Don Quixote", the 17th-century masterpiece by Spain's Miguel de Cervantes.

It's certainly the end of an era.

Garcia Marquez wasn't just one of the world's best Spanish writers.

He was one of our best writers, period.

He's up there with the Hemingways, Steinbecks, Irvings, Austens, and so on of this planet.

And I wasn't even that big a fan of his novels (not 'cause they were bad, but because they were a little too much for me.)

_vega_ · 04-18-2014, 05:52 AM

I read 100 Years of Solitude and Chronicle of a Death Foretold back in middle school and enjoyed them at the time but they were still required readings so I didn't really learn to appreciate García Márquez until college when I read some of his short stories and journalistic chronicles.

He is not my favorite author either but I always find his works enjoyable for the nostalgia. The small towns in his books are very much like the one I lived in as a child and certain elements remind me of my childhood, like the unbearable heat and the town basically shutting down every day for naptime during the worst hours

.

The people in his stories were so real and I felt like I could have met them, with the way he describes them you can tell he was an excellent observant. He was definitely a journalist first and foremost.


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