Twitnuuz: Brussels culture

NYT Europe

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:13:02 -0500

Greek Parliament Passes Austerity Plan After Riots Rage
As demonstrators torched shops and battled police in the streets of Athens, lawmakers approved a tough austerity package that is expected to help the country avoid default.
Op-Ed Columnist: Severe Conservative Syndrome
Mitt Romney’s words are a clue to what went wrong for Republicans.
Help in European Financial Crisis Could Spawn ‘Zombie Banks’
Because of the central bank’s cheap financing, some economists warn, sick banks now face less pressure to confront their problems, which could worsen in the years ahead.
Voyages: My Debt to Ireland
An Irish-American returns to his roots — again.
Letter From Europe: Measuring the True Price of Diamonds
The criteria for certification of conflict-free gems have not moved beyond civil conflicts to embrace more recent allegations of human rights abuses in the diamond business.
The TV Watch: In Putin’s Russia, TV Mirrors Longing for Normalcy
After a decade of Vladimir V. Putin’s rule, Russian television has shed its dispirited past and embraced a more playful self-awareness, with hints of the country’s harsher realities.
Letter From Washington: America’s Economic Bright Spot: Farming
Tom Vilsack, the U.S. agriculture secretary and former Iowa governor, is a success story. There is a reason the Chinese vice president plans to visit Iowa on an upcoming trip to the United States.
In Albania, Can a U.S. Diploma Deliver?
At the University of New York, Tirana, students pay top dollar for the brand that allows them an American diploma. But the substance of that education has been found lacking by some.
From Soviet Past, Only Architecture Remains
In Kabul, Afghanistan, artifacts of the Soviet era are hidden in plain sight around the city’s jumbled hillsides.
A 2008 E-Mail at the Heart of a Hacking Scandal
Discovered just three months ago, an e-mail from June 2008 sent to James Murdoch discussed in frank terms the potentially disastrous scale of phone hacking at News International.

via: NYT > Europe

CNN - Europe news

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:13:01 -0500

Greece approves austerity measures
Lawmakers in Greece voted early Monday to approve another round of austerity measures, sought in return for a new eurozone bailout of the debt-stricken country, while protests raged in the streets.
Man City return to top of English Premier League
Manchester City regained top spot in the English Premier League with a 1-0 win at Aston Villa Sunday.
Kerber emulates Graf with Paris Open triumph
Angelique Kerber became the first German since the great Steffi Graf to win the WTA Paris Open as she beat home hope Marion Bartoli in Sunday’s final.
Wales win over Scotland sets up clash with England
Wales went to the top of rugby union’s Six Nations Championship with a 27-13 win over Scotland Sunday at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

via: CNN.com - Europe

NYT Europe

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:07:01 -0500

Winter Weather Brings Deaths and Disrupts Travel in Europe
Regions across Europe sustained another deluge of extreme weather, prompting a deadly avalanche in Kosovo, snarling travel and blanketing Rome with snow.
Istvan Csurka, Hungarian Politician, Dies at 77
Mr. Csurka, the founder of a far-right political party and a fierce anti-Semite, appealed to older Hungarians with his evocation of the nation’s glory days before World War I.
8 Arrested in Inquiry Into Murdoch’s Tabloids
The group arrested on “suspicion of corruption” included five employees of The Sun tabloid.
Greek Leaders Urge Lawmakers to Approve Debt Deal
Prime Minister Lucas Papademos of Greece asked his country to accept tough austerity measures sought by its lenders, saying the alternative was certain bankruptcy.
A 2008 E-Mail at the Heart of a Hacking Scandal
Discovered just three months ago, an e-mail from June 2008 sent to James Murdoch discussed in frank terms the potentially disastrous scale of phone hacking at News International.
Gray Matter: Online Dating Sites Don’t Match Hype
A mathematical formula cannot identify pairs of singles likely to have a successful romance.
From Soviet Past, Only Architecture Remains
The Soviets invasion era buildings that are left behind in Afghanistan.
Amid Efforts to Rescue Greece, a Lack of Trust From Allies
While Portugal, Ireland and other countries may be struggling, Greece has found itself in a category of its own — a nation the rest of Europe no longer trusts.
Spain Approves Changes to Labor Policy
The changes are designed to loosen rigid rules by cutting the cost of layoffs and encourging companies to hire the young and unemployed.
Russia Convicts Engineer of Passing Secrets to U.S.
Vladimir V. Nesterets, an engineer at a space facility, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Friday for giving classified information to the C.I.A, according to Russian officials.

via: NYT > Europe

The Daily Show - Videos

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:01:02 -0500

In the Field - My Fair Colbert - Hugo Vickers
Hugo Vickers prepares Stephen for the royal wedding with etiquette advice on high tea and queen re-inflation. See the exclusive In the Field report.
In the Field - Stephen Strong - Army of Me - Basic Training
During his military enlistment, Stephen insists on no special treatment and finds a way to connect with a strict drill sergeant. See the exclusive In the Field report.
In the Field - Raging Art-On
Stephen talks art with Simon de Pury, creates buzz for his portrait, and puts the portrait up for auction. See the exclusive In the Field report.
In the Field - Basketcase - Stephie’s Knicks Hoop-De-Doo
Stephen learns what it takes to play for the New York Knicks, goes one-on-one with Allan Houston, and contributes to the team. See the exclusive In the Field report.
In the Field - Skate Expectations
Stephen finds out what speedskating really is and challenges U.S. Olympic speedskater Shani Davis to a race. See the exclusive In the Field report.

via: Colbert Report Videos

Colbert Report - Videos

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 06:07:02 -0500

In the Field - My Fair Colbert - Hugo Vickers
Hugo Vickers prepares Stephen for the royal wedding with etiquette advice on high tea and queen re-inflation. See the exclusive In the Field report.
In the Field - Stephen Strong - Army of Me - Basic Training
During his military enlistment, Stephen insists on no special treatment and finds a way to connect with a strict drill sergeant. See the exclusive In the Field report.
In the Field - Raging Art-On
Stephen talks art with Simon de Pury, creates buzz for his portrait, and puts the portrait up for auction. See the exclusive In the Field report.
In the Field - Basketcase - Stephie’s Knicks Hoop-De-Doo
Stephen learns what it takes to play for the New York Knicks, goes one-on-one with Allan Houston, and contributes to the team. See the exclusive In the Field report.
In the Field - Skate Expectations
Stephen finds out what speedskating really is and challenges U.S. Olympic speedskater Shani Davis to a race. See the exclusive In the Field report.

via: Colbert Report Videos

CNN - Europe news

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:13:01 -0500

Greece Parliament to vote on cuts
The parliament in Greece is expected to vote Sunday on austerity measures demanded in return for a new eurozone bailout of the debt-stricken country.
Sun newspaper staff among eight arrested in police probe
Authorities arrested eight people Saturday — including five employees of Britain’s bestselling Sun newspaper — as part of an inquiry into illegal payments to police and officials.
Authorities: Man wanted in killing of Serbian prime minister captured
Spanish authorities have captured a man wanted in connection with the 2003 assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, the interior ministry said.

via: CNN.com - Europe

NYT Europe

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:07:02 -0500

8 Arrested in Scandal Over Murdoch’s Tabloids
The group arrested on “suspicion of corruption” included five employees of The Sun tabloid.
The Saturday Profile: Palestinian Helps Romania Remake Its Emergency Care System
Dr. Raed Arafat returned to his post at the Romanian Health Ministry after protesters in the streets supported him.
Amid Efforts to Rescue Greece, a Lack of Trust From Allies
While Portugal, Ireland and other countries may be struggling, Greece has found itself in a category of its own — a nation the rest of Europe no longer trusts.
Spain Approves Changes to Labor Policy
The changes are designed to loosen rigid rules by cutting the cost of layoffs and encourging companies to hire the young and unemployed.
Russia Convicts Engineer of Passing Secrets to U.S.
Vladimir V. Nesterets, an engineer at a space facility, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Friday for giving classified information to the C.I.A, according to Russian officials.
Turmoil Erupts in Kremlin-Protected South Ossetia
The opposition leader in the Georgian enclave of South Ossetia was to be inaugurated as president, but her plans were thwarted by police officers apparently acting on Russia’s orders.
St. Petersburg Police Chief Fired on Medvedev’s Orders
The dismissal came on the orders of President Dmitri A. Medvedev, amid a probe into the death of a 15-year-old boy in police custody.
Italy’s Leader Is Optimistic About Greece and Euro
Mario Monti said Friday that Greece’s government had made a “remarkable effort” to reach new austerity agreements with lenders to avoid a calamitous default.
Disgruntled Greeks Protest New Austerity Measures
Prime Minister Lucas Papademos’s fragile coalition was plunged into turmoil as European leaders expressed doubts about Greece’s commitment to achieving solvency.
Man Gets Life Term for Killing 2 U.S. Airmen in Germany
Arid Uka, a native of Kosovo, testified that he shot the men at the Frankfurt airport to prevent them from deploying to Afghanistan.

via: NYT > Europe

CNN - Europe news

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:13:02 -0500

German minister signals support for Portugal
Germany would be prepared to adjust the terms of Portugal’s ?78bn financial rescue programme after a second bail-out package for Greece had been finalised, Wolfgang Schäuble, the Germany finance minister, has told his Portuguese counterpart.
Isner beats Federer as U.S. take commanding Davis Cup lead
Roger Federer suffered a stunning upset defeat to John Isner as the United States took a 2-0 lead Friday in their Davis Cup World Group first round match in Switzerland.
Top seed Sharapova crashes out of WTA tournament in Paris
Top seed Maria Sharapova made a surprise exit from the WTA Paris Open when she was beaten in the quarterfinals Friday by German ninth seed Angelique Kerber.
Cruise industry adopts new safety policy
Cruise lines are now required to conduct passenger safety drills before leaving port, under a rule announced Thursday by three cruise industry associations.
Court: Norway’s Breivik to undergo constant psychiatric scrutiny
A Norwegian court ordered Anders Behring Breivik, charged with killing 77 people last July, to undergo a month-long psychiatric evaluation as experts seek to determine his mental state ahead of a trial.
Man gets life term for shooting that killed 2 U.S. airmen in Germany
A German court has sentenced an Islamic extremist responsible for the deaths of two U.S. airmen at a Frankfurt, Germany, airport to life in prison.
Ice grips Europe’s waterways as deadly cold lingers
Europe remained gripped by frigid temperatures and snow Friday, with the icy weather closing much of the Danube River to shipping and disrupting travel across the region.
Spain’s fury at French sporting drug slurs
Is it just harmless fun, or is something seriously wrong developing in sporting relations between Spain and France?
Greece clashes over austerity measures
Greek police and protesters clashed Friday as lawmakers faced tough new conditions they must meet before eurozone finance ministers will give them billions of euros to bail out the debt-ridden country.

via: CNN.com - Europe

Amazon.co.uk - top #10 Books

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:13:03 -0500

The Help
The Help Kathryn Stockett (Author) 644 days in the top 100 (988) Buy new: £7.99 £3.86 99 used & new from £0.01 (Visit the Bestsellers in Books list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)
Before I Go To Sleep
Before I Go To Sleep S J Watson S J Watson (Author) › Visit Amazon’s S J Watson Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author name Are you an Author? Learn about Author Central (Author) 51 days in the…
Call The Midwife: A True Story Of The East End In The 1950s
Call The Midwife: A True Story Of The East End In The 1950s Jennifer Worth (Author) 27 days in the top 100 (122) Buy new: £7.99 £3.86 30 used & new from £2.00 (Visit the Bestsellers in Books list for authoritative information on this product’s current…
War Horse
War Horse Michael Morpurgo (Author) 336 days in the top 100 (260) Buy new: £6.99 £3.86 61 used & new from £0.94 (Visit the Bestsellers in Books list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)
Full House (Quick Reads)
Full House (Quick Reads) Maeve Binchy (Author) 3 days in the top 100 (4) Buy new: £1.99 £1.59 17 used & new from £0.01 (Visit the Bestsellers in Books list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)
Heston Blumenthal at Home
Heston Blumenthal at Home Heston Blumenthal (Author) 145 days in the top 100 (44) Buy new: £30.00 £18.00 25 used & new from £17.79 (Visit the Bestsellers in Books list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)
Me Before You
Me Before You Jojo Moyes (Author) 43 days in the top 100 (169) Buy new: £7.99 £3.86 36 used & new from £2.80 (Visit the Bestsellers in Books list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)
Bradshaw’s Handbook - A Facsimile of the Famous Guide (Old House)
Bradshaw’s Handbook - A Facsimile of the Famous Guide (Old House) George Bradshaw (Author) 45 days in the top 100 (49) Buy new: £9.99 £7.49 5 used & new from £7.49 (Visit the Bestsellers in Books list for authoritative information on this product’s…
The Fabulous Baker Brothers
The Fabulous Baker Brothers Tom Herbert (Author), Henry Herbert (Author) 35 days in the top 100 (29) Buy new: £20.00 £9.00 25 used & new from £8.39 (Visit the Bestsellers in Books list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)
Shadows Of The Workhouse: The Drama Of Life In Postwar London
Shadows Of The Workhouse: The Drama Of Life In Postwar London Jennifer Worth (Author) 29 days in the top 100 (50) Buy new: £7.99 £4.79 36 used & new from £3.25 (Visit the Bestsellers in Books list for authoritative information on this product’s current…

via: Amazon.co.uk: Bestsellers in Books

NYT Europe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:13:02 -0500

Maidenhead Journal: ‘Charlie Bit My Finger’ Video Lifts Family to Fame
A 2007 video of a boy chomping on the finger of his brother has been viewed 417.6 million times, making it the most successful noncommercial video in YouTube history.
Putin Support Tepid but Broad in Industrial Russia
A working-class city in Russia embodies support for Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin, though it seems to be based mostly on an absence of options.
Disgruntled Greeks Start 48-Hour National Strike
Greek workers walked off the job for the second time this week on Friday in a snap 48-hour general strike called to protest new austerity measures.
Greeks Reach Deal on Austerity to Meet Condition of Bailout
After days of talks, Greek political leaders reached a deal Thursday to support a package of harsh austerity measures demanded by Greece’s financial backers in return for a bailout.
Baltasar Garzón, Prominent Rights Judge, Convicted in Spain
Baltasar Garzón was found to have overstepped his authority in a wiretapping case and ordered suspended from the courts for 11 years.
In Europe, Stagnation Is the New Normal
The Greek debt deal opens the door to new uncertainties in Europe, which could once again revive the crisis atmosphere.
Russia Convicts Engineer of Passing Secrets to U.S.
Vladimir V. Nesterets, an engineer at a space facility, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Friday for giving classified information to the C.I.A, according to Russian officials.
Germany Expels Four Syrian Diplomats in Spy Case
As tensions mounted between Western nations and Syria, Germany said on Thursday that it had ordered the expulsion of four staff members from the Syrian Embassy.
World Briefing | Europe: Britain: Plotters Are Sentenced
Nine Islamic militants who pleaded guilty to planning terrorist attacks on a wide variety of targets, including the London Stock Exchange, were sentenced to lengthy jail terms on Thursday.
World Briefing | Europe: Romania: Government Voted In
Parliament approved a new government on Thursday whose leader promised to keep the austerity measures the country imposed but also to raise public-sector salaries as soon as he can.

via: NYT > Europe

CNN - Europe news

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:13:02 -0500

Eurozone dismisses Greek budget deal
Eurozone finance ministers dismissed cuts as incomplete and sent the country’s finance minister back to Athens with a fresh set of demands and an urgent deadline.
High court rejects stay in Spanish sunken treasure case
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday declined to hear an emergency application for a stay filed by a Florida deep-sea salvage company that wanted to maintain possession of a half billion dollars worth of gold and silver coins until a final decision is made…
Romania’s appointed government passes Parliament vote
The new Romanian government passed a confidence vote in Parliament on Thursday, with 237 votes for and two against. Opposition members of Parliament refused to vote.
Court suspends Spain’s most famous judge
Spain’s best known judge will be suspended for 11 years from the bench after his conviction Thursday for improperly investigating a financial corruption case, the nation’s Supreme Court ruled.
9 men jailed in UK on terror plot charges
Nine men were jailed in London Thursday on terror charges, four of them over “an al Qaeda-inspired plot” to bomb the London Stock Exchange, UK police said.
Mills: Journalist hacked McCartney voice mail
Voice mails left by Paul McCartney for his then-girlfriend Heather Mills were illegally accessed and heard by a former employee of a major British newspaper group, Mills told an independent investigation into press ethics Thursday.
Ukraine cold deaths ‘linked to alcohol’
As Ukraine suffers in the grip of a brutal winter, the country’s ambulance service is inundated with calls for help.
Turkey’s pressure on Assad
Syria is heading to an “intolerable situation” according to Turkey’s hyperactive Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, whose country is at the forefront of global efforts to engineer the downfall of the Bashar Al-Assad leadership.
London firms try flexible work hours ahead of Olympic crush
With 20 million extra trips on public transport expected during the London 2012 Summer Games, companies are experimenting with flexible working to keep employees off the roads and out of the tube, London’s subway system.

via: CNN.com - Europe

NYT Europe

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:13:02 -0500

Baltasar Garzón, Prominent Rights Judge, Convicted in Spain
Baltasar Garzón was found to have overstepped his authority in a wiretapping case and ordered suspended from the courts for 11 years. There is no appeal.
New Settlements in Britain’s Hacking Scandal
Rupert Murdoch’s British newspaper subsidiary was reported to have reached a new batch of settlements on Wednesday in the hacking scandal.
Breakthrough on Austerity Clears Way for Greek Deal
After days of talks, Greek political leaders reached a deal Thursday to support a package of harsh austerity measures demanded by Greece’s financial backers in return for a bailout.
Drilling Reaches Lake Vostok, Long Trapped Under Antarctic Ice Sheet
Scientists said Wednesday they had reached the waters of a lake that has been sealed off for millions of years.
Germany Expels Four Syrian Diplomats in Spy Case
As tensions mounted between Western nations and Syria, Germany said on Thursday that it had ordered the expulsion of four staff members from the Syrian Embassy.
Female Neo-Nazis Not Just Hangers-On
A film about a young neo-Nazi woman and the arrest of another woman linked to a far-right terror group have turned German attention to the role of women on the far-right, where many hold leadership roles.
Vladimir Putin Warns of Growing ‘Cult of Violence’
Vladimir V. Putin said there was an increased willingness around the world to resort to force in political disputes, and expressed concern that upheavals in the Middle East could spark trouble in Russia.
Letter from Europe: Remixing Ireland’s Gender Blend
New legislation is offering perhaps a first chance at reshaping Ireland’s heavily masculine political landscape, whose cronyism has been blamed for the country’s spectacular economic implosion.
E.U. Criticizes Pace of Reform in Bulgaria and Romania
Reports from the European Commission on Wednesday gave fresh ammunition to those who want to stall the two nations from joining Europe’s passport-free Schengen travel zone.
5 European Nations Agree to Help U.S. Crack Down on Tax Evasion
France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Britain will “intensify their cooperation” to identify U.S. tax cheats in return for help in finding U.S. accounts held by residents of those countries.

via: NYT > Europe

CNN - Europe news

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:13:02 -0500

Greek leaders ready to back deal
A dispute over pension cuts stalled talks between leaders of Greece’s government on new austerity measures, one of the last hurdles to be cleared before eurozone officials can sign off on a ?130B ($172B) bailout.
‘No negotiations’ on Falklands, UK vows
The British Foreign Office Wednesday dismissed a complaint from Argentina about the “militarization of the South Atlantic” as tensions rise over the Falkland Islands, over which the two countries fought a war 30 years ago.
Russia says drillers reach long-buried Antarctic lake
Russian scientists have successfully drilled through two miles of Antarctic ice to a freshwater lake buried for millions of years, polar researchers announced Wednesday.
Safety checks ordered for all Airbus A380 airplanes
All Airbus A380 airplanes must be checked for cracks in the wings within three to four weeks, the European Aviation Safety Agency ordered Wednesday.
Suspect in 1993 UK heist arrested in U.S.
A British man suspected of stealing an armored van containing 1 million pounds in England 19 years ago was arrested Wednesday morning by U.S. authorities in southwest Missouri, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman said.
Soccer: England boss Capello resigns
The English Football Association have confirmed that England national manager Fabio Capello has resigned from his post with immediate effect.
Romania’s new PM appoints young ministers
Romania’s prime minister-designate announced the lineup of his government Wednesday following two days of talks with the ruling coalition.
Ukraine: Most cold deaths alcohol-linked
Alcohol is involved in most of the deaths blamed on the extreme cold in Ukraine, officials say, as unrelenting icy temperatures continue to grip eastern Europe.
Murdoch group pays thousands on hacking
The publisher of Rupert Murdoch’s now defunct News of the World tabloid paid out tens of thousands of pounds Wednesday to settle lawsuits over phone hacking from celebrities and politicians, including a former Tony Blair spokesman.

via: CNN.com - Europe

NYT Europe

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:07:02 -0500

Russia Plans to Retry Dead Lawyer Sergei L. Magnitsky in Tax Case
The decision to once again prosecute Sergei L. Magnitsky, whose death in prison was considered a symbol of rights abuses in Russia, infuriated his family and former employer.
Greece Puts Off Austerity Talks Amid Strike
Missing another deadline, the government failed to reach agreement with creditors Tuesday, and Greek workers walked off the job to protest austerity measures.
Russian Scientists Bore Into Ancient Antarctic Lake
Scientists said Wednesday they had reached the waters of a lake that has been sealed off for millions of years.
New Settlements in Britain’s Hacking Scandal
Rupert Murdoch’s British newspaper subsidiary was reported to have reached a new batch of settlements on Wednesday in the hacking scandal.
Britain Rules Out Talks With Argentina Over Falklands
Britain on Wednesday ruled out any negotiation with Argentina over the future of the disputed Falkland Islands after President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner said she would formally complain to the United Nations.
Letter from Europe: Remixing Ireland’s Gender Blend
New legislation is offering perhaps a first chance at reshaping Ireland’s heavily masculine political landscape, whose cronyism has been blamed for the country’s spectacular economic implosion.
Viktor Orban Defends Hungary’s New Constitution
In his state of the nation speech Tuesday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the Constitution was “the first in Europe to prescribe decreasing public debt and keeping the balance of the budget.”
Vatican Urged to Give Priority to Abuse Victims
An advocate for the prevention of child abuse said at a conference that the church should listen to victims rather than focus their attention on priests accused of wrongdoing.
2 Rulings Uphold Media Rights in Europe
Both verdicts by the European Court of Human Rights referred to the often-tricky balance between the media’s right to expression and an individual’s right to privacy.
Detention of Francesco Schettino, Italian Captain, Affirmed
A Florence appeals court rejected both the prosecutors’ request to imprison the Francesco Schettino, who is under house arrest, and the request of his lawyer to have him released.

via: NYT > Europe

Cinenews - new films this week

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:13:03 -0500

Circumstance
New movie by Maryam Keshavarz with Nikohl Boosheri, Sarah Kazemy, Reza Sixo Safai.
Jack And Jill
New movie by Dennis Dugan with Adam Sandler, Al Pacino, Katie Holmes, Allen Covert, Dana Carvey, Natalie Gal, Regis Philbin.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D
New movie by George Lucas with Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman.
The Descendants
New movie by Alexander Payne with George Clooney, Judy Greer, Shailene Woodley, Matthew Lillard, Beau Bridges, Robert Forster.
The Devil Inside
New movie by William Brent Bell with Fernanda Andrade, Simon Quarterman, Evan Helmuth.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
New movie by Tomas Alfredson with Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong, Colin Firth.
Tous au Larzac
New movie by Christian Rouaud with Pierre Bonnefous, José Bové, Léon Maille.

via: CineNews.be : Movies opening this week

New York Times - movies

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:13:02 -0500

Ben Gazzara, Actor of Stage and Screen, Dies at 81
Mr. Gazzara’s long acting career included playing Brick in the original “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on Broadway and roles in influential films by John Cassavetes.
Movie Review: Bill Morrison Documents the Reign of Old King Coal
Bill Morrison’s documentary uses found footage to recall the days when coal fueled Britain and to recount the demise of the mining trade.
Mike deGruy, Documentary Filmmaker and Marine Biologist, Dies at 60
Mr. deGruy was an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and marine biologist.
Oscar Nominee Luncheon Attracts Big Names
The annual Oscar nominees’ luncheon, where everyone roots for one another, was attended by 150 of the 188 in the running for awards, including 20 in the acting category.
Oscar Nominees Luncheon
Images from this prelude to the Feb. 26 Oscar ceremony.
The Carpetbagger: Making a Play for Older Voters (and Moviegoers)
AARP’s Movies for Grownups Awards finally get some (limited) respect.
The Carpetbagger: ‘Harry Potter’ and the Continuity Question
“Harry Potter’s” production designer talks about the challenges of art direction over all eight films. (Hint: Hogwarts isn’t exactly the same in every feature.)
The Carpetbagger: The Nominees’ Lunch Applause-o-Meter
The Oscar nominees’ lunch yields interesting tidbits, like the level of applause for “The Help” stars.
Arts & Leisure: Ed Wood’s ‘Final Curtain’ Plays at Slamdance
Jason Insalaco, the great-nephew of an actor who appeared in Ed Wood films, found and restored a sort-of lost Wood television pilot called “Final Curtain.”
Bingham Ray, Light of October Films and Daring Cinema
The distributor Bingham Ray, who died on Jan. 23, never abandoned his commitment to risky, visionary cinema.

via: NYT > Movies

CNN - Europe news

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:13:01 -0500

Argentinian leader plans to take UK-Falklands row to U.N.
Amid escalating tensions over the Falkland Islands, Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner accused Great Britain of militarizing the South Atlantic and said Tuesday her country would file a protest at the United Nations.
Strike in France expected to ground many overseas flights
Air France expects to cancel nearly half its long haul flights Tuesday as a strike by aviation workers enters its second day.
Costa captain remains under house arrest
The Italian captain of the shipwrecked cruise liner Costa Concordia must remain under house arrest while investigators look into possible charges against him, a court in Florence, Italy, ruled Tuesday, a defense lawyer said.
German authorities arrest two alleged Syrian spies
Two men suspected of spying on Syrian opposition groups in Germany were arrested in Berlin Tuesday, authorities said.
BBC accuses Iran of harrassing journalists
Iranian authorities are “intimidating and arresting people who they claim have connections with the BBC Persian service,” the British broadcasting giant said Tuesday.
Brutal winter grips Eastern Europe
Cold weather has killed at least 250 people across the region, with 135 of them in Ukraine. Authorities have set up an emergency hospital to deal with conditions.
Norway shooting suspect: I deserve medal
…

via: CNN.com - Europe

Wired - Underwire/Culture

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:01 -0500

Podcast: John Carter Returns to Barsoom in Sci-Fi Short ‘The Metal Men of Mars’
New sci-fi anthology Under the Moons of Mars expands on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom stories about John Carter. In “The Metal Men of Mars,” Confederate-soldier-cum-Martian-warlord John Carter faces new and terrifying creatures that go beyond…
Action Abounds in Amazing Spider-Man Sneak Preview
« Previous | Next » « Previous | Next » View all HOLLYWOOD — Spider-Man and his gloppy Lizard nemesis slug it out amid the skyscrapers of New York City in an action-crammed new trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man. New…
Frank Miller Puts More Dark Knight Art Up for Auction
« Previous | Next » Comics artist Frank Miller has consigned two pieces of original Batman artwork — both valued at more than $50,000 — to be put up for auction. The first (above) is the book cover art for Absolute Dark Knight, the single-volume…
Alt Text: 100-Word User Agreements for Google, Facebook and Friends
Less is more: End user license agreements need not be as long as the Bible. Photo: SXC, modified by Lore Sjöberg Google is making a big deal out of consolidating all its user agreements that nobody reads into a single, short, comprehensible user…
Video: Of Monsters and Men’s ‘Little Talks’ Conjures Mind-Wiping Fantasy
Icelandic indie-folk sextet Of Monsters and Men won’t release its debut full-length, My Head Is An Animal, stateside until April, but rousing single “Little Talks” has made the international rounds since last year, and never in more…
Me @the Zoo Exemplifies Internet’s Infiltration of Indie Film
New documentary Me @the Zoo chronicles web celeb Chris Crocker’s rise to fame, both before and after his “Leave Britney Alone!” viral video. Image: Chris Crocker PARK CITY, Utah — From crowd-funding to the visual language of online…
Art Installation Tracks Visitors’ Time With Tape Measures
The method used to track attendance at artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s current installation might not be the most efficient, but it is unique. The exhibit — called Tape Recorders, Subsculpture 14 — uses a computerized system to detect…
One Model Nation Eyes ’70s-Era Terror Through Krautrock Lens
« Previous | Next » « Previous | Next » View all “Remastered” graphic novel One Model Nation is an intriguing and humorous historical fiction set in ’70s Berlin, as seen through an imaginary German art-noise…
Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream Book Reveals Sweet Secrets
Apple Coded Bacon won’t appear in the Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream Book. It’s a special flavor dreamed up by the San Francisco gourmet ice cream parlor just for Wired. (Get the recipe below.) Photo: Ariel Zambelich/Wired.com The coolest secret in…
Picking at the Bones of New The Hunger Games Trailer
The new trailer for The Hunger Games drops a few tasty morsels about the upcoming film adaptation of the young adult sci-fi novel, but holds off on spilling too much fight-to-the-death footage. It’s probably a smart…

via: Underwire

NYT Europe

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:13:01 -0500

Greek Workers Strike Against New Round of Austerity
Greek workers walked off the job on Tuesday to protest a new barrage of austerity measures being demanded by the country’s foreign creditors.
Antoni Tàpies, Spanish Abstract Painter, Dies at 88
Mr. Tàpies grounded his work in the brute reality of the Spanish street and in the turbulent political dramas of his youth in Catalonia.
Roman Catholics Convene to Discuss Sexual Abuse Prevention
Religious superiors as well as abuse victims were invited to a symposium in Rome. Some wondered what action would come from the meeting.
The Lede Blog: Dutch Reporters Face Jail for Violating Elderly Nazi War Criminal’s Right to Privacy
A 90-year-old convicted Nazi war criminal claims that the journalists violated his privacy by using a hidden camera to record an interview with him.
St. Moritz Journal: With Leaning Tower of Pisa Straighter, Other Contenders
Repairs have ended the Pisa tower’s status as the most leaning, and a small tower in Germany is the new Guinness titleholder, but rivals have emerged.
Russia Rejects Criticism of Its U.N. Veto on Syria
Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, on Monday lashed out at critics of Russia’s decision to veto a United Nations resolution on Syria and reiterated objections to the plan.
Letter from Europe: U.S. Sees Europe as Not Pulling Its Weight Militarily
Europeans do not grasp how bad the trans-Atlantic relationship has become as Europe refuses to pick up more of the military burden and Washington makes a strategic shift from Europe to Asia.
E.U. Rebuffs China’s Challenge to Airline Emission System
The system, which requires airlines to account for all of their emissions on flights involving European airports, is the Union’s boldest move to date to protect the climate.
Contador, Three-Time Tour de France Champion, Is Found Guilty of Doping
An appeals court ruled on Monday that Alberto Contador, a three-time winner of the Tour de France, used a performance-enhancing drug when he won the race in 2010.
Op-Ed Columnist: Java and Justice
To see the future of same-sex marriage, look to savvy companies.

via: NYT > Europe

CNN - Europe news

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:13:01 -0500

Greek unions set to strike over new austerity demands
Greek union members are expected to go on a daylong strike Tuesday to protest new austerity measures sought by foreign lenders as the country negotiates to keep its finances afloat.
Strike in France expected to ground many overseas flights
Air France expects to cancel nearly half its long haul flights Tuesday as a strike by aviation workers enters its second day.
Saying he deserves medal, Norway shooting suspect stays jailed
…
IMF warns China on eurozone fallout
Economic growth in China could drop by half this year in the event of a sharp recession in Europe, the IMF predicted on Monday in a report that underscored the importance of global trade to the world’s second largest economy.
British court grants bail to radical cleric
A court in the United Kingdom has granted bail to a radical cleric accused of links to al Qaeda, the British Home Office said Monday.
Romania’s PM resigns amid protests
Romania’s Prime Minister Emil Boc resigns, following weeks of public protests against austerity measures, and in the wake of at least 34 deaths due to cold weather.
Spain’s Socialist Party elects new leader
Spain’s Socialist Party has elected Alfredo Rubalcaba as its new secretary general, three months after he led the party to a landslide loss to the conservatives in the midst of the nation’s deep economic crisis.
Hearing set for Italian cruise ship captain
A closed-door hearing to determine whether the captain of the Costa Concordia cruise ship should remain under house arrest is set for Monday.
Contador stripped of Tour de France title
Three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador has been stripped of his 2010 title and retroactively banned from cycling for two years following Monday’s ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

via: CNN.com - Europe