movies

*NEW release*
One Step Wiser - World Culture Pictorial Online Journal Vol. 01
by Dean Goodluck

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George Lucas, father of "Star Wars", is a pioneering filmmaker who redefined how films are made. Lucas wanted to make a movie that would teach children the central ethic of right and wrong, good and evil. “I want[ed] to see if I can bend their lives at a particular point in time when they’re very vulnerable,” he recalls, “and give them the things that we’ve always given kids throughout history. The last time we had done it was with the Western. And once the Western was gone, there was no vehicle to say, ‘You don’t shoot people in the back’ and such.”

He’ll receive a Kennedy Center Honor this weekend for his blockbuster work in movies and film technology, but he’s quick to point out that he’s the only recipient this year who isn’t technically a performer. The Honors are being held a mere 12 days before the intensely anticipated release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the saga’s seventh episode. Harrison Ford said: “George has been amazing to me. He’s been the author of the early chapters of my life and given me the opportunity to have a really extraordinary life.”  read more »

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"If a man loves the labour of his trade, apart from any question of success or fame, the gods have called him." - Robert Louis Stevenson

Daredevil Nik Wallenda wowed the world on Sunday November 2 when he crossed between two Chicago skyscrapers blindfolded and without a harness.

Maggie Smith interview for My Old Lady: 'If you have been around long enough you are an icon' - More famous than ever thanks to Downton Abbey, the 79-year-old actress tells Elizabeth Grice why she keeps going  read more »

"Lion Man: Meet the extraordinary man known as 'The Lion Whisperer'. Kevin Richardson's bond with Africa's dominant predator is as astonishing as it is touching. He's devoted his life to understanding and protecting the mighty Lion which is battling human encroachment and shrinking habitat.
Along the way, he cuddles them, tickles them, even sticks his head in their jaws! Despite Kevin's research, it's now feared that within just twenty years there will be no lions "born free"."

The LION WHISPERER Kevin Richardson - Living with the LIONS - Full Length Documentary

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After graduating with a BSc in Anatomy and Physiology, Kevin began his career in postoperative rehabilitation. He made a dramatic career switch when he was given an opportunity to work with lions at a local lion park, sixteen years ago.

As a self-taught animal behaviourist, he has broken every safety rule known to man when working with these wild animals. Flouting common misconceptions that breaking an animal’s spirit with sticks and chains is the best way to subdue them, he uses love, understanding and trust to develop personal bonds with them. His unique method of getting to know their individual personalities, what makes each of them angry, happy, upset, or irritated-just like a mother understands a child-has caused them to accept him like one of their own into their fold.  read more »

August 13, 2014 Jimmy Fallon Pays Tribute to Robin Williams to honor the late comedian, choking back tears, before doing his best impersonation of the legend -

*update* Mashable 02 March 2016 (Wednesday): A tunnel with rainbow arches that connects the Golden Gate Bridge to greater Marin County has officially become the Robin Williams tunnel. The tunnel was unofficially known as the Waldo Tunnel. The California State Senate last year approved a resolution to change the tunnel's name to honor the late actor and comedian. Williams grew up and lived in the Bay Area. The two signs — one for each side of the tunnel — cost $3,000 that was paid for using private donations.

*update* 21 August 2014 Robin Williams's Ashes Scattered in San Francisco Bay near his home just one day after his death, per his official death certificate

*update* 20 August 2014 2014 Emmys: Billy Crystal to pay tribute to Williams, his longtime friend and fellow comedian, at next week's Emmy Awards. At 2013 Emmys, Williams honored his friend and mentor Jonathan Winters.

Unbreakable bond. Christopher Reeve: the greatest gift from Robin Williams is laughter

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Colorado lawmakers unsure how to spend marijuana tax revenue

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"Saving Grace":
In this Sundance Audience Award-winning comedy from director Nigel Cole, newly widowed Grace (Brenda Blethyn) finds herself in financial ruin when she discovers that her dearly departed husband has left her deep in debt. With the help of her gardener, Matt (Craig Ferguson), Grace applies her green thumb to ganja plants -- and soon, everyone in her small English town is getting high on more than life.

Critical reaction to the film was generally positive and it received favorable notice for an independent British comedy film, eventually grossing $24,325,600 worldwide, following its theatrical release in the United States.

[2013] Reuters: Uruguay becomes first country to legalize marijuana trade  read more »

US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy calls Japan's dolphin slaughter “inhumane”

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