'My Mad Fat Diary' Sharon Rooney interview: 'I adored Spice World'

February 20, 2013, 12:55 pm

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My Mad Fat Diary has been a joyous, surprising and heartwarming success on E4.

A drama about a recovering 16-year-old who has mental health, self-harm and body image issues doesn't necessarily sound like a recipe for a hit, but thanks to a brilliantly balanced performance from newcomer Sharon Rooney, an awesome Britpop-tastic soundtrack and a super sharp sense of humour, the show has triumphed and has already bagged a second series.

Digital Spy caught up with Rooney to chat about the show's success, her unwavering passion for Spice World and her secret sporting talent.

The show has generated a brilliant response. You must be chuffed.
"It's been overwhelming. My hope was that audiences would like Rae and understand Rae and they totally have. It's not just been young girls and boys, it's been adults saying 'thank you' and that really is quite humbling. I just hope that the show helps people talk about some of the issues involved and helps people feel more comfortable with all these subjects.

"It is a big responsibility, but I also feel very honoured that people feel that they can say, 'that happened to me'. I feel like I've done my job as an actress if the emotions look real and people genuinely look past what I'm doing and feel that they have some sort of bond or association with me. (She most definitely did. - OP)

"I wouldn't have wanted people to see this and go, 'that's not what happens, that's not how I felt'. I just wanted it to be as truthful as I could make it and I hope there's more people - not just the ones who have spoke to me - who have found it useful. I hope people who have watched it don't feel alone and realise that they're not the only person with these problems."

My favourite scene in the series was when Rae unzipped out of the fat suit to Radiohead's 'Fake Plastic Trees'. Did you have a favourite scene or moment?

"The shower scene was probably one of the most important scenes for me. That was the first time that you actually saw Rae properly hurting.

"But that scene you talk about is incredible. It's gorgeously done. And the great thing about that scene is that it shows it's not just about size. It's about wanting to not be you. It's about becoming someone totally different.

"And I would like to confirm that I'm not actually me in that scene. A lot of people have asked, but it's not me that walks out of the fat suit. Ha. I hadn't actually seen that until it aired and I got a bit of a shock watching. It gave me a shock and it was very strange watching it for the first time. It's really moving seeing that for the first time."

The Britpop soundtrack to the series is brilliant. Do you think that has helped the show increase its appeal to older audiences?

"I think the music really helps. The music is brilliant and the era was brilliant, so I think people who recognise both are enjoying reminiscing. But it really is ageless as a show, my gran has been watching it and she loves it. I think the problems that the gang go through, you could put them in any era and they would still apply to everyone."

Were you a Britpop fan?

"More than I realised. At the time I was all about the Spice Girls and nothing else was on my radar. But since we started filming the show I've been checking my iPod and I've realised that I have a lot of Oasis and Radiohead on there, I like the Eels; I think I was actually into quite cool music in secret in the '90s."

I think I'm getting old because I found myself thinking, 'music isn't as good as it used to be'.

"It's not is it? Let's be old together. I'll just keep playing a teenager to make us both feel young."

What telly inspired you as a young actress?

"I watch loads of telly. I love TV. Growing up, I really liked Victoria Wood and Julie Walters. I'm still a wee bit obsessed with Victoria Wood. Alison Steadman is someone I love and Claire Rushbrook. I was a huge fan of Claire's, so working with her on My Mad Fat Diary was a brilliant experience.

"Do you know Claire was in Spice World? I adored Spice World. I had one copy on VHS at home and one at my gran's. That tape has been watched literally thousands of times.

"Old-school people like Kathy Burke as well. I used to love anything that I wasn't supposed to watch. I better not get in trouble for this, but I also used to watch The Young Ones. At an age when I really shouldn't have been watching The Young Ones. My uncle who was really young owned it all and used to let me watch it."

I have to confess that I've never seen Spice World.

"You've never watched Spice World? Never in your whole life?"

I avoided it in the '90s because I thought I was too cool for it...

"Avoid it? Too cool for the Spice Girls? I can't believe you just told me that. I'm going to have to get you a DVD somehow. You have to see it! You have to! I cannot believe you haven't seen Spice World? I'm in deep shock."

What TV gets you reaching for the remote?

"I'm not very good with sci-fi things. I can understand it, but I don't really watch it. I don't really do Star Trek or anything like that. But if it was the only thing on, I'd still watch it.

"I don't really like watching cricket on TV either. I wish they'd just play rounders instead. It's all too serious. I just want them to have some fun."

They should play rounders in the Olympics.

"They should. They should because I'm really good at rounders. I'm a great catcher. I'm not doing the running around, but I'll catch. At school I was never allowed to hit, I was always the catch. You know in Harry Potter where they catch the snitch? That's like my catching the ball in rounders."

If you could be in any TV show, what would be your dream role?

"The honest answer? I know it sounds cheesy, but it would be My Mad Fat Diary. I've always wanted to play someone who was funny and sad and have me as the lead. I can't believe that I've got it in my very first role. It's my number one life ambition. Even after we finished filming I expected someone to come up and say, 'we've changed our minds' and for it to be over. I genuinely can't believe it.

"I'm so, so, so happy that I got to do it. And I still can't believe it. I still get the 'did it actually happen?' feeling."

The show has been advertised everywhere in papers and on buses. Have you found that strange?

"I think it's more weird for my family and friends. I just don't look at anything. Except buses. When you run for the bus and get on it, that's a bit awkward. I try to ignore everything else though. I think you can get carried away when people call you up and say, 'I've seen you in the paper'."


Source

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Game of Thrones S2 Deleted Scenes - Varys & Littlefinger

February 20, 2013, 12:55 pm

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DC Comics has gay marriage storyline in the works for Batwoman!

February 20, 2013, 12:55 pm

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News of Batwoman's lesbian marriage proposal was first announced Wednesday on Bleeding Cool. Rich Johnston reported that "Batwoman" #17 concludes with the heorine proposing to her girlfriend, Maggie Sawyer.

Because in Batwoman #17, published today, Kathy Kane, the Batwoman, DC’s leading lesbian lady asks Maggie Sawyer, Captain Sawyer, her secret girlfriend to ... be her wife. No idea how well that’s going to go down. And you have to read the build up to this – and the rather dangerous epilogue. There’s no guarantee we’re going to hear wedding bells. But I think that’s a story. I’ve been talking about how much I love this comic for some time, I think it’s DC’s best. Now I’ve just been given another reason.

After emerging victorious from a recent crusade, Kane reveals her identity to Sawyer. "Marry me, Mags," she says, planting a kiss on Sawyer before the police captain can react.

Batwoman artist J. H. Williams hinted that big things were in store for Wednesday's release.

"Batwoman is an important character, and a socially important one that has meaning that extends well beyond the printed pages of the world she lives in, reaching out into ours possibly affecting those who encounter her story,"he wrote on his official website Tuesday.

HuffingtonPost

Hilary Mantel v Kate: a story of lazy journalism and raging hypocrisy

February 20, 2013, 1:13 pm

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Daring to discuss the way in which the media manipulates women is the real cause of this latest tabloid outrage
(by Hadley Freeman)



Oh, Hilary Mantel – how foolish you have been! Sure, you might have won two Booker prizes and are generally agreed to be one of the greatest writers of the modern age; one so extraordinary you have battled out of the ghetto into which female writers are almost invariably penned, with the exception of JK Rowling and, now, you. But all that pales to nothing, Hils – nothing, I say! – next to your ignorance of the politics involved in women criticising women.

Two weeks ago, Mantel gave a lecture at the British Museum, organised by the London Review of Books. Not, one might have thought, an event ripe with potential for scandal. Nonetheless, scandal issued forth most biliously (if somewhat belatedly) when someone on Fleet Street noticed that Mantel's speech had been published on the LRB website six days ago and that it contained – clutch your handkerchiefs to your mouths, readers! – comments about Kate, the Duchess of Somethingorother. These comments, incidentally, made (with Mantel's characteristic subtlety and grace) the patently obvious points that Kate's entire raison d'être now, in the eyes of the media and the royal family, is to be admired and to breed, just as Anne Boleyn's had been. She has been embraced by the royal family because she seems like the anti-Diana; one who is not interested in her own publicity but is instead depicted by the royal press machine as safe and devoted to her husband and duties.

None of these observations is new, although rarely have they been better couched. They also took up a total of four paragraphs in a 30-paragraph speech – less than one-seventh, in other words – that otherwise focused on Mantel's very perceptive observations of Henry VIII, the Queen and the nature of monarchy as a whole. But none of these can be illustrated with a photo of the eternally photogenic duchess and, more importantly, none can be souped up into some kind of non-existent squabble between two high-profile women (Boleyn being, famously if rather inconveniently, dead.) So it was Mantel's "vicious, venomous" and "withering""rants" and "attacks" on the Duchess that made the front pages of today's Mail and Metro papers, as well as getting a prominent mention in the Independent and a somewhat smaller one in the Guardian. This kind of extrapolation is reminiscent of when a critic describes a film as "astonishingly bad" and the film poster then claims the critic described it as "astonishing!"



David Cameron promptly took time out of his trip in India to confirm that he thought Mantel's comments were "completely misguided and completely wrong", proving he, too, couldn't be bothered to read her entire talk before putting in his tuppence(he also said it would be "wrong" for Great Britain to apologise for the Amritsar massacre in India, so he's two for two in his quest to talk complete and utter bullshit), and the result was that "Hilary Mantel" began to trend on Twitter yesterday, which really puts those silly Bookers into perspective, achievement-wise. That Mantel's speech was ultimately a call for restraint when covering the royals only adds irony to the ridiculous.

It is worth looking at what is going on here. Lazy journalism, clearly, and raging hypocrisy, obviously: what has any paper done with Kate for the past decade but use her as decorative page filler? Indeed, when the BBC covered Mantelgate (Mantelpiece?) it included lingering shots of the duchess's fair form while quoting in horror from Mantel's speech about the royal women existing to be admired. This is also a good example of how the Mail fights back when it feels it is being attacked. For if Mantel was attacking anyone in her talk, then her aim was clearly at the Mail with its obsessive, prurient fascination with Kate. To see the Mail gasping at Mantel's suggestion that the duchess is "designed to breed" when it has been on "bump watch" since she walked down the aisle is the Fleet Street reenactment of Captain Renault in Casablanca proclaiming himself to be "shocked to find gambling is going on here" while collecting his winnings. It then added helpfully that Mantel is "infertile" and "dreams of being thin". Yeah, no wonder she's jealous of our Kate, the fat childless cow.

But the liberal press has been arguably just as bad, with the Independent providing a kindly list, allowing readers to compare "the author and the princess", again emphasising Mantel's weight. The subject of women talking about women has become as fraught an issue for the left as it is for the right. The conservative press loves a good woman v woman – or "author v princess"– fight because it suggests that women are all hysterical girlies who can't be trusted with proper grownup issues because they'll start throwing tampons at one another. If, say, Martin Amis said anything vaguely similar to Mantel's comments about Kate, he would not have received anywhere near the same amount of publicity.

On the liberal side, one of the tenets of the fourth wave of feminism, which is just starting to crest, is that women should not criticise one another's life choices. Rather, every lifestyle, every fashion choice is acceptable because they all reflect a woman's freedom of choice, whether it's going out in one's underwear (Slutwalk) or, well, being a princess. This kind of open-ended tolerance is all well and good, except when it then results in people attacking another woman for expressing an opinion about an industry that exploits their own, as invariably happens when a woman discusses, say, Page 3 girls or strip clubs.

Mantel was discussing how the royal family and the media manipulate women; it is of little surprise that the media would attack her back. But this nonsense highlights how it is still, apparently, impossible to be a woman and put forth a measured opinion about one of your own without it being twisted into some kind of screed-ish, unsisterly attack. As Mantel has learnt to her cost today, it's not only royal women who are expected to stay quiet.

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I find it funny/sad that the Guardian chose to illustrate this article with a picture of Kate, which is exactly the kind of thing the author makes fun of. I also don't know about the feminism comments, eh... But I think it's important to set the record straight here because when the author says that a. Mantel's comments were attacking the media, not Kate, which is why she's being crucified by the tabloids right now, and b. a man would have gotten away with it, she's not wrong.

Mods, resubmitting this after reuploading the pictures, oops.

First-Look Footage At Gabrielle Union As Mary Jane Paul In 'Being Mary Jane' + What To Expect

February 20, 2013, 1:17 pm

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It's not much of a look at just 15 seconds, but it'll do for now I suppose. I'm sure a longer trailer for the Akils' Being Mary Jane BET original movie will surface soon.

Recapping...

Being Mary Jane, the BET pilot movie from Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil, the hit husband-and-wife duo, stars Gabrielle Union, Omari Hardwick, Tika Sumpter, BJ Britt, Lisa Vidal and Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery, Richard Brooks, Stephen Bishop, Raven Goodwin, Latarsha Rose, Robinne Lee and Aaron Spears.

It's the first project under the mega-production deal the Akils signed with BET last year, and chronicles the work, social and family life of a successful African American career woman (Mary Jane Paul), an acclaimed host of a 24-hour national cable news network. As Mary Jane juggles her life, her work and her commitment to family, viewers follow how far she’s willing to go to find those puzzle pieces that she, and society, insist are missing from her life as a single black female.




In a 2012 interview, after principal photography wrapped, Gabrielle Union had this to say about what we can expect from Being Mary Jane:

"Being Mary Jane" is basically about a television host, who has her own show, and how she balances her life. Between wanting to talk about hard hitting news and other stories, she shuffles through her own personal morals. It’s about her trying to stand up for what she believes in but also keeping her ratings. She also struggles with the idea of being raised with the same morals, values and opportunities, throughout her family and being the only one to make it. How does that change the family dynamic? Her family comes from the upper-middle class, but she is the only one out of her siblings that is doing well. Her lack of a love life and the poor choices that she has made are also explored.

Being Mary Jane premiered at the 16th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival presented by BET Networks, last fall. I wasn't able to attend the screening, but from what I heard from others who did, it's a winner.

There's no broadcast TV debut yet, but while we wait, here's a just-released 15-second promo to hold you over.


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Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell Are Perfect Without Marriage

February 20, 2013, 1:17 pm

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Hollywood partnerships are renowned for having a short shelf life. But romance is still clearly blooming for stars Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell after 30 years together.

The 67-year-old actress has been with her long-term partner since they were cast together in 1983's Swing Shift and the couple are so 'devoted' to one another they don't see how a legal document can strengthen their love.



The Private Benjamin star told Australia's Woman's Day magazine: '[We] have done just perfectly without marrying. I already feel devoted and isn't that what marriage is supposed to do?

'So as long as my emotional state is in a state of devotion, honesty, caring and loving, then we're fine. We both have independent finances, we're both independently well-off.'

Goldie - who has children Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson with her ex-husband Bill Hudson and son Wyatt with Kurt - initially thought the age gap between the pair was too big after they first met during the filming of The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band in 1968 as they were both so young.




However, the pair later found they couldn't stay away from one another and decided to take the risk and begin dating.

She recently recalled: 'I was 21 and he was 16 and I thought he was adorable but he was much too young. And then years later we met up again and I liked him and I remembered that I had liked him very much when I first met him.

'But we both said we would never go out with another actor so it just shows you never can tell.

‘We have raised our children brilliantly; they are beautiful people. We did a great job there and we didn't have to get married to do that.'

The loved up pair jetted in to LAX on Monday after a romantic trip away.

Kurt is set to get to work on two films this year, Bone Tomahawk and Sweet Spot.

SOURCE

Lindsay Lohan Returns Borrowed $1,750 Designer Dress in Tatters

February 20, 2013, 1:18 pm

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Shear madness? Lindsay Lohan wore a gorgeous, beaded, floor-sweeping gown by Theia to an amFAR event on Feb. 6 in NYC, but by the time she returned it, the dress was half its original length.

"She said that the dress had ripped [at a club after the fundraiser] -- she couldn't possibly wear it like that -- so her stylist friend went to the club bouncer and requested some scissors to repair the torn part of the dress," a source tells Us Weekly. "But what bouncer has scissors?"

"She turned it into a mullet! Only a fashiony person would do that! " the source continues. "She's out of control and behaving really badly."

The dress in question is actually the same one that fellow troubled star Charlie Sheen finagled for the 26-year-old actress. As revealed by Us Weekly, Sheen generously hooked up his Scary Movie 5 costar with the dress after personally putting in a call to celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch to outfit her for the glamorous AmFAR affair.

He even said he'd "go halfsies" with the actress to pay for the gown, an offer she did not accept: Lohan ended up borrowing the dress.



Source

ONTD's Favorite Extrovert Attends A Vanity Fair's Pre-Oscar Party Wearing An Origami Napkin

February 21, 2013, 11:50 am

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Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper attend the Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood Pre-Oscars Celebration of their film Silver Linings Playbook on Wednesday (February 20) at the Glenholme School in Los Angeles.

The co-stars were joined by their fellow Oscar-nominated castmate Jacki Weaver, as well as Chris Tucker, at the Barneys New York and Weinstein Company hosted event.

Jennifer and Bradley are both nominated in the leading actor categories at this weekend’s ceremony, while Jacki is nominated in the supporting category.

FYI: Jennifer is wearing a Roland Mouret dress.

Making new friends: Jennifer and Bradley posed up with Barneys CEO Mark Lee at the event





Co-stars: Chris Tucker, who plays Bradley's character Pat's institutionalised friend Danny in Silver Linings Playbook, was also at the event

source: 1,2

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Josh Brolin and Diane Lane To Divorce

February 21, 2013, 11:50 am

≫ Next: Bradley Cooper Is A Player; Linked To Four Girls In Four Nights

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Another celebrity power couple bites the dust ... Josh Brolin and Diane Lane are calling it quits on their 8-year marriage.

A spokesperson for the couple announced the two are going their separate ways -- it's unclear if they have officially filed for divorce.

Josh and Diane were married in 2004 -- and have no children together.

The union hasn't exactly been smooth sailing -- just months after they tied the knot, Josh was arrested and charged with spousal battery.

Josh has starred in a ton of huge movies -- including "True Grit,""Milk,""No Country for Old Men" and "W."

Lane's credits ain't exactly shabby either ... she's been in hits like "The Perfect Storm,""Unfaithful," and "Under the Tuscan Sun."

Source

Bradley Cooper Is A Player; Linked To Four Girls In Four Nights

February 21, 2013, 12:01 pm

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Bradley Cooper is on the prowl!

On Feb. 8, just hours after landing in London for a Silver Linings Playbook Grey Goose dinner at Little House Mayfair, “he spent a long time flirting with (MTV host) Laura Whitmore,” an onlooker dishes to Life & Style, on stands now. “He asked for her number, which of course she gave him.”

But Bradley was only getting warmed up.

Two days later, on Feb. 10, the star was spotted dirty dancing with actress Alice Eve, 31, at an afterparty for the BAFTA Film Awards at Loulou’s nightclub, only to leave the bash with another actress, Gemma Arterton, 27, on his arm.

The duo found themselves sharing a table for two at nearby hot spot The Rose Club until 2 a.m. on Feb. 11 — the same day he’d charm 20-year-old model Suki Waterhouse at the Elle Style Awards 2013!

An eyewitness tells Life & Style, “Their car shot off trying to avoid being followed. He was definitely in a hurry and was making as strong effort not to be seen with her (Suki).”

Someone’s clearly single and ready to mingle!

Source

Leo must be so proud. Anyway, I just watched SLP and warmed up to BCoop, he can get my number anytime, anyday

What's Next for the Best Actor and Actress Nominees

February 21, 2013, 12:06 pm

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BRADLEY COOPER, Silver Linings Playbook
The busiest nominee has The Hangover Part III and The Place Beyond the Pines out this spring. Serena (with Jennifer Lawrence) is done, and he's about to shoot David O. Russell's next film opposite Jeremy Renner, Amy Adams and Christian Bale. Cooper has several projects in development at Warner Bros., including American Sniper, based on Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who recently was killed at a gun range. A Cameron Crowe movie could shoot in the fall, followed by MRC's Bad Blood and Trouble, and he's attached to Legendary's Here There Be Monsters. But his reps say a rumored Lance Armstrong movie isn't real.

JESSICA CHASTAIN, Zero Dark Thirty
Her one film in the can has morphed into two: The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: His and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Hers, now planned as separate movies. She also has signed on for the Downton Abbey-esque drama Miss Julie, in which she will play a daughter of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy who encourages her father's valet to seduce her.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE, Silver Linings Playbook
She recently completed the period drama Serena opposite Cooper and is finishing The Hunger Games: Catching Fire before segueing in April to X-Men: Days of Future Past in Montreal.

EMMANUELLE RIVA, Amour
The French actress, who turns 86 on Oscar Sunday, has received offers but hasn't picked a follow-up.

QUVENZHANE WALLIS, Beasts of the Southern Wild
The 9-year-old co-stars with Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt in Steve McQueen's Twelve Years a Slave and is being courted to star in Sony's Annie reboot.

NAOMI WATTS, The Impossible
The Aussie star has filmed a take on the Princess of Wales in Diana as well as the sexy Sundance hit Two Mothers and Sunlight Jr., in which she is pregnant and holding a minimum-wage job.

JOAQUIN PHOENIX, The Master
He's shot Her, directed by Spike Jonze, and Lowlife, a Weinstein Co. period drama with Marion Cotillard and Renner. And he's negotiating to reteam with Paul Thomas Anderson for Inherent Vice, based on the 2009 Thomas Pynchon novel.

DENZEL WASHINGTON, Flight
Out in August is 2 Guns, a Universal action thriller co-starring Mark Wahlberg. Washington is seeking a director for The Equalizer, Sony's adaptation of the '80s TV series, since Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) dropped out. Rupert Wyatt has expressed interest.

HUGH JACKMAN, Les Miserables
The Wolverine opens July 26. He's shooting Prisoners, an Alcon thriller with Jake Gyllenhaal, then he'll reprise his mutant role in X-Men: Days of Future Past.

DANIEL DAY-LEWIS, Lincoln
Nothing in the can or on the horizon. Take a job!

Source
BCoop is here to stay. I can see Naomi and Joaquin getting a nom next year too.

Aubrey Plaza: Amy Poehler is a Violent Monster.

February 21, 2013, 12:07 pm

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Interview with David DeNicolo

Do you have any comic heroines?
Gilda Radner. A lot of people from SNL like Ana Gastayer and Molly Shannon. I was a huge Seinfeld fan, and I loved anything that Julia Louis-Dreyfus did. I could go on forever.

Your father's family is from Puerto Rico. Do you consider yourself Latina?
Yeah. I'm half. I definitely identify with that half. It's my dominant half.

What do you think about typical depictions of Latinas in TV comedy?
Typically there's a lot of big stereotypes. Which is what I like about April, because it's not her whole character. The typical big hothead like Sofia Vegara['s character] is funny but not the only thing that could be on TV.

Your delivery is so deadpan. Do you ever worry that people don't see that you're joking?
People now just assume I'm f'ing with them.

You have called Amy Poehler "a violent monster who makes me cry every day on set."
She is one of the scariest people I've ever worked with. If I go to the craft table for a snack, she slaps it out of my hands! She doesn't let me eat food. She's always telling me I need to lose five pounds. She's a nightmare.

Source: Allure March Issue p 72

Lady Gaga Is The New Queen Of Pop

February 21, 2013, 12:08 pm

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Ranking No. 6 on Celebuzz’s Hollywood Power Index is the one and only Lady Gaga.

Just days ago, we crowned the outrageous songstress the Queen of Pop — and for good reason. Take a look at the facts:

- She is the only female artist to have two singles (“Just Dance” and “Poker Face”) sell more than 6 million copies.
- She is the youngest artist to have two tours (The Monster Ball and The Born This Way Ball) rank among the 25 most successful tours of all time.
- Since her debut in 2008, she has sold more albums and singles than Britney and Beyoncé combined.
- With nearly 34 million Twitter followers and more than 55 million Facebook fans, she has the biggest social media presence of the three artists.

Though the star was recently injured, there’s no stopping Gaga. The superstar may be out of commission temporarily — but there’s a lot more on the horizon, including an upcoming documentary with the renowned Terry Richardson.

View video on the subject @ Celebuzz

Wesley Snipes' Horror/Western 'Gallowwalkers' Gets A Trailer

February 21, 2013, 12:18 pm

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GALLOWALKERS is the story of a mysterious gunman, Aman (Snipes), the son of a nun, who breaks her covenant with God to ensure his survival. Her break with God curses her son to be hunted by all those who die by his hand - When he takes revenge on a gang that murdered his love, the gang rises as a cursed crew of undead warriors and hunt him mercilessly, seeking their 'dying' revenge.

Trailer under the cut.
VMI Worldwide has brought the horror/western movie Gallowwalkers, which stars Wesley Snipes, out from the hiding, and Wrekin Hill Entertainment picked up USA release rights from VMI Worldwide, to the film, with plans to release this year - although no exact date yet.



Wrekin Hill Entertainment is a young Los Angeles-based production and distribution company, founded by the former Newmarket Films team of Chris Ball and Rene Cogan. While at Newmarket, Ball and Cogan oversaw production and distribution of indie films like Memento, Donnie Darko, Whale Rider, Monster, and The Passion Of The Christ - all films that were both critical and commercial successes.



The company plans to distribute 4 - 5 films theatrically annually, in addition to its home market releases via its recently announced a multi-year US home entertainment distribution deal with Lionsgate.

A brand-new release trailer has been released and it's embedded below:

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Black lead in a horror Western? somebody pinch me. I think it is one of those "so bad, it's good" kind of films.

Nepotism Alert: Brangelina's Children Want To Be Child Stars

February 21, 2013, 12:46 pm

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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s children reportedly all want to become stars.

The actress’ daughter Vivienne recently landed a role in her mother’s upcoming Disney film Maleficent and is said to be getting £1,970 per week for her role.

And it seems the star’s other five children may want to follow in their sister’s and parent’s showbusiness footsteps after learning how much Vivienne is getting paid.

A source told ShowbizSpy: “They look at it as a big allowance. Her screen debut has caused a major rift in the family. Now they all want their own turn in the spotlight.

“All the kids are driving Brad and Angie crazy with ideas for movies they want to act in.”

Angelina has previously attempted to get son Maddox interested in acting by asking for him to appear in science fiction film Battling Boy, which is being produced by Brad’s company.

The source said: “Angie and Brad felt that the superhero project was the perfect first step for Maddox. They had hoped to begin filming in 2012, but it still doesn’t have a start date.

“Maddox is exasperated at watching Vivienne getting a top-notch part first.”

We're sure the kids aren't getting too worked up about it, after all look at the fabulous life they get to lead with their globe-trotting parents!

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Youtube sensation Emily Hartridge on why dogs are better than women

February 21, 2013, 12:46 pm

≫ Next: This Year's Oscar Bizarre Swag Bag: $120 Maple Syrup, Circus Training, and more

≪ Previous: Nepotism Alert: Brangelina's Children Want To Be Child Stars

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Jennifer Aniston once said she prefers dogs to men because they 'make better companions' and offer 'unconditional love'.

This week video blogger Emily Hartridge argues that four-legged friends are better than women too, in an online post that is sure to infuriate her army of female fans.

The controversial comic likes to cause a stir with her weekly diatribes and this provocative '10 reasons why' explores girls' most annoying habits from a man's point of view.

As well as comparing women and dogs as running partners ('Dogs never get tired, they are always right by your side and they always have so much energy') 28-year-old Emily explains that canines are a lot easier to live with generally as they don't spend their time hating their bodies, moaning about other girls and over analysing relationships.

But before her feminist fans get too upset Emily makes sure that we know she is simply poking fun at the differences between the sexes in her own wry way as she poses with a leash around her neck to illustrate reason number 10 ('It's legal to keep a dog chained up') ... at least, we hope she's joking.



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This Year's Oscar Bizarre Swag Bag: $120 Maple Syrup, Circus Training, and more

February 21, 2013, 1:09 pm

≫ Next: Season Two ‘American Idol’ Finalist, Trenyce, Is Back!

≪ Previous: Youtube sensation Emily Hartridge on why dogs are better than women

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This year’s Oscar losers shouldn’t be too upset when Anne Hathaway and Daniel Day-Lewis waltz off with the coveted trophies. Turns out every one’s a winner: They’re all going home with copies of Leeza Gibbons’s memoir.

Yes, the former talk show host and QVC maven’s new book, Take 2: Your Guide to Happy Endings and New Beginnings, is among the increasingly strange contents that stock this year’s Oscar swag bag.

Presumptuously titled the “Everyone Wins at the Oscars Nominee Gift Bag,” the freebies going home with all of this year’s nominees is valued at a whopping $45,000. Included are the glamorous luxuries one would presume Hollywood’s A-list would covet: $10,000 trips to Australia, skincare products worth hundreds of dollars each, $625 private training sessions, and gourmet chocolates.

Also, there are condoms.

Mixed in with all of the high-end swag are a slew of utterly bizarre knick-knacks, services, and even cleaning products. Among the weirdest:

-Take 2: Your Guide to Happy Endings and New Beginnings by Leeza Gibbons, a book about “starting over; taking inventory, and getting smarter, stronger, and sexier with no apologies, no regrets and no turning back.” ($24.00)
-A six-pack box of Naked brand condoms ($20.00)
-Maple syrup, from Rouge Maple Gourmet Products ($120.00)
-Portion-control dinnerware by Slimware: “Portion consciousness is disguised in the design.” $59.00
-A Vampire Facelift, a cosmetic procedure that involves re-injecting gel-like substances from the patient’s blood back into the skin of their face to treat wrinkles. ($5,000.00)
-Tickets to the circus, to see “North America’s only all-kid troupe.” ($400)
-Hair ties. But they double as bracelets! ($80.00)
-A lint roller by Gleener, called The Ultimate Fuzz Remover ($19.99)
-Windex touch-up cleaner ($3.99)

That’s not to mention the swanky sweatshirts, emblazoned with the Oscar logo, the contenders were all handed at this year’s Nominees Luncheon.

In recent years, the Oscar nominees have had an evolving relationship with the swag bag. The goodie packages have been put together by marketing firm Distinctive Assets for 11 years. The opulence of the gifts is legendary, and it used to be that the presenters and performers at the ceremony also received them. They used to be worth upwards of $100,000, and were a major reason why celebrities jumped at the chance to open an envelope on the Oscar stage.

But in 2006, the IRS deemed the loot taxable, and suddenly the bags weren’t so appealing. Many celebrities opted to donate their wares to charity, and the extravagance—and value—of the bags have gone down over the years. The days of six-figure’s worth of swag are long gone. Last year’s bag was worth $62,023.26, and this year’s is down nearly $20,000 from that.

In other words, the bags have become more creative, to say the least. So at least when Sally Field loses Best Supporting Actress on Sunday night, she can at least take solace in the fact that she’s saved herself a trip to Target for a new bottle of Windex.

Source

Such a random bunch of things! What would you want from this year's Swag Bag?

Season Two ‘American Idol’ Finalist, Trenyce, Is Back!

February 21, 2013, 1:11 pm

≫ Next: (half of) The 15 Best Nev/Max Moments on Catfish

≪ Previous: This Year's Oscar Bizarre Swag Bag: $120 Maple Syrup, Circus Training, and more

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You may remember chocolate-toned songstress “Trenyce” from Season 2 of American Idol [she was 5th runner up]. Ten years later, the singer is still on her grind and ready for the world to get to know the real Trenyce and hear some new music. The American Idol finalist talked exclusively with CarltonJordan.com about her controversial exit from the show, her opinion on NIcki Minaj and Mariah Carey as judges, her love life, and her latest venture - Thriller Live - which is a musical concert dedicated to Michael Jackson on London’s West End.

CJ.COM: You were part of American Idol from it’s beginning stages, what are your thoughts on the show now?

Trenyce: My participation on the show was during the time they were still trying to figure out what they wanted from us, the show, and the judges. It was the first and second season that was considered the “trial” runs. I specifically remember it being hard to get certain songs cleared because back in that time, no artist, producer or label took it seriously. It was considered “that popcorn show that was TRYING to be Star Search”. Yeah, we took all of the bullets. LOL!

CJ.COM: What were your most memorable experiences during your time on Idol? Who were your BFF’s while taping?

Trenyce: There were sooooo many! There was the day when we all moved into the house and we got packed into these vans and just started going up, and up, and up, the hills and we realized we were being taken to a Hollywood Hills mansion. We jumped out of the vans and ran up and down that house like kids in a candy store!

None of us had ever been inside a home that big! The pool was huge, you could see the entire city of LA from any window in the house and we all knew we were blessed to have such a privilege. We had a lot of moments. We shared a lot of our first experiences with each other, so the bond between us all will always be there. I love them all. They are my family for life. While taping I would say I was closest to Julia Demato and Kim Caldwell. We encouraged each other, had girl talks and kept each other in line. I was as if we were not in competition with each other at all…we championed each other! And out of the guys, Ricky was my best friend! I could tell him anything and he was that sensitive soul I looked to. Such a sweetheart.



Rickey Smith, Kim Caldwell, and Julia Demato were Trenyce’s BFF’s during American Idol Season Two!

CJ.COM: Do you feel the current Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey beef distracts viewers from the core of the show this year?

Trenyce: I think that the beef was something that should have been between those two women. They are both successful artists coming together to show the younger and less seasoned how to act, sing, and perform and it’s like a married couple…some fights are not meant for the kids to see. I also think that the viewers are now tuning in even more just to see what happens, simply because we live in a world now that loves a bit of chaos, drama and confrontation and if you can get a celeb to go off that’s even better…Personally, I don’t think it was necessary to sensationalize. Let them have their “moments” privately if there is something to work out.

CJ.COM: A recent lawsuit was filed against 9 former American Idol contestants claiming AI is racist? Do you agree with any parts of their claims? Did you experience any of that while u were on?

Trenyce: It saddened me to hear that really…I was asked to be a part of it due to the way I was treated on the show but I couldn’t lump myself with these contestants simply because their stories were not the same as mine.

When you sign up for Idol, you have to give full disclosure and if they don’t agree with your background then they could clearly let you go or choose not to have you appear on the show. I never feel like “racism” should never be put into an equation such as this, simply because I don’t think you can prove it. If they just so happen to pick 10 contestants, 5 are black and they all had a past then that is just coincidence, it’s not “racial”. I don’t for a second think that the claim should have been about race. And no I never experienced “racism”. What I found weird or odd was once I didn’t agree with signing the contract “as is” that my “expunged” record from when I was a teenager was “leaked” to the public and my chances on the show were compromised as well as my career. I didn’t get how my case was closed and then somehow came out on the show with mugshot included….



…I had made my mistake, paid dearly for it, and moved on…even fully disclosing to the producers what happened even when I didn’t really have to and even told them how I wanted to USE the situation in my story to help some others out there believe in second chances…but, it was still used against me. I was very angry for years about that, simply because if I went back into the “real world” I would never work again based on the fact that you could google that image…forget a background check! What I learned from it all is that, at some point…we have to forgive ourselves! Whatever you did, accept it and move on. If I ever have the chance to sit down with Simon or Nigel again I would ask a few questions and say a few things but it would not be publicly…An eye for an eye is not my style.

CJ.COM: Throughout all the American Idol Seasons, who has been your male/female Idol crush?

Trenyce: I can’t say I’ve had a crush on the idols…but I actually had a crush on Ryan Seacrest when I first met him. I don’t think I’ve ever said that to anyone, but yeah, I thought he was a cutie, and he seemed genuinely invested in us our season. We used to sing R. Kelly’s remix to Ignition every week during the results show taping with Ryan just to keep us calm and he knew all of the words…that impressed me! LOL!

CJ.COM: Are you still in contact with any of your former cast mates? If so, which ones?

Trenyce: I am! We of course are busy and working and all but from time to time we still speak and write each other and Ruben and I skyped each other about 2wks ago. Clay contacted me the other day and said “Ok, it’s time for a reunion and since you’re the one half way across the globe I’m starting with you!” so there will be a reunion soon! They are my family for life.

CJ.COM: Do people still recognize you from the show? What do they usually say to you?

Trenyce: People do still recognize me and I am grateful for that. It always throws me off when they do, simply because it’s been so long and I just don’t expect it, but when it happens, it’s great! I had a guy on the tube (underground) in London take pics and everything and I was like, “WOW! even in London!?” and he says he loved our season. It’s still a humbling moment when it happens.



CJ.COM: After leaving Idol, was there a point where you felt depressed or like you needed to change careers?

Trenyce: Yes…I hesitate to talk about it often…but yes. There were times when I felt like I was being punished for mentioning anything about the contract to the other contestants, and until this day it has haunted me a bit. I wish I had never asked any questions and just signed it as is, and maybe Simon would have liked me more. My intention was never to come off too cocky or disingenuous, or disrespectful, but somehow I feel I may have. I felt depressed not because I’d lost, but because I felt that I was labeled without a way to defend myself. People never knew what I was going through behind the scenes of the show…meaning at home as well…it was a very difficult time in my life to be doing a show, especially with millions of people watching. The depression and issues lasted a few years and then I decided to do something about it…I had to stop feeling sorry for my situation. I auditioned more, I prayed harder, I worked even harder to be seen as a real performer and to be taken seriously, who was not just some “diva” on a tv show but a respectable, team player, who would do what she had to do to stay active in this industry. It took a LOT of undoing for me but I think I have gotten to a place of growth and serenity…and surrender. I had no control over that show or what became of it for me, but I have control over my future and I will never give up. The last thing I would like to do is have a chat with Simon as a grown woman now, just to bury a few things that I feel need to be. I will make it happen one day. But change careers….never. I was built for this. This is my plan A-Z!

CJ.COM: If you could create a judging panel for Idol who would you put at the table?

Trenyce: If I could make a panel it would be a rotating chair of former idols (ME), Queen Latifah because she has mastered every part of the business successfully so she knows what to look for as well as how to be that mentor that can not only make you a better singer/performer but a better brand. Jill Scott because as a singer/songwriter, poet and actress she strikes me as a person with an appreciation for all genres. Missy Elliott would be amazing because she is a singer/rapper and she has always come off as a motivator. Justin Timberlake would be a great judge because he takes his craft seriously but he’s also funny and would be great for TV. He grew up in the “Mickey Mouse Club” world so he gets it.

CJ.COM: We lost one of the most treasured voices in music (Whitney Houston) As African American Female Vocalist what kind/if any role did Ms. Houston play in your life? Have u ever sung her in a talent show/performance?
Trenyce: The death of Whitney Houston devastated me more than the death of Michael Jackson, simply because she was the reason I became a singer. I wanted to be her as a child. I thought she was not only gorgeous but she was regal and poised. Her voice gave me chills. I’d never wanted to “be” someone so much! I won every single talent show I ever entered by singing Whitney Houston. Out of all of the songs I would stay in my room and sing to my stuffed animals , hers was the one that my parents said my texture and tone matched the most.

They had no idea how much that meant to me. Her death made me angry a little…that her legacy wouldn’t end happily…and not for her fans but for HER. That her mom would be left without a daughter, and her daughter left without a mom. And I also had the pleasure of singing “I HAVE NOTHING” on American Idol my season. I was the first to even DARE tackle her music. I wanted to sing “I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU” instead because it was my signature song back home in Memphis, but Dolly Parton at the time, was not willing to give the show the rights to use it. Years later, it was sung and I was like “What? They cleared it?…Wow!” Missed out on that.



CJ.COM: Would you be interested in doing anymore Reality TV? If so, what kind? If not, why not?

Trenyce: You know, I used to say “NO!” simply because I didn’t like the way Idol portrayed me, but I can now say that it depends on the show. I am my own woman, and I actually have a lot more to say now than I did then, that’s for sure. I hadn’t lived really…I was a baby. But if a network came to me I would consider it for sure. It would be nice to show who I really am instead of what people think they know. I think they would be surprised at how silly I am. I have friends on R&B Divas and I think they are portrayed almost exactly as they are. It would be a nice idea to see some of the idols in a life after sort of reality show.

CJ.COM: You’re currently touring in Europe on The Thriller Tour. How did you get involved in this tour? How has the experience been thus far? How does European living compare to the US/your home town?

Trenyce: Well, I’m actually currently sitting still on the West End version of the show right now…but I do the tour from time to time as well, just to change the scenery and view different parts of the globe. I got involved in the project from Los Angeles. I was touring with Ain’t Misbehavin when I first got the call from a casting agent and I declined it since was not yet done with the run, but when the offer came around again and it gave me the chance to go abroad (one thing that was certainly on my bucketlist)…I couldn’t turn it down. Plus, MJ had just passed and I felt like it would be great to tribute the Icon that was responsible for a part in making my dreams a reality for me from childhood.

European living is certainly different. I think in America we are taught at a young age that nothing beats a first place winner, you must get the “gold star” on your homework, you must have perfect attendance, and all while being polite…at least in the south. So, I had to adjust to the rudeness as well as the persistence of “take a holiday” when there is nothing wrong with you! lol…In our minds we take a holiday when you are stressed, exhausted, and having a nervous breakdown which reminds you it’s time to sit down for a moment, but here there is a bank holiday almost monthly and nothing is open! Another thing I had to adjust to was the weather and transportation…I pray for a sunny day and would be rich if I counted how often it was gloomy and/or rainy and the tube (subway) is easy to get around on, thankfully but definitely not my first choice. But even with all of that…

London has a heartbeat like no other place I’ve been, with a hint of NYC sprinkled all over it, its pulse is kept by the architecture, West End, and countless beautiful nooks that you have to get out and explore to find…not to mention the fashion! Ahhh, it’s the first thing I recognized being here…How open and free people are with their fashion choices. Layers, colors, prints, bold accents!!! It all spells LONDON! I have learned to embrace everything that comes along with it.

CJ.COM: What does 2013 have in store for Trenyce? What are your plans outside of music?

Trenyce: 2013 will be a continuation of 2012, which I saw as one of the most rewarding years I’ve had! I want to push harder, be greater, put all of my talents to use, and remind myself every day that I may not be where I thought I should be by now, but 2013 is for not giving up or giving in! My plans for outside of the industry is to create a brand of products that I have been researching for some time, so more details will follow soon. I will be celebrating my appearance in my first ever feature film starring Jim Carrey, Chloe Moretz, Morris Chestnut and Donald Faison in Kick Ass 2! I play the cheerleading coach and it was a great time with very sweet, focused people. I had the time of my life! And the best part was slapping Jim Carrey’s ass while singing karoake at our wrap party! And hopefully more films and tv will follow!

CJ.COM: A lot of people have only gotten a chance to hear you do beautiful covers. How would you describe your own style of music? What do you hope to bring to the industry?

Trenyce: Aw, thank you. My own style is very retro funk and soul with a sprinkle of disco. I come from Memphis and we sing from our gut! It’s something that I’ve been raised on so it’s in me. My voice has always been a bit heavier and soulful for my size and I tried to tone it down before while recording but now I’m embracing every OCTAVE I can hit! I think people will be surprised at just how many directions my voice can comfortably go. I hope to bring ME to the industry! My personality, my work ethic, my sound, my way! I think everything has been done…to me it’s about authenticity with one’s self. As long as you don’t come off like a carbon copy, there’s nothing wrong with being inspired by the greats! I just want to be a genuine artist who leaves her soul on the stage!

CJ.COM: Is R&B dying or being revitalized? Who’s leading the pack?

Trenyce: I think that R&B is finding it’s heartbeat again. I think it is on a “cut time” rhythm at the moment, but I am awaiting the time that it has a steady heartbeat again. We need it. We need to have a variety of music heard and appreciated. So, no need to dismiss or get rid of any other genre, but we can surely gain from adding more voices and styles to the pot. Who’s leading the pack for me are: Dawn Richards, I just love her drive and ambition to be the best at any cost. To not give up, and her writing AND performances are just ON POINT! I have always been a fan of Brandy…to me, she created the idea that a singer can be an actress and a brand in my generation. She still seems to have a heart of gold and counting her blessings as if it was her first time in the game. Miguel has now entered the scene bringing with him his own style and eclectic approach to R&B and I love it. There was a time when I was afraid R&B would become the new “disco” but I am glad that there are those out there not willing to let it die.

CJ.COM: Are you currently dating, married, or have children? If so, how does that effect your everyday life / career aspirations?

Trenyce: I am not married. No children at the moment, but I am currently dating the most incredible guy ever! His name is Magnus and he’s half Norwegian. I have never been a relationship girl simply because of what I do, I don’t trust that easily but he was the first guy in a long time to get to know me as a woman and as a friend before nervously asking me to date him…I mean, in this day and age what man ASKS?

It was the cutest thing ever, and poor guy was soooooo nervous! I had to say yes and we’ve been happy together for the past 2yrs. I don’t want to jinx it so I will just say that we take it one day at a time and we allow ourselves to be open, honest and free within the relationship. Never forgetting how we met. We still have date nights, we do sappy things like dance in the middle of a grocery store or mall if a slow song comes on, and just have a good time! We both cry when we walk into a store and somehow stumble over to the kids section. We have names picked out. We pray together…He’s my best friend! It’s like out of a movie…I moved 10,000 mi from home to meet the love of my life!

Source: Carlton Jordan

(half of) The 15 Best Nev/Max Moments on Catfish

February 21, 2013, 1:16 pm

≫ Next: Seven-figure book deal for "Game of Thrones for women, inspired by Barack Obama"

≪ Previous: Season Two ‘American Idol’ Finalist, Trenyce, Is Back!

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15. When they bickered like a married couple.



14. When Nev called Max a bunny rabbit.


10. When they exercised together.


(Nev's short shorts should make this at least top 5 IMO)


7. When Nev didn't want to go anywhere without Max.


5. When a laugh became something more.


3. When Nev had to wake up sleepy Max.


2. When Nev looked at Max like this, and we knew it was love.


Another 8 at the source

Seven-figure book deal for "Game of Thrones for women, inspired by Barack Obama"

February 21, 2013, 1:17 pm

≫ Next: Amber Rose going into labor!

≪ Previous: (half of) The 15 Best Nev/Max Moments on Catfish

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A debut author who graduated from the celebrated Iowa Writers' Workshop has a seven-figure book deal.

HarperCollins announced Wednesday that it will publish Erika Johansen's "Queen of the Tearling," a fantasy trilogy inspired in part by Barack Obama.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations said Wednesday the deal was worth seven figures. The person was not authorized to discuss financial details and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The 35-year-old Johansen says she heard then-Sen. Obama give a speech in 2007 and was inspired to create the series' idealistic heroine, 19-year-old Kelsea Glynn. The publisher is billing the books as a female version of George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones."

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BRB, dusting off my old fanfiction so I too can make millions