Actress Delpy, Chris talk ‘2 Days in New York’

PARK CITY: Back in 2007, actress Julie Delpy brought to theaters a comical love story, “2 Days in Paris,” that she also wrote and directed, starring Adam Goldberg as her on screen boyfriend in a romance set in the City of Light.

The movie earned positive reviews, and roughly five years later, she has returned with “2 Days in New York,” only this time her character Marion has replaced Goldberg with a new beau, played by comedian Chris Rock. The two are living together in the Big Apple when her family, including a father who hardly showers and an oversexed sister, come to visit.

The amusing farce premiered on Wednesday at the Sundance Film Festival to a warm reception. And Delpy, who directed, co-wrote and stars in the film, sat down with Rock to talk about it, writing the role specifically for Rock and how it was better that he really didn’t understand French when they were filming.

Q. Chris, why did you want to work with Julie? You can do any films you like?
Rock: “Really? Tom Cruise can do whatever he likes.”

Delpy: “Not anymore.”

Rock: “Maybe Shia LaBeouf can? I just liked the script and that is all I need. I don’t get into, you know how people are like, ‘I see myself as a brand and does this help my brand’ and all that nonsense. If I am in a good movie, it will be good for me. I thought the story was really good. I thought the script was great and I trusted Julie and that was enough for me. I don’t think I asked her another question. I had seen her other films. I loved her other films. You know, character stuff, not ‘movie’ stuff.,”

Q. Julie how did you end up casting Chris?
Delpy: “When I decided to make a sequel to the film I wanted him to be my new boyfriend. And I called his agent, who I happened to know, because I have been fired from every agency in town. Actually ICM fired me when I was writing “Sunset” (“Before Sunset”), because they thought I was crazy to write a sequel. They thought I was wasting my time and I was crazy. They said, ‘why are your wasting your time?’ But, it’s OK I am not even mad with the guy that fired me, I am actually friends with him. Anyway, so I called his agent, who wasn’t the guy that fired me, I knew him way before that, and basically and I said, ‘I want to write a film for Chris and me, the sequel to ’2 days in Paris.”… an hour later he called me back and said, ‘Go For It.’”

Q. Chris, how was it working with Julie’s real-life father? (French actor Albert Delpy) Any strange odors, as joked about in the film.
Rock: “No no he smelled like baby powder, he was great.”

Delpy: “He didn’t know what was going on between me and my father. It played favorably to have Chris not really understanding what was going on in French. It was better to keep it like that. If the film sometimes seems mayhem, like the dinner scene, it is really built that way.”

“I have always been fascinated by language and being a foreigner in America and having traveled many places. I think with human beings, there is a lot of misunderstanding already, especially in relationships but it gets even more when there is language issues.”

Q. Julie, you have worked with your father before, how are you similar and different?
Delpy: “My dad is more crazy than me, I am much more square than he is and more organized and much less crazy than he is.”

Q. You often get compared in style to Woody Allen and you say you admire him with other directors. What do you still learn from Allen today?
Delpy: “I want to have his career. If I have his career I will be very very happy and very very lucky.”

“I also love Robert Altman, I love how he created interaction between characters and this feeling that everything is totally natural and normal.”

Rock: “I was going to be in his last movie, and then he died. I don’t know why he did that to me.”

Q. Julie the comedy was sort of old school farce, playing on cultural differences, but also felt modern. Were you aiming for that tone or style?
Delpy: “I don’t really think about what I am going for in terms of the comedy, I am only thinking about what makes me laugh and what pleases me when I am writing … I like when the cameras moves a lot and it is very lively because I like this feel of urgency and mayhem.”

Q. Are you more out of place in France or America?
Delpy: “I am still treated as a French person, but sometimes people are resentful that I love it in the US,. It’s a French thing you know, but most of the time I am included in being this French person that has moved. … It is unclear to them what I am doing and what I am aiming for. They are a bit surprised and they kind of hate that because they love to put people in boxes. But I think that is here, too.” AGENCIES

Justin Bieber Wants to be a Young Father

He is still just a teenager but 17 year old Justin Bieber already has his future mapped out and his five year plan includes being married and starting a family by the time he’s 25. Bieber revealed his future plans and feelings during an interview with Womens Wear Daily.

“Well, by 25 or 26, I want to see myself, like, married or start looking for a family,” he said when asked where he sees himself in five years. “I want to be a young dad. I want to be able to have done what I wanted to do — to be successful, to do a movie or whatever. But if the time is right, I definitely want to be married by 25.”

Although he quickly added;

“One thing — I’m not looking to get married now.”

It would be interesting to know what his current girlfriend Selena Gomez has to say on the subject.

Oil price dips in international market

Crude fell as much as $1.16 to $84.14 a barrel and was at $84.20 at 1:05 p.m. London time. Yesterday, the contract added 14 cents to $85.30. Prices are up 2.4 percent this week, heading for their first weekly gain since the five days ended July 22, and are up 15 percent in the past year.

Brent oil for October settlement on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange was down 56 cents at $110.06, set for a 1.3 percent climb this week. The contract was at a premium of $25.86 to US futures, compared with a record settlement of $26.21 on Aug. 19.

Gaddafi revives offer of vote to end Libya conflict

TRIPOLI: The Libyan government on Sunday renewed its offer to hold a vote on whether Muammar Gaddafi should stay in power, a proposal unlikely to interest Gaddafi’s opponents but which could widen differences inside NATO.

Pressure is growing from some quarters within the alliance to find a political solution, three months into a military campaign which is costing NATO members billions of dollars, has killed civilians, and has so far failed to topple Gaddafi.

Moussa Ibrahim, a spokesman for Gaddafi’s administration, told reporters in Tripoli the government was proposing a period of national dialogue and an election overseen by the United Nations and the African Union.

“If the Libyan people decide Gaddafi should leave he will leave. If the people decide he should stay he will stay,” Ibrahim said.

But he said Gaddafi — who has run the oil-producing country since taking over in a military coup in 1969 — would not go into exile whatever happened. “Gaddafi is not leaving anywhere, he is staying in this country,” Ibrahim said.

The idea of holding an election was first raised earlier this month by one of Gaddafi’s sons, Saif al-Islam.

The proposal lost momentum when Libyan Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi Ali Al-Mahmoudi appeared to dismiss it. At the time, it was also rejected by anti-Gaddafi rebels in the east of Libya, and by Washington.

Many analysts say Gaddafi and his family have no intention of relinquishing power. Instead, they say, the Libyan leader is holding out the possibility of a deal to try to widen cracks that have been emerging in the alliance ranged against him.

The election proposal could find a more receptive audience this time around, especially after a NATO bomb landed on a house in Tripoli on June 19, killing several civilians.

After that incident, alliance-member Italy said it wanted a political settlement, and also said that the civilian casualties threaten NATO’s credibility.

SOCCER DEFECTIONS

Libyan government forces have been fighting rebels, backed by NATO air power, since Feb. 17, when thousands of people rose up in a rebellion against his rule.

The revolt has turned into the bloodiest of the Arab Spring uprisings sweeping the Middle East.

Rebels now control the eastern third of the country, and some enclaves in the West. They have been unable though to break through to the capital, leaving Western powers banking on an uprising in Tripoli to overthrow Gaddafi.

The Libyan leader suffered a propaganda defeat when four members of the national soccer team and 13 other football figures defected to the rebels, the rebel council said.

Libyans are passionate about the sport and the national team was closely aligned with Gaddafi’s rule. At one point his son, Saadi, played in the side.

Asked about the defections, government spokesman Ibrahim said: “The Libyan footall team is full and functioning and performing all of its duties inside and outside Libya.”

HUMANITARIAN SWAP

A momentary thaw in the fighting allowed the Red Cross to reunite people caught on the wrong side of the conflict with their families.

A ship, the Ionis, arrived in Tripoli’s port on Sunday carrying 106 people from the main rebel stronghold in Benghazi. Many of the passengers were elderly, and families with small children.

A crowd of a few dozen people waited for the ship to dock, among them Mohammed Al-Gimzi. “I love Muammar Gaddafi very much,” he said.

When Al-Gimzi’s sister disembarked from the ship, he rushed to greet her and the two stood weeping with their heads on each other’s shoulders. “I am very happy to see my sister again,” he said, tears running down his face.

As part of the same exchange, a ship carried around 300 people from Tripoli to Benghazi on Friday. They included dozens of rebel supporters who had been detained.

“This is purely humanitarian, for families to meet with their loved ones and to be able to travel,” Robin Waudo, a spokesman in Tripoli for the International Committee of the Red Cross, said on Sunday. AGENCIES

Shoaib should be included in Semi-final: Wasim

Former captain of Pakistan cricket team Wasim Akram has said that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar should be included in the semi-final match against India, scheduled to play in Mohali on Wednesday, 30 March. Before this, Imran Khan and other former Pakistani cricketers have also advised the team management to give chance to Rawalpindi express in the big match.

“Maybe Pakistan will play Shoaib Akhtar against India. I feel he deserves a place for sure. Wahab Riaz is bowling well but he is nothing exceptional and Shoaib could take his place. Shoaib’s only problem in this World Cup has been his second spell. I have advised him to warm up before the second spell and that will help him,” Wasim said.

Shoaib Akhtar, has announced the retirement after the ongoing World Cup. Wasim said that Shoaib’s record in the matches against India is great and he is always dangerous for them.

Blue shirts have won all four encounters of World Cup; they have played against green shirts since 1992 but Wasim predicted a close game this time.

“India-Pakistan match is always a pressure-cooker affair, whether you play in front of an empty stand or in Timbuktu. It will certainly be a close game,” great bowler said.

World Cup 2011: New Zealand beat South Africa by 49 runs

New Zealand beat South Africa by 49 runs in the 3rd quarterfinal of ICC World Cup 2011 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. Following the target of 222, all South African side bowled out for 172 runs. Six Proteas batsmen couldn’t enter into the double figures. Jacob Oram got four wickets.

According to details New Zealand Captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and elected to bat first. Kiwi side goes early in trouble by losing the big wicket of Brendon McCullum on the first ball of 3rd over. He scored 4 runs. Soon after, Martin Guptill was taken by Steyn on just 1 run. He played 14 balls for this score. After losing two early wickets, Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor batted very sensibly and added 114 runs in the third wicket partnership. Taylor was taken by Imran Tahir when his score was 43. Scott Styris failed to play a big innings and turned back to pavilion after scoring 16 runs.

The innings of Ryder ended on 83, Ingram took his catch on the ball of Imran. Nathan McCullum was bowled out by Steyn on 6. Jacob Oram (7) was clean bowled by Morkal on the first delivery of 48th over. Daniel Vettori also dismissed on the second last ball of the same over. At the end of limited number of overs, New Zealand posted the total of 221/8 on the scoreboard. Kane Williamson was notout on 3. Morne Morkel was best South African bowler with 3 wickets. Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir finished the innings of two, two players.

Following the target of 222, South African side goes early in trouble by losing the big wicket of Hashim Amla. He scored 7 runs after playing 5 balls. Captain Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis played a bit responsible cricket and added 61 runs in the second wicket partnership. Smith turned back to pavilion after scoring 28 runs. This time in-form AB de Villiers came to join Kallis. The innings of Kallis finished ended on 47, he faced 75 balls for this score. JP Duminy failed to play a big innings and was soon taken by Nathan McCullum.

AB de Villiers became the fifth wicket of Kiwi side, he scored 35 runs. Soon after, Johan Botha was dismissed by Oram on 2. Robin Peterson turned back without opening his score account. Dale Steyn was taken by Nathan McCullum on 8. The resistance of Faf du Plessis finished by Oram on 36. Morne Morkel became the victory wicket of kiwis who scored 3 runs. After losing all wickets the score of South Africa was 172in 43.2 overs.
Jacob Oram was the most sussessful bowler of the winning side, he took four wickets. Nathan McCullum finished the innings of three Proteas batsmen.

Australia Vs India Mini Final: Tim Nielsen

Australian coach said that the game against India will be like mini final for the Australian team. Tim Nielsen said that the atmosphere of the ground will be electric and Australian team is preparing to face India at Ahmadabad. He added that there is no fear regarding any team as all teams in the quarterfinal are dangerous.

World Cup 2011: India beat West Indies by 80 runs

India beat West Indies by 80 runs in the last group match of ICC World Cup 2011, played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai. Following the target of 269, Caribbean side bowled out for just 188 runs in 43 overs. Zaheer Khan took three wickets.

According to details Indian captain MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first. The home side goes early in trouble by losing the big wicket of Sachin Tendulkar. He can score just 2 runs. New batsman Virat Kohli, along with Gautam Gambhir added 43 runs in the second wicket partnership. Gambhir was taken by Ravi Rampaul on 22. This time, the danger man Yuvraj Singh came to join the crease with Kohli. Both players batted very sensibly and picks their side’s total to 173. On this spot Kohli goes clean bowled by Rampaul. MS Dhoni turned back after playing the innings of 22 runs. On the other end Yuvraj continued to move his side’s score and completed his hundred.

The fifth Indian wicket fell on the total of 232 when Suresh Raina was bowled out by Darren Sammy on 4. The shinning innings of Yuvraj ends on 113. He was catch and bowled by Kieron Pollard. Yusuf Pathan became the fourth wicket of Yusuf Pathan, his score was 11. Soon after, Harbhajan Singh was taken by Andre Russell on 3. Russell finished the Indian innings by picking the wicket of Munaf Patel. After losing all wickets the final score of Indian side was 268 in 49.1 overs. Ravi Rampaul was the best West Indian bowler, he picked 5 wickets for 51 runs. Andre Russell was the second prominent bowler with 2 wickets.

Following the target, West Indies lost its first wicket on the total of 34 when Kirk Edwards was taken by Ashwin on 17. Darren Bravo and Devon Smith added 56 runs in the second wicket partnership. Suresh Raina took the wicket of Bravo when his score was 22. This time Ramnaresh Sarwan came to join Smith. Both players batted sensibly and added 65 runs in the mutual cooperation. The innings of Smith was finished by Zaheer Khan on 81. He made this score with the help of seven boundaries and a six. Soon after, Kieron Pollard was taken by Harbhajan Singh on just 1 run.

Devon Thomas became the sixth wicket of Indian bowlers. He can score 2 runs on 8 balls. Captain Darren Sammy (2), Andre Russell (0), Sulieman Benn (3), also failed to struggle against home bowlers. The resistance of Ramnaresh Sarwan ended on 39. Ravi Rampaul became the victory wicket of India. After losing all wickets the total of Caribbean side was 188 in 43 overs. Zaheer was the most successful Indian bowler with three wickets.

‘Jersey Shore’ cast taking over Vegas for Spring Break

TrendPK.com: Some of the cast members of ‘Jersey Shore’ are in Vegas to party for Spring Break.

Newcomer Deena Cortese and Pauly D were reportedly in Vegas to kick off the week by attending the Real World Las Vegas 2011 premiere party, states RadarOnline.com.

The two will next be hosting Spring Break at the Palms for MTV. Pauly D will be DJ’ing some of the time at the pool. Deena will also be helping Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola celebrate her birthday at the new Chateau Nightclub where they will co-host a party.

Would you want to spend Spring Break partying with this group?

Gaddafi complains lack of help in terror fight

PARIS: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said in a French newspaper interview released on Sunday that he was embroiled in a fight against terrorism and expressed dismay at the absence of support from abroad.

“I am surprised that nobody understands that this is a fight against terrorism,” the longtime autocrat of the North African oil-producing state told the Journal du Dimanche in excerpts of an interview due to be published later on Sunday.

“Our security services cooperate. We have helped you a lot these past few years. So why is it that when we are in a fight against terrorism here in Libya no one helps us in return?”

Gaddafi, who has ruled Africa’s fourth largest country since a 1969 coup, faces an unprecedented popular uprising that has seen rebel forces assert control over Libya’s east and loosen his grip in the west near the capital Tripoli.

Western leaders have denounced what they say has been Gaddafi’s brutal, bloody response to the uprising, and the International Criminal Court said he and his inner circle could be investigated for alleged crimes committed against civilians by his security forces.

Gaddafi, who spoke to journalists from his headquarters in Tripoli, said Islamic holy war would engulf the Mediterranean if the insurrection in Libya, inspired by successful pro-democracy uprisings in neighbouring Egypt and Tunisia, succeeded.

“There would be Islamic jihad in front of you, in the Mediterranean,” he said. “Bin Laden’s people would come to impose ransoms on land and sea. We will go back to the time of Red Beard, of pirates, of Ottomans imposing ransoms on boats.”

Gaddafi added that his government was “doing well” despite the armed turmoil and warned Europe against an influx of Libyan migrants to its shores if his foes drove him from power. AGENCIES

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