April 2011 Archives   24 April 2011 The King's Speech and Terrific Singing... Goodness I love a lazy Sunday and today was one of those days. I finally got to see the movie The King's Speech with a stellar cast led by Geoffrey Rush.  I've always loved the story of King George VI and this takes a look at one of the major obstacles he had to overcome. The King's Speech tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stammer and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. Excellent stuff. The movie won 4 Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director for Tom Hooper, Best Actor for Firth and Best Original Screenplay for David Seidler. - I reckon Geoffrey Rush should have won an award for that role. Just brilliant. and now to the singing...(and it wasn't King George) Carrie Underwood sang one of my favourite hymms "How Great Thou Art" and I have it's INCREDIBLE. Carrie Underwood Ft. Vince Gill - How Great Thou Art 2011 Posted on: 24th April 2011 Showstopping performance by Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill slaying "How Great Thou Art" live at the 2011 ACM Girl's Night Out Show. How great is Carrie Underwood ladies and gentlemen? Her vocals are untouchable. The performance was emotional, uplifting and absolutely gorgeous! Even if you are not particularly religious, it is an incredibly powerful piece of music! Other highlights included Rascal Flatts jamming with Reba McEntire on "The Heart Won't Lie," Little Big Town and Martina McBride on "When Will I Be Loved," rock legend John Fogarty and Wynonna on "Proud Mary," Miranda Lambert and two newcomers Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley on "Hell on Heels" and of course the big finale where all the women honored country legend Loretta Lynn with "Coal Miner's Daughter." Credit: cary78663 from CarrieFans     14 April 2011 Mira Furlan Opens Official Site Many years ago there was this spectacular show called Babylon 5 and one Mira Furlan. Mira was OUTSTANDING in the role of Delenn. My first ever site on the internet was about the relationship between Delenn and Captain John Sheridan called "The John and Delenn Information Page" (yeah I know the second half of the name sounds familiar doesn't it? <g> I plagerised myself many times over since then!) Steven Sears tweeted that Mira now has her own official site. So go to http://www.mirafurlan.net     6 April 2011 Help KT on Her 2011 Team Livestrong Challenge Bike Ride! My mate KT Jorgensen doing a bike ride to raise money for the fight against cancer. If you wish to support her - go here and here is the info about the ride As part of Team LIVESTRONG, I’m making a difference in the fight against cancer. I’ve joined with other people around the globe and across different events to raise money for LIVESTRONG. We may not all live in the same city or participate in the same sport but we’re united by hope, courage and determination. The money I raise will go to support LIVESTRONG’s programs and services, which inspire and empower people affected by cancer. If you or someone you know is diagnosed, these resources will help face the challenges of cancer, head on, and live life on your own terms. Please support me as I make a difference in the cancer fight through my participation in Team LIVESTRONG. Thank you!     5 April 2011 A Girl Named Lucille You all know what I think of Lucy Lawless. It's pretty obvious I'm a huge fan of this actress but I'm also a huge fan of the woman. It's not a very well kept secret. Since December 2006 when AUSXIP turned 10, I thought how best to celebrate AUSXIP's birth in 1996 to 2006 and that was to support Lucy's charity Starship. That was done for two reasons: one it was for AUSXIP's 10th birthday and second was because without Lucy there would be no AUSXIP :) Lucy Lawless's Xena captivated me and has kept me glued to this fandom ever since. It's because of Lucy, AUSXIP is still around 15 years after it's birth. Since then the auction has been held 21-28 March. Reason being? Lucy's birthday falls on 29 March and this is our birthday present to her without it being a gift TO her. Lucy has often said she didn't want gifts being given to her because she has more than enough stuff. So what do you give someone like that? You give from your heart and you give to Starship. That's what everyone has done since 2006 - given from their heart. Even during the hardest of times - the economy sucks lemons but you have all given to support Lucy and support Starship. We (read that as EVERYONE) have raised $7219 USD = $9,601 NZD (when converted). Isn't that an amazing figure! Since 2006 that figure for Starship is $52,446.16. INCREDIBLE. You can use whatever superlative you want, it just blows my mind. What's even more incredible is that I'm getting donations of Xena goodies to raise money for Starship. Instead of selling their goodies, fans are giving me their stuff so that money can go to Starship. I'm just blown away every time that happens. So is Lucy :) Check out her new message below and I'll ask you...is it hard to support this woman? Nahhhhh, it's the easiest thing I've ever done in my life. thank-you everyone for your kindness and best wishes on my birthday. I never truly understood that the online auction was a birthday present to me. I was extremely blown away when I got it for the first time! I was quite mute. Thank-you all (especially Mary D) who organised it. The Starship people are going to be shocked and delighted. I know that will buy some incredible piece of equipment that will help heal a child or ease suffering. You are very generous and I send warm blessings on you all from afar. ( I just took a few minutes out to pray in your direction!) I had a lovely, lovely birthday. When work was unexpectedly postponed, I caught up with Madeleine Sami and Ladyhawke for brunch at Alleluia Cafe on K Rd and then went out to play tennis very badly with pals in Mt Eden. The rest of the day was spent with my family. My sister made the most gorgeous lemon cake I have ever seen and which we devoured over two days. Thanks, Jos! Now I have to get back to work. on Sparty. My internet has been down so I have been trying to do research on my little iPhone. Not very good. I am so excited by the new direction for my character. Bizarre stuff! Michael Hurst and I are psyched about what we're about to do. Wish I could say what, but it would ruin the surprise. Up and at 'em! Lucy           4 April 2011 Bare for Christchurch and Great Mates! Woohoo! Lucy's Bare For Christchurch T-shirt Update... The t-shirt has been sold and it's gone for $120 Kiwi dollars. The money has gone to Christchurch and every dollar is most welcome! Now to the part that was really fun. What do you do when two mates band together and surprise you with this shirt? Well I know what I would do since it's happened to me. I was gobsmacked and quite touched that these two did something so special. These two munchkins (names beginning with R & J and one of them was at the BARE event...guess who and it's not Janine) put their heads together and came up with the plan to let me stress over this shirt (I was bidding on it). So kind of them <g> Just when as I was refreshing the auction page and hoping my internet connection won't go down (it seems to dislike trademe), J sprung the surprise on me :) It's all for a great cause (other than me owning it for a few months). The shirt will be available for the next AUSXIP Charity Auction! So that's my night :) Bloody good mates, aye? Absolutely. For more info about Lucy's role on Bare For Christchurch, go to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Bare For Christchurch event page     Read More Archives