Bestselling author Jennifer Donnelly’s set to release a new series called Waterfire Saga, kicking off with the release of book one: Deep Blue. Disney Publishing Worldwide is planning a May 2014 release in the U.S.
“Rich with magic and mystery, adventure and danger, romance and friendship, the Waterfire Saga is the perfect project with which to illustrate the power of DPW’s creative development capabilities,” stated Disney Publishing’s Senior Vice President and Group Publisher Jeanne Mosure.
“What appealed so strongly to me about working with Disney is the Waterfire Saga is a fantasy, yes, but one grounded very much in reality and environmental consciousness,” said Donnelly. “These aren’t your mother’s mermaids–hanging out on rocks all day. They’re inspired by actual ocean life. And though they are magical creatures, these mermaids hope and dream and love, just as we do. They feel joy, sorrow, and pain. Like all teenagers, they struggle to understand themselves and their role in the world.”
The Plot:
Deep Blue opens with Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakening from a strange dream that foretells the return of an ancient evil. Her dark premonitions are confirmed when an assassin’s arrow poisons her mother. Now, led only by shadowy visions, she must search for five other mermaids who are scattered across the oceans, seas, and freshwaters of the globe. Together they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world’s very existence.
Go behind the scenes of season four of Game of Thrones with a just-released featurette. The new video provides a look at the sets and interviews with cast members including Peter Dinklage, Charles Dance, and Iain Glen.
Breaking up is hard to do, so The Wanted aren’t actually announcing they’ll never get back together again. However, they have confirmed that once their 2014 Word of Mouth Tour is over, they’ll be going their own ways while leaving the door open for a possible reunion in the future.
The band’s official statement via their website:
“The Wanted are pleased to announce the release of their new video and single ‘Glow In The Dark’ taken from their November release Word of Mouth. They are very excited to perform ‘Glow In The Dark’ along with their smash singles ‘I Found You, ‘Chasing The Sun,’ and ‘Glad You Came,’ amongst others, for their fans on their upcoming Word of Mouth Tour.
This tour will be their last for a while as Tom, Max, Jay, Siva, and Nathan have collectively decided to take time to pursue personal endeavors following the tour’s conclusion. The band wants to stress to their fans that they will continue on as The Wanted and look forward to many successful projects together in the future. They thank their fans for their continued love and support and look forward to seeing them on tour.”
The Wanted 2014 Tour Dates:
Mar 14 Liverpool Arena – Liverpool, United Kingdom
Mar 15 Aberdeen AECC – Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Mar 16 Glasgow Hydro – Glasgow, United Kingdom
Mar 18 Manchester Arena – Manchester, United Kingdom
Mar 20 Birmingham LG Arena – Birmingham, United Kingdom
Mar 21 Sheffield Arena – Sheffield, United Kingdom
Mar 22 Newcastle Metro Arena – Newcastle, United Kingdom
Mar 24 Dublin 02 Arena – Dublin, Ireland
Mar 25 Belfast Odyssey Arena – Belfast, United Kingdom
Mar 27 London 02 Arena – London, United Kingdom
Mar 28 Cardiff Arena – Cardiff, United Kingdom
Mar 29 Brighton Centre – Brighton, United Kingdom
Mar 31 Bournemouth BIC – Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Apr 01 Nottingham Arena – Nottingham, United Kingdom
Apr 08 The Paramount – Huntington, NY
Apr 09 The Fillmore – Washington, DC
Apr 11 Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
Apr 12 Tower Theatre – Philadelphia, PA
Apr 14 House of Blues – Boston, MA
Apr 15 Metropolis – Montreal, Canada
Apr 17 Sound Academy – Toronto, Canada
Apr 18 The Fillmore – Detroit, MI
Apr 19 House of Blues – Chicago, IL
Apr 21 Skyway Theatre – Minneapolis, MN
Apr 23 Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO
Apr 25 Orpheum Theatre – Vancouver, Canada
Apr 26 Showbox SoDo – Seattle, WA
Apr 28 The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
Apr 29 House of Blues – Anaheim, CA
May 01 The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
May 04 House of Blues – Dallas, TX
May 05 House of Blues – Houston, TX
May 07 Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA
May 09 The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater – Miami Beach, FL
May 10 Universal Studios – Orlando, FL
May 11 Jannus Landing – Tampa, FL
May 14 LC Pavillion – Columbus, OH
May 15 Egyptian Room – Indianapolis, IN
May 16 The Uptown Theatre – Kansas City, MO
May 17 The Arena – Shawnee, OK
Neil Patrick Harris (Getty Images/The Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770)How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris is The Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ 2014 Man of the Year. Harris joins recently announced Woman of the Year Dame Helen Mirren as this year’s honorees.
According to The Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the awards are given to “performers who have made lasting and impressive contributions to the world of entertainment.” Previous Man of the Year honorees include Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise, Robert de Niro, Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, Anthony Hopkins, Bruce Willis, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel, and Kiefer Sutherland.
Harris will be presented with a Pudding Pot at a ceremony to be held on February 7th at Farkas Hall in Harvard Square.
“I assume this is for that pudding wrestling competition I won last April…right?” said Neil Patrick Harris. “It was dark and seemed quite seedy at the time – I’m stoked that it’s connected with Harvard. Fancy! Can’t wait!”
“We are pleased to present Mr. Harris with our Man of the Year Award honoring his distinguished contributions to the arts and entertainment industry,” said Tony Oblen, ’14, President of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. “With his enviable reputation as a host and showman, we look forward to hosting Mr. Harris for an entertaining and unforgettable evening to recognize his achievements.”
Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star in 'True Detective' (Photo by Michele K. Short/CIA)True Detective is HBO’s newest hit series, debuting to 2.3 million viewers which earned it the biggest opening night numbers since 2010’s premiere of Boardwalk Empire. The gritty thriller stars Oscar nominee Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as Louisiana detectives on the hunt for a twisted serial killer.
The series is executive produced by Harrelson, McConaughey, Nic Pizzolatto, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Scott Stephens, Steve Golin and Richard Brown.
The Plot:
1995: Detectives Martin Hart and Rust Cohle, partners in Louisiana’s Criminal Investigation Division, are assigned to a macabre murder by a killer with disturbing occult leanings. As they attempt to uncover the secrets of this bizarre crime, their own lives collide and intertwine in unexpected, sometimes catastrophic ways.
2012: When a similar case leads to an investigation of the original ’95 murder by two new detectives, Martin and Rust separately tell the story of both the investigation and their lives, including why Cohle left CID in 2002.
True Detective February 2014 Episodes
Episode #4: “Who Goes There”
Debut: SUNDAY, FEB. 9 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: Feb. 9 (11:00 p.m., 1:00 a.m.), 10 (12:40 a.m.), 11 (9:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.), 12 (10:00 p.m.), 13 (midnight), 14 (9:00 p.m.), 15 (10:00 p.m.) and 21 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Feb. 10 (9:00 p.m.), 14 (1:05 a.m.) and 16 (10:15 a.m., 8:00 p.m.)
Hart (Woody Harrelson) and Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) follow a series of dangerous leads in an effort to locate prime suspect Reggie Ledoux.
Written by Nic Pizzolatto; directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
Episode #5: “The Secret Fate of All Life”
Debut: SUNDAY, FEB. 16 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Feb. 16 (11:00 p.m., 1:00 a.m.), 17 (1:00 a.m.), 18 (9:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.), 19 (10:00 p.m.), 20 (midnight), 21 (9:00 p.m.), 22 (10:00 p.m.) and 28 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Feb. 17 (9:00 p.m.), 21 (3:15 a.m.) and 23 (3:15 p.m., 8:00 p.m.)
Hart and Cohle share the spoils of a solved case; Papania (Tory Kittles) and Gilbough (Michael Potts) confront the detectives with troubling new intelligence.
Written by Nic Pizzolatto; directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
Episode #6: “Haunted Houses”
Debut: SUNDAY, FEB. 23 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Feb. 23 (11:00 p.m., 1:00 a.m.), 24 (12:30 p.m.), 25 (8:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.), 26 (10:00 p.m.), 27 (midnight) and 28 (9:00 p.m.), and March 1 (1:00 a.m.) and 7 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Feb. 24 (9:00 p.m.) and 28 (1:05 a.m.), and March 2 (3:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.)
Maggie (Michelle Monaghan) sheds light on Cohle’s activities in 2002, when his relationship with Hart fractured and he quit the force.
Written by Nic Pizzolatto; directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
Why isn’t there more buzz about Blood Ties? Just look at this cast list: Clive Owen, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard, Mila Kunis, Zoe Saldana, and James Caan… Why haven’t we been hearing more about this film? Co-written by James Gray and Guillaume Canet, and directed by Canet, Blood Ties will be available via VOD and in theaters on March 21, 2014.
The Plot:
New York, 1974. Fifty-year-old Chris (Clive Owen) has just been released on good behavior after several years in prison following a gangland murder. Reluctantly waiting for him outside the gates is his younger brother, Frank (Billy Crudup), a cop with a bright future. Chris and Frank have always been different, and their father, Leon (James Caan), who raised them alone, seems to favor Chris despite all his troubles. Yet blood ties are the ones that bind, and Frank, hoping that his brother has changed, is willing to give him a chance — he shares his home, finds him a job, and helps him reconnect with his children and his ex-wife, Monica (Marion Cotillard). But Chris’ inevitable descent back into a life of crime proves to be the last in a long line of betrayals, and after his brother’s latest transgressions, Frank banishes him from his life. But it’s already too late, as the brothers’ destiny is bound together, forever.
WGN America’s revisiting/reimagining the Salem Witch Trials with the new horror series Salem. Set to debut on April 20, 2014, the supernatural thriller poses the question: What if witches were actually behind the Salem Witch Trials? Created and written by Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, the cast includes Janet Montgomery, Ashley Madekwe, Seth Gabel and Shane West.
The Plot:
Set in the volatile world of 17th century Massachusetts, Salem explores what really fueled the town’s infamous witch trials and dares to uncover the dark, supernatural truth hiding behind the veil of this infamous period in American history. In “Salem,” witches are real, but they are not who or what they seem. The show, which centers on an epic romance wrapped around this explosive revelation, delivers a bold new vision of “Salem” – and an even bolder new vision of witches.
Relativity’s sharing this first teaser trailer from the horror-thriller Oculus, written and directed by Mike Flanagan (Absentia). The film will open in theaters on April 11, 2014 starring Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites, Rory Cochrane, and Katee Sackhoff.
The Plot:
Ten years ago, tragedy struck the Russell family, leaving the lives of teenage siblings Tim and Kaylie forever changed when Tim was convicted of the brutal murder of their parents. Now in his 20s, Tim is newly released from protective custody and only wants to move on with his life; but Kaylie, still haunted by that fateful night, is convinced her parents’ deaths were caused by something else altogether: a malevolent supernatural force unleashed through the Lasser Glass, an antique mirror in their childhood home.
Determined to prove Tim’s innocence, Kaylie tracks down the mirror, only to learn similar deaths have befallen previous owners over the past century. With the mysterious entity now back in their hands, Tim and Kaylie soon find their hold on reality shattered by terrifying hallucinations, and realize, too late, that their childhood nightmare is beginning again…
Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment released new concept renderings of the much-anticipated The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opening this summer at Universal Orlando Resort. Muggles will have the opportunity to ride the Hogwarts Express, travel to King’s Cross Station, and wander through Diagon Alley, experiencing the world of Harry Potter like never before.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be located at Universal Orlando’s Universal Studios, while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade is situated at Islands of Adventure theme park. The Hogsmeade attraction opened in 2010 and features the Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, and the Hogsmeade village.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will include “new experiences based on the signature areas of London, Diagon Alley, and Knockturn Alley.” Both the Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley parks were designed with the input of Stuart Craig and the Harry Potter films’ production team.
Here are the details on what Muggles can expect from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley:
· Board the Hogwarts Express and journey between London’s King’s Cross Station (located in Universal Studios Florida) and Hogsmeade Station (located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure). The journey will be filled with views of London and the British countryside – as well as a few surprises. Park-to-park admission is required.
· Experience a groundbreaking new, multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, which will place riders in the middle of an incredible adventure as they navigate their way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults
· Witness the magical experience of a wand choosing a wizard at Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops
· Discover the darker side of magic in Knockturn Alley, the darkest of dark places that features Borgin and Burkes – a shop specializing in the Dark Arts that will offer a wide variety of Dark objects, such as Death Eater masks, skulls, and other sinister items
· Explore some of Diagon Alley’s famous shops, including:
o Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a vibrant shop featuring novelty items, magical jokes, and toys inspired by the books and films that will amaze the mischievous child in everyone
o Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, where guests will find a variety of wizardwear from Hogwarts school uniform ties, scarves and jumpers, to authentic wizard’s robes and character costumes
o Magical Menagerie, which features a collection of plush animals, such as owls and Hippogriffs
o Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses
o Quality Quidditch Supplies, offering a wide assortment of apparel and equipment including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more
o Scribbulus, featuring authentic writing implements and products such as feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards
· Enjoy traditional British fare that includes favorite dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and more at the Leaky Cauldron
· Visit Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour for frozen treats in a variety of tantalizing and unique flavors such as strawberry-and-peanut-butter ice-cream and many others
GoDaddy promised to keep their Super Bowl commercials clean this year, and gone are the sexy models and scantily clad females. Instead, GoDaddy’s campaign is now focusing on what they do to help small businesses expand their reach. The company’s first 2014 Super Bowl commercial also shows a fully dressed female as a small business owner and Danica Patrick in a muscle suit.
Patrick, joining a crowd of shirtless bodybuilders racing to a tanning salon, makes her 13th appearance in a GoDaddy Super Bowl ad this year.
Bestselling author Jennifer Donnelly’s set to release a new series called Waterfire Saga, kicking off with the release of book one: Deep Blue. Disney Publishing Worldwide is planning a May 2014 release in the U.S.
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