Interview: Director Morgan Spurlock on Documentaries and One Direction

One Direction: This is Us documentary was directed by Morgan Spurlock

By A.D. AMOROSI

Director Morgan Spurlock is famous for no-nonsense documentaries such as Super Size Me, as well as his recent work as a film maker for CNN and his Inside Man series. For those who know Spurlock for his serious reportage, his newest film - One Direction: This is Us, released on Friday August 30 – seems frivolous. Yet, during our interview in Philadelphia, Spurlock claims that tackling the life, love and music of Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne is as intense a subject as delving into fattening foods.
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You have read this article 1D / documentary / film / film and tv / Harry Styles / interview / Liam Payne / Louis Tomlinson / Morgan Spurlock / music / Niall Horan / One Direction / One Direction This is Us / Super Size Me / Zayn Malik with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/interview-director-morgan-spurlock-on.html. Thanks!

'Dance Moms' Diva Las Vegas - S3, E35: Abby and Kelly Reconcile

Kelly Hyland and Abby Lee Miller on Dance Moms

By GLAMOROSI

For the past few weeks on Dance Moms, studio owner Abby Lee Miller has been absent, so her assistant choreographer, Gianna “Gia” Martello, has been leading the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC). During this time, Kelly Hyland and her daughter Brooke and Paige, who were on the outs with Abby, returned to the team. This week on season 3, episode 35 of Dance Moms titled “Diva Las Vegas”, Abby tells us that in the famous gambling mecca “You either hit the jackpot, or you lose,” and this is definitely the case for Kelly and her girls. Abby and Kelly finally have a showdown, and instead of permanently parting ways, it looks like the beginning of a reconciliation between Abby and the Hylands, and we all win a glimpse of a kinder, gentler Abby.
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You have read this article Abby Lee Miller / Brat Pack / Brooke Hyland / Chloe Lukasiak / Christi Lukasiak / dance / Dance Moms / Diva Las Vegas / film / film and tv / Gianna Gia Martello / Hannah / Kelly Hyland / Paige Hyland / recap / Ricky Palomino with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/moms-diva-las-vegas-s3-e35-abby-and.html. Thanks!

Bar Ferdinand and Chef David Ansill Host Tomato Themed Dinner

Chef David Ansill at Bar Ferdinand in Philadelphia PA

By A.D. AMOROSI

When Bar Ferdinand hosts its end-of-summer, six-course Tomato and Wine dinner on Thursday, August 29, it won’t just be a chance for Executive Chef David Ansill to show off his skills. Designer/Bar Ferdinand owner Owen Kamihira’s Spanish tapas restaurant, now in its sixth year, will also welcome Hood Rich Farms’ Jack Goldenberg to the party.
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You have read this article Bar Ferdinand / David Ansill / events / food / food and drink / Hood Rich Farms / Jack Goldenberg / music / Owen Kamihara / Philadelphia PA / restaurants / Spanish food / tapas / Tomato and Wine Dinner / wine with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/bar-ferdinand-and-chef-david-ansill.html. Thanks!

Phillies’ Charlie Manuel Hosts Last Radio Gig; Cole Hamels Hosts Event

L to R: Glen Macnow, Anthony Gargano, Charlie Manuel

By A.D. AMOROSI

The Philadelphia Phillies may not be having the most winning season, but at least its players and their recently (and wrongly, in our opinion) ousted manager Charlie Manuel are making the most of it. Last Thursday, Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi hosted their annual Diamonds and Denim event for The Hamels Foundation charities. Today, August 23, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, the Phils’ ex-manager Charlie Manuel hosts his final Talk Radio 1210 WPHT show at The Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut Street). Manuel will show early at 10:00 AM to greet his many well-wishers.
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You have read this article Anthony Gargano / baseball / Charlie Manuel / Cole Hamels / Diamonds and Denim / film / film and tv / Glen Macnow / Hamels Foundation / Heidi Hamels / Maria Papadakis / Phillies / radio / Ricky Ricardo / sports / Vince Papale with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/phillies-charlie-manuel-hosts-last.html. Thanks!

Music Biz Legend Jerry Blavat Among Notables at Best of Philly Party

L to R: Jerry Blavat and A.D. Amorosi

By A.D. AMOROSI

Earlier this week on August 20 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Magazine celebrated its annual "Best of Philly" issue, as well as the publication’s 40th anniversary. Winners of culinary Best of Philly Awards past and present were there, as well as a host of notable locals. No Philadelphian was more famous than the night’s entertainment, the venerable Geator with the Heater, Jerry Blavat.
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You have read this article Best of Philly / Carol Saline / food / food and drink / Geator with the Heater / Jerry Blavat / Justin Wineburgh / media / Michael Solomonov / music / news / Philadelphia Magazine / Philadelphia PA / Sam Katz / twerk / Zahav with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/music-biz-legend-jerry-blavat-among.html. Thanks!

'Dance Moms' S3 E34 “On Again, Off Again Abby”: Clean Sweep for ALDC

Mackenzie Ziegler and Asia Monet Ray duet on Dance Moms (Lifetime)

By GLAMOROSI

Previously on Dance Moms, studio owner Abby Lee Miller was a no-show, so the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) went to a competition without her. Abby's assistant chroeographer, Gianna “Gia” Martello, led the team to victory, AND, Kelly Hyland and her daughters Brooke and Paige (who walked out a few weeks ago after an argument) returned to the ALDC without having to deal with Abby’s anger. This week on Dance Moms season 3, episode 34 titled “On-Again, Off-Again Abby”, Abby is back (sort of), and so is her nemesis, Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, and she's determined to get her Candy Apples team to number one. Also, Payton doesn't dance with the ALDC this week, and Anthony Burrell doesn't choreograph for Cathy. 
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You have read this article Abby Lee Miller / Asia Ray / Brooke Hyland / Candy Apples / Cathy Nesbitt-Stein / Chloe Lukasiak / Christi Lukasiak / dance / Dance Moms / film / film and tv / Gianna Gia Martello / Kelly Hyland / Paige Hyland / recap with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/moms-s3-e34-on-again-off-again-abby.html. Thanks!

'True Blood' Season 6 Finale, Radioactive: Is Eric Dead, Where is Pam?

Rob Kazinsky and Anna Paquin as Warlow and Sookie on True Blood

By A.D. AMOROSI

On the True Blood season 6 finale titled “Radioactive", Sookie’s life is once again endangered by a love interest – this time it's Warlow – but she is rescued by her brother Jason and Grandpa Niall. After Warlow dies, the vampires who partook of his blood (via Bill) are no longer protected from the sun, and Eric Northman, who is sunbathing in Sweden, catches fire. Is Eric dead, and where is Pam? Those questions weren't answered. What we do know is that Pam went to find Eric, Sookie is hooked up with Alcide, Sam Merlotte is the mayor of Bon Temps, and his constituents are in danger from Hep-V infected vampires if they don’t partner up with healthy vamps to protect them.
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You have read this article Alexander Skarsgård / Anna Paquin / Bill Compton / Eric Northman / film / film and tv / Is Eric Dead / Jason kills Warlow / Pam / recap / Sookie Stackhouse / Stephen Moyer / True Blood / vamp camp / Warlow dead / Where is Pam with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/blood-season-6-finale-radioactive-is.html. Thanks!

Philadelphia Locations Stand Out in New Liam Hemsworth Film ‘Paranoia’

L to R: Gary Oldman, Liam Hemsworth and Harrison Ford in Paranoia

By A.D. AMOROSI

Last night in Philadelphia, the local crew and cast of Paranoia gathered at the Ritz 5 in Old City for a private screening of the film they worked on throughout summer and late autumn of 2012. The Robert Luketic-directed film, adapted from Joseph Finder’s novel of the same name, stars Liam Hemsworth, Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman and Amber Heard; a partial listing of Paranoia's filming locations in Philadelphia is detailed below.  Paranoia opens in theaters nationwide today, Friday, August 16.
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You have read this article Amber Heard / film / film and tv / Gary Oldman / Harrison Ford / Joseph Finder / Josh Holloway / Julian McMahon / Liam Hemsworth / Lucas Till / Paranoia / Philadelphia PA / Richard Dreyfuss / Robert Luketic / Sharon Pinkenson with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/philadelphia-locations-stand-out-in-new.html. Thanks!

City of Philadelphia Decrees August 28 as Kurt Vile Day

The City of Philadelphia has named August 28 as Kurt Vile Day

BY A.D. AMOROSI

Kurt Vile isn’t just one of our favorite noise-making, singing, songwriting, guitarists. The Philadelphian now just happens to be the latest recipient of his own local day – the official Kurt Vile Day as decreed by the City of Philadelphia - on August 28. On that same afternoon, Vile and his band the Violators will be performing at City Hall’s courtyard in the season’s finale of its City Hall Presents series, and receiving the Liberty Bell Award.
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You have read this article Kurt Vile / Kurt Vile Day / KV Crimes / Liberty Bell Award / music / Philadelphia PA / video / Wakin on a Pretty Daze with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/city-of-philadelphia-decrees-august-28.html. Thanks!

Interview: Luan Tota Marks Tenth Year for Branzino Italian Ristorante

L to R - Owner Luan M. Tota, Chef Mike Stollenwerk and Publicist James Zeleniak at Branzino Italian Ristorante in Philadelphia, PA

By A.D. AMOROSI

Most restaurants going into their tenth year would celebrate the comfortable niche they’ve settled into and rest on their laurels. Apparently, that’s not part of the game plan for his Branzino Italian Ristorante (261 S 17th Street, Phila PA, 215.790.0103). Instead, owner Luan Tota expanded his Albanian-influenced Italian menu this summer with the help of well-regarded Philadelphia chef Mike Stollenwerk, doubled the size of his BYOB restaurant and its kitchen, and opened a romantic garden space that won an award in August’s Best of Philly issue of Philadelphia Magazine mere weeks after it opened.
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‘Dance Moms’ S3, E33 Gone, Abby Gone: Kelly, Brooke and Paige Return

Brooke Hyland from Dance Moms (Lifetime) released a CD on August 13

By GLAMOROSI

In recent weeks, Dance Moms viewers have witnessed the drama between dance teacher Abby Lee Miller and Kelly Hyland, mother to students Brooke and Paige. Despite the fact that Kelly and her kids walked out a few weeks ago, Abby has kept the girls’ photos on the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) pyramid. However, last week when Kelly showed up at a competition, Abby wouldn’t let her sit with the group. This week on Dance Moms season 3, episode 33 titled “Gone, Abby Gone”, Abby is missing, so her assistant Gianna “Gia” Martello runs the show, and Kelly takes advantage of Abby’s absence by sneaking her daughters back into the studio.
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You have read this article Abby Lee Miller / Brooke Hyland / Christi Lukasiak / dance / Dance Moms / film / film and tv / Gianna Gia Martello / Hannah / Kelly Hyland / Maddie Ziegler / Maryen Lorrain Miller / Paige Hyland / recap / Starlight Foundation with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/dance-moms-s3-e33-gone-abby-gone-kelly.html. Thanks!

'True Blood' Recap S6 E9 'Life Matters': Where Did Eric Northman Go?

Bill, Jessica and friends day-walk after he saves them on True Blood

By A.D. AMOROSI

True Blood, season 6, episode 9, titled “Life Matters,” is split between two storylines: Bill and Eric’s separate raids on the Vamp Camp to save their friends from extinction, and the tender farewell to Terry Bellefleur during his military funeral. While the latter storyline is a satisfying end for the Terry character as his friends tell stories of how they met, the former, more violent tale (with several grisly scenes involving Dr. Overlark) ends with more questions, the main one being, where did Eric Northman go?
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You have read this article Alexander Skarsgård / Anna Paquin / Bill Compton / Eric Northman / film / film and tv / James / Jason / Jessica / Pam / recap / Sarah Newlin / Sookie Stackhouse / Stephen Moyer / True Blood / vamp camp / Warlow / Where did Eric go with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/blood-recap-s6-e9-matters-where-did.html. Thanks!

Annual Perseid Meteor Shower to Peak This Weekend August 11-13 [LIVE VIDEO]

A photo of the Perseid Meteor Shower taken by Astronaut Ron Garan; this was his view from the International Space Station in 2011

By GLAMOROSI

The annual Perseid Meteor Shower will peak this weekend. According to NASA, the best opportunity to view the Perseids will be during the dark, pre-dawn hours on August 12, 2013. NASA is broadcasting a live feed of the Perseid Meteor Shower; you can watch it here below.
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Robert Plant Revamps Website, Joins Twitter, Instagram, Google+

Robert Plant Presents the Sensational Space Shifters

By A.D. AMOROSI

As the world awaits a Led Zeppelin reunion, all fans can do is savor any news that comes from the separate camps of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.  This week, Led Zep’s lemon squeezing front man steps into the internet spotlight by entering the social media age with a new website, and signing up for Instagram, Google+ and Twitter accounts.  The first 25,000 followers to Plant’s Twitter received an exclusive free download of his current band, Robert Plant’s Sensational Space Shifters, performing the Led Zeppelin classic, "What Is and What Should Never Be," live in concert.
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You have read this article Led Zeppelin / music / Robert Plant / social media / The Sensational Space Shifters / tour with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/robert-plant-revamps-website-joins.html. Thanks!

'Dance Moms' S3 E32 "Dancing Dead": Nia Performs Broadway Baby Tribute

Nia performs a tribute to Abby's poodle "Broadway Baby" on Dance Moms

By GLAMOROSI

Last week on Dance Moms, Kelly Hyland and her daughters Brooke and Paige were still absent from class and competition following a fight with Abby, so Payton Ackerman was given Brooke’s spot in the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC). Payton’s mom Leslie wants her daughter on the team permanently, and this leads to an argument with the regulars that continues on season 3, episode 32 of Dance Moms titled “The Dancing Dead”. Also this week, Kelly meets with Christi, Holly and Jill, but doesn’t get the response she might have been expecting. Meanwhile, Abby and her Mom pick up "Broadway Baby" (their deceased poodle) from the taxidermist.
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You have read this article Abby Lee Miller / Asia Ray / Broadway Baby / Brooke Hyland / Chloe Lukasiak / Christi Lukasiak / dance / Dance Moms / film / film and tv / Kelly Hyland / Kristie Ray / Paige Hyland / Payton Ackerman / recap / twerk / twerking with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/moms-s3-e32-dead-nia-performs-broadway.html. Thanks!

'True Blood' Recap S6 E8 Dead Meat: Ms. Suzuki Wears Killer Heels

L to R: Anna Camp and Tamlyn Tomita on HBO's True Blood

By A.D. AMOROSI

In True Blood season 6, episode 8, titled “Dead Meat,” Eric and Arlene deal with losing their loved ones: Eric is angry with Bill for not being able to help Nora, and at himself for believing in Bill; Arlene has moved on from yelling at Lafayette to yelling at Adilyn. Sookie considers Warlow’s proposal of eternal life, as it’s the only way Warlow will let Bill have his blood to protect the vamp camp prisoners from Sarah Newlin’s plan to burn them alive with sunlight. The vampires aren’t the only ones in danger from Sarah; this week she murders Tru-Blood rep Ms. Suzuki with a pair of killer heels.
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You have read this article Alexander Skarsgård / Anna Paquin / Bill Compton / Billith / Eric Northman / film / film and tv / James / Jessica / Pam / recap / Sarah Newlin / Sookie Stackhouse / Stephen Moyer / True Blood / vamp camp / Warlow with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/blood-recap-s6-e8-dead-meat-ms-suzuki.html. Thanks!

Predella Restaurant and Zoey's Yogurt Bar Move Into South Philadelphia

Predella Restaurant opened on August 1st in South Philadelphia

By GLAMOROSI and A.D. AMOROSI

It’s out with the old and in with the new in the Italian Market area this week, as several hot spots are getting ready to debut. Predella Restaurant opened today (August 1) at 32 S 10th Street, Zoey's Yogurt bar is moving into Underdog's old location on S. 9th Street next to Geno's, the St. Jude Shop closed their East Passyunk Avenue location, and Golosa Chocolate and Dessert Bar packed up last week.
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You have read this article food / food and drink / Golosa / Philadelphia PA / Predella / real estate / restaurants / South Philly / St. Jude Shop / Zoey's Yogurt Bar with the title August 2013. You can bookmark this page URL https://greatwall0.blogspot.com/2013/08/predella-restaurant-and-zoey-yogurt-bar.html. Thanks!