Celebrity English

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Facebook

Celebrity English Twitter

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Google Plus

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Tumblr

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Language Learning Section – Natural Language Boost!

Theme: Positive People, Positive Language!

Part one - Vocabulary

Instructions: Write the meanings of the words below. If you don't know a word try to guess the meaning from the context in the interview above with Mr. Scott Schmaren . Finally, check out the vocabulary on the Internet. However, there are answer ideas below.

Visionary Change Facilitator =

Speaker =

Coach =

Author =

Stepping Stones to Success =

seminar =

Clinical Hypnotherapist =

NLP Practitioner =

Certified =

life changing =

“Your Ultimate Visionary Mind: Transforming
Your Life in 30 Minutes a Day.” =

Mind Performance Training =

overcome obstacles =

goals =

dreams =

change their lives for the better =

amazing =

programmed to =

write down =

affirmations =

tools inside us =

Don't give up =

create change =

Part Two - Famous People

Instructions: Who are these people and what do they do? What are they famous for? There are some ideas in the interview but you will probably need the Internet to get more information about them.

Scott Schmaren =

Deepak Chopra =

Jack Canfield =

Dr. Denis Waitley =

Oprah Winfrey =

Part 3 - Affirmations

Instructions: Write down 3 affirmations about yourself.

1.

2.

3.

Answer ideas

Part One - Vocabulary

Visionary Change Facilitator = Visionary: a person of unusually keen foresight. Facilitator: a person responsible for leading or coordinating the work of a group, as one who leads a group discussion. In this case, Scott Schmaren facilitates change with the people he is working with in a seminar.

Speaker = someone who talks about something to a group of people.

Coach = one who instructs or trains <an acting coach>; especially : one who instructs players in the fundamentals of a sport and directs team strategy <a football coach>.

Author = a person who has written something; especially : a person who has written a book or who writes many book.

Stepping Stones to Success = Stepping Stone: something that helps you get or achieve something; a means of progress or advancement. Success: the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals; the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame.

seminar = a meeting in which you receive information on and training in a particular subject.

Clinical Hypnotherapist = a person who implements hypnosis. hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness. Clinical Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, therefore, is the use of an altered state of consciousness, or trance, for therapeutic endpoint. This means that people are not treated with hypnosis but are treated in hypnosis.

NLP Practitioner = a person who implements Neuro-linguistic programming. Neuro-linguistic

programming (NLP) is an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy created by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in California, USA in the 1970s. Its creators believe there is a connection between the neurological processes ("neuro"), language ("linguistic") and behavioral patterns learned through experience ("programming") and that these can be changed to achieve specific goals in life.

Certified = having met the official requirements that are needed to do particular type of work.

life changing = to give a different position, course, or direction to one's life.

“Your Ultimate Visionary Mind: Transforming Your Life in 30 Minutes a Day.” = Ultimate (adj): greatest or most extreme. Transforming: to change (something; your life in this case) completely and usually in a good way using only '30 minutes or a half hour in a day'. Idea of book title: The book is the best guide to changing your life in a good way by training 30 minutes a day.

Mind Performance Training = http://ultimatevisionarymind.com/my-story/

overcome obstacles = overcome: to successfully deal with or gain control of (something difficult). obstacles: something that makes it difficult to do something.

goals = plural form of goal: something that you are trying to do or achieve.

dreams =   plural form of dream: something that you have wanted very much to do, be, or have for a long time.

change their lives for the better = change for the better: improve, become better. In this case a person's life situation.

amazing =   (adj) causing great surprise or wonder; causing amazement.

programmed to = to make (a person or animal) behave or think in a particular way.

write down = to record in written form.

affirmations = (noun) the act or an instance of affirming. affirming (verb) to say that something is true in a confident way.

tools inside us = tools plural form of tool: something that helps you to do your job or to achieve something. inside us: within us.

Don't give up = give up: to abandon (oneself) to a particular feeling, influence, or activity. In this case, continue your feeling, goals, dreams, etc; no stopping.

create change = create: to make or produce (something) : to cause (something new) to exist.

change: to make (someone or something) different.

Part Two - Famous People

Instructions: Who are these people and what do they do? What are they famous for? There are some ideas in the interview but you will probably need the Internet to get more information about them.

Scott Schmaren =   Celebrity Scott Schmaren is a Visionary Change Facilitator, Speaker, Writer, Coach, Author and more! http://mindperformancetraining.net/

Deepak Chopra = is an Indian-American physician, a holistic health/New Age guru,and alternative medicine practitioner. Chopra has written more than 75 books, including 21 New York Times bestsellers. His books have been translated into 35 languages and sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

Jack Canfield = is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, which currently has nearly 200 titles and 112 million copies in print in over 40 languages.

Dr. Denis Waitley = a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and has counseled leaders in many fields: Apollo astronauts, Fortune 500 top executives, Olympic gold medalists, Super Bowl champions, returning POWs. He was a founding member of the National Council for Self-Esteem. He has sold over 10 million audio programs in 14 languages.

Oprah Winfrey = is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Winfrey is best known for her multi-award-winning talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show which was the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011. She has been ranked the richest African-American of the 20th century the greatest black philanthropist in American history and is currently North America's only black billionaire. She is also, according to some assessments, the most influential woman in the world.

Part 3 - Affirmations

Instructions: Write down 3 affirmations about yourself.

Example ideas:

1. I am Awesome!

2. I Believe in myself!

3. I Love myself!

Alex Graham Interviews Nick Tesi of TNG Visual Effects!

2013-10-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

Nick Tesi of TNG Visual Effects!

This week Celebrity English is thrilled to present Nick Tesi of TNG Visual Effects. Nick Tesi is a leading expert implementing the latest technology in the field of 3D Scanning for movies, video games, TV shows, commercials and so much more! Having worked with the biggest names in the industry, Nick Tesi is the Best of the Best!

Alex Graham: Please tell us a bit about yourself and TNG Visual Effects.

Nick Tesi: I came from the area of selling hardware and software to the 3D graphics arena based on PC work stations, and in their earlier days based on silicon graphics work stations. From there I went into motion capture. I was with the first motion capture facility in Los Angeles and we were doing a lot of work in the gaming arena, if you will, and then from there I moved into 3D scanning.

"I was one of the earliest people in that as well. I try to stay on the leading edge, or as some people call the

bleeding edge of technology."

Then prior to coming into TNG, prior to 2010, I ran a company called Eyetronics. They were out of Belgium and were a 3D scanning hardware manufacturer. After a year of trying to sell the hardware, we had discussed selling a service based on their hardware. Then we took that direction and that seemed to be a much better model to work with. I moved from selling out of my living room to selling from an office to expanding into a bigger office space with more people. At the end of the decade, 2009, they started taking a different direction that I really didn’t want to go in. I didn’t see their vision. I wanted to stay in providing services in 3D scanning so I started my own company as of 2010, and that is what I have been working on.

Alex: Fantastic industry background! Can you tell me what the difference between Special Effects and Visual Effects is?

Nick: Yes, I sure can! In talking to the industry, I kept saying we provided Special Effects and I was quickly corrected by the industry as a whole. Special Effects are real effects, like people actually using dynamite to blow things up and knock places down and flip cars over. Visual Effects is all in the computer and that’s what we work toward, creating those types of effects. And now if you can imagine a director executing the demand “Action” and a building blowing up, he can’t just go back and say, “I don't like the way that went. It should have blown up from the bottom. Let’s do it again!” That isn't going to happen that quickly. If they can rebuild that building through their workforce, it will take a while to do it, as opposed to having visual effects when they can say, “Let’s do it again!” You know, change a couple of parameters in the software and they can blow it up in the computer again and again. So Visual Effects, I really believe, is the effect of the future! We have more control over it and less people getting hurt. It is just a more on-demand way of working.

Alex: Interesting! That definitely cleared it up for me, too. You kind of already answered it, but how does 3D scanning fit into the movie industry?

TNG Visual Effects in the Movies & TV!

Nick: Well, as I already mentioned places blowing up, the biggest thing is I understand it from a Directors point of view.

"Not many Directors go completely into a visionary mode of what they really want to do without too many limitations."

We have worked on a lot of characters in the past. The characters burst into particles, they fly, and then turn into ice, and rather than trying to imagine them, like in Days Gone By, you can actually see it metamorphosize in front of you through the power of visual effects. And you can create new weapons that no one has ever seen. Just imagine Avatar and that whole new planet with an atmosphere...they completely invented the fantasy of the Director so that he could tell his story.

Alex: Wow! That is so cool! I never really realized how significant 3D scanning is to the creative process of telling a story in film. So how does it work? Could you please walk a novice like me through the 3D scanning process? I mean do you scan a plain actor’s face, or do you put some kind of markers on the actor? How long does it take to scan a face or a whole body? Where does it happen, in the studio or on location? Maybe that is too many questions, but…

More TNG Visual Effects

Nick: Ok, I will start at the beginning. It starts with the Visual Effects Producer on a show. They are going through the script on a show and saying,

“Ok, we need 3D characters to do this and this,"

because it is out of the realm of what the actors can do and they would have to perform some stunts that are beyond their human capability. That is when they call in the 3D scanners. We typically go to the set wherever they are shooting the movie because for some of the outfits they are putting on or that are being created, it takes them hours and hours in makeup to get to that point, and then the wardrobe and stuff, so they really need us to come to the set. That is what we do. We are very accommodating so we don’t disrupt the workflow. Once we get on set they assign us to a location that is convenient for the talent to get to. Scanning a head can be done in 15 minutes, but if it's a full body, we ask for an hour and a half to two hours to scan everything.

Alex: What are some of the challenges of 3D scanning?

3D Scanning with TNG Visual Effects!

Nick: For us, in this business, part of the challenge of 3D scanning is just getting the character in front of you. Working on movies, it takes a while for the Director, actually it is typically the Assistant Director that they call AD1, AD2 or the Second AD, to get them over to you to be scanned.

"We describe it as moments of boredom

punctuated by hours of terror"

because then you have everyone screaming at you, "How long is it going to take?" and "We need to get him back!” So, that is one challenge. Another really big challenge is when we are on a really big film and the visual effects crew selects about 4 or 5 production companies to work with and we are doing all of the scanning. So if we scan 60 or 70 characters and everybody wants their character now, then we have to bring on a lot more people or slow down the production, or do something. So that is a bit challenging, but the key to the whole thing is communication. You keep communicating with them what you can do and how fast you can do it. You can normally get through this without stepping on too many toes or hurting anybodies feelings.

Alex: That kind of leads into the next question. What do you for look for in an artist or scan technician that you would hire as part of your team?

TNG EFFECTS - Specular Cross-polarized!

Nick: Aaah, that is very important because we don’t want to start from the ground up and train somebody in 3D scanning or modeling. So, what we do is go to different schools. There are so many great ones out there like The Academy of Arts and The Art Institute, there are groups of them out there now to select from. But, there are a lot of good artists out there that are freelance artists, or are looking for new positions. Unfortunately, in Visual Effects there have been so many layoffs that there are many people available to us in the field. So, we look for people with extremely good skills in modeling and in sculpting. There are a couple of programs, Mudbox is one and Zbrush, and once we put the model together they go in to sculpt and to put some really fine detail in it to replicate the model. Another skill we look for is someone who is really good with texturing, of putting the color back on the model so it is photo realistic and when you put the model against the real photo you say, "Wow! I can’t tell which is which." Those are some of the skills on the 3D graphics side. If we are looking for additional technicians, somebody who is a great photographer and understands how photography really works inside and out would be a great asset to us, as well as how to set up some of the 3D scanning stuff. We found that someone who really knows photography really good really understands the scanning side of it pretty well.

Alex: Thank you for your industry insights! I am sure many Celebrity English readers who are interested in Visual Effects will find your career advice very informative!

Alex: Now going back to the TNG Visual Effects Company itself, you have done so many outstanding projects! Most recently in the thrilling new TV series Sleepy Hollow, but can you tell us about some projects that really stand out in your mind?

Nick: The biggest, latest one that stood out in my mind was Twilight. We were involved with film 3 and 4. They were pretty much done together. We scanned over 100 heads on that one, and about as half as many bodies.

Twilight

Alex: WOW!

Nick: And we were out there with them for a couple of weeks. It was amazing! Just meeting all of the people, the actors and all of the people involved, and watching them filming...that kind of sticks out in my mind. They have a very large cult following on that show and the bodyguards were watching over the actors...and then meeting the main actors, they were really down to earth, really nice people. I really enjoyed that one!

Alex: Twilight – Sounds Amazing! What can we look forward to from TNG Visual Effects in the future?

Nick: Well, we are constantly looking around the world for new technologies, new ideas, new concepts that will help us push the technology further, depending on who is coming out with what. There are scanners out of Russia, out of Canada, out of the US...who are really getting them out of Germany. So, there is a lot of great technology coming from around the world that helps us to get our job done. We are looking at putting more satellites in more places, as production wants more local services as opposed to just a service in Los Angeles. We are going to try to populate at least 5 more locations in North America, and then will look at having
satellite locations in Europe and Asia. We are on the move and trying to grow. We are involved and proliferating our name around the world.

Where’s your closest TNG location?

Alex: Nick Tesi of TNG Visual Effects, thank you very much for this amazing, industry insightful interview.

Nick: You are welcome, Alex.

To see more of this phenomenal 3D Scanning team go to:

http://www.tngvisualeffects.com/

Or follow TNG Visual Effects at your favorite social media site!

Facebook

Twitter: @TNG_VFX

LinkedIn

Google+

Pinterest

Tumblr

Celebrity English also highly recommends Nick Tesi’s Blog!
It is the best of the best!

http://blog.tngvisualeffects.com/

TNG Visual Effects Updates:

2014-October - The Endeavour!

Magnopus along with TNG Visual Effects were given the rare opportunity to board the space shuttle and capture the inside before it was sealed off permanently. We gathered as much data as possible in preparation for a variety of augmented and virtual reality experiences that will be designed to inspire future generations, and enrapture visitors from around the world. In addition to the photography and 360º videography, Nick Tesi and the team at TNG scanned the inside in great detail using LIDAR and other 3D scanners.

More TNG Visual Effects Updates 2014!

No words necessary!

TNG Visual Effects

Monday Night (Oct 21)! Celebrity speaker, coach, author, TV and radio personality will be featured at Celebrity English!

Scott Schmaren is amazing and will change your life forever!

http://mindperformancetraining.net/

See you soon and stay healthy! Alex

Follow Alex here or at

Celebrity English International

http://celebrityenglishinternational.blogspot.ca/

Celebrity English Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Twitter

https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

Google Plus

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/CelebEnglish/

Celebrity English Tumblr

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Language Learning Section – Natural Language

Vocabulary Boost!

Vocabulary Theme: Visual Effects in Movies and TV

Instructions: Write the meanings of the words below. If you don't know a word try to guess the meaning from the context in the interview above with Mr. Nick Tesi. Finally, check out the vocabulary on the Internet. If you aren't successful, don’t worry, the answers are down below.

hardware =

software =

3D graphics =

motion capture =

3D scanning =

Special Effects =

Visual Effects =

building blowing up =

flip cars over =

on-demand way of working =

workflow =

movie industry =

AD1 =

AD2 =

production companies =

modeling =

sculpting =

Mudbox =

Zbrush =

replicate the model =

photography =

satellite locations =

proliferating =

Answers ideas:

hardware = hardware: (computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system.

software = (computer science) written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory.

3D graphics = This field of computer graphics is concerned with generating and displaying three-dimensional objects in a two-dimensional space, the display screen.

motion capture = the process or technique of recording patterns of movement digitally, especially the recording of an actor's movements for the purpose of animating a digital character in a film or computer game.

3D scanning = to scan a person or object in order to create a 3 dimensional replica.

Special Effects = : visual or sound effects introduced into a motion picture, video recording, or taped television production.

Visual Effects = (commonly shortened to Visual FX or VFX) are the various processes by which imagery is created and/or manipulated outside the context of a live action shot. Visual effects involve the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create environments which look realistic, but would be dangerous, expensive, impractical, or simply impossible to capture on film. Visual effects using computer generated imagery has recently become accessible to the independent filmmaker with the introduction of affordable and user friendly animation and compositing software.

building 'blowing up' = exploding;destroyed (as by explosion).

flip cars over = to flip over something: turn upside down, or throw so as to reverse

'on-demand' way of working = on-demand as soon as or whenever required.

workflow = the sequence of industrial, administrative, or other processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion.

movie industry = film industry: the entertainment industries involved in producing and distributing movies.

AD1 = Abbreviation for Assistant Director One.

AD2 = Abbreviation for Assistant Director Two.

production companies = A production company provides the physical basis for works in the realms of the performing arts, new media art, film, television, radio, and video.

modeling = or computer modeling; create replicated models on the computer.

sculpting = or computer sculpting; create sculptures on the computer.

Mudbox = Mudbox® digital painting and digital sculpting software enables you to create

production-ready 3D digital artwork.

Zbrush = ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing and painting.

replicate the model = to repeat or copy a model exactly.

photography = the art or practice of taking and processing photographs.

satellite locations = (business meaning) A small project unit or department which is physically separated from its corporate headquarters.

proliferating = : to increase in number or amount quickly

Sabrina Signs Creating Spectacular EDM!

2013-10-04T21:30:00.002-07:00

http://www.sabrinasigns.com

The Spectacular Sabrina Signs is making electric dance waves in the American EDM scene and now internationally! From her touching 2010 song "Homeless" to Sabrina’s 2013 latest hit's "Even If You're Crazy", "Predator" and "Emotions", this dynamic lady is getting massive attention!

Interview

Creating Spectacular EDM!

Alex Graham: Please tell us a bit about yourself and how got started in the music business?

Sabrina Signs: Ever since I was little I wanted to be a singer. When I was in 5th grade, my parents signed me up for a contest in L.A. for modeling and acting. Then, I found out they also had a category for singing. I begged them to let me join, and thankfully they did. The contest had over 5000 contestants. To my surprise, I ended up in the top five as a singer. That made me believe I really could follow my dream.

Alex: What kind of music do you like to create and Why?

Sabrina: I love electronic dance music. I love fact that people really dance to it with all the different sounds and creativity that I can put into it. People can let loose and be free.

Alex: Although it is probably painful or unpleasant, would you mind telling us a bit about your song and video Homeless?

Sabrina: That was a hard time for me and my family. I am glad I made the song and video it was a major part of my life. I don't like to dwell on it. I like to think about the positive and that people can overcome these types of obstacles. I think about the people who helped my family out during that dark time. Many of them were just regular people who stopped and reached out when all I wanted to do was withdraw. It was a learning experience. One day I would like to make a positive contribution for the homeless.

Alex: You just released a fantastic new song and video called Emotions!

Sabrina: "Even If You're Crazy" and Predator are on my "Experiment" EP. I am currently working on an album. It will be on that album. I've been so lucky to be able to work with an amazing DJ/Producer, Lenny Ruckus. Together, we plan on putting out more songs, hit the local clubs with performances and work our way up to touring. I really love to be on stage in front of my fans and friends. Lenny and I have a lot of energy that reaches out to the audience when we perform. We hope to keep the momentum going. Stay tuned, Lenny and I have some spooky stuff coming out for Halloween the song's called "Thirst"!! Hope you're excited too!~

Alex: As a musical artist, who inspires you?

Sabrina: I'm really inspired by many. My team, the fans, friends, and family inspire me to keep going. The Bay Area DJ's (California) were so welcoming to me and they started to spin my music at local venues! They were so encouraging. My music is inspired by events in my life. I'm inspired by different genres and sounds. It's really hard for me to describe because of all the different genres. It's so motivating hearing my song debuted by St. John on the famous House Nation show on 99.7[NOW] in San Francisco. Also getting played on DJ Panama's show Planet Z on 97.1 in Salt Lake City as well as on the Bassment Party with The LHK out of Dallas. DJ AP Stooker, from EDM JAM RADIO in the Netherlands also plays my songs on his show, Apsolutely Dance. So I guess my music is really playing all over the world and that makes me very happy. I'm so thankful for all their support.

Alex: What is next for Sabrina Signs? And how can you follow your exciting career?

Sabrina: Oh man, so many things are coming up. But, I'm releasing it little by little. Right now we're finishing up an album and releasing the songs one by one. I'm hoping eventually to tour the world. I plan on collaborating with a lot of amazing artists in the near future. But, those are a secret!~ To stay tuned you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and basically any social media site you can think of. I love to talk to my followers. Join my adventure!~

http://www.sabrinasigns.com

All my links!

https://twitter.com/BSigns

https://twitter.com/SabrinaSigns

http://www.sabrinasigns.com

http://www.facebook.com/SabrinaBeeSigns

http://www.reverbnation.com/sabrinasigns

http://soundcloud.com/sabrinasigns

http://www.youtube.com/sabrinasigns

http://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinasigns

Alex: Thank you very much Sabrina Signs! It has been wonderful! Celebrity English is looking forward to following your continued successes!

"It is definitely your time!"

Sabrina: Thank you too Alex.

And until next week check out THIRST by Sabrina Signs! Make sure to use this fantastic Halloween beat at your Halloween Party! Or give it to your favorite DJ! They will love it!

Connect with ALEX here or at

Celebrity English International

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Facebook

Celebrity English Twitter

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Google Plus

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Tumblr

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Madonna #secretprojectrevolution

2013-09-24T20:03:00.001-07:00

Are you artistic? Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to change the world? Now the uber, iconic sensation known to fans around the world as Madonna is on your team!

FILM PREMIERE

Just this week, Madonna premiered the

“Secret Project: Revolution”

a Film by Madonna & Steven Klein!

CALL-TO-ACTION by MADONNA!

"My goal is to show by the example of #secretprojectrevolution my creative commitment to inspire change in the world through artistic expression," Madonna said in a statement. "I hope my film and other submission to Art For Freedom will be a call-to-action and give people a place to voice their own creative expression to help fight oppression, intolerance and complacency."

~ Madonna ~

THE CHALLENGE!

Madonna & Steven Klein invite you to start your own revolution of love. We have created this platform to give people around the world an opportunity to answer the QUESTION:

"WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU?"

Express your personal meaning of freedom and revolution in the form of video, music, poetry, and photography. Join the revolution by submitting your ART FOR FREEDOM below, or by tagging your posts #ArtForFreedom

START YOUR PERSONAL ARTISTIC REVOLUTION Now!

http://bundles.bittorrent.com/madonna-revolution/

LOVE MADONNA, HATE MADONNA,

OR BOTH?

Madonna’s message is important! She is not the only one with concerns. In early 2013 the United Nation’s Human Rights Council released a report that focused on “The right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity.

Although this report doesn’t focus on complacency it does focus on concerns:

“… growing worldwide concern that artistic voices have been or are being silenced by various means and in different ways. The underlying motivations are most often political, religious, cultural or moral, or lie in economic interests, or are a combination of those.” ~ United Nations Human Rights Council (14 March 2013) ~

JUST SAYING…

Madonna is already in the cultural history books and will forever be there; an icon for the ages. This moment, this day, this week, this month, this year may be your day to become a part of History!

More on #ArtForFreedom! Madonna being interviewed by VICE!

MORE TO COME!
I will keep this page updated as the Art For Freedom Revolution Unfolds!

NEW UPDATE! - October 02, 2013

Madonna Announces Art For Freedom Grants Program

Madonna has announced a grants program in coordination with Art For Freedom, the global digital initiative designed to fuel free speech, to address, respond and protest persecution around the world.

LINK: http://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-art-for-freedom-grants-program

Take care and I will see you next week!

Alex

Connect with Alex here or at

Celebrity English International

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Facebook

Celebrity English Twitter

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Google Plus

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Tumblr

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Language Learning Section – Natural Language

Vocabulary Boost!

Vocabulary Theme: Creating Change

Instructions: First, try to write down the meanings or ideas for each expression. Next, try to guess the meaning from the context. Then ask a friend or classmate. Finally, check out the expressions on the Internet. Now you can check your answers with the vocabulary ideas posted below.

commitment to =

inspire change =

artistic expression =

call-to-action =

give people a place to voice =

to help fight =

oppression =

intolerance =

complacency =

revolution =

#Art For Freedom =

UN =

growing worldwide concern =

artistic voices =

The underlying motivations =

political =

religious =

cultural =

moral =

lie in =

economic interests =

a combination =

Human Rights =

free speech =

initiative designed to fuel free speech =

to address =

protest =

persecution =

around the world =

Answer Ideas:

commitment to = the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled (a commitment to a cause).

inspire change = inspire: to cause (something) to happen or be created. change: to make (someone or something) different.

artistic expression = Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging symbolic elements in a way that influences and affects the senses, emotions,etc.

call-to-action = Generally a business expression - 'A call to action' is the section of a marketing or sales message which tries to convince a person to perform a desired action immediately. It is words that urge the reader, listener, or viewer of a sales promotion message to take an immediate action, such as "Write Now," "Call Now," or (on Internet) "Click Here." A retail advertisement or commercial without a call-to-action is considered incomplete and ineffective. So, Madonna wants you to do something now!

give people 'a place' to voice = 'a place': create 'a space'. This place = Madonna's Art For Freedom Internet project. to voice: to voice one's thoughts = to speak/express your thoughts or to speak one's mind; or as Madonna says 'Express Yourself"!

to help fight = to help: to aid. fight: struggle against something.

oppression = (noncount noun) cruel or unjust use of authority or power.

intolerance = (noncount noun) the quality or state of being intolerant. intolerant: (adj) not willing to allow or accept something; not willing to allow some people to have equality, freedom, or other social rights.

complacency = (noncount noun) a feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better; a complacent feeling or condition.

revolution = (count noun) the usually violent attempt by many people to end the rule of one government and start a new one but in this case the nuance is 'revolution': a sudden, extreme, or complete change in the way people live, work, etc.

#Art For Freedom = Madonna's title refers to the idea of using art to create freedom.

UN = Abbreviation for The United Nations- Official Website Link http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/growing worldwide concern = increasing global worry.

artistic voices = (adj) artistic: relating to art or artists expression. voices: people expressing themselves.

The underlying motivations = underlying: (adj) beneath the surface; evident only on close inspection. motivations: a force or influence that causes someone to do something.

political = (adj) of or relating to politics or government. politics: activities that relate to influencing the actions and policies of a government or getting and keeping power in a government.

religious = (adj) of or relating to religion. religion: an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods

cultural = (adj) of or relating to a particular group of people and their habits, beliefs, traditions, etc.

moral = (adj) concerning or relating to what is right and wrong in human behavior

lie in = is in; is within.

economic interests = economic: relating to an economy : relating to the process or system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought. interests: used when discussing what is the best or most helpful thing for someone or a some type of group.

a combination = an act of combining two or more things. to combine: to bring together; mix.

Human Rights = the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled, often held to include the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and expression, and equality before the law.

free speech = is the concept of the inherent human right to voice one's opinion publicly without fear of censorship or punishment. "Speech" is not limited to public speaking and is generally taken to include other forms of expression.

initiative designed to fuel free speech = initiative: an introductory act or step; leading action. designed to: created to. to fuel: (idiomatic) alludes to causing a flame to grow larger; someone or something to move forward when fuel is added.

to address = to speak to (a person or group).

protest = to protest: to show or express strong disagreement with or disapproval of something.

persecution = the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook. to persecute someone (or group). to treat someone (or group) cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs.

around the world = all over the globe/Earth.

JK Rowling is Back!

2013-09-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter’s textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is about to come to life! This extraordinary adventure is lead by the famous, magical zoologist Newt Scamander and fictional author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Newt’s adventure begins in the 1920’s or 70 years before Harry Potter. New York city is the place where it will all begin. The story is an extension of the magical world of the Harry Potter adventures and will be JK Rowling’s first screenwriting debut!

For more detailed information here is J.K. Rowling's press statement regarding her screenwriting debut:

Warner Bros. announced on 12th September 2013 that J.K. Rowling would be making her screenwriting debut with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the first in a new film series, which is part of their expanded creative partnership with J.K. Rowling. The films will be inspired by Harry Potter’s Hogwarts textbook of the same name, and will feature the book’s fictitious author, Newt Scamander.

“It all started when Warner Bros. came to me with the suggestion of turning Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them into a film. I thought it was a fun idea, but the idea of seeing Newt Scamander, the supposed author of Fantastic Beasts, realized by another writer was difficult. Having lived for so long in my fictional universe, I feel very protective of it and I already knew a lot about Newt. As hard-core Harry Potter fans will know, I liked him so much that I even married his grandson, Rolf, to one of my favourite characters from the Harry Potter series, Luna Lovegood.

As I considered Warners’ proposal, an idea took shape that I couldn’t dislodge. That is how I ended up pitching my own idea for a film to Warner Bros.

Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for seventeen years, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world. The laws and customs of the hidden magical society will be familiar to anyone who has read the Harry Potter books or seen the films, but Newt’s story will start in New York, seventy years before Harry’s gets underway.

I particularly want to thank Kevin Tsujihara of Warner Bros. for his support in this project, which would not have happened without him. I always said that I would only revisit the wizarding world if I had an idea that I was really excited about and this is it.”

~ J.K. Rowling ~

Celebrity English

Best Wishes Wonderful Lady with your screenwriting debut! Looking forward to more of your sensational magical creations.

See you next week!

Alex

Language Learning Section

Vocabulary Power! Theme: Writer Talk

First, try to write down the meanings or ideas for each word (s). Next, try to guess the meaning from the context of the words you didn't understand. Then ask a friend or classmate about the words that where difficult. Finally, check out the expressions on the Internet. However, the vocabulary definitions are below.

announced =

screenwriting debut =

creative partnership =

fictitious author =

turning Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them into a film =

hard-core Harry Potter fans =

proposal =

an idea took shape =

ended up pitching my own idea =

prequel =

sequel =

extension =

Vocabulary Definitions

announced = : to announce - to make (something) known in a public or formal way : to officially

tell people about (something).

screenwriting debut = screenwriting: also called script-writing is the art and craft of writing scripts for mass media such as feature films, television productions or video games. It is frequently a freelance profession. debut: the first time an actor, musician, athlete, etc., does something in public or for the public.

creative partnership = a partnership, or relationship that is focused on making or thinking of new things : involving the process by which new ideas, stories, etc., are created

fictitious author = an imaginary or not real author. author: a person who has written something ; especially : a person who has written a book or who writes many books.

turning Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them into a film = to turn something into film - to make something into a movie.

hard-core Harry Potter fans = hard-core: very active and enthusiastic; the most active, committed, or doctrinaire members of a group or movement. fan(s): (countable noun) a person who likes and admires someone (such as a famous person) or something (such as a sport or a sports team) in a very enthusiastic way.

proposal = A plan or suggestion put forward for consideration or discussion by others; the action of putting forward such a plan or suggestion.

an idea took shape = [for something, such as plans, writing, ideas, arguments, etc.] to begin to be organized and specific.

ended up pitching my own idea = ended up: to conclude, turn out, become. to pitch someone - to attempt to promote, sell, or advance someone or something.

prequel = [countable noun] : a movie, book, etc., that tells the part of a story that happened before the story in another movie, book, etc.

sequel = [countable noun] : a book, movie, etc., that continues a story begun in another book, movie, etc.

extension = [countable noun] : something (such as an interest or activity) that develops from something else. Ex. Writing screenplays was a natural/logical extension of his career as a novelist and his longtime interest in film.

Always happy to connect! You can find

Alex Graham of Celebrity English

at all of these social media areas!

Celebrity English on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Twitter

https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Celebrity English International

http://celebrityenglishinternational.blogspot.ca/

Related Post
Natural Language from Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter: Music

Fran Capo Hopeville The City of Light

2013-07-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

The Fantastic Fran Capo!

This week my Celebrity friend the fabulous Fran Capo is back at Celebrity English with a fantastic new book that will change your life for the better!

Fran Capo's Hopeville "The City of Light" is out! This is one 5 STAR BOOK you don't want to miss! Just wait until you find out how this book came to life, "Literally"!

INTERVIEW

"Hopeville: The City of Light"

Alex Graham: Fran Capo has a fantastic new book out called "Hopeville: The City of Light". Fran can you tell us a bit about Hopeville.

Hopeville The City of Light at Amazon!

Fran Capo: Hopeville is a very simple story about 4 people, a mother, a little boy, and old man and a successful business man who one night all pray for the same thing. They are having a tough time in lives at the moment and are praying for help. An Angel of light comes to all of them with the same message and they are each asked to carry out their part. Each of thinks they are not capable of such a big task but in the end they all do it in their own way. The efforts of each person (no matter how small it may seem at the time) transforms the energy of the whole small town they live in.
It's a story of hope, love, inspiration, never giving up and following your dream and living life to the fullest. It shows how what one person does has a ripple effect on a whole community and can make people come together and re-evaluate and realize the important things in life.

Alex: Fran you have authored quite a few books on a variety of topics and genres such as "It Happened in New York", "Adrenaline Adventures: Dream it, Read it, Do it!", "Almost a Wise Guy", "Humor in Business Speaking and How to Break into Voice Overs" and more!

Fran Capo at her Book Signing Event!

These are all excellent books, but as I understand Hopeville is very very special. Can you elaborate on that?

Fran:

"Hopeville is the ONLY book that I did not plan to write."

I had not even the slightest thought about the book and then one morning at 4 a.m. I was awoken by a voice telling me I had to write this book. I actually thought I was dreaming and arguing with the voice. But the voice (and I could not tell if it was male or female, was very persistent.) It insisted I get up and write the name of the book down. So at 4 a.m. I got up, turned on the light write the name down and then went back to sleep. But it did not stop there. I was in the middle of writing my book, Adrenaline adventures and was on deadline, and I have never had writers block, that was the only day in my ENTIRE writing career that I couldn't write what I planned to do. So then I opened up a new document and typed the title: Hopeville the City of light. For the next three hours, I don't remember what happened. I just typed. When it was done, I had no idea what I had written or even if it made sense.

"Months later I read it and realized it had a great message and story and that it was a gift given to me to spread this message from above. So now hopefully it will happen."

Alex: Also Monday, July 29th is your Birthday! Congratulations!

What is your special birthday wish this year? How can we make your wish come true?

Fran: I've written 18 books, and while they have been successful and many of them have gone into 2nd edition (which is great for a book) none of them have been viral or best sellers. It is my dream to have this book be the book to go to best seller status on amazon. That can happen if everyone who is interested buys it ON THE SAME DAY.
A book doesn't become a best seller by how many are sold overall, but by how many are sold in one day.

I'm am asking if anyone in your Celebrity English audience is interested in buying it that they do it on Sat. July 27 and if for some reason they miss that date that they do it on my real birthday Monday. July 29th.

MAKE A WISH COME TRUE!

Alex: Absolutely!!!! I will be there buying on Monday July 29th to make your birthday wish come true. And to all my Celebrity English friends, please help me to make this amazing lady's wish come true! And Of course, for those of you reading this article now and missed the birthday wish, please by this great book now! We can create a stellar birthday year for Fran Capo and her book Hopeville!

MAKE A WISH COME TRUE!

Let's 'pay it forward'! Just click on the link above and let Amazon do its magic!

Less than a coffee and done in under 2 minutes!

Alex: By the way, that was a 'nugget of gold' about Amazon and selling books, Fran as a professional author, writer and columnist, what other advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Fran: Write about topics you love and interest you. Write every day. Don't just sit in front of your computer staring at it, if you can't decide what to write, write anything to get the creative juices flowing. My method is I just free style write. Then I wait a day, go back in and fix it up. Then I go back in again and add the humor.

"Start by writing articles, then work you're way up to a book."

It's easier that way so you have a track record of things you have published. To be considered a professional you need to have gotten paid for your work. So pick a copy or go on line and order a copy of Writers Market and find out who is buying the type of stories you want to sell.
Also, blog and build up a fan base.

Alex: Excellent advice! Fran Capo always makes me smile and laugh in amazement with that Guinness Book of World Records voice! Here is Fran Capo 'speed talking' the first pagefrom her book "Hopeville", really really fast! Like only Fran Capo can do!

Thank you very much Fran Capo!
That was excellent! In case you didn't catch all that the first, second, or third time, here is the first page from Hopeville The City of Light

Everyone in Hopeville was born with a candle. It was not just an ordinary candle but a candle filled with magic. The candle was lit from the day you were born and went out on the day that you died. The candle was an external measure of life. Everyone could see how bright it shined.
Hopeville wasn’t always a town of light. In fact, it wasn’t always named Hopeville. Long ago it was just an ordinary town, filled with ordinary people living ordinary lives. Back then the town was called Acceptanceville. It was a place filled with all the human emotions: love, hate, joy, sorrow, happiness, fear, jealousy, and mistrust. Unfortunately, as time went on mistrust overtook the town. Those good souls who worked hard and tried to bring joy and happiness were shot down.
Then one night, a small boy, a widowed mother, a successful businessman, and an old man kneeled by their beds and prayed. Their prayers were all the same, “Dear heavens up above, I am trying my best. I work hard each day, try to be good to my friends, and yet I am not happy. It seems I have lost faith. I can’t tell those who are good from those who are bad. I am lost, and I need some kind of light to help me find the way.”
An angel of light appeared to each of them that night. “Your prayers have been heard and answered. You are not alone. From this day forth everyone in this town and everyone born in this village shall have a candle. The candle will reflect the person’s inner soul. If it is burning brightly you will know this is a person of kindness and happiness and you can trust this person. If the candle has a dark red hue, you will know that person is hiding something. You will know this is a person’s whose heart has been turned away from the true light, and you will know to keep away from this person, or at least to be careful when talking with this person so he does not lead you down the wrong path.”

And if that wasn't enough to get you to buy her book on Saturday or Monday - JULY 29th, then maybe these fantastic testimonials will! And if you don't have a Kindle No Problem! Out of the country No Problem!
#Screenshot - I bought Fran's book using Kindle Cloud. Excellent and Easy!

Testimonials for Hopeville

HOPEVILLE!

Hopeville is the next Alchemist! It shows that no matter who you are or where you are in life you can light up another person's life and in the process transform your own. And, trust me, transformation is what it’s all about. This book is a must have for anyone looking to brighten their lives.

Janette Barber
6 Time Emmy Award Winner, Best Selling Author, Sirius-XM Radio Host.

_____________________________

As a forth stage cancer survivor I learned how precious life is. I practice everyday the art of gratitude and giving with my Comedy Cures Foundation. This book teaches you through parable how to give, how to love, how to follow your dreams. It's a simple beautiful book that was given to Fran from above. I hope the world embraces it. I love it.

Saranne Rothberg
Forth stage cancer survivor, CEO of Comedy Cures Foundation

______________________________

I enjoyed "Hopeville: The City of Light" immensely. First this wonderful and talented author, Fran Capo, peaks your interest with great stories illustrating the "the light" which can shine in all of our lives; then she caps off these inspiring accounts with a "how to" guide containing simple but very effective ways for infusing you life with the warmth of this magical light. Once you read this book you will never forget it! You'll take the light with you wherever you go! Thank you Fran!

Ted Isaacson, Master Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps, Retired

______________________________

I’ve been following a spiritual path and meditating for more than 30 years, and I want to thank you because after reading Hopeville, I felt so inspired and so full of joy. It made me want to live in my heart,
connect with the Divine who lives within us all, brighten my inner flame and go out and do good things for people. And that was after reading just the first chapter! Your story is a brilliant reminder
that true happiness comes from within and that we all belong to one big family. I pray that millions of others in our world family will read your book so they can get the same inspiration that I did.

In gratitude

Ashrita Furman
Holder of the most Guinness World Records – 444 official Guinness Records

More About Fran Capo!

http://www.francapo.com/

Fran Capo is a keynote motivational speaker, 18 time author, comedienne, TV show host, spokesperson, adventurer and six time world record holder, most known as the Guinness Book of World Records fastest talking female. She has appeared on over 350 television and 4500 radio shows worldwide including; Entertainment Tonight, Fox & Friends, The Late Show, Martha Stewart, Larry King Live and the Discovery Channel and a whole lot more! Check out Fran Capo's website for a great Great Adventures, inspiration, and a great Cuppa Capo!

http://www.francapo.com/
http://www.francapo.com/

Connect with ALEX here or at

Always love to meet new people!

Celebrity English International

http://celebrityenglishinternational.blogspot.ca/

Celebrity English Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Twitter

https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

Google Plus

https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/112121766796721684209/112121766796721684209/posts

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/CelebEnglish/

Celebrity English Tumblr

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Cory Monteith of Glee! Tribute

2013-07-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately another wonderful actor has tragically passed away. This week, the talented international sensation Cory Monteith of Glee was found dead on Saturday at the Vancouver Fairmont Pacific Rim (Canada) by Hotel staff. He was only 31. Cory will be missed by millions of fans & friends.

This week, as a tribute I wanted to give everybody a bit of information about Cory Monteith and his career.

Highlights

As an actor based out of Vancouver, he had minor roles on such television series as Stargate Atlantis and Smallville before an audition tape of him singing "Can't Fight This Feeling" helped to land him the biggest role of his career, Finn on Glee, introducing him to an international audience as a high school quarterback who is at first reluctant to join the high school singing club. In later seasons, the character had graduated but returned as a singing coach. Following his success on Glee, Monteith's film work included the movie Monte Carlo and a starring role in Sisters & Brothers.

Charity Work
Cory Monteith used his fame to help set up Vancouver’s Project Limelight. Project Limelight is an organization that provides free theater programming and mentoring to motivated but high risk youth between the ages of 8 and 15. Many of Cory Monteith's fans are currently donating to the non- profit organization to honor his legacy and commitment to the potential that resides in all people.
Listen to Cory talk about Project Limelight with Richard Branson.

Project Limelight Link: http://www.projectlimelightsociety.org/

List of TV and Film that you can see Cory work his magic!

Film

Year	Film	Role
2005	Killer Bash	Douglas Waylan Hart
2006	Bloody Mary	Paul Zuckerman
2006	Kraken: Tentacles of the Deep	Michael
2006	Deck the Halls	Madison's date
2006	Final Destination 3	Kahill
2007	Hybrid	Aaron Scates
2007	White Noise: The Light	Scooter guy
2007	Gone	Davis Calder
2007	The Invisible	Jimmy
2007	Whisper	Teenage boy
2007	Wannabe Macks	Stu
2008	The Boy Next Door	Jason
2011	Breaking the Girl
2011	Monte Carlo	Owen
2011	Sisters & Brothers	Justin Montegan
2011	Glee: The 3D Concert Movie	Finn Hudson
2013	All the Wrong Reasons	James Ascher
2013	McCanick	Simon Weeks

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2004	Stargate Atlantis	Genii Private	Episode: "The Storm"
2005	Young Blades	Marcel Le Rue	Episode: "To Heir is Human"
2005	Supernatural	Gary	Episode: "Wendigo"
2005	Smallville	Frat cowboy	Episode: "Thirst"
2005	Killer Instinct	Windsurfer Bob	Episode: "Forget Me Not"
2006	Whistler	Lip Ring	Episode: "The Burden of Truth"
2006	Stargate SG-1	Young Mitchell	Episode: "200"
2006	Kyle XY	Charlie Tanner	7 episodes
2007	Flash Gordon	Ian Finley	Episode: "Life Source"
2007	Kaya	Gunnar	10 episodes
2008	Fear Itself	James	Episode: "New Year's Day"
2009	Mistresses	Jason
2009	The Assistants	Shane Baker	2 episodes
2009–2013	Glee	Finn Hudson	Lead role; 81 episodes Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (shared with cast) Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Actor Comedy (2011) Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Breakout Star Male (2009) Nominated – People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy Actor (2012)
2010	The Simpsons	Flynn	Voice Episode: "Elementary School Musical"
2011	The Cleveland Show	Finn Hudson	Voice Episode: "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Roberta?"
2012	The Glee Project	Himself	Episode: "Vulnerability"
2013	2013 Kids' Choice Awards	Himself	Presenter
2013	MasterChef	Himself

Finally here is a tribute to Cory Monteith of Glee.

Take care my TV friend,

Alex Graham
Celebrity English

Language Learning Section

(Note: Although it is not the most pleasant topic,

death is a part of life. It is a part of the human experience.)

Listening Practice - A Tribute to Cory Monteith of Glee.

Instructions: Listen to the video above and fill in the missing word(s). Once you have filled in the missing word(s), write the meaning of each word. The answers are below.

A Tribute to Cory Monteith of Glee.
He __________ of millions as Finn Hudson – the __________ quarterback turned singer in hit TV show Glee.
__________, Cory Monteith was __________, just months after voluntarily checking himself into __________ for __________.

A close friend told Cory was "healthy and in great spirits" just 48 hours before he __________ in a Vancouver __________.

Here we remember the __________ star in his most __________ Glee moments. __________ big man.

Now check your answers.

Answers to the Listening Practice:

A Tribute to Cory Monteith of Glee

He touched the hearts of millions as Finn Hudson – the dashingly handsome quarterback turned singer in hit TV show Glee.

Tragically, Cory Monteith was found dead age 31, just months after voluntarily checking himself into rehab for substance abuse.

A close friend told Cory was "healthy and in great spirits" just 48 hours before he died in a Vancouver hotel.

Here we remember the charming star in his most memorableGlee moments. Rest in Peace big man.

Definition of the Vocabulary Words

touched the hearts = to touch the heart(s) of someone = to affect people; to affect your emotions, especially so that you feel sad or sympathetic.

dashingly handsome = dashingly adverb form of dashing (adjective) = (for describing men) attractive in a romantic, adventurous way; attractive and impressive in a way that shows confidence. handsome = (for describing men) good-looking.

Tragically = tragically adverb form of tragic (adjective) = causing strong feelings of sadness usually because someone has died in a way that seems very shocking, unfair, etc.

found dead age 31 = found = discovered. dead = no longer alive or living :no longer having life. age 31 = (formal style) at the age of 31 or 31 one years old.

rehab = [noncount] informal : a program for helping people who have problems with drugs, alcohol, etc. — often used after ‘in’ or ‘into’. Ex: ▪ He is in rehab. ▪ She checked herself into rehab. ‘rehab’ is a short speaking style for ‘rehabilitation program’ in this case.

substance abuse = (noun) overindulgence in or dependence on an addictive substance, esp. alcohol or drugs.

died = past tense of die (verb) = to stop living.

hotel = [count] : a place that has rooms in which people can stay especially when they are traveling : a place that provides food, lodging, and other services for paying guests.

charming (adjective): very pleasing or appealing : full of charm.

memorable (adjective) : very good or interesting and worth remembering. Ex.

▪ a memorable vacation/experience ▪ It was the most memorable line of the play. ▪ She gave a memorable performance.

rest in peace = (Latin: Requiescat in pace) is a short epitaph or idiomatic expression wishing eternal rest and peace to someone who has died. The expression typically appears on headstones, often abbreviated as "R.I.P.".

Dragon!

2013-07-05T18:36:00.004-07:00

by Kristal McKerrington and Joe E Legend

Dragon's being hunted by the dark magic shifters.

She's got one hope. Knox's school

of shape shifting, only she's setup to be far more.

She might have lost everything,

but she has the chance to set everything right.

Can she?...…

Celebrity Power! Joe E Legend and Kristal McKerrington are once again teamed up and creating a soon to be bestseller Dragon! Let’s get the early scoop on this up and coming book series and the prolific writers behind the words.

Interview

Kristal McKerrington Newest Release!

Kristal McKerrington magazine & screen writer, best selling author, and has been featured on TMZ!

Alex Graham: Please tell me a bit about yourself and how you got into writing.

Kristal McKerrington: I'm Scottish. 24 years old and I'm an advert reader. I wrote my first short story when my Auntie came to see me and I didn't have anything to give her so I wrote her a story. Been writing ever since.

Alex: You and Joe E. Legend have been working on a fantasy, action adventure called “Dragon”. Can you give the Celebrity English readership an early scoop on this soon to be bestseller?

Kristal: Dragon is set to be published with Media Aria. It's as Joe my co-author refers to it as the martial arts version to Harry Potter. It's a lot darker though. It's good a lot of pressure resting on the heroine's shoulders. Especially when she suspects there to be evil in the school. Some of it is with the teachers.

Alex: Kristal, you have a lot of experience in the writing field, and you have been a best selling author before. In your opinion, what is the hardest part about getting published?

Kristal: The sending the submissions. It twists your guts up into a little ball. It's the worse feeling because you enter into limbo from that moment on.

Alex: Thank you for the insight! What books have most influenced you in your life?

Kristal: Catherine Cookson is my huge influence and Rachel Caine's work with Morganville Vampires is the other.

Alex: Excellent and thank you Kristal! Now we are going to turn the interview over to Joe E Legend.

Joe E Legend world famous wrestler,

TV & film star, and author!

Alex: You have quite a diverse and fascinating background, can you tell Celebrity English about yourself.

Joe E Legend: I'm a 23 year veteran of pro wrestling and before that I achieved 4 black belts in Karate and Kung fu in my home town of Toronto, Canada (I now live in Hannover, Germany with my wife, twin 5 year old son's and rabbit).

I've wrestled in 43 countries around the world, had 2 TV series in the UK, been the lead villain in a graphic novel in the USA, appeared in films in Canada, France and the UK and now I've signed off to co-author several series of books as well as star in 6 films in various countries (Italy, France, Canada, USA, England, Scotland, Caribbean) all before the end of 2013.

I've also signed a deal for a 3 book series for my autobiography.

Alex: Fantastic! We already heard from Kristal about “Dragon”, latest novel you coauthored, how did you two or why did you two decide to start working together?

Joe: I was sending out my resume everywhere and it wound up in Kristal's E-mails and she got in touch. She was talking about a possible movie or TV series (we're in the planning stages for those as well) and the subject turned to her being an author. Since wrestling is such a "story telling" form of entertainment, I wanted to have a crack at it and she was kind enough to bring me along.

Alex: I think it is fantastic that 2 very prolific writers have coauthored this new thriller. What are the benefits of working with another writer or author on a project?

Joe: Sometimes things seem REALLY cool in your head but once you try to explain them to others, you find it really doesn't make a lot of overall sense. Having someone invested in the same constructed reality you're invested in can ensure your ideas will land on others in the way you intended.

Alex: Great point! Do you have any advice for writers just starting out?

Joe: Find someone already doing it and learn, learn, learn.

Success leaves a trail and all you really need to do is follow it. Find 3 people very successful in your chosen field (or genre) and find out what they all did in common.

Do those things as well and you're almost certain to achieve a certain degree of success.

Also... write. Everyday. Take the time to write your ideas down and see where they take you. A blank page will get you nowhere but a few ideas written down can inspire a great story.

Alex: Absolutely! Excellent advice from Joe E Legend!

Alex: These questions are for Kristal or Joe. What else do you two have on the way?

Kristal and Joe:

For novels:

Marie's World - 1st book, June 27th (a series, following books periodically)

Charlie's Journal - 1st book, September 2013 (a series, following books periodically)

My autobiography (title still pending) - 1st book August 2013, 2nd and 3rd book dates still pending.

Vamp and the Wrestler - December 2013

Layla's World - January 2014 (a series, following books periodically)

Edward - 1st book March 2014 (a series, following books periodically)

Dragon - 2015 (a series, following books periodically)

For films:

1)The Second Chance - Shooting summer/autumn 2013 (Italy/France)

2)Vampire Soul - Shooting autumn 2013 (USA)

3) Broken Nation - Shooting Autumn 2013 (England/Scotland)

4) Pandemonium - Shooting Autumn/winter 2013-2014 (Caribbean)

5) Untitled Zombie Film - Shooting Autumn/winter 2013-2014 (Germany)

6) Untitled Slasher Film - Shooting Autumn/winter 2013/2014 (Canada)

I also have many international wrestling tours in places such as India, South Africa, Hong Kong, Nepal and more.

Alex: Wow! You 2 are keeping busy! Where can we buy your novels?

Kristal: I believe Barnes and Noble will be having them available. Also WH Smith, Waterstones, and Amazon worldwide. Apparently libraries all over the UK are meant to be stocking it as well. There will be announcements closer to release dates on all the stores to buy and sites to order from.

Alex: Kristal McKerrington and Joe E Legend, thank you very much for your time this week! I look forward to seeing Dragon on the bestsellers list! And you can quote me on that!

Kristal and Joe: Thank you Alex and thank you very much to the reader’s of Celebrity English. Have a great weekend everyone!

Alex: You too! All the best! And until Dragon is released, check out this other fantastic book Marie's World by Joe E Legend and Kristal McKerrington! You won't be able to put it down! Awesome!

An Unwanted Triangle
A Simple Job
Love, Dance, Wrestling

Marie's World

Marie's World Joe E Legend and Kristal McKerrington!

And I hope everyone had a great Canada Day and a fantastic US Independence Day!

Connect with ALEX here or at

Celebrity English International

http://celebrityenglishinternational.blogspot.ca/

Celebrity English Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Twitter

https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Language Learning Section
Natural Language - Vocabulary Boost!

Vocabulary Theme: Writing and Publishing

Instructions: Write down the meaning to all of the words and expressions below. For the words you don’t know, try to guess the meaning from the context. Next week I will post the answers but if you can’t wait until then, there is always the Internet. Enjoy! Write down the meaning to all of the words and expressions below. For the words you don’t know, try to guess the meaning from the context. Answers below.

Vocabulary from the Dragon Interview

Dragon =

bestseller =

scoop =

book series =

author =

co-author =

published =

heroine =

submissions =

enter into limbo =

huge =

influence =

lead villain =

graphic novel =

I've signed off to co-author several series of books =

I've also signed a deal for a 3 book series =

autobiography =

resume =

she got in touch =

entertainment =

to have a crack at it =

prolific writers =

just starting out =

genre =

achieve =

novels =

Amazon =

Vocabulary Definitions from the Dragon Interview

Dragon = a mythical animal usually represented as a monstrous winged and scaly serpent or saurian with a crested head and enormous claws (see book cover picture above).

bestseller = an article (as a book) whose sales are among the highest of its class

scoop = information especially of immediate interest.A news story that is reported before other
news reporters know about it.

book series = A book series is a sequence of books having certain characteristics in common that are formally identified together as a group. Book series can be organized in different ways, such as written by the same author, or marketed as a group by their publisher.

author = a person who has written something. The writer of a literary work (as a book).

co-author = A collaborating or joint author.

published = to prepare and produce (a book, magazine, etc.) for sale.

heroine = the main female character in a story, play, movie, etc.

submissions = an act or instance of submitting. An act of giving a document, proposal, piece of writing, etc., to someone so that it can be considered or approved : an act of submitting something [noncount].

enter into limbo = go into a state of uncertainty. On hold;not moving or neglected.

huge = very large.

influence = : the power to change or affect someone or something : the power to cause changes without directly forcing them to happen [noncount].

lead villain = A character in a story, movie, etc., who does bad things; main bad person.

graphic novel = A graphic novel is a book made up of comics content. Although the word "novel" normally refers to long fictional works, the term "graphic novel" is applied broadly, and includes fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work. It is distinguished from the term "comic book", which is used for comics periodicals.

I've signed off to co-author several series of books = to sign off on something = to sign a paper, indicating that one has finished with something or agrees with the state of something.

I've also signed a deal for a 3 book series = signed a deal Having a signature affixed: a signed document that creates a legal contract for a 3 book series.

autobiography = a biography written by the person it is about.

resume = a short document describing your education, work history, etc., that you give an employer when you are applying for a job.

she got in touch = to connect or contact someone.

entertainment = amusement or pleasure that comes from watching a performer, playing a game, etc. [noncount].

to have a crack at it = to try to do something although you are not certain that you will succeed.

prolific writers = authors producing a large amount of writing.

just starting out = just beginning; now starting or recently started.

genre = is the term for any category of literature or other forms of art or entertainment, e.g. music, whether written or spoken, audial or visual, based on some set of stylistic criteria. Genres are formed by conventions that change over time as new genres are invented and the use of old ones are discontinued. Often, works fit into multiple genres by way of borrowing and recombining these conventions.

achieve = to get or reach (something) by working hard.

novels = an invented prose narrative that is usually long and complex and deals especially with human experience through a usually connected sequence of events.

Amazon = company Link http://www.amazon.com/

See the week of July 15^th with more great stuff!

Always happy to meet new people!

Are Millennials Trendsetters?

2013-06-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

Donte Calarco of the House of Squirrels

This week Celebrity English is thrilled to have the amazing DONTE CALARCO of the HOUSE of SQUIRRELS as a guest feature writer! The House of Squirrels is an American lifestyle brand about sharing recipes, style ideas, beauty secrets, wellness tips, and so much more. This outstanding, ‘highly-sought-after’ Fashionista also writes for Fashion & Lifestyle Magazines and recently worked the Oscar Red Carpet for OMG Insider!

Are Millennials Trendsetters?

by Donte Calarco of the House of Squirrels

When I was asked to write about the Millennial Generation's fashion sense, I first had to figure out what defines a Millennial and if I were one? As I was doing my research I took this online survey that determines if you are a true Millennial or not. The big reveal is at the end of the post.

Millennials are typically born between 1977-2000, and make up for 25 % of the US population. 105 million Millennials are spending money on consumer products and making up a big portion setting the precedent for one of our biggest industries, Fashion. Last year, Millennial spent $200 billion, and with their influence over their parents (mostly Boomers) Millennials’ spending reached up to $500 billion a year. (Source: Millennial Marketing)

Rihanna is one of the most powerful Millennials of her generation. At the age of 25 and over 30 million twitter followers, Rihanna has influence on fashion and what Millennials will be wearing. Boyfriend jeans are all the rave and haven’t stopped since they came out on the fashion scene a few years back. Rihanna shown below in London, is rocking a pair of boyfriend jeans with a Stella McCartney top and heels. What would our Boomer parents think of our ripped jeans with a designer top and heels? I can speak to this personally that they think we don’t have enough money to fix our pants. My Dad has no idea why we want to wear ripped jeans. If Rihanna does it that makes it okay, right?

Boyfriend jeans worn a couple different ways by the most influential generation to date.

Another influential Millennial is our girl next door Country Pop Singer, Taylor Swift. Taylor is 24 years old and has over 29 million twitter followers. Her style is more preppy/chic with an influence of the 50′s girl. Back when our parents were growing up stripes were considered part of a uniform, now it is a huge fashion trend. Taylor has a powerful platform to influence her fans, and when she wears stripes this equates to girls running to their local Gap or J Crew!

Millennial Girls showing us how to wear stripes!

Then there is Kristen Stewart. Kristen has single handily brought back the casual look with a touch of grunge and made it look cool. Kristen also has made wearing sneakers with everything a fashion trend. Converse has seen a huge revival and people are wearing them with everything…no matter the occasion! Another fashion statement my Dad would bark at…Ha!

Millennial Models making the “casual look", look sexy!

Tennis shoes with a platform? And with a skirt? So good…but Dad would be eye rolling.

Or the combination of all three: Striped blazer, Boyfriend jeans, and Converse. Wait, this sounds like a Squirrel Girl not a Millennial!

Now my Millennial test reveal: I failed at being a Millennial by three points….so I will sit happily in my Generation X category. Besides, I am in the company with one of our style Queens…Ms. Paltrow! GP never disappoints us with her red carpet looks or street style ease. Gwyneth is a style icon of all generations and has a twitter account of over 1.5 million followers…not bad for Gen X’er!

~Kisses Being Squirrel

For more phenomenal House of Squirrel’s
Features & Newsletters, just go to

House of Squirrels

"I always get my fashion advice from the House of Squirrels!"

~Alex Graham of Celebrity English~

Connect with ALEX here or at

Celebrity English International

http://celebrityenglishinternational.blogspot.ca/

Celebrity English Face book

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/browse/people#!/573390781

Celebrity English Twitter

https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

Google Plus

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/CelebEnglish/

Celebrity English Tumblr

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Language Learning Section

by Alex Graham of Celebrity English

Natural Language

Vocabulary Boost!

Theme: Fashion - Words to know when talking about Fashion!

Instructions: Write the meaning of the words, expressions, and sentences below. The answers are below the vocabulary list.

Fashion =

Fashionista =

Millennials =

generation =

consumer products =

influence =

Boyfriend jeans =

all the rave =

fashion scene =

rocking a pair of boyfriend jeans =

Boomer =

a top =

ripped jeans =

a designer top and heels =

preppy/chic =

stripes =

huge fashion trend =

Gap =

J Crew =

casual look =

touch of grunge =

cool =

sneakers =

Converse =

fashion statement =

skirt =

blazer =

Generation X =

Answers

Fashion = is a general term for a popular style or practice, especially in clothing, footwear, accessories, makeup, body piercing, or furniture. Fashion refers to a distinctive and often habitual trend in the style with which a person dresses, as well as to prevailing styles in behavior.

Fashionista = a designer, promoter, or follower of the latest fashions.

Millennials = a person born from 1977-2000, —usually plural.

generation = a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously.

consumer products = Merchandise or other item of common or daily use, ordinarily bought by individuals or households for private consumption. See also consumer goods.

influence = to affect or alter by indirect or intangible means.

Boyfriend jeans = company link http://www.gap.com/products/boyfriend-jeans-for-women.jsp

all the rave = very fashionable or stylish;in current fashion; being a current fad.

fashion scene = scene: A place, with the people, objects, and events in it, regarded as having a particular character or making a particular impression.

rocking a pair of boyfriend jeans = rocking: wearing; wearing well and looking great in the clothes.

Boomer = A baby boomer is a person who was born during the demographic Post–World War II baby boom between the years 1946 and 1964, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

a top = any piece of light clothing worn on the part of the body above the waist.

ripped jeans = see Rihana's picture above.

a designer top and heels = designer or fashion designer: a person who imagines how something could be made and draws plans for it. heels or high heels: women's shoes in which the heels are raised high off the ground.

preppy/chic = preppy: a young person from a rich family who goes to an expensive school and who wears expensive, tidy clothes. (Clothing & Fashion) characteristic of or denoting a fashion style of neat, understated, and often expensive clothes; young but classic: suggesting that the wearer is well off, upper class, and conservative. chic: Stylishness and elegance, typically of a specified kind.

stripes = see picture of Taylor Swift above wearing a striped top.

huge fashion trend = 'huge' very big; enormous; exceedingly great size, extent, or quantity.

trend: A general tendency or inclination;Current style; vogue (fashion trend).

Gap = company link http://www.gap.com/

J Crew = company link http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp

casual look = casual: informal clothing suited to everyday use (casual outfits). look: a style.

touch of grunge = touch: a bit of something. grunge: Clothing commonly worn by grunge musicians in Washington State consisted of thrift store items and the typical outdoor clothing (most notably flannel shirts) of the region, as well as a generally unkempt appearance. This [clothing] is cheap, it's durable, and it's kind of timeless. It also runs against the grain of the whole flashy aesthetic that existed in the 80.

cool = great, awesome, neat,(fashionable). sneakers = a type of light, comfortable shoe that is suitable for playing sports,

Converse = company link http://www.converse.com/

fashion statement = Clothes that draw attention to the person who wears them. A message conveyed by clothes: an item of clothing or set of clothes that expresses something about the attitude, point of view, or lifestyle of the wearer.

skirt = a separate free-hanging outer garment or undergarment usually worn by women and girls covering some or all of the body from the waist down.

blazer = a sports jacket often with notched collar and patch pockets.

Generation X = the generation of Americans born in the 1960s and 1970s.

Leah Marie Trogan is Ready For Love!

2013-06-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

NBC’s Leah Marie Trogan is back and

READY FOR LOVE!

This week in a Celebrity English Exclusive powerhouse Leah Marie Trogan talks Make Up, NBC reality dating series READY FOR LOVE, the Tim Lopez Relationship, and the Future!

Interview

Make Up Artist Extraordinaire!

Alex Graham: Please, tell me a bit about yourself.

Leah Marie Trogan: Well I am a single mother that is very blessed. Everyday I have this amazing, wonderful little boy that looks up to me and every day I just want to give him the world. Also, I have always been a very career oriented person and they call me a ‘powerhouse’. I don’t give up on anything! I have been a make up artist, I think, ever since I popped out of my mother’s womb hahaha...

Alex: Hahaha…

Leah: I like literally came out with brushes in hand and ready to roll!

Alex: Hahaha…That’s great! Are you still doing that professionally?

Leah: Yes I am actually. It is something I have always loved and wanting to do. I am an international make up artist for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics which allows me to travel around, mostly the US, to do a lot of public speaking about Cosmetics for different fashion shows. It helped me to get ready for NBC’s Ready For Love. It gave me a bit more boost in confidence prior to speaking in front of the whole world.

Alex: What type of client do you deal with?

Leah: Well in that type of setting there is usually about 1200 women attending my presentations at fashion shows. However, these fashion shows can be attended by anyone. The audience is filled with all types of people from Homemakers to Bloggers to magazine writers to industry fashion people that are interested in the latest and next cosmetic trends. You know seeing what is up for the season. I also do a lot of work with photographers and film people but the majority is fashion oriented. I keep myself very very busy.

On NBC’s Ready For Love

"Bearing her Heart & Soul"
for the guy she loves!

NBC's Ready For Love Official Website

Alex: Recently you were on the previously popular TV show NBC’s “Ready For Love”, what was that experience like?

Leah: Well, it was a terrifying experience but also one of the most exhilarating experiences. It is something that I think everyone should try.

Alex: My goodness “No!” I would die on TV in front of all those millions of viewers. That is why I write hahaha…

Leah: Hahaha…I know it is insane but you know, you never expect to feel that way but in that moment it is amazing and realize so much about yourself. I did the show because…you know; I truly had strong, strong, strong feelings for this man. So it really prompted me to speak. You know if it wasn’t a “Yes”, than at least, I mean I would rather know than to not know with him. So I went into it knowing that it very well could have gone both ways. But for me it was more important just to get an answer from him. So many women, I work with a lot of women, go through life without getting there questions answered and a part of their heart stays with this guy that they didn’t work things out with. You know there is always that question. And I have such a big heart and I need to have a whole heart when I give it to someone. And I don’t want there to be any questions or anything hidden that I can’t fully express in my life to someone in the future. So for me I really new that it was important to get that off of my chest in the biggest way.

Alex: Absolutely excellent points you don’t want to be 60 years old plus and wonder “What if”…, “What if”… It drags people down and eats at them over a lifetime.

Leah: Right.

Alex: You are a powerhouse!

Leah: After I gave birth I felt like I’m amazing but after this show I feel like superwoman. I can do absolutely anything when I set my mind and hear to something!

Alex: Good for you!

Alex: You have already touched on some of this but what does love mean to you? And what made you decide to go on NBC’s dating and reality series?

Leah: Love to me is completely selfless. Putting yourself out there for someone else. You don’t gain anything from it in that you are living your life and loving them without any questions or any expectations. It’s an unconditional love. And it is something you don’t think about. You just love them and you just do it for them.

Leah: And the other one, “What made me do the show?”

Alex: Yes, is there anything else you wanted to add about going on READY FOR LOVE?

Leah: It was just something that I had to do. There was no question I had to do it. You know a lot of people ask me the question “Why?” you know, you guys live in the same city as him, you have his phone number, you guys have the same group of friends “Why wouldn’t you say it then?” To me it wouldn’t have made as big of a statement.

Alex: Right.

Leah: And you know that process of getting on a show like that takes months and months and months of flying back and forth to LA. It is not like OK put your dress on and go up that elevator and say something.

Alex: Hahaha.

Leah: You know you are secluded for 2 weeks without a phone or seeing anyone…it is a crazy process but for me I think Tim really needed to see that and I needed him to know how truly much he meant to me…and to me, there was no other way of doing that. No other way that would speak louder to him.

Alex: I see your point. That is a heck of statement!

Leah Marie Trogan Reveals her past
with guitar player Tim Lopez
“It takes 2 to tango!”

Alex: Now, as it turned out you and Tim Lopez have a bit of a past. And many of your fans and fans of NBC’s READY FOR LOVE are curious about the past. Would you mind elaborating on your relationship? We are all dying to know!

Leah Trogan and Tim Lopez

Leah: That is always the question.

Alex: Yes you already answered it quite well but is there anything else or…

Leah: Tim and I…our relationship was a very fun and flirtatious relationship.

Alex: Ok.

Leah: There has been a question that I have been hit up on face book to answer. And I think that is the one that I will address as far as physicality goes. I think the most important thing that people need to know is that “I am not like that and neither is Tim”. People keep asking me or assuming that Tim and I had been sleeping together when he was married.

We did not!

Alex: Ok, I see…people are asking or assuming that type of thing. Ok well to set the record straight then that is completely false.

Leah: That is a completely false rumor and no that was not the case.

Alex: How long did you know Tim?

Leah: I have known Tim for 6 years. When Tim and I were in a room together there was a spark. It was undeniable and everyone including our friends saw it. But it was just a difficult sort of situation due to the fact that I had dated his best friend.

Alex: And his friend…was that a long relationship?

Leah: It was about a 7-month relationship.

Alex: I see. Ok.

Leah: It wasn’t too long but it was long enough. But I think it was always an issue and that is understandable.

But it “takes 2 to tango” and that is all I am going to say…

Alex: Hahaha…absolutely…hahaha… that is a wonderful way to put it!

Alex: Is Tim still friends with your ex-boyfriend?

Leah: Oh absolutely. They are best friends to this day.

Alex: And are you all still friends or have you just moved on completely?

Leah: We see each other occasionally but it is not like it was before. But it’s because I respect him and Jeanna and Tim’s new relationship. I didn’t really think that Tim would have found love on a show like that but you know I really loved…I really loved all of the girls in my house. And they are all special, individual people. So I really know that Tim did walk away with a quality girl and I’m OK with that because I really just wanted him to be happy. As much as I wish it had of been me I am glad he found something real for himself.

Behind the scenes NBC Ready For Love with Bill Rancic!

Alex: Ok, well, I think you have cleared up everything quite nicely. Now you have moved on, I don’t know your personal situation right now, but for all of those eligible bachelor’s out there, what do you look for in a guy?

The Language of Love…

Leah: I look for someone who likes to “play in the mud”. I mean, I want someone who likes to have fun and doesn’t care about the superficial things in life. I am not a person like that. I don’t get bought. I like someone who is real. I enjoy someone who is real. You know, the first question I ask someone isn’t, “What do you do?” But “What inspires you?”

Alex: Nice!

Leah: I never ask about jobs because I don’t feel that it is important. I mean eventually we get into that but I have gone on dates with guys where I don’t find out what they do until 3 weeks after. And a lot of guys are like “I can’t believe you never asked”. It is not my concern.

Alex: All right. For the male readers of Celebrity English, what do men do wrong when trying to date the fairer sex?

Leah: What do men do wrong…they…

Alex: I mean you have talked to a lot of women on a regular basis in your work and life and to the ladies on NBC’s Ready For Love who have also obviously thought about love and relationships a lot. What do you think?

Leah: I think the biggest thing, and it is so common, it always comes down to this “communication”. Men and women are so incredibly different and I think a woman assumes that a man knows how she is feeling and he doesn’t. And I think that they, men, just need to listen a little bit more instead of doing. I think it could be a lot easier to have a relationship. Another thing is guys should save something for later. They don’t need to show all their goods in the beginning. You know.

Alex: Aaah yes Guilty in the past!

Leah: You know slow things down. Be like in the old fashion days not “old, old fashion” but I mean there needs to be more of that as they say “courting period” where you can really get to know each other. Because the longer you wait the better the intimate parts are going to be. If you wait, it will make everything so much better on both ends.

The Future - On Fire!

Alex: Yes, fantastic dating and relationship advice Leah! So what is next or what can we look forward to from the super amazing Leah Marie Trogan? I know recently you did a photo shoot with the superb Angela C. Pacheco and the fabulous LA Dollhouse. And you were also selected to be the LA Doll for the month of June!

Leah: Yes. They made me feel great on the shoot! The experience of working with them was such an adventure. Everyone was incredibly professional and they bent over backwards to really make sure every photo that was taken, truly was the best look. Such a treat to have had that experience with Angela and Abbi (Abigail Puanani of the LA Dollhouse)! I had a fabulous time with Angela and the LA Dollhouse! There will definitely be some more modeling in my future!

Alex: So you are looking forward to more modeling and your career is just flying ahead. That is great!

Leah: Yes and I am always looking for more! Make up is such a creative industry and it takes you to so many places. You know through public speaking and inspiring women feel better about themselves. That is my passion in life! I love that part about make up. You can take a whole day of make up and turn into something that can empower women to do things that they didn’t feel confident in doing before. That is my passion but I always love working on film sets and fashion. I have plans of moving to LA because there is just so much out there for me.

Alex: Wonderful!

Leah: Also, right now I have a few things in the works. I am going to be doing a couple of music videos where I am the lead girl. It is a lot of fun. And the future to be continued…

Alex: How about acting?

Leah: Well I’m always ready for something new. I love film and I love acting. I’ve grown to have a big passion for it! I am always happy to talk to people about make up and film.

Alex: Any final comments?

Leah: Well everybody, I am still “LOOKING FOR LOVE!”

Leah Marie Trogan on Fire!

Leah Marie Trogan Face book

Leah Marie Trogan Twitter

Leah Marie Trogan iPhoneogram

Alex: Excellent! Thank you very much for such an awesome interview! Take care!

Leah: You too!

Leah Marie Trogan the whole world knows who you are

because you are on fire!

Agency: LA Dollhouse
Model: Leah Marie Trogan
Photographer: Angela Pacheco Photography
Hair & Make Up: Kat Valencia
Stylist: Abbi Puanani

See you next week at Celebrity English!

And a Big Special Thank You to Angela C. Pacheco of Angela C. Pacheco Photography and Abigail Puanani of the La DollHouse for a wonderful collaborative experience!

Angela C. Pacheco is a LA photo shoot,
life style commercial photographer and videographer.

Official Website

Twitter

Instagram

LA DollHouse is a premium dance and model talent company.

Official Website

Connect with ALEX here or at

Celebrity English International

http://celebrityenglishinternational.blogspot.ca/

Celebrity English Face book

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/browse/people#!/573390781

Celebrity English Twitter

https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

Google Plus

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/CelebEnglish/

Celebrity English Tumblr

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Language Learning Section
Natural Language
Vocabulary Boost!

Theme: The Language of Love!

Instructions: Write the meaning of the words, expressions, and sentences below. The answers are posted below.

single mom =

a big heart =

to give it (your heart) to someone =

to get that off of my chest =

Love to me is completely selfless =

unconditional love =

relationship =

flirtatious =

“I am not like that and neither is Tim”. =

sleeping together =

married =

rumor =

When Tim and I were in a room together there was a spark =

I had dated his best friend =

an issue =

It takes 2 to tango =

ex-boyfriend =

best friends =

the superficial things in life =

"What do you do?" =

“What inspires you?” =

communication =

"courting period" =

intimate =

LOOKING FOR LOVE =

Answer Ideas

single mom = A single parent (or solo parent) is a parent, not living with a spouse or partner, who has most of the day-to-day responsibilities in raising the child or children. A single parent is usually considered the primary caregiver, meaning the parent the children have residency with the majority of the time.

a big heart = a very loving person.

to give it (your heart) to someone = to give someone all of your love and trust.

to get that off of my chest = to tell someone about something that has been worrying you or making you feel guilty for a long time.

Love to me is completely selfless = having, exhibiting, or motivated by no concern for oneself; unselfish.

unconditional love = is known as affection without any limitations. This term is sometimes associated with other terms such as true altruism, complete love, or "mother's/father's love." Each area of expertise has a certain way of describing unconditional love, but most will agree that it is that type of love that has no bounds and is unchanging.

relationship = a romantic or passionate attachment. the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other.

flirtatious = feeling or showing a sexual attraction for someone that is usually not meant to be taken seriously.

“I am not like that and neither is Tim”. = when using this expression "S/he not like that", the ‘that’ refers to the topic idea. It is also a general statement about a characteristic of a person that applies to all similar cases. In this case, it refers to the idea of having sexual intercourse while Tim was married. Leah is stating that she is not the type of person to have a sexual relationship while another person is married. She also states that Tim is not the type of person who has sexual relationships while being married.

sleeping together = having sexual intercourse.

married = having a husband or wife.

rumor = information or a story that is passed from person to person but has not been proven to be true.

When Tim and I were in a room together there was a spark = a small amount of a quality or intense feeling; a sense of liveliness and excitement. Felt an attraction to each other.

I had dated his best friend = dated (past verb tense) to date someone = an occasion when two people who have or might have a romantic relationship do an activity together.

an issue = problems or concerns.

It takes 2 to tango = It takes two to tango is a common idiomatic expression which suggests something in which more than one person or other entity are paired in an inextricably-related and active manner, occasionally with negative connotations.

The tango is a dance which requires two partners moving in relation to each other, sometimes in tandem, sometimes in opposition. The meaning of this expression has been extended to include any situation in which the two partners are by definition understood to be essential -- as in, a marriage with only one partner ceases to be a marriage.

ex-boyfriend = a man who is no longer a woman's boyfriend.

best friends = the one friend who is closest to you.

the superficial things in life = superficial = used to describe a quality, characteristic, etc., that can be seen in the outward appearance or manner of something or someone but that is not deep or genuine.

"What do you do?" = What is your job?

“What inspires you?” = to inspire = to influence, move; to spur on: impel, motivate. Fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative: “his enthusiasm inspired them”.

communication = is the activity of conveying information through the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, visuals, signals, writing, or behavior. It is the meaningful exchange of information between two or a group of person.

"courting period" = the act, period, or art of seeking the love of someone with intent to marry.

intimate = very private; closely personal. Closely acquainted; familiar, close.

LOOKING FOR LOVE = searching for love.

Michael Gooch: King of the One Finger Press Up!

2013-06-10T19:00:00.002-07:00

Michael Gooch on Britain’s Got Talent!

Michael Gooch is a spectacular Guinness Book of World Record Pioneer who has been featured on the wildly popular shows "Britain’s Just Amazing" and "Britain’s Got Talent", and a whole lot more! This second-degree Karate black belt has made a career of pushing the limits and setting world records!

An Interview with the "King of the One Finger Press Up"

Background

Alex Graham: Tell me a bit about yourself and your career in the martial arts.

Michael Gooch (Mick): I started training in the Martial arts Alex, in 1974 due to seeing the Bruce Lee film Enter the Dragon. That inspired me to take up martial arts and there was a Kyokushinkai Karate club that had just opened up and I went and joined that. Also I had always been into fitness. I had always been one to keep trying to make yourself fitter and stronger. I did actually complete the Charles Atlas Dynamic Tension Course and got my certificate when I was 15 or 16 years old before starting Karate. I was quite pleased with myself at the time. Hahaha..

Alex: Can you tell the readers at Celebrity English about the Kyokushin Karate style?

Michael Gooch after 30 man Kumite (fighting)!

Mick: Actually Alex, it is a very physical style. In our style of Karate you do full contact knock down which is like full contact karate. The idea is to knock the other bloke out but you are not actually allowed to punch to the face. But you can kick and knee as hard as you like to the body and the head. This suited me fine because it was strong discipline and, you know, strenuous exercise. And like I said, I have always been into to that. So it was just right for me.

Alex: Wow! That sounds tough!

Mick: But I have go to be honest Alex. I’ve been a fanatic in my training and I have really pushed things to the limit you know. That is why I acquired the skill to do the one finger press up.

Alex: Yes. And some of the records you have broken have been amazing!

Mick: Oh yeah I have done loads and loads and loads.

Creating a World Record

Alex: What is the actual World Record for the finger press up?

Mick: Well I did a World Record at Wembley Arena, that was me creating history. Because nobody had ever done it before so I was the first man ever to do the World Record on the one finger press up and to get it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Yeah it wasn’t in there before so I created history in the world of martial arts and in the world. And there has never been anyone after me that does it properly meaning, full body movement and locking out. There has never been anyone who does the full press up like I do them.

Alex: Wow!

Mick: So the Guinness Book Record that I set in 1985 was 45 on the one finger. And I did that for charity as well.

Alex: Excellent! That is truly amazing!

Extreme Preparation

Alex: How do you prepare yourself for something like that or to prepare for a fight in karate?

Mick:What to break a world record and to fight in a competition?

Alex: Yes, maybe they are different but...

Mick: Well Alex, as I said earlier, if I set my mind to do something, and it’s in my heart then I will give it my full, heavy full training to be better than anyone else. Not to be big headed, I am not saying that to be big headed. It is just how I am, you know. I train relentlessly so that I know when I go in to do what I am going to do, you know. I am fully 100% physically ready to do what I am going to do and then the last week or so I am rehearsing in my mind what I have to do and then I have already beaten the record when I go and do it. Because I have already beaten it in my mind. And because my opponent won’t be as fit and as strong as me because I have done more training. And he won’t beat me. That is how I used to be.

Alex: Phenomenal!

Mick: It’s all good. I always look at Victory as if it is just around the corner. I think that is important in whatever you are doing.

The Mentors

Alex: Did you have a mentor in your life or teachers? But it seems like you did a lot of it on your own.

Mick: Yeah it was trial and error Alex. I didn’t have a mentor for the one finger press up. But as I said before I have always looked up to Bruce Lee and the founder of Kyokushinkai Karate Masutatsu Oyama commonly known as Karate Master Mas Oyama. Unfortunately he has passed away, “May he rest in peace”. His instructor in England was my instructor Shihan (a high-ranking or highly distinguished instructor) Steve Arniel (under Master Oyama). My other instructors were Norman King and Terry Allen they were the ones that had the local Karate club where I used to train. Most of the breaking and training was done on my own and with a friend. Just getting so fit and strong just trying to do these things.

Alex: I see.

Mick: Also my parents gave me a firm foundation growing up. They taught me to be nice and well mannered and say “Thank you” and “Please”. If you are brought up with firm foundations they pave the way for you and stay with you for life. I have always been honest and backed up what I said I could do. I have talked the talk and walked the walk as they say.

Things Don't Always go according to Plan!

Mick: About the Just Amazing with Kenny Lynch & Barry Sheene

This is a good one. Millions saw me do this in 1993.

Mick: But actually what happened is they hadn’t supported them properly and when I hit them they just spun off the copper tables. And I didn’t say anything because I was in front of a live audience but I nearly broke me hand Alex! I nearly broke it. And I had to start again. And then I broke 2 and me hand bounced off the other 2. And at the time I felt sick because the supports weren’t right and now I have broke me hand and then I had to do the watermelon and then I had to do the World Record for the press ups.

Alex: Uh oh and Ouch!

Mick: But in the end as you can see I did it. That night my hand came up like a balloon but I didn’t actually break it because of all of the conditioning I had done previously.

The Charity Work

Alex: You are a great supporter of charities, can you tell us a bit about the wonderful work you do?

Mick:Over the years, I have done a lot of charity performances for all types of charities like for children, cystic fibrosis, breast cancer, etc. that I have organized myself and with the help of friends. If I see people or groups or organizations in need, I get involved. It's always a team effort but you are the catalyst or the one putting in your heart, your mind, your body.

Next January 2014, I will aid 2 WPC (Metropolitan Police Constables) who got shot and killed. It was very very bad and I know the father of one of victims. He is doing a benefit night in Manchester and he is doing it in aid of the North West Police Benevolent Fund which is about supporting victims and the police. I am going to be doing a one-finger press up on the top of a man’s head on a 6-inch nail.

Alex: Is there anything you would like to add?

Mick: Well Alex I hope you and your readers found what I had to say interesting.

Alex: Absolutely. What an adventure! I loved it all! From the full on training to the extreme dedication to the extraordinary record setting, and more!

Mick: The situations you end up in you never dream you would end up in. It is funny where life takes you. It has been really really great speaking to you and best to you and I will keep in touch with you to let you know about new developments this year.

Alex: Sounds great! Thank you for your time today.

Mick: It has been a real pleasure.

Alex: For me too, let’s keep in touch.
For more great Record Setting by Michael Gooch: King of the One Finger Press Up go to his website:

Michael Gooch: King of the One Finger Press

Language Learning Section

Natural Language

Vocabulary Boost!

Part One - British and American English

Instructions: Change the casual British English to casual American English.

a Press Up = a push up

a bloke = a guy

I nearly broke me hand Alex = I nearly broke my hand Alex (Casual British English Conversational talking)

My hand came up like a balloon = My hand became like a balloon

Part Two - Natural Expressions

Instructions: What are the meanings of the following expressions that are common to North America and Britain?

I was quite pleased with myself = I was quite happy about what I had done

This suited me fine = This was fine with me

pushed things to the limit = you make it work as hard as it can; often you make it work so hard that it breaks down or wears out Find out the maximum potential of something.

I have done loads and loads and loads = I have don lots and lots and lots

I have always "looked up to" Bruce Lee = to view someone with respect and admiration

catalyst = a person or thing that precipitates an event or change

Michael Gooch Updates!

Published on Aug 7, 2013

Mick Gooch in London England, after being accepted into the "Ripleys Believe It Or Not".

Ripley Radio: An On-Demand Oddcast – Horror Writing, Haunted House Day & One Finger Push-ups (Michael Gooch)

Downloadable Podcast

http://webtalkradio.net/internet-talk-radio/2013/10/14/ripley-radio-an-on-demand-oddcast-horror-writing-haunted-house-day-one-finger-push-ups/

Take care,
Alex

Connect with ALEX here or at

Celebrity English International

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Face book

Celebrity English Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/browse/people#!/573390781

Celebrity English Twitter

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Google Plus

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Tumblr

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Waking Darkness

2013-06-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

From the creator of the Ghost Venture Crew, Investigator Zondra Mae has just released an exciting, “heart pumping” novel Waking Darkness. This fiction original, crime-based supernatural thriller will be one of the novels to read this summer! This book has already caught the eye of Hollywood!

Celebrity English caught up with this fascinating, Wisconsin based novelist last week to do an interview on Waking Darkness Book One.

Interview

Alex Graham: What inspired you to write your first book Waking Darkness?

Zondra Mae: Well, I started training as a screenwriter because, to be honest with you, I didn’t believe I could ever write a novel. So, ummh...basically because there are not much descriptions and it is only 120 pages for a screenplay. So I figured I could do that far better than I could do a novel. So I started training as a screenwriter. About 6 years ago now I started writing this screenplay, which has now become the novel Waking Darkness. I kind of got half way through it and I kind of got scared of writing it. For some reason it bothered the hell out of me. And then last August I picked up the screenplay again and I started writing it, working with it, and then I started getting flooded with so much more information. I just had to clarify the script. I just had to write the detailed parts of it to give myself more insight into it anyway. So with that foundation of the script I had the novel already. It was the logical next step.

Alex: What is Waking Darkness about?

Zondra: Waking Darkness is about a woman who loses everything. Jennifer Lynn is in a physical, psychological, and supernatural struggle! Through the horrific loss of her family, her darkest part emerges to hunt for the killer Joshua Krane. Krane a cunning and ruthless serial killer has terrorized the city and holds a key piece to the Jennifer Lynn puzzle. To fight this inhuman psychopath, she joins forces with local detective Johnathon Irish. Both bearing past scars from this bloodthirsty monster they unite to fight and save other families from the same fate. Through twists and turns, we learn the true secret of Jennifer Lynn…

Alex: Excellent! Personally, I was hooked from the moment I started reading it. I loved that it is a faced-paced drama with original supernatural elements at play in the story.

Zondra: Thank you.

Alex: Who designed the cover of the book and what does it mean?

Amazon

Zondra: I designed it. It is an upside down tree in a mountain range. It depicts the Veil, which is a realm on the other side. This realm or the Veil is an intricate, supernatural element to the storyline of Waking Darkness. The tree itself is the Elävä puu, which is Finnish for living tree. It is a life-giving tree, which transcends all other realms and dimensions.

Alex: I thought the color scheme was wonderful. It really caught my attention.

Alex: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Zondra: I am HUGE Stephen King fan. HUGE! To be honest with you, I will read other authors but he is the only one I will just go and get a book and read it and have it done in 3 days no matter how thick the book is. I can’t put them down. He strikes me as being as warped in the brain as I am. Ha ha ha..

Alex: hahhaha.

Zondra: No reading his books is better than watching movies. I know people always say that the book or novel is better than the movie anyway but the imagery, because he writes in images.

Alex: Right.

Zondra: And I relate to that because I am very visual person. And I can really see what he is writing. I have that movie going through my head, you know, exactly what the book is saying.

Alex: Yes those are great points. Excellent.

Zondra: I just love him! I would love to meet him.

Alex: What can we look forward to from Zondra Mae in the future?

Zondra: Well I have 2 more books for Waking Darkness coming out. The sequel Return of the Shade King is going to come out next May and do a yearly thing there. In between there, I have started a new para normal called The Soul Contract which is set in the Victorian time period and I should be done with the first draft in July if everything works out. I love the Victorian time period!

Alex: Sounds fantastic!

Zondra: Thank you.

Alex: To find this fantastic new Book Waking Darkness just go to:

CreateSpace

Zondra on Social Media

Face book

Twitter

Waking Darkness on Face book

Waking Darkness

Alex: Thank you Zondra Mae for sharing with us your fantastic new "heart pumping" supernatural thriller Waking Darkness! We look forward to the sequel The Return of the Shade King and The Soul Contract next year!

Zondra: Thank you Alex. I had a great time!

Alex: See you soon! And drop in next week to meet a spectacular Guinness Book of World Record pioneer who was featured on the wildly popular shows Britain’s Just Amazing and Britain’s Got Talent! You will be amazed!

Connect with ALEX here or at

Celebrity English International

http://celebrityenglishinternational.blogspot.ca/

Celebrity English Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Twitter

https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

Google Plus

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/CelebEnglish/

Celebrity English Tumblr

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

The Iconic Language of Star Trek

2013-05-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Star Trek - USS Enterprise

The sci-fi, action-packed film Star Trek Into Darkness has just hit American movie screens. The Star Trek franchise is a North American icon that dates back to the original Star Trek TV series created by Gene Roddenberry back in the late 1960’s.

Check out some of the main, original actors (left side) and their latest talented counter-parts (right side) from Star Trek.

Iconic Characters

Captain Kirk

William Shatner and Chris Pine

Mr. Spock

Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto

Dr. McCoy

DeForest Kelley and Karl Urban

Language and Cultural Learning Section

Theme: Iconic Style

With iconic movies comes iconic language. Iconic language or phrases become a recognizable part of a TV series or movie franchise. Quite often, the iconic language is associated with a character. So let’s take a look at Spock in the original Star Trek TV series and one of his iconic words including the same word from Zachary Quinto.

Such a simple and easy word “FASCINATING” that has become iconic in North American language. Now let’s take a look at some recent situations where the Spock character and his language are used to create something new.

Comedy

The Big Bang Theory is a very popular American TV comedy. In this scene, Sheldon Cooper (the TV character's name) talks to the Spock Action Figure. There are lots of Spock ideas and expressions in the conversation but you can hear "fascinating" early on in the conversation. Leonard Nemoy does the voice of Spock.

Advertising

One of the more recent and successful advertising campaigns from Audi implemented Spock to sell their automobile brand. The advertisement titled Zachary Quinto vs. Leonard Nimoy: "The Challenge" uses a lot of Spock related ideas and expressions but, once again, I just want to focus on one simple iconic word:

“Fascinating”.

Both Quinto and Nimoy say it at the end of the commercial.

I always find it “fascinating” to see iconic language at work in culture. It is all around us and always at work in the ever-changing language of English.

Live Long and Prosper,

Alex

Next week we have a fascinating, new author with a great story to tell! Check back soon!

Connect with ALEX here or at

Celebrity English International

http://celebrityenglishinternational.blogspot.ca/

Celebrity English Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Twitter

https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

Google Plus

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Celebrity English Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/CelebEnglish/

Celebrity English Tumblr

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/celebrityenglishblogspot

Celebrity English Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Lynhthy Nguyen is on Fire!

2013-05-14T23:50:00.002-07:00

Lynhthy Nguyen is on Fire! From dancing in a Justin Timberlake video to performing with Snoop Dogg, Lynhthy (pronounced Linty) is making her dreams come true in the fiercely competitive, demanding world of dance!

Let’s take a look at this incredibly talented performer out of California in an interview I call #dancelife!

Interview

Linty #dancelife

Alex Graham: How did you get started in dancing and how long have you been dancing for?

Lynhthy Nguyen: Ok, my parents put me in dance classes when I was four since I was like basically dancing out of the womb. And I have been dancing since then. I trained technically until I was 18 and then 19 and 20 I was on a hip hop dance team UC Irvine. Then I started Go Go Dancing and then danced on a scholarship to San Diego (Academy of Performing Arts) and then challenged to make it my profession.

Alex: Excellent. That is awesome stuff!

Alex: What styles of dance are in your repertoire? Which one is your favorite?

Lynhthy: Ummh. I am trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop. And my favorite is Contemporary but I love watching Hip Hop. I eventually aspire to be a Hip Hop dancer.

Alex: That’s great. So diverse! Do have any dance people that are inspirational to you?

Lynhthy: Aaah…you know, particularly, I can’t name any particularly but there is so many dancers that I admire that are in the industry. I went to (watch) my second ever dance show in LA. Two days ago. And the pieces were just amazing. It was Dana Foglia. I have always heard about her and I finally saw one of her pieces. She did not disappoint, and I had such high expectations. She is amazing!

Alex: Sounds great!

Lynhthy: I love going to shows. It has only been my second show but I loved it. It is so inspiring. You just want to get up there and dance!

Alex: Dancing is a physically and mentally demanding career, it a very tough career.

Lynhthy: Yes!

Alex: What keeps you from not, you know just quitting? In other words, what I am saying is what inspires you to keep on dancing?

Lynhthy: Well what actually keeps me going…First of is Passion! It is just within you! I know it sounds super corny but it is the thing I always go back to. I dance when I am happy. I dance when I am sad. It helps me cope with things. I have gotten over break ups with dance. Also even in class it is so inspiring to see so many talented artists and they push you! You know? And it is just such a positive atmosphere! Honestly I am obsessed and in love with everything dance has to offer. It is something that keeps giving but never asks anything of you, I feel.

Alex: Wow! That is outstanding!

Alex: Recently you performed in Justin Timberlake’s music video "Suit & Tie", what was your role and what was that like (video at end of the interview)?

Lynhthy: I was a burlesque slash showgirl. And

Lynhthy Nguyen at the Justin Timberlake video shoot!

IT WAS AMAZING!

Honestly, it was a dream come true! I was published as a cover model in D-Sport in November 2012 of last year. And in the interview, they actually asked me who I wanted to challenge to a “dance battle”. I said Justin Timberlake but not as a battle but I wanted to dance with Justin Timberlake. Then 3 months later, suddenly here I am dancing in a Justin Timberlake video. My dance agent like put that together. And it was everything that I had hoped for and even more! My agency didn’t even tell me, actually, who the artist was. They just told me:

“Are you available for these dates?

“We just submitted you as a Burlesques Dancer and they want to use you, A-list artist.”

That’s all they said.

Alex: No Way!

Lynhthy: Yeah! The choreographers were like we just want to see you freestyle real quick, you know, to get a feel for how your style is. And they put the song on. And I was like this sounds a lot like Justin Timberlake. But I am not sure. So I just danced to it anyways. Then they were like let’s go watch the guys dance upstairs. And yeah!

Justin Friggin Timberlake!

Alex: Hahaha!

Lynhthy: Hahaha, yeah! You have to be kidding me. I was freaking out! I walked in there and I was dying inside! Like dying!

Alex: No kidding! That’s wild! They didn’t tell you?

Lynhthy: Yeah. It was wild. I was like you could have warned me!

Alex: How was his dancing? Oh wait maybe don’t say that.

Lynhthy: Hahaha Yeah I know. Hot!

Alex: Amazing!

Lynhthy: So crazy!

Alex: I also saw that you have performed with Snoop Lion (formerly Snoop Dogg) more than once.

Lynhthy Nguyen dancing with Snoop Lion!

Lynhthy: Yeah I am a resident performer at a nightclub in Hollywood called AV Night Club and on Mondays, I guess he is like a resident DJ, and comes in once a month, and this is the second time I’ve danced when he is in there.

Super cool! Very chill guy.

Alex: Wow again! Great Experience!

Lynhthy: Yeah.

Alex: What is the hardest part about getting started in the dancing industry? Can you give some advice to dancers who are just starting out professionally?

Lynhthy: Ok. I think there are a lot of things that is actually difficult about dancing as a career. But one of them I found at the beginning and I know that a lot of other dancers find is finding representation. Getting an agent. Yeah for me I didn’t know how to get in and usually it is by referral. And I didn’t know any professional dancers yet. So I just went to open auditions. So they just post it up there whoever can come and basically you are in a room with like 400 people wanting it just as bad as you do. And then they choose and maybe sign 10-20 of you.

Alex: Wow! That’s tough.

Lynhthy: And another thing that is really hard is not having consistent work. And being the "starving artist" for a while. Until you network and get yourself out there. It’s tough so a lot of people are going to have side jobs. And you get strayed away from your goals because a lot of people end up serving and that takes up a lot of your time. And then they get into partying hahaha…

Alex: Hahaha..

Lynhthy: No really! That’s is valley life right?

Alex: No no for sure! And in California you have to be super tough! There are so many people going there.

Lynhthy: Oh yeah. Definitely. A lot of people go home. A lot of people don’t stay. Another thing, for dancers starting out, is to train. I am just starting to get out of that side job thing. Honestly it is your profession. It is your art and you should be working on it every single day. And if you can’t get into class you should be practicing on the side, watching videos, adding to your repertoire. Basically like progressing, you know, and becoming a better artist. And doing your research, finding choreographers that you admire and want to work with. And then just getting yourself out there.

If they are going to teach a class get there!

If they are going to an event get there.!

I find it is makes all the difference in the world.

Alex: Absolutely! Great advice!

Lynhthy: Oh and another thing, sorry, I know I am giving away too much but…build and maintain a really good relationship with your agent. Cause they literally make your dreams come true. If they know you well and know you want it badly enough then they’re gonna put you were you need to be.

Alex: Yes.

Alex: What can we look forward to from Lynhthy Nguyen in the future?

Lynhthy: A lot! I’m going to Germany this week! I am so excited. This is my first time there. So definitely more international jobs. My end goal is to be like an Asian Oprah hybrid, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Alex: Oh, Excellent!

Lynhthy: And I am partnering in a business right now. It’s a start up and dealing with dancing. It is called Alors on Danse. We just did our photo shoot with a photographer and hopefully that will all be up and running in the next month or two.

And one last thing, my mom wants me to get into acting. So we will see. I definitely want to host, I mean television hosting, and I think they will coincide with each other pretty well.

Alex: Yes definitely. You have extraordinary energy, passion, intelligence, a fantastic voice, and, of course, a beautiful model with a huge following!

Lynhthy: Thanks for pushing me to try it!

Alex: I think you would be wonderful on TV!

Lynhthy: Aww thanks!

Alex: What type of acting would you like to do?

Lynhthy: I love comedies. I just think comedy would be really fun, you know.

Alex: Yep. How can the readers best follow your career?

Lynhthy:

**SOCIAL MEDIA**

[ INSTAGRAM ] https://www.instagram.com/Lynhthy

[ TWITTER ] https://www.twitter.com/Lynhthy

[ TUMBLR ] https://www.Lynhthy.tumblr.com

[ YOUTUBE ] https://www.youtube.com/LynhthyN

[ FACEBOOK PG. ] https://www.facebook.com/LynhthyN

[ FACEBOOK PROF ] https://www.facebook.com/LynhthyNguyen

Alex: Anything you would like to add?

Lynhthy: Thank you for doing this feature. I am so grateful.

Alex: No, No. The pleasure was all mine.

Lynhthy: And thank you to my fans and the Celebrity English Readership. Without the fans, I wouldn’t be out there. So thank you very much! And my final words, I love my mom and dad!

Alex: Thank you very much for taking the time to do an interview for Celebrity English! You are already awesome and I think you are going to continue to soar even higher! Best of luck in Germany!

Lynhthy is the girl dancing with Justin Timberlake, 1st Showgirl off stage, & 3rd Burlesque Dancer farthest right side!

Language Learning Section – Natural Language

Vocabulary Boost!

Vocabulary Theme: Dancing

Instructions: First, try to write down the meanings or ideas for each expression. Next, try to guess the meaning from the context. Then ask a friend or classmate. Finally, check out the expressions on the Internet. If you aren't successful, the definitions are posted below.

(dance)scholarship =

Ballet =

Tap =

Jazz =

Contemporary =

Modern =

Hip Hop =

aspire =

(dance) pieces =

amazing =

inspiring =

talented artists =

positive atmosphere =

obsessed =

burlesque =

showgirl =

dream come true =

dance battle =

dance agent =

A-list =

choreographers =

freestyle (dance) =

performer =

by referral =

open auditions =

starving artist =

repertoire =

progressing =

admire =

Vocabulary Definitions

(dance) scholarship = a grant-in-aid to a student (as by a college or foundation).

Ballet = a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere.

Tap = Tap dance is a step dance tapped out audibly by means of shoes with hard soles or soles and heels to which taps have been added.

Jazz = Jazz dance is a classification shared by a broad range of dance styles. Before the 1950s, jazz dance referred to dance styles that originated from African American vernacular dance. In the 1950s, a new genre of jazz dance — modern jazz dance — emerged, with roots in Caribbean traditional dance. Every individual style of jazz dance has roots traceable to one of these two distinct origins.

Contemporary = Contemporary dance is the exploration of the total movement potential of the body. It differs from commercial or competitive dance in that it is not bound by set standards, as well as defined styles such as ballet or Jazz dance. Instead, it seeks to express a personalized vision, often through experimentation and collaboration for the development of new, more individualized approaches to the moving body and choreographic possibilities. It can use elements of non-western dance cultures, for example, elements from African dance such as bent knees, or elements from the Japanese contemporary dance Butoh.

Modern = Modern dance is a term usually referring to 20th-century concert dance, although it

has also been applied to a category of 20th-century ballroom dances. Modern dance refused classical ballet's stress on feet as the primary catalyst for dance movements. It, instead, put stress on torso employing such elements as contact-release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation. It was usually performed in bare feet, often with non-traditional costuming.

Hip Hop = Hip-hop dance refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music or that have evolved as part of hip-hop culture. It includes a wide range of styles primarily breaking, locking, and popping which were created in the 1970s and made popular by dance crews in the United States.

aspire = o seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal <aspired to a career in medicine>.

(dance) pieces = performances.

amazing = causing great surprise or wonder : causing amazement.

inspiring = causing people to want to do or create something or to lead better lives.

talented artists = talented: having a special ability to do something well. artist: a person who creates art; a skilled performer.

positive atmosphere = positive: good or useful; good; showing or expressing support.

atmosphere: the particular way a place or situation makes you feel.

obsessed = to haunt or excessively preoccupy the mind of <was obsessed with the idea>; to think about something a lot.

burlesque = origin of the word: the word derives from the Italian burlesco, which itself derives from the Italian burla – a joke, ridicule or mockery an artistic composition, especially literary or dramaticthat, for the sake of laughter, vulgarizes lofty material or treats ordinary material with mock dignity. burlesque dancer entertains in this genre. As derived from literature and theatre, "burlesque" was used, and is still used, in music to indicate a bright or high-spirited mood, sometimes in contrast to seriousness.

showgirl = A showgirl is a dancer or performer in a stage entertainment show.

dream come true = something that has been desired for a long time that has happened.

dance battle = or dance off: an informal competition where two (or more) people oppose each other and dance until one is declared the winner, usually by mutual consent. The dancing usually takes place in sequence where one person/team will dance then the opposite team will dance after there "slot" similar to a rap battle but without the rap replaced by dance.

dance agent = a business representative (as of an athlete or entertainer).

A-list = a list or group of individuals of the highest level of society, excellence, or

eminence.

choreographers = Choreography is the art of designing sequences of movements in which motion, form, or both are specified. Choreography may also refer to the design itself. The word choreography literally means "dance-writing" from the Greek words "χορεία" (circular dance, see choreia) and "γραφή" (writing). A choreographer is one who creates choreographies by practicing the art of choreography.

freestyle (dance) = the process of spontaneously creating movement. Development of improvised movement material is facilitated through a variety of creative explorations including body mapping through body mind centering, levels, shape and dynamics (see Laban Movement Analysis), sensory experiences through touch or contact improvisation, and perceptual schema. Dance improvisation is not only about creating new movement but is also defined as freeing the body from habitual movement patterns (see Postmodern dance and Judson Dance Theater).

performer = an entertainer who performs a dramatic or musical work for an audience.

by referral = an act of referring someone or something for consultation, review, or further action.

open auditions = 'Open Audition' means that anyone can apply or go to and try. A trial

performance, as by an actor, dancer, or musician, to demonstrate suitability or skill.

starving artist = A starving artist is an artist who sacrifices material well-being in order to focus on their artwork. They typically live on minimum expenses, either for a lack of business or because all their disposable income goes toward art projects.

Some starving artists desire mainstream success but have difficulty due to the high barriers to entry in art such as visual arts, the film industry, and theater. These artists frequently take temporary positions (such as waitering or other service industry jobs) while they focus their attention on breaking through in their preferred field.

repertoire = a list or supply of dramas, operas, pieces, or parts that a company or person is prepared to perform.

progressing = a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal); advance.

admire = to feel respect or approval for (someone or something).

See you next week! And to all my German friends out there, please go check out Lynhthy in Germany at Link: Asian United 2013

Alex

Lynhthy Nguyen Updates!

June 2013
The Amazing Lynhthy Nguyen performing with Snoop Dogg at Spike TV's Guys Choice Awards!

March 2014

My bosses #rock! Gene Simmons Paul Stanley LA KISS
(TWITTER @Lynhthy)

May 2014

@Lynhthy rocking dancer in @steveaoki feat. Waka Flocka Flame - Rage The Night Away: http://youtu.be/FFfQhhtZEsw via @YouTube #Aoki #Waka #MTV

July 2014

@Lynhthy #LAKISSGIRL #RollingStone #magazine feature

Kiss' Arena Football Team: AMC's Next Reality TV Series

Celebrities and their Mothers!

2013-05-12T19:12:00.002-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in North America! Like in many countries, Mother's Day involves small celebrations and gift-giving to your mother, grandmother, or other important female figures in your family. Let's take a look at some big name Celebrity guys who love their Moms!

Matt Damon and his Mom

Tom Cruise and his Mom

Justin Bieber and his Mom

Will Smith and his Mom

Brad Pitt and his Mom

Best Wishes to Moms Around the world!

Alex Graham

Connect with ALEX here or at

Celebrity English International

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

Celebrity English Facebook

Celebrity English Twitter

https://plus.google.com/u/0/108043749486448114664/posts

Google Plus

Celebrity English Pinterest