Using ultra-violet rays, restorers  have rediscovered rich original details of Giotto’s paintings in the Peruzzi Chapel in Florence. Hidden for centuries, more than a dozen restorers and researchers began the ambitious project of “non-invasive diagnostics” to ascertain the condition of the 12-meter-high chapel, which Giotto painted in about 1320.

“We have uncovered a secret Giotto,” said Isabella Lapi Ballerini, head of the prestigious art restoration laboratory, Opificio delle Pietre Dure. The study which was partly funded by a grant from the Getty Foundation in Los Angeles, aimed to gather information on the 170 square meter chapel to use as a road map and “hospital chart” for a future restoration.

During the four month project, restorers viewed the paintings under ultra-violet light, that allowed them to see amazing details not visible to the naked eye. “We knew we could get some very interesting results from our scientific diagnostics but when we looked under ultra-violet light, all of a sudden all these very faint paintings that were ruined by old restorations took on a new life,”said Cecilia Frosinini, co-coordinator of the project. What do you think?

KiD CuDi recently unleashed the alternate video version of his hit single “Pursuit Of Happiness”, off his critically acclaimed sophomore album “Cudder and the Revolution of Evolution.” The new version offers a new insightful visual interpretation of the song . Check it out, and as always, let us know what you think?

Viktor & Rolf once again left a bold and impressive statement during Paris fashion week. This time, the show featured the dynamic duo undressing and re-dressing the legendary Kristen McMenamy on the runway.  Both Viktor and Rolf studied fashion at the Arnhem Academy of Art and Design in the Netherlands.  It was in 1993 when the two decided to form a partnership and move to Paris to launch their careers. The two extended their appeal to the general public after designing for H&M. Check out the pictures from their show, and as always, let us know what you think?

Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White recently shot with renowned photographer Terry Richardson for Rolling Stone Magazine. This marks the second time the popular snowboarder has been featured on the cover, with the last time being back in early 2006. Make sure to grab a copy of the issue next time your at your local newsstand/ bookstore. What do you think?

For all you sports fans, check out Sports Fans Live

Check out some of the most memoriable photos from last night’s 82nd Academy Awards ceremony. What do you think?

Last night’s 82nd Academy Awards ceremony was full of suprises as the Oscar winners were announced. Sandra Bullock took home the award for Best Actress, beating out acting Meryl Streep, who has been nominated a record 16 times. “The Hurt Locker,” which barely made $21 million worldwide, won Best Picture over the global sensation “Avatar,” now the highest-grossing film of all time. In adition, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman in 82 years of Academy history to walk off with the Best Director statuette. Check out the list of last night’s winners, and as always, let us know what you think?

Best Picture – The Hurt Locker
Best Director – Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Best Actor – Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
Best Actress – Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Best Supporting Actor – Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)
Best Supporting Actress – Mo’Nique “Precious”
Best Original Screenplay – Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker)
Best Adapted Screenplay – Geoffrey Fletcher, Precious
Best Animated Feature – Up
Best Foreign Language Film – El Secreto do Sus Ojos (Argentina)
Best Documentary Feature – The Cove
Best Score – Up
Best Original Song – “The Weary Kind” (Crazy Heart) – Ryan Bingham and T-Bone Burnett
Best Film Editing – The Hurt Locker
Best Cinematography – Avatar
Best Costume Design – The Young Victoria
Best Art Direction – Avatar
Best Makeup – Star Trek
Best Visual Effects – Avatar
Best Documentary (Short Subject) – Music by Prudence
Best Short Film (Animated) – Logorama
Best Short Film (Live Action) – The New Tenants
Best Sound Editing – The Hurt Locker

Official website for 2010 Oscars

In Columbia Pictures’ Salt, directed by Philip Noyce, Angelina Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt, a CIA officer who swore an oath of duty to  honor her country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative, she must elude capture and protect her husband or the world’s most powerful forces will erase any trace of her existence. Salt’s efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: “Who Is Salt?” Salt hits theaters everywhere July 23, 2010, check out the trailer and let us know what you think.

Written by: Sonny Harris ]]> http://unbiasedwriter.com/film-tv/angelina-jolie-salt-in-theaters-july-23-2010/feed/ 5 http://unbiasedwriter.com/film-tv/drake-first-official-single-from-debut-album/ http://unbiasedwriter.com/film-tv/drake-first-official-single-from-debut-album/#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:15:53 +0000 The Unbiased Writer http://unbiasedwriter.com/?p=3196

After months of heavy anticipation Drake finally  released the first official single from his forthcoming debut album “Thank Me Later”. Entitled “Over”, the track was produced by fellow Canadian Boi-1da who was also responsible for last summers hit single, “Best I’ve Ever Had”. The album will be released this May.  Check it out, and as always, let us know what you think?

After more than a decade of controversy over their presence, the United Nations has begun a discussion with the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to begin withdrawing its troops from the country.  With over 20,000 active personnel in the DRC, the UN effort is the biggest peacekeeping mission in the world.

The United Nations sent troops in 1999 to assuage a conflict which involved six other countries, left an estimated 4 million people dead, and has been called “Africa’s WWI”.  Though the fighting technically stopped in 2003, areas in the Eastern region of the Congo are still filled with rebel soldiers who continue to devastate the country.  The UN’s peacekeeping mandate however, expires this May.  Despite the ongoing problems, the Congolese government is asking that the troops be completely withdrawn in a year’s time.

Western news claims that the reasons are likely due to the fact that President Kabila of the DRC is up for reelection and doesn’t want the peacekeepers to bring negative attention.  Just last year, UN troops were accused of committing sex abuse, gold smuggling, and fleeing from rebel soldiers.  The Congo would like for the withdrawal to be announced before June 30^th, when it celebrates 50 years of independence, but the UN Security Council plans to debate the mission’s mandate next month.  It’s difficult to tell whether or not peacekeeping troops are a benefit or a threat to the Congo’s political stability, yet no one wants to see the country fall back into the tragedies of previous years.  What do you think?

Written by: Ashley Ellis

Written and directed by Floria Sigismondi, The Runaways is based on the book ‘Neon Angel’ – a reflection of  lead-singer Cherie Currie’s experiences as a rock star. Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning both take on lead roles in the film which follows two friends, Jett and Currie, as they rise from rebellious L.A. street kids to rock stars of the now legendary group that paved the way for future generations of girl bands. The movie focuses on the band’s formation, and their meteoric rise to fame. The bands success was unheard of — changing the rules forever. The movie will be released nation wide April 9th 2010. Be sure to check out the trailer, and as always, let us know what you think?