Watch Sevilla vs Barcelona live 18 March 2012

MATCH SCHEDULE

Tournament:  Premier Liga 11-12
Match:Sevilla vs Barcelona
Kick Off Time: 02:00 am (GMT+7)
Live/Repeat: Live
Date:18 March 2012

NEWS
The time for error and missed opportunities is long past for Barcelona, who will be gunning for three points against Sevilla as they look to catch Real Madrid and capture their fourth consecutive La Liga title. Los Rojiblancos are fresh off a 1-0 loss at Sporting Gijon, while the Blaugrana ran past Racing Santander 2-0, behind two more goals from the magisterial Lionel Messi.

These two clubs played to a scoreless draw back in October.



Where: Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain

When: Saturday, March 17th at 3:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN Deportes, Sky Sports 4/HD, Canal+ Liga/HD, Sport TV2, Canal+ Sport, TEN Action+, Canal+ Sport 1, SuperSport 7, SuperSport HD 2, SuperSport Maximo 2, ESPN Pacific Rim, Arena Sport 3 Serbia, Sport 2 Hungary, TV+ Bulgaria

Live Stream: ESPN3



Most Important Player to Watch: Lionel Messi

141140550_crop_650x440 Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Lionel Messi may (or may not) have a ways to go before he can be considered the greatest ever, but there's little doubt that he's the best player on the planet right now. The Argentinian maestro has already racked up 50 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions, including 30 in the Primera Division.

Don't be surprised if Messi notches another double (or even a treble) against Sevilla, seeing as how he's picked up 13 goals in 16 career matches against Los Rojiblancos.



Key Matchup: Messi vs. Sevilla's Back Line

Sevilla's only hope for victory lies with their ability to contain the incomparable King Leo. Stopping Messi doesn't guarantee points for the Sevillistas, not with stars like Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Alexis Sanchez also on the attack.

But if Sevilla doesn't...well, then they might as well not set foot on the pitch at all.


Source:bleacherreport.com

Những lời chúc tốt đẹp ngày 8/3 bằng tiếng anh

Nhân dịp ngày Quốc Tế Phụ Nữ 8/3, tivionline24h.net xin gửi tới các mẹ, các chị, các em những lời chúc tốt đẹp nhất. Và sau đây, chúng tôi xin gửi tới món quà là những lời chúc mừng 8/3 bằng tiếng Anh:

1. You can do almost anything your mind to… You can swim the deepest ocean and climb the highest peak… Be a doctor or fly a plane… You can face adversity and still walk tall. You are strong, beautiful, compassionate and much more than words could ever say! Today is yours and so is every other day… Happy Women’s Day

2. Wishing you a day that’s just like you… really special!

3. Wishing a very Happy Women’s Day to the most amazing women I know

4. Across the miles… comes this wish from me to say… You are special!

5. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. You are an inspiration to me

6. No matter from which angle. I look at you . You appear to be an angle and Women’s Day is the perfect to say: I am so lucky to have you in my life.

7. I just gathered some fresh flowers to say “Hello” and to wish you a day as bright and cheerful as you are!

8. A beatiful women, a great friend and a wonderful mother. You are all this to me and much more… I feel so lucky and pround to have a mom like you.

9. A sister is someone, who is sweet and supportive, kind and loving, cheerful and inspring, a friend and my all time laughter. Sis, you mean so much more than words can say… I love yoi just gathered some fresh flowers to say “Hello” and to wish you a day as bright and cheerful as you are!

10. We may not be able to see each other or listen to each other often. But thoughts of you fill my heart with fond memories of the times we have spent together. Thinking of you!

11. Through the years, I have shared so much with you, both bitter and sweet. You have been such a comfort to me, helping me in every way, and all I wanna say today is: Sis, I treasure you close to my heart.

12. For all the times you’ve brought a smile and made my days seem brighter. For sharing ups and downs with me and making my burdens lighter. For doing the caring things that make a special friend. Your frienfship is a joy. I wish it never ends! Happy Women’s Day!

13. On this special day, celebrate life. Take a break from your busy schedule. Let your hair down, have fun and do what your heart says. Coz today is your day. Have a great Women’s Day!

14. To the woman of my dream: Thankfully in my life. I now in my arms. Happy Women’s Day!

15. Happy Women’s Day to the one who has stolen my heart!

16. You are as sweet inside as out. Hope your day is as sweet as you are!

17. Sending across these lonely flowers, to say: I care for you and anytime you need me, I’ll always be there for you!

18. Side by side or miles apart, you are always on my mind and close to my heart!

19. Together or apart, you always remain in my heart!

20. This is just my way of saying that you are very special to me!

21. To the most wonderful person, wish you a glorious day!

22. A litter note to say: You are always on my mind and very close to my heart!

23. A wonderful person and a great friend. It’s a blessing to have both of them in you! A very Happy Women’s Day to you!

24. I make this to give it to the most special woman in my life. Love you mom!

25. Every moment with you is…Magical! I love you!

26. Careness of your lips, the fragrance of your breath, the warmth of your enbrace, being with you, feel like a dream…I love you!

27. Every moment with you is: Magical! I love you!

28. Thanks for making home the loveliest place on earth!

29. The best place in the world for me is… by your side! I love you!

30. You fill my days with happiness and my world with your love! Sweetheart, you are so special to me!

31. My world is beautiful because of you and I wish to spend the rest of my life loving you. I love you forever!

32. With you by my side, I’ve found all that I’ve been waiting for! I couldn’t have asked for more… I love you.

33. The red roses to say: You’ll always be there in my heart! I love you.

34. Your love is like a flame that lights up my world! Sweetheart, I want your love to shine in my life forever…

35. Holding your hands, feeling the warmth of our togetherness, sharing sweet secrets of love. Sweetheart, with you every moment seems like an everlasting dream. I love you!

36. I must have wish upon a lucky star, to have someone as wonderful as you by my side!

37. As you set off for a new life together…Here’s wishing You smiles for every mile You cross together!

38. May the soft whipers of your love…Echo sweet dreams forevers! Wishing you a happy and blissful married life!

39. As you lock your love in kisses…Let me wish you a Happy ever after!

40. As I watch the shooting star flash across the sky. I thank it once again for having you in my life! I love you sweetheart!

41. Here ‘s a toast…To the perfect couple, with all my warm wishs!

42. Life changes and so do we there’ll be joy, there’ll be pain and then our love will wipe the tears again. Through sorrows unknown or pleasure new, these three litter words will ever remain true…I Love You.

Tottenham vs Man United team news

Match Schedule
Tournament: Barclays Premier League
Match: Tottenham vs Man Utd
Kick Off Time: 16:10 GMT
Live/Repeat: Live
Date: 4th March 2012
Venue: White Hart Lane, England
News:




In true Fergie fashion, the fires have been stoked ahead of the clash with the wily Scot warning the Spurs Board to expect an approach for their manager, telling the pre match press conference The people who will be more concerned are the Tottenham directors,”.

“I am sure they will be wondering what the next step is.

“I don’t think they can dismiss the eventuality of the FA making contact. It is going to happen.

“They will be more worried than the actual players.”

Redknapp will be more concerned are gaining revenge for their 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford at the start of the season, not to mention rallying his troops following last weekend’s collapse at Arsenal.

Spurs are currently 10 points off top spot and another loss on Sunday could prove crucial at this stage of the season. United meanwhile are just two points behind City and looking to his players to show the never say attitude that saw them beat Norwich 2-1 last weekend when they travel to London.

Spurs:

Influential midfielder and midweek England captain Scott Parker is out for Spurs due to suspension following his sending off last weekend in the 5-2 loss to Arsenal.

William Gallas and Tom Huddlestone remain on the treatment table while doubts surround Rafael van der Vaart, Ledley King and Kyle Walker ahead of the crucial clash although Harry Redknapp expects the trio to feature.

Redknapp’s biggest worry ahead of the game is the hamstring strain suffered by Gareth Barry on Welsh duty midweek and the Spurs medical staff will be working their magic to get the winger fit for Sunday’s clash.

Manchester United:

Sir Alex’s only doubt coming into the game is Chris Smalling, who required stitches to a head injury sustained in a sickening clash of heads with Jan Klaas Huntelaar during England’s 3-2 loss to Holland.

Wayne Rooney is fit again following a throat infection while Michael Owen, Tom Cleverley and Antonio Valencia are out.

Tottenham (from): Friedel, Gomes, Cudicini, Assou-Ekotto, Rose, Kaboul, Khumalo, Walker, King, Dawson, Nelsen, Livermore, Sandro, Bale, Kranjcar, Lennon, Dos Santos, Modric, Defoe, Adebayor, Van der Vaart, Saha, Lancaster, Luongo.

Man Utd (from): De Gea, Amos, Rafael, Fabio, Smalling, Jones, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Park, Anderson, Scholes, Giggs, Young, Berbatov, Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez.

sportsnewsireland.com

Vietnam misses chance to play at Asian futsal champs

The Vietnamese futsal was narrowly defeated 3-4 by Australia in the Asian Futsal qualifiers for the Southeast Asian region on February 26.

Australia had a very good start scoring four goals in 35 minutes. Vietnam then counter-attacked and got three goals, with one penalty by Trong Thien and a double by Trong Toan.

The team had been full of hope for a third-position ticket after taking the lead in group B with a 4-0 win against Malaysia, 7-1 win against Cambodia and a 2-2 draw with Australia to avoid Thailand, the strongest opponent and winner of group A.

However, at the semi-final match it also lost 1-2 to Indonesia.

In the final match Thailand thrashed Indonesia 5-2 to top the qualifier.

The Vietnam team is scheduled to compete at the ASEAN Futsal Championship in Thailand from April 17-24.

dtinews.vn

Crystal to the rescue for 84th Academy Awards show

An Oscar statue is pictured on the red carpet arrival area during preparations for the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 25, 2012. The Academy Awards will be given out in Hollywood on Sunday. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

The Oscar ceremony has much to prove Sunday, including whether a blockbuster-free field can draw a TV audience and if Billy Crystal's host routine remains a crowd-pleaser.

Brian Grazer and Don Mischer, the show's producers, are laughing off the challenges: "Comedy is the direction we're going in this year," said Mischer.

For Crystal, who returns to the ceremony (8:30 p.m. EST, ABC) after an absence of eight years, that means jokes and patter that were being rehearsed at the last minute to avoid punch line leaks.

The actor also is bringing back two of his trademark Oscar bits: A film sequence in which he appears via CGI in clips from the nine best-picture contenders, and a musical number that pays tribute to the ceremony and nominees.

"It's everything everybody is going to want to see from Billy Crystal," Grazer said. "Billy was born for this job. He loves being the host and he does it with complete zest and enthusiasm. He makes it fun for everybody."

Crystal has help. Presenting team Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis have a "great gag," Grazer promised, with more light moments planned courtesy of co-presenters Tina Fey and Bradley Cooper and, in a group effort, the cast of "Bridesmaids."

There's a chance for controversy in a presidential election year and, with Sacha Baron Cohen invited, for mock political friction. Rumor has it Cohen will come dressed as the character from "The Dictator," his upcoming movie about a faux country's despot.

Although there were hints of motion picture academy uneasiness about the possible stunt, "we're thrilled to have him," Grazer said.

Among the high-wattage presenters for the 84th Academy Awards at the Hollywood & Highland Center (formerly the Kodak Theatre) are Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Natalie Portman, Michael Douglas, Penelope Cruz and Angelina Jolie. They'll be framed by a stage set evoking a classic movie theater and the evening's theme: the enduring nature of the moviegoing experience.

Nominees in the lead acting categories include Viola Davis for "The Help," Meryl Streep for "The Iron Lady," George Clooney for "The Descendants" and Jean Dujardin for "The Artist."

But the night's starring role goes to Crystal, 63, who acknowledged in a Oscar.com video that "there's so much expected" of his return. He should have the audience's goodwill in his ninth Oscar gig since, in the best Hollywood tradition, he came to the rescue after Eddie Murphy dropped out as host.

Murphy's exit followed that of ceremony producer Brett Ratner, who had drawn fire for using a pejorative word for gay men at a screening of "Tower Heist," directed by Ratner and starring Murphy. Oscar-winning movie producer Grazer ("A Beautiful Mind") jumped in to work with awards veteran Mischer.

Last year's co-hosts aren't a hard act for Crystal to follow. Anne Hathaway and James Franco were picked to appeal to younger viewers but while Hathaway was game, an inert Franco proved ill-suited for the task.

The nominees represent a different challenge for the show. Favorites include "The Artist," a daring black-and-white silent film; "Hugo," an unusual Martin Scorsese work that trades grittiness for charm; and the family drama "The Descendants" with Clooney as a cuckold.

None has soared at the box office. Among the best-picture nominees, only "The Help," based on the best-selling book about 1960s race relations in the South, hit $100 million in ticket sales and counting (it's at more than $170 million.)

Blockbusters were left in the cold. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," couldn't overcome the academy's resistance to the franchise. Nor, more understandably, could "The Hangover Part II," another 2011 success.

Such snubs tend to produce the TV equivalent of a weak box office: low ratings. When a monster hit like "Titanic" ruled the Oscars in 1998, the ceremony drew an impressive 55.2 million viewers. "The King's Speech," last year's less-mainstream best-picture winner, was watched by 37.9 million people.

There is an effort to boost viewership through social networks. The academy is inviting fans to make awards predictions on its Facebook page and share them with friends, while ABC will use Twitter to reveal the scene backstage and on the red carpet.

At stake are advertising dollars as well as bragging rights in the award show competition. This month's Grammys — riding a wave of interest in Adele's post-surgery comeback and the death of Whitney Houston — drew nearly 40 million viewers to eclipse the Academy Awards for the first time since 1984.

Forget nominee nervousness: Those anxious giggles may just be from Oscar himself.

dtinews.vn

Stars gather as 'Artist' eyes Oscar glory

Stars began descending on the red carpet Sunday for Hollywood's biggest night, as two odes to film-making -- silent movie "The Artist" and Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" -- vie for glory at the Oscars.

Actress Octavia Spencer arrives on the red carpet as actress Glenn Close poses with guests for the 84th Annual Academy Awards.

The French director of "The Artist," seen as favorite to win Best Picture at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony, admitted he was nervous on the eve of the show, the climax of Tinseltown's annual awards season.

"I'm a bit tense because the outside pressure is rising considerably," said Michel Hazanavicius, after "The Artist" won another pre-Oscars boost Saturday at the independent Spirit awards.

Following months of campaigning and a flurry of lesser prizes, Tinseltown's annual awards season reaches its high point with the most prestigious honors of them all, the coveted golden statuettes.

Hundreds of millions around the globe will tune in for the ceremony hosted once again by veteran Billy Crystal, after A-listers strut their stuff down the most-watched red carpet in the world.

Crystal was expected to start the night with his traditional Oscars song, said Academy President Tom Sherak.

"I went Saturday to watch him (rehearse) his song, that will open the show... He's unbelievable... he's going to make the show incredibly funny," he told ABC7 News hours before the event kicks off at 5:30 pm (0130 GMT Monday).

As usual, the annual march to Oscars coronation has not been without a few twists and surprises.

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen, a member of the cast of "Hugo," has ruffled feathers with his apparent plans to promote his upcoming film "The Dictator" in full faux strongman regalia on the red carpet.

The list of presenters is chock full of heavy-hitters -- last year's best actress and actor Natalie Portman and Colin Firth will join Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Tom Hanks and Angelina Jolie among others.

Scorsese's "Hugo," a visually rich 3D tribute to a French film pioneer, goes into the show with the most nominations, at 11, with black-and-white Hollywood love letter "The Artist" just behind on 10.

Scorsese is not the only legendary director in the mix -- Woody Allen is in the running for best picture honors for his comeback hit "Midnight in Paris," and Steven Spielberg will gun for the top prize with "War Horse."

Buddies George Clooney and Brad Pitt will duke it out for best actor, but "Artist" star Jean Dujardin, who has won a slew of awards for his portrayal of a struggling silent-era movie star, could best them both.

Pitt is up for his role as coach Billy Beane in baseball movie "Moneyball," while Clooney has been hailed for playing against type in "The Descendants," a family drama set in Hawaii that is also in the hunt for best picture glory.

Mexico's Demian Bichir is on the best actor shortlist for his poignant turn as an undocumented migrant in "A Better Life," as is British veteran Gary Oldman for Cold War spy thriller "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy."

Meryl Streep could take home her first Oscar in three decades for a powerful turn as former British premier Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," in a battle against cross-dressing Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs."

Rooney Mara, who plays damaged hacker Lisbeth Salander in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is also in the running for the best actress prize, as is Michelle Williams for her turn as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn."

But Oscar watchers say they could all be beaten by Viola Davis, whose role as a black maid in "The Help" -- set in Mississippi against the backdrop of the 1960s civil rights struggle -- has earned her an outpouring of praise.

Davis' co-star Octavia Spencer is seen as a top contender in the best supporting actress category. Castmate Jessica Chastain is also nominated along with Berenice Bejo from "The Artist" and Melissa McCarthy for "Bridesmaids."

Janet McTeer rounds out the category with her gender-bending turn opposite Close in "Albert Nobbs."

"The Help" is also among the nine movies nominated for best picture, along with "War Horse," "The Artist," "Moneyball," "The Descendants," "Midnight in Paris," "Hugo" and powerful 9/11 film "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close."

Also up for the top prize is Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life," which won the coveted Palme d'Or at last year's Cannes Film Festival.

Supporting actor top tips are Christopher Plummer in "Beginners" and Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud." Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn," Jonah Hill in "Moneyball" and Nick Nolte in "Warrior" are also in the race.

The easy foreign language film frontrunner is Iran's "A Separation," which has already won a series of awards season prizes including a Spirit Award on Saturday. It competes against films from Belgium, Canada, Israel and Poland.

Oscars kicks off with laughs as 'Artist' eyes gold

Veteran Oscars host Billy Crystal launched Hollywood's biggest night with a spoof video skit featuring the year's key nominees, as silent film "The Artist" eyed Academy Awards gold

Actor Billy Crystal hosts the ceremony of the 84th Annual Academy Awards.

Hosting the show for his ninth time, he appeared in a series of clips beginning with a black-and-white nod to the French-directed movie, featuring stars including Justin Bieber and George Clooney -- who kissed Crystal.

The "When Harry Met Sally" star then launched into a song and dance routine also including references to other movies including Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" and Clooney's Hawaiian-themed family drama "The Descendants."

Hollywood's biggest night was expected to be a battle between two odes to film-making -- French-directed black-and-white movie "The Artist" and Scorsese's 3D adventure "Hugo."

The first two awards of the night went to "Hugo" -- about the French grandfather of early cinema, Georges Melies -- for cinematography and art direction.

But the spectacle began even before the curtain went up, with the usual procession of glamour gowns on the red carpet leading into the Oscars, the climax of Hollywood's annual awards season.

British comic Sacha Baron Cohen also pulled a colorful stunt, defying a warning against coming dressed as the star of his latest movie -- and pouring the faux ashes of late North Korean leader Jim Kong-Il onto the red carpet.

The list of presenters is chock full of heavy-hitters -- last year's best actress and actor Natalie Portman and Colin Firth will join Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Tom Hanks and Angelina Jolie among others.

"Hugo" went into the show with the most nominations, at 11, with "The Artist" just behind on 10.

Scorsese is not the only legendary director in the mix -- Woody Allen is in the running for best picture honors for his comeback hit "Midnight in Paris," and Steven Spielberg will gun for the top prize with "War Horse."

Buddies Clooney and Brad Pitt will duke it out for best actor, but "Artist" star Jean Dujardin, who has won a slew of awards for his portrayal of a struggling silent-era movie star, could best them both.

Clooney downplayed his hopes of winning best actor before the show, saying: "I have a feeling in the best actor race you're going to hear someone speaking French."

Meryl Streep could take home her first Oscar in three decades for a powerful turn as former British premier Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," in a battle against cross-dressing Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs."

Rooney Mara, who plays damaged hacker Lisbeth Salander in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is also in the running for the best actress prize, as is Michelle Williams for her turn as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn."

But Oscar watchers say they could all be beaten by Viola Davis, whose role as a black maid in "The Help" -- set in Mississippi against the backdrop of the 1960s civil rights struggle -- has earned her an outpouring of praise.

Davis' co-star Octavia Spencer is seen as a top contender in the best supporting actress category. Castmate Jessica Chastain is also nominated along with Berenice Bejo from "The Artist" and Melissa McCarthy for "Bridesmaids."

Janet McTeer rounds out the category with her gender-bending turn opposite Close in "Albert Nobbs."

"The Help" is also among the nine movies nominated for best picture, along with "War Horse," "The Artist," "Moneyball," "The Descendants," "Midnight in Paris," "Hugo" and powerful 9/11 film "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close."

Also up for the top prize is Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life," which won the coveted Palme d'Or at last year's Cannes Film Festival.

Supporting actor top tips are Christopher Plummer in "Beginners" and Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud." Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn," Jonah Hill in "Moneyball" and Nick Nolte in "Warrior" are also in the race.

The easy foreign language film frontrunner is Iran's "A Separation," which has already won a series of awards season prizes including a Spirit Award on Saturday. It competes against films from Belgium, Canada, Israel and Poland.

dtinews.vn

'The Artist,' Jean Dujardin and Meryl Streep take top honors at Oscars

The film "The Artist" won top honors at the Academy Awards Sunday, taking the Best Picture prize and marking the first time in 83 years that a silent film has won the Oscar.

French Director Michel Hazanavicius kisses his wife Berenice Bejo after "The Artist" won for Best Picture at the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 26, 2012 Photo: Reuters

The black-and-white comic melodrama took four prizes Sunday, including best picture, actor for Jean Dujardin and director for Michel Hazanavicius. Not since the World War I saga "Wings" was named outstanding picture at the first Oscars in 1929 had a silent film earned the top prize.

Meryl Streep won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady."

Streep played the British prime minister as a senile retiree, as well as a hectoring, dominant figure who instilled fear and respect in her own cabinet. At the film's pinnacle, Streep as Thatcher is the backbone of a nation that goes to war over the distant Falkland Islands after Argentina invades in 1982.

Streep, 62, won best actress for her 17th Oscar nomination, the most times any performer has been nominated by the Academy.

Her third win put her in a category with other three-time Oscar winners Jack Nicholson, Walter Brennan and Ingrid Bergman. Only Katharine Hepburn with four wins had more.

Christopher Plummer took home his first Oscar Sunday in a career that has spanned more than five decades for his role in the film "Beginners."

Plummer's victory in the Best Supporting Actor category made history, with the 82-year-old being the oldest person ever to win the award.

"You're only two years older than me, darling," Plummer said, addressing his Oscar statue in this 84th year of the awards. "Where have you been all my life? I have a confession to make. When I first emerged from my mother's womb, I was already rehearsing my Oscar speech."

The previous oldest winner was best-actress recipient Jessica Tandy for "Driving Miss Daisy," at age 80.

Octavia Spencer took home the first big acting honor of the night, winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Help."

Spencer's Oscar triumph came for her role as a headstrong black maid whose willful ways continually land her in trouble with white employers in 1960s Mississippi.

"Thank you, academy, for putting me with the hottest guy in the room," Spencer said, referring to last year's supporting-actor winner Christian Bale, who presented her Oscar.

Her brash character holds a personal connection: "The Help" author Kathryn Stockett based some of the woman's traits on Spencer, whom she met through childhood pal Tate Taylor, the director of the film.

Before taking the stage, Spencer got kisses from "The Help" co-stars Viola Davis, a best-actress nominee, and Jessica Chastain, a fellow supporting nominee.

"I share this with everybody," Spencer said.

"The Artist's" director Michel Hazanavicius won the Best Director Award for the silent film.

Claiming Hollywood's top-filmmaking honor Sunday completes Hazanavicius' sudden rise from popular movie-maker back home in France to internationally celebrated director.

Host Billy Crystal kicked things off with a kiss from actor George Clooney in a parody of the film “The Descendants.” The scene was part of his opening montage, which also included his signature goofy song.

Crystal joked about his return to his gig as host, saying “this is my ninth time – just call me War Horse.”

Martin Scorsese's adventure "Hugo" won the first two prizes of the night, claiming the Oscars for cinematography and art direction.

"Marty, you're a genius as usual," said "Hugo" cinematographer Robert Richardson, who won his third Oscar after previous wins for "JFK" and Scorsese's "The Aviator."

The wins for "Hugo" were a blow to best-picture favorite "The Artist," which lost in both categories. "The Artist" ran second to "Hugo" with 10 nominations.

The red carpet had its highlights as well, with comedian Sacha Baron Cohen walking the carpet dressed as a Moammar Qaddafi-like dictator for his upcoming film, “The Dictator.” The actor then managed to spill what he claimed to be the ashes of the late North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il all over E! News host, Ryan Seacrest.

His stunt got him bum rushed by Oscar security.

dtinews.vn

Finnish choir to perform in Hanoi

Dominante, one of the most famous Finnish choirs, will perform in Hanoi for the first time on March 6, according to the Embassy of Finland on February 27.

Dominante choir (Source: Finnish Embassy)

Founded in 1975 as a student choir at Helsinki University of Technology campus, it still consists mostly of students of Aalto University, University of Helsinki and the Sibelius Academy. During the past three decades, Dominante has become a desired choral performer in Finland thanks to its versatile repertoire, ranging from traditional to ultramodern choral music and from musicals to orchestral works.

Dominante has appeared on more than twenty recordings. For its latest a cappella recording entitled “Lempeä”, Dominante was given the “Record of the Year” award by the Finnish Choral Directors’ Association in 2009. In 2010, it participated in the recordings of the complete works of Jean Sibelius for the BIS record label.

Dominante's performances of these choral works for mixed choir have been critically acclaimed across Europe, with many quartets and quintets winning prizes in national contests. The choir has also toured the world on a yearly basis and visited countries on all continents.

“Visiting Vietnam for the first time, the choir is eager to bring Finnish music closer to local audiences. Consisting of youthful, dynamic and dedicated musicians, I believe that Dominante will consolidate the cultural bridge between Finland and Vietnam,” said Finnish Ambassador in Vietnam Kimmo Lähdevirta.

dtinews.vn

Foreigners sing Trinh’s music to celebrate his birthday

A music show featuring 3 foreigners singing songs of the late legendary musician Trinh Cong Son to mark his 73th birthday will be held in Ho Chi Minh City in 3 nights from tonight.

British singer Lee Kirby Photo: Leekirby.com

They include Lee Kirby from the UK and Richard Fuller and Kyo York from America.

“I and people who love Trinh Cong Son’s music want to sing “Diem Xua,” ”Bien Nho,” and , “Uot Mi,” to know more about his love with this life,” said singer Anh Tuye, owner of ATB Music Lounge where the show will take place. , said.

Local singer The Vinh, pianist and musician Nguyen Anh 9, guitarist Hoang Minh and saxophonist Quang Khai will also share the stage.

Lee Kirby is not new too many young Internet users in Vietnam via due to his sweet covers of Trinh’s music. In 2010, he made embarked on a tour, titled “Tra Da Voi Lee” (Iced Tea With Lee), across Vietnam.

The 27-year-old man Kyo York first came to Vietnam to be an English teacher. But after he listened to some Vietnamese songs and got obsession became obsessed with Vietnamese music, he has kept continued learning and performing Vietnamese songs.

First came to arriving in Vietnam in the late 1960s, Richard Fuller is now lives living in HCMC and teaching teaches English. With a strong love to of Trinh’s music, he learned Vietnamese and hypnotized many lovers of Trinh’s music lovers with his emotional performances. Fuller also translated some songs of the late composer’s songs into English.

Trinh Cong Son has captured the hearts of many with large number of people’s heart by his melodious and philosophical songs. The musician’s drew works got inspiration from his love to the of life and to the people around him. Recently, a series of love letters expressing his overwhelming love for Ngo Vu Dao Anh, the love of his life, has have been published, giving chances for fans a chance to understand more about the life of the talented musician.

The show will take place at the music lounge at 197/4 Nguyen Van Troi Street in Phu Nhuan District.

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Tuyet Lan performs Indian fashion in New York

The runner-up of Vietnam’s Next Top Model 2010 Tuyet Lan joined the show of Indian-origin designer Sushma Patel in the Couture Fashion Week in New York on the evening of February 17.

The Vietnamese model was among several Asian models in the show, besides some Indian colleagues. One day later, she appeared in the show of designer Kostas Gasgasoules.

Tuyet Lan performs a design by Kostas Gasgasoules

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Contestants of Dancing with the Stars 2012 selected

Actor Quach Ngoc Ngoan, actresses Minh Hang and Anh Thu, beauty queen Hoang My and singer Phuong Thanh are among contestants of the third season of Dancing with the Stars reality show, which is called “Universal Steps” in Vietnam.

Actor Quach Ngoc Ngoan (left) who won the third prize at the “Just the Two of US” reality show 2011 is invited to join “Universal Steps 2012”

Last year, singer Minh Hang was a guest of the show. This year, she will be a contestant

The first runner-up of Miss Vietnam 2010 Hoang My is also invited to take part in the competition

Actress Minh Thu (left) and model Truong Nam Thanh, who ranked fourth at the Manhunt 2011 pageant are also competitors

Singer Phuong Thanh (left) is practicing for the competition

Actor Huynh Dong (left) and actress Van Trang (next) are considered as “surprises” of the show

MC Tuan Tu and singer Minh Quan were in Hanoi, so they did not attend the press conference of “Universal Steps 2012” with other eight competitors

The new feature of this year’s show is contestants to practice for several weeks before the competition with dancer Alex, who took part in the Universal Steps 2011. The first of the ten shows will take place on March 18 at Hanoi’s Quan Ngua Sports House

11 films to compete for 2012 Golden Kite Awards

The 2012 Golden Kite awards ceremony will be held at the Friendship Palace in Hanoi on March 13.

This year’s event involves around 10 feature films, 19 video films and a large number of documentaries. The feature films are focused on action, comedy, entertainment and horror.

Among potential candidates for the Golden Kite awards are ‘Long Ruoi’, which has earned a high sales record of VND40 billion, ‘Do Hay Day' by Overseas Vietnamese director Siu Pham, which attended the 16th Busan International Festival, and 'Mui Co Chay’ (Scene of Burnt Grass), ‘Tam Hon Me’ (Mother’s Soul) and 'Hotboy Noi Loan’ (Lost in Paradise) which competed at the Golden Lotus awards in Phu Yen last December.

Trailer:

Video by youtube.com

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Terry blow means Chelsea defence must 'reorganise'

The news John Terry could be out for six weeks due to the need for exploratory knee surgery means Chelsea will have to reorganise their defence, manager Andre Villas-Boas admits.

Chelsea captain John Terry takes part in a training session at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples on Monday, February 20, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg match against Napoli.

Without Terry the back four the Chelsea defence -- in particular centre-backs David Luiz and Gary Cahill -- was a shambles in the 3-1 second round, first leg defeat to Napoli.

Chelsea will have to try to turn that deficit around at Stamford Bridge in three weeks' time but to have any chance of doing so they would probably need to keep a clean sheet, something which doesn't look likely without Terry.

Defensive midfielder Raul Meireles was at fault for the first goal, right-back Bransilav Ivanovic was out of position for the second and Luiz made a howler for the third.

"We have to focus on reorganising this relationship between this back four that we have recently used," said Villas-Boas, who will find himself increasingly under pressure in the unforgiving English press this week.

"I have to agree that you have to solve the mistakes which you do at the back so you can profit better from the number of opportunities you have and the goals you score.

"We need to get this concentration right and this efficiency right that's for sure.

"Without John we were missing a very important player for the team.

"We have fit players and we have to continue to work with them to get it right.

"The first two Napoli goals we had more numbers and we were more organised and if we can concentrate more we can avoid conceding those."

As for Terry, the Portuguese boss is hoping his absence will be only for a month but admits it will likely be longer.

That means he is set to miss the return leg and a crucial chunk of the season, including their FA Cup fifth round replay away to Birmingham City.

"Four weeks would be excellent, we'll have to wait to see how the operation goes and hope the player can return within that frame of time but normally it's for six weeks," said Villas-Boas.

It means that young Brazilian Luiz, so composed on the ball but often lacking in focus and concentration when performing defensive duties, will continue in the heart of defence.

Villas-Boas insists he has faith in his player, despite the press criticism of his performances.

"That player becomes a target but if you suffer three goals you can (all) do much better," the Chelsea boss said.

"We'll assess the mistakes and try to correct them, he's a fantastic young player, he's got a great future ahead of him and we have to continue to work on him to improve.

The young manager opted for a midfield combination of Meireles and Ramires with the experienced Frank Lampard warming the bench until 20 minutes from time.

England's Ashley Cole was also overlooked at left-back on his return from injury, although he came on after just 12 minutes due to an injury to Jose Bosingwa.

"It's technical decisions, whatever explanation that I give you in the end it would be a fantastic explanation if we win the game," said Villas-Boas in defence.

"Any explanation I give you is useless with regard to the result of the game, there's no point.

"Regarding the formation with the two sitting midfielders we chose tonight was to have two hard working midfielders to sit in front of the defence, not that Lamps can't do it, for sure he can but that's not the decision we took."

As for his own future Villas-Boas was adamant that he will keep going whatever is written about him.

"Speculation will continue as results don't happen but it won't be a distraction."

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Korean stars to perform in Vietnam

A number of Korean artists will join a concert in Hanoi on March 15 to mark the 20th anniversary of Vietnam-Republic of Korea diplomatic ties.

Among famous bands and artists in the spotlight are scheduled to take part in the event including Super Junior, Sistar, Beast, T-ara, CNBLUE, Davichi, and Secret bands and IU and Trot Park Huyn-bin singers.

The event’s director and KBS staff are in Vietnam to prepare for the programme.

Famous bands and singers

Super Junior

Secret

Beast

Young singer IU

Davichi

Park Huyn-bin

Sistar

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Football federation selects next national coach

Mai Duc Chung has become the No 1 option for head coach of the national football team.

The Vietnam Football Federation's (VFF) National Coaches Council on Feb. 21 officially made its final decision for the position that had been left empty since last December.

VFF leaders are expected to review their selection for approval on February 27.

In case of approval, Chung, in Brunei with the Under-19 team for the Hassanal Bolkiah Cup at present, will sign a two-year contract when he returns to the country. His salary has not been revealed, but rumour has it that it could be around 120-150 million VND (USD5,700-7,100 ) per month.

Chung would reap benefits if Vietnam could achieve good results at coming tournaments, the first one of which will be the Southeast Asian Football Championship – AFF Cup later this year.

After former coach Falko Goetz was fired, Chung became the favourite candidate for the position. The 61-year-old formerly worked as assistant for many foreign coaches in the past.

In 2008, Chung guided the U22 team to win the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia. He was also acting head coach of the U23 team who defeated Lebanon and Oman during the Beijing Olympic qualifiers in 2007. Chung was appointed head coach of the national women's team in 2003-05 when they won two gold medals at the 22nd and 23rd SEA Games.

The council also drew up an additional list of substitute candidates should Chung not sign the contract with the VFF.

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Chelsea coaches to train Vietnamese junior footballers

Your coaches from Chelsea Soccer School will run a training course for 180 junior footballers in Ho Chi Minh City.

The course, the first of its kind in Vietnam, aims to improve professional skills for junior footballers selected from schools in the city.

This is part of a cooperation program between the English football club Chelsea and Samsung sponsor to develop the sports and physical training sector for young generations.

The program involves Vietnam, Ghana, Ivory Coast, the Republic of Korea and Japan.

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Barca on verge of quarters after beating Bayer

Holders Barcelona took a giant step towards the Champions League's quarter-finals with a 3-1 win at Bayer Leverkusen in Tuesday's Round of 16 first-leg tie.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) is congratulated by his teamate Barcelona's Brazilian defender Daniel Alves (L) after scoring during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen first leg match Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Barcelona at BayArena in Leverkusen, western Germany. Barca won 3-1.

With the return leg at the Nou Camp on March 7, Barcelona dominated possession in this David versus Goliath clash against a Leverkusen who have now won just one of their last eight games.

For all their super-star status, Barcelona, who lag ten points behind leaders Real Madrid in the Spanish league, stumbled at times and Leverkusen squandered chances to earn a draw.

"I think the second half was good, we used the space better after we took the lead," said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

"We tried to improve our game, we had a few chances in the first half, but perhaps the final pass was missing.

"But we were playing away and we came into the game after the break."

Nevertheless, Barcelona are in pole-position to reach the last eight after two goals by Chile's Alexis Sanchez and a late strike by Lionel Messi gave them a valuable away win while Leverkusen defender Michal Kadlec grabbed a consolation.

"The defense was good in the first half, but we were lacking a bit of courage," said Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt.

"We gave them too much respect and were a bit anxious.

"It was a completely different story in the second half when we played our part in the game and caused Barcelona some problems."

Barcelona boasted a midfield of World Cup winners Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fabregas behind a forward line containing Brazil's Adriano, Sanchez and three-time world footballer of the year Messi.

The injury-enforced absences of midfielder Sidney Sam and Swiss striker Eren Derdiyok were a major blow to the hosts, while ex-Germany captain Michael Ballack was ruled out on Sunday with a calf injury.

On a cold night at the BayArena, the Spaniards took most of the first-half to warm up with Messi showing only rare flashes of skill early on.

With Barcelona enjoying around 80 percent of the possession, it was a matter of time before the hosts' defence cracked.

A through ball from Messi saw Dani Alves and Sanchez sprint head-to-head after the ball and it was the Chilean who arrived first to fire past Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno on 41 minutes.

Barcelona's half-time lead was harsh on the hard-working hosts, but with virtually their first full attack of the game, Leverkusen equalised.

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Vedran Corluka managed to chip in a cross and Czech Republic defender Kadlec headed home at the back post for a goal which had the 30,000-capacity crowd on their feet on 52 minutes.

Barcelona, however, needed just three minutes to pull ahead again when Sanchez added his second after a ball from Fabregas allowed the Chilean to round Leno and fire home.

Leverkusen came out fighting and Renato Augusto forced Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes into a save moments later, while midfielder Gonzalo Castro hit the post on 64 minutes with Valdes beaten.

Despite a posse of defenders shadowing his every move, Messi hit the post with 72 minutes gone, but at the other end striker Stefan Kiessling came on with 15 minutes left and headed at Valdes with his first touch of the game.

Messi saved the best for last when he finished a great cross from Alves for the third on 88 minutes.

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Doctor fears STDs, abortions after Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is not a happy one for ob-gyn doctors as the romantic night often leads to surging demands for abortion and STD examinations, a Hanoi doctor said.

Ob-gyn hospitals and clinics say they receive a high number of women with unexpected pregnancy in the weeks following big holidays like the New Year's, Christmas, and especially Valentine’s Day.

Meanwhile, many men come for examinations anxious about sexually transmitted diseases because they didn't have lovers and slept with prostitutes instead, said the doctor from the capital.

A Monday report on news website VnExpress said that many hotels and guest houses run out of rooms on the night of Valentine's day.

Doctors said the worrying thing is that few of the couples, especially unmarried ones, are using birth control measures.

“A month after the Valentine, the number of women coming to my clinic, as well as others, always surges, or even doubles,” said Le Thi Kim Dung, an ob-gyn doctor at the Labor Health Center in Hanoi.

“I don’t pass judgment on people having sex because it’s a physical need," she said. "But the problem is that young people have to be aware of what they do, of the consequences, so that they can take preventive measures.”

Dung said one of the simple measures to prevent unexpected pregnancy and STDs is using condoms, but many young people chose not to. Many say they forgot, or were afraid that their partners would resist because using a prophylactic reduces the pleasure of sex.

A recent national survey on Vietnam’s teenagers and young people showed that 95 percent of the respondents know about condoms but were unwilling to use them, the report said.

“Another reason is some people believe their partners are healthy," Dung said. "But once you are having unprotected sex, it means you are completely at risk of having an unexpected pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases."

The doctor said STD infection rates can be very high. 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women become infected after just one unprotected sexual encounter with an infected partner.

She said people cannot know if someone has an STD or not just by looking, adding that around 70 percent of women and 50 percent of men infected with Chlamydia bacterium show no symptoms.

“There are people with good immune systems that do not show symptoms but can still transmit the diseases.”

Taking preventive measures is easier than having to come to a clinic to cure a disease or have an abortion afterwards, Dung said.

She suggested people bring condoms whenever they go out or on a vacation, even when they do not plan to have sex.

Thanh Nien News

Vietnamese models to attend New York Fashion Week

Photo by Milor Tran. Tuyet Lan (L) and Hoang Thuy(R) will attend in New York Fashion Week 2012 with model Ngoc Thach.

Hoang Thuy, Tuyet Lan and Ngoc Thach will be the first three trailblazing Vietnamese models to catwalk New York Fashion Week 2012 February 13 – 19.

This is the first time Vietnamese models will appear at the event, which takes place twice a year in Manhattan's Bryant Park and features famous designers showing off their latest collections for the upcoming season.

The promising models will showcase the work of noted designers Korto Momolu and Laurel DeWitt.

Hoang Thuy shot to fame when she won Vietnam's Next Top Model’s on January 8 in a special show featuring the attendance of supermodel Tyra Banks.

Tuyet Lan was the runner-up of Vietnam Next Top Model’s first season in 2010 and won the Asian Model Search 2011 contest in Singapore last year.

Ngoc Thach won the Vietnam Supermodel contest in 2010.

New York Fashion Week is hosted by the Council of Fashion Designer of America (CFDA) and is one of the top four global fashion weeks, together with the same events in London, Paris and Milan.

The event features celebrities, models, designers and the press partying and previewing clothes for the spring collection in September and winter collection in February.

Thanh Nien News

New club Saigon FC climbs to second

Saigon FC’s Huynh Kesley Alves (R) celebrates his opener with Antonio Carlos in a match against Da Nang at Thong Nhat Stadium Sunday.

Saigon FC climbed one position to second in the country’s top-flight Super League after a 2-1 fifth round home win over Da Nang at Thong Nhat Stadium Sunday.

Le Huynh Duc, the coach of 2009 champions Da Nang, who won the “month’s best coach” title last month, badly wanted a win on the trip to his hometown Ho Chi Minh City.

However, the hosts with two draws and two wins from the first four rounds of the season were in high spirits and had better control of the match with two goals in the first half.

The visitors from Da Nang City came alive after the break but all they could do was pull back only one goal.

In other action, the Mekong Delta side Dong Thap earned a 3-1 home win over Navibank Saigon at Cao Lanh Stadium while hosts Khanh Hoa beat visitors Kien Giang 1-0 at Nha Trang Stadium.

In early matches on Saturday, 2010 champs Hanoi T&T beat Thanh Hoa 3-2 at Hang Day Stadium to retain their first-place position while 2003-04 champs Hoang Anh Gia Lai defeated Hanoi FC 2-1 at Pleiku Stadium.

Ninh Binh beat Hai Phong 2-0 at home and then Binh Duong, the 2007-08 champs, fought to a goalless tie with reigning champs Song Lam Nghe An at Go Dau Stadium.

With only two draws from the five rounds, Hai Phong is now at the bottom of the 14-club league with just two points.

By Thanh Nien News

Top Vietnam football tournament to be called V-League again

The above logo will not be used for the country's top-flight football tournament from this weekend onwards. It will revert to its old name, V-League.

Vietnam's top-flight football tournament will revert to its original name V-League from this weekend onwards, when the 2012 season enters the fifth round.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Tuesday asked the league organizing company, VPF, to effect the change in name from the current Super League back to V-League.

VFF made the decision after it was asked by the General Department of Physical Training and Sports to do so.

The department said it is important that the nation's top tournament indicates the name of the country.

VPF was mooted by leading national football clubs late last year. They criticized VFF for poor management of the country’s leagues and called for a revamp. Once the VPF was etablished with the VFF as a major shareholder, the company named the nation's leading tournament Super League. The earlier name, V-League, was used when the country’s top contests turned professional in 2000.

The name Super League was used in the first four rounds of the 2012 season; and from the fifth round this weekend, it will be called the V-League Eximbank 2012, named after its main sponsor.

VPF chairman Vo Quoc Thang said, “VPF is willing to listen to opinions from authorized agencies, the media and the fans so that the organization of the league gets better and better. Changing the name is not complicated but we need to get opinions from the Board of Directors.”

Nguyen Hong Thanh, General Director of the Song Lam Nghe An football club, the league champions, said a change in the name of the league in the middle of the season will cause losses of money and time for the clubs as well as the stadiums’ organizers because many things like billboards, players’ shirts and tickets will have to be redone.

By Thanh Nien News

Vietnam company begins work on $40-mln airport project in Laos

Work has begun on the first of two airports Vietnam’s Hoang Gia Lai Joint Stock Co. (HAGL) plans to build in Laos, with a total investment of US$40 million, VnExpress reported Monday.

HAGL Chairman Doan Nguyen Duc was quoted as saying that the airport, which will cover 200 hectares of Attapeu Province in southern Laos, is expected to be operational by June 2013.

Between 2013 and 2020 it will be used mainly for small airplanes that travel short distances, like the ATR 72 and Fokker 70, Duc said.

However, by the time construction finishes in 2020, the airport will be capable of handling bigger airplanes like the Airbus A320, he added.

According to Duc, the Lao government also licensed HAGL to build another airport in Huaphanh Province in northern Laos; construction on the second airport will start next year, VnExpress reported.

thanhniennews.com

Vietnamese horror film hits theatres

Ngoi Nha Trong Hem (House in the Alley), a horror film about terrible secrets occurring in the house of a young couple whose marriage is heading for a break-up, will be screened at local cinemas on February 14.

Produced by US-based Coco Paris LLC, the film was directed and written by overseas Vietnamese Le Van Kiet, who graduated from the University of California , Los Angeles.

Kiet began to write the screenplay at the end of 2010 when he was staying in HCM City.

"The idea for the movie came out of an old two-storey house in a small valley in District 3 which I rented when I stayed in Vietnam ," Kiet said.

The movie features the life of a young couple, a housewife and a businessman, after they lose their first child.

The wife, Thao, is in such grief that she keeps a coffin of the child's corpse in her bedroom. Day by day, she becomes depressed and obsessed that her child is stolen from her.

Her husband, Thanh, tries to help his wife, but his efforts lead things out of control.

The couple are forced to fight against strange forces in their house.

Producer Tran Trong Dan said the movie shows that a sudden event can destroy people's lives.

"People need love and strength to put their life together again," he added.

Film stars actress Ngo Thanh Van and actor Tran Bao Son play the leading female and male roles.

"Thao is a complicated character," said Van, who starred in Dong Mau Anh Hung (Rebel) and Bay Rong (Clash).

She said the role is a challenge for her after two years of not filming.

Although House in the Alley has not been shown in Vietnam , it has received invitations to join several US film festivals, including the Tribeca Film Festival in New York , Seattle International Film, Fantastic Festival in Houston, and Hawaii Film Festival.

The film's director and producer are continuing to cooperate in making another horror film Bay Cap 3 (The Level-3 Trap).

The film is about a group of young people from HCM City touring Da Lat and encountering strange situations there.

Dan said he has always wanted to make a film in Da Lat where he was born and grew up. The film is expected to be released later this year.

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Athletes to compete in 2012 Asian Indoor Athletics Champs

Four Vietnamese athletes will take part in the 2012 Asian Indoor Athletics Champs, to be held in Hangzhou, China, from February 16-19.

Duong Thi Viet Anh

The team coached by Duong Duc Thuy includes Duong Thi Viet Anh (high jump), Tran Hue Hoa (triple jump), Nguyen Thi Phuong (3,000m run) and Nguyen Thi Thuy (400m run). The team’s medal hopes are mostly on Duong Viet Anh, who has made good progress recently.

Top sprinter Truong Thanh Hang will not join the event because she is preparing for the Asian All Stars Athletics Meet in Almaty, Kazakhstan in June to collect points for a berth at the 2012 London Olympics this summer.

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Culture Ministry to consider photo scandal of Miss Vietnam 2006

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) has stated that it had never announced to withdraw the Miss Vietnam title of Mai Phuong Thuy.

The Ministry said that it would assign a specialized agency to check Thuy’s photos before making the final decision.

The Ministry said that the photo shoot featuring Mai Phuong Thuy in ao dai are controversial works. Many people said that the Vietnamese traditional ao dai was abused to inappropriately show off the beauty of woman body. However, many photographers said that the photo shoot is “sexy,” not “erotic” and “it is unnecessary to restrict the creativeness of artists.”

The Ministry seems to be sympathetic with the Miss Vietnam 2006 because she took the photo shoot when she was only 20. However, the MoCST’s spokesperson, Mr. To Van Dong, said that the beauty queen should not make public these photos.

According to the Ministry, the “scandal” is a valuable lesson for beauty queens in using ao dai in photo shoots.

Mai Phuong Thuy’s ao dai photo shoots, which were taken four years ago, appeared on an online newspaper on February 3. The photo collection captured Thuy donning a sleek and transparent white ao dai in different sexy poses.

The shoot, 10 black and white photos of Thuy, accessorized with Vietnamese “non la” (cone hat) and symbolic lotus flowers, was done by photographer Quoc Huy.

A number of netizens have strongly criticized the photos, saying Thuy’s too erotic poses damaged the traditional and beautiful image of ao dai. Some said she only used the dress to show off her body’s curves.

However, another group of commentators praise Thuy’s body, arguing that the photos have captured the delicate, gentle and fragile image of Vietnamese women.

Thuy on February 8 sent an official apology to her fans for the controversial photo shoot. Thuy, in her apology letter, wrote that she was too young when she modeled for the shoot and her lack of modeling skills have probably sent the wrong message about the purpose of the photos.

“The whole team and I only aimed for aesthetic values in the photos. If we failed to deliver the message, we should really learn from the experience and improve ourselves.

“We certainly do not intend to tarnish the image of traditional ao dai and Vietnamese women. I apologized for all the inconveniences caused when you see these photos. I hope to have your sympathy and another chance to contribute to the community,” she wrote.

Mai Phuong Thuy in the controversial photo shoot:

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