Can you guess who it is yet? Risqué 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe to be unveiled in Chicago tomorrow

Covered up for now...sort of: A worker puts the finishing touches to a 26-foot tall statue of Marilyn Monroe in Chicago


The statue, by artist Seward Johnson, replicates the actress's famous subway scene in 1955 film The Seven Year Itch and will be unveiled on Chicago's Pioneer Court tomorrow.

That pose, that dress, those erm, assets...

The 26-foot tall statue towering above tourists in the middle of Chicago could only be one person - Marilyn Monroe.

But that hasn't stopped workers, desperate to keep her identity a secret until tomorrow, placing a rather unsightly cloth bag over the poor girl's head, albeit it one in red, white and blue.



What did you do at work today darling? One man touches up the statue's under carriage with paint


In the scene Monroe stands over a subway grate as a breeze from a train passing below blows her skirt over her panties.

It was shot in New York but as the Windy City, Chicago seems like the second best location for such an art work.



You missed a bit: Well, Monroe always did have men at her feet


It will be on show through the Spring of 2012.

The stainless steel and aluminium sculpture, which weighs a whopping 34,000lbs, has raised more than a few eyebrows.

Not least because visitors to the plaza are at once confronted with Monroe's pert bottom in gleaming white panties and her perfect pins bedecked in white, open-toe kitten heels.



Spectacle: The stainless steel and aluminium sculpture, which weighs a whopping 34,000lbs, has raised more than a few eyebrows and is sure to be a tourist attraction


Men have been spotted gawping while their wives get cross and attempt to shield their eyes and lots of people have stopped to take a quick snap of the giantess before she goes public tomorrow.

Not all are happy of course. Abraham Ritchie wrote on Art Chicago Blog the statue was a 'creepy schlock from a fifth-rate sculptor that blights a first-rate public art collection.'

But the Zeller Realty Group, which owns the plaza and now its statue, wants Marilyn to make people think.



...And the real thing: Monroe cools off via the subway in front of Tom Ewell in The Seven Year Itch


'(Paul Zeller) likes to bring in things that cause a conversation,' said a spokesman from the company. 'They might be controversial, but he likes art that makes people think.'

And if that fails at least her skirt will be a good place to shelter from the rain.


30 ft. Marilyn going up on Michigan Ave.


Marilyn Monroe Subway Scene (Full)


source: dailymail

Gurupoornima Wallpaper 2011

Gurupoornima Wallpaper 2011

Guru Poornima is a traditional festival celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists.On this day, the disciples offering Puja or show respect for their guru. It falls on the day of full moon, Poornima a month Shaka Samvat Ashadh, Indian national calendar, Hindu calendar. Traditionally, the festival celebrated by Buddhists in honor of Lord Buddha, who gave his first sermon on this day in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.


India is a land of festivals celebrated all year with great devotion and commitment. Among all the other festivals in July 2011, is Guru Poornima one that is very prominent in Indian soil. This festival is basically a tribute to his teacher or guru. This festival, also known as “Vyas Poornima” is celebrated on full moon day of Ashadh month.

Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis' magical transformation from geeky Neville to red carpet hunk

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


Hasn't he grown into a handsome young man: Matthew Lewis at the New York premiere of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 on Monday


Ten years ago, Matthew Lewis was cast as the bumbling, plump Hogswarts student Neville Longbottom.

But after going through an awkward teenage phase through the Harry Potter films, the actor has really grown up into a handsome young man.

Looking back at the first Harry Potter film in 2001, it's unlikely fans would have predicted clumsy Neville would turn out to be the franchise's heart-throb.


Awkward youth: Lewis as Neville in the first Potter film in 2001 (left) and at the 2005 premiere of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire in 2005 (right)


But attending premieres and junkets to promote the last movie Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part II, fans have been amazed by his transformation.

Looking every inch the Hollywood hunk in his smart black suit at the New York premiere last week, the Yorkshireman looked a far cry from the plump schoolboy with the crooked teeth in the first film.

To play Hogwarts' student Neville in the eight films, Lewis wore yellow false teeth, shoes two sizes too big and wore prosthetics behind his ears to make them stick out more.

Throughout JK Rowling's books and film adaptations, Neville was a subject of ridicule by school villain Draco Malfoy and his cronies


Dapper: Lewis joined co-star Tom Felton at the New York premiere after-party


Centre of attention: Lewis looked like he was enjoying meeting the fans at the Toronto premiere of Harry Potter on Tuesday


As Potter fans will know, Neville ends up turning quite heroic in the final and ends up surrounded by admirers - catching the attention of Luna Lovegood.

In a recent interview, Lewis admitted he found Luna - and girls in general - more scary than the evil Voldemort.

He told SheKnows.com: 'Neville and Luna are both outcasts when they’re younger. It was endearing for two inspiring characters. Both come from humble beginnings, people think that they’ll never amount to anything and yet they both do.

'But, Luna is a lot more scary than Voldemort, I think [laughs]. Girls in general are scarier than Voldemort. It might have been the next challenge for Neville.'


Good looking pair: Lewis and his girlfriend Shinead Husband at the World Premiere of Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Trafalgar Square


The gang's all here: Lewis joins co-stars (L-R) Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint at the New York premiere on Monday

source: dailymail

From Gaga to a Lady: Singer transforms herself mid-flight

By ANDREA MAGRATH

Lady: Singer Lady Gaga arrives in Los Angeles from Sydney looking elegant in a moody yet feminine outfit


She's never been one to adhere to the usual comfortable in-flight clothing most passengers travel in.

But after boarding her flight out of Sydney wearing a leather gown and enormous floppy hat with a peekaboo hole, Lady Gaga's appearance as she arrived at LAX looked downright normal.

The singer emerged from her flight in Los Angeles looking elegant and feminine in a form-fitting dress, pantyhose and heels after changing mid-flight.


Rare sight: It is not often fans see Gaga looking so normal


Gaga looked rather sombre compared to her usual taste in the moody get-up, which included towering Christian Louboutin heels, a hat and Louis Vuitton case.

She looked like she was emulating the clichéd look of a Mafia wife with the black outfit, long red talons and oversize sunglasses.

It is a rare sight for fans to see the 25-year-old in such regular clothing; the bizarre get-up she wore leaving Australia was far more commonplace in Gaga's wardrobe.


Gaga: the Born This Way hitmaker left Sydney wearing a bizarre leather dress and enormous floppy hat


The singer looked a little glum after her long-haul flight, despite telling her 11 million Twitter followers that she's landed to the exciting news that her Monster Ball concert special had been nominated for five Emmy awards.

The past 24 hours haven't been all positive though. The singer's account on YouTube has been shut down after she allegedly breached copyright laws.

Gaga's account, which has received a staggering 1.6 billion views, is currently creating fans with the message: 'This account has been suspended due to multiple or severe violations of YouTube's copyright policy.'


Drama: Lady Gaga is currently at the centre of two controversies, involving her use of a wheelchair as a prop and also a YouTube copyright allegation


Offensive? Gaga's use of a wheelchair during her Sydney concert has outraged some disability groups

source: dailymail

'I have fallen in love all over again': Victoria Beckham Tweets her delight at baby Harper's birth

By EMILY SHERIDAN

Blessed: Victoria Beckham shared her joy about becoming a mother to her daughter Harper Seven on her Twitter page


She's understandably been lying low since the arrival of her baby daughter Harper Seven on Sunday.

But today Victoria Beckham returned to Twitter to express her joy at becoming a mother for the fourth time.

The singer-turned-designer admitted she had 'fallen in love all over again' following the birth in Los Angeles.


Expanding their family: Victoria and husband David, pictured at the Royal Wedding in April, now have four children


She Tweeted: 'Baby Harper is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen, I have fallen in love all over again!!!

'We all feel so blessed and the boys love their baby sister so much!!! X VB.'


No paternity leave: David was back at work on Tuesday at the World Football Challenge press conference in Los Angeles


The ex-Spice Girl delivered the 7lbs, 10oz baby at 7:55am on Sunday morning via caesarean section.

The birth was announced by her proud husband David on his Facebook page.

He wrote: 'I am so proud and excited to announce the birth of our daughter Harper Seven Beckham. She weighed a healthy 7lbs 10oz and arrived at 7.55 this morning, here in LA. Victoria is doing really well and her brothers are delighted to have a baby sister.'


source: dailymail

Ciao bella! Kelly Brook looks just creamy in a pale bikini as she takes a cooling dip on holiday in the Bay Of Naples

By JODY THOMPSON

Water babe: Kelly Brook took a cooling dip in the sea at her hotel in Ischia, Italy, today


She's been having fun in the Italian sun after hitting the Ischia Film Festival to boost her profile as an actress - and now Kelly Brook has revealed the figure that her fans know and love on the beach.

The curvy 31-year-old stripped down to a cream bikini at her hotel to top up her tan with a friend and have a refreshing swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The stunning model is having a few days off now the festival has finished and today decided to relax by the pool at her hotel on the island of Ischia after a day trip across the bay to Naples yesterday.


Working holiday: The star flew out earlier this week for the Ischia Film Festival with her U.S. agent Justin Deanda, pictured here


Kelly will also be looking forward to the live music in the cocktail bar every evening.

However, Kelly's boyfriend Thom won't be joining her.

Her spokesman told Mail Online: 'She's gone out with her U.S. agent but will back at the weekend and no, Thom isn't joining her as it's a quick trip.'


Done to a turn: The star covered up in a cute spotted kaftan when she'd had enough sun


You look ice: Kelly Brook looked pretty as a picture as she licked an ice cream while taking in the sights of Naples yesterday in a Jasper Conran dress and Superga plimsolls


Yesterday, Kelly's smile was almost as sunny as the weather yesterday as the star enjoyed a day trip to Naples across the water.

She turned tourist as she strolled the streets of old Napoli before taking to the waves on a boat trip.

The beaming star was wearing a gorgeous 1950s-style sundress from the Jasper Conran Spring/Summer 2011 collection with a cute seaside print and had teamed it with cute lemon yellow Superga plimsolls with white soles and a chic Louis Vuitton handbag.


All aboard: Kelly also took a boat trip as she enjoyed what the coastal city had to offer


Something to remember: The model perused the souvenir stand on the bay


Sea legs: Kelly took a boat trip out from the harbour and took some pictures of the views


Picture perfect: The model looked stunning as the sea breeze ruffled her hair on the deck


Sunny smile: The star flew out to Italy for the Ischia film festival but is having fun as a tourist too


Got it licked: Kelly's Twitter confession yesterday

source: dailymail

La dolce vita! Curvy Kelly Brook gets the eye from Italian men as she sports figure-hugging 1950s style dress on holiday in Naples

By JODY THOMPSON

You look ice: Kelly Brook looked pretty as a picture as she licked an ice cream while taking in the sights of Naples yesterday in a Jasper Conran dress and Superga plimsolls


Kelly Brook's smile was almost as sunny as the weather yesterday as the star enjoyed a day trip to Naples on her Italian summer holiday.

The 31-year-old model and actress had turned tourist as she strolled the streets of old Napoli before taking to the waves on a boat trip.

The beaming star was wearing a gorgeous 1950s-style sundress from the Jasper Conran Spring/Summer 2011 collection with a cute seaside print and had teamed it with cute lemon yellow Superga plimsolls with white soles and a chic Louis Vuitton handbag


All aboard: Kelly also took a boat trip as she enjoyed what the coastal city had to offer



Something to remember: The model perused the souvenir stand on the bay


The brunette beauty also cooled down with an ice cream as she checked out the pottery on a souvenir stand.

However, it seems that Kelly was being checked out herself.

She wrote on her official Twitter last night: 'In Naples! Men are looking at me like I am Gelato!! Are there women in Italy??'


Sea legs: Kelly took a boat trip out from the harbour and took some pictures of the views


Picture perfect: The model looked stunning as the sea breeze ruffled her hair on the deck


Sunny smile: The star flew out to Italy for the Ischia film festival but is having fun as a tourist too


Kelly flew out earlier this week to the island of Ischia, which is in the Bay Of Naples, for the annual film festival.

However, there's been no sign of her hunky boyfriend Thom Evans as yet.

Kelly is certainly enjoying herself regardless.


Shady lady: The sun got a bit too bright at times on what was a glorious summer's day


She wrote on her Twitter in the early hours of this morning: 'Just took a boat ride home under a full moon with beautiful people. Viva Italia'.

Fans of Kelly - and probably a lot of those Italian men - will be hoping that Kelly pays a visit to the beach which she's there.

The model has teamed up with New Look to launch a swimwear range which has proved popular with stars of The Only Way Is Essex.

Kelly could use her holiday as a chance to model her own pieces while topping up her tan at the same time.



Got it licked: Kelly's Twitter confession yesterday

source: dailymail

Has Lady Gaga finally taken things too far? Singer is slammed by disability groups after performing on stage in a wheelchair

By GEORGINA LITTLEJOHN

Artistic or a wheely bad joke? Lady Gaga comes on stage in a wheelchair during her concert at the Sydney Town Hall in Australia last night


She has been criticised for her use of religious symbolism, slammed for some of her song lyrics and had animal rights groups up in arms over her meat dress.

But Lady Gaga might have pushed her critics over the edge last night after she came on stage in Australia in a wheelchair.

The able-bodied star has caused outrage among disability groups after she wheeled herself on in front of 1,000 people at the Sydney Town Hall.


Outrage: But this was not the first time Gaga had used a wheelchair as a prop - and she wasn't the first star to do so either


Six songs into the ten song set, Gaga went off for a costume change and came on in a wheelchair wearing a PVC mermaid tail before launching into her single You And I.

But although her fans went crazy for the performance, it was met with disapproval from some disability organisations and advocacy groups.

In a statement to RadarOnline, Jesse Billauer, founder of the Life Rolls On Foundation, fumed: 'I haven’t seen Lady Gaga’s performance, but respect her artistic expression as an artist.


That's torn it: Gaga arrived at Sydney Airport with what looked like a huge rip in her black and white floppy straw hat


'Since this isn’t the first time she has used a wheelchair in her performances, I invite her to learn more about the 5.6 million Americans who live with paralysis.

'I extend a personal invitation to Lady Gaga to attend one of our Life Rolls On events where quadriplegics and paraplegics surf, skate, and snowboard, so she can see how much is possible beyond a wheelchair.

'Maybe that will be most shocking to her of all. They, like me, unfortunately, don’t use a wheelchair for shock value.'



Bye bye my Little Monsters: Gaga is besieged by eager fans as she left her Sydney hotel


Having failed to make a comment about her wheelchair stunt, Gaga jetted out of Sydney this morning.

And unlike other stars on long-haul flights who opt for comfy clothes for the journey, Gaga left the country in a black leather dress and towering Louboutin heels.

But it was her hat that stood out as she got out of her car and made her way to the terminal blowing kisses to her fans.

The huge black and white straw hat appeared to have a huge rip in it, which she looked out of as she walked through the airport.


source: dailymail