Hollywood Celebrities 2013/01/30

Barbra Streisand to perform at Oscars
Barbara Streisand is to perform at the Oscars next month.

Barbra Streisand is set to perform at the Oscars next month 36 years after her last Academy Awards appearance, where she sang 'A Star Is Born' in 1977.

Barbara Streisand is to perform at the Oscars next month.

The singer-and-actress last sang at the prestigious event in 1977, where she performed 'A Star Is Born' and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 'Evergreen'.

Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are ''honoured'' the iconic star has agreed to take part in the 85th ceremony in Los Angeles on February 24.

In a statement on the official Oscars website, they wrote: ''In an evening that celebrates the artistry of movies and music, how could the telecast be complete without Barbra Streisand? We are honoured that she has agreed to do a very special performance on this year's Oscars, her first time singing on the show in 36 years.''

Barbara won her first Best Actress statuette in 1968's 'Funny Girl' and received a nomination for her lead performance in 1973's 'The Way We Were', while 'The Prince of Tides' which she directed and produced was up for Best Picture at the 1991 ceremony.

She also received a nomination was for co-writing the original song for 'I Finally Found Someone' from 1996's 'The Mirror Has Two Faces'.

Singer/songwriters Norah Jones and Adele have also been confirmed to perform their Oscar-nominated tracks - with Norah singing 'Everybody Needs a Best Friend' from host Seth MacFarlane's comedy 'Ted' and Adele singing 'Skyfall' from the James Bond film of the same name.
Agyness Deyn doesn't talk acting with husband
Agyness Deyn and her husband Giovanni Ribisi never discuss work at home.

Agyness Deyn has described her actor husband Giovanni Ribisi as her ''hero'' but says the couple never discuss their acting careers with each other.

Agyness Deyn and her husband Giovanni Ribisi never discuss work at home.

The model-turned-actress married the actor, who she describes as her ''hero'', in a surprise ceremony last year and although the couple now share a profession they like to avoid business in their private conversations.

When asked if they talk about acting together, Agyness said: ''No! That's so funny. We don't. He's incredible. He's my hero.

''But obviously, if I was like, a teacher, I'd come home and be like, 'This kid at school ... blah, blah, blah.' So, obviously, we talk about our jobs ... We're both like, really private people.''

The 29-year-old beauty and the 'Gangster Squad' star tied the knot after a whirlwind romance and although it may have seemed sudden to the watching world, the couple knew they were doing the right thing.

Speaking to the new issue of InStyle magazine, Agyness said: ''I suppose you meet someone and you're just like ... you just know. Obviously, if someone's marrying someone, they're bringing a lot of really good stuff...''

Agyness - who previously dated The Strokes rocker Albert Hammond Jr. - seems to enjoy shocking people as her decision to quit the fashion world when she was at the height of her success to become an actress was completely unexpected.

The 'Clash of the Titans' star admits she was woke up one day and decided she was finished with the catwalk.

She explained: ''Yeah, I just kind of felt I'd got to point where I was craving something a little bit different. I called up my agent and said, 'I want to be an actress. He was like, cool.' ''
Hulk Hogan: Surgeries left me twisted like The Exorcist
Hulk Hogan was left twisted like '''The Exorcist''' after his unsuccessful back surgeries.

LSI

Hulk Hogan has revealed the surgeries carried out on his back by the the Laser Spine Institute LLC (LSI) - who he is suing for over $50 million - left his body contorted in pain.

Hulk Hogan was left twisted like '''The Exorcist''' after his unsuccessful back surgeries.

The wrestling legend recently filed a lawsuit for over $50 million in loss of earnings against the Laser Spine Institute LLC (LSI) in Tampa, Florida, claiming their unnecessary operations on his spine cost him a lucrative contract with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).

Hulk - whose real name is Terry Bollea - insists the procedures carried out between February 2009 and August 2010 severely damaged his already injured back and left his body contorted like the possessed character Regan MacNeil in the 1973 horror film.

He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: ''The people who worked on my back, Laser Spine, said I didn't need a fusion. So they cut on my back one time and I felt pretty good after a couple of weeks. I called (WWE owner) Vince McMahon and said, 'Man I'm good to go, let's do this deal.' So we started planning, then suddenly I was like, 'Ah, ah, my back!' That put the deal on hold. Then they cut on me six more times and they kept cutting more bone away, until I had to have a spinal cord stimulator put in my back. The stimulator has wires that go up your back and stops the pain. They put that in my back because my body was twisting like 'The Exorcist'. I couldn't pull my head around front, my body was all contorted.''

Hulk, 59, had thought he'd found ''heaven on earth'' after being told by the Laser Spine Institute he didn't need his spine fused together.

But the multi-time world champion was in so much agony he went to see different doctors who were astonished by the state of his back.

Hulk - who now works for 'TNA IMPACT Wrestling' - explained: ''Everybody else said I needed a fusion. When they're asking you if you're ready for a fusion, they say make sure you've done every option - rested, trained, proper nutrition. Then if you can't eat, you can't sleep, you can't work, if you can't have sex, if you can't even function in life, then fusion is your only option. The Laser Spine people came along and said, 'You don't need a fusion.' I thought I'd found heaven on earth ... But after the surgeries I was in so much pain that I finally went and got the fusion. The doctors looked at me and went, 'Oh my god! What did they do to you?' They'd cut so much bone away the new doctors didn't know if they could piece it together but they did and I'm OK now.''

Part of the multi-year deal with the WWE would have seen Hulk wrestle John Cena in a dream match at the company's annual showpiece 'Wrestlemania'.
Brandi Glanville's surgery revenge on Eddie Cibrian
Brandi Glanville made Eddie Cibrian buy her a ''new'' vagina.

Brandi Glanville has revealed she exacted revenge on her cheating ex-husband Eddie Cibrian by using his credit card for a $12,000 vaginal rejuvenation operation after their split.

Brandi Glanville made Eddie Cibrian buy her a ''new'' vagina.

The 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star has revealed she exacted revenge on her cheating ex-husband by charging an intimate vaginal rejuvenation procedure, worth $12,000, to his credit card following his 2009 affair with country singer LeAnn Rimes.

The 40-year-old former model - who has two sons, Mason, nine, and five-year-old Jake, with Eddie - explained her pricey payback plot in her upcoming autobiography, 'Drinking and Tweeting and Other Brandi Blunders'.

She reveals: ''I would ask Eddie from time to time if my vagina was the same after childbirth. He always said yes, except once. He was actually quite vulgar.''

Following the couple's separation, Brandi discovered her spouse had blocked her credit card, so she decided to send him a message by making a large transaction on his.

She reasoned: ''I decided that since Eddie ruined my vagina for me, he could pay for a new one.

''A week after the vaginal rejuvenation surgery, he was on the phone screaming, 'What the f**k cost you $12,000? Did you get a nose job?' I responded simply, 'Yes. A nose job.' And I hung up.''

Since splitting from the 'Playboy Club' actor, the sharp-tongued blonde has been locked in a bitter war of words with LeAnn, who married Eddie in 2011 after legally separating from her husband Dean Sheremet.

In an interview on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' last week, the 'Can't Fight the Moonlight' singer exclaimed Brandi could ''screw'' herself.
Gemma Arterton looks simply bewitching in a printed silk dress at premier of new film about Hansel and Gretel
Good enough to eat: Gemma Arterton looks simply bewitching in a printed silk dress at premier of new film about Hansel and Gretel
By EMMA GRITT
PUBLISHED: 16:31, 29 January 2013 | UPDATED: 17:21, 29 January 2013
Gemma Arterton looked every inch the English rose when she appeared at the premiere of her new film on Monday night.
But, film fans can be certain that the only sweetness in the new film, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters 3D, comes from bon bons in the gnarled hand of an evil old hag as Gemma is playing an all-action heroine.
She plays the role of Gretel, who alongside her brother Hansel, is a bounty hunter on a mission to rid the world of as many evil witches as they can find.

English rose: Gemma Arterton looked gorgeous in her pink and purple floral dress
The film, produced by Will Ferrell, is a black comedy action flick and already receiving good reviews.
The 27-year old actress looked stunning in a full length silk printed gown by celebrity-favourite designer Erdem.
Gemma's dress was from the Resort 2013 collection, and highlighted her svelte curves perfectly.

Pretty as a petal: Gemma was at the premiere of Hans! el & Gretel Witch Hunters in Sydney, Australia

Glossy: Gemma's hair looked lustrous for her appearance in Sydney
The pink and purple hues of the dress' floral pattern looked vibrant against her naturally porcelain skin, and her brunette hair looked glossy and perfectly coiffed.
Gemma rarely wears make-up, but made an effort for the Sydney film screening.
As well as a slash of pink lipstick, she also highlighted her deep brown eyes with a generous daubing of eyeshadow.

Movie star: Gemma stars in the black comedy film, which is produced by Will Ferrell

Heroine: The new film offers an alternative interpretation of the popular fairy tale, with Hansel suffering diabetes after his run in with a witch
Her co-star in the film, Jeremy Renner, was also at the premiere.
The American actor looked distinguished in a grey three piece suit and thin tartan scarf.
Jeremy, 42, plays a very modern version of the classic character of Hansel.
Due to a witch force feeding him sweets when he was a child, his character suffers from diabetes, and needs t! o have a ! daily injection in order to stay active.

Hansel and Gretel: Playing the lead role is Jeremy Renner, who was previously in The Hurt Locker

Witch fighters: In the film, Hansel and Gretel are modern day bounty hunters, killing witches to order

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2270167/Gemma-Arterton-looks-simply-bewitching-printed-silk-dress-premier-new-film-Hansel-Gretel.html#ixzz2JOq7u3jk
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35 years on, classic Fleetwood Mac album Rumours is back with a twist
It's still MACnificent! 35 years on, classic Fleetwood Mac album Rumours is back with a twist
By ADRIAN THRILLS
PUBLISHED: 22:00, 24 January 2013 | UPDATED: 23:27, 24 January 2013
FLEETWOOD MAC: Rumours (Rhino, Expanded and Deluxe editions)
Verdict: Rock's greatest soap opera revisited
Rating:

Classic: Rumours, by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac's 1977 album Rumours wasn't so much a rock record as a fully fledged soap opera.
Fuelled by drugs and tangled romances, it chronicled the five members' raw emotions with classic songs like Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way and Dreams.
Keyboardist Christine McVie described the sessions as a 'nightly cocktail party' while drummer Mick Fleetwood said they were 'crucifyingly difficult'.
But the Anglo-Americans pressed on to finish 'the most important album we ever made'.
On Monday — 35 years after its original release — Rumours is back. The landmark album is being re-issued in two packages! with bonus material, out-takes and live recordings to mark the band's reunion tour (UK dates are expected to be in late September).
A three-CD version, selling at around £12, contains the original album, bonus tracks and the live material. For Mac maniacs, a 'deluxe' edition, close to £50, is bolstered by further outtakes, a DVD and copy of Rumours on vinyl.
So how does it all stand up three-and-a-half decades on? Very well indeed. Echoes of the album's radio-friendly hooks and harmonies can now be heard in modern bands like The Pierces and Haim.
The album has even been the focus of a TV episode of Glee, while an a cappella cover of Don't Stop is currently heard on a Seat cars' advert.
The main reason why Rumours continues to fascinate is the way it vividly documents the band's twisted relationships. Mick was in the throes of a painful divorce from Jenny Boyd and would go on to have an affair with Mac singer Stevie Nicks.
Bassist John McVie and keyboardist Christine had just broken up after eight years of marriage, while Stevie and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham were heading for the rocks following a five-year romance.

Tangled romances (from left): Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, John McVie, Christine McVie, and Linsey Buckingham
The band poured the trauma into their writing: Buckingham's Go Your Own Way was a hurtful parting shot at Nicks, who responded with Dreams; Christine McVie aimed Don't Stop at John to show him how she had moved on; he suggested the title Rumours because the group, without admitting it, were all writing ! songs abo! ut each other.
RUMOURS AND FACTS
The album topped the U.S. chart for 31 weeks — and has now sold 40 million copies worldwide.
The sleeve features Herbert Worthington's black-and-white photo of Stevie Nicks and soon-to-be-lover Mick Fleetwood.
Rumours won a Grammy for album of the year in 1978.
The songs pushed founder members Mick and John away from their roots in British blues to something that sounds contemporary even today.
The rollicking Don't Stop remains a radio staple while The Chain is the BBC's theme tune for its Formula 1 coverage.
Stevie once told me: 'What I remember aren't the bad nights when we weren't speaking to one another but the night Dreams was written.
'I walked in and handed a rough cassette to Lindsey. He was mad with me at the time but he played it and looked up at me and smiled.
'We knew what was going on was very sad. We were couples who couldn't make it through the perils of fame but we still looked on each other with a lot of respect. It was a shame we had to break up but we got Go Your Own Way and Dreams out of it all. How upset can you be about that?'
The bonus material is strong — especially the songs left off the original album. Of the alternate versions of album tracks, the picks are an early incarnation of Dreams and a new version of I Don't Want To Know. Less impressive are the jam sessions on the deluxe edition, while the live songs from 1977 don't add anything.
But the real joys are to be found by listening again to the original, 39-minute album. It's no wonder Fleetwood Mac were so keen to overcome the tribulations and finish a record with some of the catchiest, most intriguing songs of the Seventies.

Read! more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2267882/Fleetwood-Mac-Rumours-review-35-years-classic-album-twist.html#ixzz2JUQCEOM2
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Rihanna: Chris Brown makes me happy
Rihanna got back with Chris Brown because she wanted to be happy.

Rihanna decided to give things another go with Chris Brown, despite him being on probation for assaulting her in 2009, because he's the only person who makes her happy.

Rihanna got back with Chris Brown because she wanted to be happy.

The 'S&M' singer split from the 'Beautiful People' hitmaker in 2009 after he beat her up and, despite him still being on probation for the brutal assault, Rihanna decided to give things another go with him.

Although she knew people wouldn't approve of her decision, the sexy star insists Chris always makes her smile.

She said: ''I wanted him to know what it felt like to lose me. To feel the consequences of that. So when that (stuff) came back it hit me like a ton of bricks. Like, God, you've got to be kidding right now. But I got real with myself, and I just couldn't bury the way I felt.

''I decided it was more important for me to be happy, and I wasn't going to let anybody's opinion get in the way of that. Even if it's a mistake, it's my mistake. After being tormented for so many years, being angry and dark, I'd rather just live my truth and take the backlash. I can handle it.''

The 24-year-old beauty insists she and Chris are stronger than ever because they now know what's important to them.

In a revealing interview with Rolling Stone magazine: ''When you add up the pieces from the outside, it's not the cutest puzzle in the world. You see us walking somewhere, driving somewhere, in the studio, in the club, and you think you know. But it's different now. We don't have those types of arguments anymore. We talk about (stuff). We value each other. We know exactly what we have now, and we don't want to lose that.

''Of course everybody has their opinion about him, because of what he's done. That will always be there. But he made a mistake, and he's paid his dues. He's paid so much. And I know that's not a place he would ever want to go back to. And sometimes people need support and encouragement, instead of ridicule and criticism and bashing.''
Peaches Geldof shows off wedding ring
Peaches Geldof has been showing off her impressive collection of rings.

Peaches Geldof has shown off her engagement ring, wedding band and the band she received as a Christmas gift from husband Tom Cohen on Instagram.

Peaches Geldof has been showing off her impressive collection of rings.

The socialite - who is married to musician Tom Cohen - posted a picture on Instagram of the shiny diamond ring he gave to her at Christmas as well as her wedding band and engagement ring.

Accompanying the image. she wrote on Twitter: ''My amazing engagement ring with my wedding band and the new Tiffany gold and platinum band Tom gave me as my Christmas pressie from him (it matches his wedding band) (sic).''

Peaches and Tom married in September last year at St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence Church in Davington, Kent, South East England.

The church holds special significance for Peaches, 23, as it was where her mother and her father, Bob Geldof, had their wedding blessed after earlier marrying in Las Vegas in 1986. It is also where Paula's funeral was held after she died of a drug overdose in 2000, but she said she could feel her at the wedding.

She said: ''I feel her presence all the time but especially today.

''Mum loved family celebrations and she would adore Tom and the fact that we've married here.

''I know that she is watching over me and feeling so happy for us.''

Peaches is currently expecting her second child with Tom, which will be a brother or sister to nine month old Astala.
Ashley Judd and her husband split
Ashley Judd and her husband Dario Franchitti have separated.

Ashley Judd and her husband Dario Franchitti have announced their 11-year marriage is over.

Ashley Judd and her husband Dario Franchitti have separated.

The 'Dolphin Tale' actress and the Scottish racing driver have decided to end their 11-year marriage but despite the break-up they insist they will ''always be family''.

A statement released by the pair read: ''We have mutually decided to end our marriage. We'll always be family and continue to cherish our relationship based on the special love, integrity, and respect we have always enjoyed.''

Ashley, 44, and Dario, 39, got engaged in December 1999 and married in December 2001, at Skibo Castle, near Dornoch, Scotland.

During their union, the couple - who never had children -divided their time between Dario's home country and their American farm outside Franklin, Tennessee.

Last July, they put their restored Georgian mansion, located in Stirlingshire, Scotland, on the market for £3.8 million.

At the time, Ashley and Dario - who has won the Indianapolis 500 race three times - claimed they were selling up because their seven pet dogs were too old to make the journey from America to Britain.

Although the property was in a state of disrepair and took them five years to restore and modernise, the 'Missing' star knew she wanted it as soon as she saw it.

She said: ''It fitted that romantic picture and standard that had been set for me in terms of Scottish beauty. We walked into the house and I remember my first words, 'It's an absolute dump, I have to have it!' ''
Barbara Walters out of hospital
Barbara Walters has been released from hospital.

Veteran broadcast journalist Barbara Walters has been released from hospital after contracting chicken pox and she will continue to recover at home.

Barbara Walters has been released from hospital.

The American broadcaster and host of 'The View' was hospitalised earlier this month after falling and cutting her head at a pre-inauguration party for United States President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. and later contracted chicken pox during her recuperation in hospital, but she has now been cleared to go home.

The 83-year-old TV veteran will continue to recuperate from her bout of chicken pox - which is thought to affect one in 10,000 adults each year and results in sufferers being covered in an itchy rash - at her home in New York City, her employer ABC confirmed.

Her 'View' co-host Whoopi Goldberg announced her ailment on Monday's instalment of the daytime talk show, telling viewers: ''You all know that she fell and cut her head 10 days ago, and then was running a temperature, but it turns out it is all the result of a delayed childhood. Barbara has the chickenpox. She'd never had it as a child. So now she's been told to rest, she's not allowed any visitors. And we're telling you, Barbara, no scratching!''

Barbara, a respected TV journalist, created and hosts 'The View' as well as annual '10 Most Fascinating People' specials which garner millions of viewers.
Selena Gomez displays her toned figure in a patchwork bodycon dress as she celebrates her Nylon magazine cover

Every inch the cover girl! Selena Gomez displays her toned figure in a patchwork bodycon dress as she celebrate her magazine spread
By JADE WATKINS
PUBLISHED: 17:45, 30 January 2013 | UPDATED: 17:47, 30 January 2013

She appears on the front cover of the latest issue of edgy fashion bible Nylon.
And Selena Gomez looked every inch the cover girl as she attended a bash to celebrate the accolade on Tuesday night.
The 20-year-old actress and singer displayed her very toned legs in a patchwork bodycon dress featuring braided leather trim at the party held at Soho House in Hollywood.
Pretty in patchwork: Selena Gomez looked every inch the cover girl as she attended a bash to celebrate her new Nylon magazine cover and spread at Soho House on Tuesday night
The brunette beauty made her outfit, consisting of green, beige and cream hues, pop even more by slipping on a pair of stand-out sorbet orange stilettos.
Selena's dark locks looked glossy out in a wavy style and her make-up was flawless with a smokey eye and nude lip applied.
The Monte Carlo star did her best pout as she posed with her special edition of the magazine.
Duck lips: The Monte Carlo star did her best pout as she posed with her special edition of the magazine
Lady with leathergoods: During the evening Selena signed an array of leather handbags from Coach, who was sponsoring the event
During the evening, which also included a sit-down dinner, Selena signed an array of leather handbags from Coach, who was sponsoring the event.
The newly single star was joined by a host of other celebrities at the soiree held at the private member's only establishment.
Best friend and Spring Breakers co-star Ashley Benson came out to support her pal and looked great in a sexy little black dress.
Hart of Dixie star Jaime King was meanwhile white hot in a low-cut tight jumpsuit and metallic pointed-toe heels.
The 33-year-old blonde wore her hair slicked back into a bun and had lashings of red-lipstick on her pout.
Looking good: The 20-year-old actress and singer displayed her very toned legs in a patchwork bodycon dress featuring braided leather trim as she posed with Publisher Jaclynn Jarrett and Editor Marvin Scott Jarrett
Lady of the hour: Selena also posed with Karim Abay and Jordana Blitz from Nylon magazine
Meanwhile, Mad Men star Kiernan Shipka dressed in an age appropriate monochrome ensemble.
The 13-year-old looked pretty in a white short-sleeve shirt and a pair of black trousers featuring zipper detailing at the front.
The teenager also wore her hair pulled back and had a pair of cute sparkly heels on her feet.
Support: Best friend and Spring Breakers co-star Ashley Benson came out to support of her pal
Trusty LBD: The blonde Pretty Little Liars star looked great in a sexy little black dress
Throughout the evening, guests were gifted with leathergoods from luxury label Coach, who was sponsoring the event.
Selena's big night out comes after she had been spending time in a Los Angeles based studio on earlier in the day.
After being one half of a high profiled relationship with Justin Bieber, it seems like she is dealing with her split with the pop star the way most artists do, by channelling any feelings, good or bad.
Working with producers and songwriters Rock Mafia, she gave her Twitter followers an exclusive look at her recording session.
Guestlist: Hart of Dixie star Jaime King and Mad Men star Kiernan Shipka also attended
Soiree: During the evening guest were treated to a sit-down dinner
Hinting at what could be a ballad based on her two year union with Justin, on Monday Selena tweeted: 'It's a sad, sad serenade @rock_mafia'
Teaming the post with an image, Gomez is pictured leaning back in her chair, holding one hand in the air as she appears to be belting out a note.
Returning to the micro-blogging site the following day to share more happenings from her life, it seemed the mood in the studio had changed.
Standing with her back to the camera as she flashes the peace sign, Selena looked like she was taking on the role of a good girl gone bad.
Donning a fitted cap backwards, the former Disney star wore a slinky black cut-out top with a pair of harem pants as she got on with another day in the booth.
Channelling her heartbreak? Selena's big night out comes after she had been spending time in a Los Angeles based stu! dio
The caption which accompanied the snap read: 'I can make the Stars Dance... @rock_mafia'.
Since calling time on her relationship with Bieber, Selena has credited her best friend, Taylor Swift, with helping her through the painful break-up.
She said: 'Taylor is one of the most inspirational, positive, good-hearted people I know. I think she's been a big part of me staying who I am, too.
'I've been through a lot in the past few months. It's been weird and sad and cool. We have both experienced the same things at the same time... But we've never once talked about our industry.
'She just became the person I'd go to for an issue with my family or boyfriend. It's so hard to trust girls, so I'm lucky to have her.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2270770/Selena-Gomez-displays-toned-figure-patchwork-bodycon-dress-celebrate-magazine-spread.html#ixzz2JUJXgipe
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A fascinating history of women with tattoos
The white slave tattooed by her Native American family, full-body fanatics of the 1920s and cancer victims who opt for 'ink bras' instead of new breasts: A fascinating history of women with tattoos
By RUTH STYLES
PUBLISHED: 11:43, 30 January 2013 | UPDATED: 16:13, 30 January 2013
Most people think of tattoos as a modern phenomenon. But according to new book, Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History of Women and Tattoos, the so-called tramp stamp has a much longer history than we realise.
From the woman who was tattooed as part of a Native American religious rite to the upper class Victorian society women who went crazy for tattoos, getting inked has been part of subversive subculture for centuries.
And while covering your body with tattoos has become part of a popular trend for body decoration, for Olive Oatman, one of the first white women ever to be given a tattoo, it wasn't a matter of choice.

Pioneer: Olive Oatman was taken in by the Mojave tribe after her family was killed. The Mojave tattooed her chin to ensure her passage into the afterlife

!
Going Native: In this 1858 lithograph, Olive Oatman is seen being presented to the Mojave tribal council before being tattooed as part of a religious rite

Slave: Although Olive was treated well by the Mohave, her younger sister Mary Ann (also tattooed) died from starvation
Circus: Betty Broadbent, a 1920s circus performer, is one of the many women whose story is told in Margot Mifflin's new book (right)
Oatman's story began when she was kidnapped aged 13 by a group of Yavapais Indians, along with her sister Mary Ann, 10. Apart from her brother Lorenzo who was clubbed and left for dead, the rest of her family were murdered by their attackers in what came to be known as the 'Oatman massacre'.
The girls remained with their by Yavapais captors for a year, during which time they were treated as little more than slaves and endured repeated beatings.
But their luck changed when a group of Mohave Indians arrived in their kidnapper's villag! e and per! suaded the Yavapais to give up the girls in exchange for two horses and some blankets.
The pair were swiftly moved to a Mojave village on the Colorado River, where they were taken in by one of the village families and treated as full members of the tribe.
Although both girls were tattooed by the Mojave, Mary-Ann sadly didn't live long enough to be photographed - dying of starvation during a famine that hit the region a year after their arrival.
'She [Olive] was raised by Mojave Indians after her family was killed on a trip from Western Illinois,' recounts Margot Mifflin, author of Bodies Of Subversion. 'The tribe tattooed lines on her chin because they believed it would ensure her passage to the afterlife.'
Oatman remained with the Mojave until she was 19, when the authorities at nearby Fort Yuma belatedly found out that a white girl was living with the tribesmen.
A messenger from the Yuma tribe was sent to negotiate with the Mojave for her release and eventually, they agreed to part with her in exchange for horses and blankets.
At Fort Yuma, Oatman was reunited with her brother Lorenzo. Although she later married, to cattleman John B. Fairchild, she never had children although the couple did adopt a daughter, Marnie, in 1877.
After she died aged 65 in 1903, rumours surfaced of a previous marriage to a Mojave chieftain which was said to have produced two sons. But romantic as it sounds, the rumours were never substantiated.
Since Olive was given her tattoos in 1858, body art has become an ubiquitous part of modern life in the UK, with an estimated 20 million Brits believed to have one.

Painted lady: Women with extensive tattoos, such as this one, were often to be found in travelling circuses during the 1920s

Fashion: By the 1920s, tattoos were seen as seriously stylish, including by this woman seen being inked by legendary Bowery tattooist Charlie Wagner

Pin up: Australian model, Cindy Ray, had become a global superstar by 1962 - all thanks to her elaborate tattoos

Art: Circus attraction turned tattooist Irene 'Bobbie' Libarry, (photographed in 1976) followed in the footsteps of pioneering female tattooist, Maud Wagner
Creative: Modern tattoos by the likes of German collaborative team Simone Pfaff and Volker Merschky or Roxx can be just as compelling as their vintage counterparts
Tattooing has long been part of Polynesian culture, while body art has also been found on the mummified remains of Ancient Egyptian priests and priestesses.
Although tattoos first made an appearance in the woad etchings of Iron Age Britons, they didn't reappear in Western culture until the 19th century and the first recorded body art craze which originated in Victorian high society.
Popularised by 19th century explorers returning home to the UK full of tales about the weird and wonderful tattooed women they saw on their travels, tattoos swiftly became the accessory of choice for upper class women.
Such was the intensity of the craze for body art during the Victorian period, even Queen Victoria is believed to have had one in the form of a Bengal tiger fighting with a python.
Wartime Prime Minister, Winston Churchill's mother Jennie also had a serpent tattoo, although hers was rebelliously visible and inked bracelet style around her wrist.
'Upper class women were making a feminist gesture,' explains Mifflin. 'They were taking control of their bodies when they had little power elsewhere.'
Sadly, tattoos didn't equal control for many Victorian women, some of whom were tattoed against their will and press-ganged into work as circus attractions.
According to Bodies of Subversion, several women claimed to have been abducted and forcibly tattooed before being made to pose for! paying p! unters visiting the period's popular travelling freak shows.
Other tattoo tales chronicled in the book include the story of Maud Wagner, the first known woman tattooist, who in 1904 traded a date with her tattooist husband-to-be for an apprenticeship and the story of the first British female tattooist - one Justine Knight who opened her London business in 1921.

Stunning: Beautiful tattoos, such as this inked bra, have become popular with cancer survivors who use them to conceal post-mastectomy scars

Elaborate: According to the book, tattoos such as this one by Saira Hunjan should be regarded as art in their own right
But while tattoos remained popular during the 1920s, their popularity waned in the wake of the Great Depression and the Second World War.
Left to languish in the fashion wilderness for nearly 40 years, the tattoo next staged a comeback in the 1970s, when they were claimed by the nascent feminist movement.
'It was about the greater freedom of women to do what they wanted with their own body,' says Mifflin. 'In the '70s, tattoos took on a whole new dimension when issues of abortion rights and contraception and government regulation of women's bodies called attention to the question of who's controlling women and why.'
Since then, tattoos have only become more popular. In the book, Mifflin charts how ! the rise ! of body art mirrored that of cosmetic surgery in the body-conscious 80s, before becoming part of mainstream culture in the 1990s.
Although a huge celebrity trend that boasts the likes of Samantha Cameron and Cheryl Cole among its adherents, the book reveals that tattoos have also been adopted by breast cancer survivors, who use them to conceal the marks left by their mastectomies.
This chimes with Mifflin, who envisions a future where faded roses and ugly barbed wire designs have become a thing of the past; replaced by tattoos that compliment the body rather than smothering it.
'The future of tattooing is about decorating the body and not hanging pictures on it. And abstract work has a better chance of standing the test of time.'
Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History of Women and Tattoos by Margot Mifflin (£15.20, Powerhouse Books) is available from amazon.co.uk

PAINTED LADIES: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TATTOO IN EUROPE
3300 BC: Tattoos were common among the prehistoric peoples of Europe. Ötzi the Iceman, dated to 3300 BC, has 57 different etchings including a cross and six straight lines. An early ancestor of modern European man, the Iceman was found buried in a peat bog in the Ötztal Alps in 1991.
54 BC: The Picts or 'painted men' of Scotland struck terror into the hearts of invading Romans thanks to their scary blue woad tattoos. Julius Caesar also noted the presence of inked tribesmen in the British Isles in book five of his history of the Gallic Wars.
900 AD: Iraqi explorer, Ahmad ibn Fadlan, wrote that members of the Scandinavian Rus tribe (forerunners of the Vikings) were tattooed from 'fingernails to nec! k with da! rk blue tree patterns and other figures' during his travels around what is now Sweden. By this point, tattoos were becoming less common in the UK and elsewhere in Christian Europe, where they were seen as a mark of paganism.
1577: Although some of the England's Anglo-Saxon kings were believed to have sported tattoos, the next definitive sighting of body art came in 1577 when the explorer Sir Martin Frobisher returned from a voyage to the Arctic with three Inuit captives. The man, woman and child - all of whom bore tattoos - died within a month of arriving in London.
1691: Explorer William Dampier brought a tattooed native from New Guinea, who later became known as the 'Painted Prince'.
1776: Captain James Cook returned from a voyage to Polynesia bringing with him tales of the 'tattooed savages' he and his men had encountered. He also introduced the word 'tattoo' to the English language, which is itself derived from the Tahitian 'tatau'.
1892: The future King George V kick-starts the tattoo trend in Europe after he gets a Cross of Jerusalem tattoo while on a visit to the Middle East. His sons, the Duke of York and Clarence follow suit while on a naval tour of Japan.
1898: Another future British monarch, Edward VII, gets a tattoo and is swiftly copied by nearly every crowned head in Europe. Among the royal ink fans were Denmark's King Frederick IX, the King of Romania, Kaiser Wilhelm II, King Alexander of Yugoslavia and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Even Queen Victoria was rumoured to have one.
1900: The first tattoo exhibition is held in London, kickstarting a trend for tattooed 'freaks' in contemporary travelling circuses
1921: The first British female tattooist, Justine Knight, opens the doors to her London par! lour
1939: The outbreak of war in Europe precipitates a decline in the popularity of tattoos which continues throughout the 1940s. 50s and 60s
1970: With the advent of the Women's Liberation movement, body art begins to become popular once more.
2013: Body etching has become part of mainstream culture, boasting celebrity fans ranging from Samantha Cameron to Cheryl Cole. An estimated 20 million British people are believed to have one.

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Pixie Lott wears skin tight trousers as she arrives at Radio 1
Not a Lott of leather: Pixie shows off her slim legs wearing skintight trousers as she arrives at Radio 1
By FAY STRANG
PUBLISHED: 18:29, 30 January 2013 | UPDATED: 18:31, 30 January 2013
But on Wednesday Pixie Lott bucked her own trend as she stepped out in a pair of super tight leather trousers, debuting a more rock 'n' roll look.
Showing off her slim legs in the eye-watering trousers the Mama Do singer made her way into the Radio 1 studios in London.
Super tight: Pixie Lott wore a pair of tight trousers as she arrived at Radio 1 on Wednesday
Not wanting to veer from her trademark look too much, the pretty blonde teamed her trousers with a silk check shirt which was done up to the top.
While she kept warm with an overcoat, her ankles looked a little on the chilly side as she wore a pair of brogues with no socks.
Finally the 22-year-old completed the look with a black bow tied round her hair, which is a favourite look for the star.
Eye-watering: The leather trousers, which she wore with a silk shirt, looked a little on the tight side
Pixie was appearing on the Huw Stephens show to talk about her recent trip to Zambia for Comic Relief.
The singer was seen earlier this month celebrating her birthday with her boyfriend Oliver Cheshire.
The couple looked as loved-up as ever after being reunited as Pixie returned to the UK after spending time over in the States working on her new album.
Trademark: Not veering too much from her usual look Pixie wore a black bow in her hair
Now she's back in the UK, Pixie has been spending a lot of time in the studio, on Wednesday morning she tweeted: 'STUDIO ALL WEEEK *album3soonahhh*'
As well as working on her music, Pixie has also teamed up with Blackberry and will be helping the phone company launch a new range of devices on Thursday.
She tweeted: 'Tomorrow I'll be at @Phones4u Oxford St to celebrate something exciting! Come down from 9am x'
Charity: Pixie appeared on the Huw Stephens show to talk about her recent trip to Zambia for Comic Relief
The fashion lover has recently designed her own jewellery and accessory range for Rock N' Rose! .
Speaking about her collection she recently said: 'I set about designing the pieces thinking about what women love to wear – from understated elegant necklaces to wow pieces like the floral crowns I've worn in the past – there's something for everyone.
'I'm really looking forward to launching the collection, it's my first foray in to jewellery design and it has been so much fun. I hope my cats and the Rock 'N Rose customer love the collection as much as I do!'

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Sketches that look like digital photographs of Beyonce, Amy Winehouse and Princess Diana
Drawing plenty of attention: The incredible sketches which look just like digital photographs
- Subjects range from singers Beyonce and Amy Winehouse to Mother Teresa and Princess Diana
- Each expressive piece is made using primarily graphite and charcoal pencil
- Artist Kelvin Okafor is gaining great acclaim for his incredible work
By EMMA REYNOLDS
PUBLISHED: 10:56, 30 January 2013 | UPDATED: 12:08, 30 January 2013

On first glance, these stripped-back images of well-known figures look like beautifully shot photographs.
In fact, each one is an incredibly detailed pencil drawing.
Their astonishing realism is rapidly making their young artist as famous as his subjects - who include Beyonce, Amy Winehouse, Princess Diana and Mother Teresa.
Scroll down for video
Back to Black: Singer Amy Winehouse is shown staring wide-eyed into the distance in this emotive sketch
Windows to the soul: Kelvin Okafor begins with the eyes when he creates his realistic sketches of famous faces from ! Beyonce to Mother Teresa
Invincible: The Middlesex University Fine Art graduate is gaining increasing recognition with images including this one of pop star Tinie Tempah
Each work takes the 27-year-old up to 100 hours to complete, and he tries to inspire emotion in the viewer with vivid portraits. Pictured, Heath Ledger and Princess Diana
Beauty of life: Mr Okafor favours using a simple pencil because he it is 'humble' and allows a subject - such as James Morrison, pictured - to shine
Rated R: The London-based artist has now scooped national awards and is exhibiting across the country. Pictured, Rihanna
Kelvin Okafur, 27, graduated from Middlesex University in fine art and is now making waves across the country.
His subjects include popular music artists Tini! e Tempah,! James Morrison and Adele.
He has also picked out tragic figures from actor Heath Ledger to the late King of Jordan, King Hussein - and with each, he tries to evoke an emotion in the viewer.
Finally, he has used friends and colleagues for the impressively accurate images, which look like soft focus digital photos.
Last year, the artist from Tottenham, north London, exhibited at numerous major art galleries and won a clutch of prestigious national awards for his remarkable work.
Each of his pieces takes around 80-100 hours to complete, over approximately three weeks in the studio.
Mr Okafor creates each piece only in black and white - using graphite pencils, charcoal, black coloured pencil and sometimes grey pastels.
Yet he believes that the range of tone, shade and texture is almost endless.
He draws on a combination of life and photographs, working on his art for up to 15 hours a day.
He admits he is 'passionate about precision'.
'I aspire to create art as vivid as eyes could see,' the artist writes on his blog.
'I want my drawings to prompt an emotional response, making viewers feel as though they are looking at a real live subject.
Mr Okafor describes the pencil as 'a humble instrument', but says this is part of its appeal.
'I've always been creative, but fell in love with using pencils in particular.
'It amazed me, that with only one shade of lead, you can create so many tones and textures, and almost create the illusion of colour.
'It was only when my images started to create a buzz with other Middl! esex Univ! ersity students that I realised their impact.'
He was selected as one of the top two pieces of work at Cork Street Gallery's Winter Show in 2012 and recently won the Catherine Petitgas Visitors' Choice Prize, part of the National Open Art Competition.
His work is currently on display at the The Watercolours + Works on Paper Fair at the London Science Museum, until February 3.
Before starting a piece, Mr Okafor spends a few days analysing a photo, concentrating first on the subject's eyes, which are central to his works' impact.
His pieces are now selling for on average £8,000-£10,000, depending on the scale.
'The attention I'm receiving is surreal and hasn't really sunk in yet,' he added.
'I'm usually sheltered from it in my studio as I continue to build my portfolio, but I'm really humbled and honoured that so many people appreciate my work.
'I hope to have my own gallery in the future.'
He has now had more than 50 commissions, and the dedicated artist cites his role models as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo - because they not only mastered the arts but branched out into other fields including engineering, poetry, science and maths.
Twitter users describe his work as 'incredible', 'extraordinary' and 'astounding'.
The talented artist is gaining a large following and has made videos showing the evolution of his work, to illustrate just how each one is created.
Even so, the extent of his skill is truly breathtaking.
Watch this space.
In line for fame and fortune: Singer Corinne Bailey Rae, left, was another source of inspiration for Kelvin Okafor, right
VIDEO Uni graduate Kelvin Okafor reveals just how he creates the extraordinary pencil sketches
Play Video

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Bolshoi ballerina afraid to return to Russia: Newspaper

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A scandal involving allegations of blackmail and threats against a top ballerina at the Bolshoi is unfolding just days after the artistic director of ballet at Russia's most prestigious theatre was attacked, a Russian newspaper reported this week.

Dancer Svetlana Lunkina has extended a leave of absence because she is afraid to return home from Canada as a result of threats targeting her and her film producer husband, Russian daily Izvestia reported in stories it ran on Monday and Tuesday.

The alleged threats stem not from Lunkina's career at the Bolshoi, now on hold for several months at least, but from a dispute between her husband and his former partner in a project for a film about late Russian ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya'.

"This has absolutely nothing to do with me, but they sent letters disparaging me ... to all the theatres," Izvestia quoted Lunkina as saying in an interview. She said her Facebook page was hacked into as part of a campaign of "provocations".

The reports come after an unknown assailant splashed acid in the face of Bolshoi Ballet artistic director Sergei Filin on January 17 - an attack he has said followed repeated threats and may have been motivated by rivalry or resentment.

Lunkina's husband, Vladislav Moskalyov, was sued for $3.7 million by a foundation linked to his former partner in the film, prominent Russian comic Vladimir Vinokur, shortly after Moskalyov left the film project, Izvestia reported.

It said letters had been sent to theatres alleging Moskalyov had laundered some of the money with help from Lunkina.

Russian police have opened an investigation based on allegations of theft from Vinokur's foundation, but have not named any suspects, Izvestia reported.

Vinokur could not be reached for comment. Izvestia quoted him as saying that "nobody threatened" the 33-year-old Lunkina but that she was "simply the wife of a man who has committed a crime and is hiding in Canada."

BALLERINA AND BOSS

According to Izvestia, Lunkina said she had sent letters to Filin telling him about her predicament, informing him she planned to extend her leave of absence and asking for his support - but had heard he did not want her back.

"I very much wanted to return (to the Bolshoi) and still want to, but I found out recently that my artistic director Sergei Filin does not want this," Izvestia quoted her as saying. "He told the dancers: 'Lunkina won't be back.'"

Izvestia quoted Bolshoi spokeswoman Ekaterina Novikova as saying that the theatre did not have the resources to guarantee Lunkina's security, but that Filin had nothing against her.

"Sergei has always had great respect and love for Svetlana and has insisted on her participation in performances."

Bolshoi spokesman Mikhail Yarush told Reuters that Lunkina has been on leave for several months "because of a family situation" and that the leave would likely last through the season, which ends in June or July.

"I was supposed to have had very interesting work (this season) - several premieres," Izvestia quoted Lunkina as saying.

The Bolshoi Ballet has pressed ahead with performances after the attack on Filin.

Russia's chief ophthalmologist has said that Filin, 42, would retain at least some sight in both eyes after several operations, and that he would go to Germany next week to begin what doctors say will be a long recovery.

(Additional reporting by Gabriela Baczynska, editing by Paul Casciato)
World Chefs: Thomson dishes up Washington state from Seattle to Spokane

NEW YORK (Reuters) - When food writer Jess Thomson moved to Seattle, Washington, she expected to find the adventuresome cooking for which the city is famous. But she admits to being pleasantly surprised by the rich diversity of the rest of the state.

The 150 recipes in her book "Dishing Up Washington" attempt to capture the authentic regional flavors of the entire state, from Seattle to Spokane, Yakima to Walla Walla.

"It is a total food heaven," said Thomson, cookbook author, recipe developer and food blogger. "I knew it would be delicious but I'm not sure I knew how much would be available here and how constantly I would be bombarded with really great food."

She spoke to Reuters about discovering the distinctive foods of Washington and the state's climate and locavore tradition.

Q: Is this your first cookbook?

A: "This is my fourth cookbook; three in my name, one that I ghostwrote."

Q: Did you write the recipes for this book?

A: "The book is a little bit unique because it is about 60 percent recipes that I've written inspired by the state's ingredients and about 40 percent recipes by chefs, farmers and artisans from all over the state."

Q: What was your purpose with this book?

A: "I wanted to show not just best restaurants but ingredients that drive those restaurants -- what it's like to run a potato farm and the simple potato soup the farmer's mother makes, which is super warming, super delicious but not high-falutin chef-y approach that I think many Seattle chefs might have taken ... I wanted to show the guy who grows saffron on the Olympic peninsula, and the tomato grower in northeastern Washington. She doesn't have a restaurant but she's important to the state because she grows these really fantastic tomatoes."

Q: How would you characterize the cuisine of Washington State?

A: "It's adventuresome coastal cooking that depends heavily on local ingredients."

Q: Which ingredients are typical of the state?

A: "Stone fruits like peaches and cherries are huge here; tree fruits like apples and pears; fish and shellfish, mainly crab, oysters, mussels, and salmon. Then there's really great dairy and cheese, mostly from the northwestern part of the state. The state is also well known for larger crops like grapes, wheat and beef."

Q: How does Seattle's famously rainy climate affect the cuisine?

A: "The state is sort of divided by the Cascade Mountains into two distinct climates: the wet half towards the west and the drier half towards the east ... (But) there's a giant misconception about the rain here. Boston gets more rain than Seattle, but Seattle gets it almost every day of the week in winter. From a food perspective this is a very good climate for growing. Drought is not really an issue here. On the eastern side drought is an issue but many areas there get more than 300 days of sunshine in a year, so the growing season is very long and the conditions are great."

Q: What accounts for the strong locavore tradition?

A: "Because it's available. Farmers' markets near me are open the year round. In February maybe I can't buy cherries but I can buy great kale, radicchio and hazelnuts. I think it's such a vibrant community because the weather allows us to get food year round. The food world doesn't shut down from November to April here."

Q: Who is your book aimed at?

A: "I wanted to make it approachable for people cooking anywhere. The chef recipes are a little more complicated and difficult. The recipes that I've written are much simpler ... This book also an edible tour guide to the state. People tell me they're using it as a travel guide, keeping it in their car as a way of deciding what restaurants to go to in Seattle and the state."

Northwest Crab Chowder

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

4 stalks celery, cut into quarter-inch slices

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 7 medium), cut into half-inch chunks

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 (15-ounce) can fish broth

1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice

1.5 pounds Dungeness crabmeat, chopped

6 servings

1. Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and thyme. Salt and pepper to taste, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, milk, cream, fish broth and clam juice. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are soft, about 10 minutes.

2. Transfer about 2 cups of the vegetables to a food processor or a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot. Stir in the crabmeat, cook for 5 minutes longer, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve piping hot.

(Editing by Patricia Reaney and Doina Chiacu)

(This story corrects spelling of Thomson in slug, headline and throughout)
Zendaya Coleman - Lost Kats clothing line winter 2012

Zendaya Coleman - Lost Kats clothing line winter 2012
A Minute With: Director Deepa Mehta on "Midnight's Children"

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Film director Deepa Mehta is no stranger to controversy. Two of her movies - "Fire" and "Water" - were hit by protests from right-wing groups in India, and there were fears her latest cinematic offering would meet a similar fate.

"Midnight's Children", Mehta's adaptation of the Booker Prize-winning novel by Salman Rushdie, opens in Indian cinemas on Friday. The film, which chronicles the story of an Indian family living through the tumultuous events of India's recent past, features a voice over by Rushdie.

The book's depiction of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's role during India's Emergency in the 1970s had thrown the film's screening into doubt. Rushdie's even more controversial 1988 book "The Satanic Verses," which many Muslims deemed blasphemous, remains banned in the country.

Mehta, 63, spoke to Reuters about "Midnight's Children," adapting a book for the screen and "un-filmable films."

Q: Many people had said that "Midnight's Children" might be un-filmable. Was it an easy book to adapt?

A: "This is not the first book that I have adapted. I worked on Bapsi Sidhwa's book for 'Earth'. All books, by their very nature, don't have to make good films. I think it depends on the filmmaker -- if the filmmaker finds that something in that inherent story has resonance for them, then you say let me try and do it ... One of the things you have to be aware of is that the film is not a facsimile of the book. It was the same with Midnight's Children. Yes, it was an iconic book. Yes, people said it was un-filmable. For me, it was a very clear narrative."

Q: Were there parts that you wanted to leave out?

A: "Absolutely. Early on I told Salman (Rushdie) ... to write down in narrative form what he thought the flow of the film should be and I'll do the same. Separately, we wrote down what we felt the progress of the story should be in the film. We found, much to our surprise, that the points were almost identical. You know then, that your vision is the same."

Q: There's always been a debate between book lovers and moviegoers whether books are better. What do you say?

A: "Some films are better than the book. I think 'The Constant Gardener', the film was much better than the book. And some books are so much better than the films. There have been some disastrous adaptations. I think it depends on what the film turns out to be. There is the adaptation police, a group of people going 'this book should never have been made into a film', but if Salman had no problem, what's theirs?"

Q: This was also a difficult film to shoot, right? You had to shoot in Sri Lanka under a fake working title because of security concerns?

A: "That's not true at all. We came to Mumbai, looked at locations and realized that if I wanted to shoot here, it would be very difficult because nothing looks period. There are high-rises everywhere, BMW cars on the streets. That's why it was important to shoot in Sri Lanka -- it's very similar, except that it isn't as built-up. There are lovely bungalows, etc. And the reason we had to shoot under a fake working title was because I didn't want to attract press, because it distracts the actors."

Q: You've made a lot of films about women and attitudes towards them in India. What do you think is behind these skewed attitudes?

A: "Patriarchy. We've always felt that the girl child is worth nothing and should in fact be aborted even before she is born. The boy can do no wrong. If the girl is treated as a sub-human, or the boy is raised to believe he can do no wrong, then this is what will happen."

Q: Do you think films can help change these attitudes?

A: "I don't think so. They can be an instrument of looking at things differently but then films also become old-fashioned and people move on."

(Editing by Tony Tharakan and Elaine Lies)
A Minute With: Rapper T.I. dips into comedy in "Identity Thief"

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rapper Tip "T.I." Harris has seen and done it all - three Grammy Awards, a novel, time in jail, a fashion line, TV reality show, businessman and several movies.

Now the Atlanta-based singer is dipping into comedy, appearing in the film "Identity Thief" as an armed enforcer on the trail of a character played by Melissa McCarthy who is on the run from many of those she's swindled.

T.I., 32, sat down with Reuters ahead of the movie's February 8 release to talk about the film, what's left on his to-do list, and his personal views on gun control.

Q: How did you wind up in a comedic film?

A: "I met with (director) Seth (Gordon) and learned he was the director of one of my favorite comedies, 'Horrible Bosses.' I asked him how would this movie compare to 'Horrible Bosses' and he said it's going to be better. I said, 'I'm in.'"

Q: Were you OK taking a supporting role rather than a lead?

A: "I actually enjoyed the fact that all of the heavy lifting was not on my shoulders. It was Jason (Bateman) and Melissa's show, so the stage was set for me to not screw it up, you know what I mean?"

Q: Last year you appeared on television's "Hawaii Five-O" and "Boss." Do you have role models of hip-hop stars who have successfully crossed over to acting?

A: "Will Smith and Ice Cube. Looking at the roles Cube has been able to acquire, he created those opportunities for himself. So I think I could take that approach."

Q: Is there a certain perception of you out there that might hinder you from being taken seriously as an actor?

A: "I think people might wonder whether or not T.I. can be anything other than T.I., so it's constantly having to reassure people that I'm able to do what I already know I can do."

Q: For some, T.I. is a successful recording artist and for others he's someone who had several stints in jail on drugs and weapons charges. Can you confidently say that the past is the past?

A: "I'm not gonna say anything. It's day by day, you know what I'm saying? I'm saying today this is how I am, this is where I am. And tomorrow hopefully will be better than today."

Q: In 2011 after your last prison term, you showed a softer side by starring in the VH1 reality series "T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle," with your wife and six kids. Was that an attempt to right your past transgressions?

A: "Nah. I think it's a showcasing of who I am today. I don't think that it any way diminishes the mistakes of yesterday. It just makes a correction if people assume that the mistakes of yesterday are ever-present today. It gives people a stage of truth and knowledge to judge from. So if you must judge, at least you can judge from fact."

Q: You've just released your eighth album, "Trouble Man II: He Who Wears the Crown." You also have a your own urban fashion line, A.K.O.O. What else do you need to check off your to-do list?

A: "Just to remain relevant and meaningful to the cool young consumer of today. The cool kids are out there being admired by others in their peer group, so you want to find ways to continue to put yourself on their minds."

Q: How do you do that?

A: "(Social media) is a big aspect for those kids. ... So with Instagram, if you take pictures it has to be a picture worthy of showing. If you say something on Twitter, it has to be something that's worthy of listening to."

Q: With gun control being a hot-button topic today, and with your own experiences with firearms, what are your thoughts on gun ownership?

A: "I can't possess a firearm (due to previous convictions), so whether they make them illegal or not is gonna be the same thing for me. But I see a need for them. I've been in circumstances where I've had them every day and nothing happened. I've been in circumstances where I didn't have them, and I needed them. In certain areas of society, having a firearm is just as common as having bottled water."

Q: In what way?

A: "If you're a shopkeeper, a barbershop owner, a convenience store owner and you handle cash in and out of this area, if everyone knows that you don't have a firearm, then you are basically prey. In these areas, bullets are just as common as sticks of gum, you know what I'm saying? So I think I speak for those people."

(Reporting by Zorianna Kit; Editing by Jill Serjeant and Will Dunham)