Michael J. Fox has been nominated for an Emmy Award.

Michael J. Fox Michael Andrew Fox , OC ( born June 9 , 1961 ) , known professionally as Michael J. Fox , is a Canadian-American actor , author , producer , and activist . With a film and television career spanning from the 1970s , Fox is best known for such roles as Mike Flaherty on the ABC sitcom Spin City ( 1996 -- 2000 ) , for which he won an Emmy , three Golden Globes , and two Screen Actors Guild Awards . Other notable roles have included Marty McFly from the Back to the Future trilogy ( 1985 -- 1990 ) ; and Alex P. Keaton from NBC 's Family Ties ( 1982 -- 1989 ) , for which he won three Emmys and a Golden Globe .   Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson 's disease in 1991 , at age 29 , and disclosed his condition to the public in 1998 . Fox semi-retired from acting in 2000 as the symptoms of his disease worsened . He has since become an advocate for research toward finding a cure ; he created the Michael J. Fox Foundation , and on March 5 , 2010 , Sweden 's Karolinska Institutet gave him a honoris causa doctorate for his work in advocating a cure for Parkinson 's disease .   Since 1999 , Fox has mainly worked as a voice-over actor in films such as Stuart Little and Disney 's Atlantis : The Lost Empire . On the CBS TV show The Good Wife , he earned Emmy nominations for three consecutive years for his recurring role as crafty attorney Louis Canning . Fox has also taken recurring guest roles and cameo appearances in Boston Legal , Scrubs , Curb Your Enthusiasm and Rescue Me . He has released three books : Lucky Man : A Memoir ( 2002 ) , Always Looking Up : The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist ( 2009 ) , and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future : Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned ( 2010 ) . He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2010 . He also was inducted into Canada 's Walk of Fame in 2000 .


Azerbaijan is between Southwest Asia and Southeastern Europe in the South Caucasus region.

Azerbaijan Azerbaijan ( -LSB- æzərbaɪˈʒɑːn -RSB- ; Azərbaycan ) , officially the Republic of Azerbaijan ( Azərbaycan Respublikası ) , is a country in the South Caucasus region , situated at the crossroads of Southwest Asia and Southeastern Europe . It is bound by the Caspian Sea to the east , Russia to the north , Georgia to the northwest , Armenia to the west and Iran to the south . The exclave of Nakhchivan is bound by Armenia to the north and east , Iran to the south and west , while having an 11 km border with Turkey in the north west .   The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic proclaimed its independence in 1918 and became the first democratic state in the Muslim orient world . The country was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920 as the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic . The modern Republic of Azerbaijan proclaimed its independence on 30 August 1991 , prior to the official dissolution of the USSR in December 1991 . In September 1991 , the Armenian majority of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region seceded to form the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic . The region and seven adjacent districts outside it became de facto independent with the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1994 . These regions are internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan pending a solution to the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh , found through negotiations facilitated by the OSCE .   Azerbaijan is a unitary semi-presidential republic . The country is a member state of the Council of Europe , the OSCE and the NATO Partnership for Peace ( PfP ) program . It is one of six independent Turkic states , an active member of the Turkic Council and the TÜRKSOY community . Azerbaijan has diplomatic relations with 158 countries and holds membership in 38 international organizations . It is one of the founding members of GUAM , the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons . A member of the United Nations since 1992 after its independence , Azerbaijan was elected to membership in the newly established Human Rights Council by the United Nations General Assembly on 9 May 2006 . Its term of office began on 19 June 2006 . Azerbaijan is also a member state of the Non-Aligned Movement , holds observer status in World Trade Organization and is a correspondent at the International Telecommunication Union .   The Constitution of Azerbaijan does not declare an official religion and all major political forces in the country are secularist . However , the majority of the population are of a Shiite Muslim background . Most Azerbaijanis however , do not actively practice any religion , and the country has been seen to be one of the most irreligious countries in the Muslim world , with 53 % stating religion has little to no importance in their lives , according to Pew Research Center and Gallup polls . Azerbaijan has a high level of human development which ranks on par with most Eastern European countries . It has a high rate of economic development and literacy , as well as a low rate of unemployment . According to the Davos World Economic Forum , Azerbaijan 's economy has scored 37th place within 138 countries in 2016 . Global Competitiveness Index 2015 indicates that Azerbaijan scores highest in its region .   ASAN services , established with Presidential Decree , are countrywide known for eliminating bribery and corruption in the provision of public services . ASAN Service has been awarded with United Nations ' Public Service Award 2015 , which is the most prestigious award in the world in the field of public service delivery .   The ruling party , the New Azerbaijan Party , has been accused of authoritarianism and human rights abuses .


Ginger Baker is an inducteee of the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.

Ginger Baker Peter Edward `` Ginger '' Baker ( born 19 August 1939 ) is an English drummer , best known as the founder of the rock band Cream . Baker 's work in the 1960s earned him praise as `` rock 's first superstar drummer '' , although his individual style melded a jazz background with his interest in African rhythms . Baker is an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Cream and is widely considered one of the most influential drummers of all time , recognised by his induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2008 , and his induction into the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame in 2016 . Baker is credited as a pioneer of drumming in genres like jazz fusion , heavy metal and world music .   Baker began playing drums at age 15 around 1954 , and later took lessons from Phil Seamen . In the 1960s , he joined Blues Incorporated , where he met bassist Jack Bruce . The two clashed often , but would be rhythm section partners again in the Graham Bond Organisation and Cream , the latter of which Baker co-founded with Eric Clapton in 1966 . Cream achieved worldwide success but only lasted until 1968 , in part due to Baker 's and Bruce 's volatile relationship . After briefly working with Clapton in Blind Faith and leading Ginger Baker 's Air Force , Baker spent several years in the 1970s living and recording in Africa , often with Fela Kuti , in pursuit of his long-time interest in African music . Among Baker 's other collaborations are his work with Gary Moore , Masters of Reality , Public Image Ltd , Atomic Rooster , Bill Laswell , jazz bassist Charlie Haden , jazz guitarist Bill Frisell , and another personally led effort , Ginger Baker 's Energy .   Baker 's drumming attracted attention for his style , showmanship , and use of two bass drums instead of the conventional one . In his early days , he performed lengthy drum solos , most notably in the Cream song `` Toad '' , one of the earliest recorded examples in rock music .


Precious premiered at a Utah film festival.

2009 Sundance Film Festival The 2009 Sundance Film Festival was held during January 15 , 2009 until January 25 in Park City , Utah . It was the 25th iteration of the Sundance Film Festival .


Precious (film) Precious : Base on Nol by Saf ( Based on the Novel `` Push '' by Sapphire ) , or simply Precious , is a 2009 American drama film , directed and co-produced by Lee Daniels . Precious is an adaptation by Geoffrey S. Fletcher of the 1996 novel Push by Sapphire . The film stars Gabourey Sidibe , Mo'Nique , Paula Patton , and Mariah Carey . This film marked the acting debut of Sidibe .   The film , then without a distributor , premiered to acclaim at both the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and the 2009 Cannes Film Festival , under its original title of Push : Based on the Novel by Sapphire . At Sundance , it won the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize for best drama , as well as a Special Jury Prize for supporting actress Mo'Nique . After Precious '' ' screening at Sundance in January 2009 , Tyler Perry announced that he and Oprah Winfrey would be providing promotional assistance to the film , which was released through Lionsgate Entertainment . Precious won the People 's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in September . The film 's title was changed from Push to Precious : Based on the Novel `` Push '' by Sapphire , to avoid confusion with the 2009 action film Push . Precious was also an official selection at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival ( particularly the un certain regard section ) .   Lionsgate gave the film a limited release in North America on November 6 , 2009 ( the release was expanded on November 20 ) . Precious received largely positive reviews from critics ; the acting , the story , and its message were generally praised . In the film 's opening weekend in limited release , it grossed $ 1.8 million , putting it in 12th place at the box office . As of February 2010 , the film had grossed over $ 47 million domestically , ranking no. 65 for 2009 , recouping its $ 10 million budget , and making it a box office success.Precious '' received six Academy Award nominations , including one for Best Picture , at the 82nd Academy Awards . Geoffrey Fletcher won for Best Adapted Screenplay . Mo'Nique won the award for Best Supporting Actress , for which she received a standing ovation at the ceremony , along with numerous other accolades .


Short Term 12 Short Term 12 is a 2013 American drama film written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton . The film is based on Cretton 's short film of the same name , produced in 2009 . It stars Brie Larson as Grace , the supervisor of a group home for troubled teenagers .   Cretton was inspired to write Short Term 12 based on his own experience of working in a group facility for teenagers . He first wrote and produced a short film based on the idea and later adapted it into a feature-length screenplay . While Larson and John Gallagher , Jr. won their roles after auditioning through Skype , most of the children featured in the film were cast through open casting calls . Filming took place over 20 days in Los Angeles , California in September 2012 .   Short Term 12 premiered on March 10 , 2013 at the South by Southwest film festival and was released in theaters on August 23 , 2013 . It grossed $ 2 million and was met with critical acclaim . Reviewers praised the film 's realism and intimacy , drawing particular attention to Larson 's performance and Cretton 's direction . The film won South by Southwest 's Grand Jury and Audience Awards for a Narrative Feature , as well as earning three Independent Spirit Award nominations .


The Beach Boys were a rock band from America.

The Beach Boys The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne , California , in 1961 . The group 's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian , Dennis , and Carl Wilson ; their cousin Mike Love ; and their friend Al Jardine . Distinguished by their vocal harmonies and early surf songs , they are one of the most influential acts of the rock era . The group , led by their principal songwriter and producer Brian , pioneered novel approaches to popular music form and production , combining their affinities for jazz-based vocal groups , 1950s rock and roll , and black R&B to create their unique sound . He later arranged his compositions for studio orchestras and explored a variety of other styles , often incorporating classical or jazz elements and unconventional recording techniques in innovative ways .   The Beach Boys began as a garage band managed by the Wilsons ' father Murry , with Brian 's increasingly sophisticated songwriting and recording abilities dominating their creative direction . Emerging at the vanguard of the `` California Sound '' , they performed original material that reflected a southern California youth culture of surfing , cars , and romance . After 1964 , they abandoned the surfing aesthetic for more personal lyrics and multi-layered sounds . In 1966 , the Pet Sounds album and `` Good Vibrations '' single vaulted the group to the top level of rock innovators and established the band as symbols of the nascent counterculture era . Following the dissolution of the group 's Smile project in 1967 , Brian gradually ceded production and songwriting duties to the rest of the band , reducing his input because of mental health and substance abuse issues . The group 's public image subsequently faltered , and despite efforts to continue their psychedelic/avant-garde ventures and reclaim their hippie audiences , they were dismissed as an embodiment of the values and outlooks shared by early 1960s white , suburban teenagers .   The continued success of their greatest hits albums during the mid 1970s precipitated the band 's transition into an oldies act , a move that was denigrated by critics and many fans . Since the 1980s , much-publicized legal wrangling over royalties , songwriting credits and use of the band 's name transpired . Dennis drowned in 1983 and Carl died of lung cancer in 1998 . After Carl 's death , many live configurations of the band fronted by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston continued to tour into the 2000s while other members pursued solo projects . Even though Wilson and Jardine have not performed with Love and Johnston 's band since their one-off 2012 reunion tour , they remain a part of the Beach Boys ' corporation , Brother Records Inc. .   The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed , commercially successful , and widely influential bands of all time . The group had over eighty songs chart worldwide , thirty-six of them US Top 40 hits ( the most by an American rock band ) , four reaching number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart . The Beach Boys have sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide , making them one of the world 's best-selling bands of all time and are listed at No. 12 on Rolling Stone magazine 's 2004 list of the `` 100 Greatest Artists of All Time '' . The core quintet of the three Wilsons , Love and Jardine were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 .


Steffi Graf competed in multiple professional tennis competitions like the Australian Open, the US Open, and French Open.

Grand Slam (tennis) The Grand Slam tournaments , also called majors , are the four most-important annual tennis events . They offer the most ranking points , prize money , public and media attention , the greatest strength and size of field , and greater number of `` best of '' sets for men . The Grand Slam itinerary consists of the Australian Open in mid January , the French Open in May and June , Wimbledon in June and July , and the US Open in August and September . Each tournament is played over a period of two weeks . The Australian and United States tournaments are played on hard courts , the French on clay , and Wimbledon on grass . Wimbledon is the oldest , founded in 1877 , followed by the US in 1881 , the French in 1891 , and the Australian in 1905 . However , of these four , only Wimbledon was a major before 1924 -- 25 , the time when all four became designated Grand Slam tournaments . Skipping Grand Slam tournaments -- especially the Australian Open because of the remoteness , the inconvenient dates ( around Christmas and New Year 's Day ) and the low prize money -- was not unusual before 1982 , which was the start of the norm of counting Grand Slam titles .   The term Grand Slam also , and originally , refers to the achievement of winning all four major championships in a single calendar year within one of the five events : men 's and women 's singles ; men 's , women 's , and mixed doubles . In doubles , one team may accomplish a Grand Slam playing together or one player may achieve it with different partners . The term `` Grand Slam '' without qualification refers to winning the four majors in a single calendar year .   Winning the four majors in consecutive tournaments but not in the same year is known as a Non-Calendar Year Grand Slam , while winning all four majors at any point during the course of a career is known as a Career Grand Slam . Winning the gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games in addition to the four majors in a one calendar year is known as a `` Golden Grand Slam '' or more commonly the `` Golden Slam '' . Also , winning the Year-End Championship ( known as ATP World Tour Finals for men 's singles and doubles disciplines , and WTA Tour Championships for both women 's disciplines ) in the same period is known as a `` Super Slam '' . Together , all four Majors in all three disciplines ( singles , doubles , and mixed doubles ) are called a `` boxed set '' of Grand Slam titles . No male or female player has won all twelve events in one calendar year , although a `` career boxed set '' has been achieved by three female players .


Steffi Graf Stefanie Maria `` Steffi '' Graf ( -LSB- ˈʃtɛfiː ˈgʁa : f -RSB- ; born 14 June 1969 ) is a German former tennis player , who was ranked world No. 1 during her career . Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles . Her 22 singles titles put her second on the list of Major wins by a tennis player ( male or female ) since the introduction of the Open Era in 1968 and is third all-time behind Margaret Court ( 24 ) and Serena Williams ( 23 ) . In 1988 , she became the first and only tennis player ( male or female ) to achieve the Golden Slam by winning all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year . Furthermore , she is the only tennis player to have won each Grand Slam event at least four times .   Graf was ranked world No. 1 by the Women 's Tennis Association ( WTA ) for a record 377 total weeks -- the longest period for which any player , male or female , has held the number-one ranking since the WTA and the Association of Tennis Professionals began issuing rankings . She won 107 singles titles , which ranks her third on the WTA 's all-time list after Martina Navratilova ( 167 titles ) and Chris Evert ( 157 titles ) . She and Margaret Court are the only players , male or female , to win three grand slams in a calendar year five times ( 1988 , 1989 , 1993 , 1995 and 1996 ) .   Notable features of Graf 's game were her versatility across all playing surfaces , footwork and her powerful forehand drive . Graf won six French Open singles titles ( second to Evert ) , seven Wimbledon singles titles , four Australian Open titles , and five U.S. Open singles titles . She is the only singles player ( male or female ) to have achieved a Grand Slam since hard court was introduced as a surface at the US Open in 1978 . Consequently , Graf 's Grand Slam was achieved on grass , clay , and hard court while the previous five Grand Slams were decided on only grass and clay . Graf reached thirteen consecutive Grand Slam singles finals , from the 1987 French Open through to the 1990 French Open , winning nine of them . She won 5 consecutive Majors ( 1988 Australian Open to 1989 Australian Open ) , and seven Majors out of eight , in two calendar years ( 1988 Australian Open to 1989 US Open , except 1989 French Open ) . She reached a total of 31 Grand Slam singles finals .   Graf is regarded by some to be the greatest female tennis player of all time . Navratilova included Graf on her list of great players . In 1999 Billie Jean King said `` Steffi is definitely the greatest women 's tennis player of all time '' . In December 1999 , Graf was named the greatest female tennis player of the 20th century by a panel of experts assembled by the Associated Press . Tennis writer Steve Flink , in his book The Greatest Tennis Matches of the Twentieth Century , named her as the best female player of the 20th century . In March 2012 , Tennis Channel picked Graf as the greatest female tennis player ever in their list of 100 greatest tennis players of all time .   Graf retired in 1999 while she was ranked World No. 3 . She married former World No. 1 men 's tennis player Andre Agassi in October 2001 . The couple has two children -- Jaden Gil and Jaz Elle . Graf was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004 .


Fearless (Taylor Swift album) Fearless is the second studio album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift . The album was released on November 11 , 2008 , by Big Machine Records . As with her first album , Taylor Swift , Swift wrote or co-wrote all thirteen tracks on Fearless . Most of the songs were written as the singer promoted her first album as the opening act for numerous country artists . Due to the unavailability of collaborators on the road , eight songs were written by Swift . Other songs were co-written with Liz Rose , Hillary Lindsey , Colbie Caillat and John Rich . Swift also made her debut as a record producer , co-producing all songs on the album with Nathan Chapman .   Five singles were released from Fearless . The first single , `` Love Story '' , sold more than 6.5 million copies worldwide ( according to the IFPI ) . It was a crossover hit that became one of the best-selling singles of all time internationally and was once the best-selling country song of all time . The succeeding single , `` White Horse '' , also performed well in the US . `` You Belong with Me '' was an international success , becoming Swift 's second best-selling single and her highest position on the US Billboard Hot 100 at the time . `` Fifteen '' and `` Fearless '' followed with both achieving a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America ( RIAA ) .   Fearless is an international breakthrough and huge commercial success for Swift . It debuted at No. 1 in the United States , and later became the best-selling album of 2009 , selling over 3.2 million copies . It gave Swift , 18 at the time , the distinction of being the youngest artist in history to have the year 's best-selling album . It has sold over 7 million copies in the United States , becoming the second-biggest-selling album in the last six years . Fearless topped the charts in Canada and New Zealand and achieved multi-platinum status in six countries . In all , Fearless has sold more than 8.68 million copies worldwide . Fearless is also the most awarded album in the history of country music , winning Album of the Year at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards , American Music Awards of 2009 , Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Awards .


Taylor Swift (album) Taylor Swift is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift , released on October 24 , 2006 , by Big Machine Records . Swift was 16 years old at the time of the album 's release and wrote its songs during her freshman year of high school . Swift has writing credits on all of the album 's songs , including those co-written with Liz Rose . Swift experimented with several producers , ultimately choosing Nathan Chapman , who had produced her demo album . Musically , the album is country music styled , and lyrically it speaks of romantic relationships , a couple of which Swift wrote from observing relationships before being in one . Lyrics also touch on Swift 's personal struggles in high school .   Five singles were released from the album , all of which have been certified platinum by the RIAA . `` Tim McGraw '' was released as the lead single and reached the top ten on Billboard 's Hot Country Songs . `` Teardrops on My Guitar '' was released as the second single and was the album 's best-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 . `` Our Song '' was released as the third single from the album and was Swift 's first number one on Billboard 's Hot Country Songs chart . It made her the youngest person to single-handedly write and perform a number one song on the Hot Country Songs chart . `` Picture to Burn '' and `` Should 've Said No '' were released as the fourth single and fifth singles from the album , respectively , and both were successful on the country charts in the United States . Swift promoted the album by performing on tour as the opening act for artists such as Rascal Flatts , George Strait , Brad Paisley , and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill .   Taylor Swift was received positively by contemporary critics , who praised Swift 's talent at such a young age . The album enjoyed commercial success and launched Swift 's career in country music . In the United States , it topped the Top Country Albums Chart for 24 non-consecutive weeks , and was certified five times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America ( RIAA ) for sales of over 5 million copies . Taylor Swift has logged 275 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 chart as of early 2013 . The album was also successful outside of Swift 's native country , especially in Canada , Australia , and the United Kingdom . The album has sold over 6 million copies worldwide as of January 2015 .


Speak Now Speak Now is the third studio album by American country singer-songwriter Taylor Swift . It was released on October 25 , 2010 , by Big Machine Records . Production for the album took place during 2009 to 2010 at several recording studios , and was handled by Swift and Nathan Chapman . Written entirely by Swift as the follow-up to Fearless , Speak Now expands on the country pop style of her previous work , and features lyrical themes including love , romance and heartbreak . Speak Now received generally positive reviews from music critics , who praised Swift 's songwriting and themes . It received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Album , making it her second consecutive nomination in the category , following her 2010 victory for Fearless . Several music critics and publications included Speak Now in their year-end lists . Six singles were released from the album , all of which have either received a platinum or multi-platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America ( RIAA ) . Swift promoted the album with the Speak Now World Tour , grossing over $ 123 million.Speak Now debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart , giving Swift her second consecutive chart-topper in the U.S. Its first-week sales of 1,047,000 copies was the fifth-biggest debut in history for a female artist , the third biggest ever by a country album ( the first being Swift 's own Red album later released in 2012 ) , the biggest in five and a half years , and the biggest first week sales of 2010 . The album also made music history for claiming the biggest one-week sales tally for an album by a female country artist . As of 2014 , Speak Now is ranked 17th in United States history to sell one million copies in a single week . It was also an international success , charting within the top 10 in several countries , including Australia , Canada , and the United Kingdom . The album has been certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA and , as of January 2015 , has sold 4.5 million copies in the United States . It is also the tenth best-selling digital album of all time.Speak Now was included in Rolling Stone '' s list of `` 50 Best Female Albums of All Time '' in 2012 , ranking at number forty-five . This gave Swift , age 22 at the time of publication , the distinction of being the youngest artist across all genres to be included on the list .


Grammy Award for Album of the Year The Grammy Award for Album of the Year is presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to `` honor artistic achievement , technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry , without regard to album sales or chart position . '' Album of the Year is the most prestigious award category at the Grammys having been presented since 1959 .   Although it was originally presented to the artist alone , the award is now presented to the main artist , the featured artist ( s ) , the producer , the engineer and/or mixer and the mastering engineer . In 1962 , the award name was extended to Album of the Year ( other than classical ) but , in 1965 , the shorter name returned . It was not until 1968 , 1969 , 1999 , 2011 , and 2014 that the award was won by a rock , country , hip hop , indie , or electronic music album respectively . As of 2012 , classical albums are eligible for this award , with the award for Best Classical Album being discontinued ( although no classical album has been nominated in this category since ) .


Taylor Swift Taylor Alison Swift ( born December 13 , 1989 ) is an American singer-songwriter . One of the most popular contemporary female recording artists , she is known for narrative songs about her personal life , which has received much media attention .   Born and raised in Pennsylvania , Swift moved to Nashville , Tennessee at age 14 to pursue a career in country music . She signed with the independent label Big Machine Records and became the youngest artist ever signed by the Sony/ATV Music publishing house . Her eponymous debut album in 2006 peaked at number five on Billboard 200 and spent the most weeks on the chart in the 2000s . The album 's third single , `` Our Song '' , made her the youngest person to single-handedly write and perform a number-one song on the Hot Country Songs chart . Swift 's second album , Fearless , was released in 2008 . Buoyed by the pop crossover success of the singles `` Love Story '' and `` You Belong with Me '' , Fearless became the best-selling album of 2009 in the United States . The album won four Grammy Awards , with Swift becoming the youngest Album of the Year winner .   Swift was the sole writer of her 2010 album , Speak Now . It debuted at number one in the United States and the single `` Mean '' won two Grammy Awards . Her fourth album , Red ( 2012 ) , yielded the successful singles `` We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together '' and `` I Knew You Were Trouble '' . With her fifth album , the pop-focused 1989 ( 2014 ) , she became the first act to have three albums sell a million copies within one week in the United States . Its singles `` Shake It Off '' , `` Blank Space '' , and `` Bad Blood '' reached number one in the US , Australia , and Canada . The album received three Grammy Awards , and Swift became the first woman and fifth act overall to win Album of the Year twice . The 2015 eponymous concert tour for 1989 became one of highest-grossing of the decade .   As a songwriter , Swift has received awards from the Nashville Songwriters Association and the Songwriters Hall of Fame . She is also the recipient of ten Grammy Awards , five Guinness World Records , one Emmy Award , 21 Billboard Music Awards , 11 Country Music Association Awards , eight Academy of Country Music Awards , and one Brit Award . Swift is one of the best-selling artists of all time , having sold more than 40 million albums -- including 27.1 million in the US -- and 130 million single downloads . She has appeared in Time 100 most influential people in the world ( 2010 and 2015 ) , Forbes top-earning women in music ( 2011 -- 2015 ) , Forbes 100 most powerful women ( 2015 ) , and Forbes Celebrity 100 ( 2016 ) . She was the youngest woman to be included in the third of these and ranked first in Celebrity 100 .


The Prince of Egypt is an American animated film.

The Prince of Egypt The Prince of Egypt is a 1998 American animated epic musical drama film and the first traditional animated film produced and released by DreamWorks . The film is an adaptation of the Book of Exodus and follows the life of Moses from being a prince of Egypt to his ultimate destiny to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt . Directed by Brenda Chapman , Steve Hickner , and Simon Wells , the film features songs written by Stephen Schwartz and a score composed by Hans Zimmer . The voice cast consists of Val Kilmer in a dual role , Ralph Fiennes , Michelle Pfeiffer , Sandra Bullock , Jeff Goldblum , Danny Glover , Patrick Stewart , Helen Mirren , Steve Martin , and Martin Short .   Jeffrey Katzenberg had frequently suggested an animated adaptation of the 1956 film The Ten Commandments while working for The Walt Disney Company , and he decided to put the idea into production after founding DreamWorks in 1995 . To make this inaugural project , DreamWorks employed artists who had worked for Walt Disney Feature Animation and the recently disbanded Amblimation , totaling a crew of 350 people from 34 different nations . The film has a blend of traditional animation and computer-generated imagery , created using software from Toon Boom Animation and Silicon Graphics .   Theatrically released on December 18 , 1998 , and on home video on September 14 , 1999 , reviews were generally positive , with critics praising the animation , music , and voice work . The film went on to gross over $ 218 million worldwide in theaters , which made it the most successful non-Disney animated feature at the time . The film 's success led to the direct-to-video prequel Joseph : King of Dreams ( 2000 ) and the development of a stage adaptation . The song `` When You Believe '' became a commercially successful single in a pop version performed by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey , and went on to win Best Original Song at the 1999 Academy Awards .


Merlin (2008 TV series) Merlin is a British fantasy-adventure television programme created by Julian Jones , Jake Michie , Julian Murphy , and Johnny Capps , starring Colin Morgan in the title role . It was broadcast on BBC One from 20 September 2008 to 24 December 2012 for a total of 65 episodes . The show is loosely based on the Arthurian legends of the young wizard Merlin and his relationship with King Arthur , but it differs from traditional versions . The show was influenced by the US drama series Smallville about the early years of Superman , and was produced by independent production company Shine Limited .   The show was picked up by the BBC in 2006 after unsuccessful attempts . The series premiered in 2008 to mixed reviews but good ratings which improved as the series went on , and proved popular on the BBC 's digital catch-up service iPlayer . It was shown in the United States on NBC , though it later moved to the cable network Syfy . It is a mainstay in both Netflix US and UK .   Merlin is a reimagining of the legend in which the future King Arthur and Merlin are young contemporaries . Arthur 's father Uther Pendragon has banned magic in Camelot , its use punishable by death , forcing Merlin to keep his magical powers secret from everyone in Camelot other than his mentor Gaius . Arthur grows from a young , self-absorbed boy to the mighty king in the legends , and Merlin develops into his colossal role in creating the powerful Camelot . In 2012 , the show 's producers announced that its fifth series would be its last , with a two-part finale on 24 December 2012 .


Tender Mercies' director is Bruce Beresford.

Tender Mercies Tender Mercies is a 1983 American drama film directed by Bruce Beresford . The screenplay by Horton Foote focuses on Mac Sledge , a recovering alcoholic country music singer who seeks to turn his life around through his relationship with a young widow and her son in rural Texas . Robert Duvall plays the role of Mac ; the supporting cast includes Tess Harper , Betty Buckley , Wilford Brimley , Ellen Barkin and Allan Hubbard .   Financed by EMI Films , Tender Mercies was shot largely in Waxahachie , Texas . The script was rejected by several American directors before the Australian Beresford accepted it . Duvall , who sang his own songs in the film , drove more than 600 mi throughout the state , tape recording local accents and playing in country music bands to prepare for the role . He and Beresford repeatedly clashed during production , at one point prompting the director to walk off the set and reportedly consider quitting the film .   The film encompasses several different themes , including the importance of love and family , the possibility of spiritual resurrection amid death , and the concept of redemption through Mac Sledge 's conversion to Christianity . Following poor test screening results , distributor Universal Pictures made little effort to publicize Tender Mercies , which Duvall attributed to the studio 's lack of understanding of country music .   The film was released on March 4 , 1983 , in a limited number of theaters . Although unsuccessful at the box office , it was critically acclaimed and earned five Academy Award nominations , including one for Best Picture . Tender Mercies won Oscars for Best Original Screenplay for Foote and Best Actor for Duvall .


Emily Dickinson Emily Elizabeth Dickinson ( December 10 , 1830 -- May 15 , 1886 ) was an American poet . With the possible exception of Walt Whitman , Dickinson is now recognized as the most important American poet of the 19th century .   Dickinson was born in Amherst , Massachusetts . Although part of a prominent family with strong ties to its community , Dickinson lived much of her life in reclusive isolation . After studying at the Amherst Academy for seven years in her youth , she briefly attended the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary before returning to her family 's house in Amherst . Considered an eccentric by locals , she developed a noted penchant for white clothing and became known for her reluctance to greet guests or , later in life , to even leave her bedroom . Dickinson never married , and most friendships between her and others depended entirely upon correspondence . Dickinson was a recluse for the later years of her life .   While Dickinson was a prolific private poet , fewer than a dozen of her nearly 1,800 poems were published during her lifetime . The work that was published during her lifetime was usually altered significantly by the publishers to fit the conventional poetic rules of the time . Dickinson 's poems are unique for the era in which she wrote ; they contain short lines , typically lack titles , and often use slant rhyme as well as unconventional capitalization and punctuation . Many of her poems deal with themes of death and immortality , two recurring topics in letters to her friends .   Although Dickinson 's acquaintances were most likely aware of her writing , it was not until after her death in 1886 -- when Lavinia , Dickinson 's younger sister , discovered her cache of poems -- that the breadth of her work became apparent to the public . Her first collection of poetry was published in 1890 by personal acquaintances Thomas Wentworth Higginson and Mabel Loomis Todd , though both heavily edited the content . A complete , and mostly unaltered , collection of her poetry became available for the first time when scholar Thomas H. Johnson published The Poems of Emily Dickinson in 1955 . Despite some unfavorable reception and skepticism over the late 19th and early 20th centuries regarding her literary prowess , Dickinson is now almost universally considered to be one of the most significant of all American poets .


Ramayanam (film) Ramayanam is a 1996 mythological Telugu film directed by Gunasekhar and produced by M. S. Reddy . The film starred N. T. Rama Rao Jr. as Lord Rama . It received the National Film Award for best children 's film .


The Red Light District The Red Light District is the fourth studio album from Def Jam recording artist Ludacris . The album was released on December 7 , 2004 through Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam Recordings , and was eventually certified double platinum by the RIAA . It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart with 322,000 copies sold in its first week . The album 's title refers to a district in Amsterdam where prostitution is common ; red-light district . The CD is accompanied by a 41-minute DVD made by Decon of the Ludacris visiting the Red Light District , a Cannabis growroom , an adult ` cam-house ' and the recording of the Red Light District CD/DVD promo concert in Amsterdam .  This was the last album that saw Ludacris wearing his once signature cornrows . The album has sold over 2.1 million copies to date .


Word of Mouf Word of Mouf is the second studio album by American rapper Ludacris ; it was released on November 27 , 2001 , by Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam South . It contains the singles , `` Rollout ( My Business ) '' , `` Area Codes '' , `` Move Bitch '' , and `` Saturday ( Oooh Oooh ! ) '' .


Release Therapy Release Therapy is the fifth studio album by American hip hop recording artist Ludacris . It was released on September 26 , 2006 , under Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam .


Theater of the Mind Theater of the Mind is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist Ludacris . It was released on November 24 , 2008 , through Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam Recordings . Ludacris calls the album `` theatrical . ''


Ludacris Christopher Brian `` Chris '' Bridges ( born September 11 , 1977 ) , better known by his stage name Ludacris , is an American hip hop recording artist and actor . Alongside his manager , Chaka Zulu , Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace , an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings . Throughout his career , Ludacris has won Screen Actors Guild , Critic 's Choice , MTV , and Grammy Awards . Along with fellow Atlanta-based rappers Big Boi and André 3000 of OutKast , Ludacris was one of the first and most influential `` Dirty South '' rappers to achieve mainstream success during the early 2000s . In 2014 , Ludacris was featured in Forbes list titled `` Hip-Hop Cash Kings '' , as he earned $ 8 million . Next year , he could again make it to their list by earning the same amount .   Born in Champaign , Illinois , Ludacris moved to Atlanta at age nine , where he began rapping . After a brief stint as a disc jockey ( DJ ) , he released his first album Incognegro in 1999 , followed by Back for the First Time in 2000 , which contained the singles `` Southern Hospitality '' and `` What 's Your Fantasy '' . In 2001 , he released Word of Mouf , followed by Chicken-n-Beer in 2003 and The Red Light District in 2004 . He took a more serious approach with his next two albums , Release Therapy ( 2006 ) , and Theater of the Mind ( 2008 ) . His next record , Battle of the Sexes , was released in 2010 and featured the tone of his previous albums . Ludaversal was released on March 31 , 2015 . As an actor , he has appeared in films including Crash ( 2004 ) , Gamer ( 2009 ) , and New Year 's Eve ( 2011 ) , but is best known for playing Tej Parker in The Fast and the Furious film series .


Back for the First Time Back for the First Time is the debut studio album by American hip hop recording artist Ludacris . The album , which serves as his major label debut , was released on October 17 , 2000 , under Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam .


Chicken-n-Beer Chicken-n-Beer is the third studio album by American rapper Ludacris . It was released on October 7 , 2003 , by Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam Recordings . Recording sessions took place from 2002 to 2003 , and it was handled by several record producers , including DJ Nasty & LVM , Kanye West , Mo B. Dick , DJ Paul , Juicy J and Ludacris himself . The Southern hip hop album , Chicken-n-Beer is musically similar to Ludacris ' previous work , with his use of a fast , highly versatile flow . Some of the songs on the album take a political overtone .   The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 , selling 429,000 copies in its first week ; unlike Ludacris ' previous albums , the album achieved success outside the United States , charting in several European territories ; including Germany and the United Kingdom . Upon its release , Chicken-n-Beer received positive reviews , with critics praising Ludacris ' technical rapping abilities and production choices , although some criticized the adult humor in the lyrics as excessive . It was supported by four singles that were released from the album , two of which -- `` Stand Up '' and `` Splash Waterfalls '' -- became Ludacris ' first to peak in the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 .


Ludaversal Ludaversal is the eighth studio album by American rapper Ludacris . It was released on March 31 , 2015 , by Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam Recordings . Recording sessions took place during 2011 to 2015 , while the production on the album was handled by several producers ; including Mike Will Made It , Rico Love , Giorgio Tuinfort and Da Internz , among others .


On Twitter, there were 340 million Facebook statuses per day in 2012.

Twitter Twitter ( -LSB- ˈtwɪtər -RSB- ) is an online news and social networking service where users post and interact with messages , `` tweets '' , restricted to 140 characters . Registered users can post tweets , but those who are unregistered can only read them . Users access Twitter through its website interface , SMS or a mobile device app . Twitter Inc. is based in San Francisco , California , United States , and has more than 25 offices around the world .   Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey , Noah Glass , Biz Stone , and Evan Williams and launched in July . The service rapidly gained worldwide popularity . In 2012 , more than 100 million users posted 340 million tweets a day , and the service handled an average of 1.6 billion search queries per day . In 2013 , it was one of the ten most-visited websites and has been described as `` the SMS of the Internet '' . As of 2016 , Twitter had more than 319 million monthly active users . On the day of the 2016 U.S. presidential election , Twitter proved to be the largest source of breaking news , with 40 million election-related tweets sent by 10 p.m. ( Eastern Time ) that day .


Tom Hiddleston Thomas William Hiddleston ( born 9 February 1981 ) is an English actor , producer and musical performer . At the beginning of his career , he appeared in West End theatre productions of Cymbeline ( 2007 ) and Ivanov ( 2008 ) . He won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Newcomer in a Play for his role in Cymbeline and was also nominated for the same award for his role as Cassio in Othello .   He came to wider public attention when cast as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe , appearing in Thor ( 2011 ) , The Avengers ( 2012 ) , Thor : The Dark World ( 2013 ) , and Thor : Ragnarok ( 2017 ) . In 2011 , he won the Empire Award for Best Male Newcomer and was nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star Award . Hiddleston has also appeared in Steven Spielberg 's War Horse ( 2011 ) , The Deep Blue Sea ( 2011 ) , Woody Allen 's romantic comedy Midnight in Paris ( 2011 ) , the 2012 BBC series Henry IV and Henry V , and the romantic vampire film Only Lovers Left Alive ( 2013 ) .   In late 2013 and early 2014 , Hiddleston starred as the title character in the Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus , winning the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor . In 2015 , he starred in Guillermo del Toro 's Crimson Peak , Ben Wheatley 's High Rise , and played the troubled country music singer Hank Williams in the biopic I Saw The Light .   In 2016 , he starred in and was an executive producer of the AMC / BBC limited series The Night Manager , for which he received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and Outstanding Limited Series , and won his first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Miniseries or Television Film .


The principal photography of Vantage Point (film) began in a year.

Vantage Point (film) Vantage Point is a 2008 American thriller film directed by Pete Travis ; it was adapted from a screenplay written by Barry L. Levy . The story focuses on an assassination attempt on the President of the United States , as seen from the various vantage points of different characters . Dennis Quaid , Matthew Fox , Forest Whitaker , William Hurt , and Sigourney Weaver star in principal roles . The film is often compared , unfavorably , to Akira Kurosawa 's Rashomon , which also employed storytelling through multiple perspectives . Rashomon used the multiple perspectives to question the possibility of truth , in a process called the Rashomon effect ; in contrast , Vantage Point recounts a series of events which are re-enacted from several different perspectives and viewpoints in order to reveal a truthful account of what happened . Vantage Point also explores kidnapping , assassination and terrorism .   The motion picture was co-produced by Relativity Media , Original Film , and Art In Motion . It was commercially distributed by Columbia Pictures theatrically , and by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in home media format . The film project began principal photography in Mexico City on June 18 , 2006 . Executive producers for the film included Callum Greene , Tania Landau , and Lynwood Spinks . On February 26 , 2008 , the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released by the Varèse Sarabande label . The film score was composed by musician Atli Örvarsson .   Following its premiere on February 22 , 2008 , Vantage Point grossed $ 72,266,306 in domestic ticket receipts . The film was screened at 3,163 theaters during its widest release nationwide in the United States . It earned an additional $ 78,895,185 in business through international release to top out at a combined $ 151,161,491 in gross revenue . The film was technically considered a strong financial success due to its $ 40 million budget costs . Preceding its theatrical run though , the film was met with generally mixed to negative critical reviews . The widescreen DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc editions of the film featuring the director 's audio commentary and interviews with the cast and crew , were both released in the United States on July 8 , 2008 .


Jerome is acknowledged by the Anglican Communion.

Jerome Jerome ( -LSB- dʒəˈroʊm -RSB- Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus Εὐσέβιος Σωφρόνιος Ἱερώνυμος c. 27 March 347 -- 30 September 420 ) was a priest , confessor , theologian and historian . He was the son of Eusebius , born at Stridon , a village near Emona on the border of Dalmatia and Pannonia , then part of northeastern Italy . He is best known for his translation of most of the Bible into Latin ( the translation that became known as the Vulgate ) , and his commentaries on the Gospels . His list of writings is extensive .   The protégé of Pope Damasus I , who died in December of 384 , Jerome was known for his teachings on Christian moral life , especially to those living in cosmopolitan centers such as Rome . In many cases , he focused his attention to the lives of women and identified how a woman devoted to Jesus should live her life . This focus stemmed from his close patron relationships with several prominent female ascetics who were members of affluent senatorial families .   He is recognised as a Saint and Doctor of the Church by the Roman Catholic Church , the Eastern Orthodox Church , the Lutheran Church , and the Anglican Communion . His feast day is 30 September .


How I Met Your Mother's directors include Jordan Peele.

How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother ( often abbreviated to HIMYM ) is an American sitcom that originally aired on CBS from September 19 , 2005 to March 31 , 2014 . The series follows the main character , Ted Mosby , and his group of friends in Manhattan . As a framing device , Ted , in the year 2030 , recounts to his son and daughter the events that led him to meeting their mother .   The series was created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays , who also served as the show 's executive producers and were frequent writers . The series was loosely inspired by their friendship when they both lived in New York City . Among the 208 episodes , there were only four directors : Pamela Fryman ( 196 episodes ) , Rob Greenberg ( 7 episodes ) , Michael Shea ( 4 episodes ) , and Neil Patrick Harris ( 1 episode ) .   Known for its unique structure and eccentric humor , How I Met Your Mother has gained a cult following over the years . The show initially received positive reviews , while the later seasons received more mixed reviews . The show was nominated for 28 Emmy Awards , winning nine . In 2010 , Alyson Hannigan won the People 's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy Actress . In 2012 , seven years after its premiere , the series won the People 's Choice Award for Favorite Network TV Comedy , and Neil Patrick Harris won the award for Favorite TV Comedy Actor .   The ninth and final season began airing on September 23 , 2013 , and concluded on March 31 , 2014 , with a double-length finale episode , which received polarized reviews from critics and fans alike for its controversial twist ending , as many critics and fans believed it contradicted many of the previous episodes .   How I Met Your Mother is often compared to Friends , for its setting and characters . Both shows take place in New York and both casts have similar character archetypes .


Emily Ratajkowski Emily O'Hara Ratajkowski ( -LSB- ˌrɑːtaɪˈkɒfski -RSB- born June 7 , 1991 ) is an American actress and model . Born to American parents in London and raised primarily in California , she rose to prominence in 2013 after appearing in the music video for Robin Thicke 's `` Blurred Lines '' , which became the number one song of the year in several countries and attracted controversy over its purportedly sexist content .   Ratajkowski 's modeling career has progressed from retail ad work to art house erotica and high fashion . She appeared on the cover of the March 2012 issue of the erotic magazine treats ! , which led to her being asked to appear in two music videos -- `` Blurred Lines '' and Maroon 5 's `` Love Somebody '' . She appeared in the 2014 and 2015 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues . Ratajkowski made her professional runway modeling debut for Marc Jacobs at New York Fashion Week in 2015 and has since walked on the Paris Fashion Week runway for Miu Miu . She appeared in a Buick Super Bowl commercial during Super Bowl 50 .   Ratajkowski began acting as a child in the San Diego area before she gained a recurring role on iCarly and later roles in major films . Her feature film debut was as the mistress of Ben Affleck 's character in the 2014 film Gone Girl . Ratajkowski 's 2015 roles included the films Entourage and We Are Your Friends ( her first leading role ) as well as the miniseries The Spoils Before Dying .   Ratajkowski is an advocate for women 's health issues as a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood and supports the right of women to express their sexuality . Her claim to being a feminist has been both supported and disputed .


Denzel Washington Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. ( born December 28 , 1954 ) is an American actor , director , and producer . He has received three Golden Globe awards , a Tony Award , and two Academy Awards : Best Supporting Actor for the historical war drama film Glory ( 1989 ) and Best Actor for his role as a corrupt cop in the crime thriller Training Day ( 2001 ) .   Washington has received much critical acclaim for his film work since the 1980s , including his portrayals of real-life figures such as South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko in Cry Freedom ( 1987 ) , Muslim minister and human rights activist Malcolm X in Malcolm X ( 1992 ) , boxer Rubin `` Hurricane '' Carter in The Hurricane ( 1999 ) , football coach Herman Boone in Remember the Titans ( 2000 ) , poet and educator Melvin B. Tolson in The Great Debaters ( 2007 ) , and drug kingpin Frank Lucas in American Gangster ( 2007 ) . He has been a featured actor in the films produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and has been a frequent collaborator of directors Spike Lee , Antoine Fuqua and Tony Scott . In 2016 , Washington was selected as the recipient for the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards .   In 2002 , Washington made his directorial debut with biographical film Antwone Fisher . His second directorial effort was The Great Debaters , released in 2007 . Washington 's third directorial effort , Fences , starring himself and Viola Davis , was released on December 16 , 2016 .


Fences (film) Fences is a 2016 American period drama film directed by and starring Denzel Washington and written by August Wilson , based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name ( Wilson died in 2005 , but completed a screenplay before his death ) . In addition to Washington , the film also stars Viola Davis , Stephen Henderson , Jovan Adepo , Russell Hornsby , Mykelti Williamson and Saniyya Sidney .   Principal photography on the film began on April 25 , 2016 , in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , in the Hill District , and wrapped in mid-June 2016 . Fences was released in the United States on December 16 , 2016 , by Paramount Pictures , received positive reviews and grossed $ 64 million . The film was chosen by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten films of 2016 , and has been nominated for numerous awards , including four Oscar nominations at the 89th Academy Awards : Best Picture , Best Actor ( Washington ) , Best Supporting Actress ( Davis ) , and Best Adapted Screenplay , with Davis winning for her performance . It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor for Washington and a Best Supporting Actress win for Davis .


The nickname of Joseph Barbera is Jason.

Joseph Barbera Joseph Roland `` Joe '' Barbera ( -LSB- bɑrˈbɛrə -RSB- or -LSB- ˈbɑrbərə -RSB- ; -LSB- barˈbɛːra -RSB- ; March 24 , 1911 -- December 18 , 2006 ) was an American animator , director , producer , storyboard artist , and cartoon artist , whose film and television cartoon characters entertained millions of fans worldwide for much of the 20th century .   Through his young adult years , Barbera lived , attended college , and began his career in New York City . After working odd jobs and as a banker , Barbera joined Van Beuren Studios in 1932 and subsequently Terrytoons in 1936 . In 1937 , he moved to California and while working at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ( MGM ) , Barbera met William Hanna . The two men began a collaboration that was at first best known for producing Tom and Jerry and live action/animated hybrid films . In 1957 , after MGM dissolved their animation department , they co-founded Hanna-Barbera , which became the most successful television animation studio in the business , producing programs such as The Flintstones , Yogi Bear , Scooby-Doo , Top Cat , The Smurfs , Huckleberry Hound and The Jetsons . In 1967 , Hanna-Barbera was sold to Taft Broadcasting for $ 12 million , but Hanna and Barbera remained heads of the company until 1991 . At that time , the studio was sold to Turner Broadcasting System , which in turn was merged with Time Warner , owners of Warner Bros. , in 1996 ; Hanna and Barbera stayed on as advisors .   Hanna and Barbera won seven Academy Awards and eight Emmy Awards . Their cartoon shows have become cultural icons , and their cartoon characters have appeared in other media such as films , books , and toys . Hanna-Barbera 's shows had a worldwide audience of over 300 million people in the 1960s and have been translated into more than 20 languages .


Horrible Bosses Horrible Bosses is a 2011 American black comedy film directed by Seth Gordon , written by Michael Markowitz , John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein , based on a story by Markowitz . It stars Jason Bateman , Charlie Day , Jason Sudeikis , Jennifer Aniston , Colin Farrell , Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx . The plot follows three friends , played by Bateman , Day and Sudeikis , who decide to murder their respective overbearing , abusive bosses , portrayed by Spacey , Aniston and Farrell .   Markowitz 's script was bought by New Line Cinema in 2005 and the film spent six years in various states of pre-production , with a variety of actors attached to different roles . By 2010 , Goldstein and Daley had rewritten the script , and the film finally went into production .   The film premiered in Los Angeles on June 30 , 2011 , and was released on July 8 , 2011 . The film exceeded financial expectations , accruing over $ 28 million in the first three days , making it the number two film in the United States during its opening weekend , and going on to become the highest-grossing black comedy film of all-time in unadjusted dollars , breaking the record previously set by The War of the Roses in 1990 . The film grossed over $ 209 million worldwide by the end of its theatrical run .   The film received generally positive reviews , with critics praising the ensemble cast , and each lead being singled out for their performances across reviews . The plot received a more mixed response ; some reviewers felt that its dark , humorous premise was explored well , while others felt the jokes were racist , homophobic and misogynistic . A sequel , Horrible Bosses 2 , was released on November 26 , 2014 .


Giacomo Casanova Giacomo Girolamo Casanova ( -LSB- ˈdʒaːkomo dʒiˈrɔːlamo kazaˈnɔːva -RSB- or -LSB- kasaˈnɔːva -RSB- 2 April 1725 -- 4 June 1798 ) was an Italian adventurer and author from the Republic of Venice . His autobiography , Histoire de ma vie ( Story of My Life ) , is regarded as one of the most authentic sources of the customs and norms of European social life during the 18th century .   As was not uncommon at the time , Casanova , depending on circumstances , used more or less fictitious names , such as baron or count of Farussi ( the name of his mother ) or Chevalier de Seingalt ( pronounced Saint-Galle , as in French ) . He often signed his works Jacques Casanova de Seingalt after he began writing in French following his second exile from Venice .   He has become so famous for his often complicated and elaborate affairs with women that his name is now synonymous with `` womanizer '' . He associated with European royalty , popes , and cardinals , along with luminaries such as Voltaire , Goethe , and Mozart . He spent his last years in Bohemia as a librarian in Count Waldstein 's household , where he also wrote the story of his life .


Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award.

Jamie Foxx Eric Marlon Bishop ( born December 13 , 1967 ) , known professionally by his stage name Jamie Foxx , is an American actor , singer , songwriter , record producer and comedian . He won an Academy Award for Best Actor , BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role , and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy , for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the 2004 biographical film Ray . The same year , he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the crime film Collateral .   Other prominent acting roles include Staff Sergeant Sykes in Jarhead ( 2005 ) , Detective Ricardo Tubbs in the 2006 film adaptation of TV series Miami Vice , the title role in the film Django Unchained ( 2012 ) , and the supervillain Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 ( 2014 ) . Foxx also starred in the 1990-1994 sketch comedy show In Living Color and his own television show from 1996 to 2001 , the sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show , in which he played Jamie King , Jr. . Foxx also starred in the 2014 film Annie , in which he played Will Stacks .   Foxx is also a Grammy Award-winning musician , producing four albums which have charted in the top ten of the US Billboard 200 : Unpredictable ( 2005 ) , which topped the chart , Intuition ( 2008 ) , Best Night of My Life ( 2010 ) , and Hollywood : A Story of a Dozen Roses ( 2015 ) .


Audrey Hepburn devoted no part of her later life to UNICEF.

Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn ( -LSB- ˈɔːdri_ˈhɛpˌbɜrn -RSB- born Audrey Kathleen Ruston ; 4 May 1929 -- 20 January 1993 ) was a British actress , model , dancer and humanitarian . Recognized as a film and fashion icon , Hepburn was active during Hollywood 's Golden Age . She was ranked by the American Film Institute as the third-greatest female screen legend in Golden Age Hollywood and was inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame .  Born in Ixelles , a district of Brussels , Hepburn spent her childhood between Belgium , England and the Netherlands . In Amsterdam , she studied ballet with Sonia Gaskell before moving to London in 1948 , continuing her ballet training with Marie Rambert , and then performing as a chorus girl in West End musical theatre productions .   Following minor appearances in several films , Hepburn starred in the 1951 Broadway play Gigi after being spotted by French novelist Colette , on whose work the play was based . She shot to stardom for playing the lead role in Roman Holiday ( 1953 ) , for which she was the first actress to win an Academy Award , a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for a single performance . The same year Hepburn won a Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Play for her performance in Ondine . She went on to star in a number of successful films , such as Sabrina ( 1954 ) , The Nun 's Story ( 1959 ) , Breakfast at Tiffany 's ( 1961 ) , Charade ( 1963 ) , My Fair Lady ( 1964 ) and Wait Until Dark ( 1967 ) , for which she received Academy Award , Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations . Hepburn won a record three BAFTA Awards for Best British Actress in a Leading Role . In recognition of her film career , she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from BAFTA , the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award , the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award and the Special Tony Award . She remains one of the 12 people who have won Academy , Emmy , Grammy and Tony Awards .   Hepburn appeared in fewer films as her life went on , devoting much of her later life to UNICEF . She had contributed to the organisation since 1954 , then worked in some of the poorest communities of Africa , South America and Asia between 1988 and 1992 . She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in December 1992 . A month later , Hepburn died of appendiceal cancer at her home in Switzerland at the age of 63 .


The Renaissance was a period in European history.

Renaissance The Renaissance ( -LSB- rᵻˈneɪsəns -RSB- , -LSB- rɛnəˈsɑːns -RSB- ) was a period in European history , from the 14th to the 17th century , regarded as the cultural bridge between the Middle Ages and modern history . It started as a cultural movement in Italy in the Late Medieval period and later spread to the rest of Europe , marking the beginning of the Early Modern Age .   The intellectual basis of the Renaissance was its own invented version of humanism , derived from the rediscovery of classical Greek philosophy , such as that of Protagoras , who said that `` Man is the measure of all things . '' This new thinking became manifest in art , architecture , politics , science and literature . Early examples were the development of perspective in oil painting and the recycled knowledge of how to make concrete . Although the invention of metal movable type sped the dissemination of ideas from the later 15th century , the changes of the Renaissance were not uniformly experienced across Europe .   As a cultural movement , the Renaissance encompassed innovative flowering of Latin and vernacular literatures , beginning with the 14th-century resurgence of learning based on classical sources , which contemporaries credited to Petrarch ; the development of linear perspective and other techniques of rendering a more natural reality in painting ; and gradual but widespread educational reform . In politics , the Renaissance contributed to the development of the customs and conventions of diplomacy , and in science to an increased reliance on observation and inductive reasoning . Although the Renaissance saw revolutions in many intellectual pursuits , as well as social and political upheaval , it is perhaps best known for its artistic developments and the contributions of such polymaths as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo , who inspired the term `` Renaissance man '' .   The Renaissance began in Florence , in the 14th century . Various theories have been proposed to account for its origins and characteristics , focusing on a variety of factors including the social and civic peculiarities of Florence at the time : its political structure ; the patronage of its dominant family , the Medici ; and the migration of Greek scholars and texts to Italy following the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks . Other major centres were northern Italian city-states such as Venice , Genoa , Milan , Bologna , and finally Rome during the Renaissance Papacy .   The Renaissance has a long and complex historiography , and , in line with general scepticism of discrete periodizations , there has been much debate among historians reacting to the 19th-century glorification of the `` Renaissance '' and individual culture heroes as `` Renaissance men '' , questioning the usefulness of Renaissance as a term and as a historical delineation . The art historian Erwin Panofsky observed of this resistance to the concept of `` Renaissance '' :   It is perhaps no accident that the factuality of the Italian Renaissance has been most vigorously questioned by those who are not obliged to take a professional interest in the aesthetic aspects of civilization -- historians of economic and social developments , political and religious situations , and , most particularly , natural science -- but only exceptionally by students of literature and hardly ever by historians of Art .   Some observers have called into question whether the Renaissance was a cultural `` advance '' from the Middle Ages , instead seeing it as a period of pessimism and nostalgia for classical antiquity , while social and economic historians , especially of the longue durée , have instead focused on the continuity between the two eras , which are linked , as Panofsky observed , `` by a thousand ties '' .   The word Renaissance , literally meaning `` Rebirth '' in French , first appeared in English in the 1830s . The word also occurs in Jules Michelet 's 1855 work , Histoire de France . The word Renaissance has also been extended to other historical and cultural movements , such as the Carolingian Renaissance and the Renaissance of the 12th century .


Lyndon B. Johnson signed a piece of federal legislation into law in 1965.

Voting Rights Act of 1965 The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting . It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the height of the Civil Rights Movement on August 6 , 1965 , and Congress later amended the Act five times to expand its protections . Designed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution , the Act secured voting rights for racial minorities throughout the country , especially in the South . According to the U.S. Department of Justice , the Act is considered to be the most effective piece of civil rights legislation ever enacted in the country .   The Act contains numerous provisions that regulate election administration . The Act 's `` general provisions '' provide nationwide protections for voting rights . Section 2 is a general provision that prohibits every state and local government from imposing any voting law that results in discrimination against racial or language minorities . Other general provisions specifically outlaw literacy tests and similar devices that were historically used to disenfranchise racial minorities .   The Act also contains `` special provisions '' that apply to only certain jurisdictions . A core special provision is the Section 5 preclearance requirement , which prohibits certain jurisdictions from implementing any change affecting voting without receiving preapproval from the U.S. Attorney General or the U.S. District Court for D.C. that the change does not discriminate against protected minorities . Another special provision requires jurisdictions containing significant language minority populations to provide bilingual ballots and other election materials .   Section 5 and most other special provisions apply to jurisdictions encompassed by the `` coverage formula '' prescribed in Section 4 ( b ) . The coverage formula was originally designed to encompass jurisdictions that engaged in egregious voting discrimination in 1965 , and Congress updated the formula in 1970 and 1975 . In Shelby County v. Holder ( 2013 ) , the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the coverage formula as unconstitutional , reasoning that it was no longer responsive to current conditions . The Court did not strike down Section 5 , but without a coverage formula , Section 5 is unenforceable .


Lyndon B. Johnson Lyndon Baines Johnson ( -LSB- ˈlɪndən_ˈbeɪnz_ˈdʒɒnsən -RSB- August 27 , 1908January 22 , 1973 ) , often referred to as LBJ , was an American politician who served as the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969 , assuming the office after serving as the 37th Vice President of the United States under President John F. Kennedy from 1961 to 1963 . A Democrat from Texas , he also served as a United States Representative and as the Majority Leader in the United States Senate . Johnson is one of only four people who have served in all four federal elected positions .   Born in a farmhouse in Stonewall , Texas , Johnson was a high school teacher and worked as a Congressional aide before winning election to the House of Representatives in 1937 . He won election to the Senate in 1948 , and was appointed the position of Senate Majority Whip in 1951 . He became the Senate Minority Leader in 1953 and the Senate Majority Leader in 1955 . As a leader in the Senate , Johnson became known for his domineering personality and the `` Johnson treatment '' , his aggressive coercion of powerful politicians to advance legislation . Johnson ran for the Democratic nomination in the 1960 presidential election . Although unsuccessful , he was chosen by then-Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts to be his running mate . They went on to win a close election over the Republican ticket of Richard Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. , and Johnson was sworn in as Vice President on January 20 , 1961 . On November 22 , 1963 , Johnson succeeded Kennedy as President following the latter 's assassination . Johnson won a landslide re-election in 1964 , defeating Republican Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona .   In domestic policy , Johnson designed the `` Great Society '' legislation by upholding civil rights , public broadcasting , Medicare , Medicaid , aid to education , the arts , urban and rural development , public services , and his `` War on Poverty '' . Assisted in part by a growing economy , the War on Poverty helped millions of Americans rise above the poverty line during his administration . Civil rights bills that he signed into law banned racial discrimination in public facilities , interstate commerce , the workplace , and housing ; the Voting Rights Act prohibited certain requirements in southern states used to disenfranchise African Americans . With the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 , the country 's immigration system was reformed , encouraging greater immigration from regions other than Europe . Johnson 's presidency marked the peak of modern liberalism after the New Deal era .   In foreign policy , Johnson escalated American involvement in the Vietnam War . In 1964 , Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution , which granted Johnson the power to use military force in Southeast Asia without having to ask for an official declaration of war . The number of American military personnel in Vietnam increased dramatically , from 16,000 advisors in non-combat roles in 1963 to 525,000 in 1967 , many in combat roles . American casualties soared and the peace process bogged down . Growing unease with the war stimulated a large , angry antiwar movement based especially on university campuses .   Johnson faced further troubles when summer riots broke out in most major cities after 1965 , and crime rates soared , as his opponents raised demands for `` law and order '' policies . While he began his presidency with widespread approval , support for Johnson declined as the public became upset with both the war and the growing violence at home . In 1968 , the Democratic Party factionalized as antiwar elements denounced Johnson ; he ended his bid for renomination after a disappointing finish in the New Hampshire primary . Nixon was elected to succeed him , as the New Deal coalition that had dominated presidential politics for 36 years collapsed . After he left office in January 1969 , Johnson returned to his Texas ranch , where he died of a heart attack at age 64 on January 22 , 1973 .   Johnson is ranked favorably by many historians because of his domestic policies and the passage of many major laws that affected civil rights , gun control , wilderness preservation , and Social Security . He also drew substantial criticism for his handling of the Vietnam War .


Salman Khan Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan ( -LSB- ; born 27 December 1965 ) , credited as Salman Khan ( pronunciation : -LSB- - hnssəlˈmaːn ˈxaːn -RSB- ) , is an Indian film actor , producer , television personality , singer and philanthropist . In a film career spanning more than twenty five years , Khan has received numerous awards , including two National Film Awards as a producer , and two Filmfare Awards as an actor . Described by the CNN as one of the world 's biggest stars , he has a significant following in Asia and the Indian diaspora worldwide , and is cited in the media as one of the most popular and commercially successful actors of Indian cinema .   The son of screenwriter Salim , Khan began his acting career with a supporting role in Biwi Ho To Aisi ( 1988 ) and achieved breakthrough with a leading role in his next releaseSooraj Barjatya 's romance Maine Pyar Kiya ( 1989 ) . Khan went on to establish himself in Bollywood in the 1990s with roles in several top-grossing productions , including the romantic drama Hum Aapke Hain Koun . . ! ( 1994 ) , the action thriller Karan Arjun ( 1995 ) , the comedy Biwi No. 1 ( 1999 ) , and the family drama Hum Saath-Saath Hain ( 1999 ) . For his role in Karan Johar 's romantic drama Kuch Kuch Hota Hai ( 1998 ) , Khan was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor . After a brief period of decline in the 2000s , Khan achieved greater stardom in the 2010s by playing the lead role in several successful action films , including Dabangg ( 2010 ) , Bodyguard ( 2011 ) , Ek Tha Tiger ( 2012 ) , Kick ( 2014 ) , Prem Ratan Dhan Payo ( 2015 ) , Bajrangi Bhaijaan ( 2015 ) and Sultan ( 2016 ) all rank among the highest-grossing Bollywood films of all time . Ten of the films in which Khan has acted in have accumulated gross earnings of over . He is the only actor to star in the highest-grossing Bollywood films of nine separate years . Khan topped Forbes India charts for 2014 , in terms of both fame and revenues . According to the Forbes 2015 list of ` Celebrity 100 : The World 's Top-Paid Entertainers 2015 ' , Khan was the highest ranked Indian in 71st rank with earnings of $ 33.5 million .   In addition to his acting career , Khan is a stage performer and an active humanitarian through his charity non-profit organisation , Being Human . Khan 's off-screen life is marred by controversy and legal troubles . His tumultuous relationship with Aishwarya Rai , his hunting of endangered species , and a negligent driving case in which he ran over five people with his car , killing one , have been extensively covered by the Indian media . For the last of these , Khan was sentenced to five years ' imprisonment in 2015 , but was later acquitted .


Jane Lynch Jane Marie Lynch ( born July 14 , 1960 ) is an American actress , singer , and comedian . She is best known as Sue Sylvester on Glee . She also gained fame in Christopher Guest 's improv mockumentary pictures such as Best in Show .   Lynch 's television cameos include an appearance in the Nickelodeon situation comedy iCarly and the Showtime dark comedy series Weeds . Lynch had a recurring role in the Warner Bros. situation comedy Two and a Half Men from 2004 to 2014 and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in 2010 . She has also had other notable roles in numerous mainstream comedies , such as Talladega Nights : The Ballad of Ricky Bobby , The 40-Year-Old Virgin , Role Models and The Three Stooges .   Her portrayal of Sue Sylvester in Glee has won numerous awards , including the Primetime Emmy Award , Golden Globe Award , Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series , TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy , Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress -- Series , Miniseries , or Television Film , and the People 's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy Actress .   On September 4 , 2013 , Lynch received the 2,505 th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of television located at 6640 Hollywood Blvd. . Lynch has lent her voice to multiple animated films , including Space Chimps , Ice Age : Dawn of the Dinosaurs , Shrek Forever After and Wreck-It Ralph . Since 2013 , she has hosted the NBC game show Hollywood Game Night , for which she has won two Emmy Awards .


Chris McKenna (writer) Chris McKenna is an American television writer , producer and film writer . He has written for American Dad ! , Community , and The Mindy Project . McKenna 's first feature film credit is on Igor .   McKenna was an uncredited writer on the 2004 film The Girl Next Door , having developed the screenplay with director Luke Greenfield . He was denied credit by the WGA arbitration process .   McKenna is the writer of some of Communitys most critically acclaimed episodes , including `` Paradigms of Human Memory '' , `` Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design '' , and the Emmy - and Hugo-nominated `` Remedial Chaos Theory '' . McKenna has also co-written ( with series creator Dan Harmon ) the Season five premiere `` Repilot '' . He has also co-written ( along with his brother Matt McKenna ) one of the most acclaimed episodes of American Dad ! , `` Rapture 's Delight '' .   Having worked with the Russo brothers on the sitcom Community , McKenna contributed to the script of Captain America : The Winter Soldier , by writing jokes for the film .


Adele Adele Laurie Blue Adkins ( -LSB- əˈdɛl -RSB- born 5 May 1988 ) is an English singer-songwriter . After graduating from the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in 2006 , Adele was given a recording contract by XL Recordings after a friend posted her demo on Myspace the same year . In 2007 , she received the Brit Awards `` Critics ' Choice '' award and won the BBC Sound of 2008 poll . Her debut album , 19 , was released in 2008 to commercial and critical success . It is certified seven times platinum in the UK , and three times platinum in the US . The album contains her first song , `` Hometown Glory '' , written when she was 16 , which is based on her home suburb of West Norwood in London . An appearance she made on Saturday Night Live in late 2008 boosted her career in the US . At the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009 , Adele received the awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance .   She released her second studio album , 21 , in early 2011 . The album was critically well received and surpassed the success of her debut , earning the singer numerous awards in 2012 , among them a record-tying six Grammy Awards , including Album of the Year ; two Brit Awards , including British Album of the Year , and three American Music Awards . The album has been certified 16 times platinum in the UK , and is the fourth best-selling album in the UK of all time . In the US , it has held the top position longer than any album since 1985 , and is certified diamond . The album has sold over 31 million copies worldwide . The success of 21 earned Adele numerous mentions in the Guinness Book of World Records . She is the first woman in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to have three simultaneous top 10 singles as a lead artist , and the first female artist to simultaneously have two albums in the top five of the Billboard 200 and two singles in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 . 21 is the longest-running number one album by a female solo artist in the history of the UK and US Album Charts .   In 2012 , Adele released `` Skyfall '' , which she co-wrote and recorded for the James Bond film of the same name . The song won an Academy Award , a Grammy Award , and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song , as well as the Brit Award for British Single of the Year . After taking a three-year break , Adele released her third studio album , 25 , in 2015 . It became the year 's best-selling album and broke first week sales records in the UK and US . 25 was her second album to be certified diamond in the US and earned her five Grammy Awards , including her second Grammy Award for Album of the Year , and four Brit Awards . The lead single , `` Hello '' , became the first song in the US to sell over one million digital copies within a week of its release . Her third concert tour , Adele Live 2016 , visited Europe , North America and Oceania , and will conclude with four finale concerts at Wembley Stadium in mid-2017 .   In 2011 , 2012 and 2016 , Billboard named Adele Artist of the Year . In 2012 , she was listed at number five on VH1 's 100 Greatest Women in Music . Time magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world in 2012 and 2016 . With sales of more than 100 million records , Adele is one of the best-selling recording artists in the world .


Enough Project The Enough Project is a Washington , D.C. based non-profit organization that was founded in 2007 . The project was co-founded by the Center for American Progress and the International Crisis Group in 2007 . Its stated mission is to end genocide and crimes against humanity . The Enough Project conducts research in several conflict areas in Africa including Sudan , South Sudan , the Democratic Republic of the Congo , the Central African Republic , and the areas controlled by the Lord 's Resistance Army ( LRA ) . The Enough Project facilitates several campaigns and initiatives which work to bring attention to these crises , including The Sentry , Raise Hope for Congo , and the Satellite Sentinel Project . Its co-founders are John Prendergast and Gayle Smith .   In 2014 , the Enough Project released a report on war lordism and the mines of the Congo . The report indicated that due to the economic pressure of a provision of the United States Dodd-Frank Financial Reform Act , which required any company that might be using `` conflict minerals '' to register with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and publish their supply chain , control over the mines had passed out of the hands of the warlords and local militias .


Thiokol Thiokol ( variously Thiokol Chemical Corporation , Morton-Thiokol Inc. , Cordant Technologies Inc. , Thiokol Propulsion , AIC Group , ATK Thiokol ; finally ATK Launch Systems Group before becoming part of Orbital ATK ) was an American corporation concerned initially with rubber and related chemicals , and later with rocket and missile propulsion systems . Its name is a portmanteau of the Greek words for sulfur ( θειον `` theion '' ) and glue ( κολλα `` kolla '' ) , an allusion to the company 's initial product , Thiokol polymer .   The Thiokol Chemical Company was founded in 1929 . Its initial business was a range of synthetic rubber and polymer sealants , and Thiokol was a major supplier of liquid polymer sealants during World War II . When scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory discovered that Thiokol 's polymers made ideal binders for solid rocket fuels , Thiokol moved into the new field , opening laboratories at Elkton , Maryland , and later production facilities at Elkton and at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville , Alabama . Huntsville produced the XM33 Pollux , TX-18 Falcon , and TX-135 Nike-Zeus systems . It closed in 1996 . In the mid-1950s the company bought extensive lands in Utah for its rocket test range , and in 1986 was found at fault for the destruction of the Space Shuttle Challenger and the deaths of its astronauts . Thiokol continues to have major operations in the state , at Magna and Promontory ( manufacture of the Space Shuttle 's solid rocket motors ) , and its current headquarters at Brigham City . the company employed over 15,000 people worldwide and records annual sales of around .


Game of Thrones' (season 1) cast included Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark.

Michelle Fairley Michelle Fairley is a Northern Irish actress , best known for her roles as Catelyn Stark in the HBO series Game of Thrones , Dr. Ava Hessington in multiple episodes of USA Network series Suits , and as terrorist Margot Al-Harazi , a main antagonist in 24 : Live Another Day .


Game of Thrones (season 1) The first season of the fantasy drama television series Game of Thrones premiered on HBO on April 17 , 2011 , at 9.00 pm in the U.S. , and concluded on June 19 , 2011 . It consists of ten episodes , each of approximately 55 minutes . The series is based on A Game of Thrones , the first novel in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin , adapted for television by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss . HBO had ordered a television pilot in November 2008 ; filming began the following year . However , it was deemed unsatisfactory and later reshot with some roles being recast . In March 2010 , HBO ordered the first season , which began filming in July 2010 , primarily in Belfast , Northern Ireland , with additional filming in Malta .   The story takes place in a fictional world , primarily upon a continent called Westeros , with one storyline occurring on another continent to the east known as Essos . Like the novel , the season initially focuses on the family of nobleman Eddard Stark , who is asked to become chief advisor to his king and longtime friend , Robert Baratheon . Ned must find out who killed the previous Hand of the King , Jon Arryn , while trying to protect his family from their rivals the Lannisters . He uncovers the dark secrets about the Lannisters that his predecessor died trying to expose . Meanwhile , in Essos , the exiled Viserys Targaryen , son of the former king , believes he still has the rightful claim to the throne .   Game of Thrones features a large ensemble cast , including Bean , Addy , Peter Dinklage , Lena Headey , Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Michelle Fairley and Iain Glen . Newer actors were cast as the younger generation of characters , such as Kit Harington , Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams .   Critics praised the show 's production values and cast , with specific accolades for Dinklage 's portrayal of Tyrion Lannister . The first season won two of the thirteen Emmy Awards for which it was nominated , for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series ( Dinklage ) and Outstanding Main Title Design . It also received a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series . Bean and Emilia Clarke also received individual accolades , as did Ramin Djawadi for music . U.S. viewership rose by approximately 33 % over the course of the season , from 2.2 million to over 3 million by the finale .


Famous in Love stars Bella Thorne, Charlie DePew, Georgie Flores, Carter Jenkins, Niki Koss, Keith Powers, Pepi Sonuga, and Perrey Reeves.

Famous in Love Famous in Love is an American drama television series that premiered on Freeform on April 18 , 2017 , and is based on the novel of the same name by Rebecca Serle . The series stars Bella Thorne , Charlie DePew , Georgie Flores , Carter Jenkins , Niki Koss , Keith Powers , Pepi Sonuga , and Perrey Reeves .


Mrigayaa Mrigayaa ( lit . The royal hunt ) is a 1976 Hindi-language Indian period drama film directed by Mrinal Sen and produced by K. Rajeshwara Rao . Based on a short story by Bhagbati Charan Panigrahi , called ` Inaam ' . The film portrayed the relationship between the British colonialists and native villagers , and their exploitation by Indian landlords in 1920 's India . It also depicts the friendship between a British administrator , who has a flair for game hunting , and a native tribal , who is an expert archer . The lead actors , Mithun Chakraborty and Mamata Shankar , both made their cinematic debuts through the film .   The film score was provided by Salil Chowdhury while K. K. Mahajan handled the cinematography . At the 24th National Film Awards , Mrigayaa won two awards -- Best Feature Film and Best Actor . It also won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie apart from being nominated for the Golden Prize at the 10th Moscow International Film Festival in 1977 .


Britney Spears is a American citizen vocalist.

Britney Spears Britney Jean Spears ( born December 2 , 1981 ) is an American singer , dancer , and actress . Born in McComb , Mississippi , and raised in Kentwood , Louisiana , she performed acting roles in stage productions and television shows as a child before signing with Jive Records in 1997 . Spears 's first and second studio albums , ... Baby One More Time ( 1999 ) and Oops ! ... I Did It Again ( 2000 ) , became international successes , with the former becoming the best-selling album by a teenage solo artist . Title tracks '' ... Baby One More Time '' and `` Oops ! ... I Did It Again '' broke international sales records . In 2001 , Spears released her self-titled third studio album , Britney , and played the starring role in the film Crossroads ( 2002 ) . She assumed creative control of her fourth studio album , In the Zone ( 2003 ) , which yielded the worldwide success of the single `` Toxic '' .   In 2007 , Spears 's much-publicized personal issues sent her career into hiatus . Her fifth studio album , Blackout , was released later that year , and spawned singles such as `` Gim me More '' and `` Piece of Me '' . Her erratic behavior and hospitalizations continued through the following year , at which point she was placed under a still ongoing conservatorship . Spears 's sixth studio album , Circus ( 2008 ) , included the international chart-topping single `` Womanizer '' . Her seventh studio album , Femme Fatale ( 2011 ) , became her first to yield three top-ten singles in the United States . She released her eighth studio album Britney Jean in 2013 . Later that year , Spears began the four-year residency show , Britney : Piece of Me , at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas . In 2016 , Spears released her ninth studio album , Glory . In 2017 , she announced that her residency show would develop into a world tour , Britney : Live in Concert .   Spears is regarded as a pop icon and credited with influencing the revival of teen pop during the late 1990s . She became the best-selling teenage artist of all time and garnered honorific titles including the `` Princess of Pop '' . Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades , including a Grammy Award , six MTV Video Music Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award , seven Billboard Music Awards including the Millennium Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . In 2009 , Billboard ranked her as the 8th overall Artist of the Decade , and also recognized her as the best-selling female artist of the 2000s , as well as the fifth overall . The Recording Industry Association of America ( RIAA ) lists Spears as the eighth top-selling female artist in the United States , with 34 million certified albums . She has sold over 100 million records worldwide making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time . According to Billboard Spears has sold about 22.38 million singles in digital downloads in US and is the fourth best-selling female artist since Nielsen SoundScan began .   Rolling Stone recognized her instant success as one of the Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments of all time , while VH1 ranked her eleventh on their `` 100 Greatest Women in Music '' list in 2012 , and Billboard named her the sexiest woman in music . Forbes reported that Spears was the highest paid female musician of 2012 , with earnings of $ 58 million , having last topped the list in 2002 .


Slovakia Slovakia ( listen ) , is a landlocked country in Central Europe . It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west , Poland to the north , Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south . Slovakia 's territory spans about 49000 km2 and is mostly mountainous . The population is over 5 million and comprises mostly ethnic Slovaks . The capital and largest city is Bratislava . The official language is Slovak .   The Slavs arrived in the territory of present-day Slovakia in the 5th and 6th centuries . In the 7th century , they played a significant role in the creation of Samo 's Empire and in the 9th century established the Principality of Nitra . In the 10th century , the territory was integrated into the Kingdom of Hungary , which itself became part of the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire . After World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire , the Slovaks and Czechs established Czechoslovakia . A separate ( First ) Slovak Republic ( 1939 -- 1945 ) existed in World War II as a client state of Nazi Germany . In 1945 , Czechoslovakia was re-established under Communist rule as a Soviet satellite . In 1989 the Velvet Revolution ended authoritarian Communist rule in Czechoslovakia . Slovakia became an independent state on 1 January 1993 after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia , sometimes known as the Velvet Divorce .   Slovakia is a high-income advanced economy with a very high Human Development Index , a very high standard of living and performs favourably in measurements of civil liberties , press freedom , internet freedom , democratic governance and peacefulness . The country maintains a combination of market economy with a comprehensive social security system . Citizens of Slovakia are provided with universal health care , free education and one of the longest paid maternity leave in the OECD . The country joined the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone on 1 January 2009 . Slovakia is also a member of the Schengen Area , NATO , the United Nations , the OECD , the WTO , CERN , the OSCE , the Council of Europe and the Visegrád Group . The Slovak economy is one of the fastest growing economies in Europe and 3rd fastest in eurozone . Its legal tender , the Euro , is the world 's 2nd most traded currency . Although regional income inequality is high , 90 % of citizens own their homes . In 2016 , Slovak citizens had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 165 countries and territories , ranking the Slovak passport 11th in the world . Slovakia is the world 's largest per-capita car producer with a total of 1,040,000 cars manufactured in the country in 2016 alone and the 7th largest car producer in the European Union . The car industry represents 43 % of Slovakia 's industrial output , and a quarter of its exports .