Spa-Addicts Frolic in France Sweepstakes

by Adrienne Wilson on

Here I was minding my own business, looking for cheap hotel rates on sidestep.com when I was distracted by an advertisement. Loud, hot pink, bright yellow text all grabbed my attention and next thing I knew I was being directed away from the travel search engine. Oh joy! But wait, it gets better… So I’m taken to this Spa-Addicts website, which I’ve never been to and here they are having a sweepstakes inspired by the newly released Sofia Coppola film, Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst. Now let me just say three things: One, I’m not a big fan of Kirsten Dunst; two, I do like Sofia Coppola; and three, I’m a complete addict when it comes to sweepstakes. Who cares about the taxes you might have to pay if you win, it’s still a whole heck of a lot cheaper than paying for their package deal in full. And now, surely, you must be curious to know what these Spa-Addicts are offering in their sweepstakes?

The so-called world’s premiere spa guide is giving you the chance to win roundtrip economy class airfare to Paris, France for two, four nights accommodation for two in a furnished luxury apartment, two Le Grand Classique Treatments at the Yon-Ka Spa in Paris and Two Soin Velours Treatments at the Yon-Ka Spa. Sound dazzling enough to enter? Head over to Spa-Addicts now. Who knows you may very well win a trip to Paris, but if my voluntarily spreading the word and good karma works in my favor, then I could be landing in France soon. (Be sure you read the official rules as always.)

Good luck!

Sienna Miller vs. Pittsburgh

by Adrienne Wilson on

Poor Sienna Miller is stuck in Pittsburgh while she works on upcoming film “The Mysteries of Pittsburgh.” According to pop culture travel blog Jaunted, Miller told Rolling Stone she needed to get more glamorous films and apparently called the town “Shitsburgh.” Sigh, do these actors and actresses ever get enough? There are people living in Hobart, Oklahoma and Podunk, Alabama who I’m sure are dying to visit a sometimes happening spot like Pittsburgh. I’m sure after her hard acting work is done in Pittsburgh she’ll be on the first jumbo jet to some cozy English countryside or whatever tickles her fancy of course. I’m not saying Ms. Miller can’t have an opinion about where she is sent to work, but there are far worse places than Pittsburgh. She should be lucky the film isn’t called “The Mysteries of Compton.” She apologized for dumping on the Steel Town, most likely for ticket sales.

But Sienna’s drama doesn’t end there – Miller was also said to have been removed from Pittsburgh’s Youngs Tavern when she tried ordering alcohol before providing identification which she did not have on her. It is claimed that Miller ripped off her hat and said ” I am Sienna Miller. I am a famous actress!” Sienna denies throwing any type of temper tantrum.

Are the people of Pittsburg mad? Nope – they have other concerns.

Human Rights Watch International Film Festival

by Adrienne Wilson on

Last week or so I made a promise to start posting on more film festivals and I will live up to that promise as best as possible starting with today’s find. The Human Rights Watch International Festival is a traveling film festival running from September 2006 to May 2007 which showcases feature films and documentary that stimulates heated and passionate conversation about human rights. In other words, if you’re seeking mind-numbing movies head towards your local AMC. The films being showcased are about hardships faced by Ethiopia’s coffee farmers, conversations with South African people & refugees, touring former German concentration camps and living near them. Spanning from almost every continent there is plenty of food for thought at this fest. See all the film descriptions here.

As of right now the Human Rights Watch International Festival is showing in Fresno, CA and Claremont, CA and will begin showing on Oct. 19th in Portland, OR and Nov. 14th in Troy, NY all until November 2006. Check for exact dates and venue information on their website: http://hrw.org/iff/

Borat’s: Face of Kazakhstan?

by Adrienne Wilson on

Strangely this isn’t the first time Sacha Baron Cohen has received mention here on Gadling. Erik wrote a short blurb on the star back in November of last year when word on the streets was Kazakh government was going to sue Mister Borat / Ali G. / Cohen. According to Erik’s piece the gov officials didn’t like the way Cohen was portraying them as sexist, racist, and stupid louts. Well, I don’t know how far that lawsuit went, but Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is set for nationwide release on November 3, 2006.

After seeing the absurd previews in theaters last night I couldn’t help placing this one on my ‘to-watch’ list. What? Huh? Yup, I said it. I’m hoping to catch this one on the big screen in stadium seating, DDS surround sound – the works. Personally I find Borat disgustingly funny. Not because I feel he’s poking any sort of fun at Kazakhstan through his character, but simply pointing out the same age-old stereotypes Americans have created over time. Cohen who is Jewish makes joke about Jews, Blacks, Cowboys, and various other American folk he runs across in his great road-trip across America. Offensive and crude cinema – yes.

My only hopes for those who do know very little about the country of Kazakhstan is that they’ll go pick up a book or do some research online. It’s not that hard to learn something a little factual about the place. In fact – start by clicking here.

Tijuana, Mexico: Real Mexican Wrestling

by Adrienne Wilson on

As a child I would watch the WWF on television side-by-side with my kid bro and punish him later with some killer wrestling moves of my own. As a young girl I towered over the little pip-squeak and made him plead for mercy. I showed none. You could call me the ‘Macho Woman Adrienne Savage.’ These days I wouldn’t dare. In fact, I don’t even watch wrestling anymore. Whatever became of the WWF? It’s something else now, right? Through Nacho Libre it has worked its way back into my life. I want to be a kid again. I want to root for the underdog and for him to be a victorious champion and hero. I want to go to a real live wrestling match.

Tijuana. Jim Benning tells a tale of the real Nacho Libre in Tijuana, a popular Mexican border town outside of California for the Washington Post. Great fighters bounce from the ropes off each other’s chest sending the crowds into cheering mode. Few gringos are amongst the fans of El Hijo del Santo, Blue Demon Jr., and Rey Misterio. This is a better side of Tijuana. I suggest fans of the film click into this for a real taste of the wrestling scene.

In the mean time is there anyone who’d like to go? I promise not to use any sleeper holds and I don’t bite – anymore.