Pierce Brosnan: Not the James Bond You Remember

He is cold and jet-lagged as we sit down in a cabana by the pool of a Los Angeles hotel. It's 70 degrees out, but Pierce Brosnan is desperate for a bowl of soup. This chill makes sense only when you consider that the place he calls home is a balmy Hawaiian oasis he shares with his wife, Keely Shaye Smith, and their two youngest sons, Dylan, 11, and Paris, 7.

Brosnan's denim shirt is unbuttoned just enough to reveal a strand of Tibetan beads, given to him years ago by a Buddhist monk during a turbulent flight. He wears the necklace for good luck whenever he flies. Raised Catholic on the Emerald Isle, he believes in the luck of the Irish. When you ask him if he's spiritual, he says, "I pray. And I pray there's a heaven!"
The suave guy Brosnan played for seven years still shows in the actor's fine features and the grace with which he, well, eats a bowl of soup. While it used to be his martini that was shaken, not stirred, now, at 55, Brosnan has got something else shaking. In his new movie, Mamma Mia!, he sings, dances, and woos Meryl Streep. "There's a sequence when we're all wet," he says of the film inspired by the songs of Swedish pop group ABBA. "Meryl grabbed for my shirt and ripped off the buttons, at which point I grabbed her with the wildest embrace and relished every moment of it." Thank goodness, the ladies' man lives on.

Q. What drew you to this movie? A. My agent called and said, "Meryl Streep, Mamma Mia!," and I said, "I'm in!" I didn't even know who I was playing. I kept thinking, I want to work with this wonderful actress.

Q. How did you fare with all the singing you had to do for the role?
A. I've never done anything as orchestrated or musically complex in my life. At first, I just made noises. Then I went to London and trained in the studio with Benny [Andersson] and Bjõrn [Ulvaeus] from ABBA. My family let me know that they were very worried for Dad when they first heard Dad sing. But sing I did.

Q. I heard that for the dance routines, you wore tights.
A. No, we had the Mamma Mia! spandex fishtail flares and high-heel boots. I thought it was a hoot.

Q. Mamma Mia! is set in Greece, ABBA hails from Sweden, and you recently became a U.S. citizen. What drove that decision?
A. It was the pain that we've been living with since 9/11. I've been here 25 years. I've paid taxes. I wanted to have a voice.

Q. Have you held on to many of your Irish roots?
A. I'm very Americanized now. But the love of the country, the love of the land, and, I suppose, the religion live with me.

Q. Do you still practice the Catholicism you were reared with?
A. I was an altar boy. That never leaves you. So when there are churches around, I go to church. I just went yesterday. I also love the teachings of Buddhist philosophy. It's my own private faith. I don't preach it, but it's a faith that is a comfort to me when the night is long.

Q. Your father left when you were a toddler, and you were raised by relatives after your mother moved to London to go to nursing school. How did your childhood influence the father you've become?
A. My early childhood was very solitary. I was aware there wasn't a father figure, yet there was love there within a rather nomadic life, living with grandparents, an aunt, and an uncle before finally connecting with my mother. That said, I don't want my children to have that kind of life. I want them to feel like they belong and to know the love of family. It's what makes me tick. Having been a father for many years now, I'm very aware of how precious the time with my children is.

Q. Why did you and your family move from Los Angeles to Hawaii?
A. We went there thinking of the future, of a place to grow children. And it's a bit like Ireland with the heat turned up. It's got a mythology that fascinates me. Our home is a sanctuary, and Keely's a fantastic gardener. From weed and sand, she has cultivated Samoans, magnificent palm trees. We have fruit -- Meyer lemons, papayas, and mangoes. And bountiful gardenias where they said gardenias wouldn't grow.

Q. You and Keely were environmentalists long before it became fashionable. What's one green thing you do at home?
A. We have a compost bin. The boys know how to compost all the food, and it goes into the garden.

Q. Do you have other family rituals?
A. I make the kids pancakes in the morning. We have picnics. I'm learning how to surf with my boys. At their ages, they really want to rock.

Q. I've heard that you like to paint in your free time.
A. Yes. I find I do it best when I'm feeling out of sorts. And the boys and I paint together.

Q. Didn't you plan to be a painter before you became an actor?
A. I left school in England at 15 to draw and paint. My dream was to make album covers. I also did odd jobs like washing dishes, cleaning houses, and driving a cab. I didn't really dig that. I had a very bad sense of direction. I'd think, Oh dear, this is a challenge. Now we've got to drive. But once I found the world of theater, I was off to the races! And I have no plans of retiring. I will carry on making movies, being an actor, producing, or writing-or I'll make paintings.

Q. Are you an optimist?
A. Absolutely. You have to have hope. It's the only way to go on.

Start your own website here!

My friend would like to know how create a website. I told him my friend don't worry. The Heritage Web Design is an innovative website design company which caters your needs to start your own website. The amazing information, I learned about them is that they have a full custom website design. Not just a template website design that everyone has! It has a full, complete, original, authentic, and its called "One-of-a-Kind"design that fits for you and your business. There are things to consider when building your own website.

• Your Website Should be Custom, Unique and Original, Something that Stands out from your Competitors.
• Don't be Too Wordy with too much Text and Content. Get to the Point.Customers should Immediately Find what they are looking for. Use Bullets or Outlines to Make your Points. They are Easier to Read and Follow.
• Your site should have a lot of "Call to Actions" (reasons for customer to Buy, Call or give you their Name and Phone Number). Once your Website is live, consider how you will Drive Customers to it. (Search Engines, Articles, Advertising, yellow page listing, etc.)

Heritage Web Solutions consistently ranked leaders in the industry because they have originality, design, and content and the their customer are very pleased with their services. As a matter of fact, they are featuring the unedited comments from their clients. They got a satisfaction rating from them.Heritage Web Solutions takes great pride in their design capabilities and experience. Their designers, products, and facilities are second to none and lead to the confidence and loyalty of their customers. They are using the latest fully managed Dual Xeon servers with an easy to use cPanel site management control. They also does weekly and Monthly backups of your site. Hands down the most affordable and powerful E-Commerce Solution out there. If you are still in doubt, here's your guide question and answers. Why use Heritage Web Solutions?

• Full Tech Support - You can make your own changes to your website or we can make them for you.
• Quality and Affordability - Highest Quality of custom web design work at a very affordable price.
• Unparalleled Customer Service Servicing our national base of clients is our Top Priority.
• Experienced and Qualified - Top Qualified Web Designers, Programmers, and Technical Support.

Come on guys, start your own website now they are just a click away.

Eat More to Weigh Less

We lose muscle mass after middle age, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain. Eating up to 50 percent more protein may help, says new research, and is safe for most people (except those who have kidney disease). An adult weighing 130 pounds could aim for 70 grams daily. Try these substitutions, which won't add lots of fat or calories.

Want to drop the pounds? Pile on the protein!

INSTEAD OF 1 slice bacon (3g protein), EAT 1 egg (6g protein)

INSTEAD OF 1 glass OJ (1.5 g protein), EAT 1 glass low-fat milk (8 g protein)

INSTEAD OF 2 slices American cheese (11 g protein), EAT 3 oz canned tuna (21 g protein)

INSTEAD OF 2 chicken wings (9 g protein), EAT 3.5 oz chicken breast (21 g protein)

INSTEAD OF 1 hamburger patty (22 g protein), EAT 4 oz lean steak (35 g protein)

INSTEAD OF 2 tbs sour cream (1 g protein), EAT 1/2 cup cottage cheese (15 g protein)

INSTEAD OF 1/2 cup croutons (2 g protein), EAT 1/2 cup tofu (20 g protein)

INSTEAD OF 2 tbs cream cheese (2 g protein), EAT 2 tbs peanut butter (8 g protein)

Why We Love Who We Love

Have you ever known a married couple that just didn't seem as though they should fit together -- yet they are both happy in the marriage, and you can't figure out why?

I know of one couple: He is a burly ex-athlete who, in addition to being a successful salesman, coaches Little League, is active in his Rotary Club and plays golf every Saturday with friends. Meanwhile, his wife is petite, quiet and a complete homebody. She doesn't even like to go out to dinner.

What mysterious force drives us into the arms of one person, while pushing us away from another who might appear equally desirable to any unbiased observer?

Of the many factors influencing our idea of the perfect mate, one of the most telling, according to John Money, professor emeritus of medical psychology and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University, is what he calls our "love map" -- a group of messages encoded in our brains that describes our likes and dislikes. It shows our preferences in hair and eye color, in voice, smell, body build. It also records the kind of personality that appeals to us, whether it's the warm and friendly type or the strong, silent type.

In short, we fall for and pursue those people who most clearly fit our love map. And this love map is largely determined in childhood. By age eight, the pattern for our ideal mate has already begun to float around in our brains.

When I lecture, I often ask couples in the audience what drew them to their dates or mates. Answers range from "She's strong and independent" and "I go for redheads" to "I love his sense of humor" and "That crooked smile, that's what did it."

I believe what they say. But I also know that if I were to ask those same men and women to describe their mothers, there would be many similarities between their ideal mates and their moms. Yes, our mothers -- the first real love of our lives -- write a significant portion of our love map.

When we're little, our mother is the center of our attention, and we are the center of hers. So our mother's characteristics leave an indelible impression, and we are forever after attracted to people with her facial features, body type, personality, even sense of humor. If our mother was warm and giving, as adults we tend to be attracted to people who are warm and giving. If our mother was strong and even-tempered, we are going to be attracted to a fair-minded strength in our mates.

The mother has an additional influence on her sons: she not only gives them clues to what they will find attractive in a mate, but also affects how they feel about women in general. So if she is warm and nice, her sons are going to think that's the way women are. They will likely grow up warm and responsive lovers and also be cooperative around the house.

Conversely, a mother who has a depressive personality, and is sometimes friendly but then suddenly turns cold and rejecting, may raise a man who becomes a "dance-away lover." Because he's been so scared about love from his mother, he is afraid of commitment and may pull away from a girlfriend for this reason.

While the mother determines in large part what qualities attract us in a mate, it's the father -- the first male in our lives -- who influences how we relate to the opposite sex. Fathers have an enormous effect on their children's personalities and chances of marital happiness.

Just as mothers influence their son's general feelings toward women, fathers influence their daughter's general feelings about men. If a father lavishes praise on his daughter and demonstrates that she is a worthwhile person, she'll feel very good about herself in relation to men. But if the father is cold, critical or absent, the daughter will tend to feel she's not very lovable or attractive.

In addition, most of us grow up with people of similar social circumstances. We hang around with people in the same town; our friends have about the same educational backgrounds and career goals. We tend to be most comfortable with these people, and therefore we tend to link up with others whose families are often much like our own.

Nice Mashed Potatoes

You Will Need
1 large whole garlic bulb
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

What to Do
1. Remove papery outer skin from garlic (do not peel or separate cloves). Brush with oil. Wrap bulb in heavy-duty foil. Bake at 425°F until softened, 30-35 minutes. Cool for 10-15 minutes; peel garlic and reserve oil. Reduce heat to 400°F.

2. Place red and sweet potatoes in separate saucepans; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook until very tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain.

3. Place both potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the milk, butter, rosemary, roasted garlic and reserved oil. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a greased 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Cover and bake until heated through, 25-30 minutes.

Serves: 6-8

The amazing Glass from Zenni Optical

My Mom is asking me what should be her Christmas present for herself. I immediately suggested that she should shop online for the latest trend of Holiday Glass Frames From Zenni Optical, their eye wear has The popular online eyeglasses shop. She can choose anything that she wants according to her preferences. They are also featuring the $ 8 Complete Rx Eyeglasses which my mom like so much. Now is your chance to treat yourself. Come on guys, just one click away to get the latest trend of eye wear.

Total Indulgence: High Tea

High Tea originated as a British working class tradition. The "high" referred to the way it was taken-- sitting on the tops of stools in the tea shops or standing at a counter or buffet table. It was a cross between afternoon tea and dinner, and for many it was the main meal of the day.

Vote No to Prop 8

I heard the recent news that the ban is still lift to some parts of America that condemning the gays and lesbians to get married. My stand is, Is it wrong to love? All of us has the freedom to express our affection to one another. I believe that it is part of being human is to love and be loved no matter what their sexes is.

Rihanna Lights Up The Stage

The hottest Music superstar Rihanna took the stage on Thursday night showing off her always daring and edgy look -- why was the 20-year-old singer surrounded by smoke and flames?

The Grammy Award winner set the stage on fire in punk-rock plaid, jeans and black shades while rehearsing for the American Music Awards at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

Catch Rihanna and music's biggest stars at the AMAs, Nov. 23 on ABC.

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden Break Up?

One of the most controversial couple. Are Paris Hilton and Benji Madden no longer an item?

A source close to Paris tells People magazine the celeb couple split several days ago.

"She is saddened by the breakup but they're just too different and they wanted different things in life," says the mag's source. "He was loyal and sweet but it was time to take a break."

Paris and Benji's romance blossomed earlier this year. Benji's twin brother and Good Charlotte bandmate, Joel Madden, is engaged to Paris' "Simple Life" pal Nicole Richie.

Date Night for Jennifer Aniston & John Mayer

Considered as the hottest couple today. Were Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer on a double date with Nicole Richie and Joel Madden?

"There was a lot of excited talk between the two girls" at the Sunset Towers Hotel last night, an onlooker told People. However, both couples were seated at separate tables. They took a break from their meal to chat for a bit, "with Nicole's head bobbing up and down as she talked to Jen," says the onlooker, who adds that when Nicole left she gave an "exaggerated, very happy wave" goodbye.

Besides a little social action, Jen & John were said to be enjoying a romantic late-night meal.

"They were positively glowing in the candlelight," the onlooker said. "You could see her classic 'Aniston smile' on her face."

Brad Pitt Talks About Fatherhood

New hot dad Brad Pitt opens up to Oprah Winfrey about parenting six children!

"We don't go to the mall," Brad joked after Oprah asked him about taking the kids out.

Brad says it takes them at least 30 minutes to go anywhere but "Angie" is very militant!

Angelina Jolie recently told BBC News that her acting days could be numbered as she focuses on her family!

Brad and Angelina are parents to: Maddox, 7; Pax Thien, 4; Zahara, 3; Shiloh, 2; and 4-month-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Catch Brad's new mustachioed look when his interview airs on Oprah, Wednesday, Nov. 19. Good Luck Brad

Looking for Digital Cameras, Laptops, LCD TV online?

"A picture paints a thousand words." That's what the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh claim to his masterpieces. Now, because of the technology and gadgets that are available in the market, you can buy the cheapest digital cameras online. Professional photographers agrees that this kind of product is really amazing. This digital camera are producing pictures that has outstanding quality. Treasure and cherish each memories you have by taking pictures together with your family and also special occasions and views to those who love nature tripping.
Laptop computers is very in demand specially those who are professionals, students, business owners, music lovers and games players. Laptop computers and notebook has the same features as a desktop computers but their difference is that laptop is so easy to carry, versatile, and you can use everywhere. The prices of the laptops are affordable, with high quality features and you can find the latest model from the leading brands such as Acer, Sony, HP and Toshiba.
LCD TV is one of the in demand products in the market today, it offers a widest and clearest picture quality on a slim flat screens and most new LCD models are ready for High Definition Digital TV- HCTV. It has a space saving and ultra stylish HD- ready LCD TV with great addition to anyone's living room. LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, a technology that uses two panels with a liquid crystal solution between them, with a light source behind the rear panel. The liquid crystals react to the light, creating the image on the LCD screen. What are you waiting for grab one amazing gadgets now.

L Word

I was amaze watching this show. All of the cast played their role very well. I hope next year in their new season it will be so cool. I can't wait to see them again.

Kanye West Arreste

Master rapper Kanye West was arrested last night in Newcastle, England.

According to MTV UK, the rapper had an altercation with a member of the paparazzi who claimed Kanye became physical with him. Police arrested Kanye on suspicion of assault, but he was quickly released without charge.

"We can confirm that a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault following an incident at a Newcastle city centre club in the early hours of this morning," Northumbria police tell ET. "He was released without charge and no further police action is being taken."Ihope you will fix your charges soon bro.. Good Luck!

"A Million Good Things"

All of us are going to die. We don't know when or how but as long as we are breathing, we should bear in mind that doing good things in our neighbor is one of our purpose here on earth. It is one of the commandment that God made for us. "Love your neighbors as yourself".

We are responsible for our fellow men. We should always put in our minds that doing good things to others it makes Jesus smile. A website has open it's doors to know what you have done in doing A million Good things. Visit their site and tell the world what have you have done good things for the day. It's open to everybody. So, start spread your good things now.

My father's flock

Every time I visit our farm I bring along with me my cellphone. I love taking pictures in the daily activities of my dad. He loves animals and he talk to them. But sad to say they are not answering him back. I inherit this kind of attitude talking to the animals. Here our farm photos. Enjoy..

Abdul Fan Changed Name to Paula, Sent Abdul Flowers

The Paula Abdul fan who was found dead in her car near Abdul's home this week changed her name to Paula, and sent Abdul flowers recently, People magazine reports.

The devastating news by Paula Goodspeed's original first name was Sandra, according to People.

A source tells the mag that Abdul received flowers last week that had a message attached that read, "Hope you're doing great. Here's my new cell number. Love, J.T."

People reports that Abdul's boyfriend's name is J.T., but when she called him, he told her he hadn't changed his number, which, according to the source, led Abdul to believe that the flowers were really from Goodspeed. According to the People article Abdul "received more than 100 letters, numerous phone calls and uninvited visits from Goodspeed."

Goodspeed's niece, Sonja McIntyre, tells People, however, that her aunt was a "good person." She told the mag that her aunt changed her name to Paula 16 years ago, because, "she just liked the name Paula."So sad this would happen to her.

I Love Puppies

Alex had four cute little puppies. I always hug and kiss them. Sometimes, I bottle feed them. That's how I value them.

Robert Pattinson: Before 'Twilight'!

The new uprising star. What was Robert Pattinson doing before he was taking a "bite"out of young girls' hearts everywhere?

Before being cast as Edward Cullen in the highly anticipated vampire flick 'Twilight,' the 22-year-old rising star played Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter sequels: 'The Goblet of Fire,' and 'The Order of The Phoenix.'

The London-born actor began honing his craft at age 15, appearing in amateur plays with the Barnes Theatre Company. Later he appeared in a supporting role in the made-for-TV movie 'Ring of the Nibelungs' in 2004.

What you may not know about the world's most desirable vampire is that he is also a talented musician and plays both piano and guitar. Pattinson lends his vocal styling to the song "Never Think" on the 'Twilight' soundtrack. Good Luck Bro..