The People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, appears to have been fooled by the Onion, a satirical U.S. newspaper and website. The People's Daily, a very non-satirical paper with a self-reported circulation of 2.4 million readers, is trumpeting the Onion's announcement that it has selected North Korean dictator Kim Jong Eun as the "sexiest man alive" in 2012.
The People's Daily report includes dozens of photos of steely-eyed Kim alongside quotes from the Onion's clearly unserious declaration that "this Pyongyang-bred heartthrob is every woman's dream come true." The state-run newspaper reproduces almost the entire Onion article, apparently unaware that it's a joke meant to mock, rather than celebrate, this Chinese ally.
China blog Beijing Cream refers to the Chinese outlet as a "lovable klutz" for this goof. "People's Daily: once again proving there's no need for satire when you are your own parody." The Onion's article lists past "sexiest man alive" winners including Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski.
Lights go dim on Broadway Martin Richards, the Tony Award-winning producer behind such Broadway hits as "On the Twentieth Century," "Sweeney Todd" and "The Will Rogers Follies," as well as the Academy Award-winning producer of the film "Chicago," died Monday after battling cancer. He was 80. Richards' shows won 36 Tonys during his five decades producing plays and musicals. His other Broadway productions include "Crimes of the Heart," the original and 2004 revival of "La Cage Aux Folles," "The Norman Conquests," "Grand Hotel" and "The Life." He also was the producer of the original "Chicago" on Broadway. His other films include "The Shining," "The Boys From Brazil" and "Fort Apache, The Bronx."
OOPS, I'M SORRY: Teenage actor Angus T. Jones of the comedy "Two and a Half Men" apologized Tuesday for a series of interviews denouncing the show. Speaking to religious media outlets, the 19-year-old called the CBS comedy "filth" and "very inappropriate" and talked about how his religious awakening has affected his attitude toward life and work. "Two and a Half Men" is television's third-most popular comedy. Jones, who reportedly makes $350,000 an episode, started on the show when he was 10. In a statement Tuesday, Jones said: "I apologize if my remarks reflect me showing indifference to and disrespect of my colleagues and a lack of appreciation of the extraordinary opportunity of which I have been blessed. I never intended that." Jones' character, Jake Harper, recently joined the Army on the show and his airtime has been cut.
