News worth noting

Angelina Jolie could play Cleopatra in new film

from Entertainment Weekly:

A new film about Cleopatra, based on the book "Cleopatra: A Life" by Stacy Schiff, has been in the works for four years and might be approaching the starting gate.

It's the project of producer Scott Rudin ("True Grit" and "The Social Network"), who says: "The story of Cleopatra has historically been told by men, starting with Cicero. This is a very different look at this woman. Cleopatra was a politician, warrior, soldier and strategist -- as opposed to just a seductress."

Reportedly, Rubin bought the story based on Schiff's proposal before the book was written.

Rudin's choice for the lead is Angelina Jolie ("Salt"). "Who else could play it?" Rubin said. "Who do you get if not her?"

Author Schiff agreed, saying, "This is a figure where you have to have someone who is almost larger than life -- a goddess."

Frank Sinatra: Misogynist?

from WNYC's "Soundcheck:"

"I cannot clear him on the charges of misogyny," says Sinatra biographer James Kaplan, who has written a new book titled "Frank: The Voice." At nearly 800 pages, it traces the first half of the singer's life.

"Women were drawn to him, but he wasn't always nice to them," Kaplan said.

Kaplan says Sinatra's relationship with his mother, Dolly, influenced his future relationships with women.

According to Kaplan, Sinatra told Shirley MacLaine, "She was a (expletive) I never knew if she was going to hit me or hug me. "


Travels with Tofurky 30th Anniversary Contest

To mark its 30th anniversary, Turtle Island Foods, Inc., the maker of Tofurky, is sponsoring a "Travels with Tofurky" photo contest. The winner will be featured on a tofurky box AND receive a $1,000 gift card good for travel on one airline, train line, busline, or shoe line of choice.

The contest ends April 20, 2011 at midnight. Visit www.tofurky.com for details and rules.