For someone like myself, who thoroughly enjoys horror flicks, I have high expectations for such movies. I am usually afraid to spend my money, however, on scary movies in theaters. This is not because I find them too frightening, but because I almost always end up laughing more than screaming.

Hollywood horror flicks can tend to feature more nudity, sex and laughable attempts at scares then horror. Typically I prefer old-school horror films, with more chills than gore. Also, something with an interesting storyline that keeps you guessing as the movie goes on. Luckily, ‘The Woman in Black’ was just that.

*WARNING: Spoilers*

The film features a young father whose wife has recently passed away. Holding onto his job by a thread he must venture out to a small English village and sort through the legal paperwork of a recently passed away resident. From there a series of connected events begin to unfold, and a mystery about the town is revealed.

It stars Daniel Radcliffe in his first film since the Harry Potter series. I must admit at first it was slightly odd seeing him in such a different role; during the beginning I kept expecting to see a glimpse of his scar behind his shaggy head of hair. However, he does a good job of convincing you of his character, and after the first 5 minutes I was able to forget about Harry.

The other actors played their parts well, and I didn’t find anything to be too over the top or cheesy. Interestingly enough, IMDB states that Radcliffe actually casted his godson in the role of his son, so that the two would have more of an emotional connection on screen.

The way they shot the film also added to the character of the movie, and they used a more washed-out coloring when filming, steering clear of bright colors. It also features a large array of toy props, these are used to add to the creepy element, and IMDB also mentions that they were borrowed from a collector and are indeed original 19th century toys for children. These just make it clear that the film makers went to some lengths in order to produce a realistic setting, and visually intriguing film.

Yes, the movie does contain some typical ‘ghost story’ elements, and it has received bad reviews for that. However, they are placed at points in the movie in a way that keeps you guessing and intrigued in the developing plotline. Overall, ‘The Woman in Black’ was well worth the cost of the theater, and came with plenty of scares. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys horror movies.

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The third annual Fashion’s Night Out took place on Thursday, September 8 in New York City. The evening brought jam packed fashion events to retail locations all around Manhattan. 2011’s Fashion Night Out was bigger than previous years, making it a celebrated highlight for the fashion industry.

More than 1000 stores around New York City participated in Fashion’s Night Out, which kicked off the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Not only was New York City a participant, but so were over 250 other cities across the United States. Created by Vogue’s editor Anna Wintour, Fashion’s Night Out has become an international sensation with countries around the world partaking in the event as well.

Retailers all across New York City stayed open later than usual for fashionistas to enjoy extended hours of shopping. Special events were seen throughout Manhattan. Celebrity appearances were a main highlight of the event. Located in the Meatpacking District, the grand opening of a new Intermix store welcomed Bravo’s reality TV star Rachel Zoe.

 The fashion stylist visited the boutique store to celebrate its opening. Those who wanted to shop in the famous Billionaire Boys Club on West Broadway were able to catch a glimpse of musically talented Pharrell Williams. The popular musician made an appearance at the store by working behind the cash register.

Daniel Radcliffe, widely known for his performance as Harry Potter in the movie series, arrived at Jeffrey New York for a guest appearance and had a meet and greet with people shopping in the store.

If Daniel Radcliffe wasn’t enough to entertain teeny boppers, throngs of excited teenagers gathered at Dolce & Gabbana to see international pop sensation Justin Bieber as he was also in attendance for Fashion’s Night Out.

Musical performances from the world’s most talented singers were also a large part of the evening. British singer Estelle performed at Diane von Furstenburg, while Queens rapper Nicki Minaj, a fashionistas herself, attended the launching of Yves Saint Lauren’s new Cabas Chyc handbag.

Lovers of the Jonas Brother’s lined up at Saks Fifth Avenue as musician Joe Jonas attended an event at the large New York City store. Not far from Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s on 34^th Street welcomed Kelly Rowland, who sang some of her solo songs.

For those who wanted to see hip hop superstar Drake, he was at Versace’s boutique on 5^th Avenue, mixing behind the DJ booth, giving shoppers energizing music as they browed through the store. Musicians were spread out across Manhattan for the special fashion occasion and made a strong presence during Fashion’s Night Out.

Along with a strong celebrity presence throughout the evening, retailers across the city also hosted unique and entertaining special events. Magnolia Bakery, famously introduced by the fashion forward HBO series “Sex and the City” made specialty fashion cupcakes for the occasion. Cupcakes were decorated with stylish purses and shoes.

All the money raised from the sales of these cupcakes was sent directly to New York City AIDs Fund in the Community Trust. The downtown location of Bloomingdale’s had a performance by Alexa Ray Joel, the daughter of Billy Joel, as well as an opportunity to personalize underwear with rhinestones.

Fashion’s Night Out was a great alternative for fashion lovers across New York City who wanted to experience the events and excitement of Fashion Week.

Although attending fashion shows at the annual Fashion Week requires tickets, Fashion’s Night Out gave everyone a chance to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities, sample finger foods, and sip on drinks as retailers across the city provided upbeat music, performances, and a trendy atmosphere to enjoy fashion.

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For the first time the Harry Potter books by author J.K Rowling will be sold as e-books in October of this year.  Rowling has also expressed that the series will be available in the form of audiobooks on a website called Pottermore.  The author claims to have been “hoarding” the fresh material for quite some time (BBC) and the fans, the imaginative writer says, have been an immense motivation for this means by which to reach Harry Potter material. It’s a manner in which the author trusts she can “give something back to the fans” who have propelled the series to its grand success (BBC).  With the series having sold a stunning 450 million prints around the world, the series in the form of e-books will be available in numerous languages.

With the e-books being published by Rowling’s Pottermore Publishing, the Pottermore site will become live on the very famous Harry Potter’s birthday of July 31st.

The author has revealed the material that will make its way to its new online home are “details that didn’t make it into the book”, whereas other material is “new stuff in response to things fans have asked [for] over the years” (BBC).

The site includes features that will thrust old fans and lure new fans into an online world centered on wizardry; the site will include gaming, an online store and the prospect of social networking. Those who visit the site will be intrigued by the chance to be sorted in a Hogwarts’ school different houses and shop in Diagon Alley for magical merchandise.

To help drive the online magical world forward, one million users will be chosen before the sites October opening date in order to cultivate the site.

While Rowling has expressed that she has acquired “closure” with the character of Harry and will not be creating an 8^th book, this site is sure to submerge old and new fans alike into an enchanting realm of magic (BBC).

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