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Local cartoonists prove big draw cards

Six Chinese news cartoonists were recently invited to attend a prestigious international conference in Carquefou, France.

There, more than 100 works of Chinese cartoonists were exhibited as part of the 9th International News Cartoon Exchange, which focused on China. The six cartoonists, organized by the website www.newscartoon.com.cn, are Zhang Yaoning (pictured), deputy chief of Chinese NewsCartoon Academy, Xu Pengfei editor-in-chief of Satire and Humor magazine, Zheng Weihua, editor-in-chief of the website and other three cartoonists Xia Dachuan, Fu Hongge and Xia Lichuan.

Unique view of a changing city

The seventh Shanghai Biennale will be open to the public from September 9 to November 16.

With its theme of "Trans Local Motion," this year's Biennale will look at Shanghai's ongoing urbanization process, Zhang Qing, vice-director of the Shanghai Museum of Fine Arts and general organizer of the Biennale, said during a press conference on Monday.

Since its inauguration 14 years ago, the Shanghai Biennale has used the city's urban environment as a basis for artistic exploration. This year, the Biennale will focus on the busy People's Square in a bid to reflect the ongoing social and economic changes in the city and its surrounding regions, which have resulted in large-scale immigration.

Featuring up to 50 artists from around the world, the Biennale is expected to attract more than 50,000 viewers.

Martin Sheen playing dad in romantic comedy

Martin Sheen will play Aaron Eckhart's father in Traveling, a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston.

Also joining the cast of the Universal project are Dan Fogler (Balls of Fury) and Judy Greer (27 Dresses). Brandon Camp directs.

Eckhart plays a widowed self-help author headlining a grief seminar in Seattle. He rediscovers love and happiness after meeting a hotel florist (Aniston). Sheen's character has a strained relationship with his son.

Fogler is the guru's overzealous manager, while Greer will play the florist's employee and friend. Additionally, Joe Anderson (Across the Universe) will play the florist's musician boyfriend, and John Carroll Lynch (K-Ville) a reluctant seminar attendee.

Jolie, Pitt to adopt second African girl

Angelina Jolie's brother has confirmed that the actress is to adopt another African girl with partner Brad Pitt.

The couple plans to tour orphanages in March in search of a sister to bond with Ethiopian daughter Zahara.

James Haven is quoted in the Daily Mirror as saying: "They are creating one big family and will keep adopting as long as they are able to.

"Angie and Brad talk about how much they have been taught by their kids. In many respects Angie saved Zahara's life and there are so many more children whose lives she could save and she talks about that constantly."

Jolie and Pitt already have three adopted children - 2-year-old Zahara, 6-year-old Maddox from Cambodia, and 4-year-old Pax from Vietnam - as well as 20-month-old biological daughter Shiloh.

They were originally reported to be planning a second African adoption last August.

China Daily-Agencies

(China Daily 01/24/2008 page18)