CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHERS

As I hurtled through space, one thought kept crossing my mind - every part of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder.
~ John Glenn
*****
When the white missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
~ Desmond Tutu
*****
America is the only country where a significant proportion of the population believes that professional wrestling is real but the moon landing was faked.
~ David Letterman
*****
I'm not a paranoid, deranged millionaire.
God dammit, I'm a billionaire.
~ Howard Hughes
*****
After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.
~ Italian proverb
*****
Men are like linoleum floors. Lay 'em right and you can walk all over them for thirty years.
~ Betsy Salkind
*****
The only reason they say 'Women and children first' is to test the strength of the lifeboats.
~ Jean Kerr
*****
I've been married to a communist and a fascist, and neither would take out the garbage.
~ Zsa Zsa Gabor
*****
You know you're a redneck if your home has wheels and your car doesn't.
~ Jeff Foxworthy
*****
When a man opens a car door for his wife, it's either a new car or a new wife.
~ Prince Philip
*****
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kickboxing.
~ Emo Philips.
*****
Wood burns faster when you have to cut and chop it yourself.
~ Harrison Ford
*****
The best cure for sea sickness, is to sit under a tree.
~ Spike Milligan
*****
Lawyers believe a man is innocent until proven broke.
~ Robin Hall
*****
Kill one man and you're a murderer, kill a million and you're a conqueror.
~ Jean Rostand.
*****
Having more money doesn't make you happier. I have 50 million dollars but I was just as happy as when I had 48 million.
~ Arnold Schwarzenegger.
*****
We are here on earth to do good unto others. What the others are here for, I have no idea.
~ WH Auden
*****
In hotel rooms I worry. I can't be the only guy who sits on the furniture naked.
~ Jonathan Katz
*****
If life were fair Elvis would still be alive today and all the impersonators would be dead.
~ Johnny Carson
*****
I don't believe in astrology. I am a Sagittarius and we're very skeptical.
~ Arthur C. Clarke
*****
Hollywood must be the only place on earth where you can be fired by a man wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a baseball cap.
~ Steve Martin
*****
Home cooking. Where many a man thinks his wife is.
~ Jimmy Durante
*****
America is so advanced that even the chairs are electric.
~ Doug Hamwell
*****
The first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone.
~ George Roberts
*****
If God had intended us to fly he would have made it easier to get to the airport.
~ Jonathan Winters
*****
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

First Mondays Sandy Bigara LIVE at ITSTABOO Durban

VERY excited to announce my next upcoming gig at ItsTaboo!

For information and to reserve your seat go to: SANDY BIGARA LIVE EVENT

ItsTaboo Durban 
MONDAY 3rd MARCH 
Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm. 
R50pp and bar available - awesome venue, lots of gorgeous couches to just relax and chill out on. 

LIVE music - piano and guitar with vocals by myself www.sandybigara.com - Looking forward to it!!

Directions to ItsTaboo:
226 Matthews Meyiwa. If you go up Argyle/Sandile Thusi from Umgeni rd, go right into Matthews Meyiwa just opposite Mr Price Home store. The venue is on the right about 800m along.

Or even better - From Umgeni rd you go up SILVER Ave (Umgeni river side of Argyle/Sandile Thusi and opposite train tracks) and turn right into Matthews Meyiwa, ItsTaboo is directly below BISHOP RD T-Junction with Matthews, and above 'The Lounge' (The Lounge is on googlemaps)

Sandy Bigara is the owner of The Bigara Talent Factory, and, The Paw Paw Show Company (c) +27 (0) 82 865 0226 (w) +27 31 8278 991.

Sandy Bigara First Mondays LIVE at ItsTaboo

Remember I told you guys that I have some exciting new monthly gigs coming up??

Well here it is! The first gig! I will be here the first Monday of each month :)

ItsTaboo Durban
MONDAY 3rd MARCH
Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm.
R50pp and bar available - awesome venue, lots of gorgeous couches to just relax and chill out on.

LIVE music - piano and guitar with vocals by myself www.sandybigara.com - Looking forward to it!!

Directions to ItsTaboo:
226 Matthews Meyiwa. If you go up Argyle/Sandile Thusi from Umgeni rd, go right into Matthews Meyiwa just opposite Mr Price Home store. The venue is on the right about 800m along.

Or even better - From Umgeni rd you go up SILVER Ave (Umgeni river side of Argyle/Sandile Thusi and opposite train tracks) and turn right into Matthews Meyiwa, ItsTaboo is directly below BISHOP RD T-Junction with Matthews, and above 'The Lounge' (The Lounge is on googlemaps)

Rehearsing already... got some new classics and some gorgeous classical pieces to sing... Think Andrea Bocelli... :)

See you there!
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

Just Yours Audience Reviews

JUST YOURS by Sandy Bigara has just completed their run – Set in Durban 1943, Just Yours is a Historical South African Romance (Comedy/Drama PG13) with lots of laughs and plenty memories. Based on factual events and featuring the local hot spots of Durban 1943 – filled with music (live performance) of the era.

To watch some clips of the show:
http://sandyramblings.blogspot.com/2014/02/film-reel-just-yours-wwii-historical.html?m=1
To meet the cast:
http://sandyramblings.blogspot.com/2014/01/just-yours-meet-cast-wwii-romance-at.html
To book tickets to see the show:
http://online.computicket.com/web/event/just_yours/796222306


Audience Reviews:

“Just Yours! Wow! What an honest great performance. A love story told with such sincerity and simplicity! A really perfect way to 'celebrate' our Valentines weekend! Merci!” – Khanyo Maubert

 “I haven't laughed that hard in ages.” – Rachel Basckin
“You guys did a beautiful job!” – Amy Wilson
“Thanks for a fantastic show! My hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Awesome!” – Catherine Schmuhl 
“The show was awesome. Well done to all of you, but especially to you. We LOVED it” – Celeste Adonis
“Thanks for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment with 'Just Yours'! Duncan is walking on air reliving his WW2 days” – Moya O’Donoghue 
“Thank you… my Parents… they had a ball!” – Sue Morris
“It was an unbelievable experience, I shared a little bit of my parents history last night! Absolutely Brilliant, love love loved it ! So much happened for real, touched my heart , specially "Oh Danny Boy” – Coleen Matthews
“I thoroughly enjoyed the show Sands. Tear jerking moments, people in the audience cracking up over Barney, love and romance ... We just don't get good theatre like this these days. Well done!” – Francis Doherty-Bigara
“I was one of them that laughed and sang along...amazing show and well done Sandy to you and all the team...a lot of my mates just HAVE to go see it!!” - Marilyn Davies 
“I went to your show tonight and I just wanted to tell you how beautiful it was! Truly special.” Yasmin McCready

“I really enjoyed Saturday's show! Great performance. Exceeded my expectations. Florence can really sing, wow! I thought it was a recording.” - Luke Everton

“The show was awesome thanks so much, you should do more singing in the show you have an awesome voice. I'm hooked now, my wife had stars in her eyes haven't seen that in a long time. Once again thank you.” - Harry Deklerk

Venezuela is Burning Shocking Images

Something has happened in Venezuela in the last 3 weeks. The people have had access to the internet shut off and so there is little to no information/youtube video etc getting out from the inhabitants. Read the following Journo blog to find out what has happened.

What can be done?

http://caracaschronicles.com/2014/02/20/dark-days-in-san-cristobal-where-it-all-started/

http://caracaschronicles.com/2014/02/20/why-venezuela-is-entering-a-dangerous-new-phase/

http://caracaschronicles.com/2014/02/20/the-game-changed/
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

Open Letter on How to Treat Your Waiter

A Scene from PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

Vol. 101. Published July 4, 1891.

 

“Augustus (penitently). Never mind—I won't do it again. Here 's our Waiter at last. Now we're all right!

[The Waiter puts a dish down upon another table, and advances with the air of a family friend who brings bad tidings.

 

Horatia. Will you kindly let us have that trout at once?

 

The Waiter (bending down to AUGUSTUS with pity and sympathy). Fery sôry to dell you, esbecially after keebin you so long vaiting, bot (thinks how he can break it most gently) ve haf zo many beople hier to-day, and zey haf shust dold me in ze gitchen zere is no more drout. Zis hote vedder ze drout, he vill nod stay!

 

Augustus (mildly). No, of course not—well, let me see, now, what can you—?

 

The E.A. Here, you Kellner, come here, can't you? What the—

 

Waiter (to AUGUSTUS). Von minute. I gom back bresently. (To E.A.) You vant your pill, Sir, yes?

 

The E.A. (exploding). My bill! Confound it! I want something to eat first. When is that Bisque coming?

 

Waiter. Ach, peg your bardon, ve haf peen so pusy all day. Your Bisque vill pe retty diregly. I go to vetch him.    [He goes.

 

Horatia. Now we're farther off from getting any food than ever! I suppose you mean to do something, AUGUSTUS?

 

Augustus. Of course—certainly. I shall speak very strongly. (Bleating.) Waiter!

 

Horatia (with scorn). Do you imagine they will pay the least attention to a noise like a sixpenny toy? Lot them see you insist upon being obeyed.

 

Augustus. I am—I mean, I will—I am very much annoyed. (Fiercely.) Wa-ai-ter!

 

A Stern Waiter (appearing suddenly.) You vant somsing, Sir?

 

Augustus (apologetically). Yes; we should—er—like something to eat—anything—so long as you can bring it at once, if you don't mind. "We—this Lady is rather in a hurry, and we've waited some little time already, you see.

 

The Waiter. Peg your bardon, zis is nod my daple. I send your Vaiter.    [He vanishes.

 

The E.A. Scandalous! over twenty minutes we've been here! Ha! at last! (A Waiter appears with a tureen, which he uncovers.) Here, what do you call this??....”

 

Sandy Bigara (2014): And now, as you can see – Waiters have been getting rough treatment since at least… 1891? And I do NOT agree with ill treatment of any staff at any event – I think that Becks put it quite succinctly in the following open letter to all patrons globally.

 

Open Letter:

 

HOW TO TREAT YOUR WAITER WHEN YOU EAT OUT AT A RESTAURANT: THE WAITER’S VIEW

Tipping
To be a waiter often requires long hours of work. We run up and down with very short breaks, especially if one is working a double shift which usually goes from around 10am to 11pm/12pm (that’s a 13 to 14 hour shift)

 

Money is made off of tips from our customers, and the standard is usually a 10% tip, or more if you feel the waiter deserves it, and has gone out of their way to serve you.

 

The reason I'm bringing this up is because there are many patrons who don't seem to understand the concept of tipping. Either tips are extremely low or completely non-existent. There are cases where a patron has every right not to tip, for example if the waitron has been outright rude or service from the waiter has been terrible. But, in the case where you have received good service and you are satisfied, it is only courteous to tip 10% to show your appreciation. As I said, waiters rely completely on tips.

 

Now, obviously it is your money and you are free to do with it what you please, but please consider that you have received a service - and it’s never nice to have to work for free (YOU wouldn’t work for free). There have been times where I have received R2 tips or similar, on bills that were R500 or over... These larger bills have usually required lots of work, fetching drinks, food, and catering to other requests (which is in our job description of course, so it’s no issue at all) and as far as I know, a job well done deserves payment. These very low tips often come with no complaint about bad service, and in fact often the patrons will have complimented for good service. So why the low tip? Unless your waiter has been a nightmare and really doesn't deserve it, consider a decent tip next time you are eating out.

Treatment of Waiters

There are Patrons who scream at waiters, and treat their waiter like a dog… for things that are completely beyond the waiters control – these Patrons need a wake up call. Screaming and swearing at a waiter because you don't like the food, or because the food is taking longer than you expected, is completely unnecessary. You are actually the one being rude in that instance.

 

The waiter does not control how the food tastes or how long it takes to prepare (Unless the food took longer because your waiter forgot to fetch it from the food station and deliver it to your table - in which case you will usually be able to tell as the food will have gone cold), please in future, address your complaints to a Manager who can take it up with the Kitchen staff.

A customer who screams and loses their temper with a waiter usually only succeeds in making them self look bad. Please keep in mind; some things are beyond the waiter’s control, so it isn't necessary to scream at them for it. As a waiter myself, if I have an issue with quality of food or the length of time when I eat out, I politely request that the waitron speaks to the chef or calls the manager for me. The only time I moan at a waitron is if they are rude and/or unhelpful when an issue arises. But the way some customers behave is inexcusable. I have had customers who have reduced me to tears, screaming in my face, for things that really didn't have anything to do with me. A waitron is essentially a messenger between you and the kitchen. We take the order, put it through and then bring it out when it is done. What happens in between is out of our hands for the most part.

It seems a lot of people forget that waiters are human beings, with other endeavours in their lives, and loved ones who care about them. Many of us are students and similar.

 

Suggestion

How I like to think of it: Treat the person how you would like your son/daughter to be treated if they were working as waiters.

 

I'm sure those customers who rant and rave inappropriately would not enjoy their own children/family/friends being treated in such a way. As I have said a few times, it is a different story if your waitron is rude, but otherwise my point stands.

 

Original article written by Becks J MacFarlane.

Edited by Sandy Bigara

 

Final Week of Just Yours WWII Romance set in Durban 1943 @ The Catalina

JUST YOURS by Sandy Bigara is in it’s final week – Set in Durban 1943, Just Yours is a Historical South African Romance (Comedy/Drama PG13) with lots of laughs and plenty memories. Based on factual events and featuring the local hot spots of Durban 1943 – filled with music (live performance) of the era.

 

To watch some clips of the show:
http://sandyramblings.blogspot.com/2014/02/film-reel-just-yours-wwii-historical.html?m=1
To meet the cast:

http://sandyramblings.blogspot.com/2014/01/just-yours-meet-cast-wwii-romance-at.html
To book tickets to see the show:

http://online.computicket.com/web/event/just_yours/796222306

R100 per person, or R160 for dinner & show.

Thurs 20th 7pm, Fri 21st 7pm and Saturday 22nd 2pm Matinee, with the finale at Saturday 22nd 7pm.

Reviews:

“I haven't laughed that hard in ages.” – Rachel Basckin

 

“You guys did a beautiful job!” – Amy Wilson

 

“Thanks for a fantastic show! My hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Awesome!” – Catherine Schmuhl

 

“The show was awesome. Well done to all of you, but especially to you. We LOVED it” – Celeste Adonis

 

“Thanks for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment with 'Just Yours'! Duncan is walking on air reliving his WW2 days” – Moya O’Donoghue

 

“Thank you… my Parents… they had a ball!” – Sue Morris

 

“It was an unbelievable experience, I shared a little bit of my parents history last night! Absolutely Brilliant, love love loved it ! So much happened for real, touched my heart , specially "Oh Danny Boy” – Coleen Matthews

 

“I thoroughly enjoyed the show Sands. Tear jerking moments, people in the audience cracking up over Barney, love and romance ... We just don't get good theatre like this these days. Well done!” – Francis Doherty-Bigara

 

“I was one of them that laughed and sang along...amazing show and well done Sandy to you and all the team...a lot of my mates just HAVE to go see it!!” -  Marilyn Davies

 

“I went to your show tonight and I just wanted to tell you how beautiful it was! Truly special.” Yasmin McCready

 

--

Sandy Bigara

Performance Artist

The Bigara Talent Factory cc

and, Paw Paw Show Company
(c) +27 (0) 82 865 0226 (w) 031 8278 991

Please have a look at the following links below to see who I am and what I do:

1. Piano & Vocals for any functions (over 150 Modern and contemporary songs, golden oldies, jazz, blues, opera and light classical)
   
2. Stand-up Comedy.
   
3. MC events/eventing & Keynote Speaker. 
   
4. Children's Educational Shows (utilizing high levels of audience interaction - with a firm control over my young audiences)
   
5. Educational Work Experience Talks (for High school about my career and profession in the Arts) 
   
6. I am a Survivor of Woman & Child Abuse and have a very inspiring life story of overcoming all odds, and of forgiveness.
   

Click on the KEYWORD links to open them in a new tab:

WEBSITE: www.sandybigara.wix.com/onlinebio 
SOUNDCLOUD: www.soundcloud.com/sbigara
REVERBNATION: www.reverbnation.com/sandybigara
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/sbigara
SHOW COMPANY: www.pawpawsa.wordpress.com
BLOG: www.sandyramblings.blogspot.com
NOVEL: www.thorngateseries.blogspot.com

FILM REEL Just Yours WWII Historical Romance set in Durban 1943

Here we go... We've got THREE videos online now...

#JustYours2014 "For I was born to be, just yours..." 


FILM REEL

1. "Love and Deployment" Blooper Reel 
2. "Mills & Boon"  Comedy
3. "Florence singing... and some other Scenes"  (by Clive Read)

Bookings: 

http://online.computicket.com/web/event/just_yours/796222306 

Meet the Cast: 

http://sandyramblings.blogspot.com/2014/01/just-yours-meet-cast-wwii-romance-at.html

Historical South African Romance (Comedy/Drama PG13) 
Catalina Theatre, 18 Boatman's way, Wilson's Wharf Entrance #2 
www.catalinatheatre.com
FEBRUARY 6th - 22nd (12 performances only)

Starring:
Chanel Julie-Anne Meager (Ada)

Arno Wagenaar (Danny)

Christiaan du Plessis (Barney)

Sandy Bigara (Director/Producer/Florence)

Francis Doherty-Bigara (Sound)

VIDEOS! Just Yours Historical Romance in Durban 1943

Just another snippet from our rehearsals for Just Yours... 

Check out our video's:

"Mills & Boon" 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwJu3OPlnKE&feature=youtu.be

Clive Read's DurbanZone Advertorial - "Sandy Bigara singing, and two scenes"

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyACsffMLBM

"Deployment and Love" Blooper Reel

http://youtu.be/mDD_wq3ZW7M 

Bookings: 

http://online.computicket.com/web/event/just_yours/796222306

#JustYours2014 "For I was born to be, just yours..." 

Meet the Cast! http://sandyramblings.blogspot.com/2014/01/just-yours-meet-cast-wwii-romance-at.html

Historical South African Romance (Comedy/Drama PG13) 

FEBRUARY 6th - 22nd (12 performances only)

Catalina Theatre, 18 Boatman's way, Wilson's Wharf Entrance #2 

www.catalinatheatre.com

Just Yours Historical WWII Romance Sneak Peek on Youtube!

Well, Thanks to Clive Read and his lovely assistant, we now have a teeny tiny snippet of Just Yours on VIDEO :) 


If you would like to take your sweel gal out for a night on the town - then visit us in 1943 as we follow the love story of Ada and Daniel... 

 #JustYours2014
"For I was born to be, just yours..."

http://sandyramblings.blogspot.com/2014/01/just-yours-meet-cast-wwii-romance-at.html

http://online.computicket.com/web/event/just_yours/796222306

Historical South African Romance (Comedy/Drama PG13)
Catalina Theatre, 18 Boatman's way, Wilson's Wharf Entrance #2
FEBRUARY 6th - 22nd

Gisele Turners Creative Drama Studio Supports Home School Kids in Durban!

I have some very exciting news! It seems that one of Durban's Artistic Creators is starting up a Children's (and young teens) Creative Drama Studio - with options for Home-schooled children!

The lesson fee is R200 for a 3hr session, which includes art materials and a snack & juice.

There are two sessions a month, currently on the second and fourth Wednesday morning 9.30 through to 12.30. So that will work out at R400 a month for a interactive social morning - these activities will help with self confidence, team building, public speaking and more. 

"At present I will be working with learners aged from 6 to 15, hopefully, when the work starts, the word of mouth will create interest and the school can grow." Gisele said. Gisele has put some thought into the time and set-up of her Dramatic play group, "I figured that home-school moms would prefer fewer but longer sessions as a) they need to bring them to my house and b) they can take the morning off to do things for themselves." And as all Home-School Mom's can testify: When you Home-School - time is a precious commodity!! 

Below please see the full information pack for this amazing opportunity :) 

The following creative activities are offered. Morning classes for Home School Learners, afternoon classes and individual lessons available as well. 

SPEECH

Good Speech:

Good Speech development is key to communication. Exercises for the articulatory organs – tongue, lips, hard and soft palate as well as good breathing techniques assist in the clear formation of words and flow of language.

Good Sight Reading:

Word recognition and correct pronunciation of words supports reading aloud as well as reading silently. Practice at sight reading gives learners confidence and eloquence. 

Good Speech Making:  

Being able to express thoughts aloud clearly and confidently is a valuable tool in any situation. By practicing Speech Making, both prepared and improvised, learners are able to respond sincerely and individually in conversations, dialogues and in formal and informal presentation.   

LITERATURE

Poetry: 

reading and learning poems that are relevant, contemporary and fun start an important relationship with this beautiful literary form. Poetry introduces new vocabulary and the opportunity to express ideas and concepts in an interesting way. Learning poetry assists with mental agility and memory training as well as recognising subtle concepts and being able to deliver  in a meaningful way.

Prose:

Reading from books, whether classics or new contemporary literature engenders a love for reading and stories. It too enhances vocabulary, assists in sentence construction, phrasing and correct interpretation.

Written Plays:

Monologues, dialogues, scenes from well known plays can be read aloud and the basis of plot and character development explored. From the simplest of concepts to more sophisticated ideas, reading plays supports the reader in learning how to internalise different characters and deliver them with authenticity. 

Creative Writing:

Writing short poems, stories and plays either individually or as a group is very satisfying and reflects the immediate interests of the learners. For older learners, creative writing is a valuable tool for private self expression or for projection of ideas and opinions through other characters.

DRAMA

Characterisation:

Learning to play different characters is fun. Creating a character for the stage involves acute observation and concentration for everything needs to be authentic. By playing different characters, learners can allow themselves a certain freedom which is healthy.

Play-Making:

Improvised play making around a particular subject, setting the dialogue and then performing the scene is a very satisfying occupation. It involves group dynamics, skill in creating interesting and plausible story lines, using language and styles of speaking and appeals to both logic and creativity.

Physical Theatre:

This style of theatre incorporates movement and mime and is an exciting channel for self expression through the whole body.

Story Telling: 

Learners will explore how to sustain a narrative as well as create the various voices of the characters and keep the plot alive and flowing. Story Telling is a complex form of drama that employs many different techniques and helps develop confidence in self expression.

Movement:

Movement is not dance as there are no specific steps. It is the natural and creative expression of the body enhancing a concept. Movement can be both structured and unstructured; it can be to music, or sound effects, or in silence. It builds physical confidence and also creates a channel for those who are not prone to language.

Mime:

Basic mime techniques require discipline and correct visualisation as well as a sharp memory. It assists in time and space management, awareness of every day gesture and movement and affords an opportunity for creative thinking and expression. It develops logic while at the same time allowing for free thinking processes.

MUSIC

Music is an important part of creative play. It can be pre recorded or created using voices and simple instruments. Percussion instruments can be used to enhance story telling or movement. Singing helps develop good breath control and the same techniques used in speech development can be used in singing or chanting.

WORKING WITH PROPS / OBJECT THEATRE / DRESS-UPS/

ILLUSTRATION 

Object Theatre:

This involves the animation of inanimate objects for dramatic effect. Whether the object is a puppet, a toy or a piece of paper, learning to animate an object is a natural part of child development. Learning skills for effective animation of objects is lots of fun and requires active use of the imagination and innovation.

Props:

Simple props can be made in the art class and then used to enhance the plays that have been created in the improvisation classes. This gives the play a creative edge and shifts it into something which can be repeated and watched by others.

Dress Ups:

The dress up box is an essential part of having fun with dramatic play. Hats, cloaks, jackets, skirts, shawls etc are there to give a visual boost to the improvisation and support imaginative play.

Illustration:

By drawing, painting or sculpting learners develop strong visual associations with words and concepts. For those who are inclined to visual expression it is an important channel for expressing individual ideas or enhancing concepts absorbed through other mediums.

CONTACTS:

GISELE TURNER

ph 031 4645871

mobile 083 5458546 

gisele@saol.com

Lessons take place at 45 Vausedale Crescent in Escombe

Philip Seymour Hoffman Has Been Found Dead RIP

Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has been found dead in his New York apartment on Sunday 2nd February 2014. He was 46 years old.

The news of his death comes just one day after representatives for the actor issued a statement denying he was dead after an internet hoax claimed the star had passed away on Saturday.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the actor was found in his bathroom around 11:15 a.m. by a screenwriter, who called 911, the official said.

(UPDATE: Wall Street Journal link: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304626804579358943360702878 that is sited on all other websites shows up as "PAGE UNAVAILABLE

The document you requested either no longer exists or is not currently available." Can anyone verify this story - as all sites link to this specific URL WSJ article by Pervaiz Shallwani)

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is to determine exact cause of death - but law enforcement sources speaking to the New YorkPost have said that a drug overdose is to blame. Hoffman has admittedly struggled with drug addiction in the past, and reportedly checked himself into rehab last year for heroin abuse after years of being clean.

Initial reports claim that the actor was found in the bathroom of 4th floor apartment with a needle in his arm. 

Once again Hollywood claims another life. When will there be stricter measures in place to protect the one's who "Entertain"? 

RIP Philip. Gone too soon. 

Sources: http://variety.com/2014/film/news/wsj-report-philip-seymour-hoffman-found-dead-in-new-york-1201082934/
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2550540/Philip-Seymour-Hoffman-dies-46-Oscar-winning-actor-dead-Manhattan-apartment.html#ixzz2sC0Ih0RA 
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