WHAT TO SEE
Man of Steel
Time magazine has already made a fuss over the number of corporate plugs it will feature (more than 100), but we'd still like to maintain some childlike enthusiasm for this all-action reboot of the cleanest-cut hero in the comic-book cosmos, Superman. Though the red pants have sadly been retired, the red cape is still flying and will be donned by relative newcomer and suitably square-jawed British actor Mr Henry Cavill. His support team are significantly more seasoned however, with Watchmen director Mr Zack Snyder at the helm and Mr Christopher Nolan executively producing; on screen Mr Cavill is joined by Mr Russell Crowe, Ms Amy Adams and Mr Michael Shannon.
Out on 14 June in the UK and US, and 27 June in Hong Kong and Australia. manofsteel.warnerbros.com
WHAT TO READ
Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen
This new novel is a typically madcap adventure from beloved Floridian journalist and author Mr Carl Hiaasen, in which a former policeman, Andrew Yancy, tries to find out the provenance of the frozen arm that has made its way into his freezer. In doing so, Yancy finds himself in the company of a witch with mysterious voodoo powers, a malicious monkey (hence the book's title), and the widow of the arm, among others. For any of our (much) younger readers, Mr Hiaasen's overactive imagination can also be enjoyed in his bestselling kids' books.
Out now
WHAT TO HEAR
Planta by CSS
It wasn't long ago that "Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above", the breakthrough hit by ebullient Brazilians CSS (short for Cansei de Ser Sexy, meaning "I got tired of being sexy" in Portuguese, in case you'd forgotten) was the toast of trendy stereos, while front woman Lovefoxxx was the hipster's honey of choice. Coincidentally enough, "Honey" is the title of the opening track of their fourth studio record, produced by TV on the Radio's Mr Dave Sitek, which also marks the departure of CSS lynchpin Mr Adriano Cintra (citing attitude issues among his band mates). It seems, however, that the girls are doing just fine, showcasing a new mode of lush, sultry electronica.
Out now
WHAT TO WATCH
The White Queen
Any Game of Thrones aficionado will tell you that the toughest cookies on that show are the girls (Arya Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, Brienne of Tarth, Ygritte the Wildling... OK we'll stop now), so it makes sense that the latest glossy drama to tackle plotting and intrigue in ye olden times should concentrate on female characters. Adapted from The Cousins' War, the bestselling novel series by Ms Philippa Gregory, it follows the fortunes of three women who find themselves at the very heart of the Wars of the Roses - when the Houses of York and Lancaster fought to rule England - and exploit the bloody situation to their own ends.
Begins on 16 June in the UK on BBC One and on 10 August in the US on Starz
WHAT TO ATTEND
Northside Festival
Taking place over a string of venues across Brooklyn this week, Northside Festival is not to be confused with NorthSide Festival in Denmark. The New York event features a three-pronged offering of music, film, and tech and entrepreneurship, and promises to provide something for everyone. Festival badges grant entry to all events within their category, and with more than 350 bands, 50 films and a major expo and conference, NExT (Northside Entrepreneurship + Technology), how much you see is up to you. You'll have to be quick, though, as most of the gigs and events operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Until 20 June. northsidefestival.com
WHAT TO CLICK
"Two dudes go through simulated childbirth" on LiveLeak
In what must surely be the ultimate recent Mother's Day gift, two men volunteer to undergo fake labour in order to see what all the fuss is about and if it is as bad as women make out. It's not quite clear what kind of medical establishment would carry out this kind of procedure - as one of the men asks of the doctor, "You're basically going to electrocute us for an hour?" - but needless to say after much moaning and groaning some painful lessons are learnt. Their wives even get to watch the torment, doing their best to stifle the smiles.
AND WHAT TO WEAR WHILE DOING IT...
