Pat Summerall Dies at age 82 (04/17)

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Paul B
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"Sexiest Woman Alive" is NOT Megan Fox! (Oct. 1)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!! (All things that matter in Pop Culture!)

ALOHA FRIDAY (October 2, 2009) stories developing. . . .

More Details Revealed on David Letterman Extortion Plot!

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David Letterman may not be smiling after what will be revealed from the extortion plot!

(TMZ)More details are being revealed on the alleged plot to extort money from David Letterman. On the Late Show last night, Letterman tried to explain his side of the story and audience members did not know whether to laugh or to stop and listen to what he was saying. At one point, Letterman admitted having sexual relations with several female members of his staff. Some audience members labeled the mood as "bizarre" and awkward.

As far as what is known, Robert Halderman, a producer on the CBS show "48 Hours," was arrested for allegedly trying to extort $2M from David Letterman for threatening to release documents that "incriminate" Letterman in a relationship with a former assistant Stephanie Birkitt. Halderman had a relationship with Birkitt and they lived together before they recently split. Birkitt had left a diary, letters, and photos which show her connection to David Letterman. Letterman and Birkitt ended their relationship in 2003, just before his son was born.


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Stephanie Birkitt had a relationship with Letterman and a recent relationship with the suspect!

In the preceding days before Halderman's arrest, Letterman was sent a package that showed copies of the documents and letters. Halderman allegedly sent more copies of documents, letters, emails, and photos. In a sting-operation on September 23, Halderman told undercover officers that he wouldn't make the diary public if Letterman paid $2M.

In a recent press conference today, Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau revealed that three meetings were held between Halderman and Letterman's lawyers at the Essex House -- Dave was not present -- and at the 3rd meeting, a $2M check was turned over to Halderman.

Morgenthau says Letterman's lawyer wore a wire -- and the last two meetings were audio taped.

Halderman deposited the check -- which was designed to bounce -- the next morning, yesterday.

Later, the respected producer was arrested outside the New York CBS headquarters before surprised co-workers who were caught unaware of the situation.

Law enforcement officials are still investigating.

Letterman is currently married to Regina Lasko whom he wed March of this year. The two have been together since 1986. They have a 5 year-old son, Harry.

Story developing. . . .



Brazil Wins 2016 Olympics!!!!!!

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Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro, is the winner of the 2016 Olympics!

Despite President Obama and Oprah's efforts to bring the Olympics to Chicago, the winning bid went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Chicago didn't have a chance and was eliminated in the first round of voting, along with Tokyo.

The winning bid was between Madrid and Rio de Janeiro. BBC news reported that Brazil President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva made an impassioned plea to the IOC and said, "Rio is ready. Give us this chance and you will not regret it!" He added, “Rio will deliver an unforgettable Games. You will see for yourselves the passion, the energy and the creativity of the Brazilian people.”


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Let's not forget the Brazilian women, who populate the modeling world!!!!!!! :hello1:

BTW, it is the first time that a South American city will host the Olympic games!

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!!

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Kate Beckinsale. Esquire's "Sexiest Woman Alive!" We agree!

Kate Beckinsale, from the film "Whiteout," (What film? I know, most people didn't hear of it either?) was just named Esquire magazine's "Sexiest Woman Alive!" I know, most were surprised it wasn't Megan Fox, but Kate isn't exactly "chop-liver" either! GRRRRRRR. . . . . .

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UN Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie listens to an Iraqi refugee during her visit to Syria

Angelina Jolie traveled to Syria as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency with Brad Pitt to raise awareness of the Iraqi refugees residing there. They visited two refugee families in one of the poorest suburbs of capital city Damascus as well as meeting with President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma.

You wonder how this A-list couple has the time to visit the Middle East, work for other charitable organizations in the U.S., make films, and raise all those children? Amazing!


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Russell Brand and Katy Perry.

A new couple alert? Recent MTV Video Music Awards host/comedian Russell Brand and pop singer Katy Perry have been seen together and are rumored to be jetting off to Thailand for a holiday together.

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Standup Comedian Paul Rodriguez

Comedian Paul Rodriguez was rushed to a D.C. hospital yesterday after complaining of severe abdominal pain. He was found to have an abdominal infection and is expected to make a full recovery.

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Jay Leno may have a few problems getting guests from rival networks to appear on his show!

CBS and ABC are discouraging their stars from appearing as guests on NBC's Jay Leno Show since the program is in direct competition with their prime-time shows. Some Hollywood people don't like the fact that Leno's show has essentially eliminated some would-be shows (that would employ a lot of people) from being shown on NBC since his show is 5 days a week!

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T-Boz (Tionne Watkins), formerly of TLC (right), kept her brain tumor a secret for 3 years!

(People) T-Boz (Tionne Watkins), former member of the pop band TLC, has been sick because of a brain tumor. She has been secretly battling the tumor for 3 years! T-Boz was recently seen on Celebrity Apprentice.

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The cast of ABC's "Flash Forward" (a team of investigators who try to find out why a global event gave people the power to see into their future)

CBS combo of "Survivor: Samoa," "CSI," and "The Mentalist" beat out ABC's combation of "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice," and "Flash Forward" to help the network win Thursday night! "Flash Forward" was impressive pulling in 10.8M viewers!

FOX came in 3rd with their helping of "Bones" and "Fringe." Fox's numbers are well ahead when compared with last year's Fall numbers.

Bringing up the rear was NBC with a comedy block of "SNL Update," "Parks and Recreation," "The Office," and "Community," then finishing with Jay Leno Show.


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Sony's Zombieland is in a postion to "take-down" another Sony film "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs!

Sony Films is in an interesting position of trying to beat its own film with another film! Sony's "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs" which has been no. 1 at the box-office for two weeks will be taken on by another Sony film "Zombieland!" Pretty good knowing that the studio has a good stock of films that can do that?

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Many are still buried in rubble from the 2nd quake to hit Indonesia in 48 hours!

The United Nation's reports that more than 1,000 people are dead after the second quake hit Sumatra, Indonesia. Many are still trapped under rubble while thousands are listed as missing.

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Hawaii's Audrey Toguchi's(right)"miracle cure" attributed to praying to Father Jozef Damien,(left) solidifed his status for sainthood!

(Honolulu Advertiser) More than 351 Hawaii residents will travel to Belgium for the official ceremony on October 11 giving Father Damien the title of "saint." Most of the residents will stay 4 days and visit Damien's home country, visiting his birthplace and tomb, as part of a pilgramage leading up to the ceremony. Eleven Hansen's disease patients from Kalaupapa, Molokai will be there along with Audrey Toguchi, whose prayers to Damien cured her cancer all but solidified his sainthood.

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Jermaine Jackson has ANOTHER gig lined up, thanks to late brother Michael!

The BBC3 network will be broadcasting the upcoming Michael Jackson-inspired, "Move Like Michael Jackson," which is a six-part series. Guess who plans to be a JUDGE on the show----you guessed it----Jermaine Jackson! The show will travel around the UK looking for the best Jackson-style dancer, best Moonwalk, and most creative dancer. Chalk one up for Jermaine--KA-CHING!!!!! $$$$$$$$

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Kate Gosselin responds to Jon Gosselin's actions!

Kate Gosselin of the new show, "Kate Plus 8," has fired back at Jon Gosselin about halting production until further notice. Kate said that she has every intention of continuing on with the show, as long as TLC permits, and that Jon is more involved with his "own self-interests" than the welfare of the children.

This in response after reports that Jon wanted to halt production of the show saying that the program is harmful to the kids and that he wanted to suspend the proceedings of his divorce to Kate for 90 days in order to "rekindle" his relationship with her. Sounds like bullsh*t from Jon again, but whatever!


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Footlocker employees were on hand to help give homeless and underprivelege children free shoes!

From the Gosselins to a heartwarming story of people helping people. Hundreds of underprivileged and homeless children and their families waited in line for hours at the Fred Jordan Mission in downtown Los Angeles for the 21st annual back-to-school giveaway that included clothing, backpacks, hygiene supplies, and new shoes (from Footlocker). In N' Out Burger was also on hand to feed the masses.

Smiling children were everywhere as they displayed their new outfits, new shoes, and backpacks to their families. Jeovanny Moreno, 8, had a new backpack, clothing, and shoes that would retail $400--all for free, thanks to the companies that participated in the event!

Good to see companies still willing to help people in times like these.


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South Koreans have the RIGHT of way!

(LA Times) South Korea has a new policy that walking pedestrians must stay on the right side! As of October 1, walking pedestrians must walk on the RIGHT instead of the left, which was part of South Korea's "Stay Left" campaign until yesterday. Posted signs encouraging pedestrians to WALK ON THE RIGHT have been put in high-traffic areas. During the first days of the switch, officials will not issue fines to the offending pedestrian but will kindly direct him or her to the correct flow to the RIGHT.

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Matthew Knowles, with daughters Beyonce and Solange

Matthew Knowles, father and agent of daughters Beyonce and Solange, has been hit with a paternity suit by Alexasandra Wright who claims Knowles is the father of her baby. Wright is 6 months pregnant. Recently, Knowles was the one who convinced Beyonce to have Taylor Swift make her speech at the end of the MTV VMA awards two weeks ago, after she (Swift) was rudely interrupted by Kanye West.

Knowles was also recently fired as manager of former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland. There have been rampant rumors of Knowles being the father of Kelly Rowland. According to Russell Simmons' website entitled Global Grind, Rowland is Knowles' illegitimate daughter and that his wife, Tina Knowles, was upset at him for allowing her (Rowland) into the Knowles family, a painful memory of infidelity into their household. Both parties deny the gossip but the rumor still lingers.

Knowles has been married to Tina Knowles since 1980.

Wright is being represented by Lawyer, Neal Hersh, the one who is repping Lamar Odom in his prenup negotiations with Khloe Kardashian.


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Nicolas Cage is losing money FAST! Quick, let's sign up for Ghost Rider 2, 3, 4. . . NOW!!!!!

More money woes for actor Nicolas Cage! He just sold his $14.5M Bel-Air mansion to Ed Hardy Founder Christian Audigier (for an undisclosed sum) to pay off a tax debt and NOW THIS! East West Bank is suing Cage for $2M for failure to pay back a loan that was issued in 2007! He did ask to pay in installments and promised to pay $11, 590 per month but missed his first payment in May 2009. . . June, July, August, and September!!!!!

Because of the missed payments, EW Bank wants their $2M stat!!!!!!!!


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Chris Evert and Greg Norman have separated after 15 months of marriage!

(AP) Multi-millionaire/golfer Greg Norman and Tennis legend Chris Evert, both 54, have called it quits after 15 months of marriage! This Norman's second marriage and Evert's third marriage.

Laugh to the Weekend!!!!!!

Let's "Laugh to the Weekend" with Comedian Dane Cook and his take on "drivers" and "public restrooms.":

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXPuBT_a ... re=related[/youtube]

and Comedian Erik Griffin on being multi-cultural:



Link

Have a great weekend!!!! :hello1: :hello1:

Paul B
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Re: Laff to the weekend with Dane Cook & Erik Griffin! (Oct. 2)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!! (All things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Monday (October 5, 2009) stories developing. . . .

Erin Andrews' Stalker Michael David Barrett Released!!!!!

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Erin Andrews. Her alleged stalker, Michael David Barrett, is released but with certain restrictions.

(Sportsbybrooks) Erin Andrews' alleged stalker Michael David Barrett appeared in court in Chicago and was released after posting $4,500 bail. The judge has ordered that Barrett be confined to his home between 9p-6am and wear a monitoring anklet. He will not be allowed internet access for two weeks.

The judge allowed the release based on Barrett's "clean record" and the local family presence in Chicago. Barrett will most likely travel by himself on October 23 to Los Angeles to face stalking charges.

Barrett is looking at a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

In the meantime, Andrews is still concerned about her safety and is worried that there may have been others, along with Barrett, involved in the secret videotapes.


"Zombieland" No. 1 at the Weekend Box-office!!!!!

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"Zombieland" took the top spot at the box-office!

(EW) As expected, "Zombieland" took the top spot at the weekend box-office with earnings estimated at $25M according to Hollywood.com. The Woody Harrelson-film was the biggest opening of the actor's career and might bring a revival of zombie movies! It also helps that Cinemascore rated the monster-flick with an "A"-rating, which brings a good buzz and most likely masses of people to see the film.

Zombieland brought a Sony Films' sweep of the top two spots with "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs" taking the No.2 spot with $16.7M. Cloudy was No. 1 for 2 weeks before bowing this weekend. The quirky animated film has been the surprise hit of the fall as it continues to add to its total of $82.4M!

At No.3, was the re-release and limited-run of Disney/Pixar's double-feature films Toy Story 1 & 2 in 3D which was only shown in 1,745 theatres but made an astounding $12.5M at the box office. The news is certainly good for the film studio who plan to release Toy Story 3 next summer!


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British Comedian and creator of "The Office," Ricky Gervais' film "The Invention of Lying" did well at the box-office, better than "Ghost Town."

Comedian Ricky Gervais pic "The Invention of Lying" captured $7.4M to land 4th place, followed by Bruce Willis' sci-fi flick "Surrogates", while Drew Barrymore's roller-derby flick "Whip it!" limped to $4.9M.

In the meantime, Paramount's unconventional strategy of marketing with the low-budget "Paranormal Activity" has worked, selling-out all 33 cities at midnight screenings and will go wide-release next weekend.
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More Details on Michael David Barrett, Man Accused of Secretly-Videotaping Erin Andrews!

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ESPN's Erin Andrews. A suspect has been caught in the Erin Andrews Secret Videotape and is deemed a "normal guy."

(AP/Michael Tarm) A Chicago judge is expected to decide Monday whether to release on bail the man accused of stalking ESPN reporter Erin Andrews and allegedly secretly videotaping her nude.

Michael David Barrett, a 47-year-old insurance company employee, has been held in jail since his arrest Friday at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. A federal magistrate judge must decide whether to return him to California as a prisoner or free him on bail.

Barrett is accused of trying to sell videos of Andrews to celebrity Web site TMZ.com and posting them online. He faces interstate stalking charges in Los Angeles, where TMZ is based. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Barrett lived in a normal housing development where Doctors, Executives, and retirees mainly live, where most don't have any children and neighbors mostly keep amongst themselves. "Barrett kept to himself, too," said Dolores Shea, 79, who is head of the neighborhood association said, and no one interviewed on his street Sunday could provide details about his character or personal life. Shea said Barrett drove an expensive car, and she would often see him throwing golf clubs in his trunk.

Barrett appeared to live with a woman, said Shea, but she didn't know the woman's relationship to Barrett.

Shea said a "For Sale" sign was put up in Barrett's front lawn about two weeks ago. A real estate Web site set the price for the house at $299,000, and described the home as having three bedrooms, two baths and two fireplaces.

An FBI affidavit said Barrett specifically asked for a room next to Andrews at a Tennessee hotel where seven videos were likely taken, apparently through an altered peephole. An eighth video may have been shot at a Milwaukee hotel.

Marriott International Inc. and Ramada Worldwide, which operate the hotels where the videos may have been shot, have issued statements saying they are concerned about their guests privacy and safety, are looking into the matter and are cooperating with authorities.

Barrett's lawyer, Rick Beuke, said he did not believe Barrett had so much as a traffic ticket on his record.

"He's as regular a guy as you'll ever meet — a great friend," said Beuke, who has known him for a decade. "I must have calls from 30 people wanting to know what they could do to help."

Story developing. . . .


HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!

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The late "DJ AM."

Adam Goldstein's (aka DJ AM) documentary "Gone Too Far" about young addicts, which was finished shooting 3 days before he died from an accidental overdose, has received the "green-light" from Goldstein's family to show the 8 episode series. MTV will be broadcasting the show starting October 12.

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David Letterman.

(People) In David Letterman's monologue tonight, the funny man will be making a public apology to his long-time partner (they met in 1986) and "new wife" Regina Lasko (they married this past March), concerning the extortion plot that exposed Letterman's numerous relationships with female staff members. In an excerpt of his monologue, he explains:

"She has been horribly hurt by my behavior, and when something happens like that, if you hurt a person and it's your responsibility, you try to fix it," he said during his opening monologue. "At that point, there's only two things that can happen: Either you're going to make some progress and get it fixed, or you're going to fall short and perhaps not get it fixed, so let me tell you folks, I got my work cut out for me.”

Here is the preview of tonight's monologue:



Link

In addition, Holly Hester, has come out to say that she was in a one year relationship with David Letterman. She was an intern on Letterman's show when he was at NBC in the early 90s. She said she was "madly in love with him at the time."

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Jon Gosselin, the ultimate "douche bag!"

OMG! What is Jon Gosselin doing now? He just cleared out $230,000 from the joint account he shares with soon-to-be-ex-wife Kate Gosselin! Jon G. is prohibited from removing any funds with Kate's permission. Kate filed legal papers in Pennsylvania to force him to return the money. The judge is demanding that Gosselin return the funds to the account immediately or face contempt and financial sanctions!

Story developing. . . .


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Brandi Glanville, has given LeAnn Rimes (inset) a "stern warning!"

(Perez Hilton) Brandi Glanville, soon-to-be-ex-wife of actor Eddie Cibrian, released a statement concerning actress/singer LeAnn Rimes, who is the "girlfriend" of her soon-to-be-ex-husband, and her (Rimes) decision to move in the same neighborhood in Calabasas:

"She's moved in a half a mile from my house and a block from my son's school. So she is completely space invading me at the moment so things are not cool. There is a point where she needs to have a sensitive side and back the F up."

Glanville said that she even sees Rimes in front of her son's school when she goes to pick him up! Yikes!

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The late Merv Griffin. His son, Tony Griffin, doesn't like the way the Trustees of his father's money are doing their job!

The son of Hollywood Mogul Merv Griffin,Tony Griffin, is suing the trustees of his father's money and accuses them of "mismanaging" his Dad's assets. The trustees retaliated with a suit of their own and warned that if he doesn't stop these false accusations, he will be "cut-off" of his $2M a year allowance!!!!! Ouch!

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Legendary QB Brett Favre and up 'n coming star Aaron Rodgers. The former teammates will face-off on MNF when Minnesota Vikings' Favre squares off against Green Bay Packers' Rodgers.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre, 39, wants to send a message "that's he's still worthy" to his former team the Green Bay Packers in tonight's much anticipated Monday Night Football matchup! The MNF game should be one of the week's most watched game considering the "legend of Favre." The matchup is reminiscent of San Francisco 49er legend Joe Montana's first game against the San Francisco 49ers (and Steve Young, Joe's replacement) when he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, which Montana won 24-17.

Favre wants to emulate Montana and come out a victor against the young Aaron Rodgers, who replaced Favre in Green Bay.


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Comedian Paul Rodriguez Sr. with his professional "sk8ter boy" son Paul Jr.

Looks like "real Mexicans" aren't immune to Mexican food! Tell that to proud Mexican and comedian Paul Rodriguez Sr. who might have possibly gotten food poisoning at a Mexican restaurant in Washington D.C.! He stayed 3 days in a DC hospital for severe abdominal pain. He even spent some time in ICU!!!! He was released yesterday, in good spirits.

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Schoolchildren in the Philippines wade through flood waters

The Philippines breathed a sigh of relief when "Super Typhoon Parma" packing 150 mph winds veered north of P.I. and was downgraded to a tropical storm. The nation is still recovering from Typhoon Ketsana where some towns and villages are underwater and reduced to waterways resembling Venice where boats and makeshifts rafts are seen transporting people.

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Reality-show mogul Mark Burnett is teaming up with Sony Pictures to create a new kind of "Fantasy Island."

(Variety) Sony Pictures and reality-show mogul Mark Burnett (Survivor and Shark Tank) are teaming together to make the popular show "Fantasy Island" into a reality show. The new reality version will follow 12 contestants as they compete to become the real-life Mr. or Ms. Roarke.

To do so, the players will be tasked with making others' dreams come true, as guests arrive on a weekly basis. Like the fictional "Fantasy Island," the guests will come to the show with emotional-driven fantasies - such as a dream wedding or a chance at reuniting with a lost love.

The guests will then be asked to rate the budding Mr./Ms. Roarkes - and one contestant will be banished from the game each week.

The show is currently being shopped to the networks. No word on the location set of the show but Hawaii should do some serious bidding!


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A shakeup has occurred at Universal Pictures!

Universal Studio Pictures Chairmen Marc Schmuger and David Linde have been fired! Insiders cite in-fighting among staff members and a box-office slump as the reasons why they were dumped. The move comes after talks with cable giant Comcast and NBC/GE on selling a 51% stake with the network/film studio are intensifying.

Universal has been in a slump recently with its current releases such as "Love Happens," "Land of the Lost," "Public Enemies," "Funny People," and "Bruno" have had disappointing but mostly COSTLY results (most of their film budgets were way over $100M)! There were some hits like "Bourne Ultimatum," "Mamma Mia," and "Knocked Up" but the failure of most of the studio's other films and huge cost-overruns were too much. In addition, some film executives like Brian Grazer and Marc Platt began to complain about the leadership of Schmuger and Linde.

Schmuger and Linde will be replaced by Universal marketing chief Adam Fogelson and production president Donna Langley.


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Reality star Ryan Jenkins' "suicide note" was found on his hardrive.

Buena Park Police have found a "suicide note" in the hard drive of accused killer Ryan Jenkins. BPD found a page and half of a "Last Will and Testament" dated August 20th (3 days before he hanged himself in a motel room) and a letter to friends and family in which he apologizes for the pain he has caused them, but never admits he murdered model Jasmine Fiore.

In addition, he does Fiore for the situation he was in and he also professes his love and hate for her.


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Tarino Lightbourne (left) and Pleasant Bridgewater (right). Defendants in the John Travolta Extortion Trial!

The John Travolta Extortion trial in the Bahamas is still going on and the videotape of the two defendants Tarino Lightbourne and Pleasant Bridgewater was played before a grand jury. Also, conversations involved hagggling between the two defendants and John Travolta's lawyer, Michael McDermott, who countered with an offer of $250,000 and go as high as $1M if the two accepted property with that.

The two defendants never backed down on their offer and insisted that the document (a form that Travolta signed removing all medical professional of liability for caring for his son Jett) was worth $25M.

Paul B
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Re: Letterman Makes Apology to Wife in his Monologue (Oct. 5)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (All things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Tuesday (October 6, 2009) stories developing. . . . .

More Details Revealed About Letterman from Lover's Diary!

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David Letterman and Stephanie Birkitt. More secrets are revealed!

(People) Even after the public apology and goodness how many private apologies to his wife, more news is being spilled about Letterman as the days go by. Stephanie Birkitt, 35, a staff member of David Letterman wrote in her diary that she and the funny man were still having an affair even after she moved in with alleged extortionist Robert Halderman!

Apparently, Halderman, 51, obtained the diary after he and Birkitt "broke up" and read intimate details about her relationship with Letterman. In their relationship, Birkitt assured Halderman that she and Letterman were "best friends" and that they shared a platonic relationship. Last Fall, Birkitt and Letterman hiked together at his Montana Ranch while Halderman remained home in Connecticut. This was the same ranch where Letterman and wife Regina Lasko--AND mother of their 5 year-old child Harry--were married this past March! In addition, Letterman drove Birkitt to her Connecticut home she shared with Halderman once a week from 2004 until recently. Birkitt recently graduated from Law School and Letterman offered to hire her as his personal lawyer!

The intimate details angered Halderman and it is unknown if those secrets motivated him to extort $2M from the talk show host. Another possible motivation was Halderman's dire financial situation, owing close to $6k a month in child and spousal support to his ex-wife.

Halderman's lawyer, Gerald Shargel, believes that there are more to the facts of the case and refuses to agree with the District Attorney's belief that it is an "open-and-shut" case. Shargel will attempt to try the case in the courtroom.

You can bet more revealing details about Letterman will be unleashed in the coming weeks! Letterman better work on his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th apology cause he's going to need it!



Tyler Perry's Reveals He Was Abused As A Child!


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The versatile Director, Producer, Screenwriter, and Actor Tyler Perry reveals a dark secret!

(People) After watching a screening of the lauded movie Precious, which Tyler Perry executive produced with Oprah Winfrey, about a 16-year-old girl who is physically and emotionally abused, the New Orleans native, 40, best known for his comic Madea character, reveals a flood of memories came back, and that "a large part of my childhood had just played out before my eyes."

Beginning with his mother's failed attempt to leave his abusive father, Perry recounts a horrific list of beatings and hardships he suffered.

"My father came home, mad at the world," he writes. "He was drunk, as he was most of the time. He got the vacuum cleaner extension cord and trapped me in a room and beat me until the skin was coming off my back."

Perry goes on to relate accounts of being seduced by a friend's mother at age 10, to being molested by another friend's father, to finding out that his own father was molesting a friend. And he tells of how his grandmother made a bizarre attempt to rid him of his allergies.

"She said she was going to kill these germs on me once and for all," he says. "She gave me a bath in ammonia."


But seeing Precious, he said, helped him realize once again that he had survived it all.

"It hit me so hard, I sat there in tears realizing that somehow, by the grace of God, I made it through," writes Perry, who signed on as an executive producer on the film. "My tears were tears of joy, being thankful that I made it."

And the most important lesson of all? Learning to forgive, he says.


Asian Male Lead Actors Are Extinct in Hollywood!

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Justin Chatwin, a non-Asian actor playing a Japanese character in Dragonball Evolution. A prime example of Hollywood NOT trusting an Asian lead actor in a mainstream film!

Today's Hollywood Finds It Difficult to Accept an Asian Leading-Man

Asian women are making in-roads into Hollywood films and television, while the Asian males lag behind for some reason. Asian males are prominent in Martial Arts films (Jackie Chan, Jett Li, Chow Yun Fat, Ken Watanabe) but are not considered a strong lead role in a mainstream Hollywood film. If the role is in a drama/comedy, an Asian male is either the "butt of jokes" (in films Harold and Kumar/Sixteen Candles/Revenge of the Nerds) or reduced to a minor/submissive role or distant/brooding/quiet with an accent (in shows "Lost" and "Heroes"). As for any romantic role, Asian males are an after-thought. In most cases, the Asian male actor is reduced to a supporting role--mostly as a negative character.

QUESTION: How many Asian male lead-actors are in a starring role (not part of an ensemble cast like "Lost" or "Trauma" etc.,) in an American-made film/television series today that is NOT a Foreign film/Tv series?

Asian Action Committees in Hollywood are reluctant to protest the lack of lead roles in Hollywood. In contrast, Black and Latino organizations usually speak out against the television/film community about the lack of prominent roles on television shows and films. Asian groups believe that protest would NOT motivate the studios to include more Asian roles or to make Asian-American themed films.

Some have reasoned that Asian community is fragmented and not well-organized as the Black and Hispanic community, when it comes to lobbying in Hollywood. For example, the Asian community have a mix of cultures and speak different dialects while the Latinos have a common language, Spanish, and a common religion Catholicism. This Asian fragmentation makes it difficult to organize all the groups and have a unified protest that will certainly grab Hollywood's attention.


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Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Two prominent Asian actors who starred in an American-produced film!

To be fair, some actors that have part Asian blood have been featured in Hollywood films/television like Keanu Reeves, Rob Schneider, and Dean Cain. However, these actors have a racially-ambiguous look to them that will make them versatile enough to play any role or character. Unfortunately, not too many audience members realize that these actors are part-Asian.

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Harold and Kumar, a step-up or step-down in Asian-stereotyping?

Hollywood is making a push to invest in foreign-made films from South Korea, China, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines! However, the films are considered "art films" and not a part of the Hollywood mainstream of films.

Despite having several powerful Asian Directors (Ang Lee, Justin Lin, John Woo, James Wong), Producers (Ken Mok, Dean Devlin), and Executives in Hollywood, the Asian male lead actor is largely ignored in Hollywood.


HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!

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Michael David Barrett (left), alleged stalker of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews (right)

Michael David Barrett, Erin Andrews' alleged stalker is out free in Chicago, wearing an ankle monitoring device and confined to his home between 9pm-5am. More details are being revealed about the insurance executive who stalked Andrews, using a hacksaw to modify a peephole, and using a mobile phone camera to film the unsuspecting ESPN reporter.

Barrett has been accused of filming 8 secret videos of Andrews as well as other women. The Feds have confisicated 2 of Barrett's computers and cellphones to find further evidence.

U.S. Attorney Steven Grimes has called Barrett, "a danger to other women."


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Mel Gibson. His 2006 drunk driving conviction is "off his record!" Expunged!

Forgive and Forget? Yes, the judge did and "wiped out" the 2006 drunk driving conviction of Mel Gibson. As part of his infamous Anti-Semetic-laced 2006 conviction, Gibson attended Alcohol Anonymous meetings, perform in public service announcements, and pay $1,300 in fees to resolve the drunk driving case.

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Rush Limbaugh, NFL football team owner?

Popular/Unpopular Talk Show host Rush Limbaugh is teaming up with St. Louis Blues Hockey owner Dave Checketts to purchase the St. Louis Rams! Georgia Frontiere's kids own 60% and Stan Kroenke owns 40% of the team. Limbaugh and Checketts plan to either purchase the team outright or buy a minority stake in the franchise.

If you remember, Limbaugh's foray into the NFL went so far as being a commentator on ESPN in 2003. He is also infamous for saying that Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback be successful in the NFL. He later resigned after that comment.

Forbes magazine has estimated the purchase price of the St. Louis Rams at $929M.


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Elvis Presley. His 17 year-old grandson Benjamin Presley is about to be signed to a record deal!

Benjamin Presley, 17, grandson of Elvis Presley and son of Lisa Marie Presley and musician Danny Keough, has been offered $5M to record 5 albums! The first album is expected to be out next year. Presley says, "the music won't sound like his grandfather's music."

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Director Roman Polanski, has been couped up in a Swiss jail possibly awaiting extradition to the U.S!

Switzerland officials refuse to let go of Director Roman Polanski (Chinatown and the Pianist) because he is a "flight-risk!" He escaped 30 years ago, why wouldn't he do it again? Polanski is being held for a rape he committed in the U.S. 30 years ago. He escaped to France to avoid the charges and going to prison. He recently attended a film festival in Switzerland where he was caught by Law enforcement and is being held while Swiss and U.S. officials decide what to do with him.

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Model/TV hostess Claudia Jordan or Khloe Kardashian?

(Tmz) Model and "Deal or No Deal" hostess Claudia Jordan had reportedly turned down L.A. Lakers Lamar Odom proposal for marriage a week before he met Khloe Kardashian! WTF? Jordan said that she had NO romantic interest in him despite Odom's overtures!

Odom was definitely on a FAST BREAK to get married judging from his actions with Jordan and Kardashian! Sheesh!


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Sherri Crichton pictured with her late husband Michael Crichton.

Sherri Alexander Crichtonwife of the late author Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park, Disclosure, Andromeda Strain) has filed a creditor's claim against his estate. . . and she wants $7M! NOW!!!!! Crichton signed a prenup with the late author in 2005 -- which promised her $1,000,000 per year for nine years, this according to documents she filed on Friday in L.A. County Superior Court.

At the time of Michael's death last year, Sherri says she had only received $2 million.

According to the docs, the prenup stated Sherri would get the rest of the $9 mil in a lump sum if Michael died.


So, $9M minus $2M = $7M!!!!!


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Arnold Schwarzenegger. He supports the goals of his late Uncle Senator Edward Kennedy and President Obama.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has lent his support to President Obama's goals for healthcare reform, infuriating his fellow Republican members! Schwarzenegger is basically following the ideals of his late Uncle-in-law Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy who had similar goals on trying to reform healthcare in this country. However, the moderate Republic did not endorse any of the Democratic proposed bills in Congress.

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ESPN's MNF should be the top winner last night!

(Variety) ESPN's Monday Night Football ratings will not be in yet until sometime today, but the estimate of pulling in 20M viewers for the Vikings vs. Packers contest should be accurate and a record for a "cable network."

Meanwhile, on the "commercial-full" networks, ABC won the night with "Dancing With the Stars" (18M viewers) and "Castle" with 11.6M viewers.

CBS' comedy block took second place with large audiences for "Big Bang Theory" and "Two and a Half Men!" "CSI: Miami" closed out the night as being the top program at the 10pm hour.


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Two and a Half Men continues to be "the rock" on the CBS comedy night!

Fox finished in 3rd with "House" continues to post big numbers with 13M viewers and "Lie to Me" tends to lose half of those viewers at 8M.

At the bottom, NBC's "Heroes" (5.4M) is fading and taking "Trauma" (5.5M) and "Jay Leno Show" (4.3M) down with it!

Paul B
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Re: Where are the Asian Lead Actors in Hollywood? (Oct. 6)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!!! (All things that matter in Pop culture!)

Wednesday (October 7, 2009) stories developing. . . .

Tragic Event delays Jon and Kate Gosselin Courtroom Hearing!

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The Gosselin hearing has been delayed due to the Judge attending to a "family emergency."

A sudden event has delayed the courtroom hearing of Jon and Kate Gosselin, over whether Jon actually did "steal" $230,000 from their joint account without Kate's permission. Judge Arthur Tilson who was presiding over the hearing had a "family emergency" and had to cancel at the last minute. Court officials broke the sad news that Tilson's wife had died of cancer that morning.

The hearing will be postponed until next week.

Currently, there is "no order" to stop Jon from spending the money he had taken out of the account. However, he did violate an order that prohibits him from withdrawing any funds without Kate's consent, and her legal team will be asking that he be held in contempt. In addition, Kate's lawyers want to "hammer out" an emergency order as quickly as possible to stop Jon from spending the money.


Michael Jackson Investigation Near Completion!

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Dr. Conrad Murray (left) is the sole suspect in the death of Michael Jackson!

(Tmz) The investigation in the death of Michael Jackson is nearing a close as the LAPD is on schedule to present their case against Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's Doctor. Murray is accused of contributing to the death of Michael Jackson by injecting him with lethal amounts of medication.

The LAPD will be presenting its case to the District Attorney next week. Prosecutors have been working with law enforcement officals for months on the case.


Murray is the sole target in the case.

An inside law enforcement source said that there is a good chance that the DA will take the case to the grand jury rather than of charge Murray directly. The case is complicated and not near "the open and shut case" as some have been led to believe.


Saturday Night Live Signals Honeymoon with President Obama is OVER!!!

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Other Presidents and Political figures will say to President Obama: Welcome to the Club!

(CNN) Although Saturday Night Live isn't as popular or influential as it was years ago, the program has spoofed and hammered Presidents and political figures through the years without any regard to political affiliations---President Obama is no exception. Last Saturday's SNL opening skit marked the first time that the program has lampooned President Obama. The skit emphasized his penchant for not keeping his promises.

In the comedy skit, the president is asked about unrealized campaign promises, including closing Gitmo, combating global warming, allowing openly gay people to serve in the military, withdrawing from Iraq, improving the status of the fight in Afghanistan, reforming health care and several others. On screen the response on a check list was: that each item was "not done."

President Obama is being judged with the same scrutiny as those who have gone before him in the modern era. Sooner or later, all honeymoons for presidents come to an end. This one may have lasted a little longer because many in the media got caught up in the story, in the history and wrote with their emotions instead of their computers.

In the few months President Obama has been in office, the following questions are being asked across the country by some Americans and the media, too: "Is he as good as we all hoped? Can he possibly meet the extraordinary high expectations that were set for him? Can he get the job done? Could anyone?"

Democrats will add pensively to the words: "Not Done" from the "SNL" skit, "Not yet."

Republicans will retort with: Not EVER!

The message from SNL may not have been seen or heard from a lot of people but the show does reflect some of the opinions around the nation.

It must be said that no President, besides FDR, has been faced with such a downtrodden economy and divisiveness among the people that the task of solving these problems, along with so many others like healthcare, the lack of jobs, the war in Afghanistan, corporate greed, and so on, will take more than a year.

What SNL did is not unusual, it signals President Obama has arrived! Welcome to the club of Presidents and political figures then and now being BASHED to smithereens!


See the SNL skit of President Obama:

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/280038

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!!

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Brett Favre, coverboy on SI and ratings gold for the NFL!

The numbers are in and Monday Night Football on ESPN that featured the Minnesota Vikings vs the Green Bay Packers pulled in a whopping 21.8M viewers! The telecast beat the last record of 18.6M for the MNF game between the Eagles and the Cowboys by a wide margin! With numbers like that, the NFL should NOT let Favre retire!

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The Seinfeld gang was back, like old times, on HBO's Curb Your Enthuasiam!

The Seinfeld reunion on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiam brought in a record 1.6M viewers this past Sunday! The rerun that ran later that night totalled 2.6M viewers! Those numbers were the highest ratings for the show in 5 years.

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The Beatles and Michael Jackson (inset) are some of the "old acts" that are re-charging the music industry! But, that's NOT a good thing!

Something is wrong with the music business if Barbara Streisand, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson outsell the current acts in the industry! The Billboard charts show Streisand at No.1 and the Beatles and the King of Pop in the top 10! Old school acts are definitely clobbering their contemporaries by a huge margin! Madonna is considered an "old school" act that is outselling new bands like Paramore and Kings of Leon and current individual acts like Rihanna, Lil' Wayne, Jonas Brothers, and Chris Brown. Her new album is set to come out in the coming weeks.

The music industry is in deep trouble if it doesn't introduce new acts! Goes to show you that the acts that invested in making honest-to-goodness music with heartfelt lyrics will eventually SELL long after the individual or band members have died.


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Condoleeza Rice, a Stanford recruiter? Ah, ha!

(Sportsbybrooks) Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice is currently a Political Science Professor at Stanford University. However, teaching is not the only thing she does at the school: she meets with new recruits, she's a volunteer assistant coach on the Women's Golf Team, she lifts weights besides the athletes, and attends games! Wow! Some recruits might find that pretty impressive for a former executive of the Bush Administration! Already she has swayed some recruits to come to Stanford like high school football standout Tai-Ler Jones who was recruited by Notre Dame, UCLA, and UGA but decided to go to Palo Alto because of Rice!

Jones said, "How many colleges can say that they have Condoleeza Rice and that she can be a mentor to you?" "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me!"


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The "Ransom kid" Brawley Nolte (left).His father is actor Nick Nolte, who had this famous mugshot taken during his DUI arrest in 2002. (right)

(Tmz) Nick Nolte's son was arrested for suspicion of DUI and possession of a controlled substance yesterday in Santa Monica.

Law enforcement sources said that Brawley King Nolte -- who starred as the kidnapped kid in "Ransom" back in the day -- struck another vehicle while making a lane change yesterday afternoon.

When cops arrived, the 23-year-old showed signs of impairment, so cops conducted field sobriety tests and eventually arrested him. Nolte's bail was set at $5,000.


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"Dancing With the Stars" pro dancers Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff were engaged to be married but the relationship was called off last month!

Drama on the set of "Dancing With the Stars" was not only regulated to the dance floor but off of it as well. Pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy and his partner Debi Mazar were eliminated from the show which is good because he won't have to endure any more uncomfortable encounters on set with his ex- fiancée, pro dancer Karina Smirnoff. Rumors say that Smirnoff and her dance partner Aaron Carter are involved in a relationship.

Rumors of the relationship have all but dashed any hope of Maksim and Karina from getting together! Maksim later said that after hearing the rumors, he declared his relationship with Smirnoff "as done!"


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Shaquille O'Neal seen here promoting his show, Shaq versus. . . along with Boxer Oscar Del la Hoya

Sportswriter Todd Gallagher is suing William Morris Endeavor Talent agency for stealing his idea for the show, Shaq Versus. . . Gallagher said that he created the concept of him, Gallagher himself, competing against athletes from their respective sports. The sportswriter claims the talent agency stole his idea and made it into Shaq versus where O'Neal does the competing against pro athletes of their respective sports.

In his defense, Shaq said he came up with the idea all by himself.


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British pop sensation, Jay Sean. He is the first Asian (from India) to have a No.1 song in the U.S.!

(Billboard) With the music industry searching for fresh talent, a British R&B singer whose birth name is Kamaljit Singh Jooti has the No.1 song "Down" on the Billboard top 100 singles chart and becoming the first Asian singer (not part of a band) to accomplish that feat in the U.S.! Jooti is more widely known as Jay Sean. He was born in Southall, London, England and his family migrated from India. He's had hit singles in the UK ("Stolen," "Eyes On You," "Ride It," and "Tonight") but now he's turning his sights on making it big in the U.S.!

Jay Sean began his career at the age of 11 and turned to R&B because of his Indian heritage, which made it difficult to break into the British rap scene. He was signed by 2Point9 entertainment company and became a British and international star (he is extremely popular in his native country). He later accepted a record deal with Virgin Records and dropped out Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he was studying to become a Doctor.

He's already signed with Cash Money Records for his U.S. release and working on his up coming album.




Link

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Anna Nicole Smith. Her ex-boyfriend Mark Hatten is trying to get his "15 minutes!"

Mark "Hollywood" Hatten, ex-boyfriend of model/reality-star Anna Nicole Smith revealed that Smith "begged him to kill Pierce Marshall" (Pierce Marshall was the son of her late husband and millionaire J.Howard Marshall). It is believed that Pierce was supposedly in Smith's way of obtaining money from the millionaire's estate and she wanted Hatten to kill him (Pierce).

Hatten has sort of a "credibility" problem because he's making these claims from JAIL!!!! An FBI agent did investigate the "murder for hire" plot but found no evidence whatsoever.

Besides, does it really matter at this point because Anna Nicole Smith is already dead!


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Australian favorite, Foster's Beer. A popular motor sport Down Under has imposed an "outrageous" liquor policy!

[sinetca.com] (Melbourne, Australia) Adults attending Australia's most popular motor sport race, the Bathurst 1000, will be limited to one slab of beer a day (equivalent to 24 cans) for the event in order for Police to cut down on alcohol-related crime! Oh the horror--only 24? Isn't a Foster's beer like 25 oz per can?

Oh and depending on the "strength" (depicted as low or mid strength) of the alcohol, an adult would be allowed 36 cans. Oh, okay. . . we can feel better now. After all, 24 is just too low for some.

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Re: MNF Game Pack vs Vikes Sets Record! (Oct. 7)

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Hollywood News!!!! (all things that MATTER in pop Culture!)

Thursday (October 8, 2009) stories developing. . . .

Dr. Conrad Murray Wanted By Baby Mama for Support Payments!

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Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's Doctor, is in a heap of trouble with child support payments!

Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's Doctor, has a warrant for his arrest for NOT attending a scheduled child support hearing in Family Court yesterday. Murray allegedly owes $13,000 to baby mama Nenita Malibirian according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Malibirian claims Murray, who is the Father of her 10 year-old son, is currently behind in his support payments.

The bench warrant would have to be signed by a district judge before it can be enforced. Murray has 10 days to come to court and deal with it, otherwise the judge will issue a warrant.

The D.A.'s office says they'll also ask for Murray's medical license to be suspended -- as of now, he can still practice medicine.

As for Murray's other high-profile case involving the death of Michael Jackson, he is still the sole target of the investigation. Law enforcement officials are wrapping up the investigation of MJ's death and will present the evidence to the DA next week!


David Letterman Blackmailer Wanted Revenge!

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David Letterman (left) and Robert Halderman (right).

An inside source close to Robert "Joe" Halderman, the 48 hours producer who is accused of extorting $2M from David Letterman over his relationship with his (Halderman) former girlfriend Stephanie Birkitt, blackmailed Letterman because of REVENGE!

Insiders said that Halderman, 51, wanted Letterman miserable for sleeping with his ex-girlfriend. The money wasn't the issue, and that his main intention was to destroy Letterman and Birkitt.

It has been reported that Birkitt, 35, who was Letterman's personal assistant at the time, apparently lied to Halderman when they were involved in a relationship, labelling her relationship with Letterman as "platonic" and going on hiking trips at Letterman's ranch while Halderman stayed back home in Connecticut. In addition, Letterman would drive Birkitt home once-a-week after work.

In the meantime, Birkitt has been banned from going on the Late Show set.

As for Halderman, some things just don't make sense. If money wasn't the issue, then why try to cash the check that Letterman gave you? You don't try to extort money from the guy who slept with your ex-girlfriend? Yes it sucks . . . but you move on!!!!!

There's a COUNTRY SONG about this situation somewhere.


Harry Connick Jr. Is Offended by Blackface Skit on Australian Show!

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New Orleans resident Harry Connick Jr was aghast after watching a blackface skit on Australian TV!

Movie star and singer Harry Connick Jr. made waves around the world by condemning, on air, an Australian television skit featuring a group of performers who wore blackface to impersonate the late pop star Michael Jackson and his brothers.

Harry Connick Jr. was visibly dismayed after watching an insensitive skit performance on an Australian show.

The "Jackson Jive" performed the song "Can You Feel It" Wednesday wearing huge black wigs, blackface and one spangled glove each. The Michael Jackson impersonator wore whiteface.


Connick was one of the judges on the program, a special edition of the Australian variety show "Hey Hey It's Saturday," which aired Wednesday.

"If they turned up looking like that in the United States," he said, frowning, "Hey, hey, there's no more show."

The show's host, longtime Australian TV presenter Daryl Somers, may have compounded the problem by twice referring to the performers as "boys" -- a historically derogatory way of talking to or about black men.

Somers later apologized on air to Connick.

"It didn't occur to me until later -- I think we may have offended you with that and I deeply apologize on behalf of all of us," he said. "Because I know, your countrymen, it's an insult to have a blackface routine."

Connick replied that he would not have appeared on the show if he had known about the routine in advance.


See the video (Harry Connick appears with host Daryl Somers at 4:40 into the video):



Link

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!!

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Taylor Swift going to college at Notre Dame?

Country star Taylor Swift, 19, along with her little brother appeared on the Notre Dame campus yesterday as part of a tour of "checking out different colleges." She was mum on the other colleges she's plans to check out. Woah, Taylor Swift attending college? Wow, good girl. . . not letting the trappings of entertainment prevent you from getting a good education.

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Katy Perry and Russell "Dreamy Eyes" Brand. An ideal couple?

Pop singer Katy Perry and Comedian/actor Russell Brand confirmed their relationship by appearing in public at the John Galliano show at Paris Fashion week yesterday! They make an odd pair. . . but opposites DO ATTRACT!

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BET sees potential in Michael Vick and gives him reality-show!

Black Entertainment Television is giving former convict and now Philadelphia Eagle quarterback Michael Vick his own reality show entitled The Michael Vick Project! Hmmm. . . hopefully there won't be any DOGS or any pets around the vicinity when the film crew is shooting! PETA will get on his A** for that!

You gonna' watch this? BET is hoping you will.


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Yankees' girlfriends Minka Kelly (left) and Kate Hudson (right)!

It's just the first game in the Yankees versus Twins series but WHO did better, Minka Kelly (girlfriend of Derek Jeter) or Kate Hudson (girlfriend of A-ROD)? Both players did well and A-ROD snapped out of his 19-game postgame slump. Wonder how Hudson helped him with that?

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Anthony Marshall (left) and his late mother Brooke Astor (right)

(LA Times) New York--A sad story of a well-to-do son, Anthony Marshall, a former U.S. diplomat and Broadway producer, who coerced his 100 year-old Mother (philanthropist and New York socialite), Brooke Astor, to alter her will so that he could gain full control of her $200M fortune. Astor had alzheimers disease at the time and could not recognize her friends and family members. She died in 2007.

In 2006, Marshall was sued by his own son, Philip Cryan Marshall, who wanted his Father removed from being the guardian of Astor because of suspected "elder-abuse." Philip accused his Dad of allowing his grandmother to live in squalor and for cutting back on her medications and doctor visits while he reaped the benefits of her estate. Marshall was eventually removed and his mother spent the last years of her life being cared for by nurses.

Marshall, 85, and his lawyer Francis Morrisey, 66, were both convicted on charges of grand larceny and conspiracy to alter Astor's will before she died. Seventy-two witnesses, including Barbara Walters and Anette de la Renta (wife of the fashion designer), testified about Astor's confused state-of-mind.

Marshall could face spending his last years in prison while Morrisey may spend up to 8 years. Sentencing is scheduled Dec.8.


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Adrien Brody (left) will play Ahnold's part in the new version of PREDATOR!

Academy Award Winner Adrien Brody, action star? Yes! Well, at least someone believes in Brody because HE has just been cast as the lead actor in the new version of Predator, the 1987 classic that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids, Planet Terror, Sin City) will direct. Good luck!

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Dr. Phil is being sued!

(Tmz) Dr. Phil is being sued by a woman who claims the TV shrink held her captive inside his production offices, forced her to stare at a naked man -- and then grabbed her left breast. When she tried to leave, production staff members blocked her! In addition, she claims that Dr. Phil lied to her that he was a real Doctor!

Oh well. More evidence is needed before we believe this crap. If the NAKED MAN was Dr. Phil, that's another story. That might lead to blindness!


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Michael Jackson has a long line of SUE-TORS!!!!!

How long is the line of people trying to SUE Michael Jackson's estate? Very, very long from what it seems. Don Stabler, a former Jackson associate, is suing the estate for $180, 400. Stabler claims the King of Pop "stiffed him out" of services he gave in 2004 for fixing MJ's tax problems.

So why did it take this long for him to file suit? Was it because Jackson was STILL alive then?

Another thing on the "TO-DO List." NEXT lawsuit!


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Executive producer Simon Cowell (left) and his protege Susan Boyle (right) get ready to release her first album!

(People) For all the people who RAVED about her, Susan Boyle is hoping you'll buy her CD (or download her songs) when it comes out November 24. The album is entitled "I Dreamed A Dream" (her most famous song from Les Miserables in which she sung on Britian's Got Talent) and here are the full list of tracks, including her version of the Rolling Stones song, "White Horses" which she performed on American Idol a few months back:

List of tracks

1. "Wild Horses"
2. "I Dreamed a Dream"
3. "Cry Me a River"
4. "How Great Thou Art"
5. "You'll See"
6. "Daydream Believer"
7. "Up to the Mountain"
8. "Amazing Grace"
9. "Who I Was Born to Be"
10. "Proud"
11. "The End of the World"
12. "Silent Night"

A mix of old standards and current ones, you might say?

Low-Budget/Independent/Foreign Films You Must See!!!!!!

This Friday is a slow-month for new big-budget releases like Chris Rock's "Good Hair," "Night of the Demons," and "Couples Retreat," so why not take in a low-budget/independent/foreign film for a change? See these otherwise lowkey films, that are NEVER advertised, at your favorite theatre or as a DVD/blu ray at your favorite video store or video mail service.

Coming to theatres October 9: (at selected theatres, films are limited release, dates and times are subject to change!)

Peter and Vandy -- (Unrated) Jason Ritter (son of 3's Company star John Ritter) and Jess Weixler star as a couple who have a troubled relationship. In a series of flashbacks, the couple find out how they turned from hopeful romantics to scheming manipulative sociopaths!



Link


From Mexico With Love ---
(PG-13) A boxing drama. A young, orphaned, and angry boy is taught how to box by a washed up boxing trainer, who is looking for his one last shot at glory.



Link

The Damned United --- (Rated R) A biopic/British sports drama about former Leeds United Soccer Coach Brian Clough and his 44 day reign leading the team. Clough leads the team through a series of changes that are not initially welcomed by the organization.



Link

Trucker ---(Rated R) Michelle Monaghan (The Heartbreak Kid, Eagle Eye) plays a free-spirited truck driver who is forced to mature, when her terminally-ill ex-husband (Benjamin Bratt) can no longer take care of their son.



Link

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Re: Low-Budget/Independent Films You Must See! (Oct. 8)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

ALOHA FRIDAY (October 9, 2009) stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

Check out their website for premieres and movie listings: http://www.hiff.org/

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Many Films to Choose from at Hawaii International Film Festival!

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Q'orianka Kilcher stars in the much-anticipated film, "Barbarian Princess," which will premiere at the Hawaii theatre on October 16!

(Honolulu Advertiser/David Dondoneau) For all the buzz "Barbarian Princess" is receiving for its controversial title, it may not be the most anticipated show screening at the Hawaii International Film Festival.

And that says a lot for "Precious," screening Oct. 22 at Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas.

While the name of the film chronicling Princess Ka'iulani's life and impact — making its world premiere next Friday (Oct. 16) at Hawai'i Theatre — has generated debate, there is even more buzz surrounding "Precious," due to one heavy hitter's endorsement: Oprah Winfrey, who has called the film this generation's "The Color Purple." The film also recently won the audience award at the Toronto Film Festival.

"There are so many good films to talk about," HIFF executive director Chuck Boller said. "Next year's our 30th anniversary, but this one will be tough to beat."

HIFF opens Thursday and runs through Oct. 25. All films, except for "Barbarian Princess" screen at Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas.

Among the 177 films from 36 countries (and in 27 different languages, all with subtitles) are 14 world premieres. Director John Woo returns with the war epic "Red Cliff," and Thursday's opening film is an intense Korean thriller, "Mother Madeo," which follows a mother's drive to clear her mentally challenged son of murder charges.

This year's HIFF also includes a chance to get to know the people behind "Lost" at a gala event and at master classes on Saturday, Oct. 24. Fans of "Departures" — voted the best foreign film last year and still showing at Kahala 8 — will be happy to know the creative team behind that hit is back with "Snow Prince."

HIFF is showing 23 films a day.


David Hasselhoff Hospitalized!

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David Hasselhoff. Another drunken episode by the actor/judge shows he needs serious help!

David Hasselhoff was hospitalized in London after a 2 day drinking binge at the St. Martin's Lane Hotel. Hasselhoff was in London to attend Simon Cowell's birthday. According to the SUN, Hasselhoff was so drunk that he was "completely wasted, he kept swearing, and he couldn't walk!"

A concerned assistant was helpful enough to call a Doctor to help The Hoff but as soon as he (Hasselhoff) saw Doctor Paul Ettlinger, Hasselhoff flew into a rage and directed his anger toward Ettlinger! An "accidental" altercation broke out and Ettlinger suffered a bruised forehead.

Fearing that Hasselhoff was out of control, he was kept in the Hotel basement until the ambulance arrived. He was taken to Capio Nightingale Hospital where he stayed for 2 nights in a private suite. He was released yesterday.

This is not the first time that Hasselhoff has gone out of control with his drinking. This episode is a sure sign that the man needs BIG TIME help before he seriously hurts himself or someone else!


Good News for a change. . . . in a bad economy.

Stories of some Hollywood stars helping people. . .

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Simon Cowell. Is not a bad guy after all?

American Idol judge Simon Cowell is usually known for being "snippy" on the reality show but here's a story of a side of Cowell most people don't know. The American Idol judge gave $30,000 to actress Linda Blair's nonprofit organization, The Linda Blair Worldheart foundation, which cares for 50 abandoned dogs at a time in a sanctuary set up for them. Blair's foundation was in desperate trouble of closing before Cowell saved the foundation with his generous donation.

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Gloria Estefan treats some lucky Puerto Rican fans!

Cuban singer Gloria Estefan is treating 2,000 lucky winners to her weekend concert in Puerto Rico. Close to 17,000 Puerto Rican government workers in the country are being laid-off due to the recession. The country has a 15 percent unemployment rate, higher than any of the states.

Estefan bought all of the remaining upper-level tickets to be raffled off to some of the laid-off employees. Way to go, Gloria!


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Justin Timberlake is helping a good cause, the Shriner's Children Hospital.

Sure, Justin Timberlake is usually a "sourpuss" when it comes to dealing with the media and the paparazzi but he is heading a benefit concert for the Shriner's Children Hospital at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas October 17. Timberlake has lined up some serious star power for this benefit concert, including the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, Will.i.am, Adam Levine (of Maroon 5), 50 Cent, Boyz II Men, Esmee Denters and Leona Lewis.

Tickets range from $75 - $250.

Keep in mind that Timberlake last released an album in 2006 and had sworn off performing live in concert until this benefit concert. Whatever the reason may be, Shriner's is fortunate to have the former N'Sync member do his part to help the organization.


Parade Magazine's Top 5 Most Generous Stars!

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Oprah Winfrey and Mel Gibson. The two are listed by Parade Magazine in the top 5 of "Most Generous Stars."

1) Oprah Winfrey

Media mogul and talk show host Oprah Winfrey topped the list of the most generous stars by donating $50M to various charities, including her own Oprah's Angel Network which provides education, advocacy, and health care for women and children worldwide.

2) Herb Alpert

Herb Alpert, 73, was the co-founder of A&M Records before he sold it in 1987 for a reported $500M to Polygram records. Alpert was also an accomplished musician forming Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Alpert donated $13M to charity last year including his own foundation.

3) Barbara Streisand

Barbara Streisand is releasing a new album "Love is the Answer." No word yet on a tour. The singer gave away $11 million to causes concerned with environmental education and improvement, women’s issues, civil rights and AIDS research. Additionally, her Streisand Foundation offers grants to organizations working on environmental issues, voter education, the protection of civil liberties and more.

4) Paul Newman

Although Paul Newman passed away in 2008 from lung cancer, his foundation managed to donate millions to various charities, especially to his own charitable organization. One noted charity is "Hole in the Wall" which is a camp for terminally-ill children and their families. Through his partnership for Paul Newman's Own food brands (salad dressings and other foods), his charity will live on. He even gave $10M to Kenyon College in Ohio!

5) Mel Gibson

Sure, Mel Gibson's been getting negative press lately, but he is one of Hollywood's most generous stars. Gibson donated $9M to build a church in Malibu. He also paid $10 million in the past to reimburse hospitals for care given to seriously ill children who could not get treatment in their homelands. In 2005, he gave $1M to help Mexico recover from Hurricane Stan.

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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie came in 6th and Michael Jordan came in 7th on Parade's list!

Other Hollywood elite who made the list include power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who provided more than $8 million to benefit New Orleans reconstruction efforts after Hurricane Katrina, as well as refugee aid and cross-cultural understanding. Cyclist Lance Armstrong, basketball extraordinaire Michael Jordan and hockey star Eric Lindros all tied for seventh place on the list. Each donated $5 million to their charities of choice.


Hollywood Shorts!!!!


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The tuna cannery business in Samoa is in "critical condition." Chicken of the Sea closes and Starkist "may close" too!

(Honolulu Advetiser) Relief efforts for Samoa are on-going. However, some economic bad news has arrived concerning the closure of Chicken of the Sea tuna cannery (laying off close to 2,000 employees) and the "possible" closure of the Starkist factory. Starkist has laid off 350 workers but hopes to remain in business if a bill the company is current lobbying with Congress---providing incentives for the company to sell fish in Samoa---goes through. If the bill passes, the fish companies have a chance of continuing business in American Samoa.

Chicken of the Sea decided to move their facility to Georgia.


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Who knewe? Marge Simpson, Playboy Playmate?

Marge Simpson, of "The Simpsons" will appear on the November Playboy Cover. Marge will have a provacative 3 page-spread for the men's magazine--posing in some sexy lingerie.

Oh, the weirdos are gonna' enjoy this!


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Elizabeth Taylor, 77, is doing fine after heart surgery!

Acting legend Elizabeth Taylor's heart surgery was successful and she tweeted the procedure's success to her followers. The surgery was done to repair a leaky heart valve. Good news!

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Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel. JT's Grandma summed up the couple's split by saying, "Justin isn't ready for marriage."

With Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel breaking up, there are new rumors of JT's involvement with Rihanna. The two are currently collaborating on an album together which is why rumors of a romance are strong. However, sources say the relationship is "strictly professional."

As to why the split between Timberlake and Biel, T's Grandma Sadie Bomar simply said that Biel was interested in marrying and her grandson Justin isn't ready.


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Wu Tang Clan rapper Method Man was either adamant to pay taxes or he had a bad accountant?

Rapper Method Man was arrested in NYC for not paying 4 years worth of incomes taxes totalling $32, 999. Method Man said to Tmz that everything was just "a misunderstanding." I don't know how you can misunderstand that you owe money to the government and NOT KNOW IT!

If convicted, he could face 4 years in prison!


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Wallace Souza. A reality-tv host that tried to make his show as "REALISTIC" as much as possible!

(CNN) A former Brazilian TV host and member of the state congress, Wallace Souza, was captured after trying to flee from Police for 4 days. Souza was charged with drug dealing, witness tampering, possessing illegal firearms, and forming gangs to carry out executions. Authorities said this summer that Souza, the former host of a police TV show called "Canal Livre," created stories for the program by ordering drug rivals to be killed and then would have his TV camera crews arrive first on the scene. The killings not only got rid of drug-trafficking competition, but also drove up ratings, officials said. Sheesh, don't have a story, make one up by killing a gang rival? Yikes!

Wow! An actual TV show where an actual "hit" happened. Now that's reality-television right there! Unbelievable!


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Heidi Klum. Is a "new" Baby Mama once again!

Model/Reality TV show "Project Runway" host Heidi Klum finally "popped" and delivered daughter Lou Samuel to the world. Papa Seal must be proud. Baby Lou is Klum's 4th child and joins Henri, 3, and Johan,2, from Seal. She has a daughter, Leni, from a previous relationship.

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After Kate Gosselin's latest move, Jon may NOT be able to respond!

Kate Gosselin fired back against Jon Gosselin, who took out $230,000 from their joint account without Kate's permission leaving a measly $1,000 to pay the bills, by asking Jon for child and spousal support! Touche! They won't be going back to court until Tuesday about that violation but Kate has certainly raised some eyebrows by her latest action.

So far, no word from Jon's camp.


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Plenty fingers are pointing at Jay Leno for the cancellation of NBC's gritty cop/drama "Southland." Why? With no place on the schedule to place this edgy show after 10pm, NBC had no choice but to cancel the show and place their allegiance with Leno.

"Soutland" producer John Wells, former producer of ER, is looking at another network for a home for the critically-acclaimed series.


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Brooke Burns has lots to smile about because she found her lost dog!!! AWWWW. . . . .

Brooke Burns, former Baywatch and Baywatch Hawaii girl, lost her dog, Malti-Poo named Max, in Los Angeles a few days ago with no dog tags!!!! A search was made and a reward of $250 was made for the missing pooch. Nope, didn't need a dog psychic or a tracker for this one like that BLONDE girl actress named Simpson!

Meanwhile, at a grooming shop a conversation between a groomer and a client turned to a conversation about Burns' dog and the client said she knew of a neighbor who found a dog that fit the description. The connection was made and Burns and Max were happily reunited! LUCKY DOG!!!!!


LAUGH TO THE WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!

Here's a "LAUGH TO THE WEEKEND LOOK" at Comedian Chris Rock's "Mockumentary" film entitled "Good Hair" opening in theatres today:



Link

classic comedian Sam Kinison and his "love" for Marriage from "back in the day": (Warning, Explicit Language!)



Link

"old skool" comedian Steve Harvey talks about his good friend Michael Jackson:



Link

Have a great weekend!!!!!! :hello1: :hello1:

Paul B
All-American
All-American
Posts: 1552
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am
Location: Hollywood, California

Re: Laff to the weekend with Kinison and Harvey! (Oct.9)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Monday (October 12, 2009) stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

Check out their website for premieres and movie listings: http://www.hiff.org/

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Paul Anka and Michael Jackson Estate Have Reached A Settlement!

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Singer/songwriter Paul Anka wasn't properly credited for Michael Jackson's just released song, "This is It."

Anka co-wrote the song, "This is it" along with Jackson in 1983

(TMZ) Singer/songwriter Paul Anka and Michael Jackson's estate have negotiated a 50% split on the publishing rights and other revenue of the just released song, "This is it." Anka and MJ wrote the song, which was under a different title, "I Never Heard," in 1983.

Apparently, the administrators of MJ's estate are falling over themselves over the release of the song without seeking permission from Anka. John McClain, the assistant special administrator for MJ's estate apologized profusely to Anka over the phone, saying "he knew Michael couldn't have written this song alone."

McClain acknowledges that the song is Anka's and will negotiate a settlement with the singer/songwriter.


"Couples Retreat" Beats Estimates and Surges to No.1 at the Box-Office!

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Filmed in Bora Bora, "Couples Retreat" is a big hit in its debut, taking the No.1 spot!

(EW) The Vince Vaughn-starrer "Couples Retreat" blew away every industry expectation, with a strong weekend gross of $35.3 million. The over-performing comedy comes as a welcome success to the folks at Universal, who have been battling a tough year at the box office and saw their two top movie executives leave their posts last week because of the hard times.

The other industry surprise was the ridiculously impressive gross for the viral marketed phenomenon "Paranormal Activity." Screening in just 159 theaters, Paramount’s uber-scary horror flick grossed an estimated $7.1 million, putting its per-screen average at an astronomical $44,163 and giving it the 5th spot in the weekend’s rankings. This film has garnered so much attention that the studio will take it nationwide next weekend.


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"Paranormal Activity" is generating the biggest "horror" buzz since "Blair Witch"

The rest of the top five was dominated by strongly performing holdovers. Sony Pictures is attached to two of those films: "Zombieland" and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," which took the second and third spots, respectively. The Woody Harrelson-Jesse Eisenberg buddy movie played much more like a comedy than a horror movie, and dropped a solid 39% to $15 million. Its ten-day cume now stands at $47.8 million, a great number for the $23 million-budgeted film. Cloudy continues to defy all expectations. In its fourth week of release the movie lost only 24% of its value, with a $12 million take. It’s verging on the $100 million mark, a milestone that it should reach quickly, considering lots of children will be home from school tomorrow for Columbus Day.

Disney’s 3-D re-release of the double feature Toy Story/Toy Story 2 could also get a bump tomorrow. Regardless, its second weekend earned the animated classics an additional $7.7 million for a fourth-place bow on the chart. The 3-D experiment has added a hefty $22.7 million to its coffers in two weeks of release.

Next week: the children's classic "Where the Wild Things Are," the suspenseful/horror film "The Stepfather," and the suspense/thriller "Law Abiding Citizen."


The David Letterman Fallout!

David Letterman's Wife is rumored to want a divorce!

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David Letterman and Stephanie Birkett

(Showbiz) The major fallout from the David Letterman extortion case is causing the Late Show host a massive headache! There are strong reports that David Letterman's wife, Regina Lasko, wants a divorce and this may cost the funny man hundreds of millions of dollars!

The "fallout" stems from details from an extortion plot planned by accused blackmailer Robert Halderman who broke up with Birkett last year, only to find her diary and other documents linking her and Late Show host David Letterman involved in a relationship. Halderman used excerpts from her diary and other documents to extort $2M from Letterman. After Halderman was arrested, Letterman admitted on his show that he was involved with female members of his staff. Letterman did say that these relationships were "from the past."

Lasko, the long-time girlfriend of David Letterman, is furious of her husband's admitted affairs with staffers, especially personal assistant Stephanie Birkett. Letterman and Lasko just married this past March but have been together since 1986 and they have a 5 year son, Harry, together.

The couple has been rumored to be fighting over everything from property holdings to custody of son Harry. Lasko is humiliated and wants to "get even" with Letterman for fooling around during their 23 year relationship.

One last thing, in 2008 Letterman found it necessary to take his $200,000 a year personal assistant Birkett with him and the family on a "family vacation." Their vacation at St. Barth's included Letterman, Birkett, and Lasko and son Harry. Wow! This includes the 2 hikes that Letterman and Birkett did at his Montana Ranch while his wife and son, AND Birkett's boyfriend Halderman were at their homes back east.

This isn't the last we'll hear about this folks! Story developing. . . .


Jimmy Kimmel "LIVE" with a Staff Member?

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Late night host, Jimmy Kimmel, involved in "office romance" too?

NOT to be outdone, ABC's late night host Jimmy Kimmel has been rumored to be involved with one of his staff members. Molly McNearney, 31, has been seeing Kimmel and is a staff writer on his show. People magazine unveiled the affair but the news has been in gossip files for over a year (during the Sarah Silverman years Mr. Kimmel?).

So David Letterman is NOT the only one for getting involved with female members on their staff?

A source said that Kimmel and McNearney have kept their relationship "professional during work-hours." UH, HUH!


MLK Estate Being Fought Over by Three Surviving Children!

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Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King. Lord knows what they would think about their children today, if they were both alive!

(CNN) The 3 lone survivors of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, are fighting over the MLK estate! Bernice King and Martin Luther King III are suing brother Dexter King for "converting substantial funds from the financial account of the estate to his own use." Dexter is the CEO and President of the MLK Corporation besides being the administrator of the estate.

The lawsuit contends Dexter King illegally and fraudulently converted estate funds and should be forced to repay the money and reimburse the plaintiffs' legal costs. The document, which lists five counts, does not say how much he is accused of taking. Bernice and Martin have complained that no shareholder's meetings have taken place since 2004, in order to check the financial going-ons in the company. These three are the only shareholders of the company.

Dexter has filed a countersuit asking Bernice King to return some of their Mother's personal papers.

Rev. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968 and Coretta Scott King died in 2006.

Jury selection for the trial will start today.

Finally, the judge warned all three Kings that any failure to comply with the Georgia Corporation Code could result in the dissolution of the corporation and the appointment of a receiver.


HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!

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Rush Limbaugh versus Al Sharpton

Rev. Al Sharpton and the NFL Player's Association have fired off letters to NFL Commish Roger Goodell to block talk show host Rush Limbaugh from buying the St. Louis Rams. Limbaugh has been portrayed by Sharpton and the NFL Player's Association as being "anti-NFL" with statements made against Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb by saying, "the media was giving the QB special treatment because they wanted to see a black quarterback succeed."

In addition, Limbaugh was recently quoted as saying, "the NFL was beginning to look like a fight between the Crips and the Bloods (black L.A.-based gangs), without the weapons."

Sharpton and the Player's Association hope Goodell rejects Limbaugh's offer to buy the Rams.


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Rapper The Game is being sued!

The legal team that represented rapper THE GAME and greatly reduced his sentence from 5 years to 8 days for a gun charge, want their money!!!!! THE GAME owes Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert, $34,683.90 for their work!

From 5 years to 8 days, I say that's pretty good work from that law firm! As for THE GAME, pay up cause $34k is "chump change" for the way "you got-off!"


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Robbie Williams. His chauffer runs over a photog!

(LONDON) A chauffeur driving English Pop singer Robbie Williams ran over a member of the paparazzi! OMG! The pap was actually a teenager who had BOTh of legs run over! (Calling all LAWYERS!!!!) Williams was in the car and was visibly shaken by the incident but never got out of the limo to check on the boy! The singer was quickly transferred to another car during the episode.

As for the boy, he was hospitalized and no word on his injuries.


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Boyzone member Stephen Gately dies

England is sad about the death of boy-band BOYZONE member Stephen Gately, 33, who died while vacationing in Majorca, Spain. After drinking at a nearby pub, his partner, Andy Cowles, found Gately face-down on the sofa, apparently dead from choking on his vomit.

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Taylor Lautner (left) and Taylor Swift at a recent film shoot

Twilight's Taylor Lautner attended two of Taylor Swift's concerts in Chicago. Lautner is rumored to have an interest with Swift while she has admitted being smitten by the "wolfman."

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Megan Fox. Her "Back-biting" of Director Michael Bay may lead to her being replaced on the "Transformers" series.

Rumors of actress Megan Fox talking smack about "Transformers" Director Michael Bay will likely lead to her death on the big screen in Transformers 3! An insider said that Bay will have Fox's character experience a "gory death" only to be replaced with another hottie!

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Michael Jackson. His new song, "This is it" has been released on the internet!

Michael Jackson's new song, "This is it!" was leaked on the internet. The song arrives in anticipation of the film, with the same name as the song-title, on October 28!



Link

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NBC's Sunday Night Football is "king of the hill" on Sundays!

(Variety) NBC's Sunday Night Football between the Indy Colts and Tennessee Titans was the top-rated program of the night with 14.6M viewers for the 18-49 demographics! However, football wasn't enough to carry the PEACOCK network to the top in overall viewers against CBS.

CBS' block of 60 Minutes (14.6M viewers), Amazing Race (10.1M), and Three Rivers (7.4M) was enough for THE EYE to get the top spot in total viewers.

ABC ran third with their lineup of America's Funniest Videos, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives (13.1M) and Brothers and Sisters (9.0M).

Running fourth was Fox with their "animation domination" lineup of The Cleveland Show (8.9M), The Simpsons (7.8M), Family Guy (8.0M), and American Dad (6.7M).

Lastly, TBS continues to score with its exclusive coverage of the 2009 MLB Division Series (LDS), averaging a 3.1 U.S. household rating, up 15%, and a 15% increase in total viewers (4,525,000 vs. 3,929,000) over the first two days of the 2008 LDS. The LDS has averaged 3,526,000 households over the first two days of the 2009 LDS on TBS, marking the best two day average for the start of the Division Series since 2005.


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Daryl Hall and John Oates, formed the band Hall and Oates, that became an 80s phenomenon!

(CNN) Daryl Hall and John Oates, also known as Hall and Oates, a popular 80's band that had 29 top 40 hits and 6 No.1s, have released a 4-CD boxed set entitled, "Do What You Want, Be What You Are."

Mick Jagger and Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick pay tribute to the Philadelphia duo in the liner notes of the set.


Here's some interesting facts about the duo:

1) Both Hall and Oates attended Temple University in the late 60s.

2)They met at a teen dance in 1967 where they were waiting to play for their respective bands. A gang-fight broke out and they both took a service elevator to escape and that's where they met.

3) Michael Jackson "borrowed" from their hit "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" to write "Billie Jean."

4) In 1985, English crooner Paul Young took a Hall and Oates tune, "Everytime You Go Away" to No.1. Hall likened the song to a gospel tune.

5) Hall and Oates tune, "You Make My Dreams" was featured in the hit indy film "500 Days of Summer."

Here's Hall and Oates top ten songs as compiled by About.com:

http://80music.about.com/od/artistsfj/t ... ssongs.htm

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The cast of "GLEE" won't be participating at the Macy's Parade thanks to NBC!

NBC will be broadcasting the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and have made the controversial move of "kicking off" the cast of members of Fox's popular show "Glee" from appearing on the telecast! Apparently, Macy's invited and signed the cast members to perform at the Parade and when NBC found that out, they (cast of Glee) were pulled from the lineup!

Hmmm. . . hint of network rivalry going on, huh? Guess, NBC couldn't stand having a popular Fox show cast "show up" the Peacock network!

Paul B
All-American
All-American
Posts: 1552
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am
Location: Hollywood, California

Re: MJ Estate Settles w/ Paul Anka Over Song! (Oct.12)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Tuesday (October 13, 2009) stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

Check out their website for premieres and movie listings: http://www.hiff.org/

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Preliminary Trial In the Death of Anna Nicole Smith Begins!

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Anna Nicole Smith. The trial begins on WHO murdered the model/reality-star!

(LA Times/Shelby Grad) Overshadowed by the investigation and death of Michael Jackson, is the case of Model Anna Nicole Smith, who died in 2007 from a drug overdose in a Florida hotel room.

Prosecutors are expected to present evidence against three people they accuse of illegally providing controlled substances to Anna Nicole Smith, at a preliminary hearing that begins today.

Los Angeles authorities charged doctors Sandeep Kapoor and Khristine Eroshevich as well as Smith's boyfriend and lawyer, Howard K. Stern, in March with conspiring to provide her with controlled substances.

All three have pleaded not guilty.


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Sandeep Kapoor (left) and Howard K. Stern (right)

In court papers, prosecutors indicated they plan to call as witnesses those close to the former Playboy playmate, including her bodyguard and Larry Birkhead, the father of her daughter, Dannielynn.

Smith had prescriptions for 44 medications under at least nine aliases at the time of her death, according to unsealed affidavits accompanying warrants for searches of physicians' offices and other areas. A Florida medical examiner found nine medications in her system and labeled her death the result of "acute combined drug intoxication."

Court papers show a pharmacist in Valley Village refused to fill some of the prescriptions. The amount and combinations of drugs alarmed the pharmacist, who later recalled thinking, "They are going to kill her with this." He phoned Smith's internist and said he had no intention of filling a prescription that amounted to "pharmaceutical suicide," according to court documents.

Story developing. . . .


Jon and Kate Gosselin Meet in Court and Have Partial Settlement!

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Judge says to Jon and Kate Gosselin to work it out "in a private and amicable" manner. Good luck!

(Tmz) Jon Gosselin, formerly of "Jon and Kate Plus Eight," and Kate Gosselin of "Kate Plus Eight" were in court today ready to do battle! An arbitrator in the case has just ordered Jon Gosselin to return $180,000 of the $230,000 he took back to their joint account. The remaining sum of $55,000 will be subject to determination by the arbitrator at a later date.

The judge ruled that he will back the arbitrator's decision. No specifics on punishing Jon in the matter. He requested that both parties try to work it out in a "private and amicable" manner.

Jon is accused of taking $230,000 from their joint account without Kate's permission. Lawyers for Kate want Jon to return the money and be found in contempt for his actions! In addition, Kate is asking for children and spousal support from Jon now that the joint account is down to a "measly" $1,000 and she has yet to pay the bills!

Meanwhile, Jon wants to stop the show, "Kate Plus Eight," which he has done successfully for now. He accuses Kate of "hiding money" and wants some type of transparency in the couple's financial dealings.

They're back in court on October 26 and the $180,000 ordered by the arbitrator should be returned by then!.


"Glee" Creator Responds to NBC Snub at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade!

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The Peacock network, NBC, is acting childish after their snub of "Glee" cast members from the Macy's parade!

(Perez Hilton) "After the cast of the Fox hit, "Glee" got the boot from NBC to appear on the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, creator Ryan Murphy responded:

"I completely understand NBC's position, and look forward to seeing a Jay Leno float"

Murphy's response comes 1 day after NBC nixed the idea of the cast of Glee appearing on the Macy's parade telecast, even after Macy's had all but signed them to appear! Sources at NBC have said that they have had other guest performers from other networks appear like from Fox's American Idol and Disney's High School Musical but execs felt that the entire cast was TOO MUCH PROMOTION FOR THE SHOW! What? Excuse me?

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The cast of "Glee" was banned from the Macy's parade thanks to NBC!

This act by NBC may start a WAR of other network stars not appearing on NBC's shows like Today or Late Night With Conan O'Brien or SNL or Jay Leno's show for that matter!

A stupid move NBC and a lame excuse for such a fine parade like Macy's annual parade.


Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook Settle Things Privately and Amicably!

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Model Christie Brinkley and ex-husband Peter Cook kept their divorce and custody battle under-the-radar!

"Now this is the way you do it," is what former model/spokesperson Christie Brinkley and ex-husband Peter Cook should say to Jon and Kate Gosselin on handling things in a private and amicable way in their divorce proceedings! Brinkley and Cook's divorce proceedings was turning into an ugly custody battle until a settlement was reached.

Brinkley and Cook somehow hammered out a settlement in their ugly custody battle over their two children Jack and Sailor. Cook's original motion for Brinkley to attend anger-management classes and have a parent coordinator supervise her with the children has been "thrown out." Brinkley's countersuit was also withdrawn for the sake of the children.

None of the details were revealed as both parties chose to keep their agreement private. No appearances on the Today show or on Oprah. Keep it to yourselves and work it out!

There's no doubt that both parties hate one another but to come to a settlement in a mature and mutual conclusion is the way it should be done.

You think the Gosselin's might want to see the Brinkley and Cook blueprint on handling things?


"Cinemascore" is the RAGE in Hollywood!

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Cinemascore understands that "The Audience is WATCHING."

(LA Times) Ed Mintz, 68, is the head of a Las Vegas-based research marketing company called Cinemascore, which does research on upcoming films. Cinemascore does a demographic research of the audience in 25 cities (consisting of 34 polling groups). Unlike some research companies, Cinemascore gets its information from the paying public, NOT from an audience who are lucky enough to watch a free preview of the film.

On Fridays during a film's opening, a moviegoer is given a small card that asks for a person's age, gender, the grade for the film (A-F), and if he or she will buy the film on DVD or blu ray. That info is taken by Cinemascore and will be used to gauge how the film will do during its run (usually 90 days at the theatre). Pretty simple, but not an exact science!

Mintz has been successful in his research and has made incredible predictions for some of the latest films. Mintz uses the research info from the cards when he makes his prognostications. For example, Mintz predicted that "Transformers 2" would be successful after receiving an "A" grade and that it would earn $319M at the box-office! As predicted, Transformers 2 did indeed make exactly $319M on its run. Mintz also predicted that "Land of the Lost" lowly C-grade would mean a $48M earnings at the box-office. He was almost right in his prediction because the film earned a paltry $49M!

Other predictions included "Bruno" making $57M, it actually made $60M. "The Hangover" would make $228M, it actually made $278M.

Mintz has made mistakes as well like predicting low results for "Taken," which made $145M when he predicted it would make $70M and forecasting $180M for "Fast and the Furious 4" when it made $155M.

Not everyone is convinced with his success. One marketing executive said that people pay too much attention on box-office grades that it is a bad weapon for audiences members who have not seen the film to spread bad news! Film studios are aware that the grades from Cinemascore are a "double-edged sword" and use the info to fine-tune their marketing strategies. For instance, if a rival film has a bad grade, a film studio will market to the demographic audience that the other film supposedly neglected.

What makes Cinemascore attractive to film studios (they pay $5-10k a year for Cinemascore's service) is the research that is done by audience members who are not FORCED to like the film. Research taken from an audience member who has paid their $10, their babysitting, and scheduled their stressful day around the movie experience, is MUCH MORE VALUABLE information than from an audience member who is basically watching a FREE MOVIE!

Cinemascore is not an exact science but it is yet another tool for Hollywood film studios in their never-ending pursuit of profits!


American Music Awards Nominations are out!

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Why is the late Michael Jackson prominent in these awards?

The American Music Awards nominations are out and as expected, Taylor Swift, is the leading nominee in most categories, including Artist of the Year. Sentimental fan favorite the late Michael Jackson, who has dominated sales and headlines since his death on June 25, is a leading nominee in several categories such as favorite album, artist of the year, and favorite soul/R&B album. Unlike the Grammy Awards, AMA base their nominations on sales and radio date from the Nielsens.

AMA's will be broadcast on ABC on November 22, at 8pm PST.

Competing with Swift and Jackson for awards are Southern rock group Kings of Leon, R&B singer Beyonce, pop star Lady Gaga, and rappers Eminem and Jay-Z.

Completely shut out is rapper Kanye West who's album, "808s and Heartbreak" did not receive any recognition in the pop, rap, and R&B categories. So why should West need to show up? Security, man the entrances!


For a complete list of the nominees and to cast your vote for the categories see:

http://abc.go.com/shows/american-music-awards

Commentary: Sorry, but I have to put in my "two-cents" about including the late Michael Jackson into the AMA show. No disrespect to MJ, but if a man can be nominated for not releasing a new album since 2001 (Invincible) and the rest of his albums have been released as greatest hits compilations or reissues (like Number Ones, The Essential series, and re-releases of Thriller, Off the Wall, Bad, and Dangerous), he shouldn't be nominated at all for an award. AMA's should do the right thing and honor the late King of Pop with a tribute but not an award for something he hasn't done since 2001!

Sure, his greatest hits and reissues have massive sales and the albums are high on the charts. The AMAs are based on that premise. However, if that is the case, then let the greatest hits compilations and reissues of the Beatles, Barbara Streisand, Elvis, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and many others have a SHOT at these awards for best album, artist of the year, and favorite no.1 song? For instance, if the Beatles released their greatest hits albums and reissues this year, they should be nominated for artist/group of the year and favorite best album on the AMAs? Furthermore, should that be the case for every musician that dies and his or her greatest hits or reissued album shoots to No.1 that the AMAs consider that artist for an award?

Michael Jackson should be nominated for his upcoming "This is it" album that will be released sometime this year on next year's AMAs. It's only fair.

Too bad, that some of the "living" artist we have today (no matter how much they are criticized for being untalented or superficial), deserve to get an award because they are CURRENT, not because they released an album of songs dating back in the 80s!

Comments?



HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!!!


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Singer Carly Simon is suing the "latte" out of Starbucks!

Singer Carly Simon is suing Starbucks because they lowered the price on her CD and did not promote the album to HER STANDARDS! Starbucks rep said that even after heavy promotions in NYC and Boston the sales from her album lagged, as the title received tepid response from music consumers.

In other words, Starbucks said that her CD sucked and no one wants to buy it! Carly, admit it, the CD bombed!


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Quinnipiac University, home of the Bobcats, wants the media and the public to know that they are looking after their young'uns, especially those female interns on the Late Show!

Quinnipiac University (Hamden, Connecticut) is trying to protect its female interns who are taking part on David Letterman's program! In light of the scandal, the school is taking the steps to keep a close watch on Late Show interns. Wow! Quinnipiac U. must think very highly of these young women who are old enough to make their own decisions whether to sleep with their boss or not!

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Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King can rest easy. An embarassment has been averted!

Martin Luther King's children Bernice King , Martin Luther King III, and Dexter King have come to an agreement on the financial dealings of the MLK Estate to avert a court hearing. Dexter was accused by Bernice and MLK III of taking an undisclosed sum from the estate for himself, while Dexter countersued Bernice about giving their late Mother's personal papers!

All is well now and a settlement was reached. The money from the estate will be divided equally between the three. "Families have disagreements," said Bernice King. Yah, but we don't take it to court and have it in the newspapers for ALL TO SEE!


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Actor/singer Jesse McCartney will go in hiding for awhile after miserably failing to sing our national anthem!

Doesn't anybody REHEARSE the song, "Star Spangle Banner" before they sing it in front of a live national audience? Apparently, only a few have which have included such illustrious singers as Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, and many others.

At the NASCAR California 500, Pop singer Jesse McCartney was the latest victim of "I Have Amnesia the moment I sing the national anthem" syndrome!




Link

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Shawn Johnson. Her stalker Robert O'Ryan is standing trial in an LA courtroom.

Olympic Gymnast and "Dancing With the Stars" Champion Shawn Johnson's stalker Robert O'Ryan, is in an LA court today facing charges for felony stalking, felony commerical burglary, and two counts for carrying a loaded firearm in his vehicle. The judge decided to "throw out" the kidnapping charge, despite O'Ryan's car being filled with a "kidnapper's kit" of duct tape, a knife, a handgun, a shotgun, and . . . apples.

O'Ryan's bail has been set at $220,000.


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Michael Jackson. His estate is being sued almost every day now? We'll account for the valid ones as well as the outrageous ones that are so generously being created in our judicial system!

Who is suing Michael Jackson NOW?

Valid one:

Yesterday, it was singer/songwriter Paul Anka who sued MJ for 50% publishing rights and other stuff for the song, "This is it." He was not properly credited for the song (he co-wrote back in 1983) when it was first released on the internet yesterday.

Outrageous one:

Today, Helen Harris Scott is suing the King of Pop for $50M for stuff that HE allegedly did to her in 2006 like wiretapping her car, bugged her phone, and having suspicious characters watching her out of her house! Back in 2006, she sued him for $100M but has had a "change of heart" and lowered it to $50M while suing his estate. Wow, wasn't that special?

Paul B
All-American
All-American
Posts: 1552
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am
Location: Hollywood, California

Re: American Music Award Noms Are Out!!!! (Oct.13)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Wednesday (October 14, 2009) "Hump Day" stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

Check out their website for premieres and movie listings: http://www.hiff.org/

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HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL offers Teachers FREE TICKETS for Friday's Furlough!

(Honolulu Advertiser) Teachers and educators can get free a pass to one of three films showing Friday at the Hawaii International Film Festival when they have to take their first furlough, HIFF officials announced today.

A Teacher ID is required, as well as signing up for our Teacher Email List. The free films are "Objectified," showing at 11:30 a.m., "Grandpa is Dead," also at 11:30, and "Noriben: The Recipe of Fortune" at 12:30.


SEE PREVIEWS HERE:

To see the trailer for "Grandpa is Dead" (in Tagalog, no English Subtitles) see link:

http://hawaii.bside.com/2009/films/gran ... FB331C3D0B

See "Objectified" trailer:



Link

Trailer for Noriben: Recipe for Fortune:(w/ English Subtitles)



Link

Go to Hiff.org for synopses and complete schedule information.

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BREAKING NEWS!!!!

Katherine Jackson says "NO" to MJ's Kids Appearing on Reality Show!

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Katherine Jackson steps in! Jackson seen here with late son Michael in the background.

Michael Jackson's Mom Katherine Jackson has denied reports that her late son's children Prince, Paris and Blanket will appear on The Jacksons: Family Dynasty reality-show.

Jackson said that she will not allow the children to be exploited on television. She is their legal guardian so that's a good thing!

We're glad she's around!


Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom Prenup Talks Nearly Done!

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Khloe Kardashiand and Lamar Odom. With prenup talks almost done, it's time to marry legally for these two!

Reality-star Khloe Kardashian (Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami) and Los Angeles Laker Forward Lamar Odom are nearly done with the prenup talks and sources say Khloe is willing to accept Odom's request that his income. . . . will stay separate property!

Lamar could make up to $33M over the next 4 years with the Lakers. Sources indicate that Lamar is willing to give Khloe a yearly chunk of money, which will be a firm amount for as long they're married. In addition, he will be funding their joint account to cover expenses.

Khloe is willing to accept this because sources indicate that she just wants to get married to Lamar as soon as possible---legally. She hopes that maybe over time, Lamar might change his mind with these financial dealings in the upcoming years. Hmmmm. . . .

Let's hope Lamar doesn't forget the interests of his children Destiny and Lamar Jr, and the person who is taking care of them--his former babymama Liza Morales.

Sounds like Lamar may be having a good basketball season to look forward to now that his financial stuff is all taken care of! Shouldn't be any distractions in the future right?


Jackson Reality Show May End Up Filming MJ's Kids too!

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Joe Jackson, seen with late son Michael Jackson, is up to NO GOOD again!

(Perez Hilton) The King of Pop may be "rolling in his grave" with the details that his 3 children Prince, Paris and Blanket may be appearing on the Jackson family reality show, "The Jackson's: A Family Dynasty." Judging from the past, if Michael Jackson were alive, he wouldn't allow this!

The reality show was originally intended to follow the remaining Jackson brothers but NOW it has opened up to include famous sister Janet Jackson, as well as the children!

Only one person has disagreed with this move and its older sister Rebbie Jackson. Rebbie has refused to do the show!

Incredibly, a source says that Mama Katherine Jackson, the main protector of the children, is just going along with it! What?

Looks like Joe Jackson is having his way after all? Evil, evil, evil.


Shady Details About Stern in the Anna Nicole Smith Prelim Trial!

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The late Anna Nicole Smith and her Lawyer/boyfriend Howard K. Stern. Gruesome details are released on Smith's last days.

(Perez Hilton) At a hearing in LA on Tuesday, gruesome details were given about Anna Nicole Smith's quality of life on her last days.

The Playmate was so sick in her final hours that she was nourished with Pedialyte (a drink formulated for young children to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes due to diarrhea and vomiting) broughtfrom from a baby bottle.

According to a detective, she spent her last moments in a coma-like state in a hotel bed covered in her own feces.

She "was unresponsive, her lips were blue and her skin was beginning to be discolored," said Special Agent Danny Santiago.

Santiago also detailed the drugs found in Florida's Seminole Hard Rock Casino hotel room when she died on February 8th 2007 from a prescription drug overdose. Drugs including Chloral Hydrate, Diazepam, Clonazepam, carisoprodol, Topamax, Cipro and Tamiflu were found strewn about the room.

Howard K. Stern, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, and Dr. Khristina Eroshevich have pleaded not guilty to providing Anna with 44 different prescription drugs. Some of them were even made out to Stern under several different spellings of his name.


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Dr. Khristina Eroshevich (left) Howard Stern (middle) and Dr. Sandeep Kapoor (right) are accused of contributing to the death of Anna Nicole Smith!

Reports indicate that Stern denied hospital care for Anna Nicole! A hotel employee called a local doctor after Anna complained of flu-like symptoms when she arrived on February 5th, but Stern cancelled the visit because he "didn't want any leaks getting out about Anna's physical condition."

When Anna finally stopped breathing, she was being watched by the wife of her bodyguard, nurse Tasma Brighthaupt. She called her husband after she could not locate Smith's pulse and proceeded to perform CPR.

Most surprisingly, Stern was not even present when Anna passed! According to Brighthaupt, "he had to go see a boat."

So sad.


Just updated: (TMZ) "Big Moe" -- Anna Nicole Smith's bodyguard -- just testified in the prelim that he saw Howard K. Stern liquefying a powerful drug in Anna Nicole Smith's bathroom.

Moe says he walked into Anna's bathroom in the Bahamas in October, 2006. Moe testified he asked Howard what he was doing, and Howard responded that he had just had a conversation with Anna and they decided cooking the Valium and then injecting it in her would work faster than taking a pill.

Moe says he then watched Howard load the syringe with liquid Valium but left before Stern allegedly injected her.


updated 2:31pm PST



More Details Revealed on the Divorce of Tennis Legend Chris Evert and Golfer/Millionaire Greg Norman!

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The marriage of Chris Evert and Greg Norman may have been doomed from the start!

(People) Chris Evert and Greg Norman seemed to have it all when they married 15 months ago but just last week they announced that they have split and the question now is why?

Their romance began in the most inauspicious way---an extramarital affair. After their marriage, both Evert and Norman acknowledged that they were attracted to one another despite being married to their respective spouses, Evert with Andy Mill and Norman with Laura Andrassy. Ironically, Mill and Norman,at the time, were best friends and were often at each other's homes. Evert and Norman both divorced their spouses and ended up married months later.

As for their own split, Evert and Norman blame it on both having large egos. They were both narcisstic and control-freaks. They never lived together because each of them stayed in their own million dollar homes, choosing instead to sleep at one another's house.

What compounded the problem was Norman's insistence on spending time with Evert's sons Alex, 17, Nicky, 15, and Colton, 13, with former Olympic downhill skier Andy Mill. "Greg got in between Andy and his sons, which caused a great deal of turmoil for Chris," says a close source. "On one occasion, Andy flew from his Aspen home to Boca Raton to spend time with his sons, and before Andy even touched ground, Greg whisked Nicky off in his private jet. He took him to his own ranch in Colorado, leaving a very unhappy Andy crying on the phone to his son." Another time, Norman told Colton that he needed to spend time with him instead of going to a planned meeting with his own father.

Norman's children Morgan Leigh, 26, and Greg Jr., 23, with Laura Andrassy, never warmed to Evert as a stepmother. Both children were never happy with their Father's marriage to Evert.

Mill felt betrayed by his former wife and his former best friend but is now opening a new chapter in his life by being recently engaged to Aspen homemaker Debra Harvick. He is estatic about the end of his former wife's marriage and it clears the way to spend more time with his children.


Filipinos in the National Football League!

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Eugene Amano. The 310 pounder leads a growing contingent of Filipino players in the NFL!

(Asian Journal) The National Football League opened its season just last month and most filipino fans are not aware that a few Filipinos are representing on Sunday! Chris Gocong of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jordon Dizon of the Detroit Lions, Steve Slaton of the Houston Texans, Aaron Francisco of the Indianapolis Colts and Eugene Amano of the Tennessee Titans are Filipinos that play in the NFL!

Sure, Filipinos have made their name in Boxing (Manny Pacquaio, Ben Villaflor, Andy Ganigan, Jesus Salud among many), Baseball (Benny Agbayani, Bobby Balcena, Gino Espinelli, Tim Lincecum, Josh Bartlett, Bobby Chouinard, just to name a few), Professional wrestling with "Bautista," and Basketball (Raymond Townsend of the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra), but now filipino fans can include the sport of pro football where Filipinos are becoming common.


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Roman Ildonzo Gabriel, quarterback of the Rams and Eagles (1962-1977)

Roman Gabriel, of the Los Angeles Rams was the first known Filipino (he was half Filipino) to join the NFL.

Since then, on any given Sunday, NFL fans can see the 6 foot 3 inch 310 lb Eugene Amano, 27, playing left guard for the Titans. Amano, who is full-blooded Filipino, started all 16 games last year and was part of a squad that allowed an NFL-low 12 sacks!

Hawaii-born Jordon Dizon, who was the 2007 Butkus Award runner-up, and Colorado Buffalo's Defensive Player of the Year as a Senior, plays outside linebacker for the Detroit Lions.

Also from Hawaii, Aaron Francisco, played safety for the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl last year, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Francisco now plays for the Indianapolis Colts.


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Linebacker Chris Gocong, plays with a defensive unit that is one of the stingiest in the NFL!

Chris Gocong, plays strong-side linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, and is from California. He was an All-American at Cal Poly.

Finally, Steve Slaton is a running back of the Houston Texans. His maternal grandmother is from Manila, Philippines. He may not look filipino but he has a tattoo of the filipino flag on the left side of his chest.

Filipino football fans have a lot to cheer about now and should be proud that these players are representing! No one embraces the culture more than Eugene Amano, born in Manila, who embraces his Filipino culture with a passion and has been featured on Filipino television. He attends all the filipino festivals and hosts football camps. Amano hopes to one day bring some of his teammates from the Titans and other football teams on a goodwill tour to the Philippines.


HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!

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Pop singer Leona Lewis was attacked!

Pop singer Leona Lewis was involved in an unprovoked attack when she was slapped and punched in front of shocked fans who had come to see her at her book signing at the Waterstone's Picadilly Circus bookstore in London. A 29 year-old man was arrested and Lewis was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

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Popular wrestler Lou Albano passes away. Rest in peace.

Pro wrestling legend and former WWF star "Captain" Lou Albano, 76, passed away today. Albano had been in poor health in recent years after suffering a heart attack in 2005. He is best known to non-wrestling fans as the "father" of Cindy Lauper in her hit video "Girls Just Wanna' Have Fun."

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Jimmy Kimmel is suspected of "fooling around" with a staff member while he was with ex-girlfriend Sarah Silverman!

Sources have said that late show host Jimmy Kimmel did date head writer of the Jimmy Kimmel Live show Molly McNearney while HE was with ex-girlfriend Sarah Silverman! Uh oh! Don't let Silverman know about this cuz' she can be quite vicious with that information in her stand up! Like as if Kimmel doesn't know that already?

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Singer Courtney Love and her daughter Frances Bean

Oh no! Another celebrity owing moolah to the Fed Government! This week its Courtney Love, wife of the late Kurt Cobain, who owes $334, 325.21 in back taxes from 2007! Yikes! Love's Lawyer Keith Fink, blames her former business manager for the mess! Fink also added that Love intends to pay the Government every last cent! She'd better!


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Toni Braxton. From popular pop diva to Vegas headliner to ill-health and losing your home, Braxton is experiencing some hard times.

In related bad economic news, pop singer Toni Braxton is about to lose her house cause she owes over $12,000 in mortgage payments on her Century City home! Recently, Braxton has had a multitude of problems that involve her health and financial dealings. Losing her house may be the "topping on the cake."

Like everyone in the country, TIME to live within your own means!


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Rapper Souljah Boy is living large but somebody FORGOT to pay the RENT!

Rapper Souljah Boy owes $10,000 in back rent for a luxury apartment he is staying at in Los Angeles! Neighbors are calling him "the neighbor from HELL" with all the noise, the overcrowding from too many guests, and cars overcrowding the small little driveway! The manager has sent him a letter stating that he owes money and that he has violated the terms of his lease!

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Rush Limbaugh is reported to be OUT of the partnership to purchase the St. Louis Rams!

Dave Checketts, a partner along with controversial talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who are interested in buying or obtaining a minority stake in the St. Louis Rams, is reportedly going to dump the talk show host from the group. Rev. Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, NFL Player's Association, and Roger Goodell have voiced their opinions against Limbaugh and view his past remarks as being "racially insensitive."

Checketts, chairman of the NHL team St. Louis Blues, wants to purchase the NFL team and having Limbaugh on the ticket might cost him a chance to buy the team.


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Dave Levey, 32, won the grand prize on Hell's Kitchen---top chef at Whistler's Araxi restaurant!

(Variety) CBS keeps clobbering the competition with NCIS (20.4M viewers), NCIS: LA (15.3M), and The Good Wife with 12.8M. At the rate that CBS keeps winning in primetime, if this was a regular column, people might think that I was promoting THE EYE network!

ABC took second with the results show of "Dancing With the Stars".

Fox's Hell's Kitchen did well in its 2 hour finale (8.0) finishing second against the NCIS block but the network finished 3rd in total viewers. San Diegan Dave Levey got the top prize of being the head chef at Whistler Mountain's Araxi restaurant! Levey better be ready cause the Winter Games are coming to Canada's premiere ski resort!

Lastly, bottom-feeder NBC started well with "Biggest Loser" (9.0M) but faded with the Jay Leno Show (5.8M).

Paul B
All-American
All-American
Posts: 1552
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am
Location: Hollywood, California

Re: HIFF: Free Tix For Teachers on Friday Furlough (Oct.14)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Thursday (October 15, 2009) stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

Check out their website for premieres and movie listings: http://www.hiff.org/


"Barbarian Princess" Tickets Sell Out, 2nd Screening Added!

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Q'Orianka Kilcher stars in "Barbarian Princess," a bio pic on the life of Princess Ka'iulani.

(Honolulu Advertiser) All 1,600 tickets for Friday's world premiere of "Barbarian Princess" at Hawai'i Theatre have been sold, Hawaii International Film Festival officials announced today, and a second screening has been added for Oct. 25 at Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18.

The screening will be at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 25, the final day of HIFF.

"Barbarian Princess" is based on Princess Ka'iulani's life. Tickets will be on sale for the second screening by Friday morning at HIFF.org and the HIFF ticket office, HIFF officials said.


HIFF's opening news conference was this morning and it's opening film "Mother Madeo," screens tonight at Dole theaters.

Also at the news conference, ABC announced it would be giving a sneak preview of the "Lost" memorabilia it will have at a silent auction at the series finale in May of next year. The preview will take place at the Royal Hawaiian during the "Lost" gala even at 8:30 Saturday night. Portions of the proceeds from the auction will be given to a Hawai'i charity to be named at a later date.


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BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!

Balloon Boy is Found---ALIVE!!!!!!

(Fort Collins, Colorado) Six year-old Falcon Heene, who was supposedly up on a runaway helium balloon that his Dad created, has been found ALIVE---hiding at home in the attic in a cardboard box the whole time!!!!!

His parents were hysterical searching for the boy who was presumed to be trapped in a helium balloon that flew for 2 hours above Colorado! In a matter of minutes, his story made national headlines as viewers from around the world watched in horror as a manmade balloon supposedly carrying the six year-old flew helplessly in the sky!

Hearts sunk when only hours ago, the balloon crashed to the ground and no boy was found inside! Rescuers feared for the worst that quite possibly Falcon had fallen from the sky, somewhere in midflight.

However, all is well, and the six year-old is SAFE! Thank Goodness.


Search for Missing Six Year-Old Boy, Who Was Trapped in Balloon Hovering Over Colorado!

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Falcon Heene, is the 6 year-old (center) in this picture of the family, who was featured on "Wife Swap."

(FT. Collins, Colorado) Incredible news today involving a six year-old boy, Falcon Heene, who was trapped in a homemade helium balloon contraption that floated 7,000-8,000 feet in the air. It is unknown how young Falcon loosened the homemade aircraft that was tied to the family's home. A not so sturdy passenger compartment is located underneath in this craft that is shaped like a silver UFO. Reports indicate that that the balloon's passenger compartment is not made to withstand a crash.

Authorities tracked the balloon throughout once the the news got out!

Falcon is the son of Richard and Mayumi Heene. The family was featured on an episode of "Wife Swap." The boy's Mom and Dad are reported to be "storm trackers" and the helium balloon was said to be one of many experiments his Father was undertaking.

The aircraft just landed a few minutes ago and Falcon was not found inside after floating for more than 2 hours. It is feared that Falcon may have fallen out during midflight.

The search for Falcon continues!


LA Dodgers Ownership in Question as the McCourts Go Through Separation!


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Dodger "owners" Frank and Jamie McCourt. News of their separation has rocked the "Dodger family" and may be a distraction as the Dodgers play the Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series today.

(LA Times) Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his wife Jamie, the team's chief executive, have separated, raising questions about the potential effect of their rift on the ownership of the franchise as the Dodgers prepare to start the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies today at Dodger Stadium.

"This is a personal matter and they request that their privacy be respected. They will be making no public statements," they said in a release issued by the club late Wednesday.

The timing of the announcement could become a distraction as the Dodgers -- after winning their first back-to-back division championships in 31 years -- take on the defending World Series champion Phillies.

The announcement explained the long-visible tension between the McCourts, who formally closed the purchase of the Dodgers from News Corp. in January 2004 for about $430 million. They were not seen together often this season and sat in separate rows of the owner's box last week during the team's division series sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals.

The statement did not say whether there would be a divorce between Boston-born Frank McCourt and Baltimore-raised Jamie McCourt, who met at Georgetown University, married in 1979 and have four adult sons. A divorce between San Diego Padres owner John Moores and his wife, Becky, led Moores to sell that franchise earlier this year as part of dividing their assets.


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Dodgers Stadium. Prime real estate for the McCourts who had big plans for the surrounding area.

Marshall Grossman, the attorney for Frank McCourt, said the couple has not filed for divorce. Grossman also said Frank McCourt is the sole owner of the franchise and is registered as such with Major League Baseball.

"Frank McCourt is the owner of the team. He has always been the owner of the team," Grossman said. "There should be no change at all with respect to anything the public is used to."

Grossman said Jamie McCourt remained the Dodgers' chief executive officer for now but could not say whether that would continue.

"That is up to the Dodgers organization," Grossman said.


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Jamie McCourt, seen with the Jonas Brothers, was the highest ranking female executive in Major League Baseball. She was often the team's "designated spokesperson," appearing on talk shows and at many community events.

The attorney representing Jamie McCourt, Dennis Wasser, could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday night.

She is the highest-ranking female executive in Major League Baseball.

Grossman said there was "not a chance" that the team would be put up for sale. "Speculation about a potential sale of the team is rubbish. Frank McCourt is the sole owner. He has absolutely no intention of selling this team now or ever."

He did not expect a legal battle over the team.

"This is not going to be another San Diego-like debacle," Grossman said, referring to Moores' sale of the Padres.

Ron Rale, a partner at Trope & Trope, a family law firm that handles many high-profile divorces for wealthy Angelenos, said the effect of the McCourts' split on the ownership of the team will likely turn on whether the couple signed a prenup or a similar document.

Such an arrangement could spell out a precise distribution of the marital property, Rale said, but without one, the determination could fall to a judge.

"There's a lot of public interest in the Dodgers, obviously. It's our baseball team, but the rules don't really change. Under California law, courts have a duty to effectuate a 50-50 division of the net community estate," Rale said.

He said that the couple could decide to continue as partners in the team, but that would be a rare choice for former spouses.

"Typically, they don't want to be partners in life anymore and they certainly don't want to be partners in business," he said.


Billy May's 2nd Autospy Results Show No Cocaine In His System!

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TV Pitchman Billy Mays. A 2nd autopsy clears Mays of drug use playing a part in his death.

(Tmz) In an attempt to restore her late husband's reputation, Deborah Mays, wife of TV Pitchman Billy Mays, enlisted the help of an independent Medical Examiner to perform a 2nd autopsy to confirm if the first findings ( Hillsborough County Medical Examiner listed cocaine as a "contributing cause" of death -- along with hypertensive and arteriosclerotic heart disease) was indeed true. Mays just released a statement from the 2nd autopsy done by Medical Examiner William Mannion who concluded:

"chronic cocaine use was not demonstrated by the autopsy findings of Mr. William Mays.

In addition, there is nothing in his medical, social or professional history to suggest chronic cocaine use.

Therefore, I do not believe cocaine played a significant contributing factor in the death of Mr. Mays as the autopsy specimens and findings are not consistent with the cardiac conditions normally observed in a person chronically using cocaine."

In addition, the second Medical Examiner also claims there was no evidence that Billy "abused" prescription drugs -- as the levels in his system matched the amount he was prescribed to take.

Billy Mays died in June and there was speculation after the 1st autopsy if the TV pitchman died
due to cocaine and medical prescription drugs found in his system. The 2nd results show that the first findings was NOT the case.

Should there be a "tie-breaker" by performing a 3rd autopsy to confirm all of these findings? Are the results from the 2nd autopsy enough to absolve Mays from suspected drug use?

Whatever the case, the TV pitchman is gone and hopefully his wife has found "peace" from this point on.


As Expected, Rush Limbaugh Blames Everyone!!!!

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Rush Limbaugh, blames everyone, except himself!

Limbaugh "goes off" on everyone for being dropped from group who was interested in buying the Rams!

(AP) Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh is blaming everyone for being dropped from a group that was interested in purchasing the St. Louis Rams.

Limbaugh was assured by Dave Checketts, who was the head of the purchase group, that his (Limbaugh) involvement in the purchase was okay by the NFL. Even after being assured, Limbaugh found out that he was kicked out unceremoniously from the group yesterday.

Limbaugh said that he still loved the NFL despite the episode but lashed out at the Player's Union for "being made as an example." He called the action as an illustration of "Obama's America on display."

Limbaugh blamed DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFLPA and an "Obama-ite," and the Revs Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, whom he referred to as "race hustlers," for Checketts' decision a day earlier to drop him. He said his sacking was an example of the political clout wielded by the Obama administration.

"What is happening to the National Football League, what is about to happen to it, has already happened to Wall Street, has already happened to the automobile business," Limbaugh said.

Limbaugh said he was victimized in the media by "misreporting, lying, repeating the lies while also saying 'Limbaugh denies,' repeating the made-up quotes, the blind hatred."

"Believe me, the hatred that exists in this is found in the sportswriter community, it's found in the news business, it's found in the race hustler business," Limbaugh said.

Limbaugh said that Checketts telephoned him on Tuesday and asked him to withdraw from the group of which Limbaugh refused. He said that Checketts would have "to publicly go and fire me"

Rev. Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Roger Goodell, the NFL Player's Union, and several Rams' players have voiced their objections to Limbaugh's bid. All cite Limbaugh's lack of racial sensitivity as a cause for excluding him.


HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!!!

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Pop singer Avril Lavigne says "bye, bye" to husband!

Pop singer Avril Lavigne has formally filed for divorce from husband Deryk Whibley. They were separted on September 4. Lavigne will not seek spousal support from Whibley and does not want to give him any money as part of the divorce.

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Keanu Reeves is NOT a Father says DNA test!

Actor Keanu Reeves took a DNA test and was found NOT to be the father of Canadian Karen Sala's children! Reeves says he never met the woman!

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Popular Country star Garth Brooks will be headlining at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas! Yeehawww!!!!!

Popular Country singer Garth Brooks will be headlining in Las Vegas! He's been signed to perform for 4 months shortly after New Years at the Danny Gans Theatre at the Wynn Hotel. Garth has been retired since 2000, and the news of his return will certainly bring sell outs!

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Fergie, will add some "Boom, Boom, POW!" to the Miami Dolphins ownership!

The Miami Dolphins have another investor! Fergie has joined Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Venus and Serena Williams, Jimmy Buffet, and Emilio and Gloria Estefans as business partners in the NFL team! Man, the Dolphins are padding the performers for the next benefit concert!

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Fox Reality Channel will shut down operations March 31, 2010! That's the reality of it all. . . .

Fox Reality Channel will be no more after March of next year. The Fox network of companies hasn't give the MAIN REASON why, but the company is looking into whether to re-package the network or just shut it down all together. The reality channel was where viewers could get their fix on past episodes of a whole slew of reality shows like Amazing Race, Temptation Island, and original programming like American Idol Extra.

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Vanessa Bryant. BRAVO TV wants YOU. . . . . BAD!!!!!

Bravo TV is trying to recruit Vanessa Bryant (Yep, Laker Kobe Bryant's wife) to be on the show, "Real Housewives of Orange County." Bravo TV hopes that adding Bryant to the reality show will help boost its ratings like it did for "Real Housewives of Atlanta" when singer/songwriter Kandi Burress was added to that show. The network knows the value of adding a celebrity to a show and Bryant fits the bill!

Vanessa Bryant is a former model and her reputation as being agressive and manipulative over the past few years would make her a perfect edition to the show. Enough said.


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Claudia Gadelha is popular in Brazil and we can see why?

(Sportsbybrooks) Claudia Gadelha may not be a household name in the MMA fight scene, but she is wildly popular in Brazil! She even squares-off against MEN on the popular Brazilian variety show "Panic!" Okay, the men may not be actual MMA fighters but they sure give up easily, from what witnesses say? Do you blame them if you're grappled by someone this attractive?

See the video and see why she may give Gina Carano a "run for the money":



Link

Low Budget/Independent/Foreign Films You Must See at Hawaii International Film Festival!


Please refer to the Hawaii International Film Festival website for trailers and dates/showtimes for low budget/independent/foreign films:

http://www.youtube.com/hifftrailers

Paul B
All-American
All-American
Posts: 1552
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am
Location: Hollywood, California

Re: Hawaii Intl. Film Fest Begins Today! (Oct.15)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

ALOHA FRIDAY!!! (October 16, 2009) stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

Check out their website for premieres and movie listings: http://www.hiff.org/

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!

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Falcon Heene, 6, was interviewed by investigators and they believe him!


Sheriff Department Believes "Balloon Boy" Story and Said It is NOT a Hoax!


After their investigation, the Laramie Sheriff Department held a press conference and said that they believe the "balloon boy" was a real event and that it was NOT a hoax! Sheriff Jim Alderden said "that the parents' expressed statements, body language, non verbal communication, and emotions were consistent with the events taking place."

This comes after balloon boy, Falcon Heene, had a solo interview with investigators after the incident. His parents allowed him to be interviewed without them being present.


In Debt, Nicolas Cage Fights Back!!!!!!

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Nicolas Cage and wife Alice Kim. Cage owes a ton of money and blames biz manager!

(Tmz) Actor Nicolas Cage is experiencing "financial ruin" and claims business manager Samuel Levin is the culprit! That's why he's suing Levin for $20M! Cage claims that Levin, over a 7 year period, "placed Cage in numerous speculative and risky real estate deals, resulting in the actor suffering catastrophic losses."

In the lawsuit, Cage claims that Levin was so reckless and incompetent with his money that the actor has been forced to sell major assets and investments and is faced with huge tax liabilities.

According to Forbes magazine Cage earned $40M between June 2008 to June 2009.


In addition, he claims that Levin failed to pay taxes when they were due! The IRS had a lien against the actor for more than $6M in back taxes.

He has hired legal pit bull Marty Singer to go after Levin. Furthermore, in the lawsuit, Cage claims Levin never advised him of his financial bottom line and is guilty of "over-extending [Cage's] line of credit with banks and financial institutions." The suit claims Levin concealed Cage's "true financial condition prior to investments and assets being acquired by [Cage]." Translation -- Levin never told Cage to put the brakes on buying stuff because he was running out of money.


Leona Lewis' Attacker Was An X-Factor Reject!

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Pop singer Leona Lewis was attacked by an "X-Factor" reject who was jealous of her!

(Perez Hilton) The man who attacked pop singer Leona Lewis on Wednesday at a London Book store was a reject of the British talent show, "X-Factor!" Peter Kowalcyzk, attacked Lewis because he was JEALOUS that she won the talent show in 2006! WTF???? What a psycho!!!

Kowalcyzk, 29, tried to get on the show that made Lewis a household name, but was rejected. He envied Lewis and attacked and punched her at a book signing at the Waterstone Picadilly Circus book store in front of horrified fans! The incident occurred 90 minutes into the book signing. Lewis was signing copies of her book, "Dreams." When Kowalcyzk asked for her autograph, Lewis looked up and was slapped in the face! He was subdued immediately and arrested by the Metropolitan Police.

Kowalcyzk was taken to a psychiatric hospital where he will await his time in court.

Lewis apologized to her fans who were not able to get their book signed. She cancelled a performance on a show that night. Her new album "Echo" will be released in November.


An Interracial Couple in Louisiana Is Denied a Marriage License!

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Hollywood is filled with interracial couples: couples Heidi Klum and Seal and actress Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry

(CNN) Wow! It's 2009 but stuff like this is still going on? Civil rights advocates in eastern Louisiana are calling for a justice of the peace of Tangipahoa Parish to resign after he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple.

Terence McKay claims a justice of the peace refused to give him and his white girlfriend a marriage license.


"He's an elected public official and one of his duties is to marry people. He doesn't have the right to say he doesn't believe in it," Patricia Morris, president of the NAACP branch of Tangipahoa Parish, located near the Mississippi line, said Thursday.

"If he doesn't do what his position calls for him to do, he should resign from that position."

The demands for Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace for Tangipahoa Parish's 8th Ward, to step down came after he wouldn't issue a marriage license to Beth Humphrey, 30, and her boyfriend, Terence McKay, 32, both of Hammond.

"I was just really shocked, because he's an elected official," Humphrey said.

Bardwell didn't immediately return calls from CNN on Thursday.

However, Bardwell told Hammond's Daily Star newspaper that he was concerned for the children who might be born of the relationship and that, in his experience, most interracial marriages don't last.

"I'm not a racist," Bardwell told the newspaper. "I do ceremonies for black couples right here in my house. My main concern is for the children."

Bardwell, stressing that he couldn't personally endorse the marriage, said his wife referred the couple to another justice of the peace.

The bride says the case boils down to discrimination.

Humphrey told CNN that she called Bardwell on October 6 to ask about getting a marriage license, and was asked by his wife whether it would be an interracial marriage. Humphrey said she was told that Bardwell does not sign off on interracial marriages.

She said the couple -- who received their marriage license October 9 from another justice of the peace in the same parish -- have reached out to an attorney to determine their next step.

"We would like him to resign," she said. "He doesn't believe he's being racist, but it is racist."

Morris told CNN that her NAACP chapter has forwarded the case to the state and national levels of the civil rights group.

According to the Census Bureau, Tangipahoa Parish is about 70 percent white and 30 percent black.


Interracial Couples/Marriage Common in Hollywood

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The most famous Hollywood interracial couple of them all: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz

Interracial couples in the media are a small percentage when compared to the overall population in the U.S. but in terms of exposure the publicity is magnified. Hollywood's acceptance of interracial couples can be traced back to the 1950s when it was considered TABOO.

The most famous interracial couple then---none other than Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Not only was this couple a representative of two cultures that found a common bond, they were a powerful Hollywood couple. Arnaz had full control on the show and CBS had to deal with him before tinkering on their most popular show. The Cuban-born Arnaz's innovation on the filming of The Lucy Show was considered ground-breaking then (the use of multiple cameras and filming in front of a live studio audience).

Although, they would later divorce, Arnaz professed his love for his wife in the later years of his life.


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Media portrayals of interracial couples began with the 1967 film, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and most recently with "Grey's Anatomy" (Actors Sandra Oh and Isaiah Washington).

Nowadays, interracial couples in Hollywood are portrayed on television shows such as "Grey's Anatomy," "Girlfriends," "Lost," "ER," "The Office," and films like the groundbreaking 1967 film "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Monsters Ball," 007 movies, "Mission Impossible 2" and many more.

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Musician Robin Thicke and model/wife Paula Patton/Tiger Woods and wife Elin Nordegren/Cuba Gooding and wife Sara Kapfer

Interracial couples are not only seen in Hollywood but in all facets of entertainment, including sports. In golf, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren are the A-list couple. In music, rock star David Bowie and model/wife Iman, P. Diddy and Jennifer Lopez were at one time a couple and Director Bret Rattner and tennis player Serena Williams were together at one time.

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Comedian Wayne Brady and Mandie (now divorced)/Actor Woody Harrelson and Laura Louie/Simon Cowell and Terri Seymour (since broken up)

Hollywood couples may represent a small segment of the population but their presence indicates a "melting-pot" is growing in the Entertainment Capital of the World!

"Balloon Boy" Episode May have been A Hoax!

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The Heene family: Richard and Mayumi and their children (Falcon is the boy in the middle)

(Telegraph.com UK) Fort Collins, Colorado-- Speculation is growing that the "Balloon Boy" story that captivated the nation when a runaway balloon flew above Colorado with a 6 year-old boy supposedly trapped inside, may have been a HOAX! It has been rumored that the story had been organized by the family in order to gain publicity for a planned reality show.

The disappearance of 6 year-old Falcon Heene gained enormous media attention when a homemade helium balloon flew for 40 miles above Colorado with the little boy supposedly trapped inside. Millions were glued to their TVs watching the balloon ultimately crash to the ground with rescuers checking for the boy was still inside the craft, he was nowhere to be found. Others feared that the boy may have fallen while the contraption was in midflight. Two hours later, he was discovered safe at home in the attic inside a cardboard box.

In a CNN interview, the boy responds to a question by his own father Richard Heene why he did not answer when his family was calling his name. Falcon appears to answer: "You guys said that ... we did this for the show".


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Falcon Heene

CNN interviewer Wolf Blitzer later asked Richard Heene what his son had meant.

After a long delay, Mr Heene replied: "I can see the direction you guys are hedging on this," he said.

"I'm kind of appalled after all the feelings that I went through ...

that you guys are trying to suggest something else."


He further explained that Falcon's use of the word "show" was some reference to the family's appearance on ABC's Wife Swap program.

Despite Mr Heene's denial, Falcon's comment set the internet ablaze with speculation that the entire episode was a hoax.

Heene had said that he did not know his son was safe during the entire episode. He said that Falcon's brother had seen him entering the balloon's compartment and that's why he though Falcon was inside the craft when it took off.

But the boy fled to the garage attic and hid in a cardboard box.

Nevertheless, Larimer County Sheriff's Department will be conducting an investigation into the whole matter.


HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!!!

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Lindsay Lohan. Another year of probation for the former Disney star!

Actress Lindsay Lohan is in a LA court today answering to questions regarding her failure to complete her alcohol education classes stemming from her DUI arrest two years ago. Her Lawyer, Shawn Chapman Holley, has told the judge that Lohan has been extremely busy and was only able to complete half of her classes.

The judge will extend her probation another year and a court date for December 15
has been set to check on her progress.


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Larry Birkhead. Pictured with Anna Nicole Smith's daughter Danilynne.

Larry Birkhead, Anna Nicole's Smith's baby daddy, just testified in the Preliminary trial on the murder investigation of the model and said that he did see Smith take a variety of prescription drugs regularly. He did not see any of the defendants (Howard K. Stern, Khristine Eroshevich, Sandeep Kapoor) giving the model any drugs. He did say that he was concerned that Anna Nicole was taking her prescriptions inappropriately.

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Jon Gosselin. The father of 8 is being sued by the network!

TLC is suing Jon Gosselin for breach of contract by going on other television shows to earn money. Gosselin tried to wrest away from the "exclusivity provision" of his contract and threatened the stoppage of the show if TLC did not honor his demands!

TLC did not, and John stopped the show, and now the network has fired back!!!! When is this going to end?


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Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa can thank "All My Children" for bringing them together!

Regis and Kelly Live co-host, Kelly Ripa, will appear on the 40th Anniversary show of the soap All My Children, where it all started for the television host! Appearing with her is her husband Mark Consuelos who met Ripa on All My Children in 1995!

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P.Diddy. He "loses it" after losing his ring!

On the popular BET show "106 and Park," P. Diddy was promoting his latest group, Dirty Money, by throwing wads of fake $100 bills with some real ones! In the process, he mistakenly threw his $20k ring! Oh crap! The NYC audience went crazy during the whole thing and SOMEBODY got a new ring but you can BET P.Diddy ain't getting it back!

P. Diddy had everyone in the audience searched but he could not find his precious ring. What a pity. . .


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Dennis Rodman is in trouble again! What's new?

Why are we NOT surprised when we hear about Dennis Rodman in trouble again!!!! This time, a model is accusing the former basketball star of "reaching up her dress and touching her inappropriately!" It happend at the Miami Rock Fashion Week party and the model called police immediately. Police are investigating.

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In 1997, the much anticipated fight between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson came to a disappointing climax! On Oprah today, Tyson meets Holyfield for the first time!

(AP) Praises and admiration were bestowed on former boxing champion, Evander Holyfield, from another ex-champ and former nemesis Mike Tyson on the Oprah Winfrey show today. This comes years after the infamous heavyweight title fight in 1997 when Tyson was disqualified for biting Holyfield's ear. They shook hands several times during the interview.

Holyfield wanted to appear with Tyson on the show because he wanted to show America's youth caught up in violence that reconciliation is always possible.


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The once happy couple, Frank and Jamie McCourt, is turning into "World War 3!"

Reports of a fight resembling "World War 3" are surfacing from the split of Dodger owner Frank McCourt and wife Jamie. Rumors of Jamie, the 2nd highest ranking official in the organization, wanting a 50/50 split are emerging. If that rumor is true, then an impending sale of the franchise may follow. Those rumors come after the Dodgers lost to the Phillies 8-6 at Dodger stadium and find themselves down 1-0 in their National League Championship Series.

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UH Volleyball Coach Dave Shoji. No other sport at UH has come close to what the Volleyball program has achieved, which is a tribute to Coach Shoji!

(Honolulu Advertiser) University of Hawaii football usually takes center stage but no one in UH athletics comes close to Wahine volleyball Coach Dave Shoji, 62. The "John Wooden" of UH Athletics is without a doubt, the coach of the Women's Volleyball team. Four-time national champion (79, 82, 83, 87), .851 winning percentage, and an annual ticket revenue of $800,000 from the volleyball program (his program is only one of a few that makes money in the sport---$2M for the past 5 years)!

UH coach since 1975, Shoji is the closest thing to National Championship caliber that the University of Hawaii has ever produced! Now that he is embarking on his 1,000th win, Shoji was asked what a thousands wins would mean to him.

"It belongs to everybody that's ever been involved in the program," he said. "It's not about me so I don't want to say anything about what it means. So many people shared in all these victories. It's not a Dave Shoji thing."

Well said for a man who has made his program the envy of the sport.


LAUGH TO THE WEEKEND!!!!!

Let's "Laugh to the weekend" with Comedian Jim Gaffigan and his take on "camping and BEARS!":



Link

Comedian Corwin O makes fun of an "interracial couple" sitting in the audience: (Warning: Explicit Language!)



Link

And, Comedian/impressionist Arie Spears at the Shaq/Cedric the Entertainer All-Star Comedy Show: (Warning: Explicit Language!)



Link

Have a great weekend! :hello1: :hello1: :hello1:

Paul B
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Re: Laff to the weekend w/ Gaffigan, O, and Spears! (Oct.16)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Monday (October 19, 2009) stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

Check out their website for premieres and movie listings: http://www.hiff.org/

Actress/Model MAGGIE Q will be honored by the Hawaii International Film Festival!

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Actress/Model Maggie Q will be presented with the "Maverick Award" by HIFF

(Prurgent) HONOLULU, HI (October 15, 2009) – The 29th annual Hawaii International Film Festival, the premier international film event in the Pacific, is honored to present and spotlight American actress and mega-star Maggie Q with its “Maverick Award.” She will receive the award before the closing night presentation of her film, the Chinese fantasy epic THE WARRIOR AND THE WOLF, directed by Tian Zhuangzhuang, which is having its U.S. premiere on Saturday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m.

“Audiences are sure to be seduced by Maggie Q’s performance in THE WARRIOR AND THE WOLF,” says executive director Chuck Boller. “Hawaii is always ready to recognize its hometown celebrities and HIFF is proud to honor the talented superstar as she returns to the islands to present this film to our festival audiences.” The Maverick Award is given in honor of a cinema artist who defies the rules, forging a unique film career, transcending labels and thresholds to vacillate between Hollywood and global cinema.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Maggie Q moved to Hong Kong after high school, to pursue a career in modeling. She quickly rose to the status of a top model in many parts of Asia, then segued to feature films.

Actress, humanitarian and international spokesperson, Maggie continues to display her range through projects that have immense international appeal. Working opposite some of the world’s most established actors including Hugh Jackman (DECEPTION, 2008), Andy Lau (THREE KINGDOMS: RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON, 2008) Bruce Willis (LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, 2007), Tom Cruise (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE III, 2006), and Jackie Chan (RUSH HOUR 2), Maggie has continuously captivated audiences worldwide by showing her versatility in action and martial arts, as well as graceful and seductive roles.

She can next be seen in NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU, action films KING OF FIGHTERS and ROGUE’S GALLERY (written and directed by local boy Brian Watanabe) and the horror western PRIEST.

The Hawaii International Film Festival will be hosting an exclusive press conference with Maggie at the world-renowned Halekulani on Saturday, October 24th at 2:15 p.m. to discuss the film and festival award recognition. Following the press conference, held in the Garden Terrace of the Halekulani, Maggie will be available for one-on-one interviews, by appointment only. Media are invited to contact Chimaine Pouteau at chimainehawaiipacifcentertainment.com or call (808) 237-3678 to schedule a private one-on-one interview (limited space available). Halekulani contact is Erika Kauffman, Director of Public Relations for Hotels & Resorts of Halekulani, available at (808) 535-0623 or erika.kauffmanhalekulanicorp.com.

After the film’s screening on October 24th, HIFF is hosting a party to celebrate Maggie Q’s performance in THE WARRIOR AND THE WOLF and the closing of the festival at Oceans 808 from 9:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The public is invited to mingle with the filmmakers. A select number of general admission tickets are available to the public for purchase for $10.00 at the door. For more information please call Umma Kayvalyam at (808) 237-3675.


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Further Investigation Showed "Balloon Boy" Was A Hoax!

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The Heene family are found to have created a hoax!

(USA TODAY) FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The Colorado parents who triggered a frantic rescue effort when they reported that their 6-year-old son had floated away in a helium balloon concocted the ruse to get publicity, the Larimer County sheriff said Sunday.
Richard and Mayumi Heene had been planning Thursday's drama for at least two weeks to help land a deal for a TV show, Sheriff Jim Alderden said.


"They put on a very good show, … and we bought it," he said. The couple met in acting school, he said.

TV viewers were riveted by the 50-mile flight of the UFO-like balloon, which they thought was carrying little Falcon Heene. After it touched down and he was not inside, a search continued until he was found at home. The boy said he had been hiding.

Alderden said he will recommend the district attorney file charges of conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, attempting to influence a public servant and making a false report to authorities. He declined to say whether Richard or Mayumi Heene confessed.


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Child Protective services are investigating if Richard and Mayumi Heene have "abused" their children while committing this publicity stunt. If found guilty, Child Services may take the 3 boys away.

On Monday, Linda Jensen, spokeswoman for the Larimer Country District Attorney's office, said the case had not been presented to the DA's office. "Once their (the sheriff's office) findings have been presented to us, our office will review them to determine if and what charges to file," she said.

Alderden also said his office will consult with the Federal Aviation Administration and the FBI on whether federal charges are warranted.

"These folks are absolutely willing to turn themselves in, so I don't want to see a perp walk done for media consumption," lawyer David Lane said on the Today show on NBC as he made the rounds on the morning talk shows.

In addition to drawing up possible felony charges against Heene, investigators say they want to question an associate of his after e-mails surfaced showing the two had discussed a balloon hoax months ago as part of a public relations campaign for the reality show.

Robert Thomas of Denver claimed Heene had told him he was planning a media stunt to promote a proposed reality show. Thomas, a self-described researcher, sold his story to Gawker.com and provided the website with e-mail exchanges between him and Heene. Thomas said the show would feature Heene as a mad scientist who carries out various scientific experiments.

"This will be the most significant UFO-related news event to take place since the Roswell Crash of 1947, and the result will be a dramatic increase in local and national awareness about The Heene Family, our Reality Series, as well as the UFO Phenomenon in general," according to a copy of the show's proposal provided to the site by Thomas.

Gawker.com editor-in-chief Gabriel Snyder confirmed the New York-based website paid Thomas, but declined to say how much for the story billed with the headline: "Exclusive: I Helped Richard Heene Plan a Balloon Hoax."


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Local, State, and Federal authorities may ask for a "refund" for providing emergency services

Snyder said Thomas was planning to meet with investigators, though sheriff's officials did not return messages seeking confirmation.

Messages left for Thomas by The Associated Press were not returned.

Thomas, 25, said in his Gawker.com story that the plan he knew about did not involve Heene's children.

The couple's three boys, 6, 8 and 10, were "100% involved" but are unlikely to face charges, Alderden said. Larimer County's Child Protection Services will investigate whether they are in danger, he said.

The Heenes, who have appeared on ABC TV's Wife Swap, describe themselves as storm chasers. Alderden said Richard Heene has a high school education and is a contractor who lays tile.

Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden will be filing a misdemeanor charges against Richard and Mayumi Heene for filing a false report with the Police!

He continued, "We are talking to the district attorney and federal officials to see if perhaps there aren't additional federal charges that are appropriate in this circumstance."


Box Office Top Spot Belongs to "Where The Wild Things Are!"

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The film adaption of "Where the Wild Things Are" is No.1 at the box office!

(EW) After a long and troubled production, Warner Bros.’ Where the Wild Things Are found its supper waiting, and it was hot to the tune of $32.5 million, according to early estimates by Hollywood.com Box Office. The movie was easily the best debut for acclaimed director Spike Jonze. All eyes will be watching to see how much Wild Things, with its reported $80 million budget, drops next weekend. The film earned a relatively solid “B+” grade from CinemaScore moviegoers, but some families may be staying away as the movie jumped only 2 percent from Friday to Saturday.

The violent thriller Law Abiding Citizen, starring Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler, attracted an adult audience and captured second place with $21.3 million. Right behind it was the box-office phenomenon of the season, Paranormal Activity, which scared up $20.2 million from a mere 760 theaters. The cult horror film, which Paramount brilliantly marketed by asking internet users to “demand” the movie to come to their town, grossed a spooky $26,530 per screen. That’s all the more impressive considering Paranormal Activity was produced on a budget of $11,000. The movie is expected to reach 1,800 theaters next weekend.


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In second place was the Jamie Foxx/Gerard Butler thriller, "Law Abiding Citizen"

Fourth place went to the Vince Vaughn comedy Couples Retreat, which dropped a respectable 48 percent for a $17.9 million weekend. The thriller The Stepfather, a remake of the 1987 original, debuted in fifth place with $12.3 million.

In limited release, Joel and Ethan Coen’s A Serious Man expanded to 82 theaters and grossed $860,257 for a hearty $10,491 per-screen average. And New York, I Love You, a collection of short films dedicated to the city, debuted with a decent $372,000 from 119 theaters. One wonders how many Gotham-loving moviegoers skipped the film to watch the Yankees play postseason baseball instead.



Jermaine Jackson Hit with Child Support Lawsuit!


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Jermaine Jackson and his ex-wife Alejandra Jackson.

(straightfromtheheart.com) Jermaine Jackson, 52, has been hit with a child support lawsuit from his ex-wife Alejandra Jackson who claims he owes her more than $35,000 in support payments! Alejandra filed the papers at LA Superior Court claiming that Jermaine owes her $35,500 for the upkeep of their two children Jermajesty and Jaffar. She also says that her Mother-in-law Katherine has had to help her financially and has given her gift card to purchase groceries. Furthermore, she also says that Jermaine was lying to the court that he made only $35,000 in 2008.

What makes this scenario unusual is that Alejandra Jackson was also involved with Jermaine's little brother, Randy, and has two children from Randy, Genevieve 17 and Randy Jr. 14, in addition to the sons she had with Jermaine. Jermaine, by the way, has six other children from previous relationships. Confused?

Alejandra reveals that she only makes $15 an hour as a personal assistant, she has no health insurance, and she borrowed $500 from her aunt for legal fees. She lists her total assets to be negative $198.

She requests that once she and the kids (don't which one?) find a new place she wants $7,000 for rent each month (for a 5 bedroom house), $2,500 for groceries and supplies (guns, ammunition, and body armor?), and $1,000 for pet expenses (is this a zoo that she has or what?).

Jermaine has stated that he maintains a "healthy relationship with the kids (don't know which one?)" and that Alejandra has misled the court on his current income (wasn't he shopping for million dollar homes at one time with his new girl?). He also stated that he is "unemployed" (but masquerading as a consultant of Michael Jackson investments?) and looking for work (currently using his late brother's MJ memory anyway he can!).


HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!

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Renee Zellwegger and Bradley Cooper. New couple confirmed?

(Perez Hilton) A source says that new couple Bradley Cooper, currently filming A TEAM in Vancouver, Canada, and Renee Zellwegger, were seen at the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Vancouver dining together. The source adds, "they looked like a couple and they are definitely together."

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Rapper DMX involved in a melee at a charity concert?

Rapper DMX was 90 minutes late from an appearance at a charity concert in Colorado Springs and when he did show up security guards prevented him from going on stage which resulted in a melee between security and DMX's bodyguards! The rapper eventually got on stage but the sound system was turned off so he couldn't perform.

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Randy Quaid and wife Evi! The crazy couple is in Texas and Santa Barbara DA wants them back in Cali bad!!!!

Actor Randy Quaid and his wife Evi failed to appear in a Santa Barbara court today to settle a fraud case but they did not appear. The couple, who are still in Texas, are accused of not paying their $10,000 hotel bill for their stay at San Ysidro Ranch last month! They did eventually pay the bill, but they still face felony charges in court--burglary, conspiracy, and defrauding the innkeeper. The Santa Barbara DA wants the Quaids extradited from Texas! Extradition takes two weeks but sources indicate that the Quaids will show up sometime before then.

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Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian. Okay, now you can do the LEGAL ceremony!

(Tmz) Prenup for Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian is wrapped up and all they need are signatures to "seal the deal." Parts of the deal include "no touchey, touchey" Lamar's $33M contract with the Lakers, Lamar will replenish a joint account, and a $5M (minimum) house for him and Khloe will be purchased!

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Elvis Presley. That's the clump of hair that sold for $18,300!

Clumps of Elvis Presley's hair was sold for $18, 300 which was sold at a Chicago auction this weekend! That's more than $5k more than what they were planning to sell it for! Sheesh. All that for a 51 year-old sample of hair? The purchaser has not been identified (probably too ashamed of his or her purchase and the money spent?).

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Rapper/singer Akon invites you to message him on Myspace, 'cept for Farrah Coleman!

He said, she said! That's what's going on between singer/rapper Akon and his baby mama Farrah Coleman. Coleman has said that she has been trying to serve the singer with legal papers over child support for her baby! She even called him out in the LA Times! Akon fired back and said, "You got a hold of me and you ain't even trying. I'm a celebrity. My schedule is on the internet. You can go on my MySpace, it'll tell you where I'm at!"

You think maybe, just maybe, Akon has Coleman blocked on his Myspace account?


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In Defense of Animals. Protesting at the Raiders game, where Michael Vick and his Iggles teammates showed up!

Protestors from In Defense of Animals showed up at the Philadelphia Eagles against the Raiders game to protest Michael Vick's appearance! Fun ensued when the 30 protestors met up with Raider fans, who defended Vick and said the QB had done his time! IDOA, who is housing some of Vick's dogs, contends that Vick shows little remorse for visiting some of the pitbulls he used during his "pitbull fighting operation." Not only armed with placards protesting Vick's appearance, IDOA had a banner flying in the air saying, "Dog Fighter Go Home!"

Hmmm. . . Vick showing up to see those dogs? After the way the dogs were treated by him, haven't the dogs suffered enough? Won't the dogs get flashbacks seeing Vick again?


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Jay Leno. "Jay Leno Show" is performing below expectations and local affiliates are worried

(LA Times) NBC affiliates are not happy with the Jay Leno Show, which has been a "weak lead-in" to their 11pm newscasts. Local affiliates are reporting that their news broadcast viewership are considerably down because of the Leno show. NBC made the "controversial" decision to have the variety show 5 days-a-week at 10pm, cutting out what would typically be a scripted drama show. Some affiliates have quieted down about NBC when the network offered more commercial time while other affiliates received threats of being stripped as an affiliate from the peacock network.

At this point, Leno's current status of averaging 5.6M viewers (more than 51,000 viewers short than last year's averages that had scripted shows at the 10pm time slot) may be tested when his show goes up against reruns. However, if ratings don't improve, local affiliates may be in a major uproar to either bolt or ask for "better programming." By then, NBC will be in an undesirable position to listen to their demands or else risk losing an affiliate which is detrimental to its "bottom line."


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George Clooney and current love Elisabetta Canalis.

(People) Call George Clooney either a "hopeless romantic" or a genuine stalker, maybe both! Clooney met his latest love, Elisabetta Canalis, 30, because he carried a torch for the MTV host. Canalis is the host of Italy's version of MTV's Total Request Live. Clooney admired Canalis while still dating, Sarah Larson, at the time.

In an interview with an Italian magazine, actor Alessandro Siani told the story of a mysterious car that followed him and Canalis, who were both filming a 2006 Italian movie entitled Christmas in New York. Everyday after filming, a car would follow the car that occupied Siani and Canalis to their hotel.

"One day I finally decided to go over and confront the occupants of the car. I went over and to my surprise, who was sitting in the car? George Clooney!" Siani told an Italian magazine. The rest is history. AMORE!


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Dr. Michael Kamrava, who helped Octomom get her octopulets, is kicked out of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine!

Not surprising that Dr. Michael Kamrava, the Fertility Doctor who injected Nadya Suleiman (aka Octomom) with embryos that led to her octopulets, has been expelled from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine due to ethical reasons. ASRM claimed that Kamrava violated guidelines in which only 1 or 2 embryos be implanted in patients under the age of 35, to prevent multiple births. In the case of Octomom, Kamrava pumped in 6 embryos!!!!!

ASRM can't pull his license so Dr. Kamrava is free to do whatever he wants! Yikes!


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Laker Ron Artest and Celtic Rasheed Wallace. A tale of two cities in the NBA--LA and Boston. Have these two solved their "on-court" issues?

Laker Ron Artest may be seeing a Houston psychologist for his "on the court issues" but who is Boston Celtics Rasheed Wallace seeing? In preseason form, Wallace already has a technical foul, is trying to "fit in" with the green and white, and he predicts, as told to the Connecticut News, that the Celtics can win more than 72 games for the 2009 season. Wallace is nowhere near the ticking "time-bomb" like Artest, but 'Sheed has his moments.

Two "headcases" on opposite coasts. Wallace is the Celtics' "answer" to the Laker's acquisition of Ron Artest. Like Artest, 'Sheed can hit the 3, rebound, and provide defense when needed. Wallace is primarily a backup while Artest is a starter and is a better defensive player overall, but 'Sheed is 6'11," an area the Celtics are sorely lacking---the height factor.


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Ron Artest tried to "punk" Kobe while Rasheed Wallace does what he does best--get a technical!

Everyone remembers the "malice in the Palace," the brawl between the Pistons and the Pacers. Ben Wallace may have started it, but Rasheed Wallace was in the thick of it and even followed Artest into the stands! Of all the people in the middle of that brawl--'Sheed and Artest.

So while Laker fans are "holding their breath" that Artest doesn't "go off," the Celtics fans are doing the same thing on the East Coast hoping that 'Sheed won't have a "meltdown."

Paul B
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Posts: 1552
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am
Location: Hollywood, California

Re: A Laker and Celtic: Two Major Headcases! (Oct.19)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Tuesday (October 20, 2009) stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

Check out their website for premieres and movie listings: http://www.hiff.org/

HIFF FREE Awards Show at 430pm and new screenings added!

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Director John Woo's epic, "Red Cliff" is one of several new screenings added

(Honolulu Advertiser) The awards show for the Hawaii International Film Festival takes place at 4:30 p.m. today at Dole Theatres. The event is free and no ticket is required to attend.

 Among the awards being given out are Halekulani Golden Orchid Awards for Best Documentary and Best Narrative.

Award-winning films will be shown again Sunday at times to be determined. Check HIFF.org for show times.]

Also today, HIFF announced new screenings of "Red Cliff" and "People I've Slept With," and addition of a new film "Youth in Revolt,"  a comedy. The latter movie stars Michael Cera ("Juno," "Arrested Development," "Year One") and is based on the novel by C.D. Payne. It will show at 9 p.m. Thursday at Dole Theatres. The second screening of "Red Cliff" is at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, while the third showing of "The People I've Slept With" is at 6:30 p.m. Friday.


Fourth Screening of "Barbarian Princess" Added!

(Honolulu Advertiser) A fourth screening of "Barbarian Princess" has been added at the Hawaii International Film Festival, HIFF officials announced today. The screening will be at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Tickets to see the show based on the life of Princess Ka'iulani are $15 general admission and $12 for HIFF members.
 Purchase them at the HIFF box office at Dole or at HIFF.org


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Text Messages Reveal the Last Hours of Steve McNair and Girlfriend Sahel Kazemi!

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Steve McNair and Sahel Kazemi. Just released text messages show revealing look at their relationship.

(CNN) The girlfriend of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair had grown frustrated with their relationship and was struggling with financial difficulties in the days before she killed him and herself in July.

Steve McNair, former NFL quarterback, was a married father of four when he was killed last summer.

Details of their relationship were revealed in a case summary released by Nashville police Monday.

McNair, 36, and Sahel Kazemi, 20, were found fatally shot in a condominium in downtown Nashville on July 4. Police have since ruled their deaths a murder-suicide.

"My life is just s--- and I should end it," Kazemi said the night before the couple were found dead, according to Sonya New, her shift manager at a Dave & Busters restaurant. New also said Kazemi was not her usual self and seemed down.

Though McNair was a married father of four, he was seeing Kazemi and at least one other woman, Leah Ignagni, according to Nashville police. McNair had spent the night at Ignagni's apartment on July 2, two nights before he was killed, Ignagni told police.

On the morning of July 4, Kazemi texted McNair, saying she was stressed and needed money to pay bills.

"Baby I might have a break down im so stressed," Kazemi said in one text message. "baby i might need to go to the hospital. baby whats wrong w(ith) me i can hardly breath(e)."

Chris Wall, who provided security for McNair and his family, told police he knew about McNair's relationship with Kazemi. McNair was tired of her calling when he was with his family, Wall said.

Kazemi continued to text McNair throughout the day, asking for money and when she could see him next.

"baby what are u doing," Kazemi asked.

"At the pool with the kids. I got the guy transferring the money," McNair replied.

At 4:04 p.m. on July 3, Kazemi said, "baby I have to be w(ith) u 2nite. I dnt care where." The messages continued for more than eight hours before McNair said he was on his way to the condo. He had told Kazemi earlier that he wouldn't leave the house "til the kids fall asleep."

McNair and Kazemi exchanged a final series of messages early July 4, when he asked her to leave the front door to the condo open for him.

A final message, sent at 1:14 a.m., simply said, "its open."

About 12 hours later, a friend of McNair's found their bodies



Apple Has Most Profitable Quarter Ever
!

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Apple's Steve Jobs. A matter of coincidence that Jobs' return would spark an Apple re-surgence?

(LA Times/Alex Pham) Apple Inc.'s fiscal fourth-quarter profit soared 47%, surprising Wall Street and providing perhaps the strongest signal yet that technology companies may be leading the economy out of the doldrums.

Fueled by brisk back-to-school sales of its MacBook notebook computers and continued momentum of its popular iPhone, the Cupertino, Calif., company said it posted its "most profitable quarter ever."

Its earnings of $1.67 billion far exceeded analysts' expectations and were another sign that the technology sector might be a bellwether for a larger recovery. Apple's results followed others in recent weeks that have beaten Wall Street's forecasts, including Google Inc. reporting Friday that its quarterly profit jumped 27%.

"We are thrilled with these results," Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer said during a conference call with analysts, "particularly given the economic environment around us."

Analysts were expecting the company to report net income of $1.3 billion on sales of $9.1 billion in the quarter that ended Sept. 26, but sales jumped 24% from the year-earlier quarter to $9.87 billion.

Apple shares surged after the earnings announcement, rising as much as 8% in after-hours trading and briefly surpassing their all-time high of $202.96 set in December 2007. The shares had closed up $1.81 at $189.86 before the earnings release.


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The usual crowd at an Apple Store.

Analysts had wondered this year how the company would fare, given that its premium-priced products are considered discretionary. Apple appeared to show little if any bruising from an economy that has affected nearly every other company. It sold more than 3 million of its pricey Mac laptop and desktop computers in the quarter, up 17% from the same quarter last year. And sales of its popular iPhone grew 7% to 7.4 million units last year.

Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said in a statement that the company sold more Macs and iPhones than in any other quarter.

Not everything Apple touches has turned to gold, however. Sales of its iPod music players fell 8% to 10.2 million units during the quarter. Apple tried to add sizzle to iPod sales Sept. 9, introducing video recording capability to its Nano model and lowering the price of its high-end iPod Touch to $199 for the 8-gigabyte model.

Sales of the iPod Touch, which has many of the same functionalities as the iPhone, grew 100% compared with the year-earlier quarter, Oppenheimer said.

Looking ahead, Apple is poised for more good news, said Trip Chowdhry, analyst for Global Equities Research. More than 3 out every 5 Macs currently in the market use an old chip technology called Power PC. Their owners are likely to upgrade to the new Macs using semiconductors from Intel Corp. in the coming year, Chowdhry said. The reason: Apple recently released a new operating system for its Macs called Snow Leopard.

"Many people will use Snow Leopard as a reason to upgrade their Macs," he said.


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Apple, however, will face a formidable foe this holiday when cellphone manufacturers release their answers to the iPhone -- so-called smart phones equipped with Google Inc.'s Android operating system.

"Starting this holiday, the free rein Apple has had in smart phones will be challenged for the first time," Chowdhry said.


Forbes: 10 Most Valuable Sports Teams In the World!

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Manchester United is the no.1 most valuable sports franchise in the world!

1) Manchester United ($1.8B) - Owned by American businessman Malcolm Glazer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner as well), Man U. is one of the world's most popular soccer teams that plays in the English Premier League. They are the most successful English club in the history of English football. They are the reigning English Champions and Club World Cup holders. Glazer bought the club for $1.45B in 2005.

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The Dallas Cowboys are "America's Team" in this list by Forbes!

2) Dallas Cowboys ($1.6B) - Owner Jerry Jones broke away from NFL merchandising, leaving the the organization to run its own league-leading operation. With their new stadium and a personal seat licensing plan that could bring up to $700M, the Cowboys are still looking for a naming rights suitor that could surely increase their value in the future. How about them Cowboys?

3) Washington Redskins ($1.5B) - Owner Daniel Snyder has made the Redskins one of the league's top revenue teams with heavy marketing and by selling the naming rights for the stadium to Fedex. The team may be sputtering as of late, but every game has been a sell-out for 12 years in a row!

4) New England Patriots ($1.32B) - With 3 Super Bowl Titles and with a 97-31 record over the past 8 years, winning cures everything! Believe it or not, Gillette Stadium has 6,000 club seats and 87 luxury boxes!

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The Yankees are the only MLB club to make this list.

5) NY Yankees ($1.3B) - The Steinbrenner family knows a good thing when they've got one! The Yankees have their own cable network, a huge market, and a storied franchise, make this team baseball's "crown jewel."

6) Real Madrid ($1.29B) - This powerhouse soccer club has won 9 European Championship Cups and brings in a half-a-billion dollars in revenue. It's 62 year-old stadium had to be scaled down from 120,000 to 80,000! Sheesh! It's influence in world soccer was felt in their signing of Cristiano Ronaldo who was introduced to 80,000 screaming fans during the team's media day.

7) Arsenal ($1.2B) - Another powerhouse soccer team from the English Premier League. The club plays in Emirates Stadium (named after Emirates Airlines for $133M) and brought in $322M in revenue last year.

8) NY Giants ($1.18B) - The Giants reside in the NFL's most lucrative market. No Super Bowl title this year but looks like they're on a roll again for another shot at the title. The Giants season ticket wait is 25 years!

9) NY Jets ($1.17B) - Sure, they share the stadium with the Giants, but their in New York, where money can be spread all around!

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Yes, the Houston Texans made the top 10! Not strange, since the Texans are part of the NFL money-making machine!!!!!

10) Houston Texans ($1.17B) - They're not a winning NFL franchise but they sure have the richest naming-rights stadium deal! The naming rights for Reliant Stadium brings in $300M!

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In case you're wondering, The NY Knicks ($613M) and the Los Angeles Lakers ($584M) are ranked 1, 2 as far as NBA teams go. Toronto Maple Leafs are no. 1 in the NHL with $448M and the New York Rangers are 2nd with $411M. In the MLB, at #2 the NY Mets ($912M), #3 Boston Red Sox ($833M), and #4 the LA Dodgers ($722M). Finally, the Los Angeles Galaxy ($100M) leads the Major League Soccer teams.

HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!!

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2008 "Big Brother" winner Adam Jasinski.

Big Brother 2008 winner Adam Jasinski was arrested for attempting to sell 2,000 oxycodone pills (a painkiller found in most oral medications) to a government witness! Jasinski admitted using his $500,000 prize from the show on buying thousands of oxycodone pills! WTF????

According to federal prosecutors, Jasinski was arrested at a strip mall on Saturday while he showed the witness a sock containing two plastic bags filled with the narcodic. As he fought the arrest, he threw the sock under a nearby parked car. Genius!

Jasinski faces up to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1M fine on a charge of possession of oxycodone pills with intent to distribute.


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Michael Lohan. Questions are being raised on the sincerity of Lohan on helping his daughter, Lindsay.

Michael Lohan, Lindsay Lohan's Dad, spilled the beans the other day by telling the media how he planned to "kidnap" his actress/daughter so that she could undergo an "intervention" treatment for her dependency on drugs and alcohol. When Lindsay found out about her Father's intentions, she asked the court for a restraining order against her Dad! Goodness gracious!

Papa Lohan, next time do this in private and get the "real professionals" to do this stuff instead of telling it to the press? Does he really want to help his daughter or just get his 15 minutes? Makes you wonder. . . .


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Eddie Cibrian and LeAnn Rimes need attention, but it may cost them in the end!

Eddie Cibrian and LeAnn Rimes decided to take the front exit while hand-in-hand, at paparazzi-haven Katsuya restaurant, instead of being discreet and leave out the backdoor. Cibrian and Rimes are undergoing divorces from their respective spouses so this new publicity would give their exes some ammunition to get them (Cibrian and Rimes) for ALL THEIR WORTH!!!!!

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Anna Nicole Smith. The IRS doesn't care if you're dead or alive, if they want their money, they'll get it!

The IRS wants their money and have now set their sights on the late Anna Nicole Smith's estate. A tax lien has been filed against her for $125, 112.86! Doesn't matter if Smith is dead, when the IRS want their money, they want their money!

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TMZ founder Harvey Levin has a legitimate case against the LA County Sheriff Department!

TMZ found Harvey Levin expressed outrage when an LA Times investigation revealed that his telephone records were obtained by the LA County Sheriff's Department investigation of a leak in the arrest of Mel Gibson in 2006.

It breaks federal law, it breaks state law," Levin told an audience at the Radio & Television News Assn. of Southern California.

Media law experts and journalism groups too expressed outrage that sheriff's deputies had obtained Levin's phone records during a leak investigation.

Several said they believed that sheriff's investigators violated state and federal law when they obtained a search warrant for Levin's records as they tried to identify who gave him details about Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic tirade during a 2006 drunk-driving arrest.

Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said at the time his department consulted a prosecutor before seeking the search warrant. He noted that a judge approved the warrant.

Wow! "Freedom of the Press" is in trouble here, folks.


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Carrie Prejean. Miss California Organization want their breasts back!

The Miss California Organization is suing former Miss California Carrie Prejean and they want something that Prejean might find difficult giving back----her breasts! The Miss Cali Organization paid for Prejean's breast augmentation for $5,200 and they want it back!

OOOhhhh, this lawsuit between Prejan and the organization is getting dirty!


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Nicolas Prugo is charged for the burglary of homes owned by Lindsay Lohan and Audrina Patridge.

Nicolas Prugo, 18, has been charged today with the connection of break-ins in the Hollywood Homes of Audrina Patridge and Lindsay Lohan. Prugo faces two counts first degree residential burglary in the February and August burglaries in which $170,000 worth of jewelry and goods were stolen. He was arrested last month and faces up to 6 years in jail if convicted on all counts and is scheduled to be arraigned on November 11 in a downtown L.A. courthouse.

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Beatles: Rock Band. With sales down, they couldn't cry, "HELP" to consumers to buy their video game.

(LA Times) The Beatles: Rock Band had disappointing sales of 595,000 units sold last month, far below early projections from some analysts of selling more than 1M units. The Beatles: Rock Band did better in the first month compared to 2008 Rock Band and 2009 Rock Band 2 but below Viacom Inc. expectations.

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"Dancing with the Stars" Chelsie Hightower and celebrity Louie Vito. DWTS was the no. 1 show of the night, last night!

(Variety) CBS' comedies "Big Bang Theory" and "Two and a Half-Men" (13.8M viewers total) narrowly edged-out Fox's MLB game of the Yanks' loss versus the Angels (13M) taking 2nd place for the night.

The most watched-show of the night was "Dancing With the Stars" (16.5M), which cleared the path for ABC to win the evening.

Baseball delayed Fox's lineup of "House" and "Lie to Me" more than a half-hour. However, the game helped Fox earn 2nd place. NBC took up the bottom cellar.


WHO IS SUING MICHAEL JACKSON THIS WEEK!

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Michael Jackson. This week's lawsuit spotlight is: Sidney Lanier!

This week's contestant is Michael Jackson's former Lawyer Sidney Lanier who wants $3M from the King of Pop's estate and an apology! In other words, a $3M apology. Lanier represented MJ in many cases but the one that comes to mind was against porn king and MJ confidante Marc Schaffel. After that case, MJ refused to pay Lanier a lawyer's fee and sued Lanier for fraud instead. It was THAT lawsuit that supposedly ruined Lanier's reputation around the legal community.

Lanier wants an apology but that's obviously too late now! You think $3M will make you feel better? We think so.

Spotlight: Former Jackson Lawyer Sidney Lanier, another lawsuit for Michael Jackson's Estate.

NEXT!!!!!!

Paul B
All-American
All-American
Posts: 1552
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am
Location: Hollywood, California

Re: HIFF News and Added Film Screenings! (Oct.20)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Wednesday (October 21, 2009) "Hump Day" stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

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Jury Deliberations Begin for John Travolta Extortion Case!

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John Travolta. The case will be handed to the jury to decide.

(CNN) A jury is expected to begin deliberations soon in the trial of two people accused of attempting to extort $25 million from actor John Travolta.

All closing arguments ended Tuesday at the trial in Nassau, Bahamas, and the judge is to instruct the jury Wednesday morning before it begins deliberations.


Tarino Lightbourn, a paramedic, and former Bahamian Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater are on trial on charges they attempted to extort money from Travolta following his son's January 2 death from a seizure. They pleaded not guilty.

Travolta testified earlier that his son was found unresponsive by a nanny at their home on Grand Bahama Island, where the family was spending their New Year's holiday. Travolta said he initially told the ambulance driver to rush them to an airport where his private jet was parked and where Travolta, who is a pilot, planned to fly his son to a West Palm Beach, Florida, hospital instead of driving him to one in nearby Freeport.


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The accused: Tarino Lightbourn (left) and former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater (right)

The paramedic, however, asked Travolta to sign a statement releasing the ambulance company from liability.

"I received a liability of release document. I signed it. I did not read it. Time was of the essence," Travolta testified in September. Travolta said that while he and his wife were riding in the ambulance with their son, they decided to divert to the hospital. At the hospital, the actor was told his son "wasn't alive," he said.


It is that release document that would-be extortionists hoped to use against Travolta, threatening to give it to the media if they were not paid, according to Travolta's attorneys.

Travolta testified that he learned of a demand for $25 million or "stories connected to that document would be sold to the press. ... The stories would imply the death of my son was intentional and I was culpable somehow."


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Travolta's point man in the case, Attorney Michael Mcdermott

Videotapes secretly recorded by Travolta's attorney were played October 5 at the trial. Attorney Michael McDermott testified that he assisted police in a sting.

The videotapes showed what Travolta's attorney said were negotiations between himself and one of the defendants, with discussions centering on a document the suspects claimed could reflect unfavorably on Travolta's actions after his son was found unconscious. As the videotape was played, McDermott described it as depicting a meeting in a hotel room between himself and Bridgewater, who said she represented Lightbourn. Bahamian police had placed wireless microphones on McDermott and hidden two cameras in the room, McDermott said.


Defense attorneys have attempted to convince the jury that Travolta's attorney came to the Bahamas to "set up" their clients. Murrio Ducille, who represents Bridgewater, said to Travolta's attorney, "you came to the island with evil in your heart."


Hulk Hogan's New Book Reveals Contemplating Suicide and Details of his Divorce!

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Hulk Hogan. Family turmoil almost led the legendary wrestler to kill himself.

(CNN) Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) said that he would have committed suicide had it not been for a surprise phone call made from "Gladiators" co-star Laila Ali. In his new book, "My Life Outside the Ring," Hogan was undergoing a host of problems dealing with his divorce from wife Linda and by his son Nick, who was the driver in a car crash that left his friend brain damaged. Nick served his time in jail as a result of the accident. A lawsuit against the Hogan family is still pending.

The strain of filming their VH1 reality show, "Hogan Knows Best," combined with the divorce and Nick's incarceration led to Hogan to contemplate suicide. Hogan said Ali, the daughter of boxing great Muhammad Ali, prevented him from committing suicide after he had downed a cocktail of Xanax and rum. She called after noticing he had been looking distracted at work.

Hogan said in the book that he had reached for a gun and put his finger on the trigger when Ali called.


In addition, he claims that his wife Linda was an abusive alcoholic who once threatened to beat their son with a wine bottle. Her behavior was not documented on their VH1 show, "Hogan Knows Best" because the ugliness would not be filmed on the show.

The turmoil of Nick's accident forced Hogan to beg Linda "not to file for divorce!" "I practically begged her, 'Please don't file!' said Hogan in his book.


Hollywood Shorts!!!!!

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ESPN's Steve Phillips has reportedly been suspended by the network and is on indefinite leave due to a scandal involving a female staffer and his wife!

(NY Post) ESPN baseball reporter Steve Phillips has been involved in a scandal concerning girlfriend Brooke Hundley, 22, a staffer on the show, and HIS WIFE, Marni! Apparently, Hundley dropped off a letter to Marni Phillips about their affair with incriminating descriptions of Phillips birthmark near his crotch! Reports indicate that Hundley, who had a relationship with the ESPN analyst this past summer, did this in retaliation for being dumped by Phillips.

Later, Phillips confessed to his wife and the Police of his affair with Hundley. Since then, his wife has filed for divorce!

Steve Phillips has been suspended by the sports network and is on indefinite leave.


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Sam Jones III, in a scene from "Glory Road" was arrested for drug dealing in Hollywood!

Actor Sam Jones III, who appeared in"Smallville," and with guest appearances on The Practice, ER, CSI, and in the film "Glory Road" has been arrested on a series of drug deals dating back to 2008 involving the sale of the painkiller, oxycodone. The DEA took in Jones and believe that he is the "Hollywood Connection" in a plot to illegally purchase and distribute the drugs. He's due in Federal Court later today. He faces up to 20 years in jail if convicted.

Jones' arrest comes a day after the arrest of "Big Brother" winner Adam Jasinski who was caught selling oxycodone pills to a government witness in Massachusetts. You wonder where Jasinski got his pills from? A Hollywood connection, you might say?


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Who will replace Good Morning America anchor Diane Sawyer when she leaves to replace Charles Gibson on the ABC Evening News at the end of the year? Nobody knows for now?

Who will join anchor Robin Roberts on ABC's Good Morning America? Current anchor and veteran Diane Sawyer will be moving to the ABC Evening News replacing Charles Gibson who plans to leave at the end of the year. GMA wants a male host to join Roberts. Recently, This Week anchor George Stephanopoulos was given a shot to "audition" along side Roberts for the end of this week. GMA news anchor Chris Cuomo replaced Sawyer Monday and Tuesday. Execs are checking how these male co-hosts are handling topical news and lighter fare with Roberts.

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George Stephanopoulos (left) and Chris Cuomo (right) are rumored replacements

Other candidates to fill Sawyer's spot are reported to be Saturday anchor David Muir and GMA weekend host Bill Weir. How important is the co-host job? Very important because GMA brings in more than half the revenue of ABC News (out of $700M in 2008, GMA brought in $400M)! Although it runs almost neck-and-neck with NBC's Today Show, the program is highly-profitable for ABC. So finding a male co-host with the right chemistry with Roberts that will entice viewers to tune in is incredibly important!

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Shakira. She believes in giving---music that is.

Shakira is probably one of only a few musicians who aren't worried about people illegally downloading her music. While other musicians and music executives fret over lost revenue, Shakira looks at the positives. She calls music a "gift and giving music to fans is a gift." Yes, it's easy to say that when you have millions stashed in the bank, huh!

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Foxy Brown was involved in a scandal that have prison officials embarrassed and quitting!

Three prison officials at Riker's Island have stepped down from their positions because of alleged "preferrential treatment" given to R&B singer Foxy Brown. Apparently, these officials allowed Brown to shoot promotional photos for her album while she was in prison! Two other officials, in addition to the 3, quit earlier amid the scandal. Brown denied those claims of special treatment and said she was only allowed to wear certain things in her photo shoot because of prison policy.

Sounds like preferrential treatment to me.


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U2 will be performing live at the Rose Bowl this Sunday and Youtube will streamline it for you!

U2 will be streaming their live concert online at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Youtube for FREE at 1130pm Eastern time this Sunday! A replay of the live conert will be shown immediately after.

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Usher and Tameka Foster during happy times. The couple is now officially divorced!

Reports that R&B singer Usher's divorce with Tameka Foster has been finalized today. The couple have two small children together and were married in August 2007. Next time, Usher better listen to his Mama.

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MJ's Mom Katherine Jackson has an upcoming legal showdown tommorow with appointed special administrators to Michael Jackson's estate, John Branca and John McClain.

Lawyers John Branca and John McClain have broad powers as appointed special administrators to the estate of Michael Jackson but Mama Katherine Jackson wants to have a say in all things as well. A legal showdown between the two parties will be at 230pm tommorow!

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Carnie Wilson, will be shedding pounds before cameras a second time!

Carnie Wilson, former member of the band Wilson Phillips, and reality star will be trying a 2nd time to lose weight in front of cameras! Wilson had her gastric bypass surgery broadcast on her first show but looks like things didn't work out cause she gained considerable weight after that! On her upcoming second show, Carnie Wilson: Unstapled, she will be attempting to lose weight again but this time on the Game Show Network. (golf clap)

Will anyone watch this?


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Director and Media mogul Steven Spielberg gets a deal from Universal that "he can't refuse!"

(Perez Hilton) Director Steven Spielberg will be making more MONEY thanks to Universal Studios who just inked Spielberg to be a creative consultant for the theme park through 2017. Spielberg will get a substantial cut from the parks in Orlando and Japan, receiving 5% of all gross revenue which totals to about $50M per year and been increased to 5.25%!

It's a wise move for Universal who is poised to make some big bucks over the next few years with parks opening in Dubai, Singapore and South Korea as well as the 2010 opening of the highly-anticipated "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at the Islands of Adventure park in Orlando.

Besides, Universal will do anything to keep Disney's hands away from Spielberg!


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The Kardashian's (along with Bruce Jenner and family too!) will be front and center at Staples Center where all, including Lamar, can see! Sheesh! Can't they get ENOUGH publicity?

Laker forward Lamar Odom should've known WHAT he was getting into when he got together with Khloe Kardashian! Those in-laws!!!!! All those in-laws are going to be at Lamar's workplace at Staples Center in the front row seats! Yikes! You not only have to mingle with them at home but you're going to have to see them at work too? Oh no!

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An Indianapolis Advance America Check-Cashing Store was the scene of an unusual robbery!

(AP) A most unusual robbery occured in Indianapolis that has made national headlines. An armed robber attempted to rob a check-cashing store Advance America and pointed his gun at the startled female clerk. As the gunman approached the cash register, the clerk began to cry and started praying. The gunman sympathized with the female clerk and joined her while she prayed. He knelt for 10 minutes while they prayed together. The man told the clerk he had a 2-year-old child to support and asked for prayers about overcoming his hardships. He even hugged her and she hugged him back!

Police say the man removed the bullet from his gun and gave it to the clerk before taking her cell phone and the money. The suspect's face was clearly seen on store surveillance cameras and his own Mother convinced him to turn himself in.


See the video of this amazing story at this link:

http://www2.counton2.com/cbd/news/natio ... ims/76906/#

Paul B
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Posts: 1552
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Re: Gunman Prays w/ Store Clerk During Robbery! (Oct.21)

Post by Paul B »

Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)

Thursday (October 22, 2009) stories developing. . . . .

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL October 15-25!

Hawaii Intl. film Festival link: http://hiff.org/

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John Travolta Extortion Trial Ends In A "Mistrial!"

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John Travolta and his late son Jett

(NY Daily News) The trial of paramedic Tarino Lightbourn and former senator Pleasant Bridgewater of trying to extort John Travolta of $25M has ended in a mistrial, after a Bahamian legislator announced at a political convention that one of the defendants was acquitted.

Supreme Court Justice Anita Allen declared a mistrial because of a suspected "leak" from one of the jurors. The stunning end of the trial came after the jury was deliberating for 8 hours.

Lightbourn and Bridgewater are accused of trying to extort $25M from John Travolta after disclosing that they had a document that he had signed releasing medical personnel from any liability in the care of his son Jett. The document has been proven to be irrevelant but the duo believed that the document was valuable enough to demand money from the actor.

Travolta said that he was upset with the judge's decision but added that he would fully cooperate with Police on the matter.

Allen's announcement was made after learning that Picewell Forbes, a member of Parliament, told the Progressive Liberty Party Convention in Freeport, Bahamas the night before that Bridgewater had been acquitted.

Allen said that Lightbourn and Bridgewater will be retried. Neither of the defendants would comment on the matter.


Rapper Lil' Wayne Is In A Heap of Trouble in NY and 'Zona!!!

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Rapper Lil Wayne is in trouble on both coasts!

Rapper Lil' Wayne has pled guilty to attempted gun possession in New York. Wayne was busted in 2007 when Police stopped his tour bus because they allegedly smelled pot. When the officers approached the bus, Wayne allegedly threw a Louis Vuitton bag with a gun inside.

We all know how tough NYC is with guns, ask Plaxico Burress about that one? Wayne is looking at 1 year in jail in NY, BUT THAT'S NOT ALL his troubles.

The rapper faces felony drug possession and weapons charges in Arizona after Police found marijuana, cocaine, various drug paraphenalia, and a handgun on his tour bus after a traffic stop in Yuma in 2008!

Wayne pled not guilty to those charges and his trial is set for March 2010!



Common People Party for Free but Not These Celebs!


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Britney Spears. Paris and Nicky Hilton. Are some of the Celebs that are "paid to party!"

(People) Imagine either being a participant or the celebrant of a party and BEING PAID for it! That's how some celebrities are raking in the cash by being PAID to Party! Some celeb appearances are even used to bring crowds of people, which definitely brings a club lots of money! Take for instance:

Kim Kardashian was reportedly paid $50,000 by Tao Las Vegas to celebrate her 29th birthday at the club earlier this month.

• In 2006, Britney Spears hosted a New Year's Eve bash at the Strip's Pure Nightclub – and collected a reported $350,000 to ring in 2007.

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz took home a check for $150,000 for hanging out at Miami's Shore Club in 2007.

Jon Gosselin was reportedly paid $10,000 to hang poolside at Vegas's Wet Republic this summer.

"The reason you pay celebrities is because, more often than not, they're worth it," said one Las Vegas club executive who books celebrity parties. "People want to say they've partied at the same club as this celebrity or that celebrity."

Often referred to as "host" of the night, a celebrity's duty is really pretty simple: Nothing. Typically, their only requirement is to show up, and clubowners can only hope the stars will return – this time for free – if they have a good time.

Take Paris Hilton and her little sister, Nicky. Together, they received a reported $500,000 to ring in 2008 at Vegas's LAX Nightclub – and they have both returned many times at no additional charge.


In his new book, Magic Johnson Slams former Best Friend Isiah Thomas!

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Magic Johnson. His customary greeting with then best friend Isiah Thomas was a kiss on the cheek.

(Sports Illustrated) Former Los Angeles Laker Earvin "Magic" Johnson and former Detroit Piston Isiah Thomas were best friends until now. In Magic's new book, "When the Game Was Ours" written with Boston Celtic Larry Bird and author Jackie MacMullan, the ex-Laker criticizes his friend for questioning his (Magic) sexuality after testing positive for HIV in 1991. He also revealed that he joined Michael Jordan and others in blackballing Thomas from joining the 1992 Olympic "Dream team."

However, the sore point that angers Magic is the way Thomas questioned whether he was gay or bisexual after admitting he had HIV and was forced to retire in 1992. Magic's source for his allegations is from long-time agent Lon Rosen who had intimate conversations with Isiah Thomas. Rosen claims that he was constantly asked by Thomas about Magic's sexuality.


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Isiah Thomas. It's no secret that many NBA players disliked the Piston star.

Thomas denies that any conversations concerning Magic's sexuality ever took place. The former Piston star was blindsided by Magic's accusations since the former Michigan State star seemed to be sincere when visiting Thomas while he was a coach/General Manager with the NY Knicks. Magic would often join Thomas and assistant coach Herb Williams for dinner in New York City. A shocked Thomas said, "I didn't know he felt this way."

MacMullan tried to contact Thomas about the book six months ago but he declined to speak with her.

Thomas said that he had so much sympathy for his friend, who had HIV, that he helped Magic's return possible to play in the 1992 All-Star game, despite objections from some players and owners.


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Thomas missed out on being a part of the 1992 Olympic Team because he was "frozen out" by the other members of the team. It is believed that John Stockton took his place, which explains the "animosity" Thomas had against the Utah star.

"I think Magic has been misled on a lot of things, and unfortunately this has been another one of them. I am hurt and disappointed that he has chosen to believe others as opposed to his closest friends. And I think you can go back and look in that era and see who his closest friends were, and who his closest friends are now. At that time, I don't consider Lon Rosen to be one of his closest friends; he was one of his business advisers making money off him.''

Magic declined to be interviewed for this story. Lon Rosen, speaking on behalf of his client, said he and Magic stand behind everything attributed to them in the book.


HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!!

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Tiffani Amber Thiessen, "Saved By the Bell's" Kelly Kapowski! Still looking good!

In a TV GUIDE interview, "Saved by the Bell" Kelly Kapowski, actress Tiffani Amber Thiessen says that she feels sorry for former castmate Dustin Diamond, who played "Screech" on the hit 80s-90s program. She sympathizes with him that she and other fellow cast members are able to find work in Hollywood except him. Excuse me, what show is she in?

Since the show, Diamond has released a "sex tape," been making comedy club appearances, and wrote a not so flattering book about his former cast members.


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Sienna Miller was a subject of an article by the NY Times who mistakenly named two men who were NOT boyfriends.

The NY Times sort of apologized to actress Sienna Miller(GI Joe) for an article that dubbed her "Serial Miller" for her various dates with different men like Jude Law, Rhys Ilfan, and Balthazar Getty. However, in the article, the Times also connected her with the late Heath Ledger and Sean Combs (P. Diddy) who Miller claims are good friends!

They listed the gaffe as an ERROR and put it under the category of "mistakes." How nice.


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ESPN's Steve Phillips and former girlfriend Brooke Hundley. Hundley had a "fatal attraction freak-out" at Phillips' home!

More details have surfaced about ESPN reporter Steve Phillips affair with 22 year-old production assistant Brooke Hundley, who allegedly drove her car to Phillip's home to deliver a letter to his wife. In a case of "Fatal Attraction-Redux," Hundley was delivering the letter when Phillips wife, Marni, arrived at the home and that's when the production assistant "freaked-out," reversing her car, smashing a stone column, and cutting across the lawn over some rocks to go down the driveway.

Hundley was delivering a revealing letter to Phillips' wife in retaliation for being dumped earlier by the ESPN reporter. Steve Phillips is on indefinite leave from the network while Marni has filed for divorce.


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UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel's "Com-Passion Bucket" took a hit last Saturday against Cal.

(SportsbyBrooks) The Daily Bruin reported this little tidbit of when UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel sat in front of the media following Cal's shellacking of the Bruins 45-26 last Saturday:

At that moment UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel walked into the room, sunburned and exasperated after his team’s 45-26 defeat to rival Cal.

Almost no one moved. Necks remained craned toward the USC/ND game until a frustrated Neuheisel spoke sharply.

“Would everyone like to watch the end of that ball game?” Neuheisel asked. “I am more than willing to wait.”

There was a hint of bitterness in Neuheisel’s voice, a slight sign of the wounded pride of UCLA football.

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Here comes the rumors again about the NFL in Los Angeles!

(LA Times) Here we go again! An NFL football team in Los Angeles? Not that rumor again? Anyway, Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar signed a bill that will clear the way from state environmental laws for construction of an NFL stadium in the San Gabriel Valley. The $800-million project by developer Ed Roski Jr. is planned near the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways.

Construction of the 3-million-square-foot stadium complex is estimated to create more than 18,000 jobs, according to a statement on the governor’s website.

The complex will include an orthopedic hospital, a movie and live performance theater, and office and retail space. But even in the wake of the bill signing, the stadium faces obstacles. It remains unclear whether such a large project could get construction loans amid the current credit crunch.


This issue has stalled several other mega-projects in Southern California, including the Frank Gehry-designed Grand Avenue development in downtown Los Angeles.

Cross your fingers Angelenos!


Low-Budget/Independent/Foreign Films You Must See at Hawaii International Film Festival!

Check out the low-budget/independent/foreign films being shown at the Hawaii International Film Festival! Please see their link for movie dates and showtimes:

http://hiff.org/

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