Award-Winning Documentary "Afghan Star" to be shown at UH, Manoa Spalding Auditorium on Sunday 5pm.
The award-winning film, "Afghan Star" is coming to the University of Hawaii at Manoa as part of a series of films until May 9!
(Honolulu Advertiser) One of the jewels of this year's Indigenous Wisdom Film Series is being shown at 5 p.m. Sunday at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Spalding Auditorium.
"Afghan Star," winner of the world cinema audience award for best documentary and best documentary directing at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, tells the tale of "Afghan Pop Idol," the "American Idol" spinoff taking Afghanistan by storm. It shows how performers on the show risk their lives under Taliban rule to compete.
The film series started earlier this month and runs through May 9. All the films leave the audience with something to think about. Tickets are typically $5 for general admission and $3 for UH students and faculty, but Sunday's showing of "Afghan Star" carries a $10 admission fee. Check the schedule and view clips at UH Cinema Series on YouTube or call 223-0130. Also screening Sunday, at 3 p.m., is "Sacred Mandalas of the Heart," which looks at the mandalas of India and their healing powers.
UPDATE:NBA Commissioner suspends both Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton without pay for the remainder of the season!
CNN and Nancy Grace Involved in "Wrongful Death" Lawsuit!
Melinda Duckett (left) and CNN's Nancy Grace (right).
The case is similar to the "Jenny Jones" murder case of Scott Amedure in 1999!
CNN's Nancy Grace is appearing in a Atlanta court because of a lawsuit that claims that she is responsible for the death of a woman who appeared on her show. The parents of Melinda Duckett, 21, claim that Grace accused the woman for the disappearance of her 2 year-old son in 2006 and that led to the woman committing suicide. Her family claims that the interview with Grace caused "emotional distress" on Duckett and that led to her suicide the day after the taped interview.
The parents are suing CNN and Grace for wrongful death.
On the "Jenny Jones Show", Jonathan Schmitz is hugged by Scott Amedure.The show's involvement in the Scott Amedure murder case highlighted "ambush tactics" and changed the way talk shows do business!
The "wrongful death suit" sounds similar to the Jenny Jones murder case of Scott Amedure who was killed by Jonathan Schmitz. The two appeared in 1995 on the popular talk show hosted by Jenny Jones, unaware that they were the subject of "same sex secret crushes." Amedure admired Schmitz, who claimed he was a heterosexual. Amedure's family claimed then that Jenny Jones took part in "ambush tactics" when Amedure revealed his affection for Schmitz in front of a live television audience.
Three days later and feeling ashamed of his TV appearance with Amedure, Schmitz shot Amedure twice in the chest.
In 1999, a Michigan jury found Jenny Jones to be both "irresponsible and negligent" contending that the show created an explosive situation without regard to the possible consequences. The jury awarded Amedure's family $25M.
The Jenny Jones case was a monumental case on "talk shows" and their "ambush tactics" and the example of the Amedure case may play a part in this current case involving the death of Melinda Duckett.
Story developing. . .
UH Ticket Prices Called, "Reasonable," At Sparsley Attended Meeting on Proposed Hike!
(Honolulu Advertiser) A proposal to raise the maximum limits on the prices the University of Hawai'i may charge for tickets to its athletic events drew no significant opposition at a sparsely attended public hearing on campus last night.
Six speakers asked questions and offered comments but none opposed a plan that could go to the Board of Regents as early as next month.
The most noticeable increase would be a jump from $38 to $50 on the price of some individual sideline seats for the Sept. 2 football game against Southern California.
Some premium seat charges in football, women's volleyball, men's basketball, men's volleyball and baseball could jump by as much as $20 per ticket over a period of years, if approved by the board.
In addition, some seats for students might no longer be free.
Associate athletic director Carl Clapp said the new price ceilings, if approved, would likely remain in place "from three to five years or so."
A veteran season ticket holder in four sports who identified himself only as "Rodney" said the proposals were "pretty reasonable."
Basil Sparlin of the men's volleyball booster club, said, "I understand what they are trying to do and I don't think it is unreasonable."
But Sparlin said "how they manage that whole right pricing to get the maximum revenue but not drive people away is a tricky business for them. I don't envy them having to do it."
Details of University of Hawaii's proposed ticket hike:
Flamboyant U.S. Men's Figure Skater Johnny Weir Takes A Stand Against An "Animal-Lover" Group!
Men's Figure Skater Johnny Weir is known for "attention-grabbing" costumes and one of them got the notice from an animal advocacy group!
(Yahoo) Figure skater Johnny Weir is causing an uproar among the "animal-lovers" community! His recent costume that was lined with animal fur worn at one of his performances at the U.S. Olympic trials, received an open-letter from the group Friends of Animals. The animal advocacy group even went so far to contact Weir's costume designer Stephanie Handler.
“I totally get the dirtiness of the fur industry and how terrible it is to animals. But it’s not something that’s the No. 1 priority in my life,” Weir said on Tuesday. “There are humans dying everyday. There are thousands if not millions of homeless people in New York City. Look at what just happened in Haiti.
“I tend to focus my energy, if there is a cause, on humans. While that may be callous and bad of me, it’s my choice.”
Weir's costumes tend to be on the avant-garde, maybe too extreme for some. Although Weir understands the groups objections, he doesn't share their point of view.
“He’s a role model for a lot of people, including other skaters,” said Priscilla Feral, president of Friends of Animals. “When he makes fun of the suffering of animals that are consumed for this frivolous fashion industry and whose lives are sacrificed so he can wear little tufts of fur on his outfit, that’s fair game for comment.”
This is not the first group to object to Weir's costume of choice. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) sent the skater letters of protest and even videos to show the harmful treatment of animals.
However, Weir said that he's not the only skater to wear animal skin products--since ever skater wears skates made out of cow skin. In addition, he didn't like it that his costume designer Handler was attacked because ultimately HE made the decision to include the fur on his costume in which he replied, "Yell at me but Don't attack my PEEPS!"
BTW, Weir placed 3rd at the U.S. Olympic trials and qualified for his second Olympic team.
The remains found on a remote farm in Virginia is that of Morgan Harrington, missing since October 17!
(CNN) Dental records identified the body found in a hayfield yesterday is that of missing Virginia Tech student, Morgan Harrington. Harrington went missing on October 17, 2009 when she left mysteriously from a Metallica concert that night. Reports of a person walking on a nearby bridge bearing the likeness of Harrington were made but search parties that included Police and family and friends and support from the band Metallica could not trace the V-tech student.
Harrington's remains were found on a remote farm, 10 miles from the concert arena. The 700-acre farm has no public-access point, police said. The farmer, David Dass, found the remains on his property while driving on his tractor. He said that the nearest road is a mile and a half away. The area where the remains were found had not been searched.
It was on October 17 that Harrington went to a Metallica Concert with some friends. For some reason, Harrington went to use the restroom and was locked outside of the arena and could not get back in. She called her friends inside the arena on the cellphone and told them not to worry and that she would find a ride home. Witnesses said that Harrington was not with anyone when they saw her outside the arena. Police are baffled as to why Harrington did not use the restrooms inside the venue and how or why she went outside.
Police are now focusing on how Harrington's body got to the remote area and who could have possibly placed her there.
Story developing. . .
Forbes Magazine proclaims James Earl Jones as the "most reliable and trusted celebrity in Hollywood."
Forbes magazine came out with a list of the "most reliable and trusted celebrities in the U.S.":
1) Actor James Earl Jones - the voice of Darth Vader 2) Actor Tom Hanks 3) Actor/activist Michael J. Fox 4) Mike Rowe- host of Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs" and TV spokesperson 5) Actor Morgan Freeman 6) Actress Sally Field - the only female in the top 10 7) Director Ron Howard Actor Will Smith 9) Actor/Comedian Bill Cosby 10) Actor Denzel Washington
Forbes list is composed of people who evoke trustworthiness, awareness, and appeal.
Jean Claude Van Damme, 49, action star of the 80s and 90s is considering an upcoming kickboxing fight!
Martial Artist/Action Star Jean Claude Van Damme, 49, will be taking part in a kickboxing fight against a 37 year-old Thai kickboxer who has 300 fights under his belt. Van Damme announced the fight at a press conference in the Ukraine.
The fight will be part of a reality-series starring Van Damme that chronicles his life and training for the fight.
Charlie Sheen's wife, Brooke Mueller, goes to rehab!
(TMZ) Brooke Mueller, wife of Charlie Sheen, has checked into a drug and alcohol rehab facility in North Carolina. Mueller's attorney, Yale Galanter, confirmed the news.
Mueller was just released from the hospital a few days ago after a bout with pneumonia.
Heroes star Adrian Pasdar was booked for DUI early this morning!
(Perez Hilton) Actor Adrian Pasdar (Heroes) was booked for a DUI after swerving on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles early this morning. Pasdar was pulled over for "failing to maintain his lane" and for going over 90 mph!
Police smelled alcohol on his breath and gave him a field sobriety test which led to his arrest. His bail was set at $15,000 because he refused to take a breathalyzer test. Pasdar is married to Dixie Chicks Natalie Maines.
Christina Milian is being sued by an 81 year-old neighbor for a dog attack!
(TMZ) An 81 year-old neighbor of actress/singer Christina Milian is suing the R&B singer for a dog attack. Leo Skolion, filed a lawsuit against Milian earlier this month in L.A. County Superior Court claiming that the family's negligence led to the dog attack that left him with "severe personal injuries."
In 2008, Skolion went to Milian's home to inquire about a damaged gate between their two properties when he was mauled from behind by one of Milian's dogs. The neighbor claims that it took 19 stitches and 9 months of rehabilitation to get back to normal--and that he still has to receive psychiatric help for fear and depression.
He is suing Milan, her Mother Carmen, and sister Danielle for an undetermined amount.
Former NBA player Paul Shirley.His freelance gig with ESPN is OVER after his comments on Haiti! We wonder why?
(Twirlit.com) Former NBA player Paul Shirley freelance gig got "canned" by ESPN for a letter he wrote about the Haiti earthquake crisis:
Dear Haitians –
First of all, kudos on developing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Your commitment to human rights, infrastructure, and birth control should be applauded.
As we prepare to assist you in this difficult time, a polite request: If it’s possible, could you not re-build your island home in the image of its predecessor? Could you not resort to the creation of flimsy shanty- and shack-towns? And could some of you maybe use a condom once in a while?
Sincerely,
The Rest of the World
And this from Shirley. . .
“I haven’t donated a cent to the Haitian relief effort. And I probably will not,” he said. He compared it to giving money to homeless people on the street. “I don’t think the people of Haiti will do much with my money either…Shouldn’t much of the responsibility for the disaster lie with the victims of that disaster?”
OUCH! My goodness, don't know what upbringing Shirley endured with his parents but the department involving EMPATHY, SYMPATHY, and COMPASSION was missing BIG TIME!!!!
Andre Dawson, of the Chicago Cubs!
(Chicago Now) Oh, the hurt on Chicago Cubs fans continues. . . After calling Andre "The Hawk" Dawson as ONE of their own, Cubs fans took another one to the stomach when the former Cub announced that he would enter the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Montreal Expo.
"The Hawk" as an Expo!
A la votre, Andre Dawson!
Ex-Presidential Candidate John Edwards needs "a miracle" to get out of the mess he is currently in. Well, he could go to Mississippi and go to "sex-rehab" with that OTHER GUY!
(ABC News) With the recent release of the political gossip book, "Game Change," causing a stir in D.C., another book, "The Politician" by former John Edwards aide Andrew Young will also release information on the former Senator and former Presidential Candidate Edwards.
Some excerpts from The Politician, due out January 30, have leaked about John Edwards wanting an abortion from his then mistress Rielle Hunter. There's also news of a graphic sex tape made by the two of which Edwards is hoping to conceal from the public at any cost.
Meanwhile, People Magazine reports that Edwards' wife Elizabeth Edwards has "thrown out" the ex-Senator from their home. This comes a week after the ex-Prez candidate admitted that Rielle Hunter's 2 year-old was his baby and amid reports by the National Enquirer that he tried 5 times to have sex with a local bartender, Stephanie Breshears!
Verizon's coverage map not only shows the amount of subscribers it has, but also the proposed layoffs the telecom giant plans to impose!
(CNET) News of Verizon Communications signing up more than 2M subscribers to its network rang "hollow," when the company also announced that they were expecting to lay off a reported 13,000 employees by the end of this year.
Despite strong wireless sales, Verizon reported an overall net loss for the fourth quarter due to charges associated with employee layoffs. It posted a net loss of $653 million, or 23 cents per share. A year ago, it reported net income of $1.24 billion, or 43 cents a share. The company took charges of about $3 billion in workforce reductions. Without these charges, the company says it would have earned 54 cents per share.
America Ferrera (second from left) with some of the cast members of "Ugly Betty," was just informed that the show will end this April.
(LA Times) ABC has just announced that this season will be the LAST SEASON for "Ugly Betty." After losing viewers, partly blamed on two-time changes, the network decided to "pull the plug" on the once-popular series. Executive Producer Silvio Horta said this notice given by the network is "ample time to give the series a proper farewell."
The series, in its 4th season, reached its highest ratings with 8.1M viewers last year but since its move to Fridays, Ugly Betty has averaged 5M viewers ever since. The cast and crew were informed of the bad news early this morning.
Actor Gary Coleman's mug shot inspired one Utah businessman to bail him out! Heck, the nice guy even offered to bring the actor home.
Actor Gary Coleman, who was in a Utah jail for domestic assault on Sunday and released on Monday, has businessman Jarrod Clarke to thank for paying his bail of $1,725! Clarke, was saddened by the Different Strokes star's mug shot, and paid the bail for Coleman and even offered him a ride home. Wow, how mighty neighborly of Clarke!
Gary's wife even called Clarke to thank him but where was she in all this? Hmmm. . . go figure.
Will Ferrell and his wife Viveca Paulin welcomed their third baby, Axel!
Actor Will Ferrell and wife Viveca Paulinwelcomed their 3rd child, Axel Ferrell, early Saturday! Axel arrived just hours after his appearance on Conan's last Tonight Show on Friday.
Wed Jan 27, 2010 7:15 am
Paul B
All-conference
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am Posts: 1167 Location: Hollywood, California
Re: Ex-NBA player Expresses H8T for Haiti! (Jan. 27)
HOLLYWOOD NEWS!!!! (Pop Culture in Matter that things All)
Award-Winning Documentary "Afghan Star" to be shown at UH, Manoa Spalding Auditorium on Sunday 5pm.
The award-winning film, "Afghan Star" is coming to the University of Hawaii at Manoa as part of a series of films until May 9!
(Honolulu Advertiser) One of the jewels of this year's Indigenous Wisdom Film Series is being shown at 5 p.m. Sunday at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Spalding Auditorium.
"Afghan Star," winner of the world cinema audience award for best documentary and best documentary directing at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, tells the tale of "Afghan Pop Idol," the "American Idol" spinoff taking Afghanistan by storm. It shows how performers on the show risk their lives under Taliban rule to compete.
The film series started earlier this month and runs through May 9. All the films leave the audience with something to think about. Tickets are typically $5 for general admission and $3 for UH students and faculty, but Sunday's showing of "Afghan Star" carries a $10 admission fee. Check the schedule and view clips at UH Cinema Series on YouTube or call 223-0130. Also screening Sunday, at 3 p.m., is "Sacred Mandalas of the Heart," which looks at the mandalas of India and their healing powers.
2010 Grammy Awards this Sunday on CBS (7pm Hawaii time on tape-delayed)
A Michael Jackson in 3D highlights the 2010 Grammy Awards. Also featured will be local performer Amy Hanaialii who will appear with her brother Eric Gillom and Jamie Foxx during the telecast.
Hawaii musicians Amy Hanaialii and her brother Eric Gilliom will perform along with Jamie Foxx!
(Grammys.com) The 2010 Grammy Awards this Sunday has a few surprises in store with Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige being part of a segment to help Haitian victims and pop singer Lady Gaga and legend Elton John performing in a duet. The show will also feature R&B performer Usher in a special 3D tribute to Michael Jackson.
In addition, hip hop artists Lil Wayne and T-Pain have been added. Jeff Beck and Imelda May will do a special tribute to guitar legend Les Paul.
Scheduled to perform include Bon Jovi, Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, the Dave Matthews Band, Carrie Underwood, Green Day, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Maxwell, Pink, Zac Brown Band, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, and Smokey Robinson.
Previously announced presenters include actress Kristen Bell, pop/R&B singer Justin Bieber, actor Jeff Bridges, pop singer and actress Miley Cyrus,actor Josh Duhamel, pop sensation the Jonas Brothers, nine-time GRAMMY winner Norah Jones, pop singer/songwriter Ke$ha, two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J, GRAMMY winner and three-time Latin GRAMMY winner Ricky Martin, 10-time GRAMMY and three-time Latin GRAMMY winner Carlos Santana, and nine-time GRAMMY winner Ringo Starr.
T-Pain and Urban each have four nominations: T-Pain with Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for "Blame It" (with Jamie Foxx), Best R&B Song for "Blame It" (with James T. Brown, John Conte Jr., Jamie Foxx, Christopher Henderson, Brandon R. Melanchon, Breyon Prescott & Nathan L. Walker), Best Contemporary R&B Album for Thr33 Ringz, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "I'm On A Boat" (with the Lonely Island); and Urban with Best Male Country Vocal Performance for "Sweet Thing," Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for "Start A Band" (with Brad Paisley), Best Country Album for Defying Gravity, and Best Long Form Music Video for Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy World Tour Live.
Foxx and nine-time GRAMMY winner Eminem are each up for three awards: In addition to those mentioned above, Foxx has a Best Contemporary R&B Album nomination for Intuition. Eminem's nominations are Best Rap Solo Performance for "Beautiful," Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group for "Crack A Bottle" (with Dr. Dre & 50 Cent), and Best Rap Album for Relapse.
Drake has two nods: Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song for "Best I Ever Had" (the latter nomination with D. Hamilton & M. Samuels).
Four-time GRAMMY winner Beck,Colbert, Perry, and Seal are each nominated: Beck for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "A Day In The Life," Colbert for Best Comedy Album for A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All!, Perry for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Hot N Cold," and Seal for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "If You Don't Know Me By Now."
CBS and Target have partnered up to provide FREE 3D glasses to enjoy the 3D presentation tribute to Michael Jackson.
We Are the World 25th Anniversary to Aid Haiti to take place February 1!
The 1985 recording of "We Are the World" brought so many superstars together, about 50 had to be "turned away!"
Where are the "superstar" performers of today?
Music Mogul/Producer Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the historic "We Are the World" recording with a new recording on February 1 to aid Haiti. Invited artists for the new recording include Usher, Natalie Cole, and John Legend. Rumored to participate are Miley Cyrus, Will Smith, Justin Bieber, Sugarland, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Hudson, Sting, Fergie, and Wyclef Jean. More artists are being invited as we speak. Let's hope some that actually have "star power."
However, compared to the 1985 lineup of Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie, Steve Perry, Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Huey Lewis, Kim Carnes, Kenny Rogers, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Diana Ross, Billy Joel, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Ray Charles, James Ingram, Smokey Robinson, members of The Jackson 5, members of the Pointer Sisters, Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, Harry Belafonte, Bob Geldof, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, Waylon Jennings, Prince, and many more. . . . the 2010 lineup sucks by comparison!
The 1985 version sure looks like "The Dream Team" when compared to today's lineup.
If the 2010 lineup is any indication, this shows the sad state of music today!
Jay Leno on Oprah: "Don't Blame Me, Blame the Network!"
Jay Leno goes on Oprah today to explain the Leno/Conan mess!
(CNN) Newly-reinstated Tonight Show host Jay Leno sat down with talk-show host Oprah Winfrey to talk about the Leno/Conan mess.
If you're looking for someone to blame for NBC's late-night horror show, take aim at the network, Jay Leno told Oprah Winfrey on Thursday in an exclusive interview.
"It had nothing to do with me," Leno told Winfrey of NBC's decision to reinstall him as the host of "The Tonight Show," leaving Conan O'Brien out of a job as a late-night host.
"There's always someone waiting in the wings in this business to take your job. If you're not doing the numbers, they move on. Pretty simple," he told her. Winfrey flew down to Leno's studio for an hourlong talk, rehashing the aftermath of NBC's messy programming moves. This interview is the first that Leno has granted since the imbroglio, and although he didn't lay into NBC in his late-night monologues the way O'Brien did, he was a bit more candid with Winfrey.
"Anything [NBC] did would have been better than this," he said during the interview. "If they'd come in and shot everybody, it would've been, 'oh the people were murdered,' but it would've been only a two-day story. This was a huge mess."
But finally, Leno said, the plan NBC proposed -- of moving O'Brien back half an hour to 12:05 a.m. to make room for a half hour of "The Jay Leno Show" -- was financial, not personal. "It all comes down to numbers in show business," Leno said. "This is the perfect storm of bad things happening. NBC had two hit shows, and you move them both to another situation. What are the odds that they both do extremely poorly? If Conan's numbers had been higher, this wouldn't have happened."
To those who believed Leno was pulling strings behind the scenes to eject O'Brien in order to get his old job back, he said, "there aren't any strings to pull. I have a show that's been canceled -- I don't have any power to say, 'I want that.' "
The Time magazine cover that hyped the ill-fated Jay Leno Show!
Leno explained to Winfrey that when NBC came to discuss the low ratings and its decision to move his show out of the 10 p.m. time slot, he did ask if he could be released from his contract. NBC's response was that he was still a valuable asset.
He said that when NBC gave him the option of doing his show at 11:35 p.m., he asked if O'Brien would agree to it, and NBC executives assured Leno that he would.
Except the next thing Leno knew, O'Brien released a letter to the "people of Earth" refusing to move "The Tonight Show" back to 12:05, on the grounds that it would ruin the franchise.
"But, if you look at the way the ratings were ... the ratings destroyed the franchise," Leno said with a shrug.
Winfrey was frank about her surprise that so much of America has taken sides in the network's debacle, with many facing off against Leno. Did he believe he was taking away O'Brien's dream?
"No, I didn't think that I was taking away Conan's dream," Leno said. "This was an affiliate decision. It's a matter of dollars and cents. They only asked me to come back after Conan turned down the deal."
Leno said he was no stranger to the harsh reality of show business, as during his long tenure at NBC, he's also felt the brunt of network decisions.
The situation was put into motion five years ago, Leno told Winfrey, when NBC came to him and said that they wanted O'Brien to take over on "Tonight" in 2009, and Leno would have to leave.
"I was in my office, and one of the executives came and said, 'Listen, Conan's getting offers from other networks, we don't want to lose him, we want to give him the show, and we're asking you to leave,' " Leno said. "It broke my heart. I was devastated. This is the job that I always wanted, and it was the only job that ever mattered in [show business] to me."
But Leno agreed to the deal, and he and O'Brien remained friends, talking often through the subsequent years. Leno admitted to Winfrey that he told a "little white lie" on television when he said he planned to retire, because actually, he thought he would move his show to another network.
On Tuesday, Jeff Gaspin, NBC Universal Television Entertainment chairman, did say the decision to give Leno a prime-time show was primarily to keep him from going to ABC.
Despite some of the expectations for "The Jay Leno Show" -- Time magazine called Leno "the future of television" -- it was a flop, and NBC executives now admit the decision was a mistake.
Check your local listings of the Oprah Winfrey Show for more on the candid interview with Jay Leno.
Another Case of An Invasion of Privacy!
A union is fighting against having video surveillance cameras in a locomotive control cab!
(LA Times) The 2008 train disaster in Chatsworth, California that resulted in 25 deaths, influenced federal safety investigators to call for video surveillance cameras installed in all locomotive control cabs in the country. The Chatsworth crash was formally blamed on the engineer who was texting at the time and caused the train to run a red light. The cameras on the 5 county commuter service were installed last year and an effective way to enforce safety rules, officials argue.
However, the union, The Brother of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, disagrees with these officials and said that the cameras were illegally installed, they are an invasion of privacy, and that the equipment would cause a "psychological burden" on an engineer doing their job!
Some may argue that keeping an eye on these engineers would provide better safety to the passengers. In effect, the cameras in the cab is nothing more than a corporation keeping an eye out on it's employees. The same thing can be said for keeping watch on employees through their computer work, over the phone, and in the workplace. It's just a matter of what some would say, "quality control." Having surveillance cameras in the engineer's cab--considered a work place---is something that is quite common in the corporate world.
Are these cameras intrusive enough that worker's might see it as a "psychological burden?" Would it be an addition to the stress that the engineer is already on? Some would argue that the cameras in the cab is another way of having "BIG BROTHER" watch the engineers. The right-to-privacy is all but "SHOT" in this case.
Makes one wonder WHY cameras are not in the cockpit of an airplane YET? You think those two Northwest Airlines pilots who were supposedly on their laptops checking their work schedule (code word for "dozing off") when the plane overshot their destination by 150 miles, would have been caught?
Nevertheless, invasion of privacy is a serious issue in America and, ever since the rise of technology, the right to privacy has been steadily shrinking!
HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!
Simon Monjack, with late wife Brittany Murphy, blames Warner Brothers Pictures for Murphy's recent death!
(TMZ) Simon Monjack, the husband of the late actress Brittany Murphy, is planning to file a "wrongful death" lawsuit against Warner Brothers Pictures claiming that when Murphy lost her role in the sequel Happy Feet 2, she became distraught and had a heart attack that led to her death.
NOTE: Toxicology results from Murphy's autospy should be released sometime next month. The results should give clues to her "cause of death." Monjack has been dogged by rumors that he was somehow responsible for the late actress' death.
In addition, Monjack claims that WB "let go" of Murphy from Happy Feet 2 is because the actress was fired from a previous film, The Caller. There were numerous reports about Murphy's erractic behavior on the set.
Warner Brothers Pictures heard about the rumors of a lawsuit from Monjack and issued this response:
"Any claim that Warner Bros. Pictures was somehow responsible for Brittany Murphy's tragic death is demonstrably false, reprehensible, and defamatory. Despite press reports to the contrary, Warner Bros. Pictures and Ms. Murphy never entered into any deal for "Happy Feet 2," and thus, there was not a contract to cancel."
Stay tuned. . .
WWE wrestlers Greg Helms and Chris Jericho were arrested in Kentucky!
(Perez Hilton) WWE wrestlers Greg "Hurricane" Helms and Chris Jericho were arrested yesterday at a Kentucky gas station for being drunk in public!
Not only were they drunk, but Helms ended up smacking 3 other people including Jericho and a woman! Things got violent in a taxi around 4 AM when Helms allegedly struck Jericho, a man named Gary Kelley and female passenger Ashley Storer.
Helms immediately ran from the scene, but ended up returning to the gas station where he and Jericho were arrested for public drunkenness.
Helms was not arrested for his alleged attack on the others because in Kentucky the police would have to witness the attack. Storer has said she will not press charges against Helms, but Kelley is still undecided and he may.
Jeff Probst (right), with Roger Childs, is host of his new show, "Live for the Moment," premiering on CBS tonight!
(EW) Jeff Probst, the host of "Survivor" has a new show, "Live for the Moment," that will premiere tonight on CBS (check your local listings). Probst describes his show in his own words:
"Live for the Moment tells the story of someone who has experienced a life-changing event that inspired them to change how they live their life. We send them on a series of adventures which offer major thrills and life lessons on how to live a bigger, better life.
Each week we’ll feature someone different. Our pilot episode features Roger Childs, a husband and father of two from Denver who has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s a daunting diagnosis, but when you see how it has inspired Roger to live his life you’ll be blown away.
Future episodes might feature someone who survived a plane crash, or a former athlete that was paralyzed. It’s all about people who have come to realize that life truly is short and we should all be enjoying our days as much as we can!"
Series premieres tonight on CBS.
J.D. Salinger, the author of the monumental book, "The Catcher in the Rye," dies.
(AP) J.D. Salinger, the legendary author, youth hero and fugitive from fame whose "The Catcher in the Rye" shocked and inspired a world he increasingly shunned, has died. He was 91.
Salinger died of natural causes at his home on Wednesday, the author's son said in a statement from Salinger's literary representative. He had lived for decades in self-imposed isolation in the small, remote house in Cornish, N.H.
"The Catcher in the Rye," with its immortal teenage protagonist, the twisted, rebellious Holden Caulfield, came out in 1951, a time of anxious, Cold War conformity and the dawn of modern adolescence. The Book-of-the-Month Club, which made "Catcher" a featured selection, advised that for "anyone who has ever brought up a son" the novel will be "a source of wonder and delight — and concern."
Enraged by all the "phonies" who make "me so depressed I go crazy," Holden soon became American literature's most famous anti-hero since Huckleberry Finn. The novel's sales are astonishing — more than 60 million copies worldwide — and its impact incalculable. Decades after publication, the book remains a defining expression of that most American of dreams — to never grow up.
Although the story of Holden Caufield not only captured the imagination of readers, it also has a "sinister" side. The book influenced real-life criminals like Mark David Chapman, who killed singer John Lennon; John Hinckley Jr, who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan; and stalker Robert Bardo, who killed actress Rebecca Schaeffer.
Ram running back Steven Jackson. Jackson's situation is a long list of NFL players having domestic problems with their wives/girlfriends!
(SportsbyBrooks) Oh well, another NFL football player accused of "domestic violence." This time the player accused is St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson.His then girlfriend Supriya Harris claims that Jackson abused her when she was 9 months pregnant, according to a complaint filed with the Las Vegas Police report in March 2009!
In her complaint, Harris says, “Steven became enraged and pushed me to the ground, repeatedly. He forcibly grabbed my arm and flung me against the door. I was crying and trying to protect my stomach from the blows, as I was 9 mos pregnant. He continued to shove me against the door until his nephew … interceded and yelled, ‘uncle, she has a baby, stop.’”
Harris claims she was “bleeding heavily” from wounds she received after she was smashed into a door handle.
Harris says Jackson took her to a nearby hospital — but instructed her to lie and tell doctors that she was injured from a fall in the shower.
The source of the complaint from Harris appears to be over a dispute over support payments with the running back. Jackson is refusing comment on the matter.
Michael Jackson's home in Las Vegas is now sold---to a fan!!!!
Nice to have fans like this. A Michael Jackson fan bought the "King of Pop's" Las Vegas home for $3.1M. Yes, the 16,000 square foot home is now "off the market" and the real estate agent can get rid of those annoying MJ fans who acted as "prospective buyers" in order to get a glimpse of the "gloved-one's" castle.
Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick. A man comes forward to challenge Scott Disick to a DNA test to determine WHO is the real father of Kourtney's baby!
(Mediatakeout) Another man has asked that a DNA test be taken to determine who is the REAL baby-daddy of Kourtney Kardashian's baby. Model Michael Girenti said that he would like to have a DNA test with "supposed baby-daddy" Scott Disick to find out WHO the real father is.
Girenti and Kardashian met during a photo shoot together last year. While on the set, things began to get "heated" between the two and that's when they had a "one-night stand," according to Girenti. Apparently, Kardashian and Disick were "on the outs" at the time the two met.
Sounds like another "story-line" to the Kardashian reality show!
2K Sports is daring video gamers to pitch a perfect game and they'll give you $1M for your hard work!
(The Escapist) 2K Sports, the makers of Major League Baseball 2K10 (coming to stores March 2) will give any video gameer $1M if they can pitch a perfect game in their game. A perfect game in baseball is defined as one in which a pitcher or pitchers earn a victory over a minimum nine-inning game while allowing nobody from the other team to reach base: No hits, no walks, no passed balls , no nothin'.
It's not easy - it's only been done 18 times in the history of Major League Baseball, stretching all the way back to 1880 - and 2K Sports is so confident in the realism of its newest baseball sim that it's offering a million bucks to the first person who can toss one.
TV's Jesse James lost his pooch, Cinnabun, yesterday and enlisted the help of Findtoto.com!
Television personality and CEO of West Coast Choppers, Jesse James, recently lost his dog named Cinnabun in Long Beach yesterday. James made a frantic search for the dog but found nothing. He even put up a $2,000 reward. Lastly, he hired Findtoto.com to help in the search!
Who is Findtoto.com? The website gives its description:
FindToto.com is the best proactive resource to help bring your lost pet home. By using advanced technology, our calling system can call thousands of your neighbors within minutes. The lost pet message contains a detailed description of your pet, date missing, and your contact number. The message is either left with a live person or voicemail answering service. With over 2,000 found pets and counting, FindToto is the superior alternative to re-unite you with your lost pet.
Sounds like a marketing company making thousands of annoying calls to your neighbors! But hey, the system works for the budding company and it has managed to have some success stories, ask model Brooke Burke and NOT SO GOOD stories, ask Jessica Simpson!
Many speculate that Kurt Warner will be announcing his retirement tomorrow!
(USA Today) A planned press conference for Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner on Friday 3pm EST is being speculated by the media that the two-time MVP and Super Bowl MVP (with the Rams in 1999) will be calling it quits! Although there is no clue as to why the press conference is being set up, many analysts said that they would be surprised if Warner announced he was going to return next season.
The Arizona Republic has reported that Warner has already told the Cardinals what he wants to do. SI's Peter King believes Warner will retire.
Must See Low-Budget/Independent/Foreign Films!
Will Return next week!
Thu Jan 28, 2010 7:28 am
Paul B
All-conference
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am Posts: 1167 Location: Hollywood, California
Re: Cardinals QB Kurt Warner to Retire? (Jan. 28)
Hollywood News!!!!! (all da kine' stuff dat mattah' in Pop Culture)
A new destination in Hollywood has opened--W Hollywood Hotel and Residences!
(LA times) The 305 room W Hollywood hotel opens today in the epicenter of Hollywood, on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine.
In a style fitting the location, the hotel’s unveiling won’t lack for glitz and glam. A day after the hotel’s opening, a “civic recognition event” on Friday is expected to draw 300 to the hotel, including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The event will include appearances by late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel and singer Robin Thicke. This weekend, the W will host the Grammy Awards post-event party for EMI’s Capitol Records, which is headquartered across the street from the hotel.
The fete was a long time coming for Gatehouse Chief Executive Officer Marty Collins. He drafted plans for the W Hollywood in the late 1990s and spent the next decade haggling with various local and regional government agencies and building the hotel at a cost of $350 million. In addition to the hotel, the project has 143 residences priced at $500,000 to $7 million. Of those, 43 are under contract.
W Hollywood will host the Grammy Awards post-event party for EMI's Capitol Records!
Located at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the W is within walking distance of the Pantages, Hollywood Palladium, Avalon theaters, and Metro train station. It contains a Bliss spa, the Drai’s Hollywood nightclub and the Delphine restaurant. The W’s rates range from $219 for a 400-square-foot room to $2,000 to $4,000 for a 1,650-square-foot room.
“We say internally that we’re introducing the newest star on the boulevard,” said Jim McPartlin, the hotel’s general manager. “So, you take the training wheels off and see what happens.”
Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner Announces Retirement
Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner has retired.
Warner's "rags to riches" story in the NFL will land him in the Hall of Fame
(Reuters/NY Times) TEMPE, Arizona (Reuters) - Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner retired on Friday after a 12-year NFL career that yielded a Super Bowl championship and established him as one of the game's elite players.
"It's been 12 unbelievable years, 12 of the best years of my life," he told a news conference. "But I want everybody to know I'm just as excited about the next 12, I'm excited about what lies in front of me.
"I'm excited about spending more time with my family and seeing what God is going to do next."
Warner, a former player in the Arena Football League, made a name for himself during the 1999 NFL season with the St Louis Rams when he was named the starter and led the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory.
The 38-year-old made it to the Super Bowl twice more and retires at the top of his game with one year left on his contract.
Warner was elected to the Pro Bowl four times and has passed for 32,344 yards and 208 touchdowns with the Rams, New York Giants and Cardinals. He is a twice NFL Most Valuable Player and was also named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player in 2000.
He spent the last five seasons with the Cardinals and led the team to its first Super Bowl appearance last year where Arizona nearly pulled off victory until a last-minute touchdown by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Former President Bill Clinton, was one of the many "movers and shakers" who spoke at the World Economic Forum conference in Davos, Switzerland.
(Weforum) The World Economic Forum is currently taking place in Davos, Switzerland. WEF, is a Geneva-based non-profit organization, best known for its annual meeting in Davos. The conference is where the economic "movers-and-shakers" involving billionaires, world leaders, and CEOs and executives come to meet to talk about the world economy.
This year's conference is focused on Global Development which includes the recent earthquake in Haiti, climate change, the status of Africa, and the current economic crisis.
Bill and Melinda Gates announces his $10B plan to research, develop and deliver vaccines to the world's poorest countries!
The latest news from the conference came from Billionaire Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates, who are contributing $10B over the next 10 years, to help research, develop and deliver vaccines for the world's poorest countries.
“We must make this the decade of vaccines,” said Bill Gates, speaking at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. “Vaccines already save and improve millions of lives in developing countries.”
Many critics believe that the conference is not only a networking opportunity for world leaders but also an opportunity to plug and protect their own "self-interest."
The conference ends January 31.
Dr. Conrad Murray and Michael Jackson. The DA will soon be charging Dr. Murray for the death of Michael Jackson!
(TMZ) The DA is getting ready to formally charge Dr. Conrad Murray in the death of Michael Jackson. Members of the D.A.'s office -- including Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley -- have already met about filing a criminal case against Dr. Murray.
Members of the LAPD still have not met with the D.A. to present the case, however, a source says the deputy D.A. assigned to the case -- David Walgren -- has worked closely with LAPD detectives on the case, is intimately familiar with the investigation, has all the LAPD investigative notes and has already briefed Cooley and others in the office.
Tmz reports that Dr. Murray could be charged with involuntary manslaughter as early as next week.
Link Erica Rhodes, made quite an impression on the American Idol judges during her Dallas Audition!
Erica Rhodes, a former cast member on Barney and Friends, was "welcomed to Hollywood" during her Dallas audition. Her dominatrix leather outfit surely made an impression on the judges, especially Neil Patrick Harris, who oogled Rhodes and called her a "bad girl!"
However, Rhodes managed to use the opportunity to display a good voice with her rendition of the "Barney song" (much to the amazement of Englishman Simon Cowell) and her version of "Free Your Mind" and make it to Hollywood!
Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga was arrested for a DUI early this morning.
(Kentucky Post) Former USC linebacker and now Cincinnati Bengal Rey Maualuga was arrested for driving under the influence early this morning. Covington Police arrested Maualuga at 2AM this morning.
Apparently, the linebacker was driving a Pontiac Sunfire, with a juvenile female and 18 year-old Chelsea Fauver, along Scott Street when he allegedly sideswiped two parked cars and a parking meter. No one was injured.
Oh, and his Sunfire was totalled.
Golfer Tom Watson expresses his opinion on the Tiger Woods scandal!
(SportsbyBrooks) Golfer Tom Watson, who toiled in obscurity until his remarkable run at the British Open last year, said this about the Tiger Woods scandal and its effect on the game of golf:
“It’s bad for our game. It’s something he needs to get control of and a handle on and make some amends and show some humility to the public when he comes back.
“His swearing and his club throwing, that should end. That’s not part of what we want to project as far as the professional golf tour is concerned.”
May sound a bit harsh but there is some truth to what Watson is saying. Watson is the second prominent golfer to speak about Tiger Woods, along with Jack Nicklaus. Arnold Palmer has chosen to remain silent on the matter.
The economic boom has changed China but the growing list of defective products show that the country is lacking in safety regulation!
(Honolulu Advertiser/Asia Times/James Joyner) Federal Consumer Safety regulators recently announced a recall of a China-imported product "The Princess and the Frog" children's pendants that were found to contain high levels of the toxic heavy metal cadmium.
Today's recall affects about 55,000 items, sold exclusively at Walmart stores.
The voluntary recall by FAF Inc., of Greenville, R.I., comes several weeks after an Associated Press investigation reported high levels of cadmium in the pendants and other children's metal jewelry imported from China. This is the first recall involving the metal cadmium.
The recent recall comes from a long-list of products from China that have been found defective or that contain high-levels of toxic matter. The growing list includes recalls of Mattel Toys, lead bracelets, crayons, drywall materials, pet food, cough syrup, Fisher Price toys, toothpaste, milk, and other products that have contained lead or other substances that are highly toxic.
Although most China-made goods are safe, there are a few products that "slip through the cracks" into America and are later found to be defective. Unfortunately, these defective products portray China to be lacking in safety regulation.
It is an irony that China has managed to combine the worst elements of capitalism with the worst elements of Communism: a repressive regime that provides no safety regulation. The demands of the global marketplace will force them to change, at least on the latter front, over time. People want cheap goods and most of them will overlook human rights abuses in the countries providing them. People won’t accept unsafe products, however.
Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson's Dad, is asking for an "allowance" from MJ's estate!
For some reason, Katherine Jackson--the "King of Pop's" staunchest protector and supporter--- is supporting the idea that husband Joe Jackson deserves an allowance from Michael Jackson's Estate. Now most Michael Jackson fans and casual fans know how MJ felt about his father?
Administrators of the Estate John Branca and John McClain know too and have flatly refused Joe's request because, according to the will, Papa Jackson is NOT a beneficiary of son's estate! I wonder why?
Well, Joe Jackson will have his say in court on May 10 in which he'll argue his case on WHY he needs an allowance.
David Spade, in character as "Joe Dirt" from that 2001 forgettable film "Joe Dirt." Believe it or not, TBS wants Joe Dirt as a cartoon!
(Perez Hilton) David Spade, is developing an animated version of his 2001 box-office bomb Joe Dirt for TBS. Why?
TBS executive VP of Programming Michael Wright explains:
“David Spade is a hugely popular comic talent who has created a funny, yet lovable, character in Joe Dirt. We look forward to seeing how he and his fellow writers and producers take this character in new directions as TBS continues exploring the world of primetime animation."
Sounded like Wright was reading reading from a statement from Spade's reps. Oh well. . . If "King of the Hill," Trailer Park Boys, and My Name is Earl can make it, than Joe Dirt can!
Steven Jackson (left), who is accused of beating ex-girlfriend Supriya Harris (right), releases a statement on the matter.
(ESPN) St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson released a statement, responding to the allegations made by ex-girlfriend/babymama Supriya Harris. Harris is accusing Jackson of assaulting her when she was 9 months pregnant with their child.
Jackson said in a statement:
"It's disheartening that I have to address any alleged allegations 10 months later, but I have read the accusations made by Supriya Harris, and they are untrue," Jackson said in a statement Thursday. "The accusations are especially hurtful because those who truly know me know that those actions would be out of character for me. Miss Harris is the mother of my son, a son that I love and that I willingly support emotionally and financially. I will address this matter thoroughly through the appropriate avenues, but not through the media. "
The criminal complaint was filed by Las Vegas Police this past Wednesday and includes a statement that Harris was pushed to the ground by Jackson. Harris claims that she was bleeding after the altercation, which ended when a relative told Jackson to stop.
Sources indicate that Harris and Jackson are in a dispute regarding support payments.
Celtics Eddie House's wife, Charlsie House, was involved in brawl at the U.S. Airways Arena in Phoenix with Detroit Tigers catcher Gerald Laird (right)
Arizona Republic reports that Celtics guard Eddie House's wife Charlsie House was involved in a brawl that included Detroit Tigers catcher Gerald Laird and brother NY Yankees prospect Brandon Laird at the Verve Energy Lounge located in the U.S. Airways Arena--home of the Phoenix Suns.
Gerald Laird was arrested for misdemeanor assault for allegedly striking a security guard in the head from behind during the brawl. Brandon Laird, 22, allegedly shouted derogatory remarks toward House and other women at the lounge before taking a swing at one of the women. He was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
Gerald Laird told officers that at the time “he felt he was in danger“and complained about “some lady inside that was bragging about her husband playing for the Celtics.”
Laird was attending the Phoenix Suns game with his brother, grandfather, and Uncle. Witnesses said that the group was cautioned by security before entering the loung because they appeared intoxicated.
Oh, Mrs. House also accused the 70 year-old Grandpa Laird of touching her inappropritely!
Police are investigating and have seized the video from the Verve Energy Lounge.
Jimmy Kimmel has been the most vocal among Team Coco supporters in their "hatred" of Jay Leno!
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel leads a star-studded list of Conan O'Brien's supporters on "Team Coco" who show disdain toward fellow comedian Jay Leno. Kimmel, joins Tom Hanks, Rosie O'Donnell, Howard Stern, Mariska Hargitay (not officially), Rick Gervais, Matthew Perry, Patton Oswalt, Ice T, David Letterman, and many others, who have spoken out against Leno.
No wonder, Leno's appearance on Oprah was meant to prevent more damage from being inflicted on the chin-strapped comedian. Many believe that Leno had to explain himself after the Conan/Leno fiasco in which HE was largely blamed for!
It remains to be seen if the Oprah appearance will help Leno because we'll find out March 1 when he makes his debut as host of the Tonight Show.
See the Video of Jimmy Kimmel's response to Leno's interview with Oprah:
Abraham Shakespeare. A $31M lottery winner in 2006, his body was recently found after being reported missing last November!
(CNN) What began as a "missing persons" case, has now become a murder investigation. Abraham Shakespeare, who won $31M from the 2006 Florida lottery, was found dead and buried under a recently added concrete at a home in Plant City, Florida. The home is owned by the girlfriend of the "person of interest." The cause of Shakespeare's death is not known and won't be determined until Monday, said the Hillsborough Sheriff's Department.
The Sheriff's department has no possible motive but many in the community believe that owning $31M has A LOT do with it. At one point, Shakespeare won a court challenge from a co-worker, who claimed that Shakespeare snatched the winning lottery $31M ticket from him.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said that when his investigation began, authorities had hoped to find Shakespeare alive "and he truly had just wanted to hide from those who were asking him for money."
"As our investigation continued, the information we developed led us to believe he may very well have ended up with an untimely death," Judd said.
Shakespeare was pronounced missing by family members last November. Family members said that he wasn't seen since as late as last April last year.
Baltica crew member, Adam Buczynski, pictured with "Baltic" the dog found floating alone on the ice!
Warsaw, Poland - A dog floating alone on an ice floe was saved by the crew of a Polish research ship Baltica. It was estimated that the dog, nicknamed "Baltic" after the ship (until its real owner is found), had been floating on the ice for 75 miles. The dog was first seen 60 miles inland on the Vistula River, where local firefighters were alerted but were unable to save the dog.
The rescue was difficult because the dog kept falling into the water. Fearing he could drown, the crew lowered a pontoon to the water and the mechanic, Adam Buczynski, managed to grab the dog by the scruff of the neck and pull him to safety.
In port, the 44-pound dog was taken to a veterinarian, who found him in surprisingly good condition and estimated he was 5 or 6 years old.
Tourists wait for rescue helicopters to save them in a Peruvian town, ravaged by flooding and landslides!
(CNN) Rescue efforts are under way in Peru for about 800 tourists who were stranded at a nearby town that has been ravaged by floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain, closing railways and roads. The violent storm stranded many tourists from around the world, killing 7 tourists. Inititally, over 2,500 tourists were trapped in the town of Agua Calientes, located near Machu Picchu the famous Inca ruins, but helicopters have been flying hundreds of tourist out of the area (235 of the tourists are U.S. citizens).
The Peruvian Government has issued a "state of emergency" for the nearby towns, Cusco and Apirimac.
U.S. track star Crystal Cox, in a Survivor:Gabon publicy shot, has admitted to using steroids from 2001-2004!
U.S. track runner Crystal Cox, who appeared on Survivor: Gabon, has been banned for 4 years by the International Olympic Committee for her admission that she used anabolic steroids from 2001-2004. She will have to forfeit her gold medal at the 2004 Athens games in which she was a member of the 1,600 meter gold-medal relay team that finished ahead of Russia and Jamaica.
In addition, Cox would have to forfeit all her results from 2001-2004.
The Cox admission came after an investigation turned up information from the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (aka BALCO) case.
Half-pipe Snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler hopes to medal in Vancouver!
(LA Times) Shaun White's counterpart on the U.S. women's half-pipe snowboarding team is Gretchen Bleiler, who has a fan base almost similar to White and has her own clothing line! Bleiler, who is a 2006 silver medalist, is currently competing in the Winter X-games in her hometown of Aspen, Colorado, where the local kids know her by name!
"They just screamed looking at Gretchen," said Olympic halfpipe Coach Mike Jankowski. "They had the biggest grins."
So what did Bleiler do?
"She screamed back at them and had the biggest smile on her face, slid over, said hello and signed about 20, 25 autographs," Jankowski said.
Bleiler appeared on Maxim!
The girl's got crossover appeal and has appeared on Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and FHM/Maxim! Quite simply, Bleiler, at 28, is the best female snowboarder without an Olympic gold medal on her long resume.
After "Avatar," It's Really A Race for Second at the Box Office!
Mel Gibson's thriller, "Edge of Darkness," was good enough for second!
(EW/Nicole Sperling) Ho hum another day for "Avatar," and the real race is for second place for the weekend Box-office! Okay, "Avatar" got $30M to remain at No. 1 while the real interesting race for second was won by the R-rated revenge drama "Edge of Darkness," starring Mel Gibson!
Darkness earned an estimated $17M for the actor/director and proves that Gibson still has some "star-power" left, despite a recent divorce and his infamous DUI arrest a few years ago. But perhaps with its greatest audience being older males who don’t go to the movies that often, the number isn’t surprising. (There was a call from Jewish community leaders to boycott the film due to Gibson’s comments a few years ago. No word yet if that movement gained any traction.)
"When in Rome" starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel did surprisingly well taking in $12M!
Third place belonged to Disney’s romantic comedy When in Rome, starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. which did better than expected with a $12 million take.
Holdovers dominated the rest of the weekend’s top 10. The Tooth Fairy didn’t open to spectacular numbers last weekend, but it held on really well in its second frame, dropping only 29 percent, earning the Dwayne Johnson-family film another $10 million. It now stands at $25 million for 10 ten days in release.
Fifth place went to Washington’s Book of Eli. The R-rated post-apocalyptic drama has held on well since its January debut, dropping 44 percent its third weekend in theaters for a cume of $74 million.
"Legion" took a big drop in only its second week!
Legion took the hardest fall this session. Dropping a steep 61 percent, the Paul Bettany-Dennis Quaid drama earned only $6.8 million in its second weekend for a total take of $28.6 million. The Lovely Bones took the seventh slot with an additional $4.7 million. Its total take, after eight weeks in theaters, is $38 million.
Sherlock Holmes held on to 8th place with $4.5 million and a total cume just shy of the $200 million mark. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel took spot nine, with $4 million and a total take of $209 million, and tenth place went to Nancy Meyers’ It’s Complicated, which earned another $3.7 million, putting its overall cume at $104 million.
Grammy Awards Results!
Beyonce was the big winner at the 2010 Grammy Awards last night!
(TV Guide) Beyonce broke the record for most Grammys won by a female artist in one night by netting six statuettes at Sunday's 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.
The singer, who was up for a leading 10 awards, picked up four trophies in the pre-show before winning song of the year for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and female pop vocal performance for "Halo." But she lost the top prize, album of the year, to Taylor Swift for Fearless. At 20, Swift is the youngest winner in the category ever.
Country/Pop singer Taylor Swift won for Album of the Year!
Beyonce was previously in a six-way tie with Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Alison Krauss and Amy Winehouse for most Grammys won by a female in one ceremony — five. She also won five Grammys in 2004 for her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love. Her Grammy total as a solo artist is now 13.
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" was also named best female R&B performance and best R&B song. Beyonce also won best contemporary R&B album for I Am ... Sasha Fierce and best traditional R&B performance for "At Last."
The R&B diva's husband, Jay-Z, took home three trophies. "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)" was named best rap solo performance, while "Run This Town," his song with Rihanna and Kanye West, won for rap/sung collaboration and rap song.
Swift won three other Grammys for best country song and best female country vocal — both for "White Horse" — and best country album for Fearless.
Lady Gaga opened the show and won two awards!
Lady Gaga, who opened the show with a duet with Elton John, won two trophies: dance recording ("Poker Face") and electronic/dance album (The Fame).
Kings of Leon beat out Beyonce, Swift, Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas for record of the year with "Use Somebody." The soaring tune earned the rockers best rock performance by a duo/group and best rock song trophies earlier in the night.
The Black Eyed Peas snagged three trophies, including best pop vocal album for The E.N.D.
Kings of Leon took Record of the Year honors with "Use Somebody."
Country group Zac Brown Band nabbed best new artist honors, while Green Day won its fourth Grammy for best rock album for 21st Century Breakdown.
Other winners include Maxwell, who won two statuettes for best R&B album for Blacksummers' Night and best male R&B vocal for "Pretty Wings." Stephen Colbert won best comedy album for A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
Steven Tyler to Sue Members of Aerosmith to Prevent from being "Replaced?"
Steven Tyler has "siced" his lawyer to "stop the auditions and talks with Kravitz and Idol to replace him until he returns!
(Perez Hilton) Talks of Lenny Kravitz or Billy Idol taking over as the frontman for Aerosmith until Steven Tyler returns, have come to a halt! And so too are the auditions for a replacement singer for now.
BECAUSE Steven Tyler is going to do everything to prevent being replaced. Yep, we're talking lawsuit!
Tyler's attorney, Skip Miller, has written to the band's manager, Howard Kaufman, stating to "immediately cease and desist from engaging in acts and conduct to the harm and detriment of your own client, Aerosmith, and our client who is one of its members."
Though his attorney claims Tyler doesn't want to take any legal action, instead he just wants to hold his place in the group.
Adding, "Steven Tyler does not want lawsuits. We do not want to go in that direction. The direction we want is Aerosmith, with Steven Tyler, touring in Europe, touring Latin America, releasing a new album… This is the direction it's all intended to go. It's just amazing to me current management would be taking any other position."
So what are the other band members going to do while they wait for a year for Tyler?
Oh boy, let's see what guitarist Joe Perry has to say. . .
Rip Torn. His mugshot brings laughter to some but the actor has been suffering from alcoholism for awhile and clearly needs help!
Actor Rip Torn (Dodgeball) appeared in court in handcuffs to face charges of breaking into a bank in Connecticut while intoxicated and carrying a loaded gun this weekend! He was charged with carrying a weapon without a permit, carrying a firearm while intoxicated, first degree burglary, first degree criminal trespass, and third degree criminal mischief.
Last Friday night, Police responded to an alarm at the Litchfield Bancorp building in Salisbury, CT at 9:40PM. Police found Torn with a loaded handgun and he was "highly intoxicated." Law enforcement officials believe that Torn had gained access through a broken window, which they believe Torn had broken the window himself.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Torn has had an alcohol-related arrest.
Jazz singer, Etta James,, 69, is facing declining health and a battle with Alzheimers!
Jazz singer, Etta James, famous for her song "At Last," was hospitalized last week and found to be suffering from a terrible infection and quite possibly the flu-bug! Today, some bad news revealed that James has also been suffering from Alzheimer's disease that she's battling for the better part of las year!
Her family has reported that with the disease and her health declining, she may be transferred to a nursing home to help with her combative tendencies and confusion.
Kristin Bell announced her engagement to Dax Shepard (right)!
"When in Rome" star Kristin Bell announced yesterday that she is engaged to fellow actor Dax Shepard (TV's Parenthood, When in Rome). Shepard proposed over the holidays and the couple kept a secret for a few weeks!
The New England Patriots are in trouble for hiring illegal aliens to shovel snow for a game at Gillette Stadium!
(Providence Journal) A temp-agency, Legal Pro Tems, and the New England Patriots are in "hot water" for hiring 60 illegal aliens to shovel snow before a game between the Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts! One worker was pregnant and another was just 14 years old! What's confounding about the episode is that U.S. Immigrant officials knew about the hiring!?
Many of the workers were ill-equipped to work in the sub-zero temperatures at Gillette Stadium. Some came in sandals and sweat pants. Workers said they were given just one half-hour break (930Am-4PM) and a half-hour lunch, consisting of a hot dog and hot chocolate. Some were paid $5-7 an hour below the minimum wage and charged $7 a day for transportation to the stadium.
The Patriots organization have said they claim no responsibility for the temp-agency and their hiring practices but you can bet legal action is coming in the near future!
Former football player Herschel Walker , 47, made an "impressive" debut in his MMA fight against a 25 year-old!
(SportsbyBrooks) Sunrise, Florida - Don't know if MMA purists like the idea that a 47 year-old former football player, Herschel Walker, who has no MMA experience whatsoever, beating up a 25 year-old is sort of a "novelty-act" but its sure worth attention! The fight between Walker, who was never in serious trouble, and Greg "Dangerous" Nagy was entertaining from Walker's fans point of view, as the former football player pounded Nagy with punches in the 3rd round and caused the ref to stop the fight.
Walker is now 1-0 which is more than you can say for former Detroit Lions football player Johnny Morton who was pummeled in his first MMA debut a few years back.
The NFL all-star game drew in 12.3M viewers, a 40% increase from last year!
(USA Today) The NFL All-star game the Pro Bowl drew a whopping 12.3M viewers, a 40% increase from a year ago! This was the first time the contest was held away from Hawaii since 1980 AND BEFORE the Super Bowl.
The game in Miami was a close one with the AFC winning 41-34. AFC Quarterbacck Matt Schaub was the game's MVP.
The Pro Bowl will return back to Hawaii next year.
Caressa Cameron, who is a broadcast journalism student at VCU, won the Miss America Pageant!
(MSNBC) The Miss America Pageant crowned Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron, 22, in Las Vegas Saturday night. The pageant was broadcast on the cable network TLC with Mario Lopez as host. The panel of judges included radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, actress Vivica Fox, musician Dave Koz, Miss America 2002 Katie Harman, gymnast Shawn Johnson and former "American Idol" finalist Brooke White.
The pageant was a staple on network television until 2004 and found a home on cable television.
Cameron won a $50,000 scholarship and the crown, beating out 53 contestants. Coming in second was Miss California Kristy Cavinder who won a $25,000 scholarship.
Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:03 am
Paul B
All-conference
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am Posts: 1167 Location: Hollywood, California
Re: Grammy Award Results! (Feb. 1)
HOLLYWOOD NEWS!!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)
Director Katheryn Bigelow's war film, "The Hurt Locker," is tied with "Avatar" for the most nominations at 9 apiece!
(Radaronline) The 82nd Academy Awards nominations were announced at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, as Avatar and The Hurt Locker tied for the day's high with nine nominations apiece.
The expanded list of best picture nominees are: Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious, A Serious Man, Up, and Up In The Air.
Joel and Ethan Coen's dark comedy "A Serious Man" is nominated for best picture!
Nominees for best actor went to: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart; George Clooney, Up in the Air; Colin Firth, A Single Man; Morgan Freeman, Invictus; and Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker.
Jeff Bridges(Crazy Heart) and Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air) are nominated for best actor and best actress respectively!
The candidates for best actress are: Penelope Cruz, Nine; Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air; Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart; Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air; and newcomer Mo'Nique for Precious.
Best supporting actress candidates included Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side; Helen Mirren, The Last Station; Carey Mulligan, An Education; Gabourey Sidibe, Precious; and Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia.
Carey Mulligan (An Education) and Cristoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds) are nominated in best supporting actress and best supporting actor categories.
Best supporting actor candidates are: Matt Damon, Invictus; Woody Harrelson, The Messenger; Christopher Plummer, The Last Station; Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones; and Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds.
"Precious" Director Lee Daniels, who is mostly known as a producer, is nominated for the first time in only his 2nd Directed feature!
Best Director candidates are: Lee Daniels, Precious; James Cameron, Avatar; Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker; Quentin Tarantino, Inglorious Basterds; and Jason Reitman, Up in the Air.
Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin will host the ceremonies, which emanate from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood March 7. ABC will broadcast the event live.
Stars Unite for the 2010 Remake of "We Are the World" (1985) for Haiti!
The stars came out on yesterday to sing a remake of the 1985 classic, "We Are the World" to raise funds for Haiti!
(Radaronline) A remake of the 80s classic We Are The World was recorded Monday, as a star-studded cast of more than 100 entertainers -- highlighted by Barbara Streisand, Pink and Kanye West -- united at the same Hollywood recording studio the original was recorded at 25 years ago, with the proceeds from the new song's downloads earmarked for the ongoing Haitian relief efforts.
RadarOnline.com has the just-released photos of the celebrity-studded marathon recording session, which included, among others, Wyclef Jean, Carlos Santana, will.i.am, Jamie Foxx, Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, Celine Dion, Keith Urban, Jeff Bridges, Vince Vaughn, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Natalie Cole, Akon, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Toni Braxton, Josh Groban, Zac Brown, Gladys Knight, Justin Bieber, Harry Connick Jr., LL Cool J, Robin Thicke, Rob Thomas, Jordin Sparks, Good Charlotte's Madden brothers, Keri Hilson, Tyrese, Katharine McPhee, Sean Garrett, Melanie Fiona and all three Jonas Brothers.
Singers Celine Dion and Jennifer Hudson were two of more than 100 entertainers to participate in the "We Are the World" remake!
I just want to thank everyone," Wyclef Jean told the LA Times. "Haiti thanks you. The world thanks you."
The performance was also filmed in 3-D and the music video will debut February 12 on NBC during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.
The days of buying a CD will soon become "ancient history" now that the music industry has embraced the digital music industry! However, the losses in revenue have mounted as the adjustment continues!
(CNN) The recording industry, coming off a glorious night of celebration at the Grammy Awards with 25.8M viewers, faces a daunting task because revenue for the industry plunged to $6.3B! Compared to 1999, revenue then was $14B!
The Recording Industry Association of America has seen declining revenue in 9 of the past 10 years! The RIAA has seen CD sales plummet because of the popularity of digital music. The landscape clearly changed when Napster made its debut with the advent of free online file sharing. It's arrival plummeted the price of a CD from $14 to free.
Since then, unauthorized recordings of music has been a problem ever since. ITUNES helped a little during its debut in 2003 with the introduction of paying for music, but the habit of "stealing" music hasn't changed most customers. The 4 year gap from 1999 to 2003 in which Napster changed the customer's habit of obtaining "free" music was a lost opportunity for the music industry, who is now mired in a situation in which the volume of unauthorized downloads represent 90% of the market.
Pandora radio and ITUNES are part of the music industry's solution to provide accessability for the music-lover.
The music industry is now trying to "catch up" with the customers and lost revenue by licensing ringtones, licensing music on popular Internet radio stations like MySpace Music and Pandora and licensing music videos on YouTube. Digital licensing revenue reached $84 million in 2009, and it is expected to grow substantially in the coming year.
"The industry is actively doing a lot of things that are putting us back on the right path," said RIAA's vice president of research Joshua Friedlander. "We're switching to an access model from a purchase model."
Forrester Research forecasts music industry revenues will continue to decline until it reaches about $5.5 billion a year by 2014, as new revenue sources begin to lift sales again.
MLB star Pete Rose has good reason to be smiling nowadays!
Ever wonder why legendary baseball player Pete Rose is popular nowadays? For some reason, his latest girlfriend "Kiana" Kim has something to do with it! Rose and Kim met at a car dealership and the rest is history!
So far, Kiana has been busy with her career, aside from owning a beauty parlor in Houston and accompanying Rose wherever he goes, and is planning to pose nude for Playboy!
Conan O'Brien helps out the stagehands, who got nothing from the NBC deal!
Despite handing out $7M for a separation deal for Conan O'Brien's staff, the 50 stagehands were not covered in the deal. So Conan took money from his own bank account to pay the stagehands for 6 weeks of severence.
IATSE Local 33, the union for the crew members, said that the workers were very happy with the way Conan handled the situation.
"Boston Legal" actor Justin Mentell, dies in a car crash in Wisconsin!
Justin Mentell, formerly of ABC's "Boston Legal," died in a car accident in Wisconsin. According to the Sheriff's department, Mentell, 27, wasn't wearing a seat belt when his SUV plunged down an embankment and hit two trees.
The actor played Attorney "Garrett Wells" on Boston Legal from 2005-2006. He also played the character Terrell on the Disney film, "G-Force."
Matthew Broderick stars in a new comedy series for NBC!
NBC has given the green light for Matthew Broderick to star in a TV sitcom entitled "Beach Lane," which is the story of a celebrity author hired by an irresponsible millionaire to run the small town newspapers in the Hamptons.
Lorne Michaels of SNL fame is set to produce.
BET's version of "counter-programming" with "The Michael Vick Project." Hopefully, viewers can pry themselves away from "Idol" or "Lost" to watch this "image-redemption" show starring Vick!
"Lost" among the series premieres tonight is BET's 10 part series "The Michael Vick Project" starring current Philadelphia Eagle quarterback and former dog abuser Michael Vick who tries to rehabilitate his image while carefully sidestepping the issue of his dog abuse case.
The show begins with Vick's narration:
"Against all odds, one man escaped and uplifted a family. But his humble beginnings led to a very tragic ending. But from darkness he saw the light. Blessed with a second chance, he must once again rise above to heal his family, his community, his legacy."
It is a redemption story, couched in religious terms: "I'm Michael Vick," Vick says over the opening credits. "My fall from grace was tragic, but it was all my fault, and I'm on a mission to get everything back. Not the money and the fame, but to restore my family's good name."
Vick's Philadelphia teammates recently voted him the Ed Block Courage Award, for players who "exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage," seems to indicate that it is, as does a BET online poll in which 85% of those responding agreed that the quarterback had already done enough to "repair his image." Surely, the series' success largely depends on Vick supporters, who will probably make-up the bulk of viewers of this BET series.
Try to pull yourself away from American Idol or "LOST" to watch this.
Kate Beckinsale will be filming the 4th installment of "Underworld" in 3D!
If you can't get enough of Kate Beckinsale, she's coming at you in 3D for the fourth installment of her Underworld series! Seriously, by now, most franchises are looking at prequel but if you're looking good like Kate, you don't have to!
Universal Studios Orlando plans to advertise the Harry Potter Theme Park on a "full-scale" during the Super Bowl!
Universal Studios Orlando will be advertising their Harry Potter Theme Park during the Super Bowl! The studio/theme park company has shelled out some serious bucks for the Super Bowl ad (reports are estimating $3M for a 30-second ad!).
The theme park is scheduled to open this Spring!
During your stay in Ghana, Africa, why not stay at Hotel Obama?
(Chicago Tribune) America loves its Presidents but did you know that there are hotels around the world honoring U.S. Presidents?
Take for instance: the Kennedy hotel in Rome, Italy; the Hotel Obama in Ghana, Africa; Hotel President Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland; Harding Hotel in Dublin, Ireland; and the Hotel Franklin D. Roosevelt in Paris, France.
One more thing, the country of Ghana wanted to honor President Obama that the 18-room Obama Hotel grand opening was on July 4th, 2009!
John Edwards and Rielle Hunter. The affair between the two has become a "tangled-web" of soap opera proportions!
The John Edwards Sex Scandal has a long shelf-life and is now extending to his former mistress Rielle Hunter who confirmed a "sex tape" was made with her and Edwards. In addition, the sex tape is no longer in her possession but with Edwards' former aide Andrew Young, who reportedly "stole" the tape, according to Hunter.
In fact, Young, who will be releasing a book "The Politician" about Edwards and Hunter, was requested by Hunter to return the tape but he did not, which forced Hunter to get a court-order against Young to give it back. Sources said that Young was given the tape by Edwards and told to dispose of it.
Many speculate that Young knew that he could make a profit with the tape and information about the affair of Edwards and that led him to obtain a book deal and sell the reputed sex tape to the "highest bidder."
Stay tuned. . .
Former Dallas Cowboy all-star Jay Novacek with his wife LeAnne Novacek. Police report of no foul play involved in the suicide of LeAnne Novacek.
(Now Public) Police confirmed that former Dallas Cowboy star Jay Novacek's wife, LeAnne Novacek, 45, committed suicide in her Mother's house in Burleson, Texas. Novacek died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
While the suicide is being investigated, questions remain concering the whereabouts of Jay Novacek at the time of the suicide and whether a suicide note was left. In a preliminary investigation, Police said there was no foul play involved.
Sources described the Novacek's as a happy family who were active in the community. So far, no one from the family has spoken about LeAnne Novacek's death.
Former Dallas Cowboy all-star Jay Novacek with his wife LeAnne Novacek. Police report of no foul play involved in the suicide of LeAnne Novacek.
(Now Public) Police confirmed that former Dallas Cowboy star Jay Novacek's wife, LeAnne Novacek, 45, committed suicide in her Mother's house in Burleson, Texas. Novacek died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
While the suicide is being investigated, questions remain concering the whereabouts of Jay Novacek at the time of the suicide and whether a suicide note was left. In a preliminary investigation, Police said there was no foul play involved.
Sources described the Novacek's as a happy family who were active in the community. So far, no one from the family has spoken about LeAnne Novacek's death.
WOW! I started a thread about the death but never knew until now it was a suicide. Novacek played at Wyoming. Wonder why she killed herself.
_________________
Tue Feb 02, 2010 4:36 pm
Paul B
All-conference
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am Posts: 1167 Location: Hollywood, California
Re: The Recording Industry, Trying to Revive Itself (Feb. 2)
HOLLYWOOD NEWS!!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)
American Idol Wallops "Lost" Debut In Television Showdown!
The much anticipated debut of "Lost" on ABC was pummeled by "American Idol Auditions in Denver" on Fox!
(Variety) The hugely anticipated two-hour final-season premiere of "Lost" improved by 12% over last season's debut episode and drew 12.1 million viewers Tuesday night. The strong showing, however, wasn't enough to defeat Fox, which offered a potent combination of "American Idol" and "Kitchen Nightmares."
According to early estimates from Nielsen, "Lost" was No. 2 for the night with a 5.6 rating/14 share, its highest rating since Feb. 21, 2008. Viewer totals were about 700,000 (6%) more this time around than last season's preem, and well above the 9.5 million 2009 season average.
With the "Lost" premiere drawing huge interest and other nets not holding back and offering new content, approximately 8 million new viewers were added to the broadcast environment Thursday.
Fox had the No. 1 show of the night with "American Idol" (8.9/23, 24.4 million), and the net followed that with a "Kitchen Nightmares" episode (3.9/10, 9.2 million). Net normally runs "Nightmares" on Friday but Fox has had to fill the 9 p.m. Tuesday slot when "Our Little Genius" -- originally skedded at that hour -- was pulled before it ever began.
Following "Idol" at 8 p.m. was one-hour special "Lost: The Final Chapter" (4.1/11, 9.9 million), which acted as a recap of the first five seasons. Alphabet special was marginally behind CBS' "NCIS" (4.3/11, 19.1 million; up about 8%) but soundly defeated a repeat special of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" (1.6/4, 4.9 million).
At 9 o'clock, the first hour of a new edition of "The Biggest Loser" edged Eye's "NCIS: Los Angeles" (3.6/9, 16.3m) and earned a 3.7/9, 9.4 million for its two-hour window. The 10 o'clock numbers (3.7/10, 9.2 million) were about double than what would be a typical episode of "The Jay Leno Show," which NBC pre-empted to give "Biggest Loser" a chance to go head-to-head against "Lost."
CBS' "The Good Wife" (2.6/7, 12.7 million) was down about 13% from its last original telecast on Jan. 12, but faced much stiffer competition than usual Tuesday.
The Little Island of Vieques (Puerto Rico) Sues the U.S. Government!
Hermogenes Marrero, 57, is the star witness among 7,000 residents who are sick on Vieques Island!
Islanders claim their illnesses are the result of decades of weapons testing by the U.S. Navy
(DMZHawaii) Hermogenes Marrero is the star witness among 7,000 residents of Vieques Island, Puerto Rico who are suing the U.S. government. Marrero, 57, who was a former Marine 40 years ago on Vieques Island, is nearly blind, needs an oxygen tank, and has Lou Gehrig's disease and crippling back problem. He and 7,000 residents are sick from the hazardous waste that was left after 6 decades of Naval weapons testing that involved the use of napalm, chemical weapon (Agent orange) testing, and depleted uranimum. The island is now reputed to be a toxic hazard that has caused numerous illnesses among the inhabitants.
The Navy left Vieques in 2003 after years of controversy and protest.
The U.S. government response to the lawsuit is to invoke sovereign immunity, forbidding the islanders from suing to them. The government cites the CDC (Center for Disease Control) study in 2003 that found no link between the island's environment and the ilnesses. However, there are numerous scientists who dispute the CDC's claim and the CDC is considering new efforts to determine whether residents were sickened by the contamination at the Naval range.
Coincidentally, it was a government entity the EPA that labeled Vieques a toxic waste site in 2005.
Asked whether his duty on the island made him sick, Marrero responds, “Of course it did.”
“This is American territory. The people that live here are American,” he said. “You hurt someone, you have to take care of that person. And the government’s just not doing anything about it.”
James Cameron, along with the "Avatar" cast, will appear tonight on Larry King Live 9pm EST on CNN!
(CNN) Tonight, the cast of "Avatar," along with Director James Cameron, will appear on Larry King Live 9PM EST on CNN (check your local listings). The cast and the Director may be celebrating the fact that "Avatar" has overtaken "Titanic" for the no. 1 spot as the top grossing film of all-time, according to Box-officemojo.
Avatar now stands at $601.1M over Titanic which made $600.8M. The Navi tribe took only 47 days to become No. 1 while Leo Dicaprio's crew took 252 days to become top dog.
BTW, Avatar is still no. 1 at the box-office and it will probably hold that spot for awhile after being nominated for 9 academy award categories!
Elin Nordegren Woods is willing to "give it another try" with husband Tiger, according to a source!
(Radaronline) Proof that Elin Nordegren Woods has decided to "work" on the marriage, the wife of Tiger Woods has decided to dump her divorce lawyer. The move was made after Elin visited Woods for 5 days at the sex rehab clinic in Hattiesburgh, Mississippi a few weeks ago. One source said that Elin has "decided to try and make the marriage work."
While in Mississippi, Elin's twin Josefina was taking care of the children in Orlando.
When she returned from seeing Tiger, she was very happy,” one source said. “She hasn’t been like that in a long time. She was smiling for the first time in a long time.”
Leif Garrett. The 70s teen idol has fallen on hard times during the last decade with run-ins with Police!
Former 70s teen idol, Leif Garrett, 48, was released from Police custody today after being arrested on a drug best earlier this week. The one-time singer/actor was arrested at a Metrolink station in downtown Los Angeles in possession of a controlled substance.
Garrett wasn't able to make bail until today. This is the second arrest (in 2006 for riding on a train without a ticket and possessing heroin and quaaludes) for the once-popular teen star who was best known for appearing on the tv show "Family" and for his pop hits "Runaround Sue" and "I Was Made for Dancing."
Fox television is contemplating on whether a late night show with Conan O'Brien will be successful or not.
(Perez Hilton) Fox Television is mulling over if it is a good idea to hire Conan O'Brien for a late night show on the network. Fox executives have differing opinions about having a late night program with Conan will be profitable or not. Currently, the late night programming on Fox consists largely of reruns at a minimal expense.
If Fox does create a late night show with Conan, the network and Fox head Rupert Murdoch will have to see if the former Tonight Show host is worth the expense AND if it is profitable. So far, both sides have not come to any negotiation whatsoever.
Dr. Conrad Murray and Michael Jackson. "Much-ado about nothing!"
It has been a month since the media has reported that Dr. Conrad Murray will be formally charged for the death of Michael Jackson and SO FAR, nothing has happened. The latest news is that Murray is consulting with his legal team about his defense, while the D.A. is gathering evidence to build a substantial case against Murray.
The media has agonizingly waited for the D.A. to formally press charges but NOTHING so far.
So, this is merely a report about NOTHING and we won't report anything more about this until there is SOMETHING!
CBS News staffers, hit with layoffs and paycuts, have taken a shot at the $14M anchorwoman, Katie Couric!
(Perez Hilton) CBS News, like local station KGMB9, is undergoing paycuts and layoffs and now some of the anger from the staff is pointing to current anchor Katie Couric, who is making $14M a year!
One angry producer said: "She makes enough to pay 200 news reporters $75,000 a year! It's complete insanity. We report with great enthusiasm how much bankers are making, how it is out of step with reality during a recession. Well, look at Katie!"
That is a fair point but she's not the only anchor making an outrageous salary. Too bad CBS news has come to this (ABC and NBC have also had layoffs) after the much-ballyhooed hiring of Couric and now stuck in the cellar in 3rd place behind NBC's Brian Williams and new ABC anchor Diane Sawyer.
Abraham Shakespeare. Police have arrested his friend, Dorice Moore, who is believed to have killed the $31M lottery winner last April!
(CNN) Dorice Moore, 37, was arrested yesterday on charges in the death of 2006 Florida $31M lottery winner, Abraham Shakespeare, whose body was found buried under a recently added concrete at a home. Moore, who was a friend of Shakespeare, was helping the lottery winner write a book about the challenges of winning millions and that she was helping him manage his money.
"Abraham had a life of drama because of the money," she told CNN affiliate WTSP. "The money was like a curse to him. And now it has become a curse to me."
Sheriff David Gee believes that Moore may have committed fraud in order to obtain part of his fortune. Shakespeare had been killed in April and Moore wrote letters and used his cellphone to convince family members that he was still alive.
Police are continuing the investigation and looking for other suspects.
Jets coach Rex Ryan's $50k mistake!
The "suits" from the New York Jets organization--NOT THE NFL--fined Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan $50,000 for flipping the bird at a MMA event this past weekend. Apparently, Ryan was being introduced by the MMA organizers and was booed by fans. Feeling their wrath, Ryan "flipped the bird" and was photographed in full-view from a cell phone camera!
Don't understand why Ryan was fined since he was at the Strikeforce event on his "free time" but the suits, concerned about the Jets organization's image, found the head coach's behavior unacceptable and fined him anyway.
Oh well. Ryan took a hard lesson at appearing at a public event since everyone is "armed-and-dangerous" with a cell phone camera! $50K? Ouch!
Disney is trying to sell Miramax films for $700M but investors are "scared-off" by the price!
(LA Times) Disney is trying to sell Miramax studios, the prestigous film studio famous for "The Queen," "No Country for Old Men," and "The English Patient," for $700M but buyers are "scared off" by a price that they say is "too high."
Unfortunately, Miramax is known for "arty-films" but these type of films don't exactly bring in the profits. The studio founded by Bob and Harvey Weinstein in 1979 and sold to Disney in 1993, has been losing money, laying off employees, and shedding productions. Many investors say that the catalog of Miramax films is a declining value.
Meanwhile, the Weinstein's would like to reclaim the studio and are saddened at the current state of Miramax, named after their parents Miriam and Max.
An AIDS activist group wants it "mandatory" that porn stars wear condoms during filming!
(LA Times) LA County officials are "backing off" from requesting the use of condoms in porno films! An AIDS activist group has complained to the California Health Department about the use of protective measures for porn stars but officials there said that the group must go to the California legislature for that request.
Furthermore, officials have said that it would be difficult to "regulate" the porn industry through the county's Public Health Department.
"It is very, very difficult to implement. There are roughly 200 production companies with about . . . 1,200 actors," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the county's public health chief. "All you need is a room and a camera and a bed, basically, to do this kind of shoot, and we have no ability to police this."
Fielding said it would be difficult for public health officials to prove if the movies were produced in L.A. County or elsewhere because producers often do not apply for filming licenses. In a memo to supervisors on Sept. 17, health officials warned that such an effort would be costly because the Public Health Department would need to identify filming sites and monitor compliance, which would require significant staff time.
You wonder how many guys and gals would want a job regulating the porn industry and having to visit a film site during shooting? That hiring line would be loooooonnnnnggggg. . .
Even though Mackenzie Phillips rescinded her story on Joy Behar, the public's feeling that she's an "opportunist" who is taking advantage of her father's memory, won't change!
Former "One Day At A Time" star Mackenzie Phillips, "took back" her claim of having a consensual incestous relationship with her Dad and former Mamas and the Papas founder, John Phillips. The accusations of a consensual relationship with her Father, was revealed by Phillips late last year during her promotion of her book, "High On Arrival."
Appearing today on the Joy Behar Show, Phillips rescinded her original claim and said that the relationship with her Father was NOT consensual.
Amanda Seyfried, is asking for more moolah to do the sequel of Mamma Mia!
Amanda Seyfried, who stars in her latest film, "Dear John" opening Feb. 5, is demanding $7.5M to star in the sequel to Mamma Mia! The original film grossed over $600M worldwide and Meryl Streep (It's Complicated), who played Seyfried's Mom in the original, has already signed on for the sequel.
Oh well, if you're going to "hold out" for more money, more power to you!
Mathew and Tina Knowles, flank their famous daughter Beyonce. News broke out that the couple's split was because of Mathew's affair!
It is now confirmed that the reason for the divorce between Beyonce's parents Mathew and Tina Knowles stems from Mathew's affair with mistress Alexsandra Wright. Wright filed a paternity suit back in October claiming that Mathew was the father of her baby.
Although the media suspected that Mathew had an affair back in October, it wasn't until today that the news today of the the Destiny's Child manager being the Father of Alexsandra Wright's baby confirmed those beliefs.
Apparently, Tina knew about this as far back as October when Mathew confessed to her.
Wed Feb 03, 2010 7:42 am
Paul B
All-conference
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am Posts: 1167 Location: Hollywood, California
Re: AIDs Group Wants Porn Stars to Wear Condoms! (Feb. 3)
HOLLYWOOD NEWS!!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)
(Thaindian) Former Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi died last night of natural causes. He died in his Makiki home surrounded by his adoring wife and children, according to his son David in an email.
Fasi served 22 years as Honolulu Mayor and was a major fixture in Hawaii politics. He is credited for creating neighborhood boards, "The Bus" (Honolulu's highly-recognized mass transit system), and also invented and built the Satellite City hall system.
L.A. Medical Examiner Rules the Death of Actress Brittany Murphy as an "Accidental Death!"
Brittany Murphy, seen here with husband Simon Monjack.Despite results, her death still raises questions!
Report cites pneumonia, anemia, and multiple drug intoxication!
(TMZ) The L.A. Medical Examiner released the results of the toxicology results from the autopsy of actress Brittany Murphy and concluded that her death was "accidental." The report found that Murphy died as a result of a combination of pneumonia, severe anemia, and multiple drug intoxication.
L.A. Coroner officials said that her condition at the time was "treatable" had someone taken taken her to the hospital. As for the multiple drugs found in her system, there were both prescription, including medicine for cramps, and over-the-counter medications, including cough syrup. Sources say the drugs "pushed her over the line" but the underlying problems were the pneumonia and anemia. Murphy was extremely ill and had she NOT resorted to self-medication, her death could have been prevented.
Despite the results being released, the case on Murphy's death is not officially closed. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter paid a visit yesterday to husband Simon Monjack and Murphy's Mother, Sharon Murphy and asked a bunch of questions.
The questions stem from a source who said that a confidential manila envelope would be delivered to the Murphy home every Friday with prescription medication. An ex-employee also told the Coroner that the envelope would follow Murphy, with Monjack tagging along, all the way to Louisiana where she was filming a movie in the months before her death.
In addition, the Coroner asked the two why there was no record of Murphy visiting a Doctor before her death since the actress was suffering from severe abdominal cramps.
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The city looks like any U.S. city from afar, but it is one of the most deadliest places to live with 2 rival drug cartels fighting over turf!
(AP) While coverage is more focused on the Haiti earthquake and the Middle East conflict, the news of 15 killed by gunmen this past Saturday (with 10 being teenagers) in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, is being cast aside by most news services. The escalating violence in Juarez involves two rival cartels fighting over turf with residents being caught in the crossfire!
Despite having the Mexican Military presence, the violence escalated this past weekend and involved a birthday party in which 10 teens were shot to death, making it one of the deadliest massacres in the drug war history. Whether the killing was committed due to "wrong information," the fact that these teens had "no ties to criminal activities" makes the murder senseless and sad. Government officials are helpless and viewed as either corrupt or incompetent.
Juarez is just across the border from El Paso, Texas and it is only a matter of time that the violence will spill over into this Texas town.
James Cameron takes the lead and influences Hollywood to embrace the new 3D technology!
(CNN) "Avatar" Director James Cameron appeared on Larry King Live last night talking about some of the secrets of the No. 1 top-grossing film of all-time!
He reveals some of the pain he went through developing the film that has been nominated for 9 Oscars!
Link Actor Mel Gibson, is irritated by WGN reporter Dean Richards and thinking that the camera is off, refers to the reporter as an "a**hole."
(WGN) Mel Gibson appeared on WGN-television to promote his film, "Edge of Darkness," but the reporter, Dean Richards, wanted to talk about his run-in with Police 4 years ago concerning his DUI and his tirade against Jews.
Gibson became visibly irritated by Richards and once the interview concluded, the actor thought the camera was off and said, "a**hole," much to the surprise of Richards.
Casey Johnson. Her death was "diabetic-related" in which she failed to take care of herself and her bout with diabetes.
(TMZ) The L.A. Medical Examiner released the toxicology results on the death of Johnson and Johnson heiress Casey Johnson and said that she died due to "Diabetic Ketoacidosis" and the manner of death was "natural."
Johnson, 30, basically died of neglect. She failed to take her insulin shots, she did not exercise, did not follow her strict diet, and she was not taking her medication.
Diabetic Ketocacidosis is a technical term for lack of insulin, which often leads to a diabetic coma. It has been reported that Johnson suffered two previous bouts of diabetic coma and was sent to the hospital each time before her death late December.
Michael Jackson must be smiling about the work his executors John Branca and John McClain have done to his estate!
Michael Jackson Estate executors John Branca and John McClain must be happy because a judge honored their request for 10% of the profits from any of the estate-related ventures! The judge approved the fee request because he believed that this arrangement would actually "save money" when compared to the traditional agreement dealing with managers, lawyers, etc., which would end up costing a fortune!
Also included in the deal is the ability for the executors to approve estate deals without having to go to court each time.
However, the executors won't be making a profit from the recently released film, "This is it!"
Lastly, the judge said that he approves of the work done for the MJ Estate by Branca and McClain and referred to their accomplishment as "extraordinarily impressive."
Snowboarder Shaun "The Flying Tomato" White wants to change his nickname to "The Animal." Somehow, that doesn't sound right?
(NBC bayarea) Snowboarding King Shaun White wants to change his nickname from "The Flying Tomato" to "The Animal!"
Hmmm. . . that doesn't sound right! In fact, one ESPN reporter had a hard time referring to White as "The Animal" during his piece on the "ginger-lock" snowboarder.
White said that "someone else" gave him that nickname "The Animal" but we beg to differ. Surely, White used "someone else" so that he won't be accused of committing a faux pas of giving oneself a nickname.
Okay, whatever you say, Mr. White. We still like "The Flying Tomato" better though.
Dr. David Dosa with Oscar the cat (aka "The Grim Reaper"). Dosa wrote a book about Oscar's uncanny ability to predict the death of a patient at a Rhode Island nursing home!
(Radaronline) Dr. David Dosa, a geriatrician and assistant professor at Brown University, has written a book "Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of An Ordinary Cat" about a cat that has an uncanny ability to predict the death of a person. Oscar, is the 5 year-old cat, who resides in a Rhode Island Nursing home and has predicted 50 patient deaths by nuzzling up to people who are about to die.
Dosa wrote about the cat in his book about the feline's bizarre ability and said that the cat has given dying patients more time with loved ones during their final moments.
"He (Oscar) does allow us, at times, to notify family members earlier than we normally would," said the author.
The Ed Hardy clothing designs that people love and loathe will do a reboot that is "free of graphics and logs." HA! We'll see.
(LA Times) What? The usually loud and brash Ed Hardy collection will be introducing a subdued collection coming February 16 at the Project Las Vegas apparel trade show. You got to be kidding?
Ed Hardy designer, Christian Audigier, announced that a new men's and women's apparel line, "free of graphics and logos ... inspired by the comfort and simplicity of vintage T-shirts" will be unveiled at the apparel show. A company representative told us no photos of the new line would be available until the Las Vegas launch, but described the collection, which will retail between $32 and $92, as "soft, simple basics without any logos or graphic," including cotton T-shirts and knit tops for both sexes, a color palette that skews neutral and earth tone, and nary a robed geisha, top-hatted skull or crouching tiger silkscreen to be seen.
Well, we'll see it before we can believe it!
The executive producers announce that May 23 will be the final episode of "Lost"
"Lost" Executive Producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday that the last episode of the popular series will be May 23, Sunday.
Melissa Rycroft, former Dancing with the Stars contestant, is now a special correspondent on Entertainment Tonight!
(BittenandBound) Things are looking up for former Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars contestant Melissa Rycroft, who signed on as an Entertainment Tonight special correspondent. Rycroft, 26, will be covering premieres, parties, and award shows. She also has reporting duties on Good Morning America and joined Ryan Seacrest in December on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve special in Times Square.
Rycroft recently married Tye Strickland last December in Mexico and was also the People.com leading candidate to replace now departed co-host Samantha Harris on Dancing with the Stars.
Surveillance cameras at the homes of Audrina Patridge and Lindsay Lohan gave Police a clear image of the burglars, who pleaded "NOT GUILTY" today in an LA court!
The Hollywood Hills Burglar Bunch who "terrorized" residents, mostly the homes of Hollywood stars and some business executives, have pleaded "NOT GUILTY" in an LA court for the burglaries that netted millions of dollars of jewelry, clothing, and other precious items. The group consisted of Rachel Lee, Nick Prugo, Alexis Neiers, Diana Tamayo, Courtney Ames, all 19, and Roy Lopez, 27. Lee was the ring-leader of the group that managed to steal from the homes of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Orlando Bloom, Audrina Patridge, Megan Fox, and many more!
Lee had a bizarre obsession with these stars and she purposely targeted the ones she admired! She even photographed herself wearing their clothes and jewelry! As to how she led these 19 year-olds and Lopez, we'll never know.
The prosecution has numerous video of the bunch from surveillance cameras posted at some of the stars' homes. The group whipped up an elaborate scheme via the internet with layouts of the stars' homes and the stars' schedules, which would alert them of their whereabouts.
Sort of a "slow" week for new films with "Dear John" and "From Paris With Love" the only notables. "Avatar" should take No. 1 again this weekend but some industry experts believe the love-story "Dear John" may contend for the top spot. We'll see.
As for low-budget/independent/foreign films we have these movies to showcase that are opening tomorrow: (At selected theatres, films are limited release, dates and times are subject to change)
Frozen -(R-for profanity and disturbing images) Bone-chilling thriller about 3 desperate snowboarders (Kevin Zegers, Emma Bell, and Shawn Ashmore) who face the specter of frost-bite and freezing to death, when they are mistakenly left stranded in a chairlift at a ski resort that has been closed for the week.
Terribly Happy - (Unrated) A Danish film about a disgraced Police officer, who suffered a nervous breakdown and is assigned to a remote town, only to be at odds with the local bully (Kim Bodnia), a wife beater of a flirtatious wife (Lena Maria Christensen).
Former Congressman and owner of KGMB, Cec Heftel Dies
Cecil Heftel, former Congressman and owner of Heftel Broadcasting (KGMBTV and radio) dies at age 85.
(Honolulu Advertiser) Former U.S. Congressman Cec Heftel died yesterday at 85 in San Diego.
He had been in failing health for a while and died of natural causes, according to Laura Figueira, who was district director when Heftel was in Congress.
He served in Congress from 1977 to 1986. He was best known as the owner of KGMB-TV and radio stations, which at the time were the top-rated in the state.
As owner of KGMB-TV, Heftel decided in to start an afternoon children's show, "Checkers and Pogo." Thousands of Island children tuned in every afternoon to watch the popular show with its whacky array of friends and adventures. It ran from 1967 to 1982.
A scene from the popular kids show, "Checkers and Pogo."
KGMB was one of many television and radio stations across the nation that were owned by Heftel Broadcasting. Heftel later sold those stations with the last few in LA, NY, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Miami sold to Clear Channel Communications in 1996.
In 1986, Heftel lost a controversial race to John Waihee for the Democratic nomination to succeed Gov. George Ariyoshi. Heftel claimed he was smeared by false rumors in the closing days of the primary.
After years out of public life, he ran for and was elected to one term on the state Board of Education in 2004. He did not seek re-election in 2008.
Private funeral arrangements are pending and will be coordinated with family members in Hawaii and on the Mainland, Figueira said.
UPDATE: On Charlie Sheen's Crashed Car and A Bentley Found Near It!
Charlie Sheen, with wife Brooke Mueller, may be part of an organized theft ring that targeted his car and a neighbors!
Police suspect the 2 cars found in the same spot is NOT a coincidence but part of Theft Ring!
(TMZ) There are reports of a Bentley, owned by neighbors who live nearby Charlie Sheen, being spotted abandoned next to Sheen's Mercedes Benz at the bottom of a cliff off of Mulholland Drive. A photographer was shooting Sheen's car when he spotted the Bentley down below.
Police now suspect that the cars being found near one another and reports that other cars were burglarized in Sheen's gated community points to an organized theft ring. As to why the cars were driven off the cliff and abandoned, the Police don't know the reason why.
However, Police found that Sheen and the owners of the Bentley had one thing in common---leaving their cars in an open garage! This is a common sight in this exclusive gated community but Sheen's car had the keys left in the ignition. Go figure?
As for the Bentley, the owners, one of whom will be featured on the upcoming show, "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," deadpanned, "They (the burglars) can take the car, but can I have my dryclean in the trunk please?"
Police are still investigating.. . .
Charlie Sheen: Getting It from All Sides!!!!!
Charlie Sheen is beginning the year in "high-style!"
Sheen's SUV was just stolen and he'll be soon charged with a Felony for Xmas Incident!
(TMZ) There are confirmed reports of an SUV belonging to Two and Half-Men star Charlie Sheen was found at the bottom Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills. Apparently, Sheen was informed by Onstar of a vehicle crash at 4AM this morning but the actor did not know his vehicle was stolen until he and his security team discovered the vehicle was gone!
Onstar had reported to Sheen that his vehicle was involved in a crash and that the airbags had deployed. The stolen vehicle was later found by Police--100 feet below Mulholland Drive.
The fire department is checking the area with an infrared scanner to see if the "suspect" who drove the stolen vehicle is still inside or in the general area but found nothing.
You think the Sheen security team is getting an "earful" from the actor?
Police are still searching for the suspect!
Felony, Schmelony!
Charlie Sheen will also expect to be charged with felony menacing for the incident that took place on Christmas Day with wife Brooke Mueller. In addition, to the felony, he will also be charged with a misdemeanor assault.
Formal charges will be filed either today or early Monday.
Sheen and Mueller were involved on a Christmas Day incident in Aspen, Colorado in which both parties were intoxicated and Sheen held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her. He was arrested for charges of domestic violence and a restraining order was made against the actor. It was believed that Mueller had asked for a divorce from Sheen during that Xmas incident.
The protective order against Sheen was "86'd" temporarily when Mueller was hospitalized for a bout with pneumonia and allowed the actor to visit his wife. Mueller has gone on record that she and Sheen will try to "work things out." Just recently, Mueller went to a rehab facility in North Carolina to "cleanse her of her pneumonia" but confirmed reports indicate that she checked in for treatment for her problem with alcohol.
Sheen is to appear in court on Monday for an arraignment and the Judge will also rule on the protective order that keeps the actor from seeing Mueller and his two children.
English Soccer Captain's Situation Almost Similar to U.S. National Team Episode in '98!
John Terry (left) is in sort of a similar situation as U.S. soccer player John Harkes (pictured far left in the photo of 3) back in 1998!
English soccer player John Terry was stripped of the captaincy for his affair with an ex-teammates' girlfriend!
(SportsbyBrooks) English Soccer Team Captain John Terry was stripped of his title of Captain after news broke that he had been having an affair with an ex-teammates' girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel. Terry is a married Father of 2 children and the news of his affair brought scandal to the English National Team and forced head coach Fabio Cappello to make the move before the World Cup in June and July in South Africa.
The situation is "almost" the same as the U.S. National Team situation in 1998 when John Harkes was "kicked off" the squad under accusations that he had slept with the wife of teammate Eric Wynalda. Surprisingly, Wynalda asked team officials to keep Harkes on the team so that the U.S. would have a better shot in the '98 World Cup Tournament. The U.S. team had a dismal showing and ended up losing all 3 group matches.
"Having Harkes on the team in '98 would have been a better result," according to then coach Steve Sampson.
Should English soccer player John Terry be dismissed from the team? That's a morality play that any spectator would hate to be in!
Andrew Young, along with his wife (not pictured), was ordered by a judge to return the sex tape that depicts John Edwards and his mistress Rielle Hunter!
(CNN) A North Carolina judge has ordered John Edwards' ex-aide, Andrew Young, and wife Cheri to return the sex tape and other materials to Edwards' former mistress Rielle Hunter by Wednesday! He held the couple in "contempt of court" and demands to return the materials or face jail time.
hmmm. . . just enough time to make copies, if they haven't done so already?
The couple appeared before the judge to contest a temporary restraining order forbidding them from disseminating the videotape. Hunter has claimed that the tape was stolen from her. Young said he was given the tape by Edwards himself and told to dispose of it.
We'll wait til Wednesday and I can hear the word "LEAK on the Internet" coming from this episode!
Kate Walsh, with husband Alex Young, have come to a divorce settlement---FINALLY!
(TMZ) "Private Practice" star Kate Walsh has settled her divorce with her husband of 14 months Alex Young! Young received $627,000 for his share of the community property but was shut down on spousal support. They split on the artwork and furniture and Young gets half of the residuals from "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice."
There are mutual restraining orders prohibiting each from harrassing the other!
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger owed some unpaid taxes but that issue with the IRS has been "terminated!"
California Governor Arnold Schwarzaneggar had a tax lien against him of $79,064 by the IRS but somehow the issue was settled. The Governor's rep said that it was all a "misunderstanding."
It's unclear how the government issue was settled, whether it was dismissed or paid off but we consider this issue TERMINATED!
Wayne Newton. The Las Vegas singer has some money problems concerning a private plane he abandoned at a Detroit airport!
(Perez Hilton) Las Vegas singer Wayne Newton mysteriously stopped paying for the storage of his private plane being held at the Detroit airport. Initially, the then $2M plane was in the facility to have some work done on the interior but the singer stopped paying the storage fee.
Detroit airport says that Newton owes $60K for abandoning his plane 3 years ago.
Is Newton running short on cash? OR, is this what most actors/actresses say when an issue comes up like this----a MISUNDERSTANDING!
USC head coach Lane Kiffin is trying to get a "head start" on recruiting (and violations) by "locking up" a 13 year-old quarterback!
New USC head coach Lane Kiffin, a "secondary violation" away, has just recruited a 13 year-old quarterback from Delaware Middle School that has produced the likes of Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart!
According to the LA Times, New Hampshire seventh-grader David Sills gave his verbal commitment to Kiffin, making the 13 year-old the youngest known commitment in college football. Kiffin got wind of Sills from quarterback guru Steve Clarkson, who runs a well-known quarterback camp, and through Youtube.
Sills has yet to choose a High School and he has 5 years to "change his mind."
Sinbad, the popular comedian in the 80s and 90s and as the "Post Man" in "Jingle All the Way" has filed for bankruptcy!
(Perez Hilton) Remember Sinbad (Houseguest, Jingle All the Way) the comedian? One of the few "clean mouth" comedians on the scene in the 80s and 90s and a Vegas regular? Unfortunately, Sinbad has hit some "hard times" and declared for bankruptcy. He's losing his $1.5M luxury home and he listed his liabilities totalling $60M with less than $50,000 in assets. He's even losing his Production company!
His home is currently on the market for $3M!
My, my, tough times for all!
Gorgeous Miranda Kerr is so "dangerous" that she may have cost an Australian banker his job!
(Radaronline) Victoria Secret model Miranda Kerr is speaking up for the Australian Banker who was caught on live television viewing scantily-clad pictures of Kerr while a colleague was being interviewed about interest rates. The embarassed banker, David Kiely, is under-fire for the gaffe that saw him browsing Kerr's GQ photo shoot while a colleague was being interviewed on live television.
Kerr heard the news of Kiely's situation that he might be fired and offered to sign a petition to help the embarassed banker keep his job.
Let's hope Miranda's helps him cause he's not the only one going gaga over the gorgeous Australian model!
See the video of the Australian Banker:(Kiely is caught red-handed eyeing the photos and even turns around at the end of the video to his surprise)
Kristen Stewart, served jury time recently but that's not all the courtroom drama that occurred?
"Twilight" star Kristeten Stewart was on the grand jury at L.A. Superior Court in which she served on a 3-day trial of a man who was accused of paying an undercover cop for sex. The man accused was later found innocent but the story doesn't end there.
A security guard who requested a picture with the actress during the trial is in "hot water" because he allowed his friend's wife to post it on the internet and now BOTH MEN are in trouble keeping their jobs!
There is a policy that when a celebrity appears in court in any capacity, they're appearance is to be kept confidential. Unfortunately, the guard (seen in the picture with Stewart) and his friend (the one who let his wife post the picture on the internet) may end up losing their jobs!
Don't think the Twilight actress can help these guys in this situation!
The son of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper (left) and nephew of "Hulk Hogan" made their MMA debut last night!
(Fresno Bee) Colton Toombs, the son of popular Wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, and David Bollea, "Hulk Hogan's" nephew, made their MMA debut at a Tachi Palace fight card, in Lemoore, California last night. Toombs lost on a decision his debut that went the full 3 rounds. The 20 year-old said his Father wanted him to go to college.
"I just wanted to do my own thing. I don't want to be stuck in a cubicle," Toombs said. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for [his father's name recognition]. But I want to make my own name."
As for Bollea, he won his fight in the first round by submission to improve to 2-0 for his young career.
The "Spitzer Girl" (Ashley Dupree) and thousands like her are heading down to Miami looking to "cash in!"
(The Big Lead) According to The Juice, as many as 100,000 prostitutes will descend upon South Florida this weekend in hopes of boinking and fleecing everything in sight. Two women who drove in from Chicago for this year’s Bang Bowl were quoted as saying a friend of theirs “walked away with 35 large” after Super Bowl XLI, also played in Miami.
Yep, there's a lot of money to be made during Super Bowl week and every sector of the adult entertainment industry from all 50 states are looking to cash in!
Let's "Laugh to the Weekend" with the star-studded montage of "High-Five Superbowl" featuring members from the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, Tiki Barber, Kim Kardashian, Wade Phillips, Rich Eisen, Mike Turico, the incomparable Don Johnson, and a cast of hundreds!
Now. . . About that Tiger Woods "Press Conference". . . .
Tiger Woods and his people are preparing for his news conference complete with "Tiger Apologists!"
Seems like some "Tiger-Rules" are in place for this event on Friday
(SportsbyBrooks) Seems like the much-ballyhooed press conference or in this case--a NEWS conference--that the PGA announced featuring Tiger Woods is part of a "publicity-machine" to indicate that Golf's No. 1 player will be coming back. However, the press conference is NOT all what it may seem.
Three new services Bloomberg, Associated Press, and most likely Reuters will be invited to the event on Friday. However, Tiger's agent Mark Steinberg, did say, "As a courtesy, a room will be made available at a nearby conference center for credentialed reporters to watch his talk on the televised feed."
The actual attendance of the press conference will be made up of "Tiger's people" and NO QUESTIONS ARE ALLOWED from those who are invited to the event. The one camera provided to film the event is from one of "Tiger's people." In short, the event is strictly for Tiger Apologists Only!
CNBC's Darren Roval speculates that there may never be anything from Tiger concerning his personal life come Friday. Hmm. . . that won't be a shock.
So expect a "controlled-environment" during the news conference on Friday free of paparazzi (you can be sure security will be 'beefed up' during that time), free of Gloria Allred and da' girls, and No Tiger-haters from the media attending this sham!
One source said, that you'd be better off putting this on Tiger's website or on the PGA website than setting up this so called "press conference."
Tiger Woods to Hold News Conference Friday!
Tiger Woods. Golf's No. 1 player will speak on Friday!
(AP) "World's Greatest Golfer" Tiger Woods will be holding a press conference on Friday at 11AM Friday. The announcement of the press conference was made official on the PGA website. Woods plans to speak to a handful of reporters from the clubhouse of the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida which is the home of the PGA.
"This is all about the next step," Mark Steinberg, his agent, told The Associated Press. "He's looking forward to it."
Steinberg said he would speak to a "small group of friends, colleagues and close associates" about his past and what he plans next, along with apologizing for his behavior.
He said three wire services would be invited, and he was asking the Golf Writers Association of America to pick a small group of reporters to serve as a pool. Steinberg said there would be one pool camera, but it would be available live via satellite.
The news conference will be held during the Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona, which is sure to steal attention away from the first big event of the year. Accenture was the first sponsor to drop Woods when he became embroiled in a sex scandal.
UH vs. USC to Open on ESPN September 2!
UH vs USC will be a nationally-televised game on ESPN!
(Honolulu Advertiser) The University of Hawaii will be opening its season against USC on national television on ESPN on September 2 with kickoff set at 530PM. UH Athletic Director Jim Donovan confirmed that the Thursday game at Aloha Stadium had been picked up by ESPN. This will be the second time (first time was 2005) that UH-USC will be featured on "the leading sports network."
UH is 0-5 in home openers in nationally-televised home openers.
Famed "Recluse" Sade Returns to the Music Biz with a BANG!
Sade's new album "Soldier of Love" shoots to No. 1 and it's like she never left.
(Daily Mail) Exotic beauty, Nigerian-born and British singer/songwriter Sade, 51, who took a sabbatical for 10 years from the music scene, has come back with a BANG as her "Soldier of Love" album has soared to the top of the charts selling 502,000 copies!
This is Sade's second album to make it to No. 1 in the U.S.--24 years after her first album Promise reached that top spot. The feat is remarkable since Sade has been gone from the music biz for a decade and has only toured once in the past 14 years. Her success in the 80s was no fluke with her album Diamond Life which featured the hits Your Love is King and Smooth Operator. More albums followed but her life as a recluse showed that Sade, who is reported to be worth $30M, is a "retiring" type of person. Family and friends call her "Howie" which is short for the most famous recluse Howard Hughes.
Sade Adu, is one of a few British female singers who have had success in the U.S.
Sade stays most of her time in a modest cottage in Glouchestershire, England with her partner of 4 years, Ian Watts, and her daughter Ila. Watts has an 18 year-old son from a previous relationship and he stays with them.
The success of "Soldier of Love" has surprised many music industry experts and some have called Sade's return as a "comeback of the year." The return is extraordinary considering Sade is one of the few British female acts that have "made it" successfully in America. Almost effortlessly from the start.
However, despite all the success, Sade Adu doesn't consider herself famous in her town when compared to neighbor/celebrity Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards (the ski jumper who became a celebrated figure after finishing last at the 1988 Winter Olympics). She says, "They are more interested in Eddie the Eagle. He's a bigger star in these parts than I am."
HOLLYWOOD SHORTS!!!!!
The mugshot of actor Gary Coleman after his arrest for domestic abuse two weeks ago in Utah.
(The Insider) Former "Different Strokes" star Gary Coleman "went-off" on a guest panelist Attorney Lisa Bloom on the entertainment news show, "The Insider." Coleman, who has been accused of domestic violence in the past, was asked by Bloom to deny claims that he had abused his wife after his latest arrest in Utah.
Instead of answering Bloom's questions, Coleman loses his cool and starts cussing before leaving the set.
See the youtube video of Coleman on "The Insider":
Jillian Michaels, fitness guru and featured as a personal trainer on "Biggest Loser" is being sued for the 3rd time in one week!
(Perez Hilton) "Biggest Loser" trainer Jillian Michaels has been sued for the 3rd time in one week over her supplement fat-burning pills "Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Fat Burner!" The class-action lawsuit claims that Michaels conspired with certain drug companies to make this fat burning pill that contains a "lethal blend" of ingredients. One noted ingredient is citrus auratium which is known to cause high blood pressure and serious cardiac problems in certain individuals.
Kathy Hensley filed the lawsuit in LA Superior Court and is asking for less than $5M for a fat-burning that she says resembles a "toxic cocktail."
Michaels says that she has her people that can prove her innocence in the whole matter.
Brody Jenner and Avril Lavigne. The "couple" is trying to keep it "low-key."
Serial-dater Brody Jenner (Bromance) is dating pop singer Avril Lavigne. An insider says that the couple has been "hooking up" and trying to keep it "low-key."
Elin Nordegren Woods and Tiger are NOT "out of the WOODS" yet, when it comes to Gossip!
(Perez Hilton) Okay, Elin Nordegren Woods wants to "work it out" with Tiger but is reported to be "not ready" to move back in with him---not just yet. Despite going to visit Tiger in Mississippi for 5 days during his "sex rehab" and returning with him back to Florida, Elin continues to stay at a nearby home and has recently been spotted around town with the children sans Tiger, according to a source. Noticebly absent on her hand is her wedding ring.
Adds the source, “She’s not moping around. She’s building a life. Elin looks great. The stress caused her to lose too much weight about a month ago but now she’s working out and she’s more beautiful than ever.”
Jon Gosselin is now OWNED by TLC!
(Radaronline) Jon Gosselin and the cable network TLC have reached a settlement and are taking the procedural steps to conclude the litigation. Terms of the agreement are being kept confidential.
However, TLC did say "that the Gosselin family remains under contract with the network." In other words, Jon Gosselin's butt belongs to TLC no matter what! Besides, Jon couldn't fight back because he couldn't afford the fight against TLC.
So far, TLC has not committed yet to bringing back "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" or the retitled "Kate Plus Eight."
The cast members of MTV's "Jersey Shore." An Italian-American group is considering suing MTV for their "offensive" show!
(Radaronline) A national Italian-American group UNICO (The National American Italian Service Organization) is considering taking legal action against MTV and their show, "Jersey Shore."
President Andre Dimino has revealed that they have consulted attorneys because they are fed-up with MTV’s portrayal of young Italian Americans as booze-fueled hellraisers.
The group is angry that the controversial show portrays Italian-Americans in the worst way and what troubles the organization is that most of the cast members are NOT Italian! Cast members Snooki and J-Woww recently confessed that they have no italian blood. Snooki admitted that she was Chilean while J-Woww said that she was a mix of Irish/Spanish. The group has called the show offensive and want the show off-the-air!
It was recently announced two weeks ago by MTV that Jersey Shore was renewed for a 2nd season.
Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler. Butler appeared in Rio, Brazil sans Jennifer!
Forty year-old actor Gerard Butler (300, Law Abiding Citizen) is not slowing down being surrounded by a bevy of beauties. Butler had been recently connected with Jennifer Aniston while filming "The Bounty Hunter" (due out March 19) together but new sightings a few days caught Butler with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.
However, YESTERDAY, Butler was seen with new one--a Brazilian beauty--while attending Carnival festivities in Rio. Ah, so little time. . . so many. . .
Shakira. Reports of the "She Wolf" and tennis star Rafael Nadal are being circulated but denied by Nadal's manager.
Reports of international pop star Shakira, who recently appeared on the NBA All-star halftime show, and tennis star Rafael Nadal being together are "totally not true," according to Nadal's manager. Rumors intensified after the two were spotted having an "intimate" dinner at the W Hotel in Barcelona, Spain. The dinner took place after a video was shot featuring the two.
Shakira is reported to be engaged to Antonio de La Rua, who is the son of former Peruvian President Fernando De La Rua.
Alexander McQueen with his Mother. The decorated designer's death may have been caused by the recent death of his Mother.
(AP)The autopsy results of famed British fashion designer Alexander McQueen have ruled his death--a suicide.The 40 year-old designer died as a result of asphyxiation caused by hanging at his home in Mayfair district in London.
McQueen was the head designer at Givenchy until 2001 and left to establish his own line. He was crowned British Designer of the Year 4 times and was awarded the title of International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards.
Many believe McQueen's death may have been caused by the recent death of his Mother, who died a few days before. McQueen's hanging occurred on the eve of his Mother's funeral. A note was found at the scene near his body but the contents have not been disclosed.
Figure skating is a big draw for the Winter Olympics but finished a close second to "American Idol."
(EW) The drama of Men's Figure Skating at the Vancouver Olympics pushed the event to finish a close second to American Idol. Idol managed to grasp 23.6M viewers while the Olympics surged from 17.4M to 22.4M viewers once the figure skating competition was shown.
"Lost," which lost 2 million viewers since its debut 3 weeks ago, was nudged off the podium by a repeat of NCIS which took the bronze medal last night.
Cinnabun and owner Jesse James were reunited this morning! The dog was found roaming the streets of Long Beach.
(TMZ) Jesse James (CEO of West Coast Choppers) and wife/actress Sandra Bullock must be celebrating cause someone returned James' missing dog Cinnabun! A woman brought in the missing pitbull after seeing a picture of the missing pooch on a flyer. She returned Cinnabun this morning at Jesse James shop in Long Beach.
The dog had been missing since January 25 and when everyone saw Cinnabun this morning, they started crying. The dog had lost 15 pounds and was seen roaming the streets of Long Beach.
Kevin Eubanks, band leader for Jay Leno, will be leaving the new Tonight Show after it makes its debut March 1.
Kevin Eubanks, long-time sidekick and band leader of Jay Leno's band on the Tonight Show and his prime time show, will be leaving the new Tonight Show with Jay Leno which is set to debut March 1. He will be on-hand during the premiere of the new show and will leave sometime after. The scheduled last show for Eubanks has not been announced but, so far, there is no word on his replacement and on the status of his bandmates.
Eubanks reason for leaving stems from a desire to try "other things."
Sadie, the Scottish Terrier, took Best in Show honors at the 134th annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show!
(National Post) Sadie, a Scottish Terrier, won Best in Show at the 134th annual AKC/Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. According to "handler" Gabriel Rangel, Sadie was anxious to get into competition and stays relaxed by watching television, especially her favorite program "Animal Planet."
Las Vegas had Sadie at 8-1 odds of winning the prestiguous dog show. Her win marks the 46th time that a terrier has won.
Wed Feb 17, 2010 7:21 am
Paul B
All-conference
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am Posts: 1167 Location: Hollywood, California
Re: No Questions Allowed at Tiger's Press Conference (Feb.17)
Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture!)
Ernie Els "Not Happy" with Tiger Woods Scheduled Press Conference!
Fellow golfer Ernie Els, is critical about Tiger's ill-timed "press conference!"
The press conference is scheduled tomorrow which is in the middle of the Accenture Match Play Tournament in Arizona
(Heraldonline) Fellow golfer Ernie Els was upset of the fact that Tiger Woods had scheduled his news conference tomorrow which is the 3rd day of the Accenture Match Play tournament in Arizona. Accenture was the first sponsor to drop Tiger as a spokesperson.
"It's selfish," former U.S. Open and British Open champion Ernie Els told Golfweek magazine. "You can write that. I feel sorry for the sponsor. Mondays are a good day to make statements, not Friday. This takes a lot away from the golf tournament."
Tiger Woods' agent Mark Steinberg was asked if the news conference could be scheduled for Monday, he answered, No.
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said he did not think Woods' appearance was going to undermine the World Golf Championship event.
"We have tournaments every week," Finchem said. "I think it's going to be a story in and of itself. A lot of people are going to be watching golf this week to see what the world of golf says about it, my guess is. So that will be a good thing."
As far as the PGA Tour's part in the Woods event, Finchem said: "We were asked to make the facility available and to help with the logistics. That's what we're doing."
"He's got to come out at some point," Irish golfer Rory McIlroy said. "I suppose he might want to get something back against the sponsor that dropped him. No, I don't know. It just went on for so long. I'm sick of hearing about it. And I'm just looking forward to when he's getting back on the golf course."
Steinberg has reiterated that "this is NOT a press conference and Tiger will not take questions from a small group of media.
As for Finchem, what can the Commissioner do if Golf's No. 1 player "wants to do what he wants to do?" Absolutely nothing.
The Amazing Tiger Woods' Inspired Float at Mardi Gras!
The Mardi Gras proclaims "All Hail to the King (of Golf)" with a tribute to Tiger Woods last Friday!
(SportsbyBrooks) Tiger Woods' so called much-anticipated "press conference" (actually a news conference with Tiger reading carefully prepared statements, no questions allowed, and an actual one-sided "discussion" of his past, present, and future) just 24 hours away, SportsbyBrooks unveiled a Tiger Woods' inspired float that made its debut at the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans (see pictures at the link below).
A 10-person team headed by artist Richard Valadie from the New Orleans float-building company Royal Artists created the giant "tribute" of Golf's No. 1 player.
British Poll Results Show Americans Are the Most Attractive People in the World!
Gorgeous American model Brooklyn Decker graces the cover of the most popular annual bikini issue in the U.S.!
(Telegraph) The United States, home to George Clooney and Jessica Simpson, came on top in a poll of more than 5,000 globe-trotting Britons.
In second place was Brazil while Spain, which boasts Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz as one of its natives, was third.
Blonde, tanned surfers of Australia saw it voted into fourth place, while Italy came fifth.
Sexy Swedes, such as model Victoria Silvstedt, helped it into sixth spot, but England only made it into seventh place in the poll.
Any surprised that actors George Clooney and Brad Pitt swayed British pollsters?
India was eighth,France ninth, and Canada finished off the top 10.
England's neighbours didn't fare so well in the poll though as Wales only made it in at number 13,Ireland was at 16, and Scotland was a measly 19th.
A spokeswoman for www.OnePoll.com, which carried out the study, said: ''America has got a lot on offer and boasts some of the sexiest people on the planet.
''The likes of Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt all help America's image as a hot bed of good looking people.
''But with a population of more than 300 million, they do have an unfair advantage."
She added: ''England's talent only got them into seventh place and despite Gerard Butler waving the flag for Scotland, they only just beat the Germans.
Disney stars (left to right) Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Miley Cyrus are America's new representatives of beauty!
''But in fairness, when you think of good looking countries, Sweden, Italy, France and Brazil talent all spring to mind before us lazy, pale Brits.
''If you're looking for some fun in the sun, you now know where to head on holiday.''
Other countries to feature in the top 20 include Portugal, Japan and Netherlands.
Germany completed the top 20.
Airline Incident Adds One More Thing for Passengers to Worry About---How You Smell!
Airlines are doing "a darn good job" of "challenging" the passengers in every phase from creating fees for every known amenity to having "safety" policies that could easily remove any passenger from the plane!
(CNN) Airline Passengers not only have to account for their weight when boarding a commercial aircraft but also be aware of their personal hygeine as well! Apparently, a man on Jazz Air, a regional airline in Canada that also serves U.S. cities, was reportedly kicked off a plane earlier this month because of his strong body odor.
"People were just mumbling and staring at him," said a woman who sat near the man, according to The Guardian, a newspaper in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, where the flight originated on February 6. It was a very uncomfortable situation, she added.
Another passenger described the smell as "brutal."
Jazz Air spokeswoman Manon Stuart confirmed that a passenger was "deplaned" from the flight, but she could not provide specific information about the person involved or the reason why he was asked to leave because of privacy issues.
"As an airline, the safety and comfort of our passengers and crew are our top priorities. Therefore, any situation that compromises either their safety or comfort is taken seriously, and in such circumstances, the crew will act in the best interest of the majority of our passengers," Stuart said.
Wow! So now, passengers are under the scrutiny from a flight crew who are not only "weight critics" and the "fashion-police" (mini skirts or any offensive or obscene clothing) but you can now add "personal hygeine specialists" as part of their duties. You'd think airline passengers had enough to worry about, besides the ticket price, baggage fees, and other charges.
Swiss to Vote on Lawyers for Animals!
In this case, a Swiss public prosecutor may represent the fish and officially charge the fisherman of animal abuse!
(AP) Well, if you could talk to the animals, you probably wouldn't get an answer, but in Switzerland you can TALK FOR THE ANIMALS by being their lawyer! On March 7, Swiss voters will decide if every state should be required to appoint an Animal lawyer to represent the interests of pets and farm animals in court. Yep, every animal that is abused by a human will be represented by an Animal lawyer. WHAT?
Ask Europe's only Animal Lawyer, Antoine F. Groetschel, who represented a dead pike, and accused the angler of torture because the fight between man and fish took 10 minutes. Groestschel took up the case for the large, dead pike because he said, "Fish don't get much sympathy."
Groetschel wants to expand the Swiss legal system to include the representation of animals. The country has made some bold steps to protect the interests of animals. The country's constitution prohibits keeping pigs in single pens and budgies alone in a cage. According to Groetschel, it would be called "solitary confinement." Dog owners have to take a "training course" and starting in 2013, horses are not allowed to be tied up while in their stalls.
In Switzerland, these may be cows, but to an animal lawyer, they are CLIENTS!
Campaign group Swiss Animal Protection, which launched the petition and gathered the necessary 100,000 signatures to force a nationwide vote, argues that abuses on pets are often not taken seriously by local authorities and don't make it up to court.
The Swiss government has recommended voters reject the proposal, saying animal lawyers are unnecessary and existing laws are sufficient.
Swiss Animal Protection's director Hansueli Huber says the group received 5,000 reports of alleged abuse in 2008. That's about 1,000 more than in 2007, he added.
"As long as you consider animal rights breaches a trivial offense we don't get anywhere," he says, noting that in many cases pet owners get away with a fine.
If President Obama had swatted this fly on Swiss soil, he would be prosecuted!
Goetschel says he represents about 150-200 animals each year, mostly dogs, cows and cats. Since animals can't pay, the canton of Zurich picks up his $185-an-hour bill.
The Swiss farming association is opposed to the idea of appointing more animal lawyers while breeders are divided.
Come March 7, if the vote passes, the issue of "ANIMAL RIGHTS" will be taken into a whole new level.
Reports indicate that Elin Nordegren Woods will NOT be appearing with Tiger at the press conference tomorrow!
For some reason, Elin Nordegren Woods will not be appearing with Tiger Woods tomorrow at the "news conference," like the way Vanessa Bryant appeared with and stared at Kobe Bryant at his press conference from way back when.
Stand by your man? No reason given on Elin's non-appearance.
Lisa Niemi and Patrick Swayze
(National Enquirer) Lisa Niemi, wife of late actor Patrick Swayze, is planning to sell the California Ranch where Swayze spent his final days before succumbing to cancer. A source claims that Niemi can't stand to live in the home where her late husband died, since it holds too many fond and frightening memories.
The source adds that Niemi has been seeing a psychic to ease the pain to get a message to him or hear anything he has to say to her.
Sounds sad and we hope she can recover and eventually "move on."
Chris Brown seen here in Virginia doing community service, will be appearing in an L.A. Court to report on his progress!
(Perez Hilton) R&B singer Chris Brown will appear in an L.A. court at 2pm to see Judge Patricia Schnegg, who is reported to be not happy about Brown's "hard labor in the community" he performed in Virginia for the felony assault conviction he received for the "beat down" he inflicted on then-girlfriend Rihanna last year.
Brown will be appearing in court with his Lawyer Mark Geragos, who will be ready with documentation to show that Brown performed "satisfactory work" during his probation.
UPDATE: (3:40Pm PST) Chris Brown appeared at L.A. Court and Judge Schnegg gave Brown high marks for his community service work and attending domestic violence classes. His next progress report hearing will be May 11. In addition, the Judge signed an order that allows Brown to leave the country for concerts between May 18-June 27.
Speed skater Shani Davis and downhill skiier Lindsey Vonn brought Gold at the Olympics and LOTS of viewers to NBC, stunning Fox's American Idol!
(EW) The U.S. Olympic Team's most notable day of Gold Medals brought "ratings-gold" for NBC as the Vancouver Olympics beat American Idol to the top spot last night. Yes, more Americans were interested in Downhill skiier Lindsey Vonn, Speed Skaters Shani Davis and Apollo Ohno, and Snowboarder Shaun White than watching Simon Cowell and Ellen Degeneres and the plight of Idol's "24!"
This marks the first time since 2004, that American Idol has NOT won its time slot against the competition.
If only the Olympics could be an annual event for lowly NBC.
File Photo: President Obama sends his daughters off to school.
(Radaronline) President Obama may be the leader of the "Free World" and Commander-in-Chief of the World's Mightiest Army but people forget that he's a Father of a second grader, Sasha, and fifth grader, Malia. The President took time out (just 25 minutes) to attend a parent-teacher meeting, along with the First Lady, with Sasha's teacher today at Sidwell Friends School in Bethesda, Maryland.
Imagine planning your day with Afghanistan, visit Sasha's teacher, and the Economy. Whew!
Director Martin Scorcese's "Shutter Island" and "legally-challenged" Director Roman Polanski's "The Ghost Writer" are set to open in theatres tomorrow and along with those films are these gems---low-budget/independent/foreign films.
(In selected theatres, films are limited release, dates and times are subject to change)
The Good Guy - (Rated R for sexuality) A romantic comedy about a Wall Street wiz (Scott Porter) who regrets taking in a geeky protege (Bryan Greenberg) when the "nerdy ingrate" falls for his beautiful girlfriend (Alexis Bledell).
Happy Tears - (R for profanity, drug use, and sexuality) Sibling rivalry drama in that brings up family skeletons and childhood memories. The film stars Demi Moore and Parker Posey as the sisters who must move back home to care for their senile father (Rip Torn).
The Last New Yorker - (Unrated) A drama about two life-long buddies whose friendship is tested when one of them moves out of Manhattan to pursue one thing he's never had---true love. Stars Dominic Chianese and Dick Latessa.
Phyllis and Harold - (Unrated) A documentary by Director Cindy Kleine who relies on a montage of home movies and interviews in order to deconstruct her parents' 59 year disastorous marriage.
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, in a publicity shot with 2 showgirls, is upset with President Obama!
Mayor is offended that the President on 2 occasions used Las Vegas in reference to wasteful spending!
(Gather/KTNV) Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman refused an invitation from President Obama who arrived in the city Thursday night for a town hall meeting. Mayor Goodman called President Obama a "slow learner" after the he (Obama) told Americans not to blow money on a weekend in Las Vegas if they were saving to put their kids through college. The remark has been made on 2 occassions by the President in reference to Las Vegas as being a location for "wasteful spending."
Despite being invited to go to the White House, Goodman remains steadfast in his decision.
"We are hurting, we have people in foreclosures, we have people having a hard time feeding their families and we can't stand to have a flippant statement made," said Mayor Goodman.
"I haven't heard an apology, I haven't heard a response, all I do is get invitations," Goodman went on to say.
He said that he has more important things to do like attend budget meetings than meeting with the President which he refers to as "just protocol." However, he says all it will take is a simple phone call and he will be there ready to move on.
Hollywood: 2009 Was A Good Year at the Movies But Trouble Lies Ahead!
Despite a profitable 2009, Hollywood must change with the times as it faces an uncertain future!
(The Wrap/Sarah Waxman) Sure, "Avatar" and many other films brought some profitability to Hollywood but don't let the hype of big box-office earnings fool you. Hollywood faces an uncertain future with 3 major studios up for sale, DVD sales and rentals have declined, some studios are cash-strapped, and most studio film libraries are being devalued.
--MGM needs to be sold or faces bankruptcy sooner rather than later; the studio’s production has been virtually halted as financiers seek to sort out its debt-laden balance sheet.
-- Disney has put Miramax up for sale, seeking $700 million -- with buyers so far balking at that price tag.
-- Liberty Media’s John Malone has hired an investment bank to sell or dismantle Starz Media and its main division, Overture Films.
-- Summit Entertainment -- while seeking acquisitions itself -- has been quietly shopped for several months, according to several knowledgeable individuals.
The industry is consolidating with Comcast buying majority stake in NBC/Universal and Marvel and Dreamworks were bought up by Disney.
Hollywood will be seeing more consolidation acquisitions of entertainment companies like Comcast and NBC/Universal!
If you question experts in Hollywood and financiers on Wall Street, the conclusion seems to be that there is a significant disconnect between buyers and sellers.
Sellers seem to believe they can command premium prices for entertainment properties at a time of severe dislocation in the industry’s business models.
The buyers no longer believe that movie libraries are worth their asking prices.
Surely, there must be some value for "Dude, Where's My Car?" (2000) that's locked away in the film studio vault?
Most studios may follow the Disney strategy of making a film that is tied to merchandise. Why take the risk with a sequel to "The Proposal" when you can make "Monsters Inc. 2" and "Toy Story 3" and sell a ton of merchandise in toys, video games, t-shirts, soap dispensers, books, etc.,.
Now you wonder why successful sequels keep getting rehashed because they are proven money-makers. Most film studios would rather take a chance on "Rocky 8" than making a new film that is unknown commodity. Unless you're James Cameron or Steven Spielberg, studios won't take much of a chance now and would rather go to a proven formula.
The Western epic, "Heaven's Gate" (1980) is the poster child of a much-anticipated blockbuster gone wrong. It took $42M to make and earned a pitiful $3M at the box-office!
Gone are the days when film executives can literally "blow off" a failed blockbuster like "Ishtar" or "Heaven's Gate." This is not the 70s and 80s, folks, when recouping your money after a box-office failure was easy. No, this is the cash-strapped days of filmmaking. Nowadays, making "Land of the Lost," which failed miserably at the box-office, can get you in trouble and it did for 2 Universal Studios executives who were fired.
Making a film is expensive and marketing it is even pricier. If studios have to go by the way of "Paranormal Activity" and use social network marketing, they would. Most studios are NOT completely sold on it but in these economic times, it looks like they may have to.
So for now, the Hollywood business-model, has to change. In the meantime, Hollywood will get smaller and the consolidation will result in the return of the BIG Studios, where actors were the property of the film moguls and paid a lower salary.
This is something that MUST BE DONE and is a reflection of the times.
CNN: Tiger Woods Press Conference
(CNN) In a tightly controlled televised statement, golfer Tiger Woods gave an apology Friday for his "irresponsible and selfish" behavior.
"I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you," said the golfer, dressed in a blue button-down shirt and a blazer. "For all that I have done, I am so sorry. ...
"I had affairs, I cheated. What I did was not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame."
The 15-minute statement was his first public appearance since his November car crash outside his home near Orlando, Florida -- the beginning of what would become an torrent of bad news for the golfer.
The 11 a.m. ET event, at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse in Ponte Vedra Beach, was carefully managed, with a small hand-picked crowd as an audience.
Although some members of the media were invited to listen to Woods' remarks, they were not allowed to ask questions. The large majority of reporters and media were housed at least a half a mile away, where they watched the event on television.
Woods' mother attended, although his wife, Elin Nordegren, did not.
Elin Nordegren Woods, quite possibly the most powerful person in Sports!
Forbes magazine will probably have to re-evaluate its list of "The Most Powerful People In Sports" and insert Elin Nordegren Woods at the top.
Ask these questions:
Who will make the decision when Tiger returns to Golf? Who will decide on the direction of Tiger's career from now on? Who will decide about Tiger's family and their relationship?
Queen Elin that's who! She decides when he'll return to golf. She is the one Tiger is "working for" by going to rehab and doing this press conference schtick to "win her back." She is the one that will "steer the course" of his career from now on because their "staying together" is crucial for future earnings since most of the companies who endorse him have a "morality clause." She is the one that will decide on the family and their relationship, which may affect Tiger's mental health and his pocketful of earnings.
Forbes, it's time to for Elin Nordegren Woods to grace the cover of the "most powerful person in sports!"
Atty. Gloria Allred and porn star Joslyn James are applying the "pressure" on Golf's No. 1 player!
(TMZ/LA Times) Immediately following the Tiger Woods "press conference," local L.A. stations tuned in to the press conference by Civil Rights/Entertainment Lawyer Gloria Allred and her client Veronica Daniels, aka porn star Joslyn James.
(Compared to the Tiger "news conference," this press conference was far entertaining. . . anyway back to the report)
At the LA press conference, Joslyn James, talked about 1,000 text message the golfer allegedly sent and said she'd be open to a "telephone apology" from Woods.
Allred called Woods' address "a staged public relations stunt" and "a disgrace."
"I just watched Tiger Woods' apology on television, and he said that many people believed in him. He also said he wanted to make amends. He did not apologize by name to my client, Veronica, and I ask, why no apology?"
The porn actress claimed that she "fell in love with Tiger" and that he said he was in love with her as well.
Gloria said Tiger made her quit the porn business because he's "very jealous and could not stand the thought of her being with another man."
And there's this ... Gloria said, "Tiger led her to believe she was the only woman in his life ... other than his wife."
Get out the checkbook Tiger!
See the LA Times video of Atty. Gloria Allred and client Joslyn James:
Outside the historic Abbey Studios and the legendary photo of the Beatles walking on the crosswalk on Abbey Road.
The famous Abbey Road studios, recording studio used by the legendary Beatles and many other famous musicians like Pink Floyd, Oasis, Cliff Richard, and Radiohead, is about to be sold by EMI. However, pleas from ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and Broadway Musical Mogul Andrew Lloyd Webber to save the studio have been made so that it could be restored to an actual working recording studio.
Other than finding a suitable buyer for Abbey Studios, another option is to have the National Trust purchase the famous location and turn it into a musuem of sorts. National Trust already owns the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Conan O'Brien heads to Hawaii for some R&R.
(RadarOnline) After receiving over $30M to become the ex-host of the Tonight Show, where does Conan O'Brien go? To Hawaii, of course! Now sporting a beard, former Tonight Show host Conan O'Brien was seen vacationing in Hawaii with his wife and children.
Melissa Rycroft, Brooke Burke, and Vanessa Minillo. All are vying to be the co-host on Dancing With the Stars!
(Zap) Former Dancing with the Stars Brooke Burke and Melissa Rycroft, along with ex-MTV host Vanessa Minillo, are the "finalists" to replace departed host Samantha Harris, who left to become an entertainment reporter on the newsmagazine "The Insider." Brooke, Rycroft, and Minillo are vying for the spot next to longtime host Tom Bergeron.
Burke and Rycroft are returning back to familiar territory on DWTS because Burke is a former champion of the show with dancer Derek Hough winning on season 7, while Rycroft was also a contestant and had a successful stint on the dance show. Minillo was a long-time host on MTV's Total Request Live before she became the girlfriend of singer Nick Lachey.
Announcement for the "new cast" of dancers for season 10 of DWTS will be made March 1. The show premieres March 22. [/b]
Celebrity chef Kai Chase is suing the estate of Michael Jackson for a very small sum, if you compare some of the other multi-million dollar claims others have made!
(TMZ) Chef, Kai Chase, who was Michael Jackson's cook and was in the house when the "King of Pop" died, is suing the MJ estate for----$8,000. She got stiffed for 2 pay periods June 2-10 and June 10-25.
Ah, for $8,000, that's not a problem for the estate.
More known as a "tragic figure" in Boxing, Mike Tyson has been voted in to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
(NY Post) Hmmm. . . 2010 is turning out to be a great year after all for ex-boxing champ Mike Tyson. Tyson had a cameo appearance on the mega-comedy hit "The Hangover," gets invited to the Golden Globe Awards along with the cast, and now he's being voted into Boxing's International Hall of Fame.
While Tyson's life OUTSIDE of Boxing seemed to be more colorful than his largely one-sided exploits inside the ring--except for his Buster Douglas and Evander Holyfield episodes--he was a popular fighter during his time.
Many experts wonder aloud, "What could've been" for Tyson had he fought Holyfield, Riddick Bowe and other heavyweight champions during his younger years. What could've been if his mentor and personal Cus D'Mato hadn't died. What could've been if Don King, Robin Givens, and jail-time did not enter the picture.
Roman Polanski's "The Ghost Writer" almost never made it to the screen. The film opens today!
The stars of Roman Polanski's "The Ghost Writer" which opens today, marvelled how the film made it to the screen considering the movie was in post-production and the director (Polanski) was in jail. Ghost Writer stars Pierce Brosnan and Ewan McGregor were amazed that Polanski, who was in a Swiss prison at the time, managed to edit the film in his jail cell.
"He would be in his nine-foot by four-foot cell, edit the movie and give it to the warden. The warden would give it to his lawyer [who would] then give it to the editor," Brosnan told CNN.
Currently, Polanski is on "house-arrest" in Switzerland waiting to be extradited to the United States. Polanski pled guilty in 1977 for having unlawful sex with a 13 year-old in California and fled the country before his sentencing.
The Ghost Writer is based on Robert Harris's bestselling novel "The Ghost," the feature is about a writer (McGregor) hired to pen the memoirs of Adam Lang (Brosnan), a disgraced British former prime minister accused of war crimes. The film has received many glowing reviews.
Volatile actor Sean Penn may face jail time if convicted of battery and vandalism charges against a photographer!
(The Wrap) Oscar winning actor Sean Penn faces a year and a half in jail if convicted of battery and vandalism charges, officials confirmed Friday. The two misdemeanor charges are related to an October confrontation Penn had with a photographer outside a Brentwood Country Mart, during which he allegedly kicked a man and broke his camera. The incident was filmed and later posted to TMZ.
Charges were filed against Penn this morning out at LAX courthouse in West Los Angeles. The two charges carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail.
Penn is scheduled to be arraigned on March 22, according to city attorney public information officer Frank Matlejan. A deputy city attorney will be handling the case but one has not been assainged as of yet.
LaDanian Tomlinson, was viewed by many as a player whose "skills had diminished" for the past 2 years!
(AP) LaDainian Tomlinson was released today by the San Diego Chargers, ending a brilliant nine-year run in which he became one of the NFL's greatest running backs.
The move had been expected for some time. Tomlinson, who turned 30 last summer, was injured early in the 2009 season and finished with 730 yards on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry, all career lows.
Tomlinson was due a $2 million bonus in early March, which all but guaranteed he would be cut loose as his role diminished on a team that thrived with a pass-happy offense.
L.T. wasn't immediately available for comment.
"Shutter Island" Opens at No. 1 and Big with $40.2M!
Leo DiCaprio and Director Martin Scorcese of a big hit on their hands with "Shutter Island."
(EW/Adam Markowitz) With no other wide releases to challenge it, Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island dominated the box office this weekend with a $40.2 million take. That’s a career best for both the director and star Leonardo DiCaprio, neither of whom had scored a sizable hit since their last outing together on The Departed, which opened to $26.9 million in 2006. The victory is especially sweet for studio Paramount, which had to contend with suspicion about the movie’s quality and commercial potential after nixing a slated Oct. 2009 release date last year. (The studio officially blamed the move on marketing expenses.) But the switch also generated curiosity about the project among fans of DiCaprio, Scorsese, and horror pics — all of whom packed theaters this weekend.
Coming in a distant second, Valentine’s Day managed to woo another $17.2 million despite losing plenty of love from audiences, who let the movie drop a steep 69.5 percent from its holiday debut last week. Still, the star-packed rom-com’s lack of legs (figurative, not physical) likely won’t have any effect on Warner Bro’s plans to roll out more holiday-themed extravaganzas in the near future. The weekend’s two other sophomore pics also suffered substantial drops: Percy Jackson (number four, $15.3 million) dipped 51 percent, while Universal’s The Wolfman (number five, $9.8 million) lost 68.7 percent of its audience. Meanwhile, Avatar managed another record-breaking performance in its 10th weekend, dipping just 31.8 percent for a third-place finish with $16.1 million.
The weekend’s only other new release, Roman Polanski’s The Ghost Writer, banked a decent $179k from four theaters thanks to media attention surrounding the director’s continuing legal troubles.
Jake Harris, of "Deadliest Catch" was busted for DUI this past weekend!
(TMZ) "Deadliest Catch" star Jake Harris was arrested for DUI in Washington State this past weekend. The 24 year-old was caught when a witness called 911 about an "agressive driver." Apparently, a Washington State Patrol chopper filmed the footage of Harris allegedly flunking the sobriety test. He refused to take a blood-alcohol test.
It has been a tough year for Harris whose Father Captain Phil Harris died earlier this month.
TMZ reported that he was arrested for suspicion of DUI, hit-and-run, and driving on a suspended license.
Rock drummer, Travis Barker, claims he was provoked by photographers when he left The Marmalade restaurant in Calabassas, which led to the scuffle that followed!
Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker got into a scuffle with photographers that resulted in Police being called to the scene at a Calabassas restaurant. Barker and his friends were unfortunately caught on video slashing a photog's tires, spitting at the paparazzi, and hitting a camera. One photog claimed that his cellphone was stolen.
Barker left the scene but when Police arrived the photogs decided not to press charges except for vandalism. Barker tweeted later and claims that the paps had harassed him and provoked a fight while he and his children were leaving from a restaurant.
Angelina Jolie-Pitt and actor/Father Jon Voight have reunited having being estranged for many years.
Angelina Jolie-Pitt and actor/DAD Jon Voight have "officially" reunited in Venice, Italy. There were reports of the two reconciling but no photograph was taken of the meeting until today.
Angie and Father were estranged for several years before and after the death of Angie's Mother in early 2007.
Andrew Koenig, an actor on "Growing Pains," has been missing since February 9. Celebrities Sarah Silverman and Joel McHale have taken up on Facebook to search for the actor!
Former originial "Star Trek" star Walter Koenig (he played Chekov) and his wife are worried about their son Andrew Koenig, who played "Boner" on Growing Pains and missing in Vancouver, Canada since February 9. Apparently, their son has been battling depression and hasn't been heard from since that time.
Koenig and his wife are heading to Vancouver to search for him. Police have been notified and searching for the actor, who has been described as depressed and despondent over the past few weeks.
"The Hurt Locker" continues to pile up awards and won the Best Film category at the "Brit Awards!"
The Brit Awards (England's version of the Oscars) awarded best film to "Hurt Locker" in an upset of sorts. James Cameron's ex-wife and Director of Hurt locker, Katherine Bigelow, won best director while the film took honors in best original screenplay, best cinematography, best sound, and best editing.
BTW "Avatar", won best special effects and best production design.
Other winners included best actor to Colin Firth (A Single Man), best actress to Carey Mulligan (An Education), best supporting actor to Christopher Waltz (Inglorious Basterds), and best supporting actress to Monique (Precious).
Top Chef hostess Padma Laksmi gave birth to a baby girl last Saturday!
"Top Chef" hostess/Model Padma Laksmi has given birth to a baby girl last Saturday in New York city. Laksmi named her girl Krishna.
Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn said a few things she's like to do if she appeared as a host on "Saturday Night Live."
(SportsbyBrooks) Downhill skiier, Lindsey Vonn, a darling with Sports Illustrated after being featured on the cover on their Olympic issue and in the bikini issue, was informed by a member of her entourage of Tiger Woods giving a couple of hugs to the audience members after his staged "press conference" and then she cracks, "They’re like, ‘Yeah, you’re awesome, you go have that sex.’ ” Then the room breaks into a laugh.
Vonn said that she would like to use that "Tiger moment" as a skit on SNL.
Will Saturday Night Live be one of them? “I’m hoping for it,” she says. “I’ve got to call [NBC Sports chairman] Dick Ebersol to see if SNL will have me. I have some ideas.”
Wow, girl's already booking her next appearance! Hope the suits at NBC are watching?
SD Chargers corner Antonio Cromartie on the phone. It's either another "booty-call" or another babymama "yelling in his ear!"
(San Diego Union-Tribune) SDUT Reporter Brent Schrotenboar reported that San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromatie has 7 children from 6 different women from 5 different states! WTF? All of his children are reported to be under 6 years old! Oh hell no!
Cromatie, the NFL's version of NBA's Shawn Kemp, is past due on his child support payments on Feb. 1 that total about $25,000! He hasn't paid since the end of January. It should be noted that Cromartie has been named in at least 5 paternity suits in the last 3 years!
Last July, the cornerback blamed his lack of performance on the field on his children and their Moms! Sheesh, little did we know it was 6 different women! Cromartie signed a $7.35M guaranteed contract in 2006.
Ryan Philippe and Abbie Cornish. He cheated on ex-wife Reese Witherspoon with Cornish and looks like he did the same thing to Cornish 4 years later!
Actress Abbie Cornish has split with actor Ryan Philippe, ex-husband of Reese Witherspoon. Cornish was the one who assisted with Philippe for cheating on Witherspoon. Uh oh! Apparently, Cornish who had been with Philippe for 4 years split from the actor due to his alleged infidelity.
One recent episode was in Cannes with Philippe with a bevy of blonde beauties with no Cornish around.
It was rather ironic that the Australian actress was the victim of an affair since she was the one who dated him while he was still married to Witherspoon. Philippe later divorced Witherspoon in 2006.
World-renowned Buddhist leader Dalai Lama did not know the name of Tiger Woods until Saturday!
(Perez Hilton) Beverly Hills, CA - Famed Buddhist leader Dalai Lama, who was visiting here in the U.S.this past Saturday, was asked if he knew about Golf's no. 1 player and Buddhist Tiger Woods. The Dalai Lama asked, "Who is Tiger Woods?" At his press conference, the No. 1 golfer wanted to remind everyone that he was a spiritual man, a Buddhist to be exact.
While the Dalai Lama didn't know about the "World's Greatest Golfer," he did give advice concerning the issue of infidelity. The Tibetan spiritual leader said that one of Buddhism's highest values is self-discipline. The Dalai Lama said when it comes to adultery, "all religions have the same idea." He continued to say:
"I think mainly whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important. Self-discipline with awareness of consequences."
Someone send Tiger from Arizona over to California quick!
Nate Robinson goes to the Boston Celtics in a trade that has confused most basketball experts.
(ESPN) While everyone was enamored with Antawn Jamison going to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the NBA trade deadline this past Thursday, many experts were perplexed by the Boston Celtics move to trade key scorer and 3 point shooter Eddie House, and rookies J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker to the NY Knicks for guard Nate Robinson and forward Marcus Landry, especially for the diminutive 5'9" inch guard.
Robinson, who is set to debut tomorrow against his old team the Knicks, was averaging 12.8 point a game, ranking him 7th among scorers coming from the bench. Topping the list is NY Knick Al Harrington with 17.7 and second is Atlanta's Jamal Crawford 17.6. It was Crawford who torched the Celtics in every game of their 4 meetings that convinced Celtics President of Operations Danny Ainge to get a Crawford-like presence on the bench. Ironically, Crawford and Robinson both went to Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Washington.
Robinson is needed for his speed, ball-handling skills, and for scoring purposes. He may be small but has the defensive skills to thwart most players. There is no question that Robinson, who is the 3-time NBA dunking champion, can score. It is hoped that Coach Doc Rivers can limit the "wildness" that Robinson is noted for when he was with the Knicks and bring energy to a team that has mostly ooked "old" for most of the season.
Latest news of of rapper Jay-Z is that he is currently being investigated by the FBI for a scam involving him, the NY Governor, and AIG!
(NY Post) Rapper Jay-Z may be in trouble for allegedly being involved with some corrupt dealings with the Governor of New York. Apparently, Jay-Z, the Governor David Paterson, and the Wall Street Bankers from AIG were involved in a scam that would have allowed the group to have the exclusive rights to a new casino in New York.
The FBI are currently investigating.
This episode follows news that Jay-Z is suing some business associates for allowing a multi-million dollar hotel that he created is now being foreclosed!
Woah! A bad start to 2010 for the rap mogul.
Mon Feb 22, 2010 4:08 am
Paul B
All-conference
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:45 am Posts: 1167 Location: Hollywood, California
Re: NY Post: Jay-Z Being Investigated by the FBI! (Feb.22)
Hollywood News!!!! (all things that matter in Pop Culture)
Frank Mir Apologizes for Disparaging Remarks Made About UFC Champ Brock Lesnar!
Former UFC Heavyweight Champ Frank Mir apologized to Brock Lesnar for comments he made on a Pittsburgh radio station last week!
(MMA Fighting) Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir offered an apology today for comments made last week in which he said "he would like to see his rival, current UFC champion Brock Lesnar, die in the Octagon." Mir's apology was publicized by the UFC, which also released a statement from UFC President Dana White condemning Mir's rhetoric.
"I would like to apologize to Brock Lesnar, his family, the UFC and the UFC fans for my stupid remarks," Mir said in comments posted at UFC.com. "I respect Brock, all the other fighters, and the sport of mixed martial arts. I'm sorry that I stepped out of line."
White said he thought Mir crossed the line by saying he wanted Lesnar "to be the first person that dies due to Octagon-related injuries."
"I was disappointed by Frank Mir's comments," White said. "Frank's been with the UFC a long time, he's a two-time heavyweight champion and a commentator for the WEC. I think his emotions are running high right now, he has a big fight coming up next month and he's still upset about his loss to Lesnar. He's been talked to, he regrets what he said, and he won't be saying anything like that again."
Mir's comments were made last week in an interview with Mark Madden on WXDX radio, but they were not widely reported until Monday. By Tuesday the comments had begun to gain mainstream media exposure, with a mention by high-profile commentators including Jim Rome on ESPN. Once Mir's comments gained a wider audience the UFC acted quickly to distance itself from any talk of one fighter killing another.
In the 17-year history of the UFC, there has never been a death or serious injury in the Octagon.
Actor Charlie Sheen (Tow and a Half Men) has checked into a rehab facility for "preventative measure!"
(MyfoxLA) Actor Charlie Sheen, who is facing criminal charges in Colorado, checked himself into a rehabilitation facility "as a preventative measure," his spokesman said today.
Stan Rosenfield said Sheen "will take some time off his series `Two and a Half Men."'
"He has asked that his privacy be honored. No further statements are planned," Rosenfield said.
Rosenfield did not provide details on what type of rehabilitation facility the 44-year-old actor had entered.
Sheen was charged earlier this month with felony menacing and two other counts stemming from an alleged Christmas day attack on his wife, Brooke Mueller, in Aspen, Colo. He is free on bail and was expected back in court in Colorado March 15.
Meanwhile, wife Brooke is in a second rehab facility after vacating her first location because of a "security breach" that alerted the paparazzi that she had been admitted! She plans to sue The Canyon for leaking the info to the media that she had checked in at that Malibu facility.
Jayson Williams was sentenced to 5 years in prison!
(TMZ) Former New Jersey Net baller Jayson Williams, was just sentenced to 5 years in prison for the shooting death of his limo driver, Costas Christofi, in 2002 and will be available for parole after 18 months.
During the hearing, Christofi's sister held up a photo of him, while a rep for the family stood up and said Jayson had never apologized to the family for killing Christofi. The rep begged the judge to make Jayson serve all five years in prison without probation.
Jayson eventually stood up, teary-eyed, and apologized to them ... along with his own family, church and the NBA.
Actor Andrew Koenig is still missing but clues of wanting to "start over" in Vancouver have surfaced!
Actor Andrew Koenig (Growing Pains), who is listed as "missing" in Vancouver, Canada, reportedly moved out of his Venice, California apartment and told a friend he was "starting over" in Vancouver. His parents said that the last time he was seen was February 14 at a bakery in Vancouver. His Dad, Walter Koenig, has said that his son has been battling with depression as of late.
Vancounver Police are still on the lookout for "a living person."
Ashley and Cheryl Cole have split!
(Perez Hilton) British hottie Cheryl Cole, who is expected to be a judge on the American version of "X-factor," has announced that she is splitting from Soccer player/husband and alleged serial-cheater, Ashley Cole. Cole's rep released this statement:
"Cheryl Cole is separating from her husband Ashley Cole. Cheryl asks the media to respect her privacy during this difficult time. We have no further comment to make."
Sources said that Ashley has moved out of their home and that Cheryl is expected to file divorce papers by the end of the week. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Cheryl has been spending time with "Dancing With the Stars" dancer Derek Hough. However, reps from both camps insist it is a friendship.
Sarah Palin with her daughter Bristol. Bristol will make a cameo appearance on an ABC Family series!
(Radaronline) Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol, 19, will be making her acting debut on ABC Family's popular series, "The Secret Life of The American Teenager." She'll be playing a teen Mom, a role she knows very well since she is a teen Mom herself and a vocal advocate on teen pregnancy.
The episode will air sometime during the summer.
Executives from the embattled Japanese auto company Toyota will be appearing on Capitol Hill to address concerns over its vehicles!
(LA Times) The Congressional hearing with executives of automaker Toyota starts today.
"Toyota deliberately misled the public about the nature and extent of its safety problems, " Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), chairman of the investigating congressional subcommittee, said Tuesday.
“Toyota has a lot of explaining to do to the American people,” said Stupak, pronouncing the company’s name “TAY-ota,” in an accent common in his district in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Stupak was quickly followed by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Beverly Hills), chairman of the full Energy and Commerce Committee, who questioned how seriously the company or U.S. regulators took consumer complaints about bad accelerators.
“There is no evidence that Toyota or [the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] took a serious look at the possibility that electronic defects could be causing the problem,” Waxman said. He said he thinks legislation is called for to deal with auto electronic technology.
Many political experts believe that members of Congress should be objective in their investigation of the Japanese auto company since the Federal Government is basically in a "partnership" with U.S. auto companies after the "bailout." In general, Republicans urged caution, reminding colleagues of the good that Toyota has done as an employer in the U.S. and for producing environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota, has admitted that efforts to expand resulted in lax safety standards and pledged to improve quality control.
Is Whitney Houston back on drugs? After her latest concert in Australia, it may be the case!
(Perez Hilton) Uh oh, Whitney Houston may be in trouble again! At her Australian concert, audience members were so horrified with the diva's poor performance that they walked out early at her show!
It's been rumored that she is in fragile health and that she isn't what she used to be.
The former diva only sang two songs before she exited the stage to take a break. She appeared out of breath, coughed through songs and when she returned to sing through six more numbers, she handed the microphone over to her brother Gary to sing. What?
"She was not fit to perform. She seemed to be on another planet, and the concert was laughable. When the back up singer's performance is the stand out for the night you know something is wrong," said a concert goer.
Whitney's rep has repeatedly denied that Houston may have fallen "off the bandwagon" and is taking drugs again.
Movie-goers won't have to go far to see the popular film, "Strictly Sexual," which is available on hulu.com!
(CNN) The success of the low-budget film "Strictly Sexual" on Hulu is making some filmmakers re-think about releasing their movies--straight to the internet. The film, which centers around two successful women whose disappointment with love and relationships inspires them to keep a pair of unemployed men as their "boy toys," leads the list of Hulu's "Most Popular Movies" section. (Despite the title, it's not porn. In fact, there's no nudity in the film, prompting chuckles from Long, who's frequently asked that question.)
"Strictly Sexual" creator Stevie Long, who is also co-star on the film, did not know much about Hulu said that his project cost a little over $100,000. Long says he has made 10 times over that amount, thanks to a deal that splits the ad revenue between Hulu and the content provider. Long plans to parlay his profit into another film that he plans to go directly to internet.
He hopes other independent filmmakers benefit from his experience and that they should look to the web for the exposure that didn't exist before!
Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook has been released!
(Philadelphia Eagles.com) Philadelphia Eagles' versatile running back Brian Westbrook, who is the team's all-time leader in yards from scrimmage, has been released.
"Brian is one of the greatest Eagles of all time and he is even a better person and leader," said head coach Andy Reid. "In my mind, there has not been a more versatile running back that the NFL has seen. I had a conversation with Brian this morning to let him know. This is by far the most difficult part of this job. We wanted to make this move now in order to maximize Brian's chances of landing with another NFL team."
That makes Westbrook and former Chargers' running back LaDanian Tomlinson unemployed in the NFL for the time being. Yet, many experts believe that Westbrook may be able to hook up with another team because of his versatility while Tomlinson may find some difficulty being signed by a "contending team" which he prefers.
Shock jock Howard Stern is making sure this year is the YEAR OF THE TIGER (Woods)!
(TMZ) Radio mogul Howard Stern, always the purveyor of "good taste," is planning to organize a Tiger Woods mistress pageant on his show. One source said that mistress no. 1, Rachel Uchitel, would have liked to attend the show but couldn't because of her settlement with the golfer. . . but does that STOP Stern? No it doesn't.
Stern is hatching a plan to have a photo of Uchitel, in cardboard cut-out, in various states of dress to compete against the other "living" mistresses that he has already signed up. As to who signed up, Stern isn't saying who.
Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez faces 5 major violations by the NCAA!
(NY Times) While USC and head coach Lane Kiffin awaits penalties to be inflicted on the Trojan football program, in Ann Arbor, Wolverine Coach Rich Rodriguez has been hit with 5 major violations that include too many coaches, illegal workouts conducted during the summer, graduate assistant coach Alex Herron giving false and misleading information to the institution and enforecement staff, Rodriguez' failure to comply with rules within the football program, and the failure of the athletic department to monitor the football program.
The NCAA investigation stems from a report from the 2009 Detroit Free Press' investigation of improprieties that occurred in the Wolverine program.
Incoming Athletic Director David Brandon has insisted that Rodriguez will still be the head coach at Michigan.
Louis Gossett Jr., in his Academy Award-winning role as Sgt. Foley (left) from "An Officer and a Gentleman" eyeballed prostate cancer and won!
Academy-award winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. who was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this month, announced that he had beaten the disease!
The inspiring actor said, "I'm doing very well thank you… we beat this thing. It was just an episode in life. I got it very early I have to strongly encourage every man to do examinations early and often after 50 years old - and you'll win almost all of those battles.
Spoken like a true Sargeant, the Oscar winning role he played on "An Officer and a Gentleman."
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Actor 
She decides when he'll return to golf. She is the one Tiger is "working for" by going to rehab and doing this press conference schtick to "win her back." She is the one that will "steer the course" of his career from now on because their "staying together" is crucial for future earnings since most of the companies who endorse him have a "morality clause." She is the one that will decide on the family and their relationship, which may affect Tiger's mental health and his pocketful of earnings. 
