New Single, Video, Album, Tour – A Well Thought-Out Britney Spears Comeback

martes, 30 de septiembre de 2008 |

A new single, a new album, a new tour. In a nutshell, Britney Spears’ highly anticipated comeback. The single is out, the album is due for release on December 2, the same day the star turns 27, but what about the tour?

Well, Britney Spears stopped by New York radio station Z100 on Monday and, when asked if she had any gigs listed in her agenda, the singer explained that she definitely planned to tour. When and where? Next year, of course, “probably around the world.”

This would be the former pop princess’ first major tour in almost five years and, in addition to this, it would represent her chance to prove she is back on the right track.

Last year, Britney Spears performed in several small clubs under the name M+M’s, but her performance was far from being considered a blast, as she was obviously lip-synching.

Although she failed to hit the road so as to promote her last album, “Blackout,” which had a rather good chart debut, she did perform at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards in what turned out to be one of the star’s most derided public appearances.

Britney Spears, however, seems to have recovered completely and, after a long battle with personal issues, she appears to be ready for a true comeback.

Once upon a time, there was a pop princess who shaved her head, entered psychiatric hospital units and attacked photographers. Nevertheless, ever since her father took over her business affairs, she has been improving. She has been working on a fresh album and has already released a single. “Womanizer” debuted on Friday morning on Z100 and is taken from Britney Spears’ upcoming album “Circus.” According to reports, the singer started working on a video for “Womanizer,” in which she plays a sexy looking waitress, wearing a short black wig, red lipstick and fake tattoos.

Spears is working on the clip with director Joseph Khan, who also directed the videos for “Stronger” and “Toxic.”

The former teen icon, who won three awards at the MTV VMAs, which took place earlier this month (the prizes for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and the top award, Video of the Year, for her single “Piece of Me), also opened the ceremony with a much talked about act, which eventually proved to be much ado about nothing. Her long-awaited comeback consisted of a pretaped segment with “Superbad” star Jonah Hill and a live minute of introducing the show.

During Monday’s interview, Britney Spears said that winning three Moonmen came as a surprise to her, as she was aware of the fact that she had done better videos. “It’s a cool video, but I think by far I’ve done videos that are way better, so I was really shocked that it got the award,” she explained.

The star called her VMA triumph “inspiring, though, because now going forward with the videos that I’m doing now, I can really go there and do something crazy and see what happens.”

Who knows? Maybe Britney really will be able to take the wind out of her critics’ sails with a marvelous and unexpected comeback.

Via efluxmedia.com

Janet Jackson has been released from the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, according to a hospital rep.

"Yesterday evening she was checked into the Royal Victoria Hospital and left a couple of hours later," Rebecca Burns, the spokeswoman for the McGill University Health Centre, which operates the hospital, told PEOPLE

Jackson, 42, cancelled her show in Montreal on Monday and was taken to the hospital after she "got suddenly ill" during her sound check, according to a statement from W&W Public Relations.

Further details of the singer's condition were not immediately available, and reps for Jackson did not return requests for additional comment.

Jackson kicked off her Rock Witchu tour promoting her latest album, Discipline, in Vancouver on Sept. 10.

Jackson has complained of exhaustion, a source close to boyfriend Jermaine Dupri tells PEOPLE. "A 42-year-old body can't handle what a 22-year-old body can," says the source. "I can tell you that she's definitely tired. It was probably exhaustion. She is doing back-to-back, three-hour shows, and her body isn't the same as it used to be."

The same night that Jackson was rushed to the hospital, Dupri was spotted in New York City partying at Patron's Music in Motion Tour featuring TI at Marquee. "If [Janet's condition] was more serious he would've rushed to her side," added the source.

Jackson is due to perform in Boston Wednesday night.

Via people.com

Ex Blink-182 star out of hospital

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Former Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker has been released from hospital after suffering severe burns in a plane crash in Columbia earlier this month.

Barker and disc jockey DJ AM were the only survivors of the accident, which killed two pilots and two passengers.

DJ AM - whose real name is Adam Goldstein - was released from the hospital last week. Both men are expected to make a full recovery.

Safety officials said a tyre blowout may have been the cause of the crash.

Third-degree burns

The National Transportation Safety Board said a cockpit voice recording suggested the crew tried unsuccessfully to abort take-off after hearing a probable blowout.

Both stars suffered second and third-degree burns.

The accident happened after Barker and Goldstein, who perform together under the name TRVSDJ-AM, played a free concert in Columbia.

Goldstein dated and was briefly engaged to reality TV star Nicole Richie.

In February 2005, pop punk trio Blink-182 announced they were going on an "indefinite hiatus" with no plans to work together in the future.

Blink-182 had nine UK hits including All the Small Things in 2000.

Via bbc.co.uk

Heath Ledger's Daughter to Inherit Entire Estate

lunes, 29 de septiembre de 2008 |

Heath Ledger's family has decided to donate his entire estate to the late actor's daughter, Matilda Rose.

Two years before his little girl was born, the Dark Knight star – who died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in January – signed a will leaving his fortune to his parents and sisters.

But Ledger's father, Kim, says they have decided that all the money should all go to 2-year-old Matilda (the actor's daughter with ex-girlfriend Michelle Williams).

In fact, he tells PEOPLE, that was the plan "from the moment my boy passed away."

"There was never any question about the fact that Heath's estate would go to Matilda," he says, confirming a report in Australia's Sunday Times. "Never a question. We are very close to Michelle and Matilda."

All One Family
Although Williams and Ledger were separated at the time of his death, the two remained close. In February, the actress joined the Ledgers in Perth for their son's memorial and wake.

When the details of the will first became public, Kim said Williams and Matilda "will be taken care of." He added, "That's how Heath would want it."

Kim, who is based in Australia, also tells PEOPLE that he and his wife, Ines, recently returned from a two-week visit with their granddaugher in New York City.

"It was lovely," he said. "There is no animosity [with Michelle] ... We are all just one family."

Although some reports have valued Ledger's assets at up to $20 million, Adelaide accountant Mark Dyson – an executor of the actor's estate – has refused to state the amount Matilda will inherit.

Via people.com

Lindsay Lohan is planning to take out a restraining order on her father because he keeps embarrassing his troubled daughter in the media.

The Mean Girls star - who recently claimed dad Michael should be "on medication" to stop him publicly shaming her - is said to be "terrified" the 48-year-old will harm her.

A source close to the 22-year-old star said: "Lindsay is going to take out an order of protection against Michael. He is behaving so erratically that she's terrified he'll do something to her. She's contacted her lawyer to arrange this."

Michael - who has three children, Lindsay, Ali and Cody, with ex-wife Dina - has also driven away the rest of his family with his behaviour and attitude.

The source added to the New York Post newspaper: "Ali already has an order of protection against him, as does Dina. No one is speaking with him until he gets help."

The pair's troubled relationship came to a head recently when Michael accused Lindsay's girlfriend Samantha Ronson of "using" his daughter for publicity. Lindsay, in turn, called Michael a "public embarrassment and a bully".

Most recently, Lindsay wrote on her MySpace page: "My father obviously needs to be on medication to control his moods. He is out of line and his words show how much anger he has, and it's dangerous and scary as it reminds me of how he treated my mother and I my whole childhood.

"He needs to be stopped. This is yet another reason why we aren't speaking."

Via stuff.co.nz

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds did a little rushing into it after all. The couple married this weekend, according to publicist Meredith O'Sullivan. She did not provide details.

Us Weekly reported on its Web site Sunday that the small wedding took place at a resort outside Vancouver, British Columbia. Guests included Scarlett's mother, Melanie Sloan, and her brother, Adrian Johansson, the magazine said.

The couple announced their engagement in May.

"We're just enjoying our time," the actress said last month. "We're just recently — very recently — engaged. So, you know, we're just taking it easy. And no big plan yet. But it's a good time and we're just ... enjoying our time to be young and engaged.

"I mean, I'm 23. There's no reason to rush into it. Everything feels very natural and relaxed."

Johansson most recently starred in the Woody Allen film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." Reynolds starred on the TV show "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place" and the romantic comedy "Definitely, Maybe."

Via associatedpress

Heather Locklear Arrested for DUI

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Heather Locklear was arrested in Montecito, California, Saturday after a witness saw Locklear's car weaving erratically, People has reported. According to the witness, Heather Locklear was also gunning the engine and drove repeatedly over a pair of sunglasses. The witness contacted the California Highway Patrol after seeing Locklear's car pull onto the highway. The witness did not know that Locklear was the driver of the vehicle. Police found Locklear in her stationary car on a highway blocking a lane. Heather Locklear was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to California Highway Patrol spokesman, Tom Marshall, in an interview with People Magazine, Heather Locklear appeared "disoriented and impaired" and was booked at a nearby precinct. Locklear was administered drug and alcohol tests and, based on observations by officers, it appeared that she was under the influence of prescription drugs. Locklear was released after booking.

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol in not new in Hollywood. In July, Shia LaBeouf, most recently appearing in the latest Indiana Jones movie, was arrested for drunk driving after an early morning crash in Hollywood that injured LaBeouf, his passenger and the driver of the other vehicle. On Friday, his DUI charges were dismissed in court but LaBeouf still faces misdemeanor traffic charges.

In September 2007, 24's Kiefer Sutherland was arrested for drunk driving after making an illegal late-night U-turn in West Hollywood, according to the New York Daily News. It was Sutherland's second drunk driving conviction and he served 48 days in the Glendale City Jail. Sutherland served his time early so that it would not interfere with his filming schedule. Sutherland was also required to participate in court-ordered alcohol awareness programs.

Actor Mickey Rourke was arrested in Miami Beach last November for drunk driving after making an illegal U-turn on his Vespa Scooter.

Via associatedcontent

Terror fear puts Kylie Minogue at risk

domingo, 28 de septiembre de 2008 |

The pop princess is set to spin around for 2000 VIP guests at the opening of the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai in November.

There are now fears the venue could be a target for al-Qaeda because it is seen by Islamist extremists as a symbol of decadence.

British spies are reportedly tracking claims the group plans to bomb the development on which the hotel stands, following talk of attacks in internet chatrooms.

According to the UK press, there has also been surveillance on a number of suspects who pose a credible threat to the building and the people at the party.

A fresh security alert has been ordered in the United Arab Emirates and the British Foreign Office has set its threat warning for the area at high.

Minogue will be paid $4.6 million for her performance before Hollywood stars, heads of state and billionaire businessmen on November 20.

The hotel is built on Palm Jumeirah - a complex of man-made isles off the Dubai coast where footballers, including David Beckham, own homes.

The $1.7 billion hotel will welcome its first guests on September 24.

While Minogue will be the main attraction, a giant fireworks display lighting up 43km of the palm-shaped shoreline and illuminating the entire man-made island will be the climax of the gala show.

The 1539-room hotel, set on 46ha, will include one of the largest man-made marine habitats in the world and several water parks, with up to 65,000 sea creatures on show.

Via news.com.au

Amy Winehouse Facing Arrest Again

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British singer Amy Winehouse might face arrest for allegedly whacking a woman dancer on the face.

The 30-year-old dancer Sherene Flash said Winehouse hit her in the eye after she approached her for a picture, reports thesun.co.uk. The Rehab singer then apparently ran off crying, "Life can't go on. I can't do this any more".

The police were then called to the End of Summer Ball in London where Winehouse was performing and took a statement from Sherene.

A friend of the dancer said, "Sherene asked Amy if she could take a photo. Amy was okay at first, but when Sherene asked if a friend could get in the shot, Amy lashed out."

An informed source said, "She was getting distressed. There was a lot of grabbing and flashbulbs were going off. She was startled."

Winehouse is also reported to have struck the event's official photographer. Police are now expected to quiz the singer.

Via ndtv.com

Madonna 'fined £135K by Wembley Stadium'

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Madonna has been fined £135,000 by Wembley Stadium for breaking a strict curfew when she performed at the venue earlier this month, according to a report.

Artists are told that they must wrap up their gigs by 10.30pm when they play at the stadium, but it is claimed that Madonna ran over by 40 minutes when she brought her 'Sticky & Sweet' world tour to London on September 11.

The Sun reports that she was fined £50,000 for every 15 minutes beyond the curfew.

A source told the newspaper: "The concert was meant to start at 8.30pm but Madonna didn't come on stage until 9.10pm. The gig ended at 11.10pm so she was quite a bit over. Her people knew about the possible implications for going over the curfew but this is a pretty hefty fine, even for Madonna."

Madge brings the European leg of her tour to a close tonight with a concert in Athens, Greece.

Via digitalspy.co.uk

Actor Paul Newman dies at 83

sábado, 27 de septiembre de 2008 |

Paul Newman, a screen hero for more than half a century and the head of a philanthropic food empire for the past 25 years, has died, it was announced Saturday. He was 83.

Surrounded by his family and close friends at his farmhouse near Westport, Conn., Newman succumbed Friday after a long battle with cancer, according to a statement from publicist Jeff Sanderson.

Famed for his intense blue eyes, his love of car racing and one of the coolest demeanors ever to heat up the silver screen, Newman was nominated for Oscars ten times.

But perhaps his proudest accomplishment, besides his 50-year marriage to actress Joanne Woodward, was starting Newman's Own, which since 1982 has made popcorn, spaghetti sauce, lemonade and salad dressing and has donated more than $250 million to charities selected by Newman himself.

Career Highs
With more than 80 films and TV productions to his credit, Newman's career spanned generations. His first Oscar nomination was in 1959 for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and his most recent was in 2003 for Road to Perdition.

The son of a sporting goods storeowner, the Ohio native enrolled in Ohio's Kenyon College after his 1946 discharge from the Navy. He married for the first time in 1949, then moved wife Jackie and their young son Scott east, where Newman attended the Yale Drama School and, later, the New York Actors Studio.

Dramatic TV roles came his way, but it was his Broadway debut in 1953, as the sexy stranger in Picnic, that led to a Warner Bros. Hollywood contract and his first movie – the 1954 toga epic The Silver Chalice, which even he considered one of the worst movies ever made.

Still, the looker more than redeemed himself in two screen adaptations of Tennessee Williams dramas, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof costarring Elizabeth Taylor, and Sweet Bird of Youth, with a highly charged Geraldine Page.

In 1957, Newman and Jackie, with whom he also had two daughters, divorced. The next year, he married Woodward, with whom he eventually had another three daughters.

By the '60s Newman had hit his stride with such career-defining roles as the leads in The Hustler, Hud and Cool Hand Luke. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, followed by The Sting, made him and screen partner Robert Redford the hottest male stars of the '70s.

Newman won an Oscar for The Color of Money, in 1987. Exactly 20 years later, he announced his retirement from acting, saying, "I'm not able to work anymore ... at the level that I would want to. You start to lose your memory, you start to lose your confidence, you start to lose your invention."

Among his final roles was the voice of Doc Hudson in the 2006 animated movie Cars.

Charitable Investments
In 1988, Newman and Woodward established the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, named for the outlaws in Butch Cassidy. The camp permits seriously ill youngsters to enjoy the great outdoors – at no cost to the kids or their families.

"I'm a cynical S.O. B.," Newman said when the camp opened, in Ashford, Conn. "But I have a sense of wonder here."

After his retirement from acting, Newman, who was based in Westport, Conn., remained active in his charity work (in 2007, he donated $10 million to Kenyon College) and his food business, and even started theater directing for the first time.

Besides Woodward, Newman's five daughters and several grandchildren survive him. His son, Scott Newman, died following an accidental drug overdose in 1978. In his memory, Paul Newman instituted the Scott Newman Center for drug abuse prevention.

Via people.com

The wet and rainy weather did little to dampen the spirits of David and Victoria Beckham or the screaming fans who turned up at Macy's Herald Square for the launch of their new perfume, Beckham Signature.

Rush hour traffic came to a standstill in midtown Manhattan, and the pavements were filled with people, some of whom had been waiting for up to four hours to catch a glimpse of the show-stopping couple.

Wearing a Giambattista Valli grey shift dress and thigh-high PVC boots, Victoria said to the crowds inside: "The turn-out has been absolutely phenomenal so thank you so much for queuing up for so long in the rain. It's great for us to be here. We're very, very excited. I look forward to meeting you all, so thank you."

Her footballer hubby David, in a striped Tom Ford suit, added: "I'd also like to thank everyone who turned up and hope it will be a great day as well. Thank you."

The couple signed autographs and bottles of their new perfume, Beckham Signature For Him and Beckham Signature For Her.

Via ukpress

“Project Runway” In Pending

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As you well know if you’re following entertainment news, the reality show “Project Runway” was supposed to move from the Bravo network to Lifetime. However, a New York Supreme Court Judge over-ruled the deal. It allowed NBC (owner of Bravo) a last opportunity to match the terms of the deal, as the company claimed this right was stipulated in the original contract between the Bravo network and the Weinstein Company, the owner of “Project Runway”.

Both parties are shocked by this decision, as cases regarding the entertainment industry are rarely based on such clauses. The decision obviously put “Project Runway” between a rock and a hard place, as the Court also issued an order by which the Weinstein Company cannot market the show or spin-offs to any other network, as they had originally planned.

The Court’s decision was also highly detrimental to Lifetime, as their winter schedule was built around “Project Runway”, said to start airing in January. NBC officials stated they were very pleased with the court’s decision of allowing a preliminary injunction against the Weinstein Company, as it is concluding evidence that the latter violated NBC’s right to be the first to refuse future “Project Runway” seasons. The Weinstein Company issued a statement saying it would make an appeal.

Lifetime stated that the ones most hurt by this decision are the “Project Runway” die-hard fans. It’s easy to understand why both companies are fighting tooth and nail for the show: the fourth season had an average of 3.8 million women viewers, aged 18-49, and the season’s finale – a whopping 6.1 million female viewers.

The trial date will be scheduled by the Judge and the two parties on October 15th. The possibility of the two companies to reach a private settlement is not one to be overlooked.

The show's producers at The Weinstein Company decided in April to move the show to Lifetime starting with the sixth season, prompting a breach-of-contract lawsuit from NBC Universal.

“Project Runway” was announced among this year’s recipients of the Peabody award for excellence in radio and television broadcasting Wednesday, thus becoming the first reality television show to ever win the prestigious prize. “Project Runway” is hosted and executive produced by German supermodel Heidi Klum.

Via efluxmedia.com

Hilary Duff: Time to Roll with Manolo

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Hilary Duff smiles at photogs at the Rodeo Drive Walk Of Style Awards honoring Manolo Blahnik in Beverly Hills on Thursday.

The Duffster was also out and about on Robertson Boulevard on Thursday for some accessory shopping. The 20-year-old singer/actress was seen buying a Cynthia Vincent cashmere scarf and numerous Emily Noelle belts at Brunette Boutique in Los Angeles.

Hil has completed filming Greta alongside Ellen Burstyn and Evan Ross and the film is due out in 2009.

Via buzznet.com

Britney Spears to sell home for $7.9million

viernes, 26 de septiembre de 2008 |

Britney Spears‘ home for the last two years has been put on the market with an asking price of $7.9million.

Britney moved into the six-bed, six-bath property in Studio City, Los Angeles after splitting from ex-husband Kevin Federline and the house was the scene of her custody dispute incident in January as well as other episodes on the run up to her conservatorship order in February this year.

The property is described as a “exquisite Italian Renaissance-inspired villa”, with a “grand entrance foyer” and three garages, in the exclusive gated community, The Summit.

Britney’s dad, Jamie Spears, sought permission to sell the home from the Los Angeles Superior Court in June.

At the time, Britney was rumoured to be looking at another, more private, gated community in Calabasas in the San Fernando Valley, closer to Federline and her sons.

Via fametastic.co.uk

Amy Winehouse's incarcerated husband Blake Fielder-Civil has accepted an offer of early release from prison. The conditions of his release stipulate that he will have live at his mum's house in Lincolnshire, wear an electronic tag and stick to a 7pm (BST) curfew. Nevertheless, Fielder-Civil is still planning to get a taxi to see Winehouse at her Camden, north London house every day - despite it being a round trip of 280 miles (The Sun).

Via nme.com

Spice Girl Mel auctions wardrobe

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Spice Girl Melanie Brown is auctioning off the contents of her former home in the UK to raise money for charity.

Items on offer include a "Scary Spice" leopard print outfit, the coat used in the Stop video and five Roberto Cavalli outfits from the Spices' recent tour.

"I hope that people have fun bidding on a piece of me," said the singer, who is now based in Los Angeles.

Proceeds from the online auction, which runs until 26 October, will go to children's cancer charity Clic Sargent.

"As a mother, it was important to me to be a part of an organisation that provides clinical, emotional and financial support to children and young people with cancer and their families," said Brown.

'Personal value'

Other garments up for grabs include a jumpsuit Mel B wore at the Spice Girls' first live performance in Birmingham and the suit she was wearing when she met Prince Charles for the first time in 1997.

The sale also features a baby grand piano, a pair of leopard print boots, a harp and a motorbike.

"Every single one of these items has a personal value to me," said the 33-year-old, who is carving out a new career in the US as a TV presenter.

The mother-of-two will be seen next month co-hosting the 13th Mobo Awards at Wembley Arena.

Via bbc.co.uk

Coronation Street - Helen Flanagan sexy

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Coronation Street fans will see a lot more of actress Helen Flanagan tonight as her character strips off in an attempt to seduce Tony Gordon (played by Gray O'Brien).

Helen's character, Rosie Webster strips to her underwear, a sexy corset and knickers, and waits for him in a hotel room.

But when he rejects her and threatens to fire her she decides it's time he knew the truth about his fiancée Carla and her brother-in-law Liam Connor.

So she smugly shows him the footage she shot on her mobile phone of the two of them kissing.

Even Rosie is not prepared for Tony's jealous reaction. He throws the terrified teenager down on the bed and tells her that no one else must find out about Carla and Liam's affair.

And when Rosie mysteriously disappears, her family and the police soon establish that Tony was the last person to see her.

Over the coming weeks a desperate search gets underway for Rosie – has she run away or is there a more sinister explanation?

Actress Helen Flanagan, 18, has played Rosie since she was 9-years-old but she wasn't worried about the underwear scenes.

She said: "Rosie is such a fun character to play. You never know what she will get up to next. Everyone was fantastic on set when we had to do these scenes and put me at ease.

"We had meetings about what Rosie would wear and it was decided that as she has access to all this amazing underwear she would go all out to try and seduce Tony.

"I knew that I had to act confidently because Rosie is confident and there was no point in being embarrassed. In the end I had great fun doing these scenes."

Via myparkmag.co.uk

Britney Spears' Comeback Stalled?

jueves, 25 de septiembre de 2008 |

Britney Spears' highly-anticipated comeback has been delayed -- because her record company fear the star's new single isn't good enough.

Womaniser was due to hit US airwaves on Monday. But her label have delayed it and sixth album Circus to put finishing touches to the single.

A snippet was leaked on to the web last week and picked up by a Los Angeles radio station. And listener reaction was poor.

A source said, "The label held the song back to make it as good as possible."

Meanwhile, millionaire music mogul SIMON COWELL confirmed yesterday that Spears will be performing on his UK TV talent show The X Factor -- and even urged the Toxic singer to shave her head before taking to the stage.

He said, "Yes, I think Britney Spears is going to perform on The X Factor.

"She's got a record coming out. We have the number one show in England. It's the best show for her to perform on. We're absolutely thrilled to have her."

"I've always said this about Britney -- that she's a hugely talented person," Simon added. "Everyone wants to work with her because she's a star. She's the number one booking in the world at the moment for a show... The fact that she goes a bit crazy occasionally makes her more interesting. And now she has her career back on track -- fantastic. I'm thrilled.

"If she wants to shave her head before she comes on the show, she's welcome to; I don't care."

Via showbizspy.com

Shia LaBeouf won't face DUI charges for the July 27 car accident that crushed his hand, the L.A. County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday.

"After reviewing the case, we've declined to file any charges due to insufficient evidence," says DA spokeswoman Jane Robison.

Following the crash, the 22-year-old Transformers star was cited with misdemeanor DUI while he was still at the hospital.

Prosecutors instead plan to file criminal charges against the other driver, who was found to have run a red light, Robison says.

"We're very happy with the prosecutor's decision, and we're glad this whole thing resolved without Shia having to go to court," LaBeouf's attorney Michael Norris tells PEOPLE

Although the DA rejected the case, LaBeouf still faces a DMV hearing Friday and the possible suspension of his driver's license, L.A. County Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore tells PEOPLE.

"When an individual refuses to take a blood alcohol test, that person's license is automatically suspended for six to nine months," says Whitmore.

At the Sept. 16 premiere of his new movie Eagle Eye, LaBeouf's hand was in a white protective guard and he kept it in his pocket most of the night.

"I'm just propped up right now to do Transformers 2," LaBeouf told PEOPLE. "Then, when I get another surgery, I'll start recovering. Right now, I'm getting through."

Via people.com

Celebrity Big Brother babe Chantelle Houghton says ex-husband Preston never wanted to marry her.

The Ordinary Boys frontman, 25, was even pulling silly faces at her on their wedding day.

Chantelle, 25, tells Piers Morgan in his show The Dark Side Of Fame: “A month after we were married Preston told me: ‘I knew I didn’t want to marry you on our wedding day’.

It was weird on the day. He was pulling silly faces when we took our vows. “He took the pee. I tried to keep a straight face but I thought he was being weird.

“I thought: ‘You shouldn’t be doing this... you should be looking into each others’ eyes on your wedding day’. I wondered what was going on. But I just went along with it.

“After he told me that he never wanted to marry me, we did interviews where we told everyone how happy we were. I lied about being happy.”

Chantelle, who claims the end of the 10-month marriage caused her to binge on booze and food, sobs: “I feel bad for my mum. I’m her only daughter and I wanted her to be proud of me.”

Chantelle and Preston’s divorce was finalised back in January this year. TV interviewer Piers, 43, says: “I am shocked.

“This is every bride’s nightmare being told your husband never wanted to marry you in the first place.”

The show airs on Monday, October 27, on BBC1 at 10.35pm.

Via dailystar.co.uk

Amanda Donohoe to join Emmerdale

miércoles, 24 de septiembre de 2008 |

LA Law star Amanda Donohoe is joining the cast of Yorkshire soap Emmerdale.

The 46 year old actress said she was "very excited" to be playing one half of "sexy new couple" Natasha and Mark Wylde, who retire to the country.

Her on-screen husband will be played by Dynasty and former Casualty star Maxwell Caulfield.

The couple, who are promised to be at the centre of some gripping storylines next year, will make their debut on the ITV1 soap at Christmas.

"I'm hoping the next few months will deliver some intriguing new storylines and I'm looking forward to galloping across the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and of course a pint of champagne at the Woolie," Donohoe said.

The actress has also starred in US sitcom Frasier and ITV1 drama Bad Girls, and on the West End stage replaced Jerry Hall as Mrs Robinson in The Graduate in 2001.

She won a Golden Globe in 1992 for her role in LA Law, where her character took part in what was billed as the first lesbian kiss on US television.

Maxwell Caulfield added: "This role was just too tempting to turn down and I can't wait to start filming in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

Miley Cyrus not trying to get fired from Hannah Montana

martes, 23 de septiembre de 2008 |

Teen sensation Miley Cyrus has denied rumours that she’s deliberately trying to get fired from Hannah Montana the show that launched her.

The rumours began when Cyrus bragged that she would get fired, making it clear she wants to focus on singing and not the show.

According to TMZ, Cyrus and her country singer father Billy Ray Cyrus have been turning up late at the Hannah Montana set, stalling production and annoying the cast and crew.

Cyrus’ father has been spreading the word around the set that he and Miley will do 12 more episodes and then they are out, sources told TMZ.

However, Cyrus has denied the reports, stating that she intends to continue working with the show that made her an actress and is excited about the upcoming episodes.

"I am fully committed to Hannah Montana. It's what gave me this amazing opportunity to reach out to so many people," Cyrus told FOXNews.com through her representative.

"I’m really excited about our new season. We are making great new episodes that I can't wait for our fans to see and I'm looking forward to the Hannah Montana movie that will be out in the spring,” the representative added.

Via sify.com

Lindsay Lohan has finally confirmed her relationship with Samantha Ronson - and revealed that their lesbian love affair has been going on for "a very long time."

Reports that the pair are more than just good friends surfaced earlier this year but the couple have kept the public guessing...until now.

A U.S. radio DJ called Lindsay to speak about the Travis Barker and Adam Goldstein plane crash but the conversation inevitably turned to her love life:

"Now, you guys, you and Samantha, have been going out for how long now? Like two years? One year? Five months? Two months?," asked the Loveline host.

The Mean Girls star giggled before responding, "A long... a very long time."

Via entertainmentwise.com

Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell thinks that teen sensation Miley Cyrus will be the most eligible Hollywood actress to play the young Carrie Bradshaw, if her prequel novels are turned into movies of TV shows.

Bushnell, who has recently signed a deal to pen two teen novels about her character Bradshaw's high school years, would love to see Cyrus playing Bradshaw. When asked to name her new Carrie, a part Sarah Jessica Parker has played on the big and small screen, Bushnell said, "I don't know... What about Miley Cyrus?".

The Hannah Montana actress Cyrus also seems to be interested in playing the famous Carrie Bradshaw. "I'd love to do a younger, cleaner version of Sex and The City, the Daily Telegraph Cyrus quoted her as saying during an interview.

Via oneindia.in

Illusionist and daredevil David Blaine began a nearly three-day stint Monday hanging upside down over New York's Central Park, in what may be his toughest stunt yet.

Blaine, 35, was hoisted by his heels over the park's Wollmann ice rink, and was to stay there, dangling for 60 hours from a wire, until late Wednesday.

The magician, who has previously spent 72 hours encased in ice, 44 days without food in a plexiglass box, a week under water, and been buried alive, told AFP that being inverted for three days was his hardest challenge.

"This is the most difficult for sure. The others, you could get into them soon after the start, but this one is tough from the get-go," Blaine said after being lowered to head level for an interview.

Dressed in black T-shirt and grey trousers, the short, tanned and bearded magician looked at ease as he surveyed New York from the unusual angle.

He was attached at the torso and at two steel clips linking his boots to the wire. For two nights and three hot early autumn days he will neither eat or sleep.

The trick echoes Blaine's great hero Harry Houdini, the legendary escapologist of the late 19th and early 20th century, who amazed New York crowds by hanging upside down from skyscrapers and cranes.

Unlike Houdini, who would hang in a straightjacket, then escape after a short time, Blaine aims instead to prove his powers of endurance.

In training, he tried the trick for just six hours.

"Sixty hours -- that will be heading into the unknown," he told AFP in a quiet voice.

Asked how he would manage the challenge, Blaine answered: "Sheer willpower."

The metal frame from which he is suspended is four floors high, but Blaine can be lowered to talk face to face -- even if upside down -- with tourists and curious New Yorkers.

Mary Foti, 72, who stopped by while walking her dachshund Madison, applauded the adventure.

"I think it's wonderful. It gives you something to talk about other than politics," she said. "I don't think he's crazy. I live in New York and you see all sorts of things, especially in the park!"

Doctors have expressed concern about the effect of the stress on Blaine's internal organs and blood circulation.

He is not eating, but is taking liquid through a straw, and is able to urinate through a catheter.

He regularly frees one leg, so that he is hanging only by the other, then uses that limb to help rebalance, briefly raising his head a little nearer to a horizontal position.

Blaine is well known for his card tricks and other illusions, including transforming a homeless man's cup of coffee into one overflowing coins, and appearing to have magically removed a distraught-looking woman's front teeth.

However, he has become more famous for his physical dares, which combine Houdini-era tricks with modern public relations.

ABC television bought live coverage rights to the Central Park event and is planning a two-hour prime time show on Wednesday at 9:00 pm (0100 GMT Thursday) featuring Blaine's tricks and then his descent from the wire.

Longtime publicity agent Regina Dantas said she and the rest of Blaine's team were worried every time he took his stunts to the edge.

"The doctor, his assistant, these guys are petrified. The outcome is always a big question mark, a big question mark," she told AFP.

Blaine, she said, "is fearless. Death, I think, means something different to him."

Not everyone was impressed.

"I'm not bothered really. Perhaps it's our age group, but I don't see why people have to do things like that," an elderly English tourist, visiting New York with her husband. "Poor man," she added, hooting with laughter.

Meanwhile, one of the score of security guards at the site sounded as if the job was going to be a feat of endurance for him too. "I'm getting tired just watching him," he said, shaking his head.

Via afp

Chef Jamie Oliver Expecting Third Child

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"Naked Chef" Jamie Oliver will have another bundle of nakedness on his hands soon.

The British celebrity chef and his wife Juliette, aka "Jools," are expecting their third child, reports the UK's The Daily Mail.

Oliver, 33, and the former model, 34, have been married since June 2000 and are expecting the child in April. They already have two daughters: Poppy Honey, 6, and Daisy Boo, 5.

The couple has been trying for a third child for a while now. Jools had suffered from cysts on her ovaries, which can sometimes reduce a woman's ability to conceive, but even though she had used fertility drugs to conceive her first daughter, the current pregnancy occurred naturally.

The sex of the baby is not yet known, but the Olivers have expressed interest in possibly adopting a boy if their third child is another girl.

Jamie Oliver first came to TV through his series "The Naked Chef," which referred to the freshness of the ingredients, not his lack of attire. He can currently be seen on "Jamie at Home."

Via zap2it.com

Jamie Lynn Spears Breastfeeding Photos Stolen

lunes, 22 de septiembre de 2008 |

Poor Britney Spears might have thought her photos would be the most sought after pics on the internet but now her little sis has overtaken her.

Photos of Jamie Lynn Spears breastfeeding could soon be on the web after Casey Aldrige made a big mistake.

Jamie Lynn's fiance allegedly took the photos on his camera and went to get them developed at their local supermarket.

It is thought that an employee copied the pics and is attempting to sell them on.

Police are investigating as Jamie Lynn is still underage despite having baby Maddie.

Parents of Jamie Lynn fans are worried for the young star and hope the police can stop the person selling the photos before they get published.

They don't want young children seeing the pictures when they type in their favourite stars name into Google.

Via myparkmag.co.uk

'Sex and the City' author Candace Bushnell thinks that teen sensation Miley Cyrus will be the most eligible Hollywood actress to play the young Carrie Bradshaw, if her prequel novels are turned into movies of TV shows.

Bushnell, who has recently signed a deal to pen two teen novels about her character Bradshaw's high school years, would love to see Cyrus playing Bradshaw.

When asked to name her new Carrie, a part Sarah Jessica Parker has played on the big and small screen, Bushnell said, "I don't know... What about Miley Cyrus?".

The Hannah Montana actress Cyrus also seems to be interested in playing the famous Carrie Bradshaw.

"I'd love to do a younger, cleaner version of Sex + The City," the Daily Telegraph Cyrus quoted her as saying during an interview.

Via dailyindia.com

Britney's single 'Womanizer' gets leaked

domingo, 21 de septiembre de 2008 |

Pop diva Britney Spears’ comeback single ‘Womanizer’ from her soon-to-be-released album ‘Circus’ has leaked on to the Internet.

The recovering pop icon’s ‘Womanizer’, which was expected to make its debut on September 22, has been partially uploaded online and can be heard at Nashville radio station 107.5 The River''s website.

Britney has claimed ‘Circus’ to be her best work yet while the song itself features a provocative tune, reports Contactmusic.

According to Usweekly.com, the tune features sexy lyrics, with Spears'' singing, "Boy don''t try to front/I know just what gets you off".

The album is set to establish the star’s comeback while the album itself is set to release on 2nd December – her 27th birthday.

Britney recently gleamed at the MTV Video Music Awards on 7th September when she walked away with three trophies – ‘Video of the Year’, ‘Best Female Video’ and ‘Best Pop Video’.

Via indiatimes.com

Drummer Barker 'to fully recover'

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Ex Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker and US club disc jockey DJ AM are expected to fully recover from burns suffered in a plane crash, their doctor has said.

The two, who had earlier performed together, suffered their injuries in a Learjet plane crash in Columbia, South Carolina, which killed four people.

They are both still in a critical but stable condition in hospital in Augusta, Georgia, Dr Fred Mullins said.

The plane went off the runway on take off and crashed on a nearby road.

The pilot, co-pilot and two other passengers all died.

Dr Mullins said both the survivors had suffered second and third-degree burns in the crash, which took place just before midnight local time on Friday.

Barker, 32, was burned on his torso and lower body while DJ AM - real name Adam Goldstein - was burned on his hands and part of his head, the doctor added.

"Anybody who can survive a plane crash is pretty lucky," he added.

He said their injuries could take up to a year to heal.

UK hits

The pair, who perform together under the name TRVSDJ-AM, had earlier been playing at a free concert in Columbia.

Air traffic controllers had reported seeing sparks coming from the plane as it tried to take off.

Officials said it left the end of the runway before coming to rest, engulfed in flames, a quarter of a mile away, on the embankment across a five-lane motorway.

In February 2005, pop punk trio Blink-182 announced they were going on an "indefinite hiatus" with no plans to work together in the future.

The band's record label Geffen said that Barker and bandmates Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus aimed to "spend some time enjoying the fruits of their labours with loved ones".

Blink-182 had nine UK hits including All the Small Things in 2000.

Via bbc.co.uk

George Michael arrested over drugs

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George Michael was arrested in public toilets suspected of possessing drugs.

Reports say the multi-millionaire singer was arrested after a tip-off from a suspicious toilet attendant after he was seen loitering in underground loos in London's Hampstead Heath on Friday.

When officers arrived Michael was still in the toilet and police reportedly found him in possession of cannabis and crack cocaine.

Via ukpress

Lindsay Lohan confesses her crush for Victoria Beckham

sábado, 20 de septiembre de 2008 |

Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan has revealed that she has a crush on Victoria Beckham - as Posh's new hairdo reminds her of girlfriend Samantha Ronson.The Mean Girls actress admitted that she has started lusting former Spice Girl after she had her hair cut short, because Victoria now looks like her lesbian lover Ronson, reports China daily. "I love her hair. She looks really hot at the moment. It reminds me of Sam," Lohan said.

However, the 23-year-old actress refused to talk about her marriage plans, after reports claimed that the she and Ronson are planning to get married. A source said: "The one thing Lindsay wouldn''t be drawn on was wedding plans, but I think they are already working on their big day."

Via oneindia.in

Millionaire Harry Potter author JK Rowling has given a £1 million donation to the Labour Party.

The donation comes as a major boost to the cash-strapped party and its leader Gordon Brown as the annual Labour conference starts in Manchester.

Rowling, whose fortune was estimated at £560 million in this year's Sunday Times Rich List, is known to be a personal friend of Mr Brown and his wife Sarah.

Labour Party general secretary Ray Collins said: "I would like to thank JK Rowling for making this generous donation and for helping us in our work to make Britain a fairer and stronger country. We are grateful to everyone that contributes to the party and greatly appreciate this support."

Labour is struggling with debts totalling £17.8 million - much of them due to borrowing to fund the 2005 general election campaign, the most expensive in the party's history.

But a source indicated that Ms Rowling's money would not simply be swallowed up in debt repayments, but would allow the party to continue with its work.

In a statement, JK Rowling, who wrote the first of her best-selling books about boy wizard Harry Potter while an impoverished single mother, indicated that her gift was motivated by Labour's record on child poverty and Tory leader David Cameron's offer of tax breaks to married couples.

She said: "I believe that poor and vulnerable families will fare much better under the Labour Party than they would under a Cameron-led Conservative Party.

"Gordon Brown has consistently prioritised and introduced measures that will save as many children as possible from a life lacking in opportunity or choice.

"The Labour government has reversed the long-term trend in child poverty, and is one of the leading EU countries in combating child poverty."

Via ukpress

Heather Mills: 'I'm Ready to Start Dating'

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Heather Mills wants to find herself a boyfriend.

The former glamor model -- who recently finalized her divorce from Sir Paul McCartney -- insists she has been single for the past two years, despite claiming she has "lots of men" hitting on her.

Heather tells Britain's Daily Mail in a new interview, "Am I happy? Well, I'm getting there and I hope to be one day very soon.

"I've been single for two-and-a-half years now, so yeah, I'm ready to start dating again. Do I have lots of men hitting on me? Always! It's very flattering. I'm not looking for any particular type of man, I don't have an ideal.

"I'm open to different types of people and I'm now in a position to feel ready to move on and build a new relationship."

Via showbizspy.com

Jade Goody allowed to leave hospital

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Jade Goody is being allowed to leave hospital for a few days following cancer surgery.

The Big Brother actress has undergone successful treatment for cervical cancer and will be given a few days at home with her sons before going back into care.

Bobby, five, and Freddie, four, have not seen Goody since she has been in hospital. According to a source, this is because the reality star did not want them to see "mummy being ill".

"She's been knocked for six ... The plan is for her to spend between two and five days relaxing," a source told The Sun.

"Now the op is out of the way it's a real boost for her and she's so much more hopeful."

Goody is expected to return to hospital within the week for chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

Via digitalspy.co.uk

Natalie Cole hospitalized due to hepatitis C

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Natalie Cole, who recently revealed she had hepatitis C, has been hospitalized as a result of side effects from her medication and a heavy promotional schedule, her representative said Friday.

The Grammy-winning singer has been in a New York City hospital since Sept. 12, and is expected to remain there for at least a few days, according to publicist Maureen O'Connor of the firm Rogers & Cowan.

Cole announced in July that she was suffering from hepatitis C, a liver disease spread through contact with infected blood. She said at the time that the disease was revealed during a routine examination and was likely caused by her drug use years ago.

O'Connor said Cole had been responding well to treatment, but blamed the medicine she has been taking and a busy publicity schedule to promote her new album, "Still Unforgettable," with causing her problems. Cole had taped several TV appearances and had appeared live on NBC's "Today" show on Sept. 11, a day before her hospitalization.

Cole is expected to be in the hospital for a few more days and then will return to her home in Los Angeles, where she will be on bedrest, O'Connor said.

"We canceling her activities in October, but we do expect her to have a complete recovery," she said. "She just needs some rest."

O'Connor said Cole has been well enough to talk on the phone everyday, but didn't have much information on her condition.

Cole, the daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, has sold millions of albums in her own long career. Her best-selling work was her 1991 multiple-Grammy winning CD, "Unforgettable ... With Love," on which she remade some of her father's classics.

Via associatedpress

Britney Spears returning to court to fight driving case

viernes, 19 de septiembre de 2008 |

Singer Britney Spears will be returning to court next month to revisit her ongoing illegal driving case. The trial, which was originally scheduled to begin in January, has been shifted to October following a Los Angeles Superior Court judge"s ruling in favour of the star's conservatorship attorneys, who charged she was incapable of issuing a deposition at the time - due to much-publicised health issues.

Judge T.K. Herman issued the renewed trial date on September 18, calling on the ‘Toxic" hitmaker to reappear in court on 15 October, reports Contactmusic. The hearing relates to an incident in August last year, when Spears scraped a parked car in a private parking lot in California's San Fernando Valley while driving without a valid licence.

The charge, which was a hit-and-run, was caught on camera and was dismissed in court in October (07) after Spears offered a personal apology and 1,000 dollars in compensation to the other vehicle''s owner, Kim Robard-Rifkin. However, the troubled star is still facing a charge of driving without a valid California driving licence, because, at the time of the incident, she was only in possession of a permit from her native Louisiana.

Via oneindia.in

The Spice Girls have beaten Led Zeppelin to take the crown of the Best Music Reunion of the last 12 months at the Vodafone Live Music Awards.

Despite playing in front of some half empty venues, the pop group's return to the fray got more public votes than Zep's legendary show at the O2 Arena last year.

Upon receiving the gong, Spice Girl Emma Bunton said she was “a bit shocked” to have beaten Led Zeppelin. Also up in the same category at the London Brixton Academy bash were The Verve and James.

Primal Scream were the biggest winners of the night taking home an Outstanding Contribution To Live Music award and the Best Live Act gong ahead of The Verve, Muse and Kaiser Chiefs. They also closed the night with a three song set.

Mark Ronson was named Best Live Male, while Kate Nash took the female version ahead of Duffy, Estelle and Amy Winehouse.

The shortlists for the awards were selected by a panel of judges, before the eventual winner was voted for by the public.

The night featured live performances from The Pussycat Dolls, Glasvegas, The Automatic, James Morrison, Will Young and the already mentioned Primal Scream.

Via gigwise.com

World's oldest man has 113th birthday in Japan

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The world's oldest man celebrated his 113th birthday Thursday in southern Japan, telling reporters he wants to live another five years. Tomoji Tanabe, who was born Sept. 18, 1895, received birthday gifts, flowers and $1,000 cash from the mayor of his hometown of Miyakonojo, on Japan's southern island of Kyushu.

Tanabe told reporters he wants to live "another five years or so," according to city spokesman Akihide Yokoyama. That was a slight downgrade from last year, when he said he wanted to live "for infinity."

The former city land surveyor, who lives with his son and daughter-in-law, is in good health and sticks to the habits that have gotten him this far. He rises early and reads the newspaper each day, drinks milk every afternoon and eats regular meals. He also avoids alcohol and does not smoke.

On Tuesday he woke up early in the morning to eat breakfast before walking out to meet the mayor and members of the press at his home, Yokoyama said. The cash gift he received is given annually to the city's oldest resident.

Japan has one of the world's longest life expectancies, nearly 86 years for women and 79 years for men, which is often attributed to the country's healthy diet rich in fish and rice.

The number of Japanese living past 100 has more than doubled in the last six years, reaching a record high of 36,000 people this year. The country's centenarian ranks are dominated by women, who make up 86 percent of the total.

Japan's centenarian population is expected to reach nearly 1 million — the world's largest — by 2050, according to U.N. projections.

The world's oldest person is 115-year-old Edna Parker, who was born on April 20, 1893, and lives in a nursing home in Indiana.

Via associatedpress

Troubled Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez and wife Cynthia Rodriguez have settled their bitter divorce fight. Terms of the settlement were not released.

"Cynthia and Alex Rodriguez have amicably resolved their dissolution of marriage proceedings," lawyers for the former couple said in a statement.

Alex and Cynthia Rodriguez have been "deliberately engaged in these private negotiations. During the negotiations and resolution all decisions were made with the best interests of their children as the paramount concern."

Cynthia, 35, filed for divorce in July, saying her estranged husband – known to fans as A-Rod – "emotionally abandoned" her and their children and had a series of affairs (with Joslyn Morse, Candice Houlihan, maybe Madonna, etc).

Cynthia Rodriguez had asked to keep their $12 million Coral Gables, Fla., mansion. The mother of his two children, Natasha, 3, and Ella, five months, also wanted a cut of his baseball earnings during the duration of their marriage.

Alex Rodriguez reportedly made $28 million during the 2008 season and is in the first year of a 10-year, $275 million contract with the New York Yankees.

The Rod argued that the settlement should be determined by their prenup, which Cynthia (maiden name Scurtis) signed a month before their 2002 wedding.

He admitted the marriage was "irretrievably broken," but noted Florida is a no-fault state for divorces and chastised her for mentioning "immaterial and impertinent" issues like his alleged "extra marital affairs and other marital misconduct."

Via fashion.ie

Pitt donates 100,000 US to support gay marriage rights

jueves, 18 de septiembre de 2008 |

Film star Brad Pitt has donated 100,000 dollars to oppose a California referendum seeking to ban gay marriage, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Gay marriage has been legal in California since June.

But opponents of same-sex marriages collected enough signatures to force a referendum seeking to ban them. Called "Proposition 8," it goes before voters in the most populous US state November 4.

"Because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8," the Times quoted Pitt as saying in a statement.

He and partner Angelina Jolie have said they would wed when everyone who wants to get married in the United States is able to do so. Same-sex marriages are illegal in most US states.

Via afp

Elle Macpherson named Greatest Model Ever

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Elle Macpherson has been voted the Greatest Model Ever in a new poll.

The Australian, 44, who’s known as The Body in the industry, beat Cindy Crawford, 42, to the top spot.

Ageing model Twiggy, 58, rounded off the top three in the Debenhams survey of 3,000 women.

‘Our research shows women prefer curvier figures like Elle and Cindy,’ spokesperson Caroline Adams tells the Daily Mirror.

‘Most of the original supermodels feature in the top 10 which illustrates just how iconic their figures are.’

Claudia Schiffer, 38, was fourth, Kate Moss, 34, was seventh and Liz Hurley, 43, trailed in ninth.

Via nowmagazine.co.uk

Apology for actress's IRA comments

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A director has distanced herself from comments about supporting the IRA made by an actress who stars in her latest film.

Rose McGowan sparked controversy with comments made at the world premiere of Fifty Dead Men Walking, a film based on the memoirs of Martin McGartland, an RUC Special Branch agent who infiltrated the IRA in the 1980s.

The 35-year-old American actress, whose father is Irish, said at a press conference at the Toronto Film Festival last week: "I imagine, had I grown up in Belfast, I would 100% have been in the IRA. My heart just broke for the cause. Violence is not to be played out daily and provide an answer to problems, but I understand it."

McGowan plays an IRA operative in the film, which also stars Sir Ben Kingsley and Jim Sturgess.

The producers and director of the film attempted to limit the damage caused by her comments by publicly expressing their disapproval. There are concerns that the comments could damage the film, presently being sold around the world and to be released in the UK next month.

In a statement, they said they regret any "distress that this (the comments) may have caused to people of Northern Ireland and particularly those who were victims of, or caught up in the shocking events that existed during the Troubles." The comments "were not shared, nor endorsed, by anybody associated with the production or creative elements of the film", they said.

Director Kari Skogland said: "Rose's personal opinions of Northern Ireland do not reflect the perspective of the film in any way.

"Our goal was to present an even, non-judgmental point of view so the audience could follow the path of an informer with empathy no matter what the politics.

"We are all very proud of this thought-provoking film and are deeply indebted to the city of Belfast and Northern Ireland for giving us such a warm welcome whilst filming."

Guy Collins, chairman of HandMade Films International, said on behalf of the co-producers: "We were surprised and disappointed by the comments made by Ms McGowan. To the best of our knowledge, her now-stated views were never expressed at any time before, during or after the shooting of the film, until the press conference ahead of the gala screening last week. Her opinions run entirely contrary to the stated aims of the film which has always been to tell one man's story viewed from both sides of the conflict."

Via ukpress

Ryan O’Neal has been arrested

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Ryan O’Neal has been arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine. Police found the drug yesterday (17.09.08) at the actor’s Malibu home during a routine check connected with his 23-year-old son Redmond, who is on probation for three years after admitting driving under the influence and possession crystal meth, in June.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said: “Deputies were doing a routine sweep to make sure Redmond was adhering to his probation. “Upon searching the premises, the younger O’Neal was found in possession of narcotics. Later, a vial of drugs were found in the elder O’Neal’s bedroom. We believe the drugs found were methamphetamines.”

Both men were released after posting $10,000 bail and neither Ryan nor Redmond – whose mother is Farrah Fawcett, 61 - appeared under the influence of drugs, the sheriff said. The 67-year-old ‘Love Story’ actor was arrested last year on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm after firing a gunshot during an argument with another son, Griffin, 43.

Ryan said he fired a warning shot just to scare his son. The dispute started after Redmond had been allegedly tied to a staircase by Griffin – his half-brother – to prevent him going out to buy drugs.

Charges were never filed for the incident.

Ryan first became famous on the soap opera Peyton Place. His role in 'Love Story' gained him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Further starring roles have been the screwball comedy 'What's Up, Doc?', Paper Moon (co-starring his daughter, Oscar-winner Tatum O'Neal), the Stanley Kubrick directed Barry Lyndon, the 'Love Story' sequel, Oliver's Story, and the Walter Hill car chase movie 'The Driver'.

O'Neal has been in a long-term (off and on again) relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett. He also dated Diana Ross for some time. He was previously married to actresses Joanna Moore and Leigh Taylor-Young. He has four children: Tatum O'Neal and Griffin O'Neal, Patrick O'Neal and Redmond O'Neal (with Fawcett).

Ryan’s daughter, Tatum O'Neal, 44, a former child star, pleaded guilty in July to disorderly conduct stemming from a drug arrest in June.

Via welt.de

Gwyneth Paltrow says she can’t diet

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She was just named one of People magazine’s best dressed for baring her legs and slim frame, but thirty something Gwyneth Paltrow said her new toned body isn’t the result of dieting.

The mother of two told Oprah Winfrey, in an interview airing Wednesday, that even the thought of counting calories and carbs is not in her blood.

“I just cannot diet,” she told the talk show host. “I think maybe it’s the idea that you can’t have something… I just can’t do it.’

Via msn.com

Miley Cyrus has got an older man

miércoles, 17 de septiembre de 2008 |

Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus has got herself a new beau.

The 16 year old pop sensation stepped out with aspiring country singer and underwear model Justin Gaston, 20, when he attended a church service in Pasadena, California, with the Cyrus family.

The pair became friends earlier this year when Gaston was a contestant on Nashville Star, a reality show hosted by Miley's pa, Billy Ray Cyrus.

The two have so much in common. Apart from both being country crooners, Gaston has appeared in underwear ads for Kenneth Cole, while Cyrus wore only a satin sheet for her now infamous Vanity Fair shoot.

Lynne Spears Tells All

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In a rare TV interview, Lynne Spears appeared on NBC's The Today Show on Wednesday, where she opened up to host Meredith Vieira about how her youngest child, Jamie Lynn Spears, told her that she and boyfriend Casey Aldridge were expecting a child.

"She hands me a note and tells me to go into the bedroom and read it," Lynne recalled. "It said she was pregnant and everything was going to be okay.... I thought it was a joke. I kept waiting for the punchline."

But after noticing that Casey, who was in the house was the bomb was dropped, couldn't look her in the eye, Lynne realized this was no joke.

"I was in shock... I started to cry," said Lynne, who also revealed that, as a mom, she tends to take the blame for all her children's mistakes on her own shoulders. "What did I do?" she asked herself at the time. "I took all the blame... It's always my fault."

As for her other daughter, Britney Spears, who has seen her life go from the top of the pop charts to the bottom of the tabloid barrel and now once again surging, Lynne says, "She's strong, she's resilient... Britney's fine... She's headed to the top once again."

Via okmagazine.com

Dan Gheesling, a 25 year old Catholic high school teacher from Dearborn, Mich., has become the first winner in the history of CBS television reality series “Big Brother” to win by unanimous vote, taking home the half-million dollar prize.

Gheesling left the house in glory, winning “Big Brother 10” and the $500,000 prize. Memphis Garrett, his best buddy in the house, was runner-up. Cheesling told Julie Chen, host of “Big Brother,” that winning was like a dream come true.

Memphis, 25, took home $50,000, while Keesha Smith, 30, received $25,000 as the winner of the Favorite Juror Prize.

According to his biography on the show’s website, Gheesling attended Michigan State University and earned a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology. He currently works as a teacher and football coach in an all boys Catholic school.
Gheesling, who prefers sushi, turkey cutlets, Mediterranean food and Cheez-Its, considers vegans to be “weird tree-huggers” and has similarly strong political views: should Hillary Clinton have become president, he would have moved out of the country. It’s all here.

In addition, the half-a-million-dollars richer young man lists as favorite movies “The Godfather,” “Good Will Hunting” and “The Karate Kid, Parts I and II.” He also likes to run and coach football.

Gheesling was one of 13 persons, complete strangers among themselves, who entered the house some ten weeks ago, to spend the summer surrounded by cameras and microphones recording their every move 24/7.

It was a good game for Gheesling though, as he won Head of Household three times and was ultimately voted unanimously as the winner, despite his own betrayals over the weeks. Or perhaps precisely because of them.

“Big Brother 10” had live audiences for every weekly eviction show, for the first time since the first season aired on CBS in 2000.

Via efluxmedia.com

A key witness in the O.J. Simpson robbery trial was confronted with contradictions in his testimony Tuesday, including his claim that he didn't try to profit from the casino hotel room confrontation that led to charges against the former football star.

Memorabilia dealer Bruce Fromong, who returned to the stand after becoming ill Monday, told defense attorney Gabriel Grasso he didn't have money on his mind while allegedly being robbed of sports collectibles by Simpson and a group of other men.

"You were not trying to profit off this?" asked Grasso.

"I was not trying to profit from it," said Fromong.

The attorney played a tape recording of the 2007 incident in which Fromong said, "It's not (expletive) over. I'll have 'Inside Edition' down here for us tomorrow. I told them I want big money."

Fromong acknowledged it was his voice and he conceded that he later advertised memorabilia on eBay with the statement, "The same ones stolen by O.J. in Las Vegas."

On redirect questioning, District Attorney David Roger asked to play more of the tape excerpt in which Fromong raged against Simpson.

"Nobody puts a (expletive) gun in my face. I stood up for this (expletive) when he was in jail. I stood up for him when he was on trial. I set up his offshore accounts," he yelled.

Testimony came on the first anniversary of Simpson's Las Vegas arrest. He and co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart are charged with 12 counts of robbery, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon and coercion. They have pleaded not guilty.

Tempers in the case boiled as Roger referred to the confrontation as "the robbery." The defense, which claims Simpson was trying to recover stolen personal items, objected on grounds that was a legal conclusion.

"He can call it alleged. I'm calling it a robbery," snapped Roger.

The judge admonished Roger to say "at the time of the incident" or "at the time of the event." She told jurors to disregard his remark and then yelled at objecting lawyers: "Sit down!"

"Listen folks," she said. "The last thing you want me to do as the judge is to start losing my temper in front of the fine ladies and gentlemen of the jury and having to deal with all of you. You've been warned, folks."

Fromong's contradictions continued. He acknowledged that he said previously, "I felt my life was being threatened."

But moments later, under inquiry by Stewart's lawyer Robert Lucherini, Fromong said, "I was not scared."

He insisted the memorabilia Simpson sought was not stolen but said he didn't know where some of it came from.

"I believe those items belong to Mr. Simpson's kids. They should go back to him," he said, claiming that if he and Simpson had discussed it, they could have reached "an arrangement" by which he would trade the items for Simpson's signature on photos he could sell.

Jurors Tuesday also saw surveillance video from the Palace Station casino hotel which showed the comings and goings of Simpson, Stewart and seven other men on the night of the alleged robbery. The tapes showed men walking about and eventually leaving with boxes.

Via associatedpress

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the wife of the French President, recently performed live together with rock bands Metallica and Kings of Leon. Recording her song 'Tu Es Ma Came' on BBC's 'Later... with Jools Holland', the former supermodel evoked Parisian cafes with her signature breathy chanson style, while Metallica gave its thrilling heavy metal performance.

The 40-year-old singer was given a warm reception while the crowd cheered for Metallica. During the interview, the French first lady also confessed bothering her significant other when she played in the middle of the night. "I play it at home and I disturb him with it in the middle of the night," BBC quoted her, as saying.

"But he's very kind and he listens to all my doubts," she added.

Via oneindia.in

Megan Fox opens up about old flame: 'Nikita'

martes, 16 de septiembre de 2008 |

Megan Fox has nothing to hide. The candid 22-year-old "Transformers" star, who's currently engaged to actor Brian Austin Green, opened up to GQ about her love life, telling the magazine she was once in love with a female stripper. Fox, who appears on the October cover in a black bikini, said she was in the relationship when she was 18 and first living in Los Angeles alone.

"Well, that year my boyfriend broke up with me, and I decided — oh man, sorry, mommy! — that I was in love with this girl that worked at the Body Shop," said Fox. "I decided that I was going to get her to love me back, and I went out of my way to create a relationship with this girl, a stripper named Nikita."

Fox said Nikita would do "these beautiful slow dances to Aerosmith ballads." The actress also said she would bring the Russian stripper gifts and try to inspire her to quit her line of work.

Fox's publicist, Dominique Appel, confirmed the contents of the GQ report Monday.

Despite the brief relationship with a woman, Fox said she does not identify herself as gay.

"Look, I'm not a lesbian," said Fox. "I just think that all humans are born with the ability to be attracted to both sexes. I mean, I could see myself in a relationship with a girl — Olivia Wilde is so sexy she makes me want to strangle a mountain ox with my bare hands. She's mesmerizing. And lately I've been obsessed with Jenna Jameson, but ... oh boy."

Fox also defended Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens regarding their racy photo scandals and said that she doesn't like Disney because they take "these little girls, and they put them through entertainment school and teach them to sing and dance, and make them wear belly shirts, but they won't allow them to be their own people. It makes me sick."

Via associatedpress

Big Brother 10: Winner Crowned Tonight

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The tenth season of Big Brother comes to an end tonight as the winner will be crowned. The final two houseguests is Dan, a Catholic school teacher, and Memphis, a mixologist. They formed an alliance, The Renegades, near the end of the game.

Dan flew under the radar for the first several weeks, throwing competitions and pretending that he was a bad competitor. He begin winning HOH’s and POV’s when it mattered. Dan made a lot of enemies in the process but the jury house agrees that he played a great game.

Memphis had enemies in the house but never did the dirty work like Dan. He evicted Keesha, his close ally, and she became his enemy. Some would say that he floated to the end.

Tonight the Jury House (Keesha, Jerry, Renny, Libra, April, Ollie and Michelle) will vote to decide who wins $500,000. The second place winner receives $50,000. America votes to give a member of the Jury House $25,000 for being America’s Favorite Player.

Predictions:

Dan will win Big Brother 10. The jury will realize he played the game and that’s why he got to the end.

Memphis will win second place.

Renny will win America’s Favorite Player.

Via transworldnews.com

Victoria Beckham is looking even thinner

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Victoria Beckham unveiled her ‘pixie’ haircut at New York Fashion Week on 9 September – but she also looked like she'd lost yet more weight.

But despite her skeletal frame, wire-thin arms and protruding chest bones, Posh claims she's never been happier: ‘I am confident. David is incredibly supportive – he’s very proud of me.’

But the truth is her painfully skinny look will worry husband David, 33, who is said to be desperate for his wife to be comfortable with her body image.

A source tells Now: ‘It’s hard for Victoria. She can’t help but feel insecure, especially next to David, who’s seen as having the world’s hottest body.

'Can you imagine having to deal with that if you have your own body issues?’

Via nowmagazine.co.uk