In its first fall season, So You Think You Can Dance overcame injuries, baseball, scheduling conflicts and the loss of one of its most revered choreographers, Mia Michaels. So, it was fitting that Wednesday’s season finale had to overcome some issues.
It ended triumphantly, however, with Russell Ferguson, the charismatic krumper from Boston, beating the odds — as well as his well trained competitors — and winning the title of America’s Favorite Dancer, $250,000 in prize money, a spot on the cover of Dance Spirit magazine and (along with Kathryn McCormick, the female dancer with the most votes) a part in the 2010 Oscars telecast.
“It feels crazy, a dream come true [and] everything into one,” an elated Ferguson told PEOPLE backstage after the results. “It feels like everything has just fell into place … everything is so perfect right now. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Despite his post-show bliss, Ferguson spent the majority of the broadcast masking pain and frustration onstage after he injured himself during a hip-hop routine with fellow contestants Jonathan “Legacy” Perez and Kevin Hunte.
“I went to jump back up onstage during my three-man piece and I came down on my leg a little wrong and it got real numb and swollen and it felt like something maybe got sprained,” he said. “I was fine enough to walk. I felt like I could dance. After they tested me backstage, they told me I couldn’t dance. That was the worst feeling.”
The hiccup, which occurred not long into a live broadcast, was quickly handled by host Cat Deeley, who at the time of the incident also had a faulty microphone, a finalist who couldn’t walk and results to announce.
“Did I save it? I’m not entirely sure if I did save it or not!” Deeley said backstage. “This is what happens in real life, so, it’s kind of ‘Okay, let’s get you on, let’s get a doctor, let’s take care of you, let’s carry on with the show, and let’s do it as smoothly as we can.’”
The two-hour finale, which revisited past routines and featured performances by Leona Lewis, Adam Lambert, Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Lopez, continued with Ferguson sitting on a stool as his scheduled routines played on the monitor overhead.
Still, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who was unable to confirm whether there is going to be another fall season of the show or when the season 6 tour will kick off, did say he was “delighted” with the end to a memorable season.
“I’m really happy with the result,” he said. “I wouldn’t have minded Jakob [Karr, 19, the contemporary runner-up winning] or Russell. But for me and how I feel about dance — I want it spread everywhere — does that for me more than Jakob would have done. Dancers will look at Jakob and go, ‘Wow, what a brilliant dancer,’ because he is. But America will look at the charismatic performer that Russell is and will say, ‘If he has done that, I can do that.’ And remember, he didn’t win by krumping. He only krumped once the whole season, as I remember. He won by doing other styles, and that opens up for street kids.”
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Anti-fur campaign making strides in fashion industry
"Real Housewives of New York" star Bethenny Frankel is the newest in the large line of celebrities who have posed for PETA's "I'd Rather Go Naked" ad campaign promoting anti-fur. Actress Eva Mendes, reality stars Khloe Kardashian and Audrina Patridge and porn-star/actress Jenna Jameson have all posed for PETA ads, proving that anti-fur advocates range in all personalities and professions.Recently, faux fur has gained immense popularity in the fashion industry, after many decades when fur and leather were considered extremely chic and high-class. Even celebrity designers and boutiques are jumping on the faux fur bandwagon, including outspoken advocates Betsey Johnson, Stella McCartney and Todd Oldham, all who tolerate absolutely no aminal cruelty in their lines.
This fake fur trend is quickly turning into a fashion style here to stay. Even high-end retailers known for their extravagant furs are changing their policies to ban fur in their products. Some large companies that now incorporate fur and leather alternatives include Target, H&M, Wal-mart, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Bebe, Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Polo Ralph Lauren and BCBG - all of which can be found in the Columbus, Ohio area.
Another positive aspect to faux animal products is the reduced prices. Bags, shoes, belts, jackets and other accessories are now being made out of alternative materials, which prove to be better for the environment and for your wallet.
Monday, December 14, 2009
“I made out with Megan Fox” - Josh Brolin
Josh Brolin has revealed that he made the most of his love scenes with Megan Fox during shooting for Jonah Hex because he wanted to make his actress wife Diane Lane envious.
The actor plays the role of a disfigured bounty hunter Hex in the Western, a big screen adaptation of the popular comic books, with Megan Fox as his love interest. And he admitted he jumped at the opportunity to make his wife jealous because she has enjoyed romancing actors like Richard Gere, Viggo Mortensen and French actor Olivier Martinez on-screen over the years.
"I made out with Megan Fox, which was nice,” the Daily Star quoted him as saying.
He added: "Everybody says it's very uncomfortable doing love scenes. My wife has done a few movies with a couple of love scenes, maybe this was maybe a revenge of mine, of some sort. If you look at it from that perspective, it's kind of like the ultimate revenge. Megan Fox is the ultimate revenge, you hear what I'm saying?"
The actor plays the role of a disfigured bounty hunter Hex in the Western, a big screen adaptation of the popular comic books, with Megan Fox as his love interest. And he admitted he jumped at the opportunity to make his wife jealous because she has enjoyed romancing actors like Richard Gere, Viggo Mortensen and French actor Olivier Martinez on-screen over the years."I made out with Megan Fox, which was nice,” the Daily Star quoted him as saying.
He added: "Everybody says it's very uncomfortable doing love scenes. My wife has done a few movies with a couple of love scenes, maybe this was maybe a revenge of mine, of some sort. If you look at it from that perspective, it's kind of like the ultimate revenge. Megan Fox is the ultimate revenge, you hear what I'm saying?"
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Premiere of 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians'
Kim Kardashian screams on tonight's season premiere of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians", and can you blame her? Her sister Khloé just got married, her sister Kourtney is pregnant, and she's beginning to feel underappreciated.
"You guys make me feel like I'm the one that has to get married and have a baby," she shouts at the family, give or take a curse word for emphasis.
But that's misleading. In fact, she's given birth to a monster: a fame-obsessed clan sucking up every available inch of limelight. Kim is an enabler, and as "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" begins its fourth season, she's coming undone.
More shouting: "Can't we get rid of this wedding cake already? It's been here for a week!" Again, with a curse word for emphasis.
Kim, as ever, is ravishing, the unavoidable focus of visual attention on this show. But though she's been the conduit to celebrity for Kourtney and Khloé, who are essentially empty-vessel strivers, now, in some ways, they've usurped her -- the tabloid covers are theirs, not hers. The inmates have taken over the asylum.
It's hard to see Khloé's marriage (to Laker Lamar Odom) and Kourtney's pregnancy (with her on-and-off boyfriend Scott Disick) as anything other than passive-aggressive maneuvers against the alpha-ness of Kim. Earlier this year, they were the anchors of their own reality show on E!, "Kourtney & Khloé Take Miami," their metaphorical jailbreak toward individual celebrity. And yet here they are, back in Calabasas, straining toward domesticity.
Meanwhile, Kim's relationship with football star Reggie Bush is kaput, and she's moping, frowning through a photo shoot for her fragrance. "I just really don't care about my career anymore," she says with a sigh. "I feel like it's cost me my relationship."
Having emotionally gifted parents would be a boon here, for all the sisters, but mother Kris and stepfather Bruce Jenner remain as inscrutable as ever. Kris encourages Khloé to use sex to get Odom to purchase the house she wants and also opens the wedding gifts she's supposed to be the custodian of. Bruce's hair still appears as if he's caught in a windstorm, which in effect he is. That he still has a career giving motivational speeches is a shock, giving his persistent impotence on this show.
The Disick-Odom contrast provides the subtext of what will likely be this season's real tension, between Kourtney and Khloé.
Odom from the premiere appears to be sensible -- he's a multimillionaire basketball player, he largely avoids the cameras when they're around and he successfully talks Khloé out of her interest in a too-expensive home. "It's our love that makes the house, not our house that makes the love," Khloé says, and she might even mean it.
Disick, meanwhile, is portrayed as an ungrateful layabout, barely capable of feeding himself. In his preppy gear -- in one scene tonight, a mauve polo shirt, slim shorts and loafers -- and slicked-back hair, he appears to be auditioning for a regional theater production of "American Psycho." "Is this your wedding footage?" he asks Khloé. "Didn't you just live this? Do we need to watch it already?" (Ungrateful though not wholly unreasonable, as these things go.)
When the family joins Kourtney at the doctor's office to learn the sex of the baby -- a boy, thankfully, given this family's dynamics -- Khloé opts out. During a game of charades, she acts out the phrase "deadbeat dad," pointing at Disick. And at the end of the episode, she expresses her feelings for Disick with an open palm, hard to his cheek.
Throughout, when she's not burdened by her romantic misfortune, Kim looks on beatifically, the most sensible one of the bunch. Maybe she knows something we don't: With all this madness unfolding around her, she's beginning to look less like a victim and more like a conscientious objector.
"You guys make me feel like I'm the one that has to get married and have a baby," she shouts at the family, give or take a curse word for emphasis.But that's misleading. In fact, she's given birth to a monster: a fame-obsessed clan sucking up every available inch of limelight. Kim is an enabler, and as "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" begins its fourth season, she's coming undone.
More shouting: "Can't we get rid of this wedding cake already? It's been here for a week!" Again, with a curse word for emphasis.
Kim, as ever, is ravishing, the unavoidable focus of visual attention on this show. But though she's been the conduit to celebrity for Kourtney and Khloé, who are essentially empty-vessel strivers, now, in some ways, they've usurped her -- the tabloid covers are theirs, not hers. The inmates have taken over the asylum.
It's hard to see Khloé's marriage (to Laker Lamar Odom) and Kourtney's pregnancy (with her on-and-off boyfriend Scott Disick) as anything other than passive-aggressive maneuvers against the alpha-ness of Kim. Earlier this year, they were the anchors of their own reality show on E!, "Kourtney & Khloé Take Miami," their metaphorical jailbreak toward individual celebrity. And yet here they are, back in Calabasas, straining toward domesticity.
Meanwhile, Kim's relationship with football star Reggie Bush is kaput, and she's moping, frowning through a photo shoot for her fragrance. "I just really don't care about my career anymore," she says with a sigh. "I feel like it's cost me my relationship."
Having emotionally gifted parents would be a boon here, for all the sisters, but mother Kris and stepfather Bruce Jenner remain as inscrutable as ever. Kris encourages Khloé to use sex to get Odom to purchase the house she wants and also opens the wedding gifts she's supposed to be the custodian of. Bruce's hair still appears as if he's caught in a windstorm, which in effect he is. That he still has a career giving motivational speeches is a shock, giving his persistent impotence on this show.
The Disick-Odom contrast provides the subtext of what will likely be this season's real tension, between Kourtney and Khloé.
Odom from the premiere appears to be sensible -- he's a multimillionaire basketball player, he largely avoids the cameras when they're around and he successfully talks Khloé out of her interest in a too-expensive home. "It's our love that makes the house, not our house that makes the love," Khloé says, and she might even mean it.
Disick, meanwhile, is portrayed as an ungrateful layabout, barely capable of feeding himself. In his preppy gear -- in one scene tonight, a mauve polo shirt, slim shorts and loafers -- and slicked-back hair, he appears to be auditioning for a regional theater production of "American Psycho." "Is this your wedding footage?" he asks Khloé. "Didn't you just live this? Do we need to watch it already?" (Ungrateful though not wholly unreasonable, as these things go.)
When the family joins Kourtney at the doctor's office to learn the sex of the baby -- a boy, thankfully, given this family's dynamics -- Khloé opts out. During a game of charades, she acts out the phrase "deadbeat dad," pointing at Disick. And at the end of the episode, she expresses her feelings for Disick with an open palm, hard to his cheek.
Throughout, when she's not burdened by her romantic misfortune, Kim looks on beatifically, the most sensible one of the bunch. Maybe she knows something we don't: With all this madness unfolding around her, she's beginning to look less like a victim and more like a conscientious objector.
Emily Blunt as the young Queen Victoria
Emily Blunt sweeps into a local bar looking pretty in pink - specifically a tight-fitting pink strapless Moschino gown. She's accompanied by a small entourage including her fiance, John Krasinski from "The Office." They're the only folks in the bar, which has opened early for Blunt to do an interview before appearing at the Mill Valley Film Festival with her new movie, "The Young Victoria."
Blunt orders wine, explaining it will "help me down the red carpet." It is one of the few experiences in her life that gave her insight into Queen Victoria, whom she plays as a teenager in the years immediately before and after her coronation in 1837.
"You can't really let your true feelings show, which is that you are a bit nervous and you feel out of your depth. So there is an element of playing a part with one of these events," Blunt says of the red carpet hoopla.
She has learned to "treat it with a pinch of salt. It is frivolous and silly and you should just enjoy yourself. It is not to be fearful of."
"Young Victoria" is a step up the Hollywood ladder for the 26-year-old British actress, who made indelible impressions as a wealthy teen toying with lesbianism in "My Summer of Love" and as Meryl Streep's abrasive, put-upon assistant in "The Devil Wears Prada."
"I was much more nervous about playing Victoria than any other role, simply because I was in the movie more. I carry it, and I was wondering if my shoulders were broad enough," she said.
A story on the Internet has Blunt getting her hands on the "Victoria" script before anyone and badgering the producers for the title part. "I don't know where they got that from," she said of the rumor. "I come off being more pushy than I was. I wouldn't say I barraged my way. We went through the normal conservative way of conducting a meeting. I just said I loved the role so much and I would love for you to give me a go."
The movie appealed to her because it presents Queen Victoria in a different light. The common perception of her is as a widow mourning for the loss of her husband, Prince Albert, for 40 years.
"She is sour-faced and always with a hankie in her hand," said Blunt.
Researching the part, she was "taken aback" by the young Victoria's surprising vitality. She had an exuberance and a love for music, dance and theater. In contrast to her repressive family, theater was a passionate art form that allowed her to experience love vicariously.
"She was always a dreamer, and she dreamt she would meet somebody like Albert," Blunt said. "She had a romanticized idea of what love was, so I think that is why she never wanted to settle for any old suitor they paraded in front of her."
Blunt, who started acting onstage at age 17, said she could identify with what it was like to be a teenager in a job that was over her head and what it was like to fall in love for the first time. For Victoria, her first love would be her one and only.
"When Albert died, Victoria had to be carried out of the room where his body was," said Blunt, who brushed up on her history. "She kept saying, 'Now who will call me Victoria? I have no one to call me Victoria.' "
Blunt has gone through several boyfriends since her first love. She can't remember his name but does recall when the romance ended "My mum doing that sort of pat on the back saying. 'You are going to laugh about this one day.' "
Before meeting Krasinski, she lived with Canadian singer Michael Buble. "People move on," said Blunt, tapping her fingers and calling attention to a very large round engagement ring. She declined to say how many carats. "I can't give that away. That sounds cheesy."
Being glowingly in love helped Blunt understand the depth of her character's emotions. "She did talk about Albert in a very physical way. Her diary was so expressive. She talked about him on their wedding night, the way he looked and how he sat down gently next to her on the bed. Theirs really was a meeting of souls. When their kids were young, if he left for the weekend, a cloud descended down. She was just so miserable without him."
Sometimes she was miserable with him. "She and Albert used to fight. I mean she talked about doors just slamming and these screams reverberating around the castle. She really didn't care. She loved intensely."
"The Young Victoria" came about because of a royal intervention. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, brought the idea to some Hollywood acquaintances.
"She came up with the initial idea, which was very smart because it hasn't been done before. She's resilient. She's got a lot of connections and is quite the entrepreneur," said Blunt who spoke to the duchess after the movie was complete.
"I discovered that she responds much more to Albert's character, which is being the outsider."
Blunt considers herself fortunate in the range of roles that have come her way. Early next year she will be seen opposite Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins in "Wolfman," playing the fiancee of the title character's dead brother. Fans were in a dither when the movie got postponed first from an April release date then a November one.
"I have no control whatsoever over that," Blunt said. "I think maybe the fanboys are itching to see it - such a frenzy trying to get their teeth into the Wolfman, either to slam it or to love it."
Blunt orders wine, explaining it will "help me down the red carpet." It is one of the few experiences in her life that gave her insight into Queen Victoria, whom she plays as a teenager in the years immediately before and after her coronation in 1837."You can't really let your true feelings show, which is that you are a bit nervous and you feel out of your depth. So there is an element of playing a part with one of these events," Blunt says of the red carpet hoopla.
She has learned to "treat it with a pinch of salt. It is frivolous and silly and you should just enjoy yourself. It is not to be fearful of."
"Young Victoria" is a step up the Hollywood ladder for the 26-year-old British actress, who made indelible impressions as a wealthy teen toying with lesbianism in "My Summer of Love" and as Meryl Streep's abrasive, put-upon assistant in "The Devil Wears Prada."
"I was much more nervous about playing Victoria than any other role, simply because I was in the movie more. I carry it, and I was wondering if my shoulders were broad enough," she said.
A story on the Internet has Blunt getting her hands on the "Victoria" script before anyone and badgering the producers for the title part. "I don't know where they got that from," she said of the rumor. "I come off being more pushy than I was. I wouldn't say I barraged my way. We went through the normal conservative way of conducting a meeting. I just said I loved the role so much and I would love for you to give me a go."
The movie appealed to her because it presents Queen Victoria in a different light. The common perception of her is as a widow mourning for the loss of her husband, Prince Albert, for 40 years.
"She is sour-faced and always with a hankie in her hand," said Blunt.
Researching the part, she was "taken aback" by the young Victoria's surprising vitality. She had an exuberance and a love for music, dance and theater. In contrast to her repressive family, theater was a passionate art form that allowed her to experience love vicariously.
"She was always a dreamer, and she dreamt she would meet somebody like Albert," Blunt said. "She had a romanticized idea of what love was, so I think that is why she never wanted to settle for any old suitor they paraded in front of her."
Blunt, who started acting onstage at age 17, said she could identify with what it was like to be a teenager in a job that was over her head and what it was like to fall in love for the first time. For Victoria, her first love would be her one and only.
"When Albert died, Victoria had to be carried out of the room where his body was," said Blunt, who brushed up on her history. "She kept saying, 'Now who will call me Victoria? I have no one to call me Victoria.' "
Blunt has gone through several boyfriends since her first love. She can't remember his name but does recall when the romance ended "My mum doing that sort of pat on the back saying. 'You are going to laugh about this one day.' "
Before meeting Krasinski, she lived with Canadian singer Michael Buble. "People move on," said Blunt, tapping her fingers and calling attention to a very large round engagement ring. She declined to say how many carats. "I can't give that away. That sounds cheesy."
Being glowingly in love helped Blunt understand the depth of her character's emotions. "She did talk about Albert in a very physical way. Her diary was so expressive. She talked about him on their wedding night, the way he looked and how he sat down gently next to her on the bed. Theirs really was a meeting of souls. When their kids were young, if he left for the weekend, a cloud descended down. She was just so miserable without him."
Sometimes she was miserable with him. "She and Albert used to fight. I mean she talked about doors just slamming and these screams reverberating around the castle. She really didn't care. She loved intensely."
"The Young Victoria" came about because of a royal intervention. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, brought the idea to some Hollywood acquaintances.
"She came up with the initial idea, which was very smart because it hasn't been done before. She's resilient. She's got a lot of connections and is quite the entrepreneur," said Blunt who spoke to the duchess after the movie was complete.
"I discovered that she responds much more to Albert's character, which is being the outsider."
Blunt considers herself fortunate in the range of roles that have come her way. Early next year she will be seen opposite Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins in "Wolfman," playing the fiancee of the title character's dead brother. Fans were in a dither when the movie got postponed first from an April release date then a November one.
"I have no control whatsoever over that," Blunt said. "I think maybe the fanboys are itching to see it - such a frenzy trying to get their teeth into the Wolfman, either to slam it or to love it."
Megan Fox's fight for celebrating Christmas
Megan Fox has reportedly fallen out with her boyfriend over where they'll spend Christmas.
The 'Transformers' actress - who has been dating actor Brian Austin Green on and off since they met in 2003 - had an argument with him after they were unable to agree on their festive holiday plans.
A source is quoted by website Absolute Now as saying: "Basically, Megan wanted it all her way with Brian joining her and her friends and family for the holiday but Brian isn't so keen.
"He is very loyal to his family and thought they would at least share the holidays between the two. It's all ended in another tiff which means they probably won't see each other at all over Christmas."
The 23-year-old actress might not yet know where she is going to spend Christmas, but she recently revealed she's already got Brian's present.
The 'Jennifer's Body' star was searching auction website eBay with her lover when she came across a classic red 1966 Mustang Fastback at a bargain price, although the vehicle needed a lot of repairs.
She said: "We were going through cars on eBay and I found one in really good condition that was beautiful and for a good price."
The 'Transformers' actress - who has been dating actor Brian Austin Green on and off since they met in 2003 - had an argument with him after they were unable to agree on their festive holiday plans.A source is quoted by website Absolute Now as saying: "Basically, Megan wanted it all her way with Brian joining her and her friends and family for the holiday but Brian isn't so keen.
"He is very loyal to his family and thought they would at least share the holidays between the two. It's all ended in another tiff which means they probably won't see each other at all over Christmas."
The 23-year-old actress might not yet know where she is going to spend Christmas, but she recently revealed she's already got Brian's present.
The 'Jennifer's Body' star was searching auction website eBay with her lover when she came across a classic red 1966 Mustang Fastback at a bargain price, although the vehicle needed a lot of repairs.
She said: "We were going through cars on eBay and I found one in really good condition that was beautiful and for a good price."
Friday, December 11, 2009
Catherine Zeta Jones wants to star in one woman show
Catherine Zeta Jones trod the boards on the New York stage for the first time last month (Nov09) when she began previews for the musical revival with Angela Lansbury.And the star admits she'd love to be the centre of attention in her own solo show - she just has to come up with the perfect storyline first.
She tells USA Today, "One of my biggest dreams is to do a one woman show, with dancing and singing. I just have to figure out the concept."
In the meantime, Zeta Jones wants to try starring in a more traditional performance.
She adds, "I want to do a straight play next."
Zeta Jones portrays Glynis Johns' beloved role of Desiree in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, which features hits like Send in the Clowns and Every Day a Little Death.
The Welsh actress started out as a star on London's West End and won an Oscar for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in movie musical Chicago.
Lindsay Lohan spent time at Bihar to seek spiritual succour
Amid speculation that Hollywood starlet Lindsay Lohan might spend some time at an undisclosed ashram in Bihar during her India sojourn, the state has recorded a fourfold increase in the number of foreign tourists in the past three years.
This year, the state has witnessed the arrival of 356,446 foreign tourists against 94,446 in 2006, according to Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation. It is a record number, said an official.
Boasting Buddhist sites like Bodh Gaya and Nalanda, and the Jain sites like Rajgir and Pawapuri, Bihar has always been a favoured destination. But bad road connectivity, lack of amenities and poor law and order situation prior to 2005, probably, deterred tourists from visiting the state.
“The sharp rise in the number of foreign tourists reflects the improvement in road connectivity, amenities and the law and order situation. Gaya airport, recently upgraded to an international terminal, may have also helped,” said BSTDC managing director Saadat Hasan Pintu.
Officials said that Bihar witnessed the first sudden convergence of a large number of tourists from the US, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany besides many other Asian countries at Taregna, on the outskirts of Patna, during the total solar eclipse on July 21.
Chief minister Nitish Kumar, who had gone to Taregna to watch the rare celestial event, had made special arrangements for the foreign tourists converging on the place where ancient Indian scientist Aryabhatta had set up his observatory during Mauryan period.
“The famous cattle fair at Sonepur alone got 65 tourists mainly from the UK and other European countries,” Pintu said.
Unconfirmed sources said Lohan might spend sometime in a secluded ashram in the state during the documentary project on trafficking. Arun Singh, the head of Bhumika, which works on human trafficking, also got an email about Lohan working on the issue. But government officials are tight-lipped on her visit, probably because of security reasons.
The government was also aggressively pursuing plans to set up an international university at Nalanda, the site of ancient Buddhist learning. The university has been drawing attention from China, Japan and other Buddhist countries though it promises to be a modern centre of excellence.
BSTDC officials said that hotels at Nalanda and Bodh Gaya had been upgraded to ensure comfort for tourists and all the roads connecting to the heritage sites had been repaired with consistent police patrolling. The corporation, for the first time, has got four Volvo buses exclusively to cater to the foreign tourists visiting the Buddhist sites.
Earlier, a few foreigners wanted to visit Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve on the India-Nepal border in north Bihar.
This year, the state has witnessed the arrival of 356,446 foreign tourists against 94,446 in 2006, according to Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation. It is a record number, said an official.
Boasting Buddhist sites like Bodh Gaya and Nalanda, and the Jain sites like Rajgir and Pawapuri, Bihar has always been a favoured destination. But bad road connectivity, lack of amenities and poor law and order situation prior to 2005, probably, deterred tourists from visiting the state.
“The sharp rise in the number of foreign tourists reflects the improvement in road connectivity, amenities and the law and order situation. Gaya airport, recently upgraded to an international terminal, may have also helped,” said BSTDC managing director Saadat Hasan Pintu.
Officials said that Bihar witnessed the first sudden convergence of a large number of tourists from the US, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany besides many other Asian countries at Taregna, on the outskirts of Patna, during the total solar eclipse on July 21.
Chief minister Nitish Kumar, who had gone to Taregna to watch the rare celestial event, had made special arrangements for the foreign tourists converging on the place where ancient Indian scientist Aryabhatta had set up his observatory during Mauryan period.
“The famous cattle fair at Sonepur alone got 65 tourists mainly from the UK and other European countries,” Pintu said.
Unconfirmed sources said Lohan might spend sometime in a secluded ashram in the state during the documentary project on trafficking. Arun Singh, the head of Bhumika, which works on human trafficking, also got an email about Lohan working on the issue. But government officials are tight-lipped on her visit, probably because of security reasons.
The government was also aggressively pursuing plans to set up an international university at Nalanda, the site of ancient Buddhist learning. The university has been drawing attention from China, Japan and other Buddhist countries though it promises to be a modern centre of excellence.
BSTDC officials said that hotels at Nalanda and Bodh Gaya had been upgraded to ensure comfort for tourists and all the roads connecting to the heritage sites had been repaired with consistent police patrolling. The corporation, for the first time, has got four Volvo buses exclusively to cater to the foreign tourists visiting the Buddhist sites.
Earlier, a few foreigners wanted to visit Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve on the India-Nepal border in north Bihar.
Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt are Hollywood's Biggest Givers
Hollywood's glamour couple, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, may also be its most generous couple. The movie stars gave a combined 6.8 million dollars to charity in 2008.According to the 2008 tax return for the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, the amount was more than double what the Hollywood couple gave in 2007. The biggest recipients were Global Health with 2 million dollars, Human Rights Watch with 1 million dollars and Pitt's Hurricane Katrina charity, the Make it Right Foundation, with 1 million dollars.
Other notable contributions included 500,000 dollars to the Armed Services YMCA of the US Army and about 1 million dollars to projects in Cambodia, the country from which Jolie adopted her first child.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Lindsay Lohan Saves 40 Lives in a Day & Applies for Ms. Superhero
At times it may seem like Lindsay Lohan is barely in control of her own life. But to hear her tell it, she's saving the existence of others at a mind-boggling rate.
The Just My Luck actress, who's currently in India filming a BBC documentary about the trafficking of women and children, took a break from her journalistic pursuits on Wednesday to let the world know that she managed to spare dozens of tots' lives in the space of a single 24-hour period.
In a Twitter message that has since been deleted from her account—because she's just that humble—Lohan declared, Bravo, Miss Lohan!
Next up: Lindsay lifts a burning school bus full of children from a ravine, then spins the earth backwards on its axis to reverse time so that the accident never happened.
Is this news is true above the earliest post today on her - "Lindsay Lohan's Naked Pictures And Video with MUSE magazine - Fashion? Art? or Real?"
Please comment on this, what is true and what she do for publicity stunt... as a active blogger, this is my responsibility to post all the news related to her.
The Just My Luck actress, who's currently in India filming a BBC documentary about the trafficking of women and children, took a break from her journalistic pursuits on Wednesday to let the world know that she managed to spare dozens of tots' lives in the space of a single 24-hour period.
In a Twitter message that has since been deleted from her account—because she's just that humble—Lohan declared, Bravo, Miss Lohan!
Next up: Lindsay lifts a burning school bus full of children from a ravine, then spins the earth backwards on its axis to reverse time so that the accident never happened.
Is this news is true above the earliest post today on her - "Lindsay Lohan's Naked Pictures And Video with MUSE magazine - Fashion? Art? or Real?"
Please comment on this, what is true and what she do for publicity stunt... as a active blogger, this is my responsibility to post all the news related to her.
Tiger Woods Disses Wife in Emails, Jaimee Grubbs Says Sorry
An e-mail written by Tiger Woods to mistress Rachel Uchitel has been released to the public, and it seems that Woods was a bit insecure about whether or not Rachel really loved Tiger for Tiger. The e-mail reveals that Tiger was worried that Rachel was only involved with him for the fame.
In an e-mail obtained by In Touch Weekly, Woods wrote to Uchitel, "I don't know if this is going to work. I thought I was getting to know you, but it feels like I'm just another person who happens to be famous. Every time I think about it, I get a lump in my throat.... I don't know what person I was falling for so hard. The one I got to know on the phone, e-mail, text and in person. Or the one who likes famous people. I am so confused, because what my brain is saying and what my heart is saying are two different things... It guts me to think I've fallen for the wrong one."
In what we imagine were happier, more secure times, Tiger texted Rachel, "I know it's brutal on you that you can't be with me all the time...I get it. It f**king kills me, too. I finally found someone I connect with.... someone I have never found like this. Not even at home." He might want to keep any stray golf clubs away from Elin Nordegren after this.
Speaking of fame-chasing mistresses, it's been revealed that Jaimee Grubbs (Mistress Number Two) also dated George Clooney. Grubbs played it cool when asked by Us Weekly if she'd slept with Clooney saying only, "I know him."
But a friend of hers completely threw her under the bus, and confirmed that she had indeed slept with the actor. Not that it comes as much of a shocker. We doubt it will be the first or last time that Clooney has sex with a Los Angeles cocktail waitress. He's probably just glad he got to her before Tiger Woods...that guy gets around.
Also, in a move that she probably considered the "right thing to do," but that we just think is adding insult to injury, Grubbs thought it was a good idea to address Nordegren directly. In an interview with "Extra," in which she leaked more details about her affair with Woods and basked in her 15 minutes of fame, she decided to toss in an apology to Elin. "I guess I would be deeply sorry for never considering her during the whole process. And him not bringing her up was just a way for me to pretend that he didn't have one [wife] and for me not to deal with it," she said. "I couldn't describe how remorseful that I am to have hurt her family and her emotionally." But don't blame her, Elin: "If it wasn't me, it was going to be the other girls."
And that makes it all OK.
In an e-mail obtained by In Touch Weekly, Woods wrote to Uchitel, "I don't know if this is going to work. I thought I was getting to know you, but it feels like I'm just another person who happens to be famous. Every time I think about it, I get a lump in my throat.... I don't know what person I was falling for so hard. The one I got to know on the phone, e-mail, text and in person. Or the one who likes famous people. I am so confused, because what my brain is saying and what my heart is saying are two different things... It guts me to think I've fallen for the wrong one."
In what we imagine were happier, more secure times, Tiger texted Rachel, "I know it's brutal on you that you can't be with me all the time...I get it. It f**king kills me, too. I finally found someone I connect with.... someone I have never found like this. Not even at home." He might want to keep any stray golf clubs away from Elin Nordegren after this.
Speaking of fame-chasing mistresses, it's been revealed that Jaimee Grubbs (Mistress Number Two) also dated George Clooney. Grubbs played it cool when asked by Us Weekly if she'd slept with Clooney saying only, "I know him."
But a friend of hers completely threw her under the bus, and confirmed that she had indeed slept with the actor. Not that it comes as much of a shocker. We doubt it will be the first or last time that Clooney has sex with a Los Angeles cocktail waitress. He's probably just glad he got to her before Tiger Woods...that guy gets around.
Also, in a move that she probably considered the "right thing to do," but that we just think is adding insult to injury, Grubbs thought it was a good idea to address Nordegren directly. In an interview with "Extra," in which she leaked more details about her affair with Woods and basked in her 15 minutes of fame, she decided to toss in an apology to Elin. "I guess I would be deeply sorry for never considering her during the whole process. And him not bringing her up was just a way for me to pretend that he didn't have one [wife] and for me not to deal with it," she said. "I couldn't describe how remorseful that I am to have hurt her family and her emotionally." But don't blame her, Elin: "If it wasn't me, it was going to be the other girls."
And that makes it all OK.
SHAKIRA explains bizarre lyrics
SHAKIRA certainly knows how to break the mould when it comes to singing bizarre lyrics.
While most chart-toppers sing about broken hearts, the Colombian singer is far more unpredictable.
Whenever, Wherever was her first track to get noticed back in 2001, after the interesting line about her boobs.
She sang: "Lucky that my breasts are small and humble/ So you don't confuse them with mountains."
But Shakira insists it's not because of the mis-translation into English and instead because she likes to use words that rhyme.
Shakira said: "It's hard to explain my lyrics because sometimes I just write things because they rhyme."
Her latest oddball lyric was for lycanthropic song She-Wolf when she sang: "I'm starting to feel just a little abused/ Like a coffee machine in an office."
Shakira said: "I found this metaphor and I thought it made a lot of sense.
"A coffee machine in an office has everybody's fingerprints on it. Sometimes I feel like that.
"When I write, my subconscious somehow finds its way to the surface. It's not such an intellectual process, it's more organic."
While most chart-toppers sing about broken hearts, the Colombian singer is far more unpredictable.Whenever, Wherever was her first track to get noticed back in 2001, after the interesting line about her boobs.
She sang: "Lucky that my breasts are small and humble/ So you don't confuse them with mountains."
But Shakira insists it's not because of the mis-translation into English and instead because she likes to use words that rhyme.
Shakira said: "It's hard to explain my lyrics because sometimes I just write things because they rhyme."
Her latest oddball lyric was for lycanthropic song She-Wolf when she sang: "I'm starting to feel just a little abused/ Like a coffee machine in an office."
Shakira said: "I found this metaphor and I thought it made a lot of sense.
"A coffee machine in an office has everybody's fingerprints on it. Sometimes I feel like that.
"When I write, my subconscious somehow finds its way to the surface. It's not such an intellectual process, it's more organic."
Lindsay Lohan's Naked Pictures And Video with MUSE magazine - Fashion? Art? or Real?
In the world of fashion we often witness the good, the bad, and the ugly. And we certainly have found the ugly: the once adorable Lindsay Lohan is the current cover girl for MUSE, a Fashionart Magazine. In the pictorial which is inspired by the relationship between Johnny Depp and Kate Moss in the 90's, Lohan is seen in various stages of undress baring partial breasts, and butt while depicting sexually provocative, and arguably raunchy behavior including a ménage a trios, or as we so affectionately call them, threesomes.
I guess we shouldn't be surprised by this behavior. After being christened as the Artistic Director for Ungaro in September, Lohan had a downright disastrous showing at Paris Fashion Week. Her Ungaro Spring/Summer 2010 collection was almost literally laughed off of the runway. Those who weren't laughing were busy sneering in utter disgust. She was roasted mercilessly by the critics. However, I personally had to wonder, when exactly did Lindsay Lohan become the fashion icon? Did I miss the memo? I don't recall anyone being thirsty to emulate her style. And at a time where everyone wants to be young, and claims that "40 is the new 20", what does it say about this 23-year old that she looks well, 40. Mmmh, not so fashionable.
These latest tragic turns have only been preceeded by numerous stints in rehab, spots in and out of the tabloids, and basically one train wreck scenario after another. Didn't Ms. Lohan used to act? I seem to recall her being in movies. This is really unfortunate because she really is a talented actress. Well, for the sake of all of us fashion lovers, perhaps she should spare us her "penchant for couture", and get back to what she does best, if anyone will have her. I really do hope she gets it together.
What do you think of Lindsay's new fashion spread? Art, fashion or foolishness?
Source: CHICAGO Now
I guess we shouldn't be surprised by this behavior. After being christened as the Artistic Director for Ungaro in September, Lohan had a downright disastrous showing at Paris Fashion Week. Her Ungaro Spring/Summer 2010 collection was almost literally laughed off of the runway. Those who weren't laughing were busy sneering in utter disgust. She was roasted mercilessly by the critics. However, I personally had to wonder, when exactly did Lindsay Lohan become the fashion icon? Did I miss the memo? I don't recall anyone being thirsty to emulate her style. And at a time where everyone wants to be young, and claims that "40 is the new 20", what does it say about this 23-year old that she looks well, 40. Mmmh, not so fashionable.These latest tragic turns have only been preceeded by numerous stints in rehab, spots in and out of the tabloids, and basically one train wreck scenario after another. Didn't Ms. Lohan used to act? I seem to recall her being in movies. This is really unfortunate because she really is a talented actress. Well, for the sake of all of us fashion lovers, perhaps she should spare us her "penchant for couture", and get back to what she does best, if anyone will have her. I really do hope she gets it together.
What do you think of Lindsay's new fashion spread? Art, fashion or foolishness?
Source: CHICAGO Now
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tiger Woods proclaimed love in email to Rachel Uchitel
In an email that he sent to Rachel Uchitel, Tiger Woods didn't actually use the 'L' word but implied he loved her and trashed his wife, Erin Nordegren, in the process.
Woods wrote in email:
"I know it's brutal on you that you can't be with me all the time. I get it. It f***ing kills me, too. I finally found someone I connect with, someone I have never found like this. Not even at home. You want someone to witness your life. I want you to lay next to me, lay on me or where ever you want to lay. F***. Why didn't we find each other years ago. We wouldn't be having this conversation."
The email is one of the many obtained by In Touch weekly which collectively show that Woods was ready to leave Erin and their two kids to be with Uchitel.
In another email, Woods comes through as insecure about his relationship with Uchitel and frets over her past.
"I don't know if this is going to work," Tiger said. "I thought I was getting to know you, but it feels like I'm just another person who happens to be famous...Some of the other parts of your past really get to me. I don't know what person I was falling for so hard. The one I got to know on the phone, e-mail, text and in person. Or the one who likes famous people."
The In Touch report corroborates an earlier report in Us magazine that Woods' relationship with Uchitel was special but he wasn't comfortable about her past.
"I had a dream we were married and I was leading the tournament," Woods reportedly wrote. "I came home, excited to see you, and there you were in the bedroom getting f**ked by Derek and David. Some part of me thinks you would like that."
Woods' special relationship with Uchitel was also evident from a TMZ report that he had wanted to continue his relationship with her even after the car crash early morning on Friday, November 27.
Woods wrote in email:
"I know it's brutal on you that you can't be with me all the time. I get it. It f***ing kills me, too. I finally found someone I connect with, someone I have never found like this. Not even at home. You want someone to witness your life. I want you to lay next to me, lay on me or where ever you want to lay. F***. Why didn't we find each other years ago. We wouldn't be having this conversation."The email is one of the many obtained by In Touch weekly which collectively show that Woods was ready to leave Erin and their two kids to be with Uchitel.
In another email, Woods comes through as insecure about his relationship with Uchitel and frets over her past.
"I don't know if this is going to work," Tiger said. "I thought I was getting to know you, but it feels like I'm just another person who happens to be famous...Some of the other parts of your past really get to me. I don't know what person I was falling for so hard. The one I got to know on the phone, e-mail, text and in person. Or the one who likes famous people."
The In Touch report corroborates an earlier report in Us magazine that Woods' relationship with Uchitel was special but he wasn't comfortable about her past.
"I had a dream we were married and I was leading the tournament," Woods reportedly wrote. "I came home, excited to see you, and there you were in the bedroom getting f**ked by Derek and David. Some part of me thinks you would like that."
Woods' special relationship with Uchitel was also evident from a TMZ report that he had wanted to continue his relationship with her even after the car crash early morning on Friday, November 27.
Rihanna and Megan Fox!!! Is it ok
MTV’s U.K. site is reporting that sexy singer Rihanna has said she could be attracted to women, and that she’d love to play a gay assassin with just-as-sexy actress Megan Fox of “Transformers” fame as her girlfriend.The Mtv site cites quotes on “various Web sites” in saying that Rihanna has said “I’d love to be an assassin. Either that or a lesbian. Maybe both. Hey, a gay assassin, there’s nothing hotter than that. Megan Fox would play my girlfriend — hands down. She’s yummy. She’s hot.”
The site also had this quote from Rihanna: “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.”
Tom Brady & Gisele Bundchen welcome new baby boy
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, 32, and supermodel Gisele Bundchen, 29, have welcomed new baby boy -- and the child is more likely to heave footballs than prance down catwalks. Brady announced the birth Wednesday, but did not reveal the boy's name, reports AP. He called it "a wonderful experience in my life."
The child is Brady's second. He also has a 2-year-old son, Jack, with actress Bridget Moynahan. It's Bundchen's first baby.
Brady and Bundchen were married this past February in Los Angeles, and had a second ceremony in Costa Rica at Bundchen's mansion.
The child is Brady's second. He also has a 2-year-old son, Jack, with actress Bridget Moynahan. It's Bundchen's first baby.Brady and Bundchen were married this past February in Los Angeles, and had a second ceremony in Costa Rica at Bundchen's mansion.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt reveal secret brood
Despite having six kids of their own, it’s now been revealed that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have seven more hidden away.
Angelina’s recent tour of an orphanage in the Middle East made some of her fans think she planned to adopt, but the Enquirer has learned the 34-year old actress supports seven kids there who have never experienced a home of their own.
“Angelina considers the orphans as her own family,” says a worker at the SOS Children’s Village in Amman, Jordan. “She stays in touch with them and really cares about how they’re doing. She and Brad both feel this is a way they can help many more children.”
The glamorous couple already have six mouths to feed; Maddox, 8, who came from Cambodia, Six-year old Pax who is from Vietnam, Zahara, aged 4, born in Ethiopia, and their own biological offspring, Shiloh, age 3, and Knox and Vivienne, who are both 16-months.
But apparently that’s not enough – Angelina then became guardian to the three girls and four boys in 2003, and has been quietly supporting their food, clothing and educational needs for six years – all in secret. And the visit soon proved her motive is purely those kids;
“Angelina just wanted to play with the children and have fun,” SOS worker, Aysha Shahin told the press. “She spent time with the family and spoke to their foster mother, Fatima. Some of our teenagers came back from University to see her and she was giving them advice about life and school.”
Ms. Jolie was introduced to the home by Queen Noor Al Hussein of Jordan, who is an Ambassador for the charity that runs the whole place. And it seems like a long-term connection.
“Angelina will definitely support us by visiting again, possibly even sponsoring a house which will pay the children’s expenses,” says Aysha. “She’s a sweetheart, and one of our greatest supporters.”
Angelina’s recent tour of an orphanage in the Middle East made some of her fans think she planned to adopt, but the Enquirer has learned the 34-year old actress supports seven kids there who have never experienced a home of their own.“Angelina considers the orphans as her own family,” says a worker at the SOS Children’s Village in Amman, Jordan. “She stays in touch with them and really cares about how they’re doing. She and Brad both feel this is a way they can help many more children.”
The glamorous couple already have six mouths to feed; Maddox, 8, who came from Cambodia, Six-year old Pax who is from Vietnam, Zahara, aged 4, born in Ethiopia, and their own biological offspring, Shiloh, age 3, and Knox and Vivienne, who are both 16-months.
But apparently that’s not enough – Angelina then became guardian to the three girls and four boys in 2003, and has been quietly supporting their food, clothing and educational needs for six years – all in secret. And the visit soon proved her motive is purely those kids;
“Angelina just wanted to play with the children and have fun,” SOS worker, Aysha Shahin told the press. “She spent time with the family and spoke to their foster mother, Fatima. Some of our teenagers came back from University to see her and she was giving them advice about life and school.”
Ms. Jolie was introduced to the home by Queen Noor Al Hussein of Jordan, who is an Ambassador for the charity that runs the whole place. And it seems like a long-term connection.
“Angelina will definitely support us by visiting again, possibly even sponsoring a house which will pay the children’s expenses,” says Aysha. “She’s a sweetheart, and one of our greatest supporters.”
Madonna, get involved in shape as a job
Pop singer Madonna has denied that she’s fit and get involved.
The 51-year-old pop queen had sparked concerns about her obsession with shape & fitness with her prominent biceps and frequent trips to the gym. However, she defended her rigorous fitness regime, insisting she needs to keep in shape because it''s her job.
"(I do it) for health reasons, and for aesthetic reasons. If I have to go out on stage and, you know, jump around in a pair of hot pants I better look good and also when I perform I''m like an athlete and I have to be in good shape,” Contactmusic quoted Madonna as telling British TV show GMTV.
She added: “I''m not panicked, I just know what my job is and I know that if I want to be able to wear whatever I want to wear on stage then my body better look good."
The 51-year-old pop queen had sparked concerns about her obsession with shape & fitness with her prominent biceps and frequent trips to the gym. However, she defended her rigorous fitness regime, insisting she needs to keep in shape because it''s her job.
"(I do it) for health reasons, and for aesthetic reasons. If I have to go out on stage and, you know, jump around in a pair of hot pants I better look good and also when I perform I''m like an athlete and I have to be in good shape,” Contactmusic quoted Madonna as telling British TV show GMTV.She added: “I''m not panicked, I just know what my job is and I know that if I want to be able to wear whatever I want to wear on stage then my body better look good."
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Michael Jackson #1, Megan Fox includes in Yahoo's 2009 Top 10 Searches
A research was conducted by Yahoo according to which it became known that penny-pinching users are escaping to the Web in order to follow news and get their guilty pleasures.
Michael Jackson ranked the first position on this year’s list of Top 10 Overall Searches for 2009, because of his popularity and reasons of his death. The rising celebrity Megan Fox occurred in fourth place and Britney Spears was in the fifth.
As Yahoo released the top 10 most popular searches on internet:
That also means that the "recaps" and "best of lists" for year 2009 are already on top of level.
Yahoo! has presented their 2009 - Year in Review, which among other things features their top internet searches of the year. Not surprisingly, Transformers and more specifically the blockbuster movie Revenge of the Fallen are well represented. In fact, ROTF actress Megan Fox ranks #4 in Yahoo's overall Top 10 most searched list. Here is what Yahoo! had to say about her ranking.
Like her or not, Megan Fox was one of the biggest stories of 2009. Best known for looking sultry on the red carpet and acting offended when compared to Angelina Jolie, Ms. Fox also made (more) headlines by bashing "Transformers," the film franchise that made her famous.
But then "Jennifer's Body" hit theaters. After the hipster horror flick headlined by Fox tanked at the box office, the oft-ogled starlet changed her tune about the robots in disguise.
Although some question Ms. Fox's ability to sell tickets, nobody can doubt her canny ability to drive searches wild.
Michael Jackson ranked the first position on this year’s list of Top 10 Overall Searches for 2009, because of his popularity and reasons of his death. The rising celebrity Megan Fox occurred in fourth place and Britney Spears was in the fifth.As Yahoo released the top 10 most popular searches on internet:
- Michael Jackson
- The Twilight Saga
- WWE
- Megan Fox
- Britney Spears
- Naruto
- American Idol
- Kim Kardashian
- NASCAR
- RuneScape
That also means that the "recaps" and "best of lists" for year 2009 are already on top of level.
Yahoo! has presented their 2009 - Year in Review, which among other things features their top internet searches of the year. Not surprisingly, Transformers and more specifically the blockbuster movie Revenge of the Fallen are well represented. In fact, ROTF actress Megan Fox ranks #4 in Yahoo's overall Top 10 most searched list. Here is what Yahoo! had to say about her ranking.
Like her or not, Megan Fox was one of the biggest stories of 2009. Best known for looking sultry on the red carpet and acting offended when compared to Angelina Jolie, Ms. Fox also made (more) headlines by bashing "Transformers," the film franchise that made her famous.
But then "Jennifer's Body" hit theaters. After the hipster horror flick headlined by Fox tanked at the box office, the oft-ogled starlet changed her tune about the robots in disguise.
Although some question Ms. Fox's ability to sell tickets, nobody can doubt her canny ability to drive searches wild.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Miley Cyrus Needs Her O2
Miley Cyrus steps out in short shorts at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball held at O2 Arena in London on Saturday night (December 5).
The 17-year-old performer just completed her Wonder World Tour in the USA and is set to perform at a few European dates. Check out Miley’s official website, MileyCyrus.com for more info!
Miley was also featured in the “Dreams Come True: A Celebration of Disney Animation” special on ABC this past Friday.
The 17-year-old performer just completed her Wonder World Tour in the USA and is set to perform at a few European dates. Check out Miley’s official website, MileyCyrus.com for more info!Miley was also featured in the “Dreams Come True: A Celebration of Disney Animation” special on ABC this past Friday.
Billy Joel’s Daughter Hospitalized in Manhat
Alexa Ray Joel, the daughter of the singer Billy Joel and the model Christie Brinkley, was admitted to a Manhattan hospital on Saturday after swallowing an unknown number of pills following a breakup with her boyfriend, a law enforcement official said.
Ms. Joel’s roommate called 911 about 12:20 p.m. to report an “emotionally disturbed person” was “having trouble breathing” at her West Village apartment, the official said. The authorities did not know what type of pills she swallowed or whether she took them accidentally or on purpose, the official said.
Ms. Joel, 23, was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan, where she was listed in stable condition. Ms. Brinkley was with her.
Ms. Joel’s publicist, Claire Mercuri, would not discuss her client’s treatment or the reasons for her hospital stay. “Her doctors are assessing her needs,” Ms. Mercuri said. Ms. Joel, whose parents divorced in 1994, has embarked on a music career of her own, releasing an album, “Sketches,” on her own label in 2006.
“For the most part, I call what I’m doing ‘pop/soul blues’ with a little bit of jazz,” she says in a biography on her MySpace page. “It’s a classic pop style very influenced by my father, Ray Charles, Norah Jones and Billie Holiday.”
Ms. Joel had two performances scheduled for Dec. 10 in New York City, including at the New York Stock Exchange’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Ms. Joel’s roommate called 911 about 12:20 p.m. to report an “emotionally disturbed person” was “having trouble breathing” at her West Village apartment, the official said. The authorities did not know what type of pills she swallowed or whether she took them accidentally or on purpose, the official said.Ms. Joel, 23, was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan, where she was listed in stable condition. Ms. Brinkley was with her.
Ms. Joel’s publicist, Claire Mercuri, would not discuss her client’s treatment or the reasons for her hospital stay. “Her doctors are assessing her needs,” Ms. Mercuri said. Ms. Joel, whose parents divorced in 1994, has embarked on a music career of her own, releasing an album, “Sketches,” on her own label in 2006.
“For the most part, I call what I’m doing ‘pop/soul blues’ with a little bit of jazz,” she says in a biography on her MySpace page. “It’s a classic pop style very influenced by my father, Ray Charles, Norah Jones and Billie Holiday.”
Ms. Joel had two performances scheduled for Dec. 10 in New York City, including at the New York Stock Exchange’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Rachel and Tiger Woods Spoke Last Night
Gloria Allred has never canceled a news conference in her career ... so why was today's camera op scuttled? Sources tell us Rachel Uchitel and Tiger Woods have been communicating ... as recently as late last night.
Sources say Rachel was in touch with Tiger and his reps before Friday's car accident and last night for approximately a half hour.
There are reports of some sort of deal between Rachel and Tiger -- i.e. money for silence -- we have no knowledge one way or the other. As of last night we do know no financial overture had been made.
But we do know Rachel, Tiger and his reps knew full well her original plan was to lie and deny the sexual relationship.
What we do know for sure -- Gloria Allred is a good chess player, so someone made a move in the last 12 hours.
Sources say Rachel was in touch with Tiger and his reps before Friday's car accident and last night for approximately a half hour.There are reports of some sort of deal between Rachel and Tiger -- i.e. money for silence -- we have no knowledge one way or the other. As of last night we do know no financial overture had been made.
But we do know Rachel, Tiger and his reps knew full well her original plan was to lie and deny the sexual relationship.
What we do know for sure -- Gloria Allred is a good chess player, so someone made a move in the last 12 hours.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Happy Birthday, Britney Spears
Miss Britney Spears turns 28 today - and we couldn't be happier.
She's been entertaining us for more than a decade now, and while there were some dark years in there, the pop princess is back and better than ever.
Britney Spears will be blowing out 28 candles today, as she celebrates her birthday on December 2. She'll be able to party close to home, as her Australian tour just wrapped up. Spears is currently supporting her just-released The Singles Collection, a comprehensive look back at the singer's career.
It's crazy to think of anybody as a veteran of anything at 28, but Spears has been in show business for almost two decades now. She joined "The Mickey Mouse Club" when she was 12, and has essentially been in the spotlight ever since. There have been tremendous highs (the staggering ubiquity of videos like "... Baby One More Time" and "I'm a Slave 4 U," the huge first-week sales of Oops! ... I Did It Again, her recently-wrapped Circus tour) and just as many lows (her relationship with Kevin Federline, that time she shaved her head, most of Blackout). But there's no denying that Spears is an international superstar who is known throughout the world as a consummate performer and will probably be the focus of the pop world for decades to come (in the same way that Madonna, Mariah and Janet have all maintained their ubiquity). It's no wonder that Spears is regularly the most searched-for celebrity on the Internet.
We just hope Kevin Federline remembers to send his ex-wife a card. His current girlfriend, Victoria Prince, also celebrates her birthday today (she's 27).
Spears' most lasting impression on the music world will undoubtedly be her videos, which have provided a handful of iconic images that won't soon leave the pop landscape.
She's been entertaining us for more than a decade now, and while there were some dark years in there, the pop princess is back and better than ever.
Britney Spears will be blowing out 28 candles today, as she celebrates her birthday on December 2. She'll be able to party close to home, as her Australian tour just wrapped up. Spears is currently supporting her just-released The Singles Collection, a comprehensive look back at the singer's career.It's crazy to think of anybody as a veteran of anything at 28, but Spears has been in show business for almost two decades now. She joined "The Mickey Mouse Club" when she was 12, and has essentially been in the spotlight ever since. There have been tremendous highs (the staggering ubiquity of videos like "... Baby One More Time" and "I'm a Slave 4 U," the huge first-week sales of Oops! ... I Did It Again, her recently-wrapped Circus tour) and just as many lows (her relationship with Kevin Federline, that time she shaved her head, most of Blackout). But there's no denying that Spears is an international superstar who is known throughout the world as a consummate performer and will probably be the focus of the pop world for decades to come (in the same way that Madonna, Mariah and Janet have all maintained their ubiquity). It's no wonder that Spears is regularly the most searched-for celebrity on the Internet.
We just hope Kevin Federline remembers to send his ex-wife a card. His current girlfriend, Victoria Prince, also celebrates her birthday today (she's 27).
Spears' most lasting impression on the music world will undoubtedly be her videos, which have provided a handful of iconic images that won't soon leave the pop landscape.
Meredith Baxter at Family Ties - I am a lesbian
For seven years, actress Meredith Baxter has been hiding a secret.Now Baxter, who played the devoted hippie mom constantly butting heads with her conservative kids on “Family Ties,” is making a public admission.
“I am a lesbian and it was a later-in-life recognition,” she told Matt Lauer on TODAY. “Some people would say, well, you’re living a lie and, you know, the truth is — not at all. This has only been for the past seven years.”
Lindsay Lohan’s father Threatens Suicide on Twitter
Michael Lohan says he doesn’t even have an account
Lindsay Lohan has often taken her dirty laundry to air on Twitter, especially back in the days when she was still dating DJ Samantha Ronson. This could also explain why no one doubted the legitimacy of an account that seemed to belong to her father Michael, and that he used to announce his suicidal intents. Those posts have been deleted in the meantime, and Lohan’s attorneys are looking into the matter, PopEater informs.
Word of the worrying tweets emerged in the blogosphere late on Sunday, and quickly spread like wild fire. For the reason noted above, as well as because it’s a known fact that the Lohans have made somewhat of a habit of making all personal problems public, no one actually doubted that the tweets came from Michael Lohan himself. So, the world awaited confirmation that he had jumped off a bridge, as he said he would in one of the tweets.
“Fiance just left me. My whole family hates me. I spent Thanksgiving with my mo I just cant do any of this any more. The death of my father put me in a black hole idk what to do. Heading to the Brooklyn Bridge. Goodbye,” the supposed Michael Lohan wrote on his Twitter. He even left a message for Lindsay saying, “@LindsayLohan: love you. b ye.” Fortunately, as PopEater has found, none of that was true.
“Gossip blog Shabooty quickly cleared everything up, as they purportedly received an email from a very alive Michael Lohan disputing the Twitter posts. ‘This is not not not me. I do not have and never had a twitter and twitter’s corporate office confirms that. My lawyers are investigating,’ Lohan allegedly wrote to the gossip site. As far as PopEater can tell, that’s all true, as we’ve never seen a Twitter account linked to him,” the celebrity e-zine says.
Ironically enough, the Twitter page on which the so-called suicide notes were posted now shows a message from Michael Lohan himself, saying the same he said in the email, in more or less those words. “God would not approve,” Michael also says. As anyone can imagine, this has already generated some speculation as to whether the entire Twitter “controversy” was not just a publicity stunt devised by Lohan himself. To hear what comes of this, keep an eye on this space.
Lindsay Lohan has often taken her dirty laundry to air on Twitter, especially back in the days when she was still dating DJ Samantha Ronson. This could also explain why no one doubted the legitimacy of an account that seemed to belong to her father Michael, and that he used to announce his suicidal intents. Those posts have been deleted in the meantime, and Lohan’s attorneys are looking into the matter, PopEater informs.Word of the worrying tweets emerged in the blogosphere late on Sunday, and quickly spread like wild fire. For the reason noted above, as well as because it’s a known fact that the Lohans have made somewhat of a habit of making all personal problems public, no one actually doubted that the tweets came from Michael Lohan himself. So, the world awaited confirmation that he had jumped off a bridge, as he said he would in one of the tweets.
“Fiance just left me. My whole family hates me. I spent Thanksgiving with my mo I just cant do any of this any more. The death of my father put me in a black hole idk what to do. Heading to the Brooklyn Bridge. Goodbye,” the supposed Michael Lohan wrote on his Twitter. He even left a message for Lindsay saying, “@LindsayLohan: love you. b ye.” Fortunately, as PopEater has found, none of that was true.
“Gossip blog Shabooty quickly cleared everything up, as they purportedly received an email from a very alive Michael Lohan disputing the Twitter posts. ‘This is not not not me. I do not have and never had a twitter and twitter’s corporate office confirms that. My lawyers are investigating,’ Lohan allegedly wrote to the gossip site. As far as PopEater can tell, that’s all true, as we’ve never seen a Twitter account linked to him,” the celebrity e-zine says.
Ironically enough, the Twitter page on which the so-called suicide notes were posted now shows a message from Michael Lohan himself, saying the same he said in the email, in more or less those words. “God would not approve,” Michael also says. As anyone can imagine, this has already generated some speculation as to whether the entire Twitter “controversy” was not just a publicity stunt devised by Lohan himself. To hear what comes of this, keep an eye on this space.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Adam Lambert's Dad Wanted Him To Apologize For AMA Performance
Adam Lambert has had to answer a lot of questions about his provocative American Music Awards performance on November 22. With the show more than a week behind him, he's still finding he has to explain himself. When he appears on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Tuesday (December 1) he'll once again open up about the performance that shocked some people.
"I suppose part of what I got caught up in that I forgot — this was the first time people were seeing me on TV again after 'Idol.' I didn't really think about that as objectively as I might have wanted to," he told the talk-show host.
Lambert added that he may have crossed a line or two during the performance, but admitted that he's still learning. "I think on 'Idol' I experimented with a lot of different styles and outfits and tempos and things like that," he said. "I went on tour over the summer and experimented with different types of performing there, and then I was in the studio making a record. For me this has all been one journey, and for me, I was like, 'I'm going to try and do something a little risqué now,' and it just, you know ... it was maybe a little too far."
Lambert said he didn't "intend to disrespect anyone" with the performance and that he has no hard feelings toward ABC, which canceled his "Good Morning America" appearance after the AMAs.
"Yes, I think ABC was a little bit mad at me. I don't blame them. I got carried away. It was stuff that I did not do in rehearsal, so they were probably a little bit taken aback. They gave me a great opportunity to close the AMAs, and I would never want to smack that gift horse in the mouth," he said. "I think they were taking a leap of faith having me do that, and it unfortunately didn't work out as we all thought it would."
Following the performance, the singer's mom supported him on "The Early Show," but Lambert said that his dad thought he should have apologized. "I was like, 'You know, Dad, I don't feel like I did anything wrong. It just wasn't maybe the right judgment call,' " he said. "It's a taste thing more than an obscenity thing. I think it's just a taste level."
"I suppose part of what I got caught up in that I forgot — this was the first time people were seeing me on TV again after 'Idol.' I didn't really think about that as objectively as I might have wanted to," he told the talk-show host.Lambert added that he may have crossed a line or two during the performance, but admitted that he's still learning. "I think on 'Idol' I experimented with a lot of different styles and outfits and tempos and things like that," he said. "I went on tour over the summer and experimented with different types of performing there, and then I was in the studio making a record. For me this has all been one journey, and for me, I was like, 'I'm going to try and do something a little risqué now,' and it just, you know ... it was maybe a little too far."
Lambert said he didn't "intend to disrespect anyone" with the performance and that he has no hard feelings toward ABC, which canceled his "Good Morning America" appearance after the AMAs.
"Yes, I think ABC was a little bit mad at me. I don't blame them. I got carried away. It was stuff that I did not do in rehearsal, so they were probably a little bit taken aback. They gave me a great opportunity to close the AMAs, and I would never want to smack that gift horse in the mouth," he said. "I think they were taking a leap of faith having me do that, and it unfortunately didn't work out as we all thought it would."
Following the performance, the singer's mom supported him on "The Early Show," but Lambert said that his dad thought he should have apologized. "I was like, 'You know, Dad, I don't feel like I did anything wrong. It just wasn't maybe the right judgment call,' " he said. "It's a taste thing more than an obscenity thing. I think it's just a taste level."
Katie Holmes shoos critics of Suri’s heels
Hollywood hot mama Katie Holmes doesn’t listen to critics who say she shouldn’t let 3-year-old daughter Suri traipse around town in heels.
“Like every little girl, she loves my high heels,” Mrs. Tom Cruise told TV’s “Access Hollywood.”
The 30-year-old actress insists that her daughter’s choice of footwear won’t harm Suri’s little feet and are actually supportive and healthy for the toddler.
“They are actually ballroom dancing shoes for kids,” she told the tabloid show. “I found them for her and she loves them.”
According to Katie, Suri might have a career in front of the bright lights just like her parents.
“She loves dancing and singing and she’s just a joy - she loves it all,” Holmes told TV’s “Extra.
Katie, who is in New York filming “The Romantics,” said her hubby and all the Holmes-Cruise rels are getting ready for a “big family Christmas” in La-La this year. “I love Christmas. It’s my favorite,” she told “Extra.”
“Like every little girl, she loves my high heels,” Mrs. Tom Cruise told TV’s “Access Hollywood.”
The 30-year-old actress insists that her daughter’s choice of footwear won’t harm Suri’s little feet and are actually supportive and healthy for the toddler.“They are actually ballroom dancing shoes for kids,” she told the tabloid show. “I found them for her and she loves them.”
According to Katie, Suri might have a career in front of the bright lights just like her parents.
“She loves dancing and singing and she’s just a joy - she loves it all,” Holmes told TV’s “Extra.
Katie, who is in New York filming “The Romantics,” said her hubby and all the Holmes-Cruise rels are getting ready for a “big family Christmas” in La-La this year. “I love Christmas. It’s my favorite,” she told “Extra.”
Friday, November 27, 2009
Is Britney Spears controlled by someone who has sexually abused her?
Is Britney Spears being controlled by someone who has sexually abused her? According to the rantings on Courtney Love's twitter and facebook, Courtney believes Britney's father, Jamie Spears molested Britney when she was a child. Courtney even goes on to suggest that she heard this first hand from Britney herself. The rock mess is even willing to take on any lawyers that might suggest she keep quiet. An excerpt from her revelations can be found on Breatheheavy.com.It was almost two years ago that Britney's father, Jamie Spears took over her life. Effectively having complete control of her estate, business dealings and medical care. A conservatorship, that is usually reserved for the severely ill or elderly was placed on Britney after a very public meltdown and a 72 hour psychiatric hold.
Many have questioned why the Pop Star is clearly able to tour the world but is put in the same legal category as a person who can not house, clothe or feed themselves. One of her number one fan sites, Breatheheavy.com has placed handcuffs on an image of Britney and vows to do so until Britney is released from the conservatorship.
In addition, Britney was denied the choice of her own lawyer to represent her and was given a court appointed lawyer. The lawyers handling the case for her father Jamie Spears and Britney have amassed huge legal bills in the millions of dollars. Jamie Spears himself was widely reported to be earning $18,000 per month from her estate.
Mr. Spears is an admitted alcoholic, who was previously estranged from his daughter at the time he took total control of her life. With that much money at stake, it seems no one would be particularly motivated to give Britney the opportunity to live her life as a free citizen.
With the Pop Star being highly influential over millions of young woman, it is a concern what kind of message the conservatorship is sending. If Britney Spears did not have a vast fortune at her disposal, would she still be under such stringent restrictions in her adult life?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Miley Cyrus Says "Zac Efron is The Hottest Person in the World"
Miley Cyrus doesn't just hate the Twilight Saga, an opinion to which she's entitled.
But the jealous singer actually referred to it as a "cult" this week, going off on fans that follow the franchise.
In that same interview with Sirius XM’s The Morning Mash, though, Miley made it clear she feels exactly the opposite way about Zac Efron.
"I think Zac Efron is the hottest person in the world," she said. "I really, really like him."
Miley Cyrus, of course, is aware that Zac is taken. But his relationship with Vanessa Hudgens is actually a major reason for the attraction, she added.
"Zac could get any girl... and do whatever, and he is so loyal and a really good friend... He's just like super good looking."
Also in the interview, Miley Syrus told she could "neither confirm nor deny" that she's dating Liam Hemsworth. That might be her way of keeping her private life private.
Or it might be her way of letting Efron know she's available if he wants her. Keep a sharp eye out, Vanessa!
But the jealous singer actually referred to it as a "cult" this week, going off on fans that follow the franchise.
In that same interview with Sirius XM’s The Morning Mash, though, Miley made it clear she feels exactly the opposite way about Zac Efron."I think Zac Efron is the hottest person in the world," she said. "I really, really like him."
Miley Cyrus, of course, is aware that Zac is taken. But his relationship with Vanessa Hudgens is actually a major reason for the attraction, she added.
"Zac could get any girl... and do whatever, and he is so loyal and a really good friend... He's just like super good looking."
Also in the interview, Miley Syrus told she could "neither confirm nor deny" that she's dating Liam Hemsworth. That might be her way of keeping her private life private.
Or it might be her way of letting Efron know she's available if he wants her. Keep a sharp eye out, Vanessa!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
19.2 million people watch Donny Osmond win
An estimated 19.2 million people watched Donny Osmond win "Dancing With the Stars" — the smallest audience for the show's finale since the first season.This was the ninth edition of the contest, one of television's most popular shows. The Nielsen Co. says ratings have been down all season for the show, an indication that viewers weren't as attached to the contestants as they had in the past.
Osmond said the show has been a highlight in a career of ups and downs. He competed during the show's finale Tuesday against singer Mya and Kelly Osbourne, daughter of rock star Ozzy Osbourne.
From NEW YORK (AP) — Donny Osmond was declared the new champion of "Dancing With Stars" on Tuesday night, taking home the show's mirror ball trophy in the season finale of the ABC contest reality program.
Osmond, the former teen pop star of the singing Osmond family, said the show has been a highlight in a career of ups and downs.
"I did it!" Osmond exclaimed. He promptly rushed to the audience and plucked out his wife, Debbie, whom he carried across the stage.
Helping push Osmond over the top was the tango he performed Tuesday with his professional dancing partner, Kym Johnson. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba hailed it as "artistry in motion." It earned the top score of the final performances.
Three celebrities made it to the finale of the show's ninth season — Osmond, Mya and Kelly Osbourne, the daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. The show picks a winner with a combination of judges' scores and viewer votes.
Mya entered as the favorite, having won the highest scores on Monday's show. Dancing with Dmitry Chaplin, she performed a jive.
"I'm just so happy to have made it to the finals," Mya said after the loss.
The 30-year-old singer is most famous for collaborating on the Grammy-winning hit "Lady Marmalade" from the soundtrack of 2001's "Moulin Rouge!"
With her famous family — Ozzy, Sharon and Jack — looking on, Osbourne and professional partner Louis Van Amstel danced to a cover of Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble." The 25-year-old was clearly moved and began crying after her last dance.
She thanked the audience and said she had "grown so much" during the show. Co-host Samantha Harris said Osbourne had become "a swan."
The finale culminated a season of good ratings for "Dancing With the Stars," which consistently ranked as one of the most-watched shows of the fall.
The contestant who grabbed the most headlines, former Congressman Tom DeLay, had to withdraw in the third week of competition because of stress fractures in both feet. A healed DeLay returned Tuesday night to dance the Texas two-step routine he had hoped to perform.
All former contestants returned, including former Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin, who performed a dance-off to the theme of "Monday Night Football" with another NFL receiving great, Jerry Rice, who was a contestant on the second season of "Dancing With the Stars." The judges declared Rice the winner.
Pop singer Aaron Carter, voted off this season, performed a dance to the theme of "The Muppet Show." Animal took the drums, while Miss Piggy lurked backstage.
Mistakes on the dance floor weren't the only missteps of ABC's live broadcast. At the top of the show, as highlights from Monday's show ran, the video froze on shot of Miss Piggy, prompting host Tom Bergeron to remind viewers that the broadcast was live and send the show to an early commercial break.
Whitney Houston also made a guest appearance to perform her "Million Dollar Bill" and the fitting "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."
Gymnast Shawn Johnson won last season's "Dancing With the Stars."
ABC can expect high ratings for Tuesday's finale. Last week's results show attracted an audience of 16.2 million.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
‘Jon & Kate Plus 8’ ends this week
“I feel like it’s been taken from us, from me and the kids.” Kate Gosselin was talking about “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” the TV series that ended this week after five seasons due to the disagreements between Jon and Kate. The hour mixed direct-to-camera, separate interviews with Kate (“The kids are already missing [the show]”) and Jon (“I became more educated about myself… I felt like I was free [after the separation]”).The last edition followed its now-usual format: separate activities with each parent. Kate took the kids to an organic farm where cows were milked. Jon organized a lemonade stand to raise money for the local fire department. In a repulsive moment that typified why this series had to end, the older kids, twins Mady and Cara, started bickering and complaining as they worked on signs for the lemonade stand. One of them whined, “I like stuff we do with Mommy.” Jon, as though stung by this, immediately snapped, “Alright, you’re gonna go into the house. Both of you… You’re unappreciative.” Only the sextuplets were allowed to go to the firehouse and sell lemonade. The punishment didn’t fit the crime.
At one point, the fireman raised a truck ladder high into the sky and we heard one of those comments that used to make “Jon & Kate” such a pleasure. As the ladder rose, one of the kids chirped to a fireman, “You’re gonna hurt the birds!”
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt donated $6.8million for charity in 2008
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie gave a whopping $6.8million to good causes in 2008.Their Jolie-Pitt Foundation raised over $13million last year.
Of that figure, over half was handed out to various charities, according to a tax return obtained by the Hollywood Reporter.
Among the recipients were Global Health ($2million), Human Rights Watch ($1million) and Brad's Make it Right Foundation ($1million).
The donations made by Angelina, 33, and Brad, 45, last year were more than double the amount they allocated to charitable organisations in 2007.
'New Moon' Deserves Oscar Nominations
Could two disparate 2009 news stories combine to make an unlikely third? In June, the Academy of Arts and Sciences announced that the Oscars' Best Picture category would expand from five films to 10. And this past week, "New Moon" opened to a staggering $140.7 million at the domestic box office. Is it possible that a vastly more inclusive Oscar race could welcome Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's vampire saga to its esteemed contest?
Critics certainly reacted strongly — and often negatively — to "New Moon," but moviegoers came out in droves, and after the mega blockbuster "The Dark Knight" failed to nab a Best Picture nod in 2008, the Academy might be looking to make a change. Or not. The idea of vampires joining the likes of Nelson Mandela seems a bit of a stretch. Yet the Twilighters MTV News spoke to at a recent fan event in Times Square were certain "New Moon" deserved some Oscar love.
"They always give the [nominations] to the boring movies," said Vanesa Reyes, who said she and her friends planned to see the movie four or five times over its first weekend. "Let's give young people a chance to win some Oscars. It's time for a change."
Kim Cawthorne argued such a change has been building for a while. "If 'Twilight' got all this publicity for winning awards at the MTV Movie Awards and other awards shows, then obviously 'New Moon' is going to get it," she said, clutching an Edward Cullen pillow she'd just purchased. "I think all of the movies are going to keep getting it in the years to come."
Of course, a committed fanbase is no harbinger of serious awards-season respect. The "Harry Potter" franchise has never won an Oscar and has only been nominated in secondary categories for music and art direction. But none of that matters to the Twilighters, each of whom argued passionately that "New Moon" deserves some nominations — not just as Best Picture but in other categories as well.
"I think Taylor Lautner [should be nominated]," said Jhanel Huggett. "I really do. He did such an amazing job to transform, so I think he really deserves it."
Critics certainly reacted strongly — and often negatively — to "New Moon," but moviegoers came out in droves, and after the mega blockbuster "The Dark Knight" failed to nab a Best Picture nod in 2008, the Academy might be looking to make a change. Or not. The idea of vampires joining the likes of Nelson Mandela seems a bit of a stretch. Yet the Twilighters MTV News spoke to at a recent fan event in Times Square were certain "New Moon" deserved some Oscar love."They always give the [nominations] to the boring movies," said Vanesa Reyes, who said she and her friends planned to see the movie four or five times over its first weekend. "Let's give young people a chance to win some Oscars. It's time for a change."
Kim Cawthorne argued such a change has been building for a while. "If 'Twilight' got all this publicity for winning awards at the MTV Movie Awards and other awards shows, then obviously 'New Moon' is going to get it," she said, clutching an Edward Cullen pillow she'd just purchased. "I think all of the movies are going to keep getting it in the years to come."
Of course, a committed fanbase is no harbinger of serious awards-season respect. The "Harry Potter" franchise has never won an Oscar and has only been nominated in secondary categories for music and art direction. But none of that matters to the Twilighters, each of whom argued passionately that "New Moon" deserves some nominations — not just as Best Picture but in other categories as well.
"I think Taylor Lautner [should be nominated]," said Jhanel Huggett. "I really do. He did such an amazing job to transform, so I think he really deserves it."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Katie Price walk out of Celebrity jungle
Katie Price, aka Jordan, has walked out of “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!” after the glamour model, celebrity and author was nominated by the public for a seventh “Bushtucker” (read creepy-crawly munch) trial in a row.
It would appear that her recent acrimonious divorce from singer Peter Andre, whom, ironically, she met on an earlier series of the reality TV show, has done little for her standing in the eyes of the British public. Some commentators think the 31-year-old should have seen this coming.
Her departure leaves the show without its most high-profile and headline-generating contestant. That makes it two after Irish twins John and Edward Grimes were voted off the X Factor singing contest last night. ITV will be watching closely to see if the exits translate to lower viewing figures for two of its biggest shows.
It would appear that her recent acrimonious divorce from singer Peter Andre, whom, ironically, she met on an earlier series of the reality TV show, has done little for her standing in the eyes of the British public. Some commentators think the 31-year-old should have seen this coming.Her departure leaves the show without its most high-profile and headline-generating contestant. That makes it two after Irish twins John and Edward Grimes were voted off the X Factor singing contest last night. ITV will be watching closely to see if the exits translate to lower viewing figures for two of its biggest shows.
Twilight's 'New Moon' makes box office soaring
The film rakes in more than double 'Twilight's' launch and breaks records, an early gift for Hollywood.
Recession be damned, Hollywood is on its way to what could be its merriest holiday season ever, thanks to a group of undead teenagers.
"The Twilight Saga: New Moon" posted the third-largest opening in domestic box-office history, not accounting for ticket price inflation, having sold an estimated $140.7 million worth of tickets in the U.S. and Canada from Friday through Sunday. Only Warner Bros.' "The Dark Knight" and Sony's "Spider-Man 3" had bigger openings.
Summit Entertainment's "New Moon" smashed the previous record for a movie opening outside the summer event movie season and more than doubled the launch of the first "Twilight" movie last year.
Though the audience for the new movie was slightly older and included more men than its predecessor, crowds were still overwhelmingly female. The success of the "Twilight" DVD, released in March and the No. 1 seller this year, probably helped increase interest among adults and males and persuade more young women to see the sequel on the big screen.
The good news for the vampire series wasn't bad news for everyone else.
Several other pictures, including "The Blind Side" and "Precious," had strong weekends, driving overall domestic box-office receipts to their second-highest total ever on a non-holiday weekend.
"It's a really good sign for the industry," said Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution for "Blind Side" distributor Warner Bros. "It just goes to show you good movies can expand the marketplace and we still have strong potential."
For Summit, which at less than 3 years old has very few hits under its belt, "New Moon" is a massive financial success. The movie grossed an additional $118.1 million in 25 foreign countries, giving it a worldwide launch total of $258.8 million. Studios typically keep about half of their films' domestic box-office receipts and 40% from overseas.
"New Moon" cost just under $50 million to produce, making it the least expensive movie ever to open to more than $200 million worldwide. Even including Summit's marketing costs, it is likely to start generating profit from box-office revenue alone, before hitting DVD, pay cable and the other post-theatrical markets where most successful films go into the black.
When "New Moon" broke the record for the biggest opening day in history on Friday, some in the industry thought fans of the first "Twilight" had simply shifted up attendance to the first day with the help of online ticketing.
But "New Moon's" 41% drop on Saturday was the same as its predecessor's, an indication that the vampire series' audience expanded significantly and that "New Moon's" box-office declines in the coming weeks will be similar to "Twilight's."
If it does enjoy the same multiple -- a comparison of final gross to opening -- as "Twilight," "New Moon" could end up grossing nearly $400 million domestically. ("Twilight's" domestic gross was $192.8 million.)
Still, "New Moon" will probably make the vast majority of its money in the next two weeks, leaving plenty of room in the market. That's good news for several other movies that found their audiences this weekend in the wake of the vampire film.
"The Blind Side," financed by Alcon Entertainment, generated the biggest opening ever for a Sandra Bullock movie, with $34.5 million.
It garnered an average audience grade of A-plus, according to market research firm CinemaScore; the only other film to do so this year was Pixar's "Up."
Word-of-mouth could drive "The Blind Side" to more than $150 million if, as Fellman predicted, it keeps playing well through Christmas.
Lionsgate's Sundance Film Festival purchase "Precious" continues to play extremely well, collecting $11 million as it expanded to 629 theaters in most major cities.
Numerous other pictures with big expectations are rolling out in the coming weeks, hoping this weekend's box-office momentum will continue. On Wednesday, Disney's "Old Dogs," Warner Bros.' "Ninja Assassin" and Fox's "The Fantastic Mr. Fox," which has performed well in four theaters for the last two weeks, will enter the fray.
December will see several highly anticipated movies, including Disney's animated "The Princess and the Frog," Paramount's "The Lovely Bones," Warner Bros.' "Sherlock Holmes" and Fox's "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" and $300-million-plus event film "Avatar."
Although "New Moon" easily vanquished last weekend's No. 1 picture, "2012," domestically, Sony's $200-million disaster film held on much stronger overseas, grossing $100.5 million in its second weekend and bringing its worldwide total to $449.8 million.
Recession be damned, Hollywood is on its way to what could be its merriest holiday season ever, thanks to a group of undead teenagers.
"The Twilight Saga: New Moon" posted the third-largest opening in domestic box-office history, not accounting for ticket price inflation, having sold an estimated $140.7 million worth of tickets in the U.S. and Canada from Friday through Sunday. Only Warner Bros.' "The Dark Knight" and Sony's "Spider-Man 3" had bigger openings.
Summit Entertainment's "New Moon" smashed the previous record for a movie opening outside the summer event movie season and more than doubled the launch of the first "Twilight" movie last year.Though the audience for the new movie was slightly older and included more men than its predecessor, crowds were still overwhelmingly female. The success of the "Twilight" DVD, released in March and the No. 1 seller this year, probably helped increase interest among adults and males and persuade more young women to see the sequel on the big screen.
The good news for the vampire series wasn't bad news for everyone else.
Several other pictures, including "The Blind Side" and "Precious," had strong weekends, driving overall domestic box-office receipts to their second-highest total ever on a non-holiday weekend.
"It's a really good sign for the industry," said Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution for "Blind Side" distributor Warner Bros. "It just goes to show you good movies can expand the marketplace and we still have strong potential."
For Summit, which at less than 3 years old has very few hits under its belt, "New Moon" is a massive financial success. The movie grossed an additional $118.1 million in 25 foreign countries, giving it a worldwide launch total of $258.8 million. Studios typically keep about half of their films' domestic box-office receipts and 40% from overseas.
"New Moon" cost just under $50 million to produce, making it the least expensive movie ever to open to more than $200 million worldwide. Even including Summit's marketing costs, it is likely to start generating profit from box-office revenue alone, before hitting DVD, pay cable and the other post-theatrical markets where most successful films go into the black.
When "New Moon" broke the record for the biggest opening day in history on Friday, some in the industry thought fans of the first "Twilight" had simply shifted up attendance to the first day with the help of online ticketing.
But "New Moon's" 41% drop on Saturday was the same as its predecessor's, an indication that the vampire series' audience expanded significantly and that "New Moon's" box-office declines in the coming weeks will be similar to "Twilight's."
If it does enjoy the same multiple -- a comparison of final gross to opening -- as "Twilight," "New Moon" could end up grossing nearly $400 million domestically. ("Twilight's" domestic gross was $192.8 million.)
Still, "New Moon" will probably make the vast majority of its money in the next two weeks, leaving plenty of room in the market. That's good news for several other movies that found their audiences this weekend in the wake of the vampire film.
"The Blind Side," financed by Alcon Entertainment, generated the biggest opening ever for a Sandra Bullock movie, with $34.5 million.
It garnered an average audience grade of A-plus, according to market research firm CinemaScore; the only other film to do so this year was Pixar's "Up."
Word-of-mouth could drive "The Blind Side" to more than $150 million if, as Fellman predicted, it keeps playing well through Christmas.
Lionsgate's Sundance Film Festival purchase "Precious" continues to play extremely well, collecting $11 million as it expanded to 629 theaters in most major cities.
Numerous other pictures with big expectations are rolling out in the coming weeks, hoping this weekend's box-office momentum will continue. On Wednesday, Disney's "Old Dogs," Warner Bros.' "Ninja Assassin" and Fox's "The Fantastic Mr. Fox," which has performed well in four theaters for the last two weeks, will enter the fray.
December will see several highly anticipated movies, including Disney's animated "The Princess and the Frog," Paramount's "The Lovely Bones," Warner Bros.' "Sherlock Holmes" and Fox's "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" and $300-million-plus event film "Avatar."
Although "New Moon" easily vanquished last weekend's No. 1 picture, "2012," domestically, Sony's $200-million disaster film held on much stronger overseas, grossing $100.5 million in its second weekend and bringing its worldwide total to $449.8 million.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Miley Cyrus Dressed as Prostitute for Birthday Party
Miley Cyrus has dressed up herself as Julia Roberts' prostitute character from the film Pretty Woman for her 17th birthday celebration party last Monday. The Hannah Montana star dressed as Julia’s prostitute character Vivian Ward at an 80s-themed celebration at New York’s Canal Room on Wednesday.
The singer-and-actress – who celebrates her birthday on Monday – was particularly delighted with the evening’s entertainment, a performance from Constantine Maroulis and the cast of Broadway musical Rock of Ages.
A source told America’s New York Post newspaper: "Miley had seen the show two weeks ago and loved it, so her mom Tish brought the cast in to surprise her.
"But I'm not sure who was more into Constantine - Miley or her mother.
“Between songs from the musical, Miley grabbed Constantine and danced with him at the front of the stage and then Tish joined in.”
The singer-and-actress – who celebrates her birthday on Monday – was particularly delighted with the evening’s entertainment, a performance from Constantine Maroulis and the cast of Broadway musical Rock of Ages.A source told America’s New York Post newspaper: "Miley had seen the show two weeks ago and loved it, so her mom Tish brought the cast in to surprise her.
"But I'm not sure who was more into Constantine - Miley or her mother.
“Between songs from the musical, Miley grabbed Constantine and danced with him at the front of the stage and then Tish joined in.”
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Katrina Kaif and Abhishek Bachchan to team up for 'Italian Job' remake
Abbas-Mastan have finalized Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan and Neil Nitin Mukesh to headline their much anticipated remake of Hollywood's Italian Job (2003).
The director duo confirmed the attachment of the three stars for the film for which they have acquired rights from Paramount Pictures. The 2003 film was in turn a remake of the similarly named 1969 British film.
The trio will reprise the roles played by Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton and Charlize Theron.
Back in July, it was reported that Saif Ali Khan will feature alongside Neil, but obviously that has changed now.
The film is about a team of thieves who plan to steal gold bullion from a former associate who double crossed them. The film shows the thieves pull off the flawless heist by creating Los Angeles largest traffic jam ever by tapping into the city's traffic control system.
The rest of the cast and crew for the Studio 18 production is yet to be finalized.
Abbas Mastan say they got this project because Studio 18 was impressed with their action sequences in Race (2008), starring Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu. The film will be seriously revamped and Indianized but retain its cult mode.
"Our producers are willing to go all out. No expenses will be spared to make sure our The Italian Job is as good as the original," said Abbas-Mastan.
The director duo confirmed the attachment of the three stars for the film for which they have acquired rights from Paramount Pictures. The 2003 film was in turn a remake of the similarly named 1969 British film.The trio will reprise the roles played by Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton and Charlize Theron.
Back in July, it was reported that Saif Ali Khan will feature alongside Neil, but obviously that has changed now.
The film is about a team of thieves who plan to steal gold bullion from a former associate who double crossed them. The film shows the thieves pull off the flawless heist by creating Los Angeles largest traffic jam ever by tapping into the city's traffic control system.
The rest of the cast and crew for the Studio 18 production is yet to be finalized.
Abbas Mastan say they got this project because Studio 18 was impressed with their action sequences in Race (2008), starring Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu. The film will be seriously revamped and Indianized but retain its cult mode.
"Our producers are willing to go all out. No expenses will be spared to make sure our The Italian Job is as good as the original," said Abbas-Mastan.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Brit Singer Boy George to join Celebrity Big Brother
A famous Brit singer Boy George is set to join celebs in the Celebrity Big Brother house, it has emerged.
George, 48, had turned down offers to appear on the show in the past, but he has now decided to give it a go and it is rumoured he has bagged a 200,000 pounds fee for agreeing to sign.
“Boy George will be explosive – get ready for Celebrity Big Brother to finish with a bang,” the Daily Star quoted a source as saying.
The former Culture Club singer also revealed he is the happiest he has ever been and his stint in jail made him change for the better. “I had prison coming to me. It wasn’t that big a surprise, I kind of knew it was going to happen,” he said.
“I just thought: ‘I’m going to make this work for me.’ I got a job quite quickly and worked in the kitchen,” he added.
George, 48, had turned down offers to appear on the show in the past, but he has now decided to give it a go and it is rumoured he has bagged a 200,000 pounds fee for agreeing to sign.“Boy George will be explosive – get ready for Celebrity Big Brother to finish with a bang,” the Daily Star quoted a source as saying.
The former Culture Club singer also revealed he is the happiest he has ever been and his stint in jail made him change for the better. “I had prison coming to me. It wasn’t that big a surprise, I kind of knew it was going to happen,” he said.
“I just thought: ‘I’m going to make this work for me.’ I got a job quite quickly and worked in the kitchen,” he added.
Miley Cyrus Tour Bus Crashes And Kills Driver
A tour bus transporting Miley Cyrus's crew was involved in a deadly crash outside Richmond, Va., on Friday, killing the driver Bill Douglas.Cyrus, 16, was not on any of the buses, PEOPLE has confirmed. The singer was actually en route to Nashville to spend some time at home before her show on Sunday in Greensboro, N.C. The show is set to go on as scheduled.
"It was one of our tour buses, but not Miley's,” her manager told TMZ. "It was one of our buses that transported our lighting crew."
A statement from the Cyrus family reads, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bill 'Uncle Bill' Douglas. Members of our tour are like members of our family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in the midst of this tragedy. He will truly be missed."
The Cyrus entourage was using four buses to transport tour staff to Greensboro, North Carolina for a show on Sunday. At around 8:15am Friday, it ran off the road, hit an embankment and overturned.
Bill Douglas was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation is underway to determine exactly why the bus – part of a four vehicle caravan – drifted off the road and overturned. One person, presumed to be the bus driver, died, while nine other people sustained minor injuries.
The identity of the deceased will be released once next of kin is notified, according to a release from the Virginia state police.
Aishwarya walks out of Abhishek's Crooked
Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production Crooked is set to go on the floors from January 14 next year. However, the Abhishek Bachchan starrer has no lead actress as Aishwarya, who was supposed to do the film, opted out citing date problems. Her dates for Crooked were colliding with Vipul Shah’s Action Replay. Since Action Replay is inching towards completion, Aishwarya had to give it priority, leaving her with no choice but to opt out of Crooked, directed by Abhinay Deo. It is a thriller which will be shot at different foreign locales.
Meanwhile, Farhan’s other production directed by Zoya Akhtar featuring Hrithik Roshan, Farhan and Abhay Deol is also stuck as it has no lead actress. The film’s shooting starts from April 5 in Spain. Ritesh says, “We are now looking for a completely new face in Crooked, which actually requires three new girls. We also need a fresh face either from London or New York for Hrithik in Zoya’s film.”
Farhan says, “Hrithik has been a true friend. I start directing Don 3 from September 2010, so Zoya’s film had to be completed before that. Hrithik adjusted his dates accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Farhan’s other production directed by Zoya Akhtar featuring Hrithik Roshan, Farhan and Abhay Deol is also stuck as it has no lead actress. The film’s shooting starts from April 5 in Spain. Ritesh says, “We are now looking for a completely new face in Crooked, which actually requires three new girls. We also need a fresh face either from London or New York for Hrithik in Zoya’s film.”Farhan says, “Hrithik has been a true friend. I start directing Don 3 from September 2010, so Zoya’s film had to be completed before that. Hrithik adjusted his dates accordingly.”
Thursday, November 19, 2009
John Kerry's Daughter Alexandra Arrested for DUI
Senator John Kerry's daughter Alexandra was arrested on suspicion of DUI early Thursday morning in Los Angeles, police say.
"She was stopped by officers for a DUI investigation," Sgt. Enrique Mendoza tells PEOPLE. "She was brought to the Hollywood station where she was booked. She identified herself as Senator Kerry's daughter."
Kerry, 36, who works as a film director/producer, was arrested shortly after midnight and released at 5:25 a.m. after posting $5,000 bail, police records show.
A court date is set for Dec. 10.
"She was stopped by officers for a DUI investigation," Sgt. Enrique Mendoza tells PEOPLE. "She was brought to the Hollywood station where she was booked. She identified herself as Senator Kerry's daughter."Kerry, 36, who works as a film director/producer, was arrested shortly after midnight and released at 5:25 a.m. after posting $5,000 bail, police records show.
A court date is set for Dec. 10.
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