"It Only Takes a Moment" (Morrow. 345 pages. $24.95), by Mary Jane Clark: For Mary Jane Clark fans, the most thrilling TV network has to be KEY. The fictional company has some very nasty anchors, producers and correspondents who would do anything -- even murder -- to get what they want. Decent employees of the network regularly become killers' targets and must use their sleuthing talents to stay alive.
The author, a former writer and producer for CBS News, is good at dreaming up scary happenings involving KEY staffers and describing them in lucid prose and succinct chapters that do not strain the patience of TV-age readers.
Her novels are essentially like Agatha Christie's whodunits, but they have a hard, contemporary edge that enhances the fear factor. They are so addictive, in fact, that her readers would surely suffer withdrawal symptoms unless they kept coming on a regular basis.
Her latest effort, "It Only Takes a Moment," just arrived in the middle of summer, but dismayingly, it fails to provide the arctic chills her readers have come to expect.
The protagonist -- or victim -- is Eliza Blake, host of the top-rated KEY News morning show. Poor Eliza. Terrible things always happen to her. She was almost murdered in Clark's three previous novels, "When Day Breaks," "Do You Want to Know a Secret?" and "Close to You." Now, bad people have kidnapped her precious 7-year-old daughter, Janie, and her caretaker, Carmen Garcia.
One anonymous letter mentions Janie and asks Eliza: "Can you imagine what your life would be like without her? Janie better appreciate how lucky she is to have you, because it only takes a moment for life to change forever."
Indeed, the TV star's life changes overnight from a glamorous and fulfilling one to that of agony and fear. Her home in the peaceful suburban community of Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., is overrun by investigating FBI agents, concerned KEY colleagues and media people waiting for news breaks. A single mother whose husband died of cancer, Eliza is frantic with the real possibility of losing Janie. In desperation, she even turns to a psychic for help.
Eliza's anguish comes through loud and clear in the novel, but suspense never builds. There are a few suspects, but they are total strangers to Eliza, and not very convincing or interesting ones at that.
The literary devices Clark so effectively used in "Nowhere to Run" and other books are AWOL: No twisted character hiding behind a friendly mask, no beguiling red herrings, no titillating hints, no soliloquies by an unidentified murderer plotting his or her next move. Clark does her usual good job with a surprise ending, but it is too little, too late.
Taken as a whole, though, her 11 novels attest that she is one of the most talented story tellers around. If she keeps on the right track, she could very well claim to be "the Queen of Suspense" one day -- the title currently bestowed by some on her former mother-in-law, Mary Higgins Clark.
Rabu, 30 Juli 2008
Rosemary Ingham, Costume Designer and Author, Dies at 71 (Playbill)
Over her long and varied career, Ms. Ingham educated herself at four different universities and taught at a few more. She was the first costume manager at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, CT, and managed the costume shop at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater from 1973 to 1978. In 2003, she helped create the Great River Shakespeare Festival, which presents Shakespearean plays along the Mississippi River each June and July.
She was born in Charlottesville, VA, and aimed at a nursing career while attending the University of Virginia. The combination of sewing costumes for the theatre department in her spare time, and meeting and marrying Robert Ingham, an actor and playwright, in 1959, steered her in the direction of the stage.
The peripatetic Ms. Ingham studied playwriting and design at the Yale School of Drama in the early 1960s. While there, she became involved in the creation of the Long Wharf Theatre, heading the costume shop. Productions during its first few season invariably had costume designs by Ms. Ingham. A move with her family to Montana led her to complete her bachelors degree in English at the University of Montana in 1973. She spent the next five years in the Midwest, at Milwaukee Rep.
With designer Liz Covey, she wrote three books on costume design, "The Costumers Handbook," "The Costume Designers Handbook" and "The Costume Technicians Handbook." In 1998, Ms. Ingham wrote "From Page to Stage: How Theatre Designers Make Connections Between Texts and Images." Covey and Ms. Ingham received the Golden Pen Award of the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology in 2004. In 2006, she received the institutes Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ms. Ingham taught for four years at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and taught at the University of Mary Washington from 1989 to 2001. She never ceased to educate herself, even as she was an educator. She took a masters degree in liberal arts from St. Johns College in Annapolis in 1995.
Ms. Ingham was the director of costuming for The Great River Shakespeare Festival. When it was founded in 2004, the festival was one of the largest Equity companies to open in a decade in the Midwest. Attendance increased by 23 percent from season one to season two, and by 15 percent from season two to season three.
Her husband died in 1992. She is survived by her four sons, Robert "Ted" Ingham, on Montpelier, VT; Richard Ingham of Alexandria, VA; James Ingham of Palo Alto, CA; and Stephen Ingham of Verona, Italy; and four grandchildren.
She was born in Charlottesville, VA, and aimed at a nursing career while attending the University of Virginia. The combination of sewing costumes for the theatre department in her spare time, and meeting and marrying Robert Ingham, an actor and playwright, in 1959, steered her in the direction of the stage.
The peripatetic Ms. Ingham studied playwriting and design at the Yale School of Drama in the early 1960s. While there, she became involved in the creation of the Long Wharf Theatre, heading the costume shop. Productions during its first few season invariably had costume designs by Ms. Ingham. A move with her family to Montana led her to complete her bachelors degree in English at the University of Montana in 1973. She spent the next five years in the Midwest, at Milwaukee Rep.
With designer Liz Covey, she wrote three books on costume design, "The Costumers Handbook," "The Costume Designers Handbook" and "The Costume Technicians Handbook." In 1998, Ms. Ingham wrote "From Page to Stage: How Theatre Designers Make Connections Between Texts and Images." Covey and Ms. Ingham received the Golden Pen Award of the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology in 2004. In 2006, she received the institutes Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ms. Ingham taught for four years at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and taught at the University of Mary Washington from 1989 to 2001. She never ceased to educate herself, even as she was an educator. She took a masters degree in liberal arts from St. Johns College in Annapolis in 1995.
Ms. Ingham was the director of costuming for The Great River Shakespeare Festival. When it was founded in 2004, the festival was one of the largest Equity companies to open in a decade in the Midwest. Attendance increased by 23 percent from season one to season two, and by 15 percent from season two to season three.
Her husband died in 1992. She is survived by her four sons, Robert "Ted" Ingham, on Montpelier, VT; Richard Ingham of Alexandria, VA; James Ingham of Palo Alto, CA; and Stephen Ingham of Verona, Italy; and four grandchildren.
Creedence Clearwater albums to be reissued (Reuters)
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The first six albums of California rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival are being reissued on September 30 with bonus tracks and new liner notes, Concord Music Group said on Tuesday.
The reissued albums, which have been digitally remastered and will be presented in DigiPaks, are: "Creedence Clearwater Revival," "Bayou Country," "Green River," "Willy & the Poor Boys," "Cosmos Factory" and "Pendulum," all originally released from 1968 to 1970.
Among the many extras are unreleased studio versions of "Down on the Corner" and "Born on the Bayou," which were recorded with Booker T & the MGs. The tracks appear on "Willy & the Poor Boys" and "Cosmos Factory," respectively.
The announcement comes about three years after Creedence singer/songwriter John Fogerty re-signed as a solo artist with Concords Fantasy Records label, for which Creedence recorded in the late 60s and early 70s.
Concord bought Fantasy in 2004 from Fogertys nemesis, Saul Zaentz, and has been mending bridges with Fogerty, such as paying performance royalties on his back catalog.
Creedence, one of the great American bands to emerge in the late 1960s, recorded for Berkeley, Calif.-based Fantasy until it broke up in 1972. Fogerty had signed away his copyrights to such tunes as "Fortunate Son" and "Bad Moon Rising," and spent the ensuing decades in legal battles with Zaentz.
He once immortalized Zaentz in a song called "Zanz Kant Danz," while Zaentz countered with a plagiarism lawsuit, claiming that Fogertys solo song "The Old Man Down the Road" ripped off the Creedence hit "Run Through the Jungle." The litigation went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
(Reporting by Dean Goodman)
The reissued albums, which have been digitally remastered and will be presented in DigiPaks, are: "Creedence Clearwater Revival," "Bayou Country," "Green River," "Willy & the Poor Boys," "Cosmos Factory" and "Pendulum," all originally released from 1968 to 1970.
Among the many extras are unreleased studio versions of "Down on the Corner" and "Born on the Bayou," which were recorded with Booker T & the MGs. The tracks appear on "Willy & the Poor Boys" and "Cosmos Factory," respectively.
The announcement comes about three years after Creedence singer/songwriter John Fogerty re-signed as a solo artist with Concords Fantasy Records label, for which Creedence recorded in the late 60s and early 70s.
Concord bought Fantasy in 2004 from Fogertys nemesis, Saul Zaentz, and has been mending bridges with Fogerty, such as paying performance royalties on his back catalog.
Creedence, one of the great American bands to emerge in the late 1960s, recorded for Berkeley, Calif.-based Fantasy until it broke up in 1972. Fogerty had signed away his copyrights to such tunes as "Fortunate Son" and "Bad Moon Rising," and spent the ensuing decades in legal battles with Zaentz.
He once immortalized Zaentz in a song called "Zanz Kant Danz," while Zaentz countered with a plagiarism lawsuit, claiming that Fogertys solo song "The Old Man Down the Road" ripped off the Creedence hit "Run Through the Jungle." The litigation went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
(Reporting by Dean Goodman)
Hollywood takes a back seat at Venice film festival (Reuters)
ROME (Reuters) - Big Hollywood studios will take a back seat at this years Venice film festival, with the competition lineup highlighting independent U.S. cinema, Italian productions and Japanese animation movies.
Festival director Marco Mueller said the lighter Hollywood presence was partly due to disruptions caused by a 14-week writers strike that ended in February, meaning the release of some films had to be postponed.
"Some of the films which would have normally been ready in time for Venice now wont be released until December or later," Mueller told a news conference, unveiling the program of the festivals 65th edition.
Last year, U.S. and British films dominated the lineup, with nearly half of the films in the main competition.
This year, only five English-language movies -- all listed as U.S. productions -- will vie for the top prize at the worlds oldest film festival.
Among them is Jonathan Demmes "Rachel Getting Married," starring Anne Hathaway and Debra Winger in the story of a woman returning home for her sisters wedding after spending 10 years in and out of rehabilitation centers.
The other U.S. films in the main contest, all by lesser-known or first-time directors, include "The Burning Plain" -- a family drama with Kim Basinger and Charlize Theron -- and "The Wrestler," with Mickey Rourke in the lead role.
Italy and Japan loom large over the rest of the 21-film competition, with four and three movies respectively. Two of the Japanese offerings are animation films, including "Ponyo on Cliff by the Sea" by cult director Hayao Miyazaki.
Outside competition, "Burn After Reading" by Oscar-winning directors Joel and Ethan Coen will open the 11-day movie marathon on August 27.
The film, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, should bring to the Venice red carpet some of the Hollywood star power that is critical to the success of any festival.
Veteran film-makers Manoel de Oliveira, who turns 100 this year, and Mario Monicelli will present two short works at the festival, which traditionally combines obscure art house cinema with A-list celebrities.
For the second year running the unofficial prize for the longest film will go to Filipino director Lav Diaz, whose "Melancholia" runs for seven-and-a-half hours.
(Reporting by Silvia Aloisi, editing by Paul Casciato)
Festival director Marco Mueller said the lighter Hollywood presence was partly due to disruptions caused by a 14-week writers strike that ended in February, meaning the release of some films had to be postponed.
"Some of the films which would have normally been ready in time for Venice now wont be released until December or later," Mueller told a news conference, unveiling the program of the festivals 65th edition.
Last year, U.S. and British films dominated the lineup, with nearly half of the films in the main competition.
This year, only five English-language movies -- all listed as U.S. productions -- will vie for the top prize at the worlds oldest film festival.
Among them is Jonathan Demmes "Rachel Getting Married," starring Anne Hathaway and Debra Winger in the story of a woman returning home for her sisters wedding after spending 10 years in and out of rehabilitation centers.
The other U.S. films in the main contest, all by lesser-known or first-time directors, include "The Burning Plain" -- a family drama with Kim Basinger and Charlize Theron -- and "The Wrestler," with Mickey Rourke in the lead role.
Italy and Japan loom large over the rest of the 21-film competition, with four and three movies respectively. Two of the Japanese offerings are animation films, including "Ponyo on Cliff by the Sea" by cult director Hayao Miyazaki.
Outside competition, "Burn After Reading" by Oscar-winning directors Joel and Ethan Coen will open the 11-day movie marathon on August 27.
The film, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, should bring to the Venice red carpet some of the Hollywood star power that is critical to the success of any festival.
Veteran film-makers Manoel de Oliveira, who turns 100 this year, and Mario Monicelli will present two short works at the festival, which traditionally combines obscure art house cinema with A-list celebrities.
For the second year running the unofficial prize for the longest film will go to Filipino director Lav Diaz, whose "Melancholia" runs for seven-and-a-half hours.
(Reporting by Silvia Aloisi, editing by Paul Casciato)
Jack White, Alicia Keys Bond Over 007 Theme (E! Online)
Los Angeles (E! Online) - Heres a match made ina lab?
With Amy Winehouse long out of commission, Alicia Keys has signed on to lend her sultry, soulful pipes to the new theme song being readied for the upcoming James Bond installment, Quantum of Solace, by alt-rocker Jack White.
The male half of the White Stripes, who wrote and produced the tune, called Another Way to Die, will also play drums. The films soundtrack is due out Oct. 28, while the movie itself, the second 007 flick featuring hunky blond Bond Daniel Craig, hits theaters Nov. 7.
Keys involvement in the production was first reported by E! Onlines own Marc Malkin.
White and Keys collaboration marks the first time a duo have tackled the Bond song, which hopefully will be more Thunderball (Tom Jones = suave and sophisticated) than Die Another Day (Madonna = Pierce Brosnan getting his ass kicked in a Korean prison).
The tradition of having a specialized theme harkens back to English cabaret star Matt Monros treatment of the title song from 1963s From Russia With Love.
Hitmakers who have lent their vocals for the use of her majestys secret service over the years include Paul McCartney and Wings (Live and Let Die), Carly Simon (Nobody Does It Better originated on The Spy Who Loved Me soundtrack), Sheena Easton (For Your Eyes Only), a-ha (the purveyors of The Living Daylights as well as 80s favorite Take on Me), Duran Duran (A View to a Kill), Gladys Knight (License to Kill), Tina Turner (GoldenEye), Garbage (The World Is Not Enough) and, most recently, Chris Cornell, who crooned You Know My Name for Casino Royale.
U.K. pop stars Leona Lewis and Duffy were also rumored to be in contention for Quantum of Solace honors before the job was handed over to White and Keys, who are sure to add a certain that sounds like a marimba! je ne sais quoi to the 22nd Bond adventure.
With Amy Winehouse long out of commission, Alicia Keys has signed on to lend her sultry, soulful pipes to the new theme song being readied for the upcoming James Bond installment, Quantum of Solace, by alt-rocker Jack White.
The male half of the White Stripes, who wrote and produced the tune, called Another Way to Die, will also play drums. The films soundtrack is due out Oct. 28, while the movie itself, the second 007 flick featuring hunky blond Bond Daniel Craig, hits theaters Nov. 7.
Keys involvement in the production was first reported by E! Onlines own Marc Malkin.
White and Keys collaboration marks the first time a duo have tackled the Bond song, which hopefully will be more Thunderball (Tom Jones = suave and sophisticated) than Die Another Day (Madonna = Pierce Brosnan getting his ass kicked in a Korean prison).
The tradition of having a specialized theme harkens back to English cabaret star Matt Monros treatment of the title song from 1963s From Russia With Love.
Hitmakers who have lent their vocals for the use of her majestys secret service over the years include Paul McCartney and Wings (Live and Let Die), Carly Simon (Nobody Does It Better originated on The Spy Who Loved Me soundtrack), Sheena Easton (For Your Eyes Only), a-ha (the purveyors of The Living Daylights as well as 80s favorite Take on Me), Duran Duran (A View to a Kill), Gladys Knight (License to Kill), Tina Turner (GoldenEye), Garbage (The World Is Not Enough) and, most recently, Chris Cornell, who crooned You Know My Name for Casino Royale.
U.K. pop stars Leona Lewis and Duffy were also rumored to be in contention for Quantum of Solace honors before the job was handed over to White and Keys, who are sure to add a certain that sounds like a marimba! je ne sais quoi to the 22nd Bond adventure.
Greek Star Paddled With DUI Charges (E! Online)
Los Angeles (E! Online) - The hazing continues for Scott Michael Foster.
The 23-year-old Greek star was charged Tuesday with two misdemeanor DUI counts stemming from his arrest last week in Hollywood following a routine traffic stop.
Foster is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 11 on charges of driving under the influence and driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or above.
Patrolmen pulled the actor over shortly past midnight on July 21 near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Wilcox Avenue. After he failed field sobriety tests, Foster was booked into custody and held until about 5 a.m., when he was released after posting $5,000 bail.
Foster wasnt too rattled by the bust to return to frat-boy mode. He managed to make it to the Greek set that morning, where, a source told E! News, he was very apologetic and grateful that nothing worse happened as a result of his bad decision.
The 23-year-old Greek star was charged Tuesday with two misdemeanor DUI counts stemming from his arrest last week in Hollywood following a routine traffic stop.
Foster is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 11 on charges of driving under the influence and driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or above.
Patrolmen pulled the actor over shortly past midnight on July 21 near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Wilcox Avenue. After he failed field sobriety tests, Foster was booked into custody and held until about 5 a.m., when he was released after posting $5,000 bail.
Foster wasnt too rattled by the bust to return to frat-boy mode. He managed to make it to the Greek set that morning, where, a source told E! News, he was very apologetic and grateful that nothing worse happened as a result of his bad decision.
Sam Lutfi Won't Agree to Permanent Britney Barrier (E! Online)
Los Angeles (E! Online) - Does Sam Lutfi want back in the Britney picture? Or does he just not want some stinkin judge telling him what to do (let alone some stinkin commissioner)?
Sources tell E! News that the former member of preconservatorship Team Spears is willing to fight the restraining order thats been keeping him at least 250 yards away from his popster pal since Feb. 1.
A hearing on conservatorship issues, including whether to make the Spears familys order against Lutfi permanent, is scheduled for July 31.
Sam wont sign a permanent stay-away, a Lutfi insider says.
So far, Lutfi has quietly allowed the current order to be extended twice without appearing in court to object, with the last rollover occurring April 16.
He just agreed to it, Lutfi spokesman Michael Sands said at the time. Sam and the family are communicating and cooperating, trying to do whats best for Britney.
But while the onetime flashbulb target just wants the whole case to go away, he is apparently eager to at least clear his name, considering 2 a.m. shopping sprees and other questionable bonding experiences are a thing of the past.
If they want to go to trial, he will go to trial, the source said. He did nothing wrong.
Sources tell E! News that the former member of preconservatorship Team Spears is willing to fight the restraining order thats been keeping him at least 250 yards away from his popster pal since Feb. 1.
A hearing on conservatorship issues, including whether to make the Spears familys order against Lutfi permanent, is scheduled for July 31.
Sam wont sign a permanent stay-away, a Lutfi insider says.
So far, Lutfi has quietly allowed the current order to be extended twice without appearing in court to object, with the last rollover occurring April 16.
He just agreed to it, Lutfi spokesman Michael Sands said at the time. Sam and the family are communicating and cooperating, trying to do whats best for Britney.
But while the onetime flashbulb target just wants the whole case to go away, he is apparently eager to at least clear his name, considering 2 a.m. shopping sprees and other questionable bonding experiences are a thing of the past.
If they want to go to trial, he will go to trial, the source said. He did nothing wrong.
Shia LaBeouf was not at fault for auto accident, police say (AP)
LOS ANGELES - Shia LaBeouf was not to blame for an early-morning car wreck in Los Angeles, authorities said Tuesday, pinning fault on the other driver for apparently running a red light.
Also Tuesday, a person close to production of the "Transformers" sequel said LaBeouf's passenger in the accident was Isabel Lucas, the 23-year-old Australian who plays a supporting role. The person asked not to be named because he was not authorized to release the information.
Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore says detectives have determined that the other driver, who has not been identified, ran the light and will also be cited. LaBeouf was booked for a misdemeanor DUI and underwent surgery for injuries to his left hand.
"He was not at fault," Whitmore said of the "Transformers" actor.
LaBeouf's pickup truck collided with another vehicle at 3 a.m. Sunday in West Hollywood. Lucas and the driver of the other vehicle were not seriously injured.
Lucas, who has not yet appeared in any American films but has several upcoming projects, has returned to production on "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," which is due out next June, the person said. Melissa Kates, a publicist for LaBeouf, said he plans to return to work within a month.
LaBeouf was trying to make a left turn at the West Hollywood intersection of LaBrea and Fountain avenues when his pickup collided with another vehicle, rolling the truck over.
"It was immediately apparent to officers responding on the scene that LaBeouf was intoxicated and he was subsequently placed under arrest," Sgt. Scott Wolf said on Sunday.
Two attorneys listed for LaBeouf have not returned calls from The Associated Press.
___
AP writer Jake Coyle in New York contributed to this story.
Also Tuesday, a person close to production of the "Transformers" sequel said LaBeouf's passenger in the accident was Isabel Lucas, the 23-year-old Australian who plays a supporting role. The person asked not to be named because he was not authorized to release the information.
Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore says detectives have determined that the other driver, who has not been identified, ran the light and will also be cited. LaBeouf was booked for a misdemeanor DUI and underwent surgery for injuries to his left hand.
"He was not at fault," Whitmore said of the "Transformers" actor.
LaBeouf's pickup truck collided with another vehicle at 3 a.m. Sunday in West Hollywood. Lucas and the driver of the other vehicle were not seriously injured.
Lucas, who has not yet appeared in any American films but has several upcoming projects, has returned to production on "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," which is due out next June, the person said. Melissa Kates, a publicist for LaBeouf, said he plans to return to work within a month.
LaBeouf was trying to make a left turn at the West Hollywood intersection of LaBrea and Fountain avenues when his pickup collided with another vehicle, rolling the truck over.
"It was immediately apparent to officers responding on the scene that LaBeouf was intoxicated and he was subsequently placed under arrest," Sgt. Scott Wolf said on Sunday.
Two attorneys listed for LaBeouf have not returned calls from The Associated Press.
___
AP writer Jake Coyle in New York contributed to this story.
Vegas police: Jerry Lewis cited for gun in luggage (AP)
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Police say they have confiscated a gun belonging to Jerry Lewis that was found in the 82-year-old entertainer's carryon bag as he prepared to fly to Detroit from Las Vegas.
Las Vegas policeman Bill Cassell said Tuesday that the actor was cited Friday for carrying an unloaded concealed weapon at the Las Vegas airport.
Lewis' manager, Claudia Marghilano, says the handgun is a hollowed-out prop gun that Lewis sometimes twirls during his show. She tells The Associated Press that the gun couldn't fire.
Marghilano says Lewis didn't know the gun was in the bag along with other props.
Cassell says if the gun were merely a prop "it wouldn't be a weapon and we couldn't cite him for carrying a weapon."
Las Vegas policeman Bill Cassell said Tuesday that the actor was cited Friday for carrying an unloaded concealed weapon at the Las Vegas airport.
Lewis' manager, Claudia Marghilano, says the handgun is a hollowed-out prop gun that Lewis sometimes twirls during his show. She tells The Associated Press that the gun couldn't fire.
Marghilano says Lewis didn't know the gun was in the bag along with other props.
Cassell says if the gun were merely a prop "it wouldn't be a weapon and we couldn't cite him for carrying a weapon."
Tabloids look for signs that Reese and Jake are getting serious
Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal might be taking their relationship to the next level, which I would base on the idea that they’ve been seeing each other for a while now, and they’re adults. Why not move in together, shop at IKEA on Saturdays, or get married?
OK! Magazine has their own reasoning that Jake and Reese are taking their relationship seriously, and it’s that Reese is ‘in’ with the Gyllenhaal clan.
You know there's something really special about a relationship when you feel ready to draw your family together with you partner's.
And it sounds like Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon are starting to take that landmark step.
We're told Reese's son, Deacon, now has his own collection of The Dark Knight memorabilia, thanks to Maggie Gyllenhaal, the sister of his mom's beau.
As one of the stars of the record-breaking movie, Maggie, brought Deacon, 4, a collection of action figures from the movie and a copy of the script.
"He's quite the Batman fan," a pal of the family tells OK!. "Deacon has been waiting for The Dark Knight to come out, although Reese was worried that it was too dark for him to watch at his age."
OK! Magazine
My son is five and wants to go and see the Batman film, but there is absolutely no way that he’ll be seeing it – not for about ten years. That is not a children’s film, no matter how cute Maggie Gyllenhaal is in it, and I think Reese, Jake and Maggie all know that. So, if this story is true, I’d have to say that Maggie isn’t being nice to Reese, but trying to annoy her. I have a sister-in-law that does stuff like this to me all the time (‘Every child needs a machete for their birthday!’) and it drives me crazy. Then when I take the machete/violent video game/water pistol that makes crazy noises away from my son, I look like the bad guy.
The National Enquirer has their own sign that Reese and Jake are getting serious - she's adopted his pet German Shepherd Atticus, and he'll be serving as a ring bearer at their wedding. I know Reese has a son to serve as ringbearer, but I'm trying to decide who I'd trust more with my expensive, carefully picked out jewelery - the dog or the pre-schooler?
Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal are shown in Paris trying not to look like they're together on 7/11/08. Credit: WENN
Elizabeth Hurley to do ?Simple Life? type reality show
43 year-old sometimes actress Elizabeth Hurley is resorting to reality television to make some cash and prolong her waning fame. The British star known for wearing a safety pin dress and getting cheated on by Hugh Grant is going to start her own "Simple Life" type reality show. In her statement acknowledging the show, Hurley suggests that she's going to be playing at rural life, and admits that even her husband was surprised to see her stuck in the mud for the first time:
Elizabeth Hurley is currently working on her own reality television program, which will focus on the life of the former actress in a country setting. The show will also give viewers opportunities to join her and her husband, businessman Arun Nayar, on their lavish estate.
According to reports, Elizabeth has just splashed out 3.3 million pounds on a 400-acre farm in the Cotswolds for the reality show. The star revealed she decided to work on the show since she is well aware that the audience is looking forward to seeing a completely different facet of hers. The actress also stated that Arun was taken aback at seeing her during the shoot of the show.
"I know that people always imagine me with perfect hair and stuck in high heels since I was a child, but that is not who I am, at least not all the time," Elizabeth said in a statement. The beauty went on, "Even my husband got a surprise the first time that he saw me in the country. He found me in some Wellingtons covered in mud, with holes in my jersey, and he thought that I was playing a joke on him. But we English are not as elegant as we seem."
[From Celebrity-Mania]
Hurley seems completely full of shit to me, and I have no interest in viewing whatever show she creates to pretend that she's down to earth. It sounds like this would be featured on British television and we won't be subjected to it much anyway. The Sun reports that she's in talks at this stage, so it's not a done deal. This is the woman who was accused of paying her maid $2.50 an hour and forcing her to work from 7:30 am to 3:00 am the next morning. When the maid complained about the long hours, she was kicked out of the couple's NY home, where she lived at the time. If anyone deserves to be ignored it's Hurley.
Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayer are shown at a fashion show on 5/24/08. Credit: DSM/ Fame Pictures.
Alanis Morissette: Having lots of sex without a relationship helped me
The more 34 year-old singer Alanis Morissette talks, the more I like her. She's incredibly quotable and she seems to be revealing genuine details about her life in a way that's honest and not just geared toward generating the most press. I could be fooled, though, since she has an album out that's not doing so well on the charts and is writing a memoir that will focus on problems that women face. Given the way she so openly talks about her life, I'm inclined to read that book when it comes out. Morissette recently revealed that she worked through her breakup with Ryan Reynolds by dating a lot and having sex but refusing to get in another serious relationship for a while. She doesn't specify if she had sex with a lot of different men, but that's what it sounds like.
She even banned herself from getting seriously involved with another man for 12 months after the break-up.
But Morissette admits she has enjoyed being back on the dating scene - because it meant she could have sex with different men without having to commit to any of them.
The star, who now has a boyfriend, says, "No strings relationships have helped cure me of love addiction.
"All my life I've been in long-term monogamous relationships. I had to break that pattern by not allowing myself to have a relationship for a year, stopping myself from committing to men. I haven't been celibate. I've had lots of dates and lots of sex, but I haven't been pushing to turn a date into a relationship. This has been a huge thing for me
[From Contact Music via Fark]
Many of those self-help relationship books for women recommend that you date several men and not get involved for a while in order to make an informed decision about who is right for you. They also say that you should hold off having sex because that could end up emotionally tying you to a person who might make a crappy boyfriend. If you can keep your emotions out of it and both of you are single and know what you're getting into you may as well get laid, though. Personally I had a hard time doing that when I was single and picked more than one lousy boyfriend due to good sex. I wouldn't call it "love addiction" to seek out a relationship though, so much as human - particularly female - nature.
Alanis Morissette is shown performing in London on 6/21/08. Credit: Ben Yacobi / WENN
Celebrity Lookalikes
TotallyLooksLike.com accepts user-submitted celebrity "separated at birth"-type side by side images, and the comparisons are funny and apt. Celebrities are compared to each other, animals, cartoon characters and even inanimate objects. It's a great concept and a decent way to waste some time at work. Here are a few of my favorites, with more at the source. The site is just two weeks old and is getting a lot of press. [via The Sun]
Naomi Watts is definitely pregnant
There was a story earlier in the month that Naomi Watts is pregnant with her second child with longterm partner, Liev Schreiber. US Weekly reported that she was in her second trimester but didn't cite a source and there was no confirmation from her reps. Watts looked a little pregnant in recent pictures but her top was blowing out and it was hard to tell. New photos have come out showing the 39 year-old Australian actress looking undeniably pregnant, so we can assume the news is true. She has also been wearing what looks like an engagement ring on her left hand.
Watts has a recent interview with UK Newspaper The Times in which she refused to comment on whether she was pregnant or not, but the article mentions as an aside that her publicist did confirm her pregnancy. As for whether she's planning to get married, Watts said "I never say never, but I’m not desperate to get married. I’m not someone who has always dreamt of a wedding day. I’m more disbelieving."
Congratulations to Naomi and Liev! They also have son Alexander Peter, who turned one last Friday.
I love Watt's dress and she looks so casually chic in that outfit.
Photo credit: Tom Meinelt-Jackson Lee/Splash
Shia Labeouf said before DUI that he couldn?t stop at one drink
22 year-old up and coming actor Shia Labeouf received a misdemeanor DUI charge after an accident in Hollywood early Sunday morning. His Ford truck rolled over when he was hit by another vehicle while making a left turn at a light. Luckily Shia's passenger and the driver of the other vehicle both escaped with only minor injuries. Shia hurt his left hand badly, though, and had to have "extensive surgery" to repair the damage.
Details Magazine has an upcoming cover and interview with Shia, and he admitted ahead of his DUI arrest that he had a drinking problem. Shia seemed to be aware that he needed to quit, and said that no "iconic actors have problems like that."
Peter Rubin sat down with Shia LaBeouf in May of 2008 to discuss the young star's rise to fame for the September 2008 issue of Details. Below is an excerpt from Shia's cover story for Details:
The script rarely gets away from LaBeouf. It got away from him in Chicago last November, when a late-night nicotine jones ended in that trespassing charge. ("It was two hotheads," he says, "one completely in the wrong, one who wasn't enjoying his job that night, going at it about minuscule bullshit.") And the glee with which the mainstream news media, itching for a YOUNG ACTOR FLAMES OUT headline, seized on it led to the end of one of his and his father's longtime bonding rituals. "We would drink together and smoke together," LaBeouf says, "and it's just a bad deal. It's not something that is conducive to being a role model—no iconic actors that I know of have problems like that. And I don't know how to do it like a gentleman. I don't know how to have one drink."
[From Men.Style.com]
There's a lot at stake for Shia, and he realized ahead of his DUI that he needs to change if he wants to embrace the success he's had in life. Maybe this will be the wake up call he needs.
Shia's dad lives in his garage when it's warm and he's a former drug dealer and who turned his life around and became Shia's manager when he needed an on-set guardian at 12. It doesn't sound like he's a good influence on Shia, and if addiction problems run in his family like there's even more reason that he should seek treatment. I see a stint in rehab in his future.
Paris Hilton and Benji Madden: Matchy Matchy
Paris Hilton and Benji Madden are still together, and they're still nauseating. The cutesy joke of a couple stepped out yesterday to do some well-documented shopping at Benji's clothing store, DCMA Collective, on Robertson Boulevard. I was hoping these two had quietly split, since Paris was seen out by herself two weeks ago and reportedly got rejected by soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo.
Paris gushed at ComicCon over the weekend that she is "so in love and so happy right now and it’s only been like six months." She also said that she feels "like a grown-up now" due to her relationship with Benji. She looks like a little kid, though, and how whipped does widdle Benji look? You would hope his brother and his friends would talk some sense into him and tell him no woman is worth the humiliation, particularly Paris.
Paris Hilton and Benji Madden are shown on 7/28/08 outside DCMA Collective. Credit: WENN/Apega/Agent47
Britney?s conservatorship scheduled to end 7/31 and her dad has moved out
Hello! Magazine has a new interview with a supposed insider in the Britney and Kevin circle, and it paints Kevin Federline as such a changed man and a great guy that I got the impression it was one of his friends. It's possibleHello! fabricates insider quotes like the stateside rags, but they're so classy about it that I was convinced they were authentic quotes from someone close to the situation. There are a lot of details about their relationship along with Britney's decision to hand over full custody of her two children to Kevin. It sounds like things are picking up for both of them and they might even have a chance at reconciliation, according to this anonymous person. What's more is that Britney's father's conservatorship ends this week, on July 31. While it's thought that it will be extended, it's possible that the conservatorship will end and she'll legally be responsible for herself again. Jamie Spears has moved out of Britney's mansion and is now living in an apartment, which can be taken as another sign that Britney is doing well on her own:
Why did Britney agree to Kevin having sole custody?
Sources close to Britney tell me she didn't have much choice. Because she is still under her father Jamie's conservatorship there was no way a court would ever grant her legal and physical custody of her children. Still, it was a difficult and agonizing decision for her. However, in the end, she knew what she had to do.
"She's seen the kids at Kevin's house and knows how happy they are there," says one of her intimates. "They're living in a stable and secure environment. She doesn't think it fair to pull them from it. Plus, she wanted to avoid the spectacle of a full-blown custody trial"
Is there any chance they could get back together?
Yes. In fact, Kevin has been trying to encourage Britney to move closer to him and the boys - he lives in a seven bedroom mansion in the San Fernando Valley Britney has said that she would not be surprised if she and Kevin began dating again because, as she put it to one of her intimates "I never stopped loving him. I just stopped liking him. And now I like him so much more than before.
For his part, Kevin hasn't dated anyone else since his marriage ended. "He still loves Britney," says his friend. "I think they could find their way back to one another"
What prompted the transformation in Kevin?
Recently, Kevin told me: "The guy I once was no longer exists. The man you see before you is the guy I want my kids to emulate. Nothing is more important than the example I set for my boys K-Fed doesn't exist any more"
Who can be credited with practically saving her life?
"Britney, of course, had to do all of the really hard work," said one of her friends. "It was a terribly difficult journey. No one will ever understand the emotional depths to which she plummeted. It was so hard pulling herself out of it."
That said, there's little doubt that Jamie Spears is largely responsible for spearheading her recovery.
"Today, she sees the wisdom in everything he did for her. 'I want to be for my kids exactly what he has been for me,' she told me."
Jamie's co-conservatorship is set to end this week, but most people in Britney's circle believe it will be extended. However, Jamie recently moved out of his daughter's home and into an apartment of his own, suggesting that he is comfortable with the way Britney has been progressing.
[From Hello! Magazine, print edition, August 5, 2008]
Hello adds that Britney is working on her new CD, which will be out in 2009 and that she'll tour for it. Her lawyer, Laura Wasser, says she ultimately wants joint custody of her children.
It's doubtful that Britney and Kevin will get back together, but at least they're not fighting and it sounds like they're working together to make a good life for their boys. The insider claims that K-Fed does not talk smack about Britney to them and that he "always preservered their image of 'Mommy'."
Britney is currently on vacation in Mexico and looks like she's having a great time. She is quoted in Hello as telling a neighbor "Things really are changing for the better, aren't they?"
Britney is shown on vacation in Los Cabos, Mexico yesterday. Credit: Splash News
Designer Marc Jacobs marries boyfriend of just a few months
Controversial designer Marc Jacobs, who has been raising eyebrows recently with his radical body and attitude makeover, has married his boyfriend, Lorenzo Martone. The couple were joined in a civil union in France.
Marc Jacobs is a newlywed. The designer and his hot Brazilian love, Lorenzo Martone, were married in a civil solidarity pact Sunday in France. "He's totally excited," said an insider. "He said he's head-over-heels in love with Lorenzo. His life is coming together now." Civil solidarity pacts were instituted in France in 1999, but they are not legally binding. Jacobs isn't taking his honeymoon yet - he's busy with his show for New York Fashion Week in September.
[From Page Six]
Jacobs, whose design emporium is worth an estimated $5 billion, has radically changed his own looks and the style of his designs since dating Lorenzo. He began his career as a shy, schlubby shrinking violet with a belly and shaggy hair. Today, Marc is a darling of the NY party scene and has totally re-sculpted his body. He even personally recruited Posh Spice to represent his new line of avant garde clothing. Marc's "I don't give a f@#%" attitude is nearly as famous as his designs, and he and Lorenzo are often photographed partying with rock stars and actors. Congrats to the couple- and hopefully they will find time to take a real honeymoon.
NOTE BY CELEBITCHY: I don't pay a lot of attention to Marc Jacobs, but he was on/off with a former male prostitute named Jason Preston for years, and was seen out a lot with a guy named Austin A in March. How long has he been with this guy he just married? NY Mag pointed out that Lorenzo was first seen out with Marc around May. That would mean they've only been going out a for a few months. Hope they had a prenup.
UPDATE BY CELEBITCHY: This is not true according to his representatives, who say "There's no truth to it at all. Marc did not get married-nor does he have any plans to." [Thanks Roma!]
Are Miley Cyrus? antics a plan to get out of her Disney contract?
Over the last few months, barely a day goes by without new, inappropriate candid photos of teen star Miley Cyrus leaking on the Internet. Miley making out with a boy. Miley in the shower posing in a wet T-shirt. Miley and a friend making a video making fun of two other Disney proteges. The big question is, why in the world would Disney's darling act out so inappropriately when her entire career as America's Sweetheart is at stake? Well, a recent story at E! Online may hold the answer. Miley herself told E! News' Marc Malkin that she thought this was the final season of the top-rated Hannah Montana TV show. When Malkin reported this, Disney was quick to respond, saying that not only is Cyrus shooting a Hannah Montana movie at present, she's also shooting the third season of the TV show and has signed on for a fourth.
Miley Cyrus may be getting ready to say goodbye to Hannah Montana. Or at least she's thinking about it.
The 15-year-old superstar feels the time may be right for her hit Disney Channel series to come to an end.
"We’re thinking this is our last season," Cyrus tells me.
Update: Just heard back from a Disney rep regarding Miley Cyrus and talk about the end of Hannah Montana.
"Miley said it best when she said she's delighted to be part of the Disney family," the rep wrote in an email. "We start production on the third season of Hannah Montana on August 4 and have an option for a fourth season beyond that. We look forward to the Hannah Montana feature film coming to a theatre near you in Spring 2009."
[From E! Online]
Could it be that Miley wants out of her Disney contract, just like Hillary Duff before her? Of course, when Hillary Duff wanted out of her contract for the hit show Lizzie McGuire, she just smiled and played along, waiting patiently for it to run out, and then didn't renew. Miley, 15, doesn't seem to want to wait that long. Perhaps all these antics have a purpose- to piss off Disney enough that they'll fire her. We'll have to wait and see.
Miley Cyrus is shown with her mom on 7/26/08 in Beverly Hills after spending six hours at the salon getting new extensions put in. Credit: Fame. She is also shown on 7/27/08 getting frozen yogurt. Credit: Splash News
Selasa, 29 Juli 2008
Columbus debunker sets sights on Leonardo da Vinci (Reuters)
LONDON (Reuters) - Leonardo da Vincis drawings of machines are uncannily similar to Chinese originals and were undoubtedly derived from them, a British amateur historian says in a newly-published book.
Gavin Menzies sparked headlines across the globe in 2002 with the claim that Chinese sailors reached America 70 years before Christopher Columbus.
Now he says a Chinese fleet brought encyclopedias of technology undiscovered by the West to Italy in 1434, laying the foundation for the engineering marvels such as flying machines later drawn by Italian polymath Leonardo.
"Everything known to the Chinese by the year 1430 was brought to Venice," said Menzies, a retired Royal Navy submarine commander, in an interview at his north London home.
From Venice, a Chinese ambassador went to Florence and presented the material to Pope Eugenius IV, Menzies says.
"I argue in the book that this was the spark that really ignited the renaissance and that Leonardo and (Italian astronomer) Galileo built on what was brought to them by the Chinese.
"Leonardo basically redrew everything in three dimensions, which made a vast improvement."
If accepted, the claim would force an "agonizing reappraisal of the Eurocentric view of history," Menzies says in his book "1434: The Year A Magnificent Chinese Fleet Sailed To Italy and Ignited The Renaissance."
NONSENSE
The urbane 70-year-old sold more than a million copies of his first book, "1421," which argued Chinese sailors mapped the world in the early 1400s shortly before abandoning global seafaring.
His theories are dismissed as nonsense by many academics -- Menzies says Chinese fleets reached Australia and New Zealand as well as America before European explorers -- but have gained an international following among readers.
"This whole fantasy about Europe discovering the world is just nonsense," said Menzies.
In his latest book -- published in the United States in June and this month in Britain -- Menzies says four ships from the same Chinese expeditions reached Venice, bringing with them world maps, astronomical charts and encyclopedias far in advance of anything available in Europe at the time.
Menzies says Leonardos designs for machines can be traced back to this transfer of Chinese knowledge.
Leonardo, born in 1452, is perhaps best known for his enigmatic "Mona Lisa" portrait of a woman in Pariss Louvre Museum, but he also left journals filled with intricate engineering and anatomical illustrations.
Menzies says designs for gears, waterwheels and other devices contained in Chinese encyclopedias reached Leonardo after being copied and modified by his Italian antecedents Taccola and Francesco di Giorgio.
To support his argument, Menzies publishes drawings of siege weapons, mills and pumps from a 1313 Chinese agricultural treatise, the Nung Shu, and from other pre-1430 Chinese books, next to apparently similar illustrations by Leonardo, Di Giorgio and Taccola.
"By comparing Leonardos drawings with the Nung Shu we have verified that each element of a machine superbly illustrated by Leonardo had previously been illustrated by the Chinese in a much simpler manual," Menzies writes.
"Its very suggestive, very interesting, but the hard work remains to be done," said Martin Kemp, Professor of the History of Art at Oxford University and author of books on Leonardo.
"He (Menzies) says something is a copy just because they look similar. He says two things are almost identical when they are not," Kemp said.
"Its not strong on historical method," he added. But Kemp said he would look out for any signs that Leonardo had access to Chinese material, directly or indirectly, when studying his manuscripts in future.
COMPLICATED
"I will keep my eye open, without thinking it is going to turn Leonardo studies or any studies of 15th century technology upside down."
Kemp said the source of the claimed Chinese influence was a separate issue.
"There is a whole series of questions a historian would ask about mediaeval technology, about Islamic technology, about transmission across trade routes, the Silk Route in particular.
"Its a terrifically complicated area and having a Chinese person in Florence in 1434 ends up giving that person a hell of a lot of work to do."
Menzies bases his claim that a Chinese ambassador went to Florence on a copy of a letter dated 1474 by Italian mathematician Toscanelli found among Columbuss papers.
Menzies publishes a translation from the letter reading: "In the days of Pope Eugenius there came a Chinese ambassador to him," although this is not explicit in the original Latin text.
"Its drivel," said Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, a British expert on maritime exploration who is a professor of history at Tufts University in the United States and at Queen Mary College, University of London.
"No reputable scholar would think that there is any reason to suppose that the person referred to by Toscanelli was Chinese," he told Reuters.
Geoff Wade, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapores Asia Research Institute, said Menzies book and theories should be reclassified as historical fiction.
"Certainly Chinese ideas came to Europe and European ideas went to Iran and onwards," Wade said in a telephone interview.
"But the premise of the book that there was a Chinese fleet in 1434 which went to Italy is completely without any substance.
"There is absolutely no Chinese evidence for it."
Menzies brushes off the criticism, pointing to shelves of files in the rooms of his basement study filled with material he says supports his theories, much contributed by readers of his books and associated Web sites.
"I say the claim that critics make that there is no evidence is absolute rubbish. There is stacks and stacks of evidence.
"Its not me thats the fantasist, its the historians who persist in this complete rubbish which is currently taught as history."
(Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Gavin Menzies sparked headlines across the globe in 2002 with the claim that Chinese sailors reached America 70 years before Christopher Columbus.
Now he says a Chinese fleet brought encyclopedias of technology undiscovered by the West to Italy in 1434, laying the foundation for the engineering marvels such as flying machines later drawn by Italian polymath Leonardo.
"Everything known to the Chinese by the year 1430 was brought to Venice," said Menzies, a retired Royal Navy submarine commander, in an interview at his north London home.
From Venice, a Chinese ambassador went to Florence and presented the material to Pope Eugenius IV, Menzies says.
"I argue in the book that this was the spark that really ignited the renaissance and that Leonardo and (Italian astronomer) Galileo built on what was brought to them by the Chinese.
"Leonardo basically redrew everything in three dimensions, which made a vast improvement."
If accepted, the claim would force an "agonizing reappraisal of the Eurocentric view of history," Menzies says in his book "1434: The Year A Magnificent Chinese Fleet Sailed To Italy and Ignited The Renaissance."
NONSENSE
The urbane 70-year-old sold more than a million copies of his first book, "1421," which argued Chinese sailors mapped the world in the early 1400s shortly before abandoning global seafaring.
His theories are dismissed as nonsense by many academics -- Menzies says Chinese fleets reached Australia and New Zealand as well as America before European explorers -- but have gained an international following among readers.
"This whole fantasy about Europe discovering the world is just nonsense," said Menzies.
In his latest book -- published in the United States in June and this month in Britain -- Menzies says four ships from the same Chinese expeditions reached Venice, bringing with them world maps, astronomical charts and encyclopedias far in advance of anything available in Europe at the time.
Menzies says Leonardos designs for machines can be traced back to this transfer of Chinese knowledge.
Leonardo, born in 1452, is perhaps best known for his enigmatic "Mona Lisa" portrait of a woman in Pariss Louvre Museum, but he also left journals filled with intricate engineering and anatomical illustrations.
Menzies says designs for gears, waterwheels and other devices contained in Chinese encyclopedias reached Leonardo after being copied and modified by his Italian antecedents Taccola and Francesco di Giorgio.
To support his argument, Menzies publishes drawings of siege weapons, mills and pumps from a 1313 Chinese agricultural treatise, the Nung Shu, and from other pre-1430 Chinese books, next to apparently similar illustrations by Leonardo, Di Giorgio and Taccola.
"By comparing Leonardos drawings with the Nung Shu we have verified that each element of a machine superbly illustrated by Leonardo had previously been illustrated by the Chinese in a much simpler manual," Menzies writes.
"Its very suggestive, very interesting, but the hard work remains to be done," said Martin Kemp, Professor of the History of Art at Oxford University and author of books on Leonardo.
"He (Menzies) says something is a copy just because they look similar. He says two things are almost identical when they are not," Kemp said.
"Its not strong on historical method," he added. But Kemp said he would look out for any signs that Leonardo had access to Chinese material, directly or indirectly, when studying his manuscripts in future.
COMPLICATED
"I will keep my eye open, without thinking it is going to turn Leonardo studies or any studies of 15th century technology upside down."
Kemp said the source of the claimed Chinese influence was a separate issue.
"There is a whole series of questions a historian would ask about mediaeval technology, about Islamic technology, about transmission across trade routes, the Silk Route in particular.
"Its a terrifically complicated area and having a Chinese person in Florence in 1434 ends up giving that person a hell of a lot of work to do."
Menzies bases his claim that a Chinese ambassador went to Florence on a copy of a letter dated 1474 by Italian mathematician Toscanelli found among Columbuss papers.
Menzies publishes a translation from the letter reading: "In the days of Pope Eugenius there came a Chinese ambassador to him," although this is not explicit in the original Latin text.
"Its drivel," said Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, a British expert on maritime exploration who is a professor of history at Tufts University in the United States and at Queen Mary College, University of London.
"No reputable scholar would think that there is any reason to suppose that the person referred to by Toscanelli was Chinese," he told Reuters.
Geoff Wade, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapores Asia Research Institute, said Menzies book and theories should be reclassified as historical fiction.
"Certainly Chinese ideas came to Europe and European ideas went to Iran and onwards," Wade said in a telephone interview.
"But the premise of the book that there was a Chinese fleet in 1434 which went to Italy is completely without any substance.
"There is absolutely no Chinese evidence for it."
Menzies brushes off the criticism, pointing to shelves of files in the rooms of his basement study filled with material he says supports his theories, much contributed by readers of his books and associated Web sites.
"I say the claim that critics make that there is no evidence is absolute rubbish. There is stacks and stacks of evidence.
"Its not me thats the fantasist, its the historians who persist in this complete rubbish which is currently taught as history."
(Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Winehouse released from hospital after 'reaction to medication' (AFP)
LONDON (AFP) - Troubled British soul singer Amy Winehouse was discharged Tuesday after spending a night in hospital because of a reaction to medication, its spokeswoman said.
Winehouse, 24, spent a "comfortable" night at University College Hospital in central London after being rushed to its accident and emergency unit in an ambulance just after 8:40 pm (1940 GMT) Monday.
The Grammy-award-winning "Back To Black" star, who is battling drug and alcohol problems, has suffered a string of health scares since apparently being caught smoking crack cocaine in footage obtained by the Sun newspaper in January.
The following month she spent time in rehab and in June she collapsed at home before being diagnosed with lung condition emphysema.
Her husband Blake Fielder-Civil was jailed for 27 months earlier this month after he admitted attacking a pub landlord and perverting the course of justice.
Winehouses father, London taxi driver Mitch, said earlier this month he feared she could die "a very slow and painful death" if she did not stay on the straight and narrow.
But he indicated that her hospital admission was not a cause for concern.
Asked by reporters Monday whether his daughters condition was serious, he held up a bag of Kentucky Fried Chicken he was taking into the hospital and said: "This is how serious it is."
Winehouse appeared at a concert for former South African president Nelson Mandelas 90th birthday in London in June and sparked more controversy at the Glastonbury festival shortly afterwards by apparently lashing out at a fan.
Winehouse, 24, spent a "comfortable" night at University College Hospital in central London after being rushed to its accident and emergency unit in an ambulance just after 8:40 pm (1940 GMT) Monday.
The Grammy-award-winning "Back To Black" star, who is battling drug and alcohol problems, has suffered a string of health scares since apparently being caught smoking crack cocaine in footage obtained by the Sun newspaper in January.
The following month she spent time in rehab and in June she collapsed at home before being diagnosed with lung condition emphysema.
Her husband Blake Fielder-Civil was jailed for 27 months earlier this month after he admitted attacking a pub landlord and perverting the course of justice.
Winehouses father, London taxi driver Mitch, said earlier this month he feared she could die "a very slow and painful death" if she did not stay on the straight and narrow.
But he indicated that her hospital admission was not a cause for concern.
Asked by reporters Monday whether his daughters condition was serious, he held up a bag of Kentucky Fried Chicken he was taking into the hospital and said: "This is how serious it is."
Winehouse appeared at a concert for former South African president Nelson Mandelas 90th birthday in London in June and sparked more controversy at the Glastonbury festival shortly afterwards by apparently lashing out at a fan.
Can He Fly? Disney and La Jolla Will Test Wings of 'Starcatchers' - a Peter Pan Prequel (Playbill)
The new play by Rick Elice, directed by Roger Rees and co-directed by Alex Timbers, will be part of La Jolla Playhouses Page to Stage program, the same program that launched The Farnsworth Invention, Zhivago, the Tony Award-winning 700 Sundays and I Am My Own Wife, which went on to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Based on the popular novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, Peter and the Starcatchers will play La Jolla Playhouses Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, in California, from Feb. 13-March 8, 2009.
According to La Jolla notes, "Peter and the Starcatchers reveals the wonderful story that precedes J. M. Barries beloved Peter Pan. Young orphan Peter and his mates sail aboard the Never Land in a high seas adventure, battling pirates to keep secret a mysterious and dangerous cargo."
"Im really thrilled to have Roger Rees and Alex Timbers working on this project and at La Jolla Playhouse for the first time," stated artistic director Christopher Ashley, "And of course were delighted to have Rick Elice back. Page to Stage will provide Peter and the Starcatchers artistic team with nightly feedback from the audience as they rehearse and refine the production throughout the run."
"La Jolla really knows how to encourage everyone who works in the theatre - from the directors to the writers to the actors and the entire creative team, to the producers, to the interns," stated writer Elice, who co-wrote Jersey Boys. "Ive been the beneficiary of that support on Jersey Boys, and I cant wait to come back to the Playhouse for Peter. It feels just like coming home."
"Ever since I first read the unpublished galley back in 2004, I have hoped to bring this beautiful story to life," stated Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Productions. "I have always admired the wonderful work that has emanated from La Jolla Playhouse, particularly their prestigious Page to Stage program. I am supremely honored to have Peter take his next steps on their stage."
According to the resident not-for-profit, Page to Stage, now in its seventh year, is La Jolla Playhouses "signature new development program in which audiences experience the birth of a play. Throughout the rehearsals and run of the show, the playwright and director make constant changes in response to audience reactions and direct feedback."
Rees is former artistic director of Williamstown Theatre Festival and a respected actor and director attached to such varied projects as Here Lies Jenny, "Cheers," "The West Wing" and the RSCs acclaimed production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Timbers is the downtown Manhattan director known for staging and conceiving such works as Heddatron, Hell House, Boozy and A Very Merry Unauthorized Childrens Scientology Pageant. He is artistic director of the troupe Les Freres Corbusier. He also wrote and directed Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
Tickets for Peter and the Starcatchers will go on sale in September. Performance times will be Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sundays at 7:30 PM. Matinees will be on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM. For information, call (858) 550-1010 or visit www.lajollaplayhouse.org.
Based on the popular novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, Peter and the Starcatchers will play La Jolla Playhouses Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, in California, from Feb. 13-March 8, 2009.
According to La Jolla notes, "Peter and the Starcatchers reveals the wonderful story that precedes J. M. Barries beloved Peter Pan. Young orphan Peter and his mates sail aboard the Never Land in a high seas adventure, battling pirates to keep secret a mysterious and dangerous cargo."
"Im really thrilled to have Roger Rees and Alex Timbers working on this project and at La Jolla Playhouse for the first time," stated artistic director Christopher Ashley, "And of course were delighted to have Rick Elice back. Page to Stage will provide Peter and the Starcatchers artistic team with nightly feedback from the audience as they rehearse and refine the production throughout the run."
"La Jolla really knows how to encourage everyone who works in the theatre - from the directors to the writers to the actors and the entire creative team, to the producers, to the interns," stated writer Elice, who co-wrote Jersey Boys. "Ive been the beneficiary of that support on Jersey Boys, and I cant wait to come back to the Playhouse for Peter. It feels just like coming home."
"Ever since I first read the unpublished galley back in 2004, I have hoped to bring this beautiful story to life," stated Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Productions. "I have always admired the wonderful work that has emanated from La Jolla Playhouse, particularly their prestigious Page to Stage program. I am supremely honored to have Peter take his next steps on their stage."
According to the resident not-for-profit, Page to Stage, now in its seventh year, is La Jolla Playhouses "signature new development program in which audiences experience the birth of a play. Throughout the rehearsals and run of the show, the playwright and director make constant changes in response to audience reactions and direct feedback."
Rees is former artistic director of Williamstown Theatre Festival and a respected actor and director attached to such varied projects as Here Lies Jenny, "Cheers," "The West Wing" and the RSCs acclaimed production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Timbers is the downtown Manhattan director known for staging and conceiving such works as Heddatron, Hell House, Boozy and A Very Merry Unauthorized Childrens Scientology Pageant. He is artistic director of the troupe Les Freres Corbusier. He also wrote and directed Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
Tickets for Peter and the Starcatchers will go on sale in September. Performance times will be Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sundays at 7:30 PM. Matinees will be on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM. For information, call (858) 550-1010 or visit www.lajollaplayhouse.org.
Media in news with Russert, Novak announcements (Reuters)
NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - It was a busy Monday at the intersection of TV and politics.
The day began with the announcement that NBC News senior vp Mark Whitaker will take over duties as the networks Washington bureau chief in the post held by Tim Russert, who died in June.
Hours later, veteran conservative political commentator Robert Novak issued a statement revealing that he is being treated for a brain tumor and will suspend his journalistic duties.
And soon after that, CBS News became the first network unit to announce its coverage plans for the Republican and Democratic conventions.
CBS News will provide an hour of coverage on three of the four nights of each of the party nominating conventions, with plans to skip the opening nights. All the broadcast networks have gone back and forth with convention organizers in terms of how much coverage they would give. In recent years, they have carved out an hour a night, beginning with the second day of the convention.
That means the Democratic convention in Denver will have an hour of coverage from 10-11 p.m. August 26-28. Barack Obamas acceptance speech will be in that 10 p.m. window on the final night.
The next week, CBS will televise an hour of Republican coverage from St. Paul, Minn., on September 2-4, including John McCains acceptance speech at 10 p.m. September 4.
"CBS Evening News" anchor Katie Couric will anchor the coverage, assisted by "Face the Nation" moderator Bob Schieffer and political analyst Jeff Greenfield. Harry Smith will cover for "The Early Show" in Denver, and Maggie Rodriguez will do likewise in St. Paul.
News of Novaks diagnosis came in a statement released by his publisher, Eagle Publishing. Novak, 77, said he will begin treatment at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston.
"I will be suspending my journalistic work for an indefinite but, God willing, not too lengthy period," the statement said.
The editor of the Evans-Novak Political Report was a longtime co-host of CNNs "Crossfire" and after leaving that network began to work as a contributor at Fox News Channel. Novak last appeared on Fox News on July 23 on "Fox & Friends."
Last week, he struck a pedestrian in Washington and drove off in his Corvette claiming later that he was not aware that he had hit anyone.
At NBC, Whitaker, who had been No. 2 to NBC News president Steve Capus, will continue to report to Capus and remain a senior vp when he takes over for Russert.
"Marks got all of the components that will assure his success: a commitment to journalistic integrity, political savvy, a keen eye for the future and a management style that is inclusive and fair," Capus said. There was no word on who would take Whitakers job in New York.
The chief job will include management of the D.C. bureau plus oversight of "Meet the Press" and election and political coverage. NBC News said Whitaker will work closely with political director Chuck Todd as well as Russerts deputies, Wendy Wilkinson and Brady Daniels. Whitaker was the editor of Newsweek from 1998-2006.
"I recognize how important it was to NBC. Tim was an incredible loss and this bureau is incredibly important to NBC, to everything we do on the network," said Whitaker, who already was overseeing political and election coverage from New York.
The other part of Russerts job, moderator of "Meet the Press," wont be filled permanently until after the November election. Tom Brokaw has been the moderator in the interim.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
The day began with the announcement that NBC News senior vp Mark Whitaker will take over duties as the networks Washington bureau chief in the post held by Tim Russert, who died in June.
Hours later, veteran conservative political commentator Robert Novak issued a statement revealing that he is being treated for a brain tumor and will suspend his journalistic duties.
And soon after that, CBS News became the first network unit to announce its coverage plans for the Republican and Democratic conventions.
CBS News will provide an hour of coverage on three of the four nights of each of the party nominating conventions, with plans to skip the opening nights. All the broadcast networks have gone back and forth with convention organizers in terms of how much coverage they would give. In recent years, they have carved out an hour a night, beginning with the second day of the convention.
That means the Democratic convention in Denver will have an hour of coverage from 10-11 p.m. August 26-28. Barack Obamas acceptance speech will be in that 10 p.m. window on the final night.
The next week, CBS will televise an hour of Republican coverage from St. Paul, Minn., on September 2-4, including John McCains acceptance speech at 10 p.m. September 4.
"CBS Evening News" anchor Katie Couric will anchor the coverage, assisted by "Face the Nation" moderator Bob Schieffer and political analyst Jeff Greenfield. Harry Smith will cover for "The Early Show" in Denver, and Maggie Rodriguez will do likewise in St. Paul.
News of Novaks diagnosis came in a statement released by his publisher, Eagle Publishing. Novak, 77, said he will begin treatment at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston.
"I will be suspending my journalistic work for an indefinite but, God willing, not too lengthy period," the statement said.
The editor of the Evans-Novak Political Report was a longtime co-host of CNNs "Crossfire" and after leaving that network began to work as a contributor at Fox News Channel. Novak last appeared on Fox News on July 23 on "Fox & Friends."
Last week, he struck a pedestrian in Washington and drove off in his Corvette claiming later that he was not aware that he had hit anyone.
At NBC, Whitaker, who had been No. 2 to NBC News president Steve Capus, will continue to report to Capus and remain a senior vp when he takes over for Russert.
"Marks got all of the components that will assure his success: a commitment to journalistic integrity, political savvy, a keen eye for the future and a management style that is inclusive and fair," Capus said. There was no word on who would take Whitakers job in New York.
The chief job will include management of the D.C. bureau plus oversight of "Meet the Press" and election and political coverage. NBC News said Whitaker will work closely with political director Chuck Todd as well as Russerts deputies, Wendy Wilkinson and Brady Daniels. Whitaker was the editor of Newsweek from 1998-2006.
"I recognize how important it was to NBC. Tim was an incredible loss and this bureau is incredibly important to NBC, to everything we do on the network," said Whitaker, who already was overseeing political and election coverage from New York.
The other part of Russerts job, moderator of "Meet the Press," wont be filled permanently until after the November election. Tom Brokaw has been the moderator in the interim.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
Oprah school trial set to begin in South Africa (AP)
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - A former dormitory matron is going on trial Tuesday accused of abusing pupils at a school Oprah Winfrey established for disadvantaged girls in South Africa.
Tiny Virginia Makopo, 28, is expected to plead not guilty to charges of indecent assault, assault and criminal injury. Police say six teenage students and a fellow dormitory matron were abused over four months.
Prosecutor Etienne Venter said the six girls will give evidence in a session closed to the public.
He described the girls as "very scared and very, very emotional."
The trial is expected to run through Aug. 1.
Winfrey, who was a victim of child abuse herself, has promised an overhaul of the school and said she has apologized to parents.
Winfrey's US$40 million school opened in January 2007. It is designed to groom girls for future leadership.
Tiny Virginia Makopo, 28, is expected to plead not guilty to charges of indecent assault, assault and criminal injury. Police say six teenage students and a fellow dormitory matron were abused over four months.
Prosecutor Etienne Venter said the six girls will give evidence in a session closed to the public.
He described the girls as "very scared and very, very emotional."
The trial is expected to run through Aug. 1.
Winfrey, who was a victim of child abuse herself, has promised an overhaul of the school and said she has apologized to parents.
Winfrey's US$40 million school opened in January 2007. It is designed to groom girls for future leadership.
"Dark Knight" director surprised at film success (Reuters)
TOKYO (Reuters) - Christopher Nolan, director of the new Batman sequel "The Dark Knight," said on Tuesday even he was surprised at the films box office success which has shattered records in North American theatres.
Batman buried his rivals at the North American box office for a second weekend on Sunday, racing past 300 million in a record 10 days, distributor Warner Bros. Pictures said.
"When you do a film of this scale, you are certainly hoping to reach a large number of people. But I think we all have been completely taken by surprise by the scale of the films success in America particularly," Nolan told reporters in Tokyo.
"I would not be able to point to exactly what it is ... If I knew that all my films would have been successful," he added at the event to promote the film, which opens in theatres across Japan on August 9.
A week after it scored a record breaking 158 million opening, "The Dark Knight" added a new title to its list of superlatives: the best second weekend, passing the holiday-boosted 72 million haul of 2004s "Shrek 2."
Just six days after its release in North America, the film had grossed more domestically than its predecessor, "Batman Begins," did in its entire run, according to studio Warner Bros, which is owned by Time Warner Inc.
English filmmaker Nolan had also directed 2005s "Batman Begins."
The 180 million "The Dark Knight," which stars Christian Bale as Batman and late actor Heath Ledger as the Joker, is reportedly drawing strong repeat business.
(Reporting by Chika Osaka, writing by Miral Fahmy, editing by Mike Collett-White)
Batman buried his rivals at the North American box office for a second weekend on Sunday, racing past 300 million in a record 10 days, distributor Warner Bros. Pictures said.
"When you do a film of this scale, you are certainly hoping to reach a large number of people. But I think we all have been completely taken by surprise by the scale of the films success in America particularly," Nolan told reporters in Tokyo.
"I would not be able to point to exactly what it is ... If I knew that all my films would have been successful," he added at the event to promote the film, which opens in theatres across Japan on August 9.
A week after it scored a record breaking 158 million opening, "The Dark Knight" added a new title to its list of superlatives: the best second weekend, passing the holiday-boosted 72 million haul of 2004s "Shrek 2."
Just six days after its release in North America, the film had grossed more domestically than its predecessor, "Batman Begins," did in its entire run, according to studio Warner Bros, which is owned by Time Warner Inc.
English filmmaker Nolan had also directed 2005s "Batman Begins."
The 180 million "The Dark Knight," which stars Christian Bale as Batman and late actor Heath Ledger as the Joker, is reportedly drawing strong repeat business.
(Reporting by Chika Osaka, writing by Miral Fahmy, editing by Mike Collett-White)
Amy Winehouse Taken to E.R. After Rx Reaction (E! Online)
Los Angeles (E! Online) - Amy Winehouses health is, once again, in doctors hands.
The troubled chanteuse was rushed to a London hospital Monday night after suffering an adverse reaction to medication, E! News has confirmed.
Please be advised that Amy Winehouse suffered a reaction to medication at home this evening and was taken to the hospital, the singers rep, Tracey Miller, said. Doctors have advised that she will be kept under observation overnight and is likely to be released tomorrow.
Winehouse was reportedly admitted to University College Hospital in Bloomsbury.
Eyewitnesses outside the 24-year-old songbirds townhouse saw her being escorted from the premises in a wheelchair, according to SplashNewsOnline, which first reported the latest twist in Winehouses physical-stature saga.
The aforementioned emergency comes a week after Winehouse learned that beloved hubby Blake Fielder-Civil would be spending at least 18 more months behind bars for witness-tampering and barely a month after she spent a week undergoing various tests following a fainting spell.
Winehouses rep, clarifying her fathers initial remarks to the press about his little girl having emphysema, said that the Grammy winner was showing early stage symptoms of the chronic respiratory disease.
Obviously, if she doesnt quit smoking, its going to get worse, like everyone else...with patience, her lungs will recover completely, Mitch Winehouse told BBC Radio 1.
With no more inhalation of smoke of any kind, shes going to be absolutely fine.
While photographic evidence shows that she hasnt exactly been taking it easy, Winehouse was apparently healthy enough to perform at Nelson Mandelas 90th-birthday extravaganza and Englands Glastonbury festival last month.
The troubled chanteuse was rushed to a London hospital Monday night after suffering an adverse reaction to medication, E! News has confirmed.
Please be advised that Amy Winehouse suffered a reaction to medication at home this evening and was taken to the hospital, the singers rep, Tracey Miller, said. Doctors have advised that she will be kept under observation overnight and is likely to be released tomorrow.
Winehouse was reportedly admitted to University College Hospital in Bloomsbury.
Eyewitnesses outside the 24-year-old songbirds townhouse saw her being escorted from the premises in a wheelchair, according to SplashNewsOnline, which first reported the latest twist in Winehouses physical-stature saga.
The aforementioned emergency comes a week after Winehouse learned that beloved hubby Blake Fielder-Civil would be spending at least 18 more months behind bars for witness-tampering and barely a month after she spent a week undergoing various tests following a fainting spell.
Winehouses rep, clarifying her fathers initial remarks to the press about his little girl having emphysema, said that the Grammy winner was showing early stage symptoms of the chronic respiratory disease.
Obviously, if she doesnt quit smoking, its going to get worse, like everyone else...with patience, her lungs will recover completely, Mitch Winehouse told BBC Radio 1.
With no more inhalation of smoke of any kind, shes going to be absolutely fine.
While photographic evidence shows that she hasnt exactly been taking it easy, Winehouse was apparently healthy enough to perform at Nelson Mandelas 90th-birthday extravaganza and Englands Glastonbury festival last month.
Transformers 2 Costar Along for Shia's Rough Ride (E! Online)
Los Angeles (E! Online) - Isabel Lucas may have earned herself a slave for life on the Transformers 2 set.
Sources tell E! News that it was Shia LaBeoufs Australian costar who was riding in the actors truck when he had his early morning DUI crash on Sunday.
Authorities said yesterday that neither LaBeoufs then-unidentified female passenger nor the driver of the car he hit was seriously hurt. All three involved were taken to the hospital, where the women were treated for minor injuries and later released.
Lucas, 23, who lately has been spotted on the arm of Entourage star Adrian Grenier, was already back on the set of the Michael Bay-directed Transformers 2 today, a rep for Paramount Pictures told E! News.
A rep for Lucas couldnt immediately be reached for comment.
LaBeouf, 22, underwent surgery Sunday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for extensive injuries to his left hand. Hes expected to be out of commission for about a month, after which hell continue shooting, according to his rep.
The Disturbia star, who police determined to be intoxicated at the scene, was also arrested and booked at the hospital for driving under the influence--a misdemeanor--and given an August court date.
A production source said that LaBeoufs looming absence from the Transformers 2 set will not be a problem--theres plenty of stuff to shoot that doesnt involve either LaBeouf or living, breathing humans in general--and that it shouldnt effect the films slated June 26, 2009, release date.
Hes 22, he could bounce back in no time, the source added.
Shayna LaBeouf, the actors mom, told E! News Monday that her son was doing fine and thanked the public for its outpouring of concern for his welfare.
(Originally published July 28, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. PT)
Sources tell E! News that it was Shia LaBeoufs Australian costar who was riding in the actors truck when he had his early morning DUI crash on Sunday.
Authorities said yesterday that neither LaBeoufs then-unidentified female passenger nor the driver of the car he hit was seriously hurt. All three involved were taken to the hospital, where the women were treated for minor injuries and later released.
Lucas, 23, who lately has been spotted on the arm of Entourage star Adrian Grenier, was already back on the set of the Michael Bay-directed Transformers 2 today, a rep for Paramount Pictures told E! News.
A rep for Lucas couldnt immediately be reached for comment.
LaBeouf, 22, underwent surgery Sunday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for extensive injuries to his left hand. Hes expected to be out of commission for about a month, after which hell continue shooting, according to his rep.
The Disturbia star, who police determined to be intoxicated at the scene, was also arrested and booked at the hospital for driving under the influence--a misdemeanor--and given an August court date.
A production source said that LaBeoufs looming absence from the Transformers 2 set will not be a problem--theres plenty of stuff to shoot that doesnt involve either LaBeouf or living, breathing humans in general--and that it shouldnt effect the films slated June 26, 2009, release date.
Hes 22, he could bounce back in no time, the source added.
Shayna LaBeouf, the actors mom, told E! News Monday that her son was doing fine and thanked the public for its outpouring of concern for his welfare.
(Originally published July 28, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. PT)
Miley Sought for Safe-Sex Ed (E! Online)
Los Angeles (E! Online) - It may not be Disneys first choice of sponsor for their brightest--albeit increasingly antsy--teen star, but teaming Miley Cyrus with a condom manufacturer may not be as ridiculous a notion as it might have been, say, six months ago.
In a shameless publicity grab (and yes, we bit), LifeStyles Condoms has offered the 15-year-old Hannah Montana star $1 million to become the newest purveyor of prophylactics and to become the company spokeswomangirl.
While Cyrus has vowed to save herself for marriage, the company says the young star should never say never.
Pointing to a certain fellow tween queen (cough, Jamie Lynn Spears, cough), LifeStyles claims that, should Cyrus choose to get into bed with them, so to speak, she may enjoy a less dysfunctional future.
Pop culture proves that teens are more ready than ever to discuss the subject of sex, says the companys VP of marketing, Carol Carrozza. We believe that Miley is both influential and relatable to this afflicted set--and is the obvious choice to get the message of safe sex out to teens across America.
Team Cyrus, however, doesnt seem so smitten with the proposal. We never received an offer, nor would she consider the offer, her rep tells E! News.
But LifeStyles isnt giving up easily. The condom dispenser is willing to sweeten the deal: When she comes of legal age, the company is prepared to offer Cyrus a lifetime supply of condoms.
In a shameless publicity grab (and yes, we bit), LifeStyles Condoms has offered the 15-year-old Hannah Montana star $1 million to become the newest purveyor of prophylactics and to become the company spokeswomangirl.
While Cyrus has vowed to save herself for marriage, the company says the young star should never say never.
Pointing to a certain fellow tween queen (cough, Jamie Lynn Spears, cough), LifeStyles claims that, should Cyrus choose to get into bed with them, so to speak, she may enjoy a less dysfunctional future.
Pop culture proves that teens are more ready than ever to discuss the subject of sex, says the companys VP of marketing, Carol Carrozza. We believe that Miley is both influential and relatable to this afflicted set--and is the obvious choice to get the message of safe sex out to teens across America.
Team Cyrus, however, doesnt seem so smitten with the proposal. We never received an offer, nor would she consider the offer, her rep tells E! News.
But LifeStyles isnt giving up easily. The condom dispenser is willing to sweeten the deal: When she comes of legal age, the company is prepared to offer Cyrus a lifetime supply of condoms.
Christian Bale skirts assault questions in Japan (AP)
TOKYO (AP) -- Christian Bale skirted questions about the assault allegations against him Tuesday at the Japanese premiere of "The Dark Knight."
British media has reported that Bale's mother and sister told police he assaulted them at the hotel a day before attending the film's European premiere.
But the Batman star managed to make it through the hugely successful movie's premiere in Japan with virtually no comment on his personal problems.
"It's a private matter," he told a crowded news conference. Last week, in Spain, Bale brushed off reporters with a similar comment.
Bale has said through his lawyers that the assault allegations are false.
The 34-year-old Welsh actor's personal drama hasn't hurt the movie. It crossed the $300 million mark in just 10 days in the U.S. and is expected to do well in Europe and Asia.
Bale and his co-stars were at no loss for words over the performance of the late Heath Ledger, who stole the show with his eccentric and highly charged portrayal of the Joker.
"You could see how much glee and pleasure he got out of playing this character," Bale said of Ledger, who died in January.
Bale was the child star of Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun" in 1987. His screen credits also include "American Psycho," "The Machinist" and "Batman Begins."
"The Joker claims the only things you can believe in are chaos and disorder," Bale said. "There is some truth to that."
British media has reported that Bale's mother and sister told police he assaulted them at the hotel a day before attending the film's European premiere.
But the Batman star managed to make it through the hugely successful movie's premiere in Japan with virtually no comment on his personal problems.
"It's a private matter," he told a crowded news conference. Last week, in Spain, Bale brushed off reporters with a similar comment.
Bale has said through his lawyers that the assault allegations are false.
The 34-year-old Welsh actor's personal drama hasn't hurt the movie. It crossed the $300 million mark in just 10 days in the U.S. and is expected to do well in Europe and Asia.
Bale and his co-stars were at no loss for words over the performance of the late Heath Ledger, who stole the show with his eccentric and highly charged portrayal of the Joker.
"You could see how much glee and pleasure he got out of playing this character," Bale said of Ledger, who died in January.
Bale was the child star of Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun" in 1987. His screen credits also include "American Psycho," "The Machinist" and "Batman Begins."
"The Joker claims the only things you can believe in are chaos and disorder," Bale said. "There is some truth to that."
Singer Amy Winehouse released from London hospital (AP)
LONDON (AP) -- A spokesman for troubled singer Amy Winehouse says she has been released from a London hospital after suffering a reaction to medication.
Spokesman Chris Goodman says Winehouse is feeling fine. He says she was discharged from a London hospital Tuesday after spending the night under observation.
Winehouse had been rushed by ambulance from her north London home to London's University College Hospital on Monday evening.
It was the second time in as many months that the Grammy winner had been taken to a hospital. She was hospitalized in June after collapsing at home.
Spokesman Chris Goodman says Winehouse is feeling fine. He says she was discharged from a London hospital Tuesday after spending the night under observation.
Winehouse had been rushed by ambulance from her north London home to London's University College Hospital on Monday evening.
It was the second time in as many months that the Grammy winner had been taken to a hospital. She was hospitalized in June after collapsing at home.
Keira Knightley refuses digital breast enhancement
By most people’s impressions, Keira Knightley might have some body issues. She’s rail thin, though constantly denying that she has an eating disorder. And while looking at her arms makes you think she must have an unhealthy body image, she’s shown a remarkably good attitude about her breasts – or lack thereof. Keira says she’s fine with the way her chest looks – and is refusing to have it digitally enhanced for her upcoming film The Duchess.
Keira Knightley has refused to allow any enhancement of her cleavage on publicity photos for her upcoming movie, "The Duchess," Britain's Daily Mail reports. Studio heads reportedly want to enlarge Knightley's bosom in the photos, but the actress, 23, put her foot down.
"She has insisted that her figure stay in its natural state," an insider said. "She is proud of her body and doesn't want it altered." This isn't the first time Knightley has faced this dilemma. The actress drew negative attention in 2004 with her larger-than-usual breasts in publicity stills for "King Arthur."
"Those things certainly weren't mine," Fox News quoted her as saying in 2006. According to Knightley, the studio marketing team was behind her suddenly C-cup breasts, but gave her final approval on the photos. "I was like, 'OK, fine. I honestly don't give a s--,'" she recalled.
Knightley has expressed dissatisfaction with her small bustline. "I would love to have [breasts]!" she told Britain's GMTV last year, adding, "I'm never going to get [them]. I'm naturally who I am." While she's a fan of going au naturale in "The Duchess," Knightley looks "flat-chested in the whole movie," the source says.
[From the Daily News]
The “insider’s” statement that Keira is, "‘proud of her body and doesn't want it altered," goes against Knightley’s own statement that she would love to have breasts. But it seems like what they’re getting at is Keira has made peace with her chest and doesn’t want to lie about it, or promote the idea that women need a big rack to be sexy. And she’s clearly okay with her bust – she’s bared her tater tots in five different films.
It’s hard to tell if she’ s being honest with herself in terms of eating/weight issues, but kudos to Keira for standing up for her bust.
Here’s Keira at the Venice Film Festival photocall for "Atonement" last August 29th. Images thanks to Fame.
Did Brad and Angelina want Bono to be their twins? godfather?
In highly unlikely news out yesterday, The Mirror claims that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie plan on naming U2’s Bono as their new twins’ godfather. In April the rumor was that it was going to be George Clooney – and the couple certainly have a wide array of celebrity friends to choose from.
It's the Sweetest Thing for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's newborn twins. Little Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline are only a few weeks old, but they've already shot straight to the top of the showbiz A-list by bagging a superstar godfather - U2's Bono. After giving birth two weeks ago, Angelina, 33, and Brad, 44, spent a week bonding with their new bundles of joy at Bono's bolthole in a leafy village in the South of France.
And in return for the kind gesture, the Hollywood couple have asked him to be a permanent fixture in the lives of their tots. Sources tell me thrilled Bono, 48, accepted the offer immediately. A pal of the A-list parents revealed: "Brad and Angie think the world of Bono. They have been friends for years. Brad is a massive U2 fan and told Bono how much he admired him when they were introduced at a party a few years back.
"Since then, they've become very close, which Brad is thrilled about. Angelina is inspired by Bono's humanitarian work and gets on with his wife Ali Hewson. Ali's given Angelina some clothes from her ethical clothing range Edun." I'm told the couple are planning a christening ceremony to welcome Bono into the extended family. But they have not yet decided if he will be sharing his duties with a godmother. Angelina has spoken about asking her ex-lesbian lover Jenny Shimzu [sic], but that has yet to be given the nod by Brad.
[From The Mirror]
I could maybe have accepted the POSSIBILITY that Brad and Angelina were considering Bono as a godfather until that last part about Jenny Shimzu. We’re really supposed to believe that the woman who Angelina used to sleep with – who talks about Angelina every chance she gets and is always telling the press that Brad is just a temporary distraction– would be considered by Brad Pitt as the godfather to his children? I call bullshit on that. It makes for good press and I’m sure a ton of sites will pick it up by the end of the day tomorrow, but I can’t imagine that it’s possibly true.
Denise Richards accused Charlie Sheen of molesting their daughters
Last week Denise Richards dragged Charlie Sheen into court for the 283,492 time – this occasion being some sort of legal “emergency” regarding their daughters. Of course Denise made a big to do about it –that’s what you’ve got to do when the ratings for your crappy show are in the toilet. Must make sure everyone’s aware of every little detail in your life. As a result of the vague phrasing, the internet was abuzz with speculation regarding just what type of emergency had taken place.
The New York Post says Denise accused Charlie of molesting their daughters. The article isn’t clear about exactly what type of molestation Richards accused Sheen of, but no matter what the judge thought the accusations were baseless and threw the whole thing out.
Denise Richards went too far when she falsely accused her ex, Charlie Sheen, of molesting their daughters - and now Sheen will move for full custody of the kids by charging that their mother is a liar. A source said, "Denise's accusations were vile. She was basically trying to say Charlie [manipulated] the kids and acted inappropriately with them. It's disgusting and totally untrue. Charlie is furious . . . Denise has really pushed it too far this time.
“She came after Charlie because the ratings on her E! reality show ['It's Complicated'] have tanked and they were threatening not to renew," the source said. "She thinks a court battle would be good for ratings so she wants all overnight visits with the girls ceased, and monitored visits with her nanny. She invited the media circus to the hearing and even wanted reporters in the judge's chambers - which wasn't allowed. It's ridiculous."
Sheen is said to be so furious, he's "out to prove Denise's lack of veracity and sue her in civil court for defamation. Then he'll sue for child custody… Charlie has now been forced to take a stand and do what's best for the girls," our insider said. Reps for Richards and Sheen declined comment.
[From the New York Post]
If Denise really fabricated these accusations to get ratings for her show, I truly hope she loses custody of her kids. Not just as punishment, but because that kind of behavior is truly indicative of severe mental and emotional instability. Both Sheen and Richards seem off their rocker – to the extent that a lot of commenters have said they can’t figure out who the crazy one really is. I think it’s seeming more and more likely that Denise is the real head case. If she’s prioritizing her television show over her daughters, she should be severely, severely punished. And they should be safeguarded.
Here’s the media drama surrounding Denise Richards as she left the courtroom after the emergency hearing in Los Angeles last Monday. Images thanks to WENN.
Balthazar Getty pleads with his wife to take him back
32 year-old Balthazar Getty has been married for eight years and has four children. He was photographed all over Italy and all over a topless Sienna Miller this month in photos taken on when he was on vacation with the 26 year-old actress. Getty's wife and family were said to be "humiliated" by the photos, according to reports on People.com, and Getty announced his separation from his wife as a result, saying that the photos were embarrassing to himself and his family. Sienna Miller also sued over the photographs, which featured her topless and vacationing with Getty in Italy in at least three separate locations by at least two different photographers. One set of images showed Getty playfully grabbing Miller's naked breasts while she reached down to reciprocate.
Sienna and Balthy's vacation is over, and she's been photographed back in London alone looking gloomy and unkempt as usual. Their relationship might be over too, because Getty has been supposedly sending "I'm sorry, I love you so much" e-mails to the wife of his children, the youngest of which is 10 months old.
There is nothing like being photographed with a topless hottie to make you realize how much you love your wife.
Our sources say -- and they are impeccable -- Balthazar has resorted to e-groveling with his e-stranged wife, Rosetta. He has been sending her e-mails in the last week saying, "I love you."
Balthazar announced earlier this week that he and Rosetta had separated after pictures of him with an au naturale Sienna Miller surfaced all over the 'net. We're told if the divorce goes on, Balthazar will come out looking awful. For starters, he basically lived off her until he got his recent TV gig (he's the grandson of a billionaire, but hasn't gotten his $$ yet). But the person who will come out looking even worse, we're told, is Sienna Miller.
[From TMZ]
Last year when he confirmed that his wife was pregnant with their fourth child, Getty told People "I love kids. I love having a big family. I think the more the merrier – big happy home of, you know, little punks running around." They have son Cassius Paul, 7 and daughters Grace, 6, Violet, 4, and June Catherine, 10 months. Getty is said to have been dating Sienna since May, and maybe he's come to his senses now that the whole world is mocking him. He gave up a lot for a woman who has a bad and very public track record with various men.
UPDATE: This story previously featured a photo of Balthazar Getty with Anna Getty, who was mistakenly identified as his wife. Anna is Balthazar's 34 year-old half sister, and we assumed she was his wife due to their same last name and the way they were shown posing at several events together. We are sorry for the misunderstanding.
Here is Balthazar Getty with his wife and two of their children on 9/29/07 at the Santa Monica pier. Credit: Splash News.
Did Madonna ghost write parts of her brother?s ?unauthorized? biography?
Madonna's brother Christopher Ciccone's' "unauthorized" biography, Life With My Sister Madonna, certainly came at a convenient time for the pop star, even if she was said to object to its content. Madonna's "Sticky and Sweet" tour starts later this summer and people are saying Madonna must be behind it since she'll stop at nothing to get any kind of press. It isn't that much of a logical leap considering how she's managed her career to date. Recently she's been accused of capitalizing on her cult-loving friendship with Alex Rodriguez to fuel affair rumors. She issued a statement that people are so easily fooled by the supposedly fake stories about their affair while she's said to be lapping up the coverage behind the scenes.
Christopher's book doesn't paint a compassionate picture of the powerhouse diva, but Page Six says that doesn't matter to her - they claim she made sure that it was acceptable before it went to publication and that she underwrote passages herself:
MADONNA is truly the master of media manipulation. "The supposed scandal about [her brother] Christopher Ciccone's book is bull[bleep]," an insider told Page Six. "She actually ghost-wrote parts of it with him, the way Princess Diana helped Andrew Morton write his book on her. That's why there's nothing too devastating in Chris's book. He's mean to others, but not so much to his sister." In addition, Madge, now frighteningly rail thin, exploited Alex Rodriguez. "She flirted with him and manipulated him," our source declared. "She didn't count on wife Cynthia leaving him and naming her in the divorce, though." Madonna is using the buzz over her relationship with A-Rod to her benefit. "She's ordered three A-Rod Yankee jerseys she'll wear in the finale of her upcoming shows. All of this was created to sell tickets for her tour, which hasn't been selling so well." A rep for Madonna didn't return calls.
[From Page Six]
The NY Post is far from reliable and it's possible they're just basing this story on an educated guesses that people are making considering the book's timing. I am inclined to believe that Madonna really isn't behind the biography at all and that she's pissed off at Chris. He came off as completely honest about it in interviews and the details he revealed about her were not flattering to her. He said she only gives their grandmother $500 a month, that she uses Kabbalah like a weapon, and that he's not talking to her anymore. It's possible he's as much of a master manipulator as his sister, though, and that he's not revealing that they worked together on the book in exchange for a boatload of money. Or maybe they did have a falling out and she contributed some parts of the book but doesn't agree with everything that's in there. As it is we're giving Madonna far too much attention by even speculating on this crap.
Madonna is shown out at the Kabbalah Centre on Saturday. That's Sabbath day in Judaism and she's wearing a freaking jogging suit and high heeled sneakers to church. Credit: WENN
Is Michelle Williams dating Heath?s best friend from Australia or Spike Jonze?
Michelle Williams holds her stomach on the set of Shutter Island in Boston, 6/29/08. Credit: Fame
On Thursday Jaybird reported that Michelle Williams, 27, is said to be dating director Spike Jonze and that they were even seen kissing outside his apartment. The story originated in notoriously wrong Star Magazine, though, and the kiss is described as "closed mouth on the corner of [the] lips." Since Williams is an actress and Jonze is a director who worked with her on the much-anticipated film version of Where the Wild Things Are, it seems a little premature to say they're dating just because they casually kissed each other goodbye. It wouldn't be the first time Star jumped to wild conclusions.
It seems much more likely that Williams is dating Heath Ledger's best friend from childhood, a strapping 29 year-old guy named Trevor DiCarlo who also grew up in Perth, Australia. They were photographed together a few times and DiCarlo has even been staying at William's house and once answered the door shirtless. It's possible they're just friends and that Trevor is lending support to Michelle in this difficult time. I hope not though because this guy is hot:
Trevor DiCarlo, 29, who grew up with Heath in Perth, Australia, has been spotted out with her and has been a regular guest at Michelle's Brooklyn, NY home - the house she once shared with [Heath].
They've been dining and going for walks, with Trevor wheeling the stroller for 2-year-old Matilda, the daughter of Heath and Michelle
Trevor, without a shirt and dressed only in khaki shorts, appeared right at home recently when he answered the door at Michelle's house. He would not comment on their relationship and Michelle's rep says they're just friends.
A neighbor, however, confirmed that Trevor has been staying at Michelle's place and that the pair eat at a nearby pizza place
[From The National Enquirer, print edition, August 4, 2008]
It's got to be hard for Michelle to see Heath's face plastered all over in giant advertisements for The Dark Knight. Whether his friend is just visiting and needed a place to stay while in NY or if he's a new love interest it seems to be a positive thing that she has him around. A lot of you wished her well in your comments on her maybe-relationship with Spike Jonze, and no matter who she's dating she's keeping busy and seeing friends and that seems to be what matters.
Note: I tried to find the photo for this article that the National Enquirer uses, but I couldn't figure out the agency after several tries and was unable to buy it. You can see it in the Enquirer that's out now with Lisa Marie Presley's "secret shame" on the cover. The guy is a muscular bald guy with cool glasses and colorful tattoos.
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