Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie PhotoShoot Meant to Confuse?

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Pitt-Jolie spread in 'W' meant to confuse paparazzi

Huh? According to the Baltimore Sun, the 60's family photoshoot of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in W was meant "to confuse the paparazzi." This was evidently the brilliant brainchild of photographer Steven Klein.

Personally I think he knew what the end result would be and used that ridiculous excuse to sell the idea to the new couple. He may get some people to believe that was his true motive - free from any lurid profit motive, but I refuse to believe that a professional involved in the entertainment media couldn't foresee what would happen after it was published.

Ditch the lame excuse, Steven. Am I really supposed to be buying it? I'd have more respect for you if you just came out and admitted that you were capitalizing on a unique opportunity to cash in.

Naturally, the end result was the photoshoot only hyped the relationship rumors further. Why? Because they really were having a relationship. Duh! Whether it was sexual or not at that point is a matter of some debate with denials being issued by both Jolie and Pitt; however, I can't imagine that a man going through a divorce would agree to appear in such a photoshoot unless he already was already involved in a romantic relationship with the other woman.

It was bad judgment all the way around...It's never a good idea to throw that kind of thing in your soon-to-be ex-wife's face. It makes you look mean and petty to the public, and it certainly doesn't lend itself to any level of post-divorce civility between the two.

Good taste dictates that they should have played it cool and done a more conventional spread, but I guess good taste goes out the window when it comes to selling magazines, doesn't it?

Did Suge Knight Shoot Himself?

Who shot Suge Knight?

While at Kanye West's party before the MTV VMAs, Suge Knight was the victim of a gunshot to the leg. Now the question is: who shot him?

One of the theories being put forth is that he accidentally shot himself which would be what we call "karmic justice."

This whole "thug" thing has gone far enough, and there's needs to be an end to it. So if Suge Knight was a victim of the gun he was carrying, then I can't say I feel badly for him. He's a multi-millionaire and still trying to act like he's living tough in the projects. He hasn't been living that life for a long, long time.

Playing make-believe and creating hyped up feuds with other rappers so you can keep your "thug" image is moronic. These imagined beefs between rappers and their posses are stupid: they're just excuses for grown men to rationalize acting like an animal. Color me extremely unimpressed.

At what point do you have enough to sense to put down the weaponry and say "That's not the life a civilized person should be living?" What good is it to be rich and successful if you have to live in fear of being taken out for some imagined slight? (Yeah, yeah, yeah I know he says he isn't afraid, but if that's true then why is he carrying a gun and why does he have armed bodyguards? Because he's afraid of being shot. He can say whatever he wants, but actions speak louder than words. 'Nuff said...)

If you live the life of a wannabe thug, then I'm not sympathetic when another wannabe thug takes aim at you or if you get injured because of your own carelessness. And yes, he's a wannabe thug because the real-life thugs are drug-dealing losers who kill each other to protect their territories. Unless you can show me where Suge is dealing crack in the projects near his home, he's a wannabe playing at being a thug. (And evidently not very well because he keeps getting caught and going to jail for his antics.)

Guns aren't toys. Life is precious. If you can't see that then go back to living the tough guy life on the streets for real because as far as I'm concerned you don't deserve whatever blessings you've been given: you're just an animal in human clothing...

Alison Krauss Dominates Bluegrass

Country star Alison Krauss tops bluegrass nominees

I don't think anyone should be surprised that Alison Krauss and her band Union Station are the top nominees at the upcoming International Bluegrass Music Association awards. They garnered 14 nominations for everything from Entertainer of the Year to Song of the Year.

While there may be a number of bluegrass performers around, none have the name recognition or unique sound that Alison and Union Station have put together. Her voice is other-worldly, and they surround it with great musicianship. Can you even name one other bluegrass performer? Probably not...

In order to have some truth in advertising, they should probably just rename the Bluegrass Awards Show this year to 'Alison Krauss and Some Other Folks You Probably Haven't Heard Of.'

Congrats to Alison and Union Station...

Alicia Keys Gets 'Unplugged'

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

MTV brings back 'Unplugged' for Keys

Alicia Keys will be performing on MTV's Unplugged, and the show is scheduled to air on September 23rd.

Finally. MTV these days has become less Music television and more about inane reality shows over the last few years. It's gotten to the point that I rarely bother to turn it on at all because there are far better places to see videos or hear the lastest music. Unplugged was always one of MTV's best original series, but the problem is that if an artist performs on Unplugged they had better be good because there's nothing to mask any flaws in their performance.

MTV hasn't aired a new Unplugged episode since 2002, and I think that's due in large part to the fact that most of today's popular singers sound perfectly awful without studio magic. Alicia Keys is blessed with a great voice and has worked hard to be a good piano player, so she's an ideal choice for a new episode.

I'm not the first to complain about MTV's lack of music, and there's no doubt that I won't be the last. The reality is that it has forgotten its roots, and hopefully Alicia's Unplugged will be enough of a success to resurrect the series. It would be a long overdue return to what made MTV successful in the first place.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

Gwyneth Paltrow Shows Her Hypocrisy

Monday, August 29, 2005

Gwyneth Paltrow criticizes ex-boyfriend Brad Pitt

Gwyneth Paltrow gave an interview to Time magazine in which she chastises Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston for the media hype surrounding their breakup. In essence, she says that because they were public about their relationship, they brought it on themselves when they split.

OK. Fair enough that throwing your relationship into the press does kind of make it public domain when it ends. But if you truly believe that their breakup is a private matter, then why does you feel the need to stick your nose into it? If asked, the classy thing to do would have been to say something like "It's between Jennifer and Brad, and I won't comment on it." But to criticize them for being public about their relationship and then turn around and be public about what you think about their relationship is hypocrisy in the extreme...And hypocrisy is never pretty...

Listen up, Gwyneth. I'm glad you've got your happy life, but the next time someone asks for your opinion ask yourself if sticking your foot in your mouth is the smartest move to make. If you believe that relationships are private and that the media should respect your privacy, then you have an obligation to respect other peoples' privacy too. Think before you speak. Shooting from the hip obviously isn't your strong suit...

George clooney Takes a Big Gamble

Clooney invests in casino resort

It turns out that George Clooney has been doing even more than I thought when I posted a few days ago about his injured back. He's taken the plunge into Las Vegas entertainment with an investment into a casino project slated to be completed in five years.

The casino, to be called Las Ramblas, is budgeted at $3 billion which is a huge amount of money, but by Las Vegas standards it barely raises an eyebrow. He's partnered with Cindy Crawford's husband, and they're looking for additional investors.

They're in talks with his other Hollywood friends such as Brad Pitt who co-starred with him, ironically enough, in the casino robbery flicks Ocean's Eleven and Twelve.

My respect for George Clooney continues to grow. While many of his Hollywood colleagues wind up penniless on third-rate reality shows after the fame dies away, he's making investments that could leave him a far, far wealthier man than the day he makes his last movie.

Green Day Cleans Up

Green Day sweeps MTV video awards

Break out the brooms because Green Day made pretty much a clean sweep of the MTV Video Awards last night with seven wins. No matter how you slice it, that's an impressive performance that definitely will make a mark in music history as 2005 being Green Day's year.

Congrats also to Kelly Clarkson and Kanye West who walked off their own awards for Best Female and Best Male Videos, but there's no doubt that the evening belonged to Green Day.

As they say overseas: Good on ya, boys...

Fans Pay Price for Sharon Osbourne's Tantrum Toward Iron Maiden

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Brown: Vengeful Sharon Osbourne shortchanges Ozzfest fans

Enough's enough, folks. First, Iron Maiden acts like idiots trash-talking Ozzy Osbourne on-stage during Ozzfest. Hey guys, it's his show: if you don't like him then don't tour with his show. Then, Sharon Osbourne plots the most juvenile revenge by having people pelt them with eggs and cutting their power halfway through their show. Who loses? Fans...

Dan Brown gets it right. These immature morons on both sides seem to forget who's paying the bills. They've been living the high-priced lifestyle of sex and drugs so long that they've forgotten they wouldn't have a dime to their names except for the folks who pay mega-bucks to see them perform. Did you hear that? "Perform"...not "act like five year olds"....

It's not like a) Iron Maiden has had a hit in the last decade, or b) Sharon Osbourne has any talent whatsoever, or Ozzy has a single functioning brain cell left in his head after years of heavy drug abuse. Both sides should be grateful that fans are still willing to shell out this kind of money to see them perform at all. It should be enough motivation to put aside whatever petty grievances they might have off-stage and give those people a quality show. But they've been so insulated from the real world for so long that they don't care.

I hope the fans who attended that show sue the pants off both Iron Maiden and Ozzfest. Iron Maiden should never have agreed to perform in Ozzfest - except that the band members are desperate for money to pay for their extravagant lifestyles. So maybe if their lifestyles were taken down a notch or two, they would actually put on a decent show rather than waste everyone's time trashing another performer. As an organizer, Sharon's orchestrated stunt amounted to a defrauding of the people who came to see Iron Maiden perform, so as far as I'm concerned she should have to pay out every dime she has. Maybe if she had to actually work for a living rather than sponging off her husband's fame as she has for many years, she would have to tame her monster ego and treat people with some decency for a change.

Grow up...

Was Christina Aguilera Talking Trash About Britney Spears Or Not?

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Aguilera blames papers for feud with Spears

The only question I want the answer to is: Did Christina Aguilera say the things that have been reported or not? She's now saying that the tabloids are manufacturing the feud between her and Britney Spears. Well, did she say that Britney was too far gone for a comeback or not?

I didn't hear a denial that she said it. What I'm hearing is her blaming tabloids for publishing what she said. If she didn't say it, then where is the lawsuit or at least public denial of having said those things? And if she did say it, then how is it that tabloids are "manufacturing" anything?

This is sounding like one of those "I went too far shooting off my big mouth, and my managers say that I need to walk it back by playing it off on the press" things....It's no secret that there has long been a rivalry between the two, but if Christina did say those things about Britney then she should be spending more time exorcising "X-Tina" from her persona and less time talking trash about other people...

Just because you're a celebrity doesn't mean you're too big to apologize for doing or saying something stupid...Sometimes a little humility is all it takes...

Gretchen Wilson Folds Under Pressure

Gretchen Wilson pockets Skoal controversy

Gretchen Wilson has agreed not to display a Skoal can during her concerts in response to the asinine request of the Tennessee state's attorney general. That's too bad...

It's not that I'm such a fan of chewing tobacco. I just think that to even respond to such an idiotic letter is to encourage more such letters being sent to other artists. He knew he didn't have any legal standing to send the letter: he was trying to intimidate her and any other artist he doesn't care for. And folding to the pressure is only going to tell him that governmental intimidation works no matter how far off base he is.

When an artist can be intimidated into changing an act that doesn't break any laws or advocate any illegal activity, we're heading down the slippery slope that leads to Puritans telling us what we are and aren't allowed to listen to...for our own good, of course because personal responsibility is completely out of the question: we need some jerk sitting in a government-paid job to tell us what's good for us.

It's utterly ridiculous, and I'm sorry that she and her people have given up that easily...

Gretchen Wilson Brings Out the Lunatics in Tennessee

Friday, August 26, 2005

Gretchen Wilson Chewed Out

The state of Tennesseee has absolutely lost its mind. Country & Western singer, Gretchen Wilson, has a new song out called Skoal Ring in which she sings about the taste of chewing tobacco on her man's lips. So Big Brother has decided that she may be in violation of the settlement between states and tobacco companies regarding ads targeting young people.

Have you people in Tennesse lost your bleeping minds? When does the monster of political correctness finally consume itself in its own stupidity? First, she's not a party to the settlement so she can't be in violation of it. Second, the Dixie Chicks sang a song about killing a man and stuffing him in their trunk but that didn't draw a peep. Now chewing tobacco is sending the state's attorney over the edge? Where are this moron's priorities? Where is the outrage of the citizens of Tennessee? I've been to Tennessee: you people have a lot bigger problems than someone singing about chewing tobacco.

Paul Summers...you are a complete blithering idiot...

I dare the state of Tennessee to press the matter. The First Amendment covers rappers talking about killing policemen, yet he seems to think that his personal anti-tobacco crusade trumps the First Amendment when it comes to kissing a man who chews tobacco - which, by the way, is a completely legal activity.

I can't express my outrage strongly enough at the absolute lunacy that the anti-tobacco zealots have gone to. Listen folks: your state law enforcement establishment should be spending its time worrying about murderers, rapists, thieves and the like. When you can come to me and tell me that there is no such thing as violent crime in the state then maybe we can talk about you wasting the taxpayer's money and time violating First Amendment rights policing the lyrics to a country and western song. Until then, shut up and do the job you were elected to do...

And to all you folks in Tennessee who voted for this clown: you're as much to blame as he is. You deserve what you get...

Jennifer Aniston's Door's Open - Help Yourself

Alleged trespasser enters Aniston's home

USA Today calls the guy who walked right into Jennifer Aniston's home an "alleged trespasser," but I'll call him what he is: a freak.

What is up with these people? Would you just cruise into your neighbor's house uninvited? He obviously knew he didn't belong there because when he was confronted by her staff he ran away. A delusional person would have stayed and insisted he belonged there. His flight is proof that he's just a complete freak of nature and needs to be locked up.

But just as in the case of the photographer who was caught trespassing on Brad Pitt's house, he'll probably just get some minor citation and be left to roam the streets. Does he actually have to be given the opportunity to hurt her before he's forced to pay a significant price for his home invasion?

Something needs to be done about the laws that allow this kind of thing to go on...

George Clooney More Hurt Than Thought

Clooney Dishes on Bad Back

Yikes! It turns out that George Clooney was suffering from much more than a ruptured disc in his back when he canceled out on the Ocean's Twelve premiere last year.

I have to confess that I've never heard of the ailment described, but anything that involves spinal fluid leaking from your nose can't be any fun at all. When an insurance company refuses to cover you in making a movie, they must think it's pretty serious too. Evidently even after having bolts surgically installed in his spine, he still suffers from recurring headaches.

I'm impressed that he's still maintaining a full schedule acting, writing and directing films despite his health problems. Kind of makes me feel guilty for taking days off for relatively minor ailments...

Scout Found

Missing teen actress Scout Taylor-Compton found

Good news! She was found at a friend's house safe and sound and has been returned to her parents. Thank goodness she's OK.

Your Chance to Meet Jennifer Lopez

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Tickets to JLO boutique opening on auction

...provided you have enough cash that is. Jennifer Lopez is slated to open her new clothing boutique in Chicago on my birthday, September 22nd. While I wish her the best of luck in her new venture, I'm just having trouble seeing a big enough demand for olive green fur-trimmed ponchos, brown knit short-shorts and 4-inch studded suede heels in Chicago to sustain that kind of business over the long haul.

When I think of knit short-shorts and studded heels, Chicago isn't the first city that comes to mind. Maybe NY or LA, or even Atlanta, but if you've ever been to Chicago at any other time of year besides summer you know that none of that attire is going to be a staple of the average Chicagoans' wardrobe.

At any rate, if you're a J-Lo fan with too much money and time on your hands, then go ahead and take this chance to meet her. Take pictures because I'm not sure that boutique is going to have a long shelf life.

Teen Actress Missing

Teen actress Scout Taylor-Compton missing

I wanted to post this as soon as I saw it mainly because we have such a wide readership of generally terrific people. Yes, she's got some claim to fame, but at the end of the day she's a 16-year old girl who has gone missing.

According to the article, authorities believe she is a runaway - meaning they think she left home voluntarily; but the world is a dangerous place for a 16-year old girl, and she needs to be located. I don't know what could lead her to leave home, but even if she is safe and sound with friends someone needs to let authorities know that she isn't in danger.

If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this young lady, please notify authorities ASAP. If you don't, please pass this along to someone else. Talking about celebrities is fun, but the power of the internet is useless if that's all it's used for.

...Let's do what we can to make sure she's OK...

Hilary Duff's First is 'Most Wanted'

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Hilary Duff Scores First Billboard #1 With Most Wanted LP

Hilary Duff has scored her first #1 album with the release of Most Wanted.

Congrats to Hilary for reaching that coveted #1 spot though I have to admit that I'm a bit confused by the need for a 'Greatest Hits' compilation after releasing only two other albums. I seem to remember that it used to be a requirement for artists to have more than just a couple of albums with one or two hits on them to rate that kind of compilation album.

Shouldn't there at least be enough of a library to fill up half an album with previous hits? She just hasn't had enough hits or even a long enough time passed since the original release dates of these songs to qualify in my book....

I guess the people who are buying this album are the same ones who buy autobiographies by people who haven't even reached the age of 30 yet....

Justin Timberlake wins libel case, attacks press

Justin Timberlake wins libel case, attacks press

Justin Timberlake didn't cheat on Cameron Diaz two years ago and the model who said he said has admitted that she made the whole thing up. I'm just trying to figure out why tabloids feel the need to make up stories.

Look at the real-life goings-on with celebrities. Why do they have to make stuff up? The reality is almost always more interesting and far more inventive than anything some two-bit hack sitting in a press room could dream up. It's just stupid.

I'm glad Justin won this one: there's no need for these idiots to make up stories. Just report the truth, and let the stories tell themselves.

Celebrity Sex Tapes Boost Careers

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

The truth about celebrity sex tapes

Dan Brown nails this one. While no one would necessarily want to have their private exploits spread worldwide, it certainly has worked to the benefit of those celebrities who have had their ::ahem:: talents put similarly on display.

Let's run down the quick list:

- Pamela Anderson - her primary claim to fame was a handful of Playboy appearances and a featured spot on Baywatch. Millions of young men fantasized about what it would be like to spend an evening with her, and the release of the videotape gave them all a chance to sample the reality. If not for her sexual escapades, does anyone believe we would still be hearing about her?

- Paris Hilton - her primary claim to fame is being a spoiled rich party girl. The release of her tape made The Simple Life a ratings success and led to her appearance on the silver screen. There are plenty of beautiful rich heiresses, but how many others can you name? 'nuff said...

- Colin Farrell - his tape hasn't been released, but public interest in him has certainly risen since his court battle to prevent its release.

It just goes to show that the adage about any publicity being good publicity "...as long as they spell my name right..." is alive and well in Hollywood today...

Build Your Own Rock Star

Madonna's navel tops 'Spin' list

Spin magazine has created a list of their 25 Most Incredible Rock Star body parts which includes, amongst other things, Elvis Presley's hips, Madonna's belly button, and a certain part of the anatomy from Tommy Lee.

It's an interesting concept, but would you really want to see the rock monster it created? Keith Richards' liver by itself is scary enough...

Oops! Did Britney Spears Do It Again?

Is Britney Spears a bigamist?

A British talk show host is claiming that he is legally married to Britney Spears and has been since recently after her break-up with Justin Timberlake.

Right after announcing her break-up, Britney gave him an interview in which he proposed and she said yes. He had a vicar and a real marriage certificate, and they got married. One of Britney's security people tore up the certificate, so they are claiming that she, in fact, is not married.

Hmm...If you tear up your birth certificate does that mean that you weren't born? Of course not. Just because you lose or destroy a marriage certificate doesn't in any way nullify a marriage: if it did, there wouldn't be any need for divorces would there? I don't know enough about the UK laws surrounding marriage to say whether or not their ceremony met the requirements, but if things went down the way he claims then it seems to me that she is, in fact, married to him and has been for several years. I wonder what kind of alimony that would entitle him to?

Unfortunately Britney doesn't seem to think ahead when she does these things. This is the mark of a celebrity without a strong supporting cast to let her know when she's doing something stupid. It's the price of surrounding yourself with sycophants rather than people who are actually looking out for your best interests.

Sorry, Britney, but prank or not, you may have done it again...and you have no one to blame but yourself...

Bruce Willis Fills Up His Schedule

Monday, August 22, 2005

Willis Set for Stranger

Bruce Willis has signed to star opposite Halle Berry in Perfect Stranger. He's also slated to star in the 4th installment of the Die Hard series.

The great thing about Bruce is that he's equally good playing both the hero and the villain, and he's maintaining that balance with these two roles. That he's mature enough to maintain a healthy relationship Demi Moore for the sake of their children is equally as impressive to me as his acting ability.

That's what celebrity should be, so it's gratifying to see his career continues to shine....

October 2nd is D-Day

Judge signs Aniston-Pitt divorce papers

The divorce for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston will be final on October 2nd, according to court papers filed on the 19th.

It's one of those perks of celebrity that they were able to handpick a retired judge to handle their divorce. I can name a whole lot of people who would have loved to be able to get such special treatment when they went through their divorce.

It's ironic that such a public split was given to the retired judge in order to "handle it privately." If only they could have handled the rest of it as privately...

Is Slipknot Slipping?

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Slipknot can't mask anger at Burger King.

This reminds me of the fiasco Fox News started when they claimed that Al Franken's book infringed on their use of the term 'Fair and Balanced' and the end result was a lot of book sales for Al Franken (even though it *was* a blatant slap at Fox News).

Listen up, Slipknot: knock it off and go back to making music. There are lots of bands who dress up in strange masks, etc. You weren't the first, and you won't be the last. You don't have any claim on the franchise, and the arrogance of assuming that because someone else does it they must be copying you is amazing.

So tell me this: should KISS come after you because they wore facial make-up before you did?

Let it go...you're just making yourselves look foolish...

Sienna Lays Down the Law

Jude Law and Sienna Miller finally split

I'd like to say I feel badly for Jude Law, but I can't.

The article says he was spotted crying outside the home they used to share, but for the life of me I can't remember any reports of him crying while he was sleeping with the nanny. Crying after you get caught doesn't cut it with me. It wasn't like he confessed and asked for forgiveness: he got busted, and he wants her to forgive and forget. Sorry, Jude, life doesn't work that way...

There's an old saying, "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time." Jude is finding out that no matter how big a celebrity you are, there's still a price to be paid for fooling around...

Matt Damon in Control

Stardom a Grimm task for Damon

Matt Damon took the occasion of the release of his new film, The Brothers Grimm to talk about everything from Ben Affleck to being the second choice for the role in The Brothers Grimm.

I liked the interview for a couple of reasons. 1) I'm a fan of Matt Damon, 2) Because he doesn't make excuses for making movies that don't succeed at the box office, and 3) He's secure enough to admit that he wasn't the first choice for his current movie.

In a town built on ego, it's a refreshing read...

No Doubt, No Show

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Stefani MIA for MTV?

According to the article, Gwen Stefani isn't planning on attending this year's MTV awards because she wasn't scheduled to perform.

Boo hoo, Gwen: get over yourself. You chose to perform at the Teen Choice Awards, and you knew before you ever committed to it that it would be a problem for MTV because of the competition between the two shows. You thought you were such a big star that they would have to let you perform anyway. Sorry...you're not.

It's not like you were shafted on the nominations: you were one of the top nominees. The awards shows are for the fans, and you're letting them down with your hissy fit.

The Line Forms Here

Jenny McCarthy files for divorce

After seven years, Jenny McCarthy is filing for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences." "Irreconcilable differences" is, of course, lawyer-speak for "I just can't stand to live with this person any more."

While this may be bad news for her husband, it's good news for everyone else. But don't get too excited, the line forms behind me...

Eminem Not Just Exhausted After All...

Friday, August 19, 2005

Eminem being treated for pill dependency, publicist says

A few days ago, I posted about Eminem cutting his tour short because of "exhaustion," and I noted that a throwaway line about his 'exhaustion' being 'complicated by other medical issues' that was curious because it was oddly vague.

Now we know what those 'other medical issues' were: he has an addiction to sleeping pills. He's checked into a facility for rehab, and I hope he has more luck staying clean after rehab than most of his celebrity colleagues who wind up checking into rehab...

I'll at least give him credit for taking the first step, but I'll reserve judgment on his ability to kick the habit for a while after he undergoes treatment. I wonder if all those people who came down so hard on Rush Limbaugh for his pill addiction, and said so many hateful things about him are going to be so hard on Eminem for his? If not ,they're as guilty of even more hypocrisy than they claimed Rush was guilty of. An addict is an addict whether you like his politics or not and whether you're a musician or not...

Addiction kills, whether you're a celebrity or not, so let's hope that Eminem has the willpower to stay clean for the rest of his life and not just while he's locked away in a luxurious rehab clinic...

Marcia Cross Not So Desperate

'Desperate Housewives' star Cross engaged

Who's the lucky guy? Tom Mahoney, a stockbroker. He proposed last weekend, and Marcia Cross accepted though they haven't set a date yet.

He's 47, and she's 43, and it'll be the first marriage for both of them. For both to be over 40 and never married would be unusual almost anywhere, but to have made it that far without ever taking the plunge before is almost unheard of in Hollywood.

Hopefully they were waiting until they found 'the right one,' and this will be the first and last for both of them. Congrats!

Eva Takes a Knock to the Noggin

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Eva Longoria hurt on 'Housewives' set

OUCH! Eva Longoria was hurt by a pole falling her head while shooting Desperate Housewives.

Not to worry, though. She's scheduled to return to work after being treated and released from the hospital.

First Madonna, now Eva...this is not a good week to be a celebrity...

Brosnan's License Revoked

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Brosnan Loses License to Kill

This is good news for James Bond fans. He was never as integral to the franchise as the ultimate James Bond, Sean Connery or even his replacement Roger Moore.

I could never see him properly in the role. All I could see in my mind was Remington Steele, the character he played in the TV series of the same name. Like his Remington Steele character, it always felt like he was playing at the role but never took it seriously or had the chops to back up the nameplate. Evidently he felt the same way:

"It never felt real to me," he said. "I never felt I had complete ownership over Bond. Because you'd have these stupid one-liners--which I loathed--and I always felt phony doing them."

Well thanks for telling us NOW, Pierce. You could have done fans of the series a huge favor by bowing out after the first one if you hated it so much. Those 'stupid one-liners' are the trademark of the character, and action movies have been copying it ever since.

The article names some possible replacements: my vote goes to Hugh Jackman. He's got action-movie chops and a presence that would lend him some Bond-style credibility.

Who would you choose?

Eminem Has Medical Issues

Eminem cancels tour over 'medical issues'

This one caught my attention. It hit the news a couple of days ago that Eminem would be cancelling some tour dates due to exhaustion. Nothing terribly out of the ordinary there, especially with the VMA's coming up in a couple of weeks.

The latest word is that the exhaustion is 'complicated by medical issues.' Hmmm...I couldn't even speculate as to what those issues might be, but it certainly does raise an eyebrow...

'Alcohol' Gets Brad Paisley Attention

Brad Paisley toasting success with 'Alcohol'

Brad Paisley's new single, Alcohol, is garnering him some big time media attention with an article in the USA Today.

I confess that I find myself listening to a fair amount of country music lately, and Brad Paisley is a favorite. I liked Mud on the Tires, and his duet with Alison Krauss was a hit. I couldn't listen to Whiskey Lullaby though...too depressing...

Like many country singers, Brad comes across as very down-to-earth with a good sense of humor. That's the kind of celebrity we like to read about...

Kate Moss Stands By Her Man

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Moss clings to her man of substance

Normally I'm not one to dish out relationship advice so far as someone's choice of partner is concerned, but I'm willing to make an exception for Kate Moss.

Run, Kate, Run...

You've tried to help this guy get clean, but heroin's got a hold of him and that's a horse that he's not ready to break. Heroin kills the people who use it, but the people around them suffer the lingering death of watching them die.

You can't help any one who doesn't want the help, and evidently he doesn't. Sorry, Kate...

Madonna Takes a Fall

Madonna in hospital after birthday riding accident

Madonna was hurt in a horse riding accident: breaking her collarbone, her hand, and three ribs. OUCH!

She's otherwise OK, but having broken ribs in the past I know the next few days while she's healing are not going to any fun. It just hurts to breathe. It's definitely not the way I hope to spending the week following my eventual 47th birthday, that's for sure...

Get better soon, Madonna!

Taking a Bath with Demi

Monday, August 15, 2005

Demi calls Ashton her 'soul mate'

Demi Moore sat for an interview with Harper's Bazaar recently and laid out her plans for a family and a future with Ashton Kutcher.

The fun fact from the article? That one of Demi and Ashton's favorite things to do is taking a bath together while they watch Court TV....

I just hope they're not watching "Forensic Files"...

Celebrity Pro Makes the News

Motivated by interest, money, bloggers offer a gossip fix

I almost forgot to mention this, but we were asked to contribute to an article in the Baltimore Sun about celebrity blogging. Needless to say, it was something we were more than happy to do, and the article is linked above.

My experience with the reporter, Kim Hart, was a very positive one, and it's a lot of fun to see CelebrityPro mentioned in print.

Just thought it would be a fun read...Enjoy!

Hollywood Plays It Safe

In an industry known for its multi-million dollar risk-taking, Hollywood is guilty of the worst offense of all: playing it safe.

Amid reports of a box-office slump, both industry insiders and observers are scrambling for answers. But a quick look at this year's box office numbers uncovers the answer quite quickly.

Of this year's Top 10 money-makers, fully half of them are either sequels or re-makes of previous movies. Scan further down the list, and you'll find a smattering of dressed-up old TV shows, recycled concepts, and - in at least one case - what may turn out to be an outright rip-off.

So why all the re-treads? Risk avoidance. When you're talking about re-makes and sequels, there's a built-in audience for those movies - the people who saw the original...But when you greenlight an original concept, it's a leap into the unknown.

It was leaps into the unknown that give us the movies that stand the test of time. To use the classic example ofCasablanca: would anyone even remember it if it had been a re-make or the sequel to another movie? Of course not. What makes Casablanca great is that it was an original idea executed perfectly. So movie-goers have continued to reward its creators year after year by going to see it at old movie houses and buying the DVDs. And that's the problem with going to the movies these days.

With budgets that can run over $100 million, they're looking to the bottom line and not to great movie-making. The theory seems to be "Even if the movie is awful, fans of the first movie (or TV show, etc.) will all want to come see it anyway so our downside is minimal." The problem is that the movies are awful and with the box-office to video shelf cycle getting shorter every day, consumers are making the choice to stay home from the theater to catch it on pay-per-view or a premium channel instead. And once you've seen what an awful movie it is, why would you invest in the DVD?

In movies as in life, there is no great reward without great risk. So it's hardly surprising that there haven't been any world-class box office champs this year: where is the willingness of the studios to take the world-class risks?

So how do we get back to great movie-making? The only way is to continue down this road until the studios are hurting badly enough that they get desperate enough to take a risk in order to start making money again. The folks in charge of the studios don't show any sign of making it happen on their own, so it's up to us to stay away from the theaters until they remember that making movies is about more than making a profit: it's about making magic.

(Also posted on Blog Critics)

Lopez and Hayek Tops in Influential Hispanics

Lopez, Rodriguez, Romero on Time list of influential Hispanics

Time magazine has compiled a list of the country's 25 Most Influential Hispanics and entertainers figure prominently on the list: notably celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Salma Hayek.

You have to buy the issue to find out who rounds out the list, but I can't imagine you have a list of influential Hispanics without Cheech Marin and Paul Rodriguez: so I'd look for their names to appear on it somewhere...

Brad's Whining for Millions...

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Britney Spears Sued Over Malibu Shooting

I thought we'd get lucky and be rid of Brad Diaz as soon as the whimpering died down, but evidently he's making good on his threat to "sue for millions" as he promised he would...so the whimpering must go on...

Looking at the picture of his leg, it's next to nothing in terms of an injury. I cut my knee when I was 9 playing marbles in the grass and bled more than that...

Now as to the (de)merits of his lawsuit: 1) he can't prove the direction the pellet came from, 2) it isn't Britney's house so he can't claim she's responsible because the shot came from her property, 3) he can't prove that anybody on that property even so much as owns a BB gun.

In short, his case is completely unwinnable, so it's just an obvious publicity stunt hoping for either: a) another 15 seconds in the spotlight, or b) a settlement from Britney's people to make him shut up and go away.

I'm betting on the settlement motive for Mr. Brad "I'm Gonna Sue for Millions" Diaz, but I'd be surprised if he gets an offer...More likely, he'll fade back into anonymity soon, and we'll all feel better right away.

Get Ready for the Next Storm

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Berry & Penn on Storm in X-Men 3

If you're a fan of Halle Berry in her role as Storm in the X-Men movie series, then this is good news.

Apparently Halle was considering not reprising her role in the upcoming "X3" because her character has bascially been on the sidelines for the first two installments of the series. According to the article, Storm is set to be a central character in the next film, however.

In order to keep the series fresh, the focus *does* need to move on from where it's been stuck for the first two movies: Wolverine's quest for his past. I mean, you've got Halle Berry for God's sake! Even if her character lacked any decent powers...it's Halle Berry!

I like Hugh Jackman, but he doesn't have the box office draw of a Halle Berry.

Anyway...good for Halle for demanding a bigger role and good for audiences too....

Ellen to Host

DeGeneres returns as host of Emmys

I'm glad to see Ellen DeGeneres is returning to host the Emmys.

It seems like awards shows like the Emmys are best when hosted by an experienced comedian. Perhaps it's because their improvisational skills are better suited to getting things back on track when unexpected events derail the show than an actor/actress more used to working from a script.

Ace Finds the Quotes

A Cowbell In Every Home: Christopher Walken For President

Ace takes some famous Christopher Walken movie quotes to stake out a potential platform.

I'm just picturing Christopher Walken sitting across from Kim Jong Il talking about their not-so-secret nuclear development program and running through a few of these choice pieces of dialogue...

Paula Abdul Cleared...

Friday, August 12, 2005

'American Idol' Sticks With Abdul

Well that's that....American Idol has officially determined that no untoward hanky panky occurred between Paula Abdul and Corey Clark, so she can stay.

Do I believe that? No. Does it matter? No. Like I said a few days ago, the issue needed a resolution. Luckily for Paula, Fox decided to end it on their terms by announcing that they hadn't found anything. Paula still hasn't told the whole story, so it will hang over her head whenever her name is mentioned but it's nothing that's going to seriously damage her career in the long run.

Now we can get on to the next round of awful auditions...

Pamela Anderson Provides a Lift

Pamela Anderson Greets U.S. Troops

Now this is almost enough to get me down to the recruiting office. Pamela Anderson did a little "meet and greet" with U.S. sailors in San Diego while presenting a $150,000 check to the USO.

Now that's the kind of welcome home from a long deployment that our boys deserve...

Christopher Walken for President?

Walken 2008 - Official Website

While I appreciate the effort, the thought of Christopher Walken as president is a little frightening.

Any man who can convincingly play some of the roles he has taken on has to have more than a little bit of crazy in his genes.

I love him as an actor, but would you really want his finger on "the button"?

Not Quite, Kate...

Spirits haunting but silly in 'Skeleton Key'

I haven't seen "The Skeleton Key" yet, but the critics' consensus seems to be "Nice try, Kate...better luck next time." That's too bad...

I'm a fan of Kate Hudson, so I was happy to see her move beyond the "cute lead in a chick flick" rut that she seemed to be stuck in.

Personally I'd like to see her try her hand at an action flick, a la Jennifer Garner in "Alias" or "Elektra...

That brings me to today's question: which type of action role would you like to see Kate Hudson take on?

Baby Seal Bling

The full circle of friends

So you think that clubbing baby seals is wrong, but you don't know how to make the right statement to the world about it? Evidently, that statement is a gold bracelet with mother-of-pearl seashell that costs $250. Granted, it's no bumper sticker that says "HONK if you think clubbing baby seals is wrong," but it's bound to be at least as effective...

::cough::

Stella McCartney recently hosted a party with the likes of well-known PETA activist Pamela Anderson, Amy Smart, and Emmy Rossum. Each of the celebrities in attendance walked away with one of these animal bling bracelets for free.

The baby seals thank you for your support...

Britney, Just Say No

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Britney Watch: Basking

I'm with Savannah on this one. Britney Spears is too far along in her pregnancy to be wearing that little bikini.

It's not a matter of being a prude: it's just not attractive. Pregnant women are beautiful to their husbands and women who want to be pregnant: but they are never beautiful in 2-piece bikinis...

Peeping Photog Busted

Reporter cited for trespassing on Brad Pitt's property

After yesterday's story about photogs harassing Reese Witherspoon, this one about a trespassing photog hunting Brad Pitt is a little welcome relief.

(BTW, People magazine: it's awfully hard to say he was a rogue photographer when he has specific instructions from you about where to go, what to do, and what he will expect to see...Shame on you, People magazine: you're as guilty as the photog.)

I still think that a trespassing citation is a light penalty - again, whether you're a celebrity or not. Think about this way: if some guy decided to peek into your bathroom window and take pictures of you naked, he would only get a trespassing citation. Think about that for a minute...Is that the kind of punishment a Peeping Tom deserves? I think not...

The penalty needs to be strong enough that people start respecting personal property rights. Every person has a right to have their own personal space where they can be left alone, and the price for violating that space should be steep. Even if you're as famous as Brad Pitt.

Book 'em, Dano...

Angelina's Not Just American Any More

Hollywood Star Angelina Jolie is Cambodian citizen

The King of Cambodia signed a decree granting Angelina Jolie Cambodian citizenship in recognition of her environmental work there. How cool is that?

Although it does have legal ramifications, it's mainly an honorarium like British knighthood meant as a way for a country to express its gratification for special accomplishment. She's said in previous interviews that adopting Maddox changed her and changed her life, and this is another sign that those weren't just hollow words.

Congrats, Angelina!

To See or Not to See...

Restraining order extended on Colin Farrell sex tape

For now, the answer for Colin Farrell is "NO."

Here's my thinking on the marketing of sex tapes - for celebrities or for anyone else. In order to market anything depicting a sexual act the distributor should be required to have signed releases from *ALL* participants - not just the ones with an ax to grind or a dollar to chase.

I'm not even going to talk about the wisdom of recording such an event, but it goes on all the time and it's not just celebrities who are getting embarrassed by them. While a little confession may be good for the soul, no one deserves to have that sort of thing broadcast without their consent.

I'm not generally in favor of additional laws, but I think something similar to what I'm proposing would be fair. Adult film companies are already required to maintain such records. Why should distributors of "amateur" recordings get held to a lower standard when the risk of violating someone's privacy is even higher for those kinds of videos?

If the distributors won't take the step voluntarily, then maybe it's time for the legislators to step in...

Who Loves Courtney?

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Hotel Hell Haunts Love

Courtney Love makes me mad. Her only claim to fame is having been married to Kurt Cobain, lead singer and heart of Nirvana.

She has never displayed any talent, of any kind, yet people keep giving her jobs and inviting her to public events. Why? Is there any doubt that if she shows up she's *not* going to cause some public embarrassment to herself or another guest?

If someone were to ask why she was famous, the most likely answer is "for being white trash in public." Her entire career boils down to bouncing from one intoxicated public embarrassment to another with nothing productive to show for it.

At least Yoko Ono has the class not to be a regular on the circuit court docket...

Paparazzi Gone Wild

Chase by Paparazzi Yields No Charges

This is getting ridiculous. I don't care how famous a celebrity is, there's no reason for this kind of animal behavior. Poor Reese Witherspoon is just trying to get home from the gym, and these guys hound her off the road and chase her into her home.

This is the kind of stuff you expect from lawless third-world countries where roaming bands of thugs are allowed to harass women on the way to and from the market. It's also eerily like the paparazzi harassment that contributed to Princess Diana's death.

What's even more ridiculous is Frank Griffin's comment that the media, police and prosecutors tend to "blow [such things] out of proportion." That sounds like every trailer park wife beater I've ever seen on COPS. "She's blowing it out of proportion. I only barely touched her, officer." Get real, Frank.

As a responsible member of the celebrity photography corps, what he should have said was that there are irresponsible members of the profession who need to either rein in their behavior or have it reined in for them because it creates a bad name for them all.

I also hold the magazines that buy the "celebrity confrontation" pictures responsible. And I hold everyone who gleefully tunes in to watch it responsible.

I turn it off when it comes on the TV: I'm not interested in the childish antics of losers with nothing better to do than antagonize people more successful than themselves. They'd never try that kind of behavior with a regular citizen: they're too cowardly.

They depend on the star's desire to protect their public image to keep the star from forcing the loud-mouthed idiot to pay any sort of physical price for their behavior. "They won't touch me because it would hurt their career: so I can do anything I want to them." On the other hand, those same morons know that were they to behave that way toward any other citizen, the end result would likely be a black eye and a trip to the local hospital for a few days of rest and relaxation.

Being a fan and being interested in someone's life because they're famous needs to have clear lines drawn around it, and this is an easy call to make: it's clearly over the line of acceptable behavior...by anyone...let alone someone who laughingly uses the word "professional" in their job title.

Shame on the paparazzi who did this, and shame on those who would excuse it in the name of "celebrity"...

Mary-Kate On Her Own

Mary-Kate Takes Independent Route

So Mary-Kate Olsen wants to "do independent study" in her sophomore year. Funny...I don't remember any "independent study" options in *my* college sophomore year that would allow me to skip to the opposite coast, but whatever.

It seems like every time there's talk about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen doing something without the other, then "it's the sign of possible rift." Enough with the rumor-mongering already...

Listen up, folks: these girls aren't Siamese twins; they're not even identical twins for God's sake. They're adults now, and certain people profess to be shocked because they might not want to be attached at the hip 24/7. Frankly, it would be a little freakishly weird if the girls *didn't* do things separate from each other once in a while.

And, of course, when you've got a multi-million dollar empire to fall back on, that's quite a cushion in case things don't work out for her on the Left Coast.

So I say good for Mary-Kate...and good for Ashley. It'll be good for each of them to develop their own styles away from the other, so that people finally get used to the idea that they are indeed separate individuals.

Not Just Smokin' Anymore

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Cheech Marin high on art

This is a great story. Cheech Marin has long been breaking ground for Hispanic actors. Though most people know him as half of the comedy team Cheech & Chong, he's been a workhorse actor and has established a number of firsts for Hispanic actors.

Now he's taking it a step further by taking Chicano art to the American public. From what the article says, his collection of Chicano art is the largest private collection in the world. That's "walking the walk" in my book.

Hats off to Cheech for using his celebrity for a positive end...

News Flash: Jessica Simpson Has Breasts!

Simpson: They're real, and they're fabulous

I don't really have a comment on this. But any time a major news outlet devotes a headline to Jessica Simpson's breasts, am I really supposed to pass that up?

I did get a chuckle from the fact it was published in "The Scoop" as if MSNBC just now realized that she had them and needed to get that information out on a deadline. I'm imagining the newsroom: "Hold it, everyone! I have a reliable source telling me Jessica Simpson has real breasts! We've got to be the first with the story! Let's run with it!"

Jackon Jurors Cashing In

Two Jackson Jurors Claim They Were Pressured To Acquit

Lies...lies...lies...

Sorry, but I don't believe a word that these two jurors from the Michael Jackson trial are saying.

They say the foreman threatened to remove them from the jury which is a lie because the foreman doesn't have that power. Only the judge can remove them, and it has to be for some other reason than that they don't agree with the rest of the jury. Inappropriate or illegal conduct can get them removed, so perhaps the foreman had proof that they were acting improperly. But the story stinks to high heaven...

Even if you assume it's true, you mean they'd rather let a person they themselves believed to be a child molester out on the streets than lose their post-trial book deals. What level of Hell does something like that earn you in the afterlife?

Oh, did they mention that they both coincidentally were shopping book deals? Kind of adds to their credibility don't you think?

These people are just as guilty as Michael in my eyes...They should be prosecuted for jury misconduct and locked up...

Britney's BB...Or Not?

Monday, August 08, 2005

Britney denies bodyguards shot snapper

This story has been developing for a couple of days, but I wanted to wait to comment until there was a little more information. Now that there is, here we go:

Our note to Brad Diaz: Quit being a crybaby, and grow up.

First, you were 200 yards from the home where Britney Spears *might* have been. Maybe. You don't even have proof that she was there. 200 yards is a helluva long way for an accurate BB shot.

Second, when the first words out of your mouth are "I'm going to sue for millions," guess how much anyone will believe you? At this point I'm as inclined to say that you shot yourself or had someone else shoot you as I am to believe that Britney or any of her people had anything to do with it.

Third, I will quote the police lieutenant when I describe your injury here: "If there's anything below minor, that's what the injury was."
I've had pebbles kicked up by a passing vehicle that I'm sure were as damaging as this BB. Do I believe it was embedded so deeply in your skin that it couldn't be removed? Are you serious? It was a BB shot from 200 yards away -- those things just can't do that much damage at that distance. If you got a welt, I'd be surprised.

Fourth, a BB gun? This would be the weapon of choice for Britney's security staff? You've got to be kidding me...Get real.

Just shut up and go away already, Brad...

Single In the City

This post is actually overdue because I should have made it weeks ago....

My sister has a blog that you really should be reading: Baltimore Blonde. Sure, she's my sister, so I'm a little prejudiced. But if you're anything like me and think the most important disease that needs curing is stupidity, then you really need to bookmark her site.

It's not for the faint of heart, and it's definitely not for those afflicted with ignorance. For the rest of us, it's a guilty pleasure...

Safe Sex Salma

Salma wants teens to use condoms

Maybe I'm too cynical here, but Salma Hayek professed to be "horrified when she learnt (sic) how many teenagers refuse to use condoms..." Yeah right...Were was Salma during her teenage years? Was she absent from life for those years?

She's supporting a charity to help create awareness among youth about AIDS - a laudable goal..but is the real problem that teenagers aren't aware of AIDS? Unless you've been living in a cave without human contact over the last 20 years, you know what AIDS is. You know how to prevent it. It's not exactly a secret. Teenagers know about AIDS, so any charity designed to educate them about AIDS is destined to have exactly zero impact on the problem.

Condoms don't prevent AIDS: they may make it less likely, but if you're having intercourse you're probably exchanging other bodily fluids too. (Use your imagination here...I'm not going to spell it out.) Hello, people!...Abstinence prevents AIDS...Staying clean and sober prevents AIDS...Certain lifestyles are known to be high-risk, so unless you're willing to risk offending your friends who engage in those lifestyles then you're not addressing the problem. If you're not willing to address the real problems, then stay home....Sorry, Salma...Playing pretend to make yourself feel better doesn't help anyone...

Is Paris Getting Played?

Sunday, August 07, 2005

People in the News: Will Paris and Paris wed? Stay tuned

Hmmm...Now isn't this interesting? Could it be that world-famous party girl and ultra-rich heiress, Paris Hilton is getting played by the even more rich Paris Latsis? According to his dad she is...

The long and short of it is that his father claims that none of the stories which have been published recently are true: that his son hasen't even discussed marriage, that he doesn't control enough wealth to have purchsed the home or ring, and that Kathy Hilton was basically lying when she said she was getting ready to meet the Latsis family.

Hmmm...There's no middle ground on this one here: either Paris and her mother are putting on a sham display or the father is hopelessly ignorant about his son. Which is it?

Paula Abdul Has Problems

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Paula Abdul Pulls Out of So You Think You Can Dance

The official story is that Paula Abdul will have "scheduling conflicts" that prevent her from appearing on the new show. Translation: Paula Abdul's got enough problems without adding another one.

I don't know about you, but I could care less what did or didn't happen with Corey Clark and Paula Abdul. It's become enough of a problem, though, Paula needs to come clean and 'fess up. It's the only way it goes away. Even if something did happen, people would quickly forgive and forget. I mean, she's not exactly in charge of picking the next pope here: it's a reality show, guys.

I'm tired of hearing about Corey and Paula, so the time has come, Paula...let's put an end to this once and for all. The ball's in your court...

Bill Murray Scores Again

Jack Mathews: Broken Flowers

Bill Murray is one of my favorite actors. Stripes, Ghostbusters, and Caddyshack are all in my Top 10.

I'm glad he's experiencing success in dramatic roles, but I still think he's at his absolute best in comedic roles. "Broken Flowers" may be a great movie, but pass me a copy of Groundhog Day instead...

Marilyn Monroe Feeds Conspiracy Theorists Fresh Meat

Marilyn from beyond the grave

For years it's been rumored that Marilyn Monroe didn't take her own life but was killed and set up to look like a suicide.

According to the article, someone is claiming to have a tape that she made shortly before her death that certainly make it seem like she was thinking about everything *except* death. Now this or may not mean anything. It's the nature of depression that people may experience days in which everything is going fine but the next day they'll be in a warm bathtub of water doing the unthinkable.

People who suffer from depression aren't necessarily depressed every day. They have good and bad days like everyone else - it's just that their bad days are much worse for them than for other people. So I'm not terribly moved that a single tape might exist. If it wasn't made the day she died, she could easily have fallen into a suicidal depression between the taping and her death.

I'm sure Oliver Stone will find a movie idea in here somewhere though...

Just Call Brad Pitt 'Daddy'

Friday, August 05, 2005

Pitt and Jolie's steamy spa sessions

Evidently Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolia have been vacationing at an Arizona spa.

(As an aside, I'll never understand the allure of heading somewhere known for its blistering heat in the middle of summer, shouldn't you save that trip for wintertime when the thermometer is reading somewhere below scalding?)

That isn't so much news, as is the revelation that Angelina's son, Maddox, is calling Brad 'Daddy.' I don't want to be critical here, but isn't it a bit soon to be taking that kind of leap? Especially given the ephemeral nature of Hollywood relationships, I think I'd hold off on either letting my child or allowing myself to be called 'Daddy' until the relationship has some degree of permanence to it.

The article goes on to say that Brad wanted to be listed as the father on Zahara's adoption papers but was prevented because he's still married to Jennifer Aniston. Whoa! Talk about moving quickly...

I'm not judging here, just saying I'd take a different road...

Kate Hudson Gets Candid

Kate Hudson doesn't plan to stray

In an interview with Access Hollywood, Kate Hudson covers a whole lot of ground. Naturally it's the comments about monogamy and fidelity that get all the headlines, but she talks about her theories on childraising and facing her fears as well.

I enjoyed reading the interview excerpts because it seems like Kate was trying to give honest and sincere answers rather than simply throw back the standard cliches. The interviewer was definitely trying to dig up the sexual dirt (of course), but Kate handled the situation deftly.

A real class act and seemingly, a very down-to-earth one too...

10 Weeks and Counting for Mariah Carey

Thursday, August 04, 2005

Carey's 'Together' Continues Chart Domination

It really seems like Mariah Carey has hit one out of the ballpark for the first time in a long, long time. I said it when she released her album earlier this year, and this is a good occasion to say it again:

Welcome back, Mariah...we missed you...

The Power of Ashton, Hilary and the Olsens

'Teen People' selects young and powerful

I like to see younger actors taking charge of their careers and becoming more than just pretty faces in front of the camera. When you stop to consider how many "celebrity gone bad" stories are out there, it's good to hear the flip-side: celebrities taking care of business. The thing that each of the members of the list seems to share is that they've taken control of their projects by using their success to form their own production companies. (Hope all you aspiring actors and actresses out there are taking notes...)

The commercial enterprise that is Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen probably surprises no one when they appear on the list: it's awfully hard to ignore their $300 million empire after all.

What may be a little more surprising is that Demi Moore's boy toy Ashton Kutcher actually heads up the list followed by the multi-talented Hilary Duff.

Hats off to each of the celebs who appear on the list though...Their take-charge attitude and follow-through means they'll be appearing on marquees for a long time to come...

Faith Hill Gets a C+

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

EW review: Generic Faith Hill

This one has been bugging me for a couple of weeks now, but EW's review of her album a chance to get it off my chest.

Note to Faith Hill:

**You're not a Mississippi Girl any more**

The rank hypocrisy of this song actually bothers me every time it comes on, which is a shame because it's otherwise a good country melody, but...

Let's start with the irony: she claims not to have a big head, yet takes the time to write, compose, arrange, record, make a video, promote and perform an entire song about herself. And it's not *a* song on the album, a B-side throwaway: it's the first and featured release of her new album. Not because you asked, but in her narcissism she thinks you need to know that she hardly thinks about herself at all. Umm, Faith...

If you listen to the lyrics, you hear Faith protesting that she's just a regular girl because she likes wearing her ballcap and playing with her kids. Huh? Does she think that other incredibly wealthy and famous people (who happen to be married to another incredibly wealthy and famous person) wear diamonds and sequins all day and hate their kids? Just because you dress down once in a while and love your kids, doesn't make you a regular work-a-day person like the vast majority of us.

Here's a hint: What makes a person regular is a product of dealing with the emotional strain of getting up every day to go to work, probably at a job that they don't love, of paying today's bills while wondering where college tuition is going to come from; of getting groceries on the way home through rush hour traffic; and of cleaning the house after the kids go to bed before collapsing in exhaustion at the end of the day. Then you get up tomorrow to do it all over again. No one applauds -- ever, and pretty much no one else even cares what you think -- about pretty much anything. Does any of that sound like a part of Faith Hill's life to you?

She and her family jet all over the world at their leisure: flying over Mississippi to places like the Nobel ceremonies in Oslo, Norway. I bet you couldn't find more than a handful of people currently living in Mississippi who've even taken one trip to Europe in their lifetime, let alone have the means to do it whenever they want.

I've heard that both Faith, and her husband Tim McGraw, are wonderful down-to-earth people, and nothing I'm saying here should be construed to mean otherwise. But there are simply some realities that can't be denied: her life isn't like ours, and pretending that things are otherwise doesn't make it so...

Women Drivers...Celebrity Style

The wheels behind the women....


Now this is a fun article. They take a look at the real-life rides for celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Lindsay Lohan.

I won't ruin the surprise for you, but rest assured that none of these women is driving around in a Mini-Cooper....despite how cool Charlize Theron may make it seem in the movies....

Metallica and Rolling Stones Together...Get Your Tickets Now

Metallica to open for Stones in San Francisco.

This is almost one of those who opens for whom type of situations. I think it ended up boiling down to seniority, with Metallica opening for the Stones.

This is going to go down as one of those "I was there" concerts where three times as many people who actually attended will wind up claiming to have been there.

The only question that remains is: will you actually be there or just claim to have been?

Star Treatment for Eva Longoria...Or Not?

Is "Desperate" Eva a diva?

Now the rumor mill is saying that Eva Longoria is a diva. Hardly surprising considering that she's known mainly for her role as a high-maintenance former fashion model on "Desperate Housewives."

But's let take a quick look at the two incidents described, and let's assume for argument's sake that they happened as characterized.

First, the nightclub. Nightclubs and restaurants make their names based on the cache of their clientele. Celebrities regularly receive invitations and even a little payole to patronize certain establishments. So if Eva played the celebrity card, it's hardly a "diva" thing, but more a symptom of how business is done.

Let's also talk for a minute about the doormen at establishments like that. A great number of them suffer from huge God complexes because they control access to the hot spots -- powertripping from telling people "NO." Is this story really a diva story or a powertripping doorman story? It's "He Said, She Said," and no big deal either way...

Now let's go the stadium incident. When I invite people to my house, I ask if they have any food or drink preferences. As a good host, it's my obligation to make them as comfortable as I can. If someone offers me a Pepsi, I will often ask if they have Coke instead. It's my preference: does that make me a diva for asking? It was the host's job to provide appropriately for a guest, not spread rumors about them after they leave. Poor taste, guys...

I mean, c'mon guys, I know it's the dog days of summer and news is typically slow but trying to stick a label on somebody for innocuous behavior so you can fill up your column space is worse than poor journalism - it's mean. When she starts treating people badly or making outrageous demands, then you can call her diva. Until then, she's still our favorite housewife...

Jennifer Aniston Gets a Word in Edgewise

Jennifer Aniston finally speaks out

How can you not feel for Jennifer Aniston? Her divorce has been all over the tabloids (and internet) for months now as soon-to-be her ex, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie star in a hit movie together then jet off to Africa while Jennifer maintained her silence.

She's been the model of decorum throughout, being gracious toward Angelina, not blaming her for the breakup. She's absolutely right about that: no one ever broke up a marriage but the people who were married. No doubt that Angelina is quite a temptation, but it was ultimately Brad's choice to make.

I had to laugh a little at her characterization of Brad's new blonde look: "Billy Idol called -- he wants his look back." But the thing that struck the strongest chord with me was the comment on the W magazine spread portraying Brad and Angelina as a happily married couple with children from the 60's.

It struck me as wrong when I first saw the photos. Here's a man who has essentially just left his wife to be with another woman, and W does a spread like that. What were they thinking other than "it's edgy and provocative" which is showbiz talk for "We don't care if it's in bad taste: it'll sell more magazines." Where were Brad's people to say "We don't think this is such a good idea"?

Brad's not a B- or C-list celebrity that has to go along with a dumb idea because he doesn't have any say-so. He has enough star power to say, "Listen guys, I just left my wife...Could we take another angle on this shoot?" So I'm left to agree with Jennifer....

"There's a sensitivity chip that's missing..." from both Brad and W magazine...

Nicole Kidman Gets Snatched

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Nicole Kidman Snatches Lead Role In Alien 'Invasion' Movie

Nicole Kidman is a machine. The woman has been making movies non-stop now it seems for the last few years, and she's not showing any signs of stopping any time soon.

That's great news for all of her fans. About the only one I can think of who might regard this as bad news is Lauren Bacall...Sorry, Lauren...

Lauren Bacall Gets Petty with Tom Cruise

Tom not a great actor, Bacall says

Now why is Lauren Bacall popping off about Tom Cruise?

I understand that she's an accomplished 80-year old actress, but what's the beef with Tom and Nicole Kidman? Evidently she doesn't think much of the ex-Mrs. Cruise either...

It just isn't necessary to be spouting off his ill intentions toward Academy Award winner actors. She may not approve of how they conduct their personal lives, but the membership of the Academy disagrees with them as do millions of their fans.

All comments like this do is diminish Ms. Bacall in the public's eye. She reached an age that she should know that without having to be reminded of it...

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Gone Country?

Are Kidman and Urban a new couple?

Considering that both Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are both from the Land Down Under, it would be a natural pairing.

In light of Kenny Chesney and Renee Zellweger's recent marriage, maybe this is a new trend of Hollywood actresses pairing up with Nashville crooners.

Does this mean that Toby Keith is next?

Sean Connery Says Never...Again...

Monday, August 01, 2005

Connery 'turning back on movies'...

Well this is bad news for moviegoers and Sean Connery fans everywhere. He says he has no plans to do any more films: unless, of course, someone tossed a ton of money at him.

What I didn't know was that he had turned down the role of Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings." Not that Ian McKellen was a bad choice, but it certainly would have been something to see Sean Connery in that role.

Billy Bob Happy for Angelina Jolie

Thornton happy for Jolie and her new child..

Am I the only one who hates stories like this? The fact that Angelina Jolie's ex is happy for her and her child shouldn't really surprise anyone. I mean, even if he wasn't, is he going to come out and say that? Of course not! He'd look like very small and petty if he did something like that especially with a storied adoption like that of Angelina and Zahara.

So why do reporters even bother doing stories like this? I understand that there are slow news days, but this isn't even worthy of a press release let alone a major news article...C'mon guys, you can do better than stories like this....sometimes you gotta dig to do your job...

Jessica Simpson to Keep It Light

No drama-queen dreams for Jessica Simpson

Not to be mean, but was anyone really pitching seriious dramatic roles to Jessica Simpson?

I'm glad that she seems comfortable playing light comedy roles because the reality is that she's not likely to be competing for anything else in the near future. There's no doubt that she's a knockout with a great singing voice, but she's got a long way to go to earn serious acting chops.

To her credit though, to the extent that *anyone* goes to see the Dukes of Hazzard movie it is because of her. She's a definite box office draw, but let's be honest here: it's not to see her acting abilities. So if you're a casting director, you'll definitely want to consider her for your next project. Just make sure that you're not leaving it up to her to carry the movie for you.

Aniston Not To be TP'd

Aniston T.P. Auction off the Roll.

So the ex has decided not to hold an eBay auction of his supposed Jennifer Aniston mementos because her people have told him that she would rather he didn't...

On what planet was this guy when he got the impression that she *might* think it was a good idea?