Happy Birthday Ja!

Happy Birthday Ja Rule!

For the the first time in a while (four years) Ja Rule actually gets to celebrate his birthday. The leap year baby turns a big 8 (that's counting his actualy birthdays) today! Other leap year celebs include motivational speaker Tony Robbins and underwear model Antonio Sabado Jr.

Enjoy it while it lasts boys!

Obama Is A Baller!

People look for luck in all sorts of silly things, but it looks like Barack Obama is finding his somewhere in a gym. According to some of Obama's staff, his one election must-do ritual is a good game of hoops.

Obama and his family share a common passion for basketball. His brother-in-law Craig Robinson coaches the men's basketball team at the prestigious Brown University.

A former NBA All-star player was even quoted saying that Obama's skills were "above average" and that he has a "nice left hand shot".

If only we could see Hillary and Obama battle it out on the court...

In True Osbourne Fashion...

Looks like someone had a good time!

Kelly Osbourne went all out this past Thursday night (nothing new...)

The wild child went to the NME awards in London, where somehow rocker Pete Doherty snagged the Hero of the Year award.

After the awards, Kelly met up with fellow party girl Kate Moss. The girls bounced from club to club, and at around 3:00 A.M. this morning , Osbourne looked bombed to say the least as she physically had to be dragged from the club.

Looks like Kelly is giving good old Ozzy a run for his money in the 'Party Hard' hall of fame.

A New 'Housewife' On Wisteria Lane?

Finally, the writer's strike has ended and Desperate Housewives is back to filming! To keep their ratings up the show is busy trying to find new people to spice up their current cast.

The casting agents of the show are trying to get ratings up to keep people tuned in to the show. One new addition to the cast is hottie Christ Carmack, of The O.C.

The word in the street is that there will be a new red-head making an appearance on the lane--Julianne Moore!

Moore will play Bree's sister (we could have seen that one coming), and is supposed to be in three episodes, one of them being the season finale.

Two redheads on the one and only Wisteria Lane? Red-Hot!

Hopefully with all of the new characters, the show will be able to get back on its feet and keep Sunday night hot.

The Next Big Thing

Just like the song "Goodies" did for Ciara, Google Me should likely do the same thing for newcomer Teyana Taylor. She is a mere 17 years old, but Pharell has already called her the next big thing, and has signed her to his label.

The song has a hot beat and catchy lyrics which will have you singing along. Looks like she could be on her way to being the next big female rap star.

If you want to find out more on the 17-year-old and be the first to discover the new 'it girl' of hip-hop, check out her MySpace page.

Valerie Bertinelli

According to Entertainment Tonight, Valerie Bertinelli will host her own Talk Show on CBS. The most recent Jenny Craig sucess story has also recently appeared on Oprah and has been promoting her book Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time.

Miley Cyrus drinks ketchup

Singer-actress Miley Cyrus shared another one of her talents Wednesday night while appearing on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

The 15-year-old Disney star gulped ketchup from a bottle, much to the disgust of the audience, Leno and even Cyrus' father, Billy Ray.

"But it's really good. If it tastes good, what does it matter?" Cyrus said.

Prince Harry withdrawn from Afghanistan

Prince Harry, third in line to the British throne, will be sent home from Afghanistan due to safety reasons.

The 23-year-old prince was in Helmand Province with the Household Cavalry Regiment Battlegroup of the British Army since December and, although most of the British media knew, they agreed to keep quiet for security reasons. But on Thursday the Drudge Report announced his deployment, leading the British media to back out of their agreement.

According to a statement from the defense ministry, Harry was expected to stay in Afghanistan for two more weeks, but "the situation has clearly changed." Chief of the defense staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, decided the prince will be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately.

"This decision has been taken primarily on the basis that the worldwide media coverage of Prince Harry in Afghanistan could impact on the security of those who are deployed there, as well as the risks to him as an individual soldier," the statement said.

Gen. Sir Richard Dannatt, chief of the general staff of the army, expressed disappointment that "foreign websites" posted the story of Harry's deployment without asking for permission.

"This is in stark contrast to the highly responsible attitude that the whole of the U.K. print and broadcast media, along with a small number of overseas, who have entered into an understanding with us over the coverage of Prince Harry on operations," Dannatt said in a statement.

Prince Harry had been working as a battlefield air controller and, in interviews during his deployment that were only recently released, revealed that he enjoyed the seminormalcy of living among the other soldiers.

Reality TV - Your Mama Don't Dance on Lifetime Cast

Lifetime's upcoming reality show Your Mama Don't Dance premieres on Friday, February 29th at 9PM (EST). Hosted by Ian Ziering, the show will follow ten professional dancers as they teach their amateur parents to dance, and America will vote once a week to eliminate a pair.
Judging the competition will be singer/actress, Vitamin C, choreographer/ actor Chris Judd, and Tony Award Winning actor and dancer Ben Vereen.
For more information and PCM's exclusive interviews with the dancers and parents, visit our page on Your Mama Don't Dance.

Mischa charged with DUI and possession

Mischa Barton was charged with four misdemeanor counts yesterday related to her Decenber arrest. She was pulled over in West Hollywood on Dec. 27 after sheriff's deputies noticed her car straddling two lanes of traffic and failing to use her turn indicator.

According to court papers, the former "O.C." star was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while having a 0.08 percent or higher blood alcohol level, driving without a valid license and possession of 28.5 grams or less of marijuana.

Anthony V. Salerno, Barton's attorney, released a statement that said he was happy his client was only charged with misdemeanor offenses. "The D.A.'s office is to be commended for treating this case the same as it would any other matter; Ms. Barton has received no special treatment," he said.

Barton will be arraigned Thursday in Beverly Hills Superior Court.

A new boy toy for Paris?

Benji Madden may have only broken up with fiancée Sophie Monk under two weeks ago, but he's quickly recovered from the split - with the help of Paris Hilton!

"Yes, they are dating," said a source close to the new couple. "It's pretty serious."

But according to a poll on the popsugar website, 43 percent of the over 2,000 respondents believe the relationship is just a publicity stunt.

Paris and Benji have partied all over the country and even had lunch with Madden's mom. Benji and Joel Madden also posted a "nice little family photo" that includes "the wonderful Paris" on their website.

Rocker/Drummer Buddy Miles Dies at 60

Buddy Miles, 60, died Tuesday night in Austin with his family at his side.
He was the drummer and co-founder of the legendary Band of Gypsys with Jimi Hendrix. Miles worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Barry White, David Bowie and George Clinton.

In 1986 Miles performed vocals for the I Heard It Through the Grapevine in the California Raisins claymation commericlas as well as the 2 albums the clamation raisins came out with in the late 1980s. BuddyMiles.com

Clinton versus Obama

The debate last night between Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Barack Obama was not the make or break showdown for Clinton as predicted. Although Clinton was ineffectual in achieving her goal of discrediting Obama's qualifications and challenging him on his inexperience, she at least avoided a repeat of her recent meltdown.

Unfortunately the outlook does not look positive for Clinton, and even by the admission of her own husband, if Hillary loses Ohio or Texas her campaign will have officially run its course. In order for Clinton to survive as a candidate she somehow has to gain momentum, whereas it seems that all Obama has to do is hold a steady course and avoid future missteps.

Writer's Guild Aprroves New Contract

The Writer’s Guild of America has approved the new contract offered by Hollywood studios concerning payment for televisions shows streamed over the Internet.

Of the 4,060 WGA voters, 93.6 percent agreed to the three year deal which allows the writers to get a flat fee of $1200 for programs aired on the Internet during the contract’s first two-years, and then two percent of the profit for the following year. The contract will last until May, 1 2011 where it will be up for renewal.

Although the contract met with a resounding acceptance among the WGA members, many had hoped for a better deal, but realize that for now, this is the best offer they will get.

The 100-day-long writer strike resulted in halted television production and an estimated two-and-a-half billion dollar hit to the LA economy. Many television programs are scheduled to resume by April.

"Sweater Day" for Mr. Rogers

In honor of what would have been Mr. Roger’s 80th birthday, March 20th has been named Sweater Day. Like everyone’s favorite man in the “Neighborhood," people across America will be encouraged to don a sweater as part of a six day celebration planned by Family Communications Inc, the Pittsburg-based company Rogers had founded.

The legendary children’s programming star died from cancer five years ago, and to those who grew up with him in their living rooms, Sweater Day is a fitting tribute to a television personality that still has a warm place in the hearts of many.

Anyone Notice Who was Missing From the Oscars?

Brangelina! Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie skipped out on the Academy Awards this year maybe it was because earlier that day, the couple revealed Angelina's growing baby bump at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. The couple decided to relax at home with the kids instead of attend the Oscars.

Though neither attended the Oscar ceremony, that didn't stop Jon Stewart, from including Jolie in a joke about pregnant actresses, saying, "Obviously, Angelina Jolie couldn't be here..it's hard to find 17 babysitters on Oscar night."

We definitely missed seeing the gorgeous couple!

Ellen + Hillary = New BFF's (apparently!)

Ellen DeGeneres appeared on screen at a Hillary Clinton fundraising rally at George Washington University in D.C. last night. DeGeneres jokingly asked Clinton whether or not she would promise a ban on glitter. LoL, she has a point!



With Oprah publicly stating that she's in full support of Obama, it seems that DeGeneres is making her stand behind Clinton as her presidential candidate of choice.

In Case You've Been Living Under A Rock Lately...

** Warning: Video may not be suitable for some younger readers! **

In response to girlfriend Sarah Silverman, tv night show funnyguy Jimmy Kimmel got his revenge on a prank that was aired on Silverman's show playfully admitting she was "effing Matt Damon." The clip has received millions of YouTube hits since it aired.

Now however, Jimmy Kimmel seems to have topped the TV skit prank and aired his own segment claiming that well, he's "effing Ben Affleck." Not only does Ben make his cameo in the segment, so do tons of other celebrities including Brad Pitt, Robin Williams, Cameron Diaz and many more!

Well, just see for yourself :

Juicy! JT to induct Madge into Hall of Fame!

Justin Timberlake and Madonna have recently collaborated on a song for her new album but that's not all that's linking the two together these days.

Justin is set to induct Madonna into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10th in NYC. Pretty big deal for the both of them, I'd say!

Naomi Campbell Hospitalized

Everyone's favorite British supermodel has-been Naomi Campbell was hospitalized in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the removal of a small cyst. Big deal. Does anyone really care about her that much anymore? With Gisele, Petra, Tyra, and Kate - do we really still need the cell phone throwin' model making headlines anymore?

The details of her hospitalization are a little hazy but she seems to be alright.

The model's gynecologist said Campbell underwent an emergency abdominal surgery: “I cannot reveal what Naomi had, nor how serious her condition was, but I can say I operated on her yesterday and that she is completely cured.”

We wish her well!

Neverland Ranch Auction - Say Bye-Bye Michael!

Thinking of buying some real estate? Well, look no further. You have the opportunity to purchase Michael Jackson's famous Neverland Ranch! It seems the King of Pop's home is set to be sold on March 19th and everyone can get in on the bidding.

When Neverland is auctioned, it is said to include everything inside of it. We're talking all of Jacko's furniture, games, rides, etc. I don't know - the whole property has just become a little too creepy for my taste.

Father of Christian Rock Passes

Larry Norman, the singer, songwriter, and producer known as the "father of Christian rock music," died of heart failure on Sunday (Feb. 24) in his Salem, Oregon home. He was 60. Norman was an eccentric visionary whose songs drew controversy from both the conservative religious establishment and the secular music press for his lyrical mix of radical religious, political, and social themes.

His songs have also been recorded by contemporary Christian artists like DC Talk, Rebecca St. James, and Audio Adrenaline. He performed for The White House, twice - and in Moscow at the 80,000 seat Olympic Stadium. He headlined venues like The Hollywood Bowl, The Sydney Opera House, The Palladium and London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall, which he sold out six times, once filling it twice on the same day. In the last 40 years Norman has released nearly 100 solo albums.

In 2001 Norman was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame alongside Elvis Presley. At the time of his death he was working on an album with Frank Black and Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse, which will be released later this year.

In a message he wrote on Saturday, Feb 23, the day before he passed away, Norman said: "I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God's hand reaching down to pick me up. I have been under medical care for months. My wounds are getting bigger. I have trouble breathing. I am ready to fly home. I won't be here much longer. I can't do anything about it. My heart is too weak. I want to say goodbye to everyone. In the past you have generously supported me with prayer and finance and we will probably still need financial help. My plan is to be buried in a simple pine box with some flowers inside. I'd like to push back the darkness with my bravest effort. There will be funeral information posted on my website, in case some of you want to attend. We are not sure of the date when I will die.

Goodbye, farewell, we will meet again."

"Goodbye, farewell,

we'll meet again Somewhere beyond the sky.

I pray that you will stay with God

Goodbye, my friends, goodbye."

His siblings, mother, and friends were with him through late Saturday night and Sunday morning when he died peacefully in his sleep.There will be a public memorial ceremony for Larry Norman at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 1st at The Church on the Hill, 2707 Maranatha Ct., Turner, Oregon.For more information contact:Charles Norman

Miley Cyrus Dance

Check out the Youtube video below of Barry Durand's new dance to Miley Cyrus's song "See You Again." They are all working to get teachers in school to teach the dance and have some fun.

Illexia Unveiled!

Illexia, the Danian Queen, will be included in the Chaotic booster set, Zenith of the Hive. Here is a sneak preview.

Illexia is the supreme matriarch of Mount Pillar. Powerful and Mugically skilled, Illexia has an air of distanced nobility. Her feminine appearance can be deceiving, but her battle support skills are mighty.

Illexia's life is guarded intensely. Any Danian is willing to step up to save her. Very few ever get to see her, though her empowering and stabilizing influence on the Hive cannot be underestimated.

She's smarter than Britney- at 16!

Although Brit is going broke, Jamie Lynn is giving the Spears family a better name

Jamie Lynn has received her high school diploma!

The 16-year-old, who recently announced she was pregnant, passed her GED exam last month and supposedly received a pretty good score on reading comprehension. Jamie Lynn is now hoping to take the ACT entrance exam for college.

Once she has the baby, let's hope she chooses college over boozing or having more babies. And if not college-please Jamie-no shaving your head.

Kirsten Takes A Break From Rehabbin'

What is a starlet in distress to do when she wants a little break from 'hard living' at the Cirque Lodge in Utah? Take a trip to everyone's favorite store Target, obviously!

Some paparazzi snapped some pictures of the casual and comfortable Dunst perusing the ailes at the fabulous super store this weekend, for a little dose of retail therapy. After the trip her and a fellow male rehabber were feeling the 'Yo quiero Taco Bell' rush and stopped by for a little weekend treat.

Wait- that's HIS girlfriend?!

King of rehab Danny bonaduce strollin through Hollywood last Friday night with a nottie young enough to be his child. Bonaduce's on-again/off-again rebound woman is Amy Railsback.

The two met at a local Starbucks around 10 months ago.

Just a little tid-bit for you to think about. Danny's woman was born eight years after the last episode of "The Parttridge Family" aired in March 1974.

Renfro gets shafted by the Academy

Just in case you didn't happen to see it, actor Brad Renfro was left out of the "In Memoriam" trubute last night at the Oscars. You won't believe the statement that the Academy gave online entertainment site TMZ.com. "It is simply not possible to include everyone in that segment". The memoriam tribute included 98 people in the movie industry who died last year. This list included actors, studio execs, agents, makeup artists, etc.

It seems to me that Brad Renfro, whose movies include "The Client", "Apt Pupil" and "Sleepers", seems more prominent than Margaret Gardner, the head executive of the international division of a public relations firm. They included actors, studio execs, makeup artists, agents, and on and on. Renfro was nowhere to be seen.

Someone from Renfro's life called the rude move by the academy "unbelievable and disgusting". I don't think they could have described it any better.

Hollywood's Newest Couple?

A source from Prince's Oscar after-party has disclosed who Hollywood's hottest new couple may be...

Orlando Bloom and Rumer Willis arrived at the party together and were sitting together all night long into the early hours of the morning.

This could be trouble!

Willis was most recently linked to Josh Hartnett. Looks like Willis is certainly getting her name out there among Hollywood's A-listers. Let's just hope she doesn't follow in her mom's footsteps and start dating someone 15 yrs. younger.

Oscar winners

The Coen brothers' "No Country for Old Men" was the big winner at last night's Academy Awards. The movie, adapted from a Cormac McCarthy novel, won Oscars for Best Motion Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. The Coens won the Academy Award for Best Director and Javier Bardem (pictured above) received the Best Supporting Actor Award for his role as in the film.

Bardem's win marked the first time a Spanish actor received an Oscar in the award show's 80-year history.

A complete list of winners follows:

Best Motion Picture: "No Country for Old Men."
Lead Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood."
Lead Actress: Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose."
Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men."
Supporting Actress: Tilda Swinton, "Michael Clayton."
Director: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men."
Foreign Language Film: "The Counterfeiters," Austria.
Adapted Screenplay: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men."
Original Screenplay: Diablo Cody, "Juno."
Animated Feature Film: "Ratatouille."
Art Direction: "Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street."
Cinematography: "There Will Be Blood."
Sound Mixing: "The Bourne Ultimatum."
Sound Editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum."
Original Score: "Atonement," Dario Marianelli.
Original Song: "Falling Slowly" from "Once," Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.
Costume: "Elizabeth: The Golden Age."
Documentary Feature: "Taxi to the Dark Side."
Documentary Short Subject: "Freeheld."
Film Editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum."
Makeup: "La Vie en Rose."
Animated Short Film: "Peter & the Wolf."
Live Action Short Film: "Le Mozart des Pickpockets"
Visual Effects: "The Golden Compass"
Academy Award winners previously announced this year: Honorary and technical Oscars: Robert Boyle; Eastman Kodak Co.; David A. Grafton.

LiLo wins awards (unfortunately not any Oscars)

As Hollywood slipped on their desiger dresses and draped themselves in jewels before walking the red carpet at the Oscars, Lindsay Lohan has something to be thankful for.

The whirlwind of trouble was arrested multiple times last year, was in and out of rehab, and closed up a lawsuit, but nothing was better than her performance last night at the Razzie Awards.

For her role in "I Know Who Killed Me," she won two worst actress awards as well as the movie winning worst picture of the year.

Eddie Murphy, who just last year was schmoozing with all of Tinseltown at the Oscars set a new record at the Razzies this year. Murphy swept te worst actor, supporting actor, and supporting actress categories for his role in "Norbit".

It looks like LiLo needs to clean up her act and start winning some real awards,not just 'Worst Actress' and 'Most Jack & Cokes Consumed'

Britney visits sons

Britney Spears was permitted a three hour visit with her two boys this morning. It was her first time seeing Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, since Jan. 3.

Kevin Federline's bodyguard drove the two boys from Federline's Tarzana house to Spears' Studio City home. Sources told People that Britney's psychiatrist and her father Jamie were both present for the visit. Afterwards, the bodyguard drove Preston and Jayden back to their Tarzana home.

An inside source credits the visit to Jamie Spears. "The real hero was Jamie. He has taken charge, and she has visitation again."

Attorneys for Federline and Spears spent two days working on a structured visitation agreement that allows Preston and Jayden to spend supervised time with their mother.

"We're pleased that ... the process of reinstating the children's mother as a participant in their lives can commence," Kaplan said Friday.

New Sex and the City Movie!

An updated trailer of the much anticipated Sex and the City Movie is avaiable at Jezebel.com. The two minute extended teaser gives quite a bit away. According to the clips, Carrie may be left at the altar and Steve may have cheated on Miranda. On the upside, Charlote's pregnant! The film is scheduled to come out May 30th, and I for one can't wait.

The Jonas Brothers Pledge to Stay Virgins

The Jonas Brothers have taken a vow of chastity. The Disney singing trio all boast purity rings and have sworn to remain virgins until marriage.

In their interview with Details Magazine, the middle brother Joe claims that the rings symbolize their “promises to ourselves and to God that we’ll stay pure till marriage.” The youngest brother Nick, stated that the purity rings are "just one of our ways of kind of like being different than everybody else out there."

How cute. I can already hear the unrequited sighs of teeny bopper girls across America. Let just see if their vow ends up lasting longer than Britney’s.

J-Lo Gives Birth!

Jennifer Lopez, the thirty-nine-year-old singer/actress, gave birth to twins early Friday morning at a Long Island hospital.

Lopez’s daughter arrived at 12.12 a.m., weighing 5 pound seven ounces, and was followed eleven minute later by her brother who weighed in at exactly 6 pounds.
Although their names have not been officially released, reports from late January claim that the twins will be called Emme and Max, respectively.

Mother and children are set to return home early next week where Lopez and her thirty-eight-year-old husband Marc Anthony have set up a reported $120,000 ocean-themed nursery. After a harsh biding war, People Magazine won the exclusive rights to print the babies' first photos at the cost of $6 million, where I'm sure the proceeds will go directly to the twins’ college fund.

The babies are the first for Lopez, but Anthony is no stranger to parenthood and is the father of three children already. The couple has been married since 2004.

Audition to be Ciara's Backup Dancer

Ciara is hard at work in the studio on her next album! Now she's looking for dancers with fresh, raw talent who can hold their own as Ciara's backup dancer. She will be holding auditions in the following cities below so don't miss your chance. Think you got moves? Come on out and show Ciara what you've got!

Check out Ciara's YouTube video below for a message from her about what's she's looking for!

Atlanta - 02/22/08
Friday @ 11AM
Gotta Dance Atlanta
1778 Elisworth Industrial Drive., NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

Miami – 03/02/08
Sunday @ 11AM
Dance Attack Studio
13424 SW 131st Street
Miami, FL 33186

New York – 03/09/08
Sunday @ 11AM
New Dance Group
305 West 38th Street
2nd Floor
New York, New York 10018

Los Angeles – 03/16/08
Sunday @ 11AM
Millennium Dance Studio
5113 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

Actors Slated to Finish Heath Ledger's Final Film

Jude Law, Johhny Depp, and Colin Farrel will replace Heath Ledger in his unfinished final film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. The fantasy flick is being directed by Terry Gillian and filming was halted after Ledger’s accidental death.

Heath’s original footage will be kept, and the three actors will play a reconstructed version of the character.

Colin Farrell is honored to be a part of the film and said "It's about getting Heath's work out there, get his work out there, he's too good for any of his work not to be seen, you know, and I'm really keen and looking forward to doing it and just doing the best job I can do."

Ledger is clearly a respected actor and it sounds like the film will be a tribute to the young stars unfortunately short-lived career.

Lindsay’s Parents Okay With Naked Photo Shoot

Lindsay Lohan’s recent recreation of Marilyn Monroe’s legendary final photo shoot with photographer Bert Stern has made quite a splash in the media. Like the original pictures of Monroe in 1962, Lohan was photographed nude or clad in seductively see-through fabric.

Both of Lindsay’s parents have released statements in support of their daughter’s decision to pose nude and believe that the photographs were taken in good taste. Dina, her mother/manger, told the press that she views the pictures ”artistically” and that it was an honor for Bert Stein to call Lindsay and ask her to do the shoot.

Lindsay’s father, Michael Lohan agrees with her mom and told Us Magazine “Lindsay is an adult, and she knows the direction she wants to take her career. It’s her decision.” He did add, however, that he does not intend to look at his pictures claiming, "That’s my daughter!”

Additionally, he expressed concern that Lindsay’s life might parallel Marilyn’s in more ways then just the photo shoot, and with the way the troubled young starlet’s life seems to be heading her father’s trepidation is not entirely off base.

Although Lindsay was aware that she would be posing nude in the shoot her publicist, Leslie Sloane Zelink, claims that they didn’t think that the New York Magazine would actually run the nudes. Personally, though, I think it’s pretty obvious that a magazine would want to go ahead and publish the naked pictures they just took, but maybe I’m just a little jaded.

Zelnik maintains that Lindsay “loves the photos,” and all in all the Lohan family seems to be proud of Lindsay’s pics. Watch the video below, and check out the PG version of some of them for yourself.

Four Paparazzi Arrested

Four paparazzi were arrested in a police crackdown Wednesday. Two of the photogogs were staking out Britney Spears outside of a hair saloon, and the other two were waiting outside of a night club where Lindsay Lohan was reportedly patronizing.


After refusing to disassemble from the sidewalk, the four cameramen were charged with obstructing a public walkway and released with citations. The paparazzi were confused as to why they were chosen to be made an example of in this relatively everyday situation, when the police have failed to take action in the recent and considerably more dangerous celebrities car chases.


TMZ Managing Editor, Harvey Levin told The Associated Press. “We’ve been saying for a long time that law enforcement needs to crack down, that they’ve closed their eyes to a lot of dangerous things happening. The danger is blowing lights, running people off the road. ... This was not one of those situations.”


Nonetheless, at least the police department has finally decided to take a stand in a press situation that, as of late, seems to be escalating out of hand.

Daryl Hall and John Oates To Be Named BMI Icons

DARYL HALL AND JOHN OATES TO BE NAMED BMI ICONS
AT 56th ANNUAL POP AWARDS MAY 20 IN LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES, February 20, 2008 – BMI will salute duo Daryl Hall and John Oates as BMI Icons at its 56th annual Pop Awards, slated for Tuesday, May 20 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. Hosted by BMI President and CEO Del Bryant and BMI Vice President and General Manager, Writer/Publisher Relations, Los Angeles, Barbara Cane, the invitation-only event will also honor the songwriters and publishers of the past year’s most-performed pop songs in the United States. The evening’s capstone will take the form of a stirring musical tribute to Daryl Hall & John Oates.

BMI Icons are selected because of their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” As BMI Icons, Daryl Hall and John Oates will join elite ranks that include the Bee Gees, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Paul Simon, Merle Haggard, Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson, James Brown, Ray Davies, Carlos Santana and Dolly Parton.

The effervescent popularity of Daryl Hall and John Oates’s magical collaborations springs from the duo’s devout passion for Philly soul and buoyant pop harmonies. Warmly accessible and expertly polished, Daryl Hall and John Oates’s smooth production utilizes undeniable hooks and innate contemporary lyrical sensibility. The resulting eight no. 1 singles, three double-platinum and two platinum albums catapulted the pair into pop superstardom; in 1987, Daryl Hall and John Oates became the #1 selling duo in pop music, according to the RIAA. Skilled songwriters, Daryl Hall and John Oates are both members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, together boasting 24 BMI Pop Awards and a catalog studded with 14 BMI Million-Air award songs, including “She’s Gone,” “Everytime You Go Away,” “Kiss On My List,” “Maneater” and “Sara Smile.” They have prompted a surge of interest and homage from a diverse bevy of new artists, who cite the pair as definitive influences. Restless creators, Daryl Hall and John Oates have spent much of the last decade touring throughout the world.

In addition to the Icon, BMI will recognize Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year during the evening, along with the recipient of the BMI Foundation’s John Lennon Scholarship. Pop Award winners from previous years include Maroon 5, R. Kelly, Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Pharrell Williams, Michelle Branch, Lil Jon, the Foo Fighters, Linkin Park and Sheryl Crow.

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) is an American performing right organization that represents more than 350,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 6.5 million works. BMI’s latest financial results, $839 million in performing right collections for its 2007 fiscal year, are the highest for any copyright organization in the world. BMI has represented the most popular and beloved music from around the world for over 65 years. The non-profit-making U.S. corporation collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it then distributes as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents.

PETA's Worst Dressed Celebs

For 2008, PETA has updated its Worst Dressed List beyond just fur coats. While many celebs have learned that wearing fur is taboo, they have not worked past exotic leathers and skins. Python skinned bags and alligator covered pumps were all the rage this season and celebrities were not shy about stepping out with their favorite crocodile clutch.

This year’s biggest fashion offender went to Aretha Franklin. PETA asked for more R-E-S-P-E-C-T towards animals from the queen soul and criticized her for consistently stepping out in giant fur coats. Also making the list was Marilyn Manson for his many head to toe leather ensembles. PETA also called out Kylie Minogue for her hoards of leather skinned bags. Lindsay Lohan, Kate Moss, and Eva Longoria also were featured for filling their wardrobes with fur pieces.

PETA asks that celebrities set the example and help save the animals from not just dying but the excruciating pain that goes along with harvesting their skins. Other celebs, such as Pamela Anderson and Christina Applegate have stepped out in support of PETA’s efforts, posing nude in anti-fur and pro-vegetarian ads.

Presidential Predictor Cards

Upper Deck is not just ordinary baseball cards anymore. They've come out with a new special deck where one in every eight card is a special "Presidential Predictor" card. These cards are illustrated parodies of prominent political figures - very timely considering the current political primaries.

“This was a unique concept developed to bring some timely and very topical humor to our first baseball card product of the season, “ said Kerri Stockholm, Upper Deck’s director of Sports Marketing. “We think the cards are entertaining and we’re hopeful that the candidates will also get a kick out of their cards.”

Notable names in the “Presidential Predictor” set include, from the Democratic side, Barack Obama and John Edwards; and from the Republicans: John McCain, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson. A few other surprise candidates and political personalities are also showcased in the collection including Al Gore being tagged out by reigning U.S. President George W. Bush in a funny portrayal of Yankee second baseman Chuck Knoblauch’s phantom tag of Boston’s Jose Offerman during the ’99 American League Championship Series.

Collectors who pull any of the Presidential Predictor cards from packs will have the opportunity to win a trip for two to throw out the “presidential” first pitch at an official Major League Baseball game during the 2009 season. You simply need to type in the static code(s) found on the backs of the cards to gain entry into an Upper Deck Baseball sweepstakes. The top prize will be open to all collectors who register the winning candidate’s trading card. Each of the cards can be viewed at their website.

Paula Abdul's NEW Music Video "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow"

Paula Abdul is back!- and she's still got the moves. In Abdul's new dance video "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow", she shows us that although she's been off of the music scene for a while, she's has is going on. With red-hot dance moves and a hip-hop beat, Abdul adds some real spice to her good friend Randy Jackson's new album.

Jackson's first solo album "Music Club Vol. 1" due out March 11, 2008, is a collection of songs from all different artists in all different genres. Some of the other artists include Travis Tritt, Jason Mraz, Katherine McPhee and Elliot Yahmin. Jackson has called on every aspect of his music career to come up with his album so it is sure to please.

Although Paula's video has a little less energy than typical, what do you expect from a woman that hasn't come out with a single in 20 years- that's right people 20 YEARS!

Be sure to check her brand new video out for yourself!

Paris finds a new vice? Who thought it was possible

Some on-lookers ath the Palms Hotel and Casino say that party girls Nicky, Paris, and the rest of their followers (Tommy Lee was among the Hilton entourage) have apparently found a new poison for them to indulge in: Le Tourment Vert.

Le Tourment Vert which translates to "The Green Torment", is an absinthe imported from France in a bottle that represents carafes from the era. The crew of partyers apparently liked the liquor, and Lil' Wayne liked it so much when he tried it that it will be in his newest music video.

Why are stars going so crazy for absinthe? Until just recently, it had been banned from the United States, because earlier in the century it was seen as a dangerous and psychoactive drug. After her recent DUI arrest and jail time, a bottle of absinthe sounds like exactly what Paris needs.

Martha Says Shove it Oprah, in a Nice Way!

Martha Stewart has just added to her Lifestyle and Home empire and become much more wealthy.

Martha is scooping up the competition to gain even more of a corner on the home and food market.

Stewart's company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. announced this past Tuesday that they have purchased the rights to the Emeril Lagasse franchise empire, which includes cookbooks, kitchen producst, and television shows. This totaled up to abou $45 million in cash and another $5 million in stock.

With everything that Stewart's company has acquired, this generates an estimated $14 million in revenue for the past 2007 year.
Even though it seems like Stewart acquired everything of Emeril's, Emeril still has his Homebase, which includes his office and 11 or his world famous restaurants.

Now only if Martha could acquire the ever annoying Rachael Ray and make her and her 30 minute meals disappear!

Sex Tapes Have Never Been Hotter.

500K Hotter!!! Edison Chen has a rather addicting hobby of video tapping and taking pictures of his scandelous sexual affairs with six famous asian pop stars. This may not be a new thing to us Americans, but when half of these girls promote themselves as "virginal" vixens and pre-pubescent hotties things can get sticky. Chen had these videos stolen after taking his computer in for maintenance at eLiTe Multimedia Ltd. in downtown Hong Kong. The famous girls depicted are Gillian Chung, a pop star known as one of "The Twins", Bobo Chen, Candice Chueng, Rachael Ngan, and Vincy Yeung. We can't post any of these X-rated pictures here, but believe it when we say that these virginal beauties look nothing like their promoted images. The employee that orignally stole the pictures is currently missing and has become some sort of internet asian crusader against governmental oppression. He has doned himself with the nickname "Kira" off of the extremely popular anime series Death Note. And just like the anime he teases and taunts the authorities with his antics.

Currently Edison Chen is in hiding and plans to stay that way for quite some time especially with the uproar in the government and society his nasty little hobby has caused. In response, the Chinese government is out to arrest Edison Chen and censoring Baidu searches for Edison Chen sex pics. They have also arrested nine other people for distributing the photos and videos online. Also an underworld figure has offered a $500,000HK ($91,000) reward to hack off one of Chen’s hands, which is rumored to be started by Edison Chen or "Kira" himself. What will come of this insane asian clamity? Who knows, but I can't wait for the next plot twist.

Pink is getting divorced

Singer Pink and her husband Carey Hart, a motocross racer and former Surreal Life star, have separated and are in the process of a divorce, the pop star's publicist told People Tuesday.

"Pink and Carey Hart have separated. This decision was made by best friends with a huge amount of love and respect for one another," publicist Michele Schweitzer said. "While the marriage is over, their friendship has never been stronger."

Pink wrote to her fans on her website and thanked them for their support. She said she still considers Hart a "good man."

"This breakup is not about cheating, anger or fighting. I know it sounds like cliché bulls---, but we are best friends, and we will continue to be," she wrote. "One never knows the future, but mine and Carey's just might involve beach babies and sunshine one day. Just not right now. Thanks for the concern and caring."

The couple met at the 2001 X Games and in 2005, Pink proposed to Hart during one of his races. They married in Jan. 2006 and, while there were rumors of a split over the summer, Hart said the stories were "just a bunch of trash talk."

Bayadera Busts Loose on March 20th!

Three-time OC Music Awards winner BAYADERA are set to release their sophomore CD "Rotation of Earth" worldwide on Bitemark Records Tuesday, March 18, 2008 as a follow-up to their successful 2003 release "90 Million Miles". And in celebration of the release, BAYADERA, with its melting pot of musical styles, backgrounds, and experiences, has scheduled a high profile event for Thursday, March 20th at Martini Blues, 5874 Edinger Ave. in Huntington Beach, CA. Doors open at 8PM. Admission: $12. This show is for ages 21 and up.

In addition to BAYADERA, celebrity pro surfer/musician Josh Mohr is slated to perform at the CD release event. Mohr is a sponsored by Airwalk and Coors, among others. More info about Josh is available at http://www.myspace.com/joshmohrmusic. Also performing their alt/pop/rock tunes will be another popular So-Cal band Fuji Minx. http://www.myspace.com/fujiminx

BAYADERA will give away free autographed posters and DVDs of the evening's performance to the first 30 people to attend the show. Those attendees will receive candid DVD footage as well as the performances of all the bands at the party.

BAYADERA represent and reflect our diverse society today; focusing on our common urge to seek a middle ground. Primarily rock based, BAYADERA combines strong grooves ala old school R&B with splashes of Latin flare and modern digital nuances. Sultry singer Gina Bandy weaves heartfelt and introspective lyrics though the band's musical landscape, capturing the essence of the human experience with her powerful yet delicate delivery. Full of hope, loss, love, and a need for change this album embodies our current state of affairs with engaging, foot-tapping music and catchy hooks.

Along with vocalist Bandy, BAYADERA boasts top-notch OC musicians Saatara (guitars), Dat Nguyen (guitars/background vocals), Chris Payne (bass, background vocals), and Donn Untiet (drums). Overcoming both cultural and physical barriers (guitarist Dat Nguyen is blind), BAYADERA is proving to have the talent and perseverance for a lasting musical career. Receiving numerous awards and accolades including placing among the Hot 100 Artists in Music Connection magazine, Honorable Mention in the Billboard International Song Contest, the Richmond Times Critics Choice Award, and the National Head Start Latino Leadership Award has fueled the frenzy so powerfully that all five of BAYADERA's CD releases have sold out. BAYADERA wins over audiences on both coasts and is currently filling their tour schedule for 2008.

For more information about BAYADERA, please visit their web sites.
Pop Culture Madness interview with Chris and Gina
http://www.bayadera.com/
http://www.myspace.com/bayadera
http://www.sonicbids.com/bayadera.

Lindsay Lohan poses nude!

Readers of New York magazine will be seeing a lot of Lindsay Lohan this spring. The actress poses nude in the spring fashion issue, recreating Marilyn Monroe's famous 1962 photo shoot for veteran lensman Bert Stern.

Lohan's Feb. 5 shoot was also photographed by Stern. She said she was comfortable with the nudity, although she did admit to doing 250 crunches the night before.

While some people wondered if the nude photo shoot was an appropriate choice for the party girl actress who has been in rehab three times, her mom Dina has expressed her approval.

"It was very tastefully done," Dina Lohan told People. "I respect the photographer as an artist, so I look at them artistically. For him to call Lindsay 46 years later and to say can you recreate these photos is an honor. I looked at it as art, and as Lindsay doing a character. So I don't look at them like it's Playboy; she was being a character. So if you look at it that way, you can look at it as a mother."

She added that her daughter, a Marilyn Monroe fan, viewed the photo shoot as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Lindsay was very excited when she first got the phone call," Dina Lohan said. "Of course we talked about how they would be done. Lindsay said, 'Mommy, I'm never going to get this opportunity to do it again.' She was very thankful she was asked."

Dancing with the Stars Line-up announced!

Here is the just announced line-up for the new season of Dancing With The Stars:

ADAM CAROLLA - Television and Radio personality
CRISTIÁN DE LA FUENTE - International film and television star
SHANNON ELIZABETH - Actress/model
STEVE GUTTENBERG - Actor
MARIO - Twenty-one year-old, multi-platinum selling R&B/Pop singer and actor
MARLEE MATLIN - Actress, Children of a Lesser God
PENN JILLETTE - Penn Jillette is one-half of the famous illusionist team Penn & Teller.
PRISCILLA PRESLEY - Actress, producer and entrepreneur
MONICA SELES - Tennis champ
JASON TAYLOR - This year's NFL Man of the Year Award Winner and last year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year
MARISSA JARET WINOKUR - Broadway actress
KRISTI YAMAGUCHI - An Olympic Gold medalist and World Champion for Figure Skating

What could she be stealing those for?

Actress Bai Ling was arrested for shoplifting in the giftshop at LAX. A store employee caught Bai Ling attempting to steal a couple of celebrity magazine and packs of Duracell batteries. It is claimed that the actress what was in cooperative, but in tears when she was caught by the employee. Bai was booked for investigation of misdemeanor shoplifting and released after agreeing to appear in court on March 5. The stolen goods only equaled out to about 16 bucks...come on Bai! What gives!
It was reported to E!Online that the actress broke up with her boyfriend the day before Valentine's Day was has not been in her right frame of mind. Magazines and batteries....hmmm....what could she possibly be stealing those for....use your imagination and the possibilities are endless.

Heidi Klum: I want to help Britney Spears

Can the queen of lingerie save a screws-loose pop princess?

Heidi Klum thinks ‘yes’.

The international beauty and Project Runway host has offered to take Britney in and help turn her life around.

"I would help set her straight," insists Klum, 34.

"She can call me and come live in our house with us for a couple of months," she told a German television station.

"I am sorry when a young person gets thrown so off track," said Klum, who currently lives in California with hubby Seal.

"She has, of course, lived an extremely wild life."

Although the weird and wacky Spears has seemed somewhat subdued in recent weeks- seeing as her parents moved in to oversee her and her finances (done by court order) Spears still managed to make news with her strange ways over this weekend

Britney –sans bra- went shopping with her mother Lynne at the shops in Hollywood, where she reportedly tried on bridal gowns.

Britney’s day out on the town only added to the speculation that she is planning to- or already has gone ahead- and married paparazzo Adnan Ghalib. Star Magazine reported last week that the pair secretly married in Mexico.

Her Saturday night caused a lot less stir. Spears dined out with her father, James, at Sunset Blvd. eatery Citrus.

At Citrus, "she seemed totally normal and level-headed, and everyone with her seemed calm," said a customer dining there.

Although Klum's positive attitude and caring heart seems to really benefit Project Runway, Spears is going to need a lot more than the Victoria's Secret darling to save her.

Celebs are cashing in on photos of their babies

There’s definitely a reason why Christina Aguilera has a subtle smirk on this week’s People cover. Reportedly she nabbed as much as $2 million for the exclusive rights to the shot of her and her youngin’.

With a cash flow like that, who needs to Billboard chart-toppers and Hollywood hits? Hollywood parents should know where the real profits are- in the crib.

Aguilera’s little guy Max is just the latest baby to bank just by being born. Nicole Richie and Joel Madden’s daughter Harlow isn’t really hard behind, banking around $1 million from people, according to gawker.com.

"Everyone is curious to see," says Roxanne Motamedi, executive director of entertainment at Getty Images, the agency that took the photos of baby Max. "The bigger the celebrity, the more people want to know what the baby looks like. It sells magazines."

The spawn of the ever popular Brangelina duo is still the top of the top when it comes to raking in the dough for baby shots. Pitt and Jolie reportedly snagged $4.1 million to run Shiloh’s picture on their June 2006 cover. Of course the charitable duo didn’t keep the money for themselves, instead donating it to African Children Charities.

"If a celebrity is noncover material, the value is less," Motamedi says. "Brad and Angelina are two of the biggest stars today and obviously they sell whatever they do. Everyone is interested in their life."

There are rumors that Angelina has a pea in the pod again, so who knows how much the photos of this new addition will go for?

"I can't even put a number on it," says Katie Caperton, a deputy editor at OK! magazine. "That's huge. The fascination that people have with Brad and Angelina and that family is just priceless.
"People are so excited to see this unbelievably glamorous couple - who have been in the public eye for years - have all these kids," she adds. "They just need to see them when they're walking down the street in the French Quarter [of New Orleans] and they've got the baby in one arm and a stroller behind them."

OK! is also another leader in celeb baby photos, featuring such celeb kids as Bridget Moynahan and Tom Brady’s child, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale’s son, and Danilynn, the child spawned from the infamous Larry Birkhead/Anna Nicole Smith relationship.

Jamie Lynn Spears’s bun is still in the oven and OK! has reportedly shelled out $1 million for the baby announcement.

"We just do tremendously well on the newsstand when we've got celebrity babies on the cover," says Caperton, "because people love being with their favorite stars in these really important moments in their lives."

Getting a safe shoot set up with a definite paycheck works out well for the parents too..

"It's more beneficial for celebrities to cooperate with a company like us to do their baby pictures versus not doing it, because then paparazzi will chase them and will not stop until they get the picture of that celebrity with the baby," Motamedi says. "But once the pictures are out, there is really no value of paparazzi chasing them and trying to get the baby shot."

Britney's new lawyer speaks out

Following Thursday's court decision to extend Jamie Spears' co-conservatorship over daughter Britney, the singer's supposed next lawyer claims Britney's civil rights are being violated.

During Thursday's hearing, Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz also granted Jamie Spears and the other co-conservator, Andrew Wallet, the power to handle the pop star's taxes. Her brother, Bryan, was named as trustee of her trust and given influence over her day-to-day expenses.

Lawyer Jon Eardley filed a complaint in U.S. District Court on behalf of Britney Spears on Thursday, claiming the current conservatorship is a "violation of [Spears'] civil rights."

The lawyer, with practices in Washington, D.C. and New York, also requested that the case be moved to Federal Court rather than the current California State Court.

"I see the case as a civil rights case," Eardley told People. "These are issues of confinement. Very serious confinement. Not allowed to contact her friends. Not allowed to use the phone. Not allowed to come and go as you please. Bodyguards controlling you and so forth."

However, an L.A. Superior Court spokesperson told E! News on Friday that the conservatorship agreement will continue to be handled in the local court, despite Eardley's request.

Legal insiders agree with the decision. "The saddest part [of Eardley's legal maneuvering] is it is all to [Britney's] detriment," a legal insider said. "The limited conservatorship puts in place medical care and protection of her assets that may be put at risk by the distraction and expense of having to get such an opportunistic and counterproductive action dismissed."

Also, the Superior Court found that Spears "lacks the capacity" to choose and retain her own counsel. Eardley said he has never met Spears, but that she selected him. "She reached out by phone. I have no idea how [she got my number]," he said.

Eardley also said he does not believe the singer's erratic behavior is dangerous to herself and others, and that he sees far worse situations on the streets.

"In downtown Los Angeles I'm surrounded by people talking to themselves and having fits on the street," Eardley added. "They are out in public. They are not being institutionalized."

Dancing with the Stars favorite takes a break

A surprising announcement regarding Dancing with the Stars was made on Monday evening's Dance War finale. Professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy, 28, who has partnered Laila Ali and Mel B. in the finals, will not be returning for the sixth season.

"He just needs a break," an ABC spokesperson said. "He is part of the Dancing family, and he will be back."

In December he told People that he felt burnt out from the grueling schedule of the popular show.

"After coming down from two seasons back-to-back, 10 weeks each season — 14 weeks, if you count all of the rehearsals — it puts a lot of pressure on a person and it takes its toll," he said.

Chmerkovskiy is currently completing a Dancing with the Stars fitness video with Cheryl Burke, another of the show's professional dancers. He will continue teaching students at Rising Stars Dance Academy in Saddlebrook, N.J. this spring, and there is a possibility he may appear in the group-choreographed dances during the results shows of Dancing with the Stars.

Christina and Baby Max

Television is Back in Action

Now that the three month writer’s strike is officially over, what does that mean for your favorite TV shows?

According to Network insiders many hit shows will be back this spring to finish off the season, including: CBS’s CSI and ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives. However, shows that had to break down their sets such as NBC’s Heroes, which requires a lot to rev up for production, most likely will not be back until next fall.

In addition, shows that have not yet found a strong following such as ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money and NBC’s Chuck will probably not be return this spring either. Even next season will be affected by the strike, and Fox has announced that 24 will not be back on the air until January of 2009.

For those shows returning it will likely require at least six weeks for new episodes to air, and whether a show will return or not is on a case-by-case basis. Shows that were close to finishing a script before the writer’s strike began in November will have a head start in broadcasting new episodes.

Networks will continue to unleash new series such as ABC’s “Lipstick Jungle” and Fox has reported that they have at least four new shows to release this spring.

Pictures from the New Star Wars film

A new era of Star Wars entertainment begins in 2008 when STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, from creator George Lucas, premieres as an all-new feature film in August, followed by the television series debut in the fall, in a partnership announced today between Lucasfilm Ltd., Warner Bros. Pictures and Turner Broadcasting System Inc.
Produced by Lucasfilm Animation, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS takes audiences on incredible new Star Wars adventures, combining the legendary storytelling of Lucasfilm with an eye-popping, signature animation style. STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS will open in North American theaters Friday, August 15. International release dates will be announced soon.

"I felt there were a lot more Star Wars stories left to tell," said George Lucas, executive producer of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. "I was eager to start telling some of them through animation and, at the same time, push the art of animation forward." The theatrical debut of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS is only the beginning of all-new Star Wars adventures that continue in the fall when the long-awaited television series premieres on Cartoon Network, followed by airings on TNT. Details regarding international broadcasts will be announced shortly.

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS showcases an entirely new look and feel to the galaxy far, far away - combining the expansive scope of the Star Wars Saga with state-of-the-art computer-generated animation. Each week, viewers will see a thrilling, 30-minute "mini-movie" created by the talented artists at Lucasfilm Animation.
On the front lines of an intergalactic struggle between good and evil, fans young and old will join such favorite characters as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padme Amidala, along with brand-new heroes like Anakin's padawan learner, Ahsoka. Sinister villains - led by Palpatine, Count Dooku and General Grievous - are poised to rule the galaxy. Stakes are high, and the fate of the Star Wars universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights. Their exploits lead to the action-packed battles and astonishing new revelations that fill STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS.
"Warner Bros. and Turner are uniquely positioned to deliver on the enormous potential of The Clone Wars because together they offer a world-class opportunity: the theatrical and home-video distribution of Warner Bros. and the broad reach of the Turner Networks," said Micheline Chau, President and Chief Operating Officer of Lucasfilm Ltd. "This terrific combination hits the key demographic groups, ranging from kids to adults, that make up the Star Wars audience."

Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, added, "This is a breakthrough project - returning Star Wars to the big screen in a completely new way while beginning an exciting new chapter in George Lucas' legendary saga. We immediately felt that it would be a fantastic theatrical event and are thrilled to be bringing it to moviegoers."

"Nothing like this has ever been produced for television," said Stuart Snyder, President/COO Turner Animation, Young Adults & Kids Media. "For 30 years, Star Wars has shown that it appeals to a huge breadth of fans. The Clone Wars on Cartoon Network will be appointment television for everyone in the family. We're thrilled to be working with Lucasfilm again and very excited to be playing a role in bringing this remarkable adventure to viewers."

With a new story each week, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS continues the tradition of thrilling stories, astonishing visuals and extraordinary music that have always been the hallmarks of the Star Wars Saga.

Roger Clemens testifies before Congress

Roger Clemens, The Seven Time Cy Young award winner, truly had to play hard ball today when he insisted to congress (for a second time) that he did not use performance enhancing drugs
"I appreciate the opportunity to tell this committee and the public - under oath - what I have been saying all along: I never used steroids, human growth hormone, or any other type of illegal drugs," Clemens stated in press release prior to the hearing
In the past, Clemens’ statements were never brought under fire, but today the Congressional committee had lost of question to ask the baseball legend
"You understand that you're under oath"" Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) asked Clemens at one point in the hearing
"That's correct," Clemens stated in a powerful, asserting voice
Most of the questioning that went on stemmed from teammate Andy Petite’s testimony that the pitcher had spoke with him about using HGH in approximately 1999 or 2000
"I think he misremembers our conversation," said Clemens about his ‘supposed’ talk with Petite. When answering questions, he never once paused or recoiled, always keeping composure in front of the judging eye of the congressional committee. Clemens denied over and over again that he used the performance enhancing drugs or injected steroids given to him by friend and trainer Brian McNamee
"I am saying that Brian McNamee's statements about me are wrong," Clemens said. "Once again, I never took steroids or human growth hormone."
McNamee outright denied everything that Clemens said, later stating that he thought the number of times he injected Clemens was higher than he had earlier estimated.
"Make no mistake," McNamee testified. "When I told (investigators) that I injected Roger Clemens with performance enhancing drugs, I told the truth."
Clemens arrived at 9:52 a.m., looking emotionless impassive as he walked past a line of people waiting to enter the courtroom where he was testifying.
Sitting emotionless he listened as Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) stated that the sports superstar’s denials about steroid and HGH use were "untrue" and "implausible," with the testimony from McNamee and Pettitte. Clemens listened with a gloomy face as senator gave his disappointing opening statements
McNamee, Clemens’s former trainer and the key witness in the case, arrived to the courtroom minutes before Clemens had. Once McNamee was in the courtroom, he gave the damaging that Clemens had been dreading, stating that he had injected the player “16 to 21” times.
A crowd of people showed up and waited outside of the heated courtroom to see the two go head to head. Although they sat within close proximity, they both stared straight ahead never once looking at each other.
The two were once inseparable, but from the courtroom tension today and the testimony given by McNamee, it looks like their future as good friends is as likely as Roger Clemens winning this case.

Miley and Dad apologize for not buckling up

Teen star Miley Cyrus, 15, and her father Billy Ray apologized for not buckling up their seat belts during filming for their new "Hannah Montana" movie.

"We got caught up in the moment of filming, and we made a mistake and forgot to buckle our seat belts," Billy Ray Cyrus told People. "Seat belt safety is extremely important."

Consumer Reports Magazine noted the Disney father-daughter duo failed to buckle up when they rode in the back of a Range Rover during their hit 3-D "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert."

"The reality is that movies and television shows do influence how kids, and adults, act in everyday life," a blog post by Consumer Reports mentioned. "It seems to us that Miley, her father, and Disney had a perfect opportunity to help influence teens and counteract – rather than encourage – this trend. Then again, as Hannah herself sings, 'Everybody makes mistakes.'"

"We applaud the Cyrus family for recognizing that wearing seat belts in rear seats is essential," Don Mays, the director of product safety at Consumers Union, which publishes Yonkers-based Consumer Reports, said Wednesday.

According to the magazine, 65 percent of 13-to-15-year-olds involved in fatal car accidents in 2006 were not wearing seat belts.

Scarlett's new album

Scarlett Johansson's debut album, "Anywhere I Lay My Head," features covers of 10 songs by Tom Waits. According to the actress, Waits has already given her CD a thumbs up.

Due to be released May 20, the album features guest artists David Bowie, Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner and members of the band Celebration. It also contains one original tune, "Song for Jo."

Johansson said she originally intended to make an album of standards, but she slowly focused on the works of Waits. "His melodies are so beautiful and his voice is so distinct," she said at a news conference Tuesday. "I sent [Waits] some of the early, early recordings, and he said, ‘Go ahead'... I've heard he's very pleased."

Tina Fey to host 'SNL' return

Former head writer and Weekend Update co-anchor Tina Fey will host 'Saturday Night Live' on February 23. The episode marks the return of the NBC show following the writers' strike; it was the only late-night show completely on hiatus due to the negotiations.

"It's been a long dry spell without 'Saturday Night Live' on the air," said Rick Ludwin, head of late-night entertainment at NBC. "They've been sitting on the sidelines watching all this happening in politics and the primaries. 'SNL' thrives during an election year and they can't wait to get back on."

No musical acts have been announced as guests on the show.

JLo Is On Baby Patrol

TMZ has learned that the Long Island hospital where J.Lo will probably give birth to her twins is practicing "pink drills" -- code for thwarting a possible kidnapping.

Sources at North Shore Medical Center tell TMZtv the hospital conducted a "Code Pink" drill last Friday -- "Code Pink" is code for locking down the hospital to prevent a kidnapping attempt.

A rep for North Shore confirmed that the pink drill did indeed go down, but said that the timing is just a coincidence, but that's not what our sources are saying.

Cher Wears Gerard for Grammys!!!

LOS ANGELES, CA – Feb., 11th – Luthier PR -- Since the inception of the Grammys, the award show has been a staple for the music industry and to the rest of the world by recognizing excellence in music performance, composition and the adjoining faculties that surround this global event. It goes without saying how important it is for the nominees to look their best. For the 50th annual Grammy Awards, Cher set a new standard for fashion Sunday evening by wearing Julia Gerard.

With multiple designers to choose her wardrobe from, Cher chose to wear a fitted piece from high-end designer Julia Gerard to accompany the rest of her evening collection. The match-up from top to bottom was flawless and Gerard's fitted skirt added an edgy rock n roll look to the overall classy and distinguishable pieces Cher had put together for the entire outfit.

Julia Gerard specializes in couture fashion centered on the peace movement. Gerard has managed to carve a niche in the Los Angeles fashion scene and has also captured the attention of the rest of the fashion world from Cher's appearance on the 50th annual Grammy Awards. The J Gerard Design Studio & Peace Gallery is located on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, CA.

Paul Marturano, Paula Abdul’s Stalker from American Idol, to Perform Free Charity Concert

Paul Marturano, Paula Abdul’s Stalker from American Idol, to Perform Free Charity Concert at Philadelphia’s Premiere Piano Bar, Cascamorto, on Feb 21 at 5:30pm -
Challenges Simon Cowell to Put Up His Best Against Him

Paul Marturano, who recently appeared on American Idol and caught the nation’s attention as Paula Abdul’s Stalker, will be performing at Cascamorto, located at the corner of 20th and Arch St. in Center City Philadelphia from 5:30pm-8:30pm on Thursday, Feb. 21st. Admission is FREE. Donations for Loli’s Place, Inc. a non-profit organization that benefits homeless animals, will be accepted at the event. For more information about Loli’s Place, Inc. please visit http://www.lolisplace.com/ .

Marturano will be singing and playing the piano just as he has professionally for the past 11 years. He’ll perform original songs, cover songs, take requests, and will most likely throw in some off the wall comedy songs. “One lucky or…. unlucky lady,” as Marturano puts it, will get a reprise of Stalker, the song he dedicated to Paula Abdul on American Idol in front of over thirty-million viewers. For a sample of Paul’s original material or to see his American Idol performance, please visit http://www.paulpiano.net/

According to Marturano, he is looking forward to getting back out and performing especially in a place like, Cascamorto.

Cascamorto features live interactive piano music Tuesday thru Saturday nights, a warm personable staff, great drink specials, and a tasty bar menu. According to Mike Maragarite, Cascamorto’s owner, patrons can take advantage of Cascamorto's popular cab program. “Take a cab from inside the Philadelphia city limits, bring your receipt in and Cascamorto will pay the fare, you only have to tip the driver!”
If you have questions about the show, please contact Cascamorto. Stop in at 1939 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA or call 215-563-4704.

In the few short days following his American Idol appearance, Marturano has conducted over 150 radio interviews internationally, appeared on Access Hollywood, the most searched phrase on Google, MSN, and AOL on Jan. 16th and 17th was “Paula Abdul’s Stalker”, he was banned by the NFL from the Super Bowl when a radio station tried to send him as their press person, and he’s been in numerous internet and print articles including US Weekly, Star Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Washington Post.

When asked about American Idol, Marturano responded, “I’d like to do something for IdoI Gives Back like donating a portion of the revenue that comes in from people downloading Stalker from my website.” I am grateful to American Idol for everything that has happened and believe it or not, I am a Simon Cowell fan, especially a fan of what he does for the animals. I like most of his (Cowell) decisions on the show but if Simon put any of the top twelve finalists from American Idol on a stage with the instrument of their choice, no band, and put me on a stage with my piano, I am very confident that I will out perform all of them.”

For more information visit http://www.cascamorto.com/ or www.myspace.com/4paulm

It's Raining Gay on Larry Birkhead

Apprently, Anna Nicole Smith's belated son was not the only gay in her life. Big Mo, Anna's body guard, spoke out in a recent interview to Access Hollywood about his gay findings concerning Anna Nicole's ex husband Larry Birkhead.

"Because of how Larry looked, she figured, oh my child would look great," Big Moe told Access Hollywood's Tony Potts. "Blonde hair, blue eyes, you know, 'Go great with me and my baby will come out beautiful.'"

"So basically, from what she told you and what you’re telling me is that Anna looked at Larry as a sperm donor to get a really beautiful child?" Tony asked.

"That's it," Big Moe said.

According to Big Moe, Larry wasn't the typical guy Anna went for.

"Anybody that's been around Anna, they would know that Larry wouldn't be her type. First of all, she liked men that was wealthy, I mean that's no secret," Big Moe said.

Big Moe also claims Anna told him that due to his "lifestyle" there would be no strings attached.

"What's his lifestyle?" Tony asked.

"Well, she told me that, you know, he was a homosexual," Big Moe said. "She knew deep down that he didn't want to be with her."

For the full visit Access Hollywood

Let's Get Chaotic With A News Update

CHAOTIC® TRADING CARD GAME BUILDS MOMENTUM AT RETAIL AND ONLINE

Innovative Trading Card Game with Patented Online Functionality
Now Available at over 10,000 Locations

Over 2 Million Cards Registered, More Than 1 Million Visits
and Nearly 200,000 Games Played on ChaoticGame.com

4Kids Launches Multi-Million Dollar Advertising & Marketing Program To Further Support Chaotic® In the Marketplace

New York (February, 2008) – The Chaotic Trading Card Game™ – which integrates a collectible trading card game with a unique online game experience – is establishing itself as the exciting new game of the year. With robust distribution at major retailers nationwide, millions of cards in play online at www.ChaoticGame.com and a popular television series, momentum for the franchise is growing rapidly.

4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE), the children’s entertainment powerhouse that turned the trading card-based properties Pokémon® and Yu-Gi-Oh! ® into worldwide sensations, and its subsidiary TC Digital Games LLC, have begun to unleash a multi-million dollar marketing and advertising program to further fuel the excitement for its new property.

In just over two months, the Chaotic Trading Card Game has firmly established a strong footprint at retail in both the specialty arena and mass market. The cards are now available in more than 10,000 locations across North America with a presence at such retail outlets as Target, Toys”R”Us, Wal-Mart, GameStop, Kmart, f.y.e. and Suncoast, as well as at hundreds of local comic and hobby stores.

The Chaotic® Online Game Experience continues to increase in popularity, with more than 2 million online cards registered, over one million online visits logged and nearly 200,000 games played online since its October 24, 2007 Beta launch. At the beginning of February 2008, traffic to the site has increased 50% from the first week of January. While the physical cards are currently only available in the U.S. and Canada, the online Chaotic game has been experienced by players from more than 70 different countries, many of who have acquired a limited number of virtual cards available through the Internet and have registered – further evidence of the global appeal of this multi-platform property.

“It’s very encouraging and satisfying to see that the recognition of the Chaotic Trading Card Game has reached a point where you can now find it at America’s favorite retailers,” said Bryan C. Gannon, President and CEO of TC Digital Games LLC. “With the support of these retailers we envision reaching many more Chaotic Game players and collectors for both the offline and online Chaotic Game. The Online Game at www.ChaoticGame.com continues to add new features during this important phase of development with Mugic, the musical spells of Chaotic being the most recent addition.”

4Kids Entertainment and TC Digital Games are supporting Chaotic with a multi-million dollar television advertising campaign on kid-targeted media including 4Kids TV™ (the four-hour kids’ block on FOX Saturday mornings), Cartoon Network, Jetix/Toon Disney, Nickelodeon, KidsWB (the CW network), along with tween demo fare on Adult Swim, G4 and MTV.

To further fuel the excitement, fans will soon be able to take the Chaotic experience to the next level with the launch of official Chaotic Organized Play programs. “Beginning this month, 4Kids Entertainment and TC Digital Games will provide comic and hobby stores nationwide with custom-designed resources to organize both casual and certified Chaotic tournaments for up to 20 players at a time,” added Gannon. “Each Organized Play program will offer players exciting prizes, including exclusive or variant Chaotic Trading Cards. In subsequent months, the program will expand to include Chaotic Hobby Leagues and Online Tournaments.”

Chaotic is the first property specifically utilizing patented technology to seamlessly integrate trading card game play with interactive Web-based functionality and an instructive nationally broadcast television series. These patents provide each Chaotic Trading Card with a unique alphanumeric code that enables Chaotic players to upload their personal card collection onto the Chaotic Online Game at www.ChaoticGame.com for no additional cost. Since its launch, additional new game play features, including “Locations,” three-on-three game play functionality and a Web-based trade sector that allows users to trade their Chaotic cards online with other players, has added interest and increased activity on ChaoticGame.com.

“Preliminary signs indicate that Chaotic is capturing the imagination, interest and involvement of kids across the country,” said Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. “We are encouraged by all the increasing activity – at retail, online and on screen.”

Complementing the Chaotic Trading Card Game is the Chaotic animated TV series, which airs Saturday mornings on the 4Kids TV block on FOX stations nationwide, daily on the Jetix block of Toon Disney and on Teletoon in Canada, where the show is the network’s #1 ranked program among Boys 2-11 (A.C. Nielsen 9/3/07–1/19/08). The series follows the adventures of a group of teens that are fans of the Chaotic Trading Card and Online Game. By watching the animated series, viewers can discover battle strategies that will ultimately help them master Chaotic for both online and offline game play.

About 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.
With U.S. headquarters in New York City, regional offices for its trading card business in San Diego, California and international offices in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) is a global organization devoted to the creation, development, production, broadcasting, distribution, licensing and manufacturing of children’s entertainment products.

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, 4Kids produces animated television series and films, distributes 4Kids’ produced or licensed animated television series for the domestic and international television and home video markets, licenses merchandising rights worldwide to 4Kids’ owned or represented properties, operates Web sites to support 4Kids’ owned or represented properties, and produces and markets collectible trading card games. Additionally, the Company programs and sells the national advertising time in a four-hour “4KidsTV” block which airs on nearly 200 affiliated FOX television stations Saturday mornings. Beginning in September 2008, the Company will also program and sell the national advertising time in the five-hour Saturday morning block on The CW television network.

Additional information is available on the www.4KidsEntertainment.com corporate web site and at the www.4Kids.tv game station site.

If I got this for Valentine's Day I just might cry!

While browsing the internet I stumbled upon a picture of this hideous vase. Forget those heart-shaped boxed of candy or plushies, this heart vase was modeled after the actual organ. Wonder what type of flowers you should put in the left and right ventricles??? Wow, honey, just what I have always wanted, you gave me a heart, literally! This vase is selling for 450.00 and was manufactured by Justin Parker and Andi Kovel, and is part of a limited edition of 200 numbered and signed.

Sports Illustrated Cover

Sports Illustrated hits newsstands today and who's on the cover?? Supermodel Marissa Miller and she looks hot. This is her 7th apparence in the mag but her first cover.

Another Hilton Arrested

Paris Hilton’s 18-year-old younger brother Barron was arrested Tuesday morning for driving under the influence. He blew in a BAC at a reading of .14 which is almost twice as much as much as California’s legal limit of .08. However, for those under 21 a BAC of any level is considered legally drunk.

Hilton was also arrested for carrying a fake California driver’s license. He faces a one year license suspension for being under age with a DUI and could, in fact, go to jail. However, first time offenders, and of course children of wealthy parents, often only receive probation. I guess only time will tell if he will follow in the steps of his big sis'and end up behind bars.

Headlines Only Needed - Today's Top One Line Stories

Paula Abdul Photographed by a Fan While Sitting in a Rest Room

Howard The Duck Creator and Comic Books Writer Steve Gerber Passes Away

We're Pretty Sure Fergie and Fiance Josh Duhamel are Pregnat

Patty Shaw Hearst’s French Bulldog won a silver medal at the Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show

Shrek: The Musical To Open on Broadway in December 2008

Rihanna Is Feeling Fine After Her Post-Grammy Car Crash

Siegfried and Roy To Return For One Hight Next February For The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute

Frank Reached Drove Past The One Million Mile Mark In His 1991 Chevrolet Silverado

Hollywood Writer's WGA Strike Finally Over?

Hollywood writers may end the three-month-old strike this week after their union approved a tentative labor contract with film and television studios.
Writers Guild of America boards on both coasts asked members to ratify the agreement during the next 10 to 12 days, union leaders said. A separate vote on whether to end the strike is taking place in the next two day, meaning writers may return to work by February 13.
In a nutshell, it has been reported that the writers will get a 3/3.5% increase per year in the minumum pay and get about 2% of the advertising revenue online. Many member felt that the pay increase should have been based more on DVD sales than the internet, but overall, everyone was satisfied with the final agreement.
The strike cost the Los Angeles economy nearly 2 billion dollars, and put the Oscars telecast at 'great risk', at least as much of a risk that a TV show could actually be in.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said today in a statement that "A sensible end to the strike is a win-win for California and the country because the entertainment industry is so important to our economy and so many Californians can now get back to work."
Several television shows will attempt to pick up for the rest of the season, which may be extended through June for some shows. Other network programs, like NBC's Heroes, are finished for this season; fan will have to wait until the fall of '08 to see new episodes.

Amy Winehouse's Sweeping Wins

Amy Winehouse rocked the Grammys on Sunday night with her five award wins and remote satellite performance of her autobiographical single “Rehab.” The troubled twenty-four-year-old singer seemed shocked when she was announced as the record of the year winner, and was immediately enveloped by friends and family.

Winehosue pulled in awards for best new artist, song of the year, pop vocal album, and remote pop vocal performance, and only lost the final prize of album of the year to Herbie Hancock’s jazz album “River: The Joni Letters.”

She told The Associated Press “I am so proud of this album, I put my heart and soul into it and it’s wicked to be recognized in this way. I feel truly honored to be mentioned in the same breath as many of the artists present tonight and to win is even more amazing!”

Go Amy! She seems like such a sweet girl, lets hope she stays on track in rehab.

Watch Out American Idol Big Shot Live Is At A Computer Near You!

BIG SHOT LIVE REACHES 28,221 UNIQUE USERS GENERATING OVER HALF A MILLION PAGE VIEWS IN ONLY 24 HOURS!

Big Shot Live

Big Shot Live is the first-ever national online talent search that gives one person, every day, the chance to audition in front of a Hollywood powerbroker for entertainment industry opportunities. Big Shot Live officially launched their website yesterday, January 28 to an immense success of online traffic. Big Shot Live’s website received 28,221 unique users, generating over 507,882 page views in less than twenty-four hours.

“The successful launch of Big Shot Live proves that there are plenty of people in American excited to show off their talents,” said Jak Severson, partner at Madison Road and executive producer of Big Shot Live. “Our goal is to reach our audience numbers in the millions in the upcoming weeks. With our original programming, we feel we have a great opportunity for Hollywood hopefuls to go after their dreams and make them a reality.

Big Shot Live is the first-ever national online talent search that gives one person, every day, the chance to audition in front of a Hollywood powerbroker for entertainment industry opportunities ranging from a guest role on a TV show or in a movie, to a model in a commercial advertisement or dancer in a music video.

All it takes to join to Big Shot Live is a valid U.S. zip code. Once you have entered your zip code or accessed the site via a local news station website (if you meet the age and other eligibility requirements), simply fill out the basic registration form and upload your video audition.

Uniquely designed to give anyone across America a lasting chance at fame, Big Shot Live accelerates the difficult path to Hollywood stardom by connecting real people with real opportunities in real time. And rather than leave it to a group of out of touch judges to decide whether or not you should go to Hollywood, we leave it to you to rally votes from your friends, family, co-workers and anyone else to launch you into the final five auditioners from which one person will be selected to audition in Hollywood.

Each participant's trip to Hollywood is captured in a three to six-minute webisode starring the comedic Big Shot Live managers. There's no telling what will happen in an audition. Dreams will be made, dreams will be broken . . . and our cameras will be rolling.

“Big Shot Live” is produced by Madonna’s Maverick Television (The Riches), Madison Road Entertainment (Treasure Hunters) and James Bruce Productions (The Restaurant, Meet Mister Mom). “Big Shot Live” is distributed by CBS Television Distribution.

CALLING ALL MODELS, DANCERS, ACTORS, SINGERS, COMEDIANS, ETC.

WHAT: Do you have what it takes to be a Big Shot Live finalist? Big Shot Live is looking for your videos now. The clock is ticking so start by uploading your audition videos and rally up your friends and family to vote!

WHO: Anyone can participate: All it takes to join to Big Shot Live is a valid U.S. zip code. Once you have entered your zip code or accessed the site via a local news station website (if you meet the age and other eligibility requirements), simply fill out the basic registration form and upload your video audition. Big Shot Live is looking for aspiring actors, singers, dancers, models, TV show hosts, comedians, and those who have hidden talents with sports tricks!

WHERE: This is the best part! You can audition from ANYWHERE! Start now by having your friends/family help you create your audition tape in your bedroom, backyard, living room, etc!

WHEN: Big Shot Live is taking your submissions NOW! The first finalist was chosen on February 4. The first airdate for that participant will be February 11th. Big Shot Live will keep the dreams going for Hollywood hopefuls for at least 91 days!
www.bigshotlive.com – Sign up now for your “Big Shot” now!

Grammy Performances

Check out Amy Winehouse's performance of "You Know I'm No Good"/"Rehab." Winehouse performed via satellite because her visa was originally denied, and when it was finally approved, it was too late for her to make it to the show.

Winehouse won five Grammys for record and song of the year, best new artist, best female pop vocalist and best pop vocal album for her single "Rehab" and the album Back to Black.


Kanye West performed "Stronger" and, as a tribute to his deceased mother, "Hey Mama." He took home four awards for best rap album, best rap solo performance for "Stronger," best rap performance for "Southside" with Common and best rap/sung collaboration for "Good Life" with T-Pain.


Rihanna also performed her hits "Umbrella"/"Don't Stop the Music." The singer scored a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration with Jay-Z for "Umbrella."


Carrie Underwood won two awards for "Before He Cheats," which she performed at the show. She won the categories of Female Country Vocal Performance and Country Song.

Roy Schneider star of "Jaws" has passed

75 year old actor Roy Schneider, most widely known for his role as the police chief in the movie "Jaws". Schneider was a two time Oscar nominee. The star died in Arkansas, at The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Hospital in Little Rock. The immediate cause of death is unknown at this time.

The 2008 Grammy Winners

The 50th Anniversary Grammy awards ceremony is over, in case you missed the show
here is a complete list of all of last night winners!

Album of the Year:

Herbie Hancock - River: The Joni Letters

Record of the Year:

Amy Winehouse - Rehab

Song of the Year:

Amy Winehouse - "Rehab"

Best New Artist:

Amy Winehouse

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance:

Amy Winehouse - "Rehab"

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance:

Justin Timberlake - "What Goes Around
... Comes Around"

Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals:

Maroon 5 - "Makes
Me Wonder"

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals:

"Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)"
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Best Pop Vocal Album:

Back to Black Amy Winehouse

Best Dance Recording:

"LoveStoned/I Think She Knows" Justin Timberlake
Nate (Danja) Hills, Timbaland & Justin Timberlake, producers; Jimmy Douglass
& Timbaland, mixers Track from: FutureSex/LoveSounds

Best Electronic/Dance Album:

We Are The Night The Chemical Brothers

Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance:

"Radio Nowhere" Bruce Springsteen
Track from: Magic

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals:

The White Stripes -
"Icky Thump"

Best Hard Rock Performance:

Foo Fighters - "The Pretender"

Best Metal Performance:

"Final Six" Slayer Track from: Christ
Illusion

Best Rock Song:

"Radio Nowhere" Bruce Springsteen, songwriter
(Bruce Springsteen) Track from: Magic

Best Rock Album:

Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace Foo Fighters

Best Alternative Music Album:

Icky Thump The White Stripes

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance:

"No One" Alicia Keys Track
from: As I Am

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance:

"Future Baby Mama" Prince
Track from: Planet Earth

Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals:

"Disrespectful"
Chaka Khan (featuring Mary J. Blige) Track from: Funk This

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance:

"In My Songs" Gerald
Levert Track from: In My Songs

Best Urban/Alternative Performance:

"Daydreamin'" Lupe Fiasco
(featuring Jill Scott) Track from: Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor

Best R&B Song:

"No One" Dirty Harry, Kerry Brothers &
Alicia Keys, songwriters (Alicia Keys)

Best R&B Album:

Funk This Chaka Khan

Best Contemporary R&B Album:

Because of You Ne-Yo

Best Rap Solo Performance:

"Stronger" Kanye West Track from: Graduation


Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group:

"Southside" Common (featuring
Kanye West) Track from: Finding Forever

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:

"Umbrella" Rihanna (featuring Jay-Z)
Track from: Good Girl Gone Bad

Best Rap Song:

"Good Life" Aldrin Davis, Mike Dean, Faheem Najm
& Kanye West, songwriters (J. Ingram & Q. Jones, songwriters) (Kanye West
Featuring T-Pain)

Best Rap Album:

Graduation Kanye West

Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media:

"Love You I Do" (From "Dreamgirls") Siedah Garrett & Henry
Krieger, songwriters (Jennifer Hudson)

Best Spoken Word Album:

·Barack Obama "The Audacity of Hope:
Thoughts on Reclaiming The American Dream"

Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For A Motion Picture, Television Or Other
Visual Media:

Love (The Beatles) George Martin & Giles Martin, producers

Best Score Soundtrack Album For A Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual
Media:

"Ratatouille" Michael Giacchino, composer

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical:

Mark Ronson · Back To Black
(Amy Winehouse) · "Littlest Things" (Lily Allen) · "Rehab"
(Amy Winehouse) · Version (Mark Ronson) · "You Know I'm No
Good" (Amy Winehouse)

Best Short Form Music Video:

"God's Gonna Cut You Down" Johnny
Cash Tony Kaye, video director; Rachel Curl, video producer

Grammys Red Carpet

Check out these photos of some of your favorite stars on the red carpet at this evening's Grammy Awards!






top to bottom: Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Fergie, Beyonce, Taylor Swift

Kat Von D Not A Racist

Former Miami Ink co-star Kat Von D has make it very clear that she did not write the now infamous signature making the rounds online and tells her myspace fans "... I cannot begin to tell you how disgusted and disappointed i am with the recent rumors that started circulating around town, all of which are COMPLETELY FALSE."

"For those of you that HAVE received signed 8x10's from me in the past, you can CLEARLY see that this is a slanderous case of FORGERY, FRAUD, and attempt at getting attention."

"I am in no way, planning on discussing this topic any further with press, and refuse to feed into this drama. this is what they want, attention. But I have always felt like my MySpace was a place where true fans go, and we can stay connected through my blogs and bulletins. This is why I feel this inclined to let you guys be aware of the truth."

"Thanks for those of you who took the time to listen to me, and continue to support everything good that we are trying to get across, because from the bottom of my heart, i love EVERYONE."

I believe her. What do you think?

Heath Ledger's Funeral

Hundreds of mourners attended a memorial service for Heath Ledger in his hometown of Perth, Australia on Saturday. Ledger's ex Michelle Williams, and their daughter Matilda, joined the 28-year-old actor's family and friends at Penrhos College.

Also in attendance was fellow Australian Cate Blanchett, who spoke about the time she spent with Ledger in Los Angeles. Ledger's parents and sister also spoke, as did Neil Armfield, the director of the deceased actor's last Australian film, 2006's "Candy." Ledger's family also prepared a video tribute of Ledger in films and with Matilda.

Kim Ledger, the late actor's father, said a private funeral in Perth would follow the memorial service. He did not disclose the location. "The funeral will be very, very private and there will only be 10 people there, immediate family and no one else," Kim Ledger told reporters earlier in the day.

"It's a pretty sad time. We're finding it difficult to cope by ourselves, let alone cope with everyone around the world," he added. "Having said that, we do really appreciate the outpouring and emotional support from all over the globe."

UPDATE: The intimate service, where Ledger's cremated remains were buried, was held at Fremantle Cemetary. "It was a very emotional service," a source told People. Aferwards, they all went to the Indiana Tea House on Cottesloe Beach, where Michelle Williams appeared visibly shaken and was crying.

There, Williams and 50 others, including attendees of the earlier wake, ran onto the beach behind the restaurant and plunged into the ocean. "It's exactly what Heath would have wanted," a mourner told People.

Winehouse to perform at Grammys via satellite

Although Amy Winehouse's visa was denied, thus preventing her from attending Sunday's 50th Annual Grammy Awards, she has found a way to still perform!

The troubled British singer, who was nominated in six categories, will perform material from her album, Back to Black, via satellite. Grammy officials announed that she will sing from a London studio.

Winehouse was nominated for Record of the Year ("Rehab"), Album of the Year (Back to Black), Song of the Year ("Rehab"), Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance ("Rehab") and Best Pop Vocal Album (Back to Black).

Winehouse and Kanye West, who has eight nominations, are expected to dominate the awards this year.

UPDATE: Winehouse's visa eventually came through, but not in time for her to travel to Los Angeles to attend the Grammys. According to her representatives, she will continue with the backup plan to perform via satellite.

Miley Cyrus leads Kids Choice nominees

Tween star Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana leads the race in Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards nominations. Jack Black is returning as the host of the show, which will air on March 29. Viewers vote online for the winner, who is then doused in green slime at the live broadcast. See below for the list of nominees in its entirety.

Movie: "Alvin and the Chipmunks," "Are We Done Yet?," "The Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," "The Transformers."

Male Movie Star: Ice Cube, Johnny Depp, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Eddie Murphy.

Animated Movie: "Shrek The Third," "Bee Movie," "Ratatouille," "The Simpsons Movie."

Female Movie Star: Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Kirsten Dunst, Keira Knightley.

Voice From an Animated Movie: Cameron Diaz, Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld.

Song: "Beautiful Girls" (Sean Kingston), "Big Girls Don't Cry" (Fergie), "Don't Matter," (Akon), "Girlfriend" (Avril Lavigne.)

Male Singer: Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Soulja Boy, Justin Timberlake.

Music Group: Boys Like Girls, Fall Out Boy, Jonas Brothers, Linkin Park.

Female Singer: Beyonce, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, Alicia Keys.

TV Show: "Drake & Josh," "Hannah Montana," "iCarly," "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody."

Reality Show: "America's Next Top Model," "American Idol," "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?," "Deal or no Deal."

Television Actress: Miley Cyrus ("Hannah Montana"), Emma Roberts ("Unfabulous"), Jamie Lynn Spears ("Zoey 101"), Raven-Symone ("That's So Raven").

Television Actor: Drake Bell ("Drake & Josh"), Josh Peck ("Drake & Josh"), Dylan Sprouse ("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody"), Cole Sprouse ("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody").

Cartoon: "Avatar: The Last Airbender," "Ed, Edd and Eddy," "The Simpsons," "SpongeBob SquarePants."

Male Athlete: Tony Hawk, Shaquille O'Neal, Alex Rodriguez, Tiger Woods.

Female Athlete: Cheryl Ford, Danica Patrick, Serena Williams, Venus Williams.

Video Game: "Dance Dance Revolution," "Guitar Hero," "High School Musical: Sing It!", "Madden NFL '08."

Book: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight, Volume One: The Long Way Home," "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "Harry Potter series," "How to Eat Fried Worms."

NYILFF Animation Contest

This is the first ever animation contest the New York International Latino Film Festival [NYILFF] has done, and it’s still looking for new submissions. If you know of any talented film makers and animators [you or your readers] please let them know they have time to submit their own film soon!

The winner will receive:
All expenses paid, 3 day trip for two to the 2008 New York International Latino Film Festival, where the winning animation will be featured, and $5,000 to produce two additional 3-minute animated webisodes

For more information on the contest guidelines and how to enter, please visit www.cinedulce.com/suzuki.

We also have a promo clip which we’d like you to check out here: http://www.spike.com/profile/wiredset/video/2934584?sublisting=videos&page=1

Mitt Romney Withdraws from Republican Presidential Primary

Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, announced this afternoon at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference that he is dropping out of the campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Romney, who views himself as the “true conservative choice,” previously had vowed to continue running even after the disastrous results of the Super Tuesday primary contests.

He claimed that he withdrew in order to unify the Republican Party and stated that “Because I love America, in this time of war, I feel I have to stand aside for our party and our country.”

With Romney out of the running, Arizona Senator John McCain will likely win the Republican candidacy. McCain’s only opponent left is Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, and while Huckabee is an articulate and affable candidate--winning six Southern states on Super Tuesday--he has a lack of experience in foreign affairs and a lack of funds which will probably prove detrimental to his campaign.

Amy Winehouse Unable to Attend Grammys

British singer Amy Winehouse was temporarily released from rehab on Monday, so she could apply for a US visa, where she was subsequently turned-down by the US Embassy.

The terms of her treatment dictated that the twenty-four-year-old star be under supervision at all times, and she went to the US Embassy accompanied by both her father and a nurse.

Although it is believed that she was seeking a visa so she could attend the Grammys in LA on Feb 10th, her reps issue a statements claiming "The appointment at the U.S. Embassy was made some time ago and was part of process for obtaining a visa. No decision has been made about the Grammys.”

After she was arrested in Norway last October for possession of cannabis, Winehouse was banned from the US. The star was turned down for a visa by the US Embassy in London, and will be forced to stay in rehab.

Her rep also claims that “Amy has been progressing well since entering a rehabilitation clinic two weeks ago and although disappointed with the decision has accepted the ruling and will be concentrating on her recovery.”

Winehouse has been nominated for six awards, and ironically, Amy’s single “Rehab” is up for both record and song of the year.

Kirsten Dunst is in rehab

Kirsten Dunst is the latest celebrity to enter rehab at Utah's Cirque Lodge Treatment Center. Eva Mendes also recently checked in, and Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate Olsen were past patients.

A source close to the party-girl actress confirmed to People that Dunst, 25, has indeed entered rehab.

When she attended the recent Sundance Film Festival, she reportedly displayed erratic behavior, and the following day she was a no-show to her own Glamour magazine party.

According to an inside source, this behavior continued when she checked in to Cirque. "She desperately needed help. She seemed to be intoxicated when she checked in because she was acting really erratic. She was extremely emotional, constantly breaking down in tears. She is not in a good place right now, but, thankfully, she’s getting the help she needs."

Representatives for the actress could not be reached for comment.

The Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav

The Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav – Extended & Uncensored” hits stores everywhere 2/12/08 on DVD!

What happens when the best insult comics in the business take aim at the easiest target on television? You get the unbelievably raw and often shocking Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav. Join Roastmaster Katt Williams and fellow Roasters Snoop Dogg, Lisa Lampanelli, Ice T, Patton Oswalt, Jimmy Kimmel and many more as they take on Flav’s history of livin’, lovin’ and lampin’.

Some bonus features include over 40 additional minutes, red carpet interviews, backstage pass, Flav gives a tour, and Flav-cam bonus footage.

- Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Flav

- Snoop Dog Roasts Flav

Flavor Flav Roast Highlights

Posted Today

The Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav: Extended and Uncensored is available on DVD February 12th.

Brangelina's High-Risk Pregnancy

According to the National Enquirer, Angelina’s pregnancy is rumored to be an attempt to save her and Brad’s marriage. Over the last year Angie has been scared that Brad would leave her if she did not give him another biological child.

Although Brad is equally devoted to his adopted children as he is to Shiloh, he still wanted to have another biological baby. The couple would argue on whether they should adopt or try for another, and the actress became worried that she was unable to get pregnant. They resorted to in vitro fertilization, and now Brangelina is pregnant with twins. A National Enquirer insider claims that “She really believes that the new babies will finally put to rest the problems in their relationship.”

Life & Style also reports that Angelina is facing a high-risk pregnancy with either twins or triplets, and that she is taking several safeguards to protect the health of the babies. Angelina has had several cramping scares, but she and Brad have been reassured by doctors that the ultrasound looks fine. As an additional precautionary measure, the couple has hired a full-time nurse.

J-Lo is Having Twins

Jennifer Lopez’s father David told Escándalo TV that his daughter is having twins. He revealed to the Spanish program that twins are a hereditary trait in his family. This is the first official confirmation of J-lo's multiple pregnancy.

The singer/actress and mother-to-be supposedly planned on a scheduled cesarean section and intends to wear couture, pastel hospital gowns designed by dearjohnnies.com when she checks in to the hospital.

Heath Ledger's Autopsy Results

Health Ledger’s toxicology results have finally come back, and the NY Medical Examiner’s Office has claimed that Ledger’s death was an accident caused by combining too many doctor-prescribed medications.

Heath died of acute intoxication from ingesting oxycodone (OxyContin painkiller), diazepam (the anti-anxiety drug Valium), hydrocodone (Vicodin, a painkiller), alprazolam (Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug), temazepam, and doxylamine. (sleep aids). None of this medication was taken in excess, but even with low dosages, the combination proved lethal.

Heath’s mother Kim Ledger issued the following statement: “We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Few can understand the hollow, wrenching, and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them. Today's results put an end to speculation, but our son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.”

From Porn Star to Virgin Vixen

When you hear Jenna Jameson's name you think of only one thing: Sensuality. Now the adult film starlet has recently dipped her toes in another genre of entertainment, creating her very own kick-ass comic book titled Shadow Hunter where she attempts to save humanity from impending demon attacks as the sexy and sultry Jezzerie Jaden.

To celebrate the release of Shadow Hunter, Virgin Comics is holding its "Family From Hell" contest on its homepage where fans can enter to win an assortment of Jenna and Shadow Hunter shwag, and one grand-prize winner will win a custom sketch by artist Greg Horn of him/her and the Shadow Hunter in a heated death-match. Just follow link to see contest details and how to enter to win! -

Check out what the comic is all about here

Also, Jenna will be on Howard Stern tomorrow morning 7:30am to talk about the comic book, among other things! Shadow Hunter #1 hits stands February 20th

Shadow Hunter MySpace Page
Virgin Comics Store
Virgin Comics Home Page
Shadow Hunter Home Page

Heidi Montag's "Higher"

If you haven't seen enough of The Hills' Heidi Montag frolicking on the beach in a bikini, check out the video for her new song, "Higher."

Katharine McPhee gets married

American Idol season five runner-up Katharine McPhee got married over the weekend to 42-year-old producer boyfriend Nick Cokas.

The 23-year-old singer tied the knot at an afternoon ceremony in Beverly Hills on Saturday.

"[Nick] is the love of my life," McPhee told People. "This is a once in a lifetime occasion and everything is just perfect."

Over 300 guests attended the wedding, including other American Idol contestants Kellie Pickler and Mandisa.

McPhee and Cokas met in 2005 when they were both in a Los Angeles performance of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. They became engaged last year. The two are currently on a honeymoon in Hawaii.

Kardashian Sisters Get Sued

The three eldest Kardashian girls, Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney, are getting sued! Sonja Norwood, the mother of singer Brandy and Kim’s ex-boyfriend Ray J (the co-star in Kim’s accidentally leaked sex-tape), has accused the girls of making unauthorized charges of more than $100,000 on Norwood’s American express card.

Kim, who was a stylist at the time, was given the card to make only ONE purchase, but she apparently lent the card out to her sisters. The suit states that in 2006 the girls spent $63, 793 and in 2007 spent another $57, 841, mostly in their own stores. It seems that even they have trouble keeping up with themselves.

Kim told People that they had permission to use the card and that they have “signatures on all of the items.” Clearly Norwood disagrees. If the lawsuit is won, the Kardashian sisters would have to repay all of the charges plus a ten percent interest.

Daryl Hall To Perform Live at SXSW Music Conference

LOS ANGELES, February 4, 2008 — Daryl Hall will make a special appearance at this year’s South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival, being held in Austin, TX, from March 12-16.

Hall, co-founder of Daryl Hall and John Oates, one of rock music’s best selling artists, will perform as part of SXSW Live, carried on DirecTV’s Blaze TV, the official TV partner for the festival, on March 12 at 8 p.m. The one-hour special will also air over the following 12 months as part of the DirecTV Concert Series, available to 16.5 million subscribers (a potential audience of 40 million). The show will also be available for streaming on http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/, beginning April 15 and will remain on the site for a month for subscribers.

The show will consist of an interview with a champion of the band, followed by Daryl’s live performance and a dialogue with the performer.

Daryl will be participating in other SXSW events culminating with a Q&A session on March 15th.

Daryl recently launched, Live From Daryl’s House, his own monthly webcast featuring free online musical performances with various guest artists; available on his website, http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/. The next installment of the series takes place February 15th.

SXSW Music Conference and Festival is one of the largest, most influential, and most anticipated music events of the year. Artists, agents, promoters, and talent buyers mix and mingle with hundreds of media representatives, managers, legal experts, and other professionals to hear amazing music of every genre and conduct crucial business. SXSW Conference and Festival draws over 11,000 music industry professionals for compelling panels, industry discussions, demo listening sessions, trade show exhibits, and five nights of music by more that 1,500 acts hailing from every corner of the United States and over 30 different countries. SXSW takes place March 12 - 16, 2008 at the Austin Convention Center and music venues throughout central Austin.

Jonathan Wolfson
Wolfson Public Relations

Rapper 50 cent makes Paris Cry!

Rap artist 50 cent was able to reduce socialite heiress Paris Hilton to tears at a Super Bowl part in Arizona. Paris Hilton was playing host at the Super Bowl bash for 944 magazine, and 50 Cent was there main stage performance. Here is how it all went down: It seems that Miss Paris is quite the fan of 50 Cent, almost to groupie status ever since the two met up at the Sundance Film Festival. 50 Cent's performance started off without a hitch, Paris was grooving along, and 50 gave her a shout out. Now things get ugly! Apparently Paris took that shout out as an invitation to hop on the stage and groove some more, but 50 was having none of that. The rapper yelled " Get the f**k, off my stage when Paris climbed up. This reduced Paris to tears who began whining to all those who would listen " But, it's my party"....awww....I say, too bad, so sad, we can't always get everything we want, can we? Guess 50 Cent didn't feel like sharing the stage that night.
After all the tears were dried, it is claimed that Paris and 50 Cent still remain friends!

Brit's dad keeps custody

In another hearing this morning, a court commissioner decided to extend Jamie Spears' temporary conservatorship over daughter Britney until February 14.

James Spears and Britney's attorney, Andrew Wallet, were first granted control of the singer's personal and financial affairs on Friday.

According to Adam Streisand, who tried to enter the case as Britney Spears' lawyer, the star is unhappy with the decision.

"She has expressed to me very strongly that her father not be the conservator," Streisand said. "There has been an estrangement for quite some time. With him as conservator, that is causing her more agitation and more distress."

Jamie Spears' lawyer, Vivian Thoreen, disagreed with Streisand's arguments. "He's not here to take over her assets," Thoreen said. "He's here to get her medical help. He's here to take over while she's healing."

Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz denied Streisand's request to be Spears' counsel, and also extended the restraining order against the singer's friend/manager, Sam Lutfi.

Meanwhile, Spears, who was originally scheduled to be released from UCLA's psychiatric ward on Sunday, after spending 72 hours for a mental evaluation, will be staying for two weeks instead.

According to California state law, patients may be kept for medical treatment if they are gravely disabled or a danger to themselves or others.

THE VENTURES ENTER THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME MARCH 10

The legendary instrumental band, which formed in the Seattle-Tacoma area of Washington, 49 years ago with the release of the hit single, “Walk Don’t Run,” will enter those hallowed halls on March 10 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, where they will be joined by Leonard Cohen, The Dave Clark Five, Madonna and John Mellencamp at the 23rd Annual Induction Dinner.

“After 22 years of being overlooked, the excitement kind of fades, but it’s still the ultimate reward,” says the outspoken Wilson. “You can’t get a higher honor.”

Joining fellow Seattle native Jimi Hendrix as the Pacific Northwest’s only Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, The Ventures’ honor may be long overdue, but it comes just in time for the band to mark its 50th anniversary next year.

After releasing the single, “Walk Don’t Run,” on their own label, Blue Horizon, started by Don’s own mother, Wilson, along with co-founding bassist Bob Bogle, guitarist Nokie Edwards and drummer Howie Johnson (and very soon after, Mel Taylor), saw the song hit #2 on the pop chart in the summer of 1960, prevented from going #1 by a combination of Chubby Checker’s “The Twist,” Elvis Presley’s “Now or Never,” Brian Hyland’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” and Roy Orbison’s “Only the Lonely.”

That was just the beginning of a run that would land the band a string of Gold albums and singles, 200 plus albums released in over 100 countries and almost 100 million albums sold, including a mind-boggling 50 million in Japan alone, where they remain superstars to this day.

Credited with creating the foundation for the surf-rock genre, the group’s string of hit singles included “Perfidia,” “Walk Don’t Run 64” and “Hawaii 5-0,” as well as the only instructional album, Play Guitar with the Ventures, to ever hit the Billboard chart. Along with the hit singles, The Ventures had monster LP-hits with “Pipeline,” “Wipeout” and the “Lonely Bull.”

The band has also been an admitted influence on such music superstars as fellow Hall of Famers George Harrison, John Fogerty, Stephen Stills, Joe Walsh, Jimmy Page, Elton John and Aerosmith.

The group, which now includes Don Wilson, lead guitarists Nokie Edwards, Gerry McGee and drummer Leon Taylor, son of the original Venture Mel Taylor, who died in 1996, continues to tour, having just returned from a trip to Japan. This summer, a book about the group’s history, in part compiled by Don’s mother, will be published.
Mel Taylor's widow, Fiona Taylor, who is also The Ventures' manager, said "Mel would have loved this! He would have been incredibly proud - it's a validation of the group's place in rock 'n' roll history."

“I keep telling people I don’t like the word ‘posthumously,” laughs Wilson. “So I’m kind of glad we are being inducted now.”

Legendary Group Sold Almost 100 Million Worldwide During Their Career, With Hits Such as “Walk Don’t Run,” “Perfidia,” ”Secret Agent Man” and “Hawaii 5-0”

The Super Bowl Was Super Watched

Due partially to the New York Giants impressive upset triumph over the New England Patriots, early findings have shown that the rating for this years Super Bowl have increased between 6 and 9 percent from last years game.

Although Nielsen does not have clear numbers on how many people actually watched the game, Nielsen Media Research has shown that the Fox Broadcast had a 44.7 rating and a 66. Last year’s Super Bowl, between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears, had a viewership of 93.2 million.

This year’s game has a chance of becoming the most-watched Super Bowl ever, and the second most-watched broadcast. The current most-watched Super Bowl was the 1996 game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers seen by 94.1 million, and the most-watched broadcast was the series finale of M-A-S-H which pulled in 106 million viewers.

TiVo has reported that the commercial were watched more than the game, and the average price of an advertisement was $2.7 million for a 30 second segment. TiVo maintains that the most watched commercial during the game was the E-trade advertisement that featured a baby talking about stocks.

New York Giants win Super Bowl !

The underdog team has come up victorious in this years Super Bowl. The New York Giants triumphed over the favored New England Patriots in this years game. With only 35 seconds left in the game the Giants quarterback Eli Manning, whose older brother is Peyton Manning who led the Indianapolis Colts to win in last years Super Bowl, threw a 13 yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress as the clock was running out. This game was a major upset to the favored New England Patriots who were 18-0 going into the Super Bowl. This was a huge disappointment to the Patriots, who were looking to complete a perfect season. It was a close game, and definitely will be marked in NFL history. Congratulations to the New York Giants, this years well deserved champions!

Posh Spice Sexiest Mom

Victoria's Secret has named Victoria Beckham the sexiest mom. Can you believe that there are children in the world calling her mom??

Dad granted legal control over Britney

In an emergency hearing Friday, Jamie Spears was granted temporary legal custody of daughter Britney until the next hearing on Monday.

Commissioner Reva Goetz said she felt it was in Spears' "best interest," and also gave Jamie Spears the right to "prosecute any civil harassment restraining orders." According to Court rep Allan Parachini, "there was a civil harassment restraining order issued against Sam Lutfi," the singer's pal and manager.

Spears' father will now have control over Spears' hospital visitors and can employ security guards. He has access to her finances and medical records and can speak to her doctors, although he does not currently have any authority over her treatment.

Jamie Spears and wife Lynne left the courtroom without speaking to reporters, but Lutfi spoke out before the decision was made: "I object to this. Britney is fully capable of handling her own finances. Her doctors are capable of handling her health care," Lutfi told People. "You'd think in a time like this, the family would be at the hospital taking care of their daughter, rather than fighting for her money. How sad."

Meanwhile, a source close to Spears' ex-husband, Kevin Federline, stated Federline is in support of the singer's hospitalization. "Kevin legitimately wants Britney to get better. He wants her to be in their sons' lives. He wants them to have a loving relationship. He wants her to get healthy so she can be the mother they need and deserve," the source said.

Remember when Paris Hilton visited David Letterman after her jail stint in September?

Well, during her appearance on the show on Friday, he apologized for badgering her about her time behind bars.

"We have a lovely woman who's been in prison," Letterman said about his behavior during her previous visit. "I put those two things together and my head starts spinning."

"I continued to press the point," Letterman said. "I thought I was hilarious." The next day, he recalled, people told him, "No, you were an ass."

Paris, who stated during the September visit that he was hurting her feelings, supposedly vowed to never return. Letterman wrote her a letter, sent her flowers and cajoled her into coming yesterday to promote her film, "The Hottie and the Nottie."

"I offended you. I'm not here to make enemies, honestly," Letterman told Hilton on Friday. "I'm terribly sorry."

"Yes," Hilton, replied. "And you better not try it again. I hope you got the jail thing out of your system."

Paris & Prince Michael II - Michael Jackson's Kids?

Is this a photo Michael Jackson's children? All reports indicate they are 9 year old Paris Katherine and 5 year old Prince Michael II. I've always believed that MJ's attempt to hide his children was a misguided effort to make them 'normal.' Misguided because I think that alienating them from the outside world and other 'normal' children would be bad for their growth and development. I recall often reading about some 70s-80s popstar who didn't lead a 'normal' life growing up; he had very few chances to meet and play with other children. He was very sheltered from the outside world.
That popstar, obviously, was Michael Jackson himself, and we all know how that turned out.
Some bloggers have said that the above rare photo of his children, without headgear, is a weak publicity attempt by MJ to garner a little bit of the attention into his life. I don't believe that. I think he is, and has been, honestly raising the kids in the best way he knows how. We can mock him for the monkey, the elephant man bones and his personal oxygen tank bed. It's what we do with our celebrities.
But, we should let him off with the hook with his kids. If you ever see the children in the photograph above, leave them alone.
If you make eye contact, give a small smile and or a nod as you pass them by.
Let's hope that they do get a chance for some kind of 'normal' life. It will much more likely if we don't come across another picture like this one.

JAY-Z will headline this summer's Glastonbury Festival!!!

Though January just ended, Hov's had a pretty active 2008. The Glastonbury announcement caps off an eventful week for the mogul. On Monday, JAY-Z premiered an Exclusive Video of "Pray", which was comprised of live footage from his "American Gangster" Tour. Sandwiched between today's announcement and Monday's premiere, JAY and DJ Clue hit the web with "Ain't I" from Clue's upcoming I Am Legend mixtape, among other things.

This summer in the United Kingdom, JAY-Z will, again, be putting on a historical, groundbreaking performance. The Glastonbury Festival is traditionally headlined by Rock and Alternative acts like Radiohead, Coldplay, Muse and Oasis. JAY-Z will be the 1st rapper - not to mention, one of the most successful artists - to ever headline the Festival. Glastonbury Festival organizer, Michael Eavis, told the BBC he was looking to "break with tradition this time and put on something totally different." Getting JAY-Z on stage seems like a pretty good step in that direction.

Check the full article out here
http://www.universalmusic.com/artist-news/jayz-confirmed-glastonbury

Check out the Exclusive Video "Pray"

Heigl is "most desirable"

Katherine Heigl came out on top of an AskMen.com poll of the "most desirable woman of 2008." The lifestyle site, which has seven million readers a month, holds the poll annually to determine 99 women who meet the attributes of an ideal girlfriend or wife.

"This year’s list really goes to show who (our users) relate with and find beautiful, charming and personable," said James Bassil, AskMen.com’s editor-in-chief. The top 10, listed below, is composed of actresses, singers and Victoria's Secret models.

1. Katherine Heigl
2. Alessandra Ambrosio
3. Kate Beckinsale
4. Eva Mendes
5. Jessica Alba
6. Scarlett Johansson
7. Jessica Biel
8. Rihanna
9. Marisa Miller
10. Adriana Lima

Michelle Williams speaks

Michelle Williams issued a statement today in her first public comments since Heath Ledger's death Jan. 22.

"Please respect our need to grieve privately," Williams wrote. "My heart is broken."

Williams, who had a two-year-old daughter, Matilda, with Ledger, also said: "I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father. All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day.

"His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals, and takes steps two at a time, and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up in the best memories of him."

Meanwhile, production on Williams' film Blue Valentine has been halted indefinitely. It was set to begin filming February 25, but it has been put on hold until Williams is ready.

Also struggling with Ledger's sudden demise is Matilda's godfather, actor Jake Gyllenhaal. "Jake is taking this harder than most people," a friend said.

Eva Mendes in rehab

Actress Eva Mendes has reportedly been seeking treatment at Cirque Lodge in Utah for several weeks. The inpatient facility, which primarily deals with substance abuse problems, was frequented by Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate Olsen in the past.

"Eva has been working hard for the past year and made a positive decision to take some much-needed time off to proactively attend to some personal issues that, while not critical, she felt deserved some outside professional support. Out of respect for Eva's privacy, we do not wish to discuss further details," her representative told People today.

The thirty-three-year-old Cuban-American actress has starred in Training Day, Hitch and Ghost Rider. Formerly a Revlon spokeswoman, she is also the new face of Calvin Klein Fragrances' fall ad campaign.

Dr. Alex Karev was Hospitalized

Justin Chambers, the thirty-seven-year-old actor who plays Dr. Alex Karev on Grey’s Anatomy, volantarily checked himself into the psych ward at UCLA Medical Center (the same place Britney spears is staying) on Monday and checked himself out again on Wednesday. A rep has reported that Chambers is “exhausted and suffers from a sleeping disorder.”

The father of five has been married to his wife Keisha since 1993 and began his career as a model, working for Armani and Calvin Klein’s frangance campagin. In addition to Grey’s, he has starred in movies such as The Zodiac and The Musketeer.

Bart Simpson Donates 10 million to Scientology?