celebrity

Michael Jackson at 50: `The best is yet to come'

2008-08-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson at 50: `The best is yet to come'

NEW YORK - Michael Jackson celebrated his 50th birthday Friday, but he's still young at heartI'll just have a little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoons," the pop star said in an interview with ABC News' "Good Morning America." Jackson talked by phone with ABC on Thursday.

Jackson, a twice-divorced father of three, said he aims to provide a normal life for his children.

"I am letting them enjoy their childhood as much as possible. ... I let them go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things. I think that comes naturally. I want them to get to do things I didn't get to do," he said.

"I get pretty emotional when I see them having a wonderful time," he said.

As for his career, Jackson said he's "looking forward to doing a lot of great things. ... I think the best is yet to come in my true humble opinion."

He said recording the blockbuster albums "Thriller" and "Off the Wall" were the happiest times of his life.

"That meant very much to me and seemed to be received so beautifully by the public and the world. You know, I enjoyed it very much," he said.

Jackson was asked if he had received a card from AARP, which focuses on the needs and concerns of those 50 and older.

"Not that I know of!" he said, laughing.

Keri Russell: Caught in the Rain

2008-08-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Keri Russell: Caught in the Rain

Caught out without an umbrella, Keri Russell was spotted making a dash down the street yesterday (August 11) in New York City.

The "Felicity" hottie came out of a deli shop after lunch and jumped inside a YMCA gymnasium to take shelter for a bit. But after a minute or so, she became impatient and decided to brave the weather.

And according to a report, the "Waitress" babe is getting geared up to lend her voice to the new "Wonder Woman" animated flick, along with Rosario Dawson, Virginia Madsen, and Nathan Fillon.

Keri told press, "This story is funny and action-packed and adult in a nice way. Then they said Nathan Fillion (her co-star in Waitress) was playing opposite me, and that made it that much better."

Enjoy the pictures of Keri Russell caught in the rain in NYC (August 11).

Fergie Answers London's Calling

2008-08-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

Fergie Answers London's Calling

Since her solo career blasted off with a song called "London Bridge," it's no wonder Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson has an affinity for the foggy English city.

And the "Big Girls Don't Cry" hottie was spotted arriving at London's Heathrow International Airport earlier today (August 13), looking sexy in a white trench coat.

At the baggage claim, Fergie's assistant had plenty of work to do to arrange all of her luggage on a baggage cart and get it out to the waiting chauffeured car.

Once she had a chance to freshen up and change clothes, the Black Eyed Pea was spotted outside her central London hotel, turning heads in an army-style jumpsuit, funky Christian Louboutin heels, and a matching Louis Vuitton handbag.

Enjoy the pictures of Fergie arriving in London earlier today (August 13).

Eva keeps in touch with Wendy's staff

2008-08-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

Eva keeps in touch with Wendy's staff

Eva Longoria Parker keeps in touch with the Wendy's manager who gave her her first job - because she loved working at the fast food restaurant.The Desperate Housewives star worked at a Wendy's in her native Texas for six years and still has fond memories of her pre-fame job.

She tells Latina magazine, "I loved it. And I still love them. They are an amazing organisation. I still keep in touch with my manager from when I was 14. They are just great to me.

"I wanted to have a quinceanera (15th birthday party), so I went to Wendy's to work to pay for my own quinceanera. I stayed.

"I paid for my cheerleading and everything through that. It was like whatever you want to do outside of school, you have to pay for it. I never had a car because I was always trying to save."

Camden charity starts behind the bar

2008-08-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

Camden charity starts behind the bar

The so-called "Camden caners", the north London celebrity set, have come out in force for a fundraising concert.

But it was not African poverty that was on their minds, nor Aids, nor any other global issue.

It was far more important - a pub.

The word "charity" was banded about a fair bit at the concert in Camden on Thursday.

The Hawley Arms, the famed headquarters of the Camden cool crowd, probably isn't an official charity, though. It's a pub.

But it was ravaged by the fire that hit part of Camden Market six months ago - and the local celebrities want it back.

So they put on a gig at Dingwalls, across the road from the burnt-out site, to raise funds for the pub's reconstruction - and as an excuse for a party.

"It's a blur. It's like a rainbow with Chelsea boots on it."

Noel Fielding is recalling the good times he has had at the Hawley. The Mighty Boosh star was hosting the evening, introducing the acts with his suave, surreal patter.

"It's like a flickbook," he says, mentally thumbing through his memories.

"There's Johnny Borrell. There's Winehouse. There's Kimberly Stewart. There's lots of crazy dancing.

We used to have a garden up the top and I used to run across the ledge in my Chelsea boots. The Ledge of Doom, I called it. They fenced it off because they said: 'You will die and that won't be good publicity.'

"I've had loads of good times there." He goes on to describe inventing a pub game that is half darts, half William Tell shooting an apple off the head, but with exotic fruit.

"I had a gun with sticker darts and we were trying to shoot guavas and mangoes off people's heads. It started off as a bit of fun.

"Before we knew what was happening, there were 40 people involved, there was a league system going, it was amazing."

It is hard to know how much is true and how much is in Fielding's fervent imagination, but there is clearly much affection for the place.

"It was an amazing pub, which we all had some great and messy times in," according to Lois Winstone, daughter of actor Ray.

"There's no other places to have a good drink and a good laugh."

Winstone is a singer and her new group, This Year's Model, performed at the fundraiser.

She put on the most visually arresting performance, dressed like a human glitterball in a mirrored bodice, with black velvet gloves, metallic tights and vampish hair.

Judging by the crowd, the Hawley's dress code was anything goes, with the swinging set recycling and reinventing fashions from every era.

Outside there was a girl in hot pants, laddered tights, big glasses and a big tie talking to a friend in a shimmering ball gown.

Someone else sported a 1940s-style floral headscarf, while on the dancefloor a girl was doing the Charleston to the indie band, Captain Black.

Captain Black are signed to the Hawley's own record label, and two of its members worked behind the bar.

"Amy Winehouse and Johnny Borrell," says drummer and barman Mark Austin, when asked which celebrities were regulars.

"I've never once seen Kate Moss in there. I think maybe Pete Doherty went in once. The press overexaggerates it all the time and it gets a bit out of hand."

Borrell, Razorlight's frontman was one of the unannounced special guests at Dingwalls, playing three of his band's crowd-pleasing hits.

Winehouse, meanwhile, kept us guessing as to whether she would turn up. She was not on the bill, but there were hints that she was due to DJ later.

Meanwhile, there were some non-celebrities singing the praises of the pub - and bumping into famous people was a regular draw.

"It was so sociable, everyone there was amazing and really fun. It was somewhere you could sit back and meet people," says one regular, Karen Kavanagh.

Her friend Ellie Henderson adds: "We started going there because we made some friends who lived in Camden. Every so often you'd sit next to someone and get chatting, and it would turn out that they're a TV presenter."

Helsinki, a "collective" fronted by Babyshambles bassist Drew McConnell, headlined the night and were unexpectedly persuasive with their mix of jazz-folk and dirty indie.

Noel Fielding reappeared after their set to introduce the landlord and head barman, and to ask whether anyone had seen the pub's most famous regular.

Commotion

"We wanted to top it off with Winehouse, but I don't think she's here," he says.

She wasn't, but then a while later, once the crowd had thinned, a big black barnet could be spotted at the edge of the room, with a small jazz singer sheltering beneath it.

Winehouse had made it, and was settling in next to the DJ decks, watched over by bodyguards.

But within a matter of minutes a commotion erupted. Winehouse was having a barney with the DJ and being bundled out of the venue, followed by the lurking paparazzi.

Nobody seemed to know what had sparked the argument, but at least she had graced us with her presence. It was for charity, after all.

Miranda Kerr Lunches with Megan Gale

2008-08-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Miranda Kerr Lunches with Megan Gale
Despite what some people may think, supermodels love to eat just like the rest of us. And Miranda Kerr was all about some gourmet goodies Wednesday afternoon (August 6).

The awesome Aussie hottie was spotted out to lunch with fellow downundah stunner Megan Gale at Aria Restaurant at Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia.

And Miss Kerr was all smiles as she made her exit, looking quite lovely in an off-the-shoulder cream-colored blouse teamed with a black high-waisted skirt and a pair of Christian Louboutin heels.

The day before, Miranda was busy with her career, working it on the runway for the new David Jones line at the Royal Hall of Industries at Moore Park.

Enjoy the pictures of Miranda Kerr and Megan Gale out lunching at Aria (August 5).

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s Summertime Lovin’

2008-08-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s Summertime Lovin’
It was a blissful day yesterday (August 7th) for Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel as they enjoyed each other's company as they hung out in Beverly Hills, California.

The "SexyBack" singer and his "Summer Catch" babe were spotted grabbing some lunch at Jack 'n Jill's restaurant, a down home-style soul food eatery.

And apparently the large portions proved to be too much for the couple, as Biel was seen toting around a few to-go containers as she crossed the street, sporting a sexy summertime spaghetti strap dress.

From there, Jess and JT tried to work off a few calories with some extensive shopping around Beverly Hills. And according to a source, Miss Biel has become a bit obsessed with maintaining her shape.

"Jessica really loves to work out and so does Justin, but lately it seems like that's all she is doing. Justin is trying to get it through to her that she can take some time out to enjoy burger and beers."

Enjoy the pictures of Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake out in Beverly Hills (August 7).

Kardashian Sisters: Fine Dining

2008-08-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

Kardashian Sisters: Fine Dining

You gotta wonder why celebrities install state-of-the-art kitchens inside of their mansions when all they ever do is go out to eat! And yesterday the Kardashian sisters treated themselves to some top-of-the-line cuisine.

Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe were all spotted spoiling themselves with a gourmet lunch at Il Sole Monday afternoon. And all three ladies were dressed to the nines, with Khloe sporting a khaki and black top with black leggings, while Kourtney rocked a black and grey striped minidress with black peep-toed heels, and Kim wore a white tank top with high-waisted belted trousers.

Later on last night, the Kardashian gals were all spotted indulging their appetites for delicious food once again, this time at uber-trendy STK Restaurant.

Earlier in the day, Kim was also spotted shopping for some Beverly Hills bling at XIV Karat in a bluish-green halter-style dress.

Enjoy the pictures of the Kardashian sisters out at STK and Il Sole, along with shots of Kim shopping solo (August 4).

'Dark Knight' sets weekend record with $155.34M

2008-07-21T01:10:00.000-07:00

'Dark Knight' sets weekend record with $155.34M

LOS ANGELES - Batman has sent Spidey packing as king of Hollywood's box-office superheroesThe Dark Knight" took in a record $155.34 million in its first weekend, topping the previous best of $151.1 million for "Spider-Man 3" in May 2007 and pacing Hollywood to its biggest weekend ever, according to studio estimates Sunday.

"We knew it would be big, but we never expected to dominate the marketplace like we did," said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for Warner Bros., which released "The Dark Knight." The movie should shoot past the $200 million mark by the end of the week, he said.

Hollywood set an overall revenue record of $253 million for a three-day weekend, beating the $218.4 million haul over the weekend of July 7, 2006, according to box-office tracker Media By Numbers.

"This weekend is such a juggernaut," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal, whose musical "Mamma Mia!" debuted at No. 2 with $27.6 million.

Factoring in higher admission prices, "Spider-Man 3" may have sold slightly more tickets than "The Dark Knight."

At 2007's average price of $6.88, "Spider-Man 3" sold 21.96 million tickets over opening weekend. Media By Numbers estimates today's average movie prices at $7.08, which means "The Dark Knight" would have sold 21.94 million tickets.

Revenue totals for "The Dark Knight" could change when final numbers are released Monday.

The movie's release was preceded by months of buzz and speculation over the performance of the late Heath Ledger as the Joker, Batman's nemesis. Ledger, who died in January from an accidental prescription-drug overdose, played the Joker as a demonic presence, his performance prompting predictions that the role might earn him a posthumous Academy Award nomination.

"The average opening gross of the last five `Batman' movies is $47 million. This tripled that, and for a reason," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Media By Numbers. "A big part of that was the Heath Ledger mystique and a phenomenal performance that absolutely deserves the excitement surrounding it."

"The Dark Knight" reunites director Christopher Nolan with his "Batman Begins" star Christian Bale, whose vigilante crime-fighter is taunted and tested by Ledger's Joker as the villain unleashes violence and chaos on the city of Gotham.

Overseas, "The Dark Knight" added $40 million in 20 countries where it began opening Wednesday, including Australia, Mexico and Brazil. The film opens in Great Britain this weekend and rolls out to most of the rest of the world over the next few weeks.

"The Dark Knight," which cost $185 million to make, also broke the "Spider-Man 3" record for best debut in IMAX large-screen theaters with $6.2 million. "Spider-Man 3" opened with $4.7 million in IMAX cinemas.

"Every single show is sold out," said Greg Foster, IMAX chairman and president. "We're adding shows as much as we can, but we're at 100 percent capacity."

On opening day Friday, "The Dark Knight" also took in more money than previously counted, Fellman said. The film pulled in a record $67.85 million, up nearly $1.5 million from the studio's estimates a day earlier.

The previous opening-day record also had been held by "Spider-Man 3" with $59.8 million.

Women accounted for most of the audience for "Mamma Mia!", which Universal opened as counter-programming to the male-dominated audience for "The Dark Knight."

"With the crowded summer, we knew we would have to find the right weekend, and this seemed like the perfect one considering three-quarters of our audience was female," Rocco said.

Based on the stage musical set to the tunes of ABBA, "Mamma Mia!" features Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Julie Walters and Christine Baranski.

The weekend's other new wide release, 20th Century Fox's animated family flick "Space Chimps," opened at No. 7 with $7.4 million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "The Dark Knight," $155.34 million.

2. "Mamma Mia!", $27.6 million.

3. "Hancock," $14 million.

4. "Journey to the Center of the Earth," $11.9 million.

5. "Hellboy II: The Golden Army," $10 million.

6. "WALL-E," $9.8 million.

7. "Space Chimps," $7.4 million.

8. "Wanted," $5.1 million.

9. "Get Smart," $4.1 million.

10. "Kung Fu Panda," $1.8 million.

___

On the Net:

http://www.mediabynumbers.com

Lindsay Lohan: Agitated On the Set

2008-07-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

Lindsay Lohan: Agitated On the Set

Steady as she goes, Lindsay Lohan was spotted on the Los Angeles set of her current film "Labor Pains" looking a bit agitated yesterday (July 8)

The "Mean Girls" actress seemed preoccupied as she donned several different outfits for her various scenes. After working for awhile, LiLo took a break for an afternoon snack and to cool down.

One theory about her bad mood has to do with the fact that a LA radio station announced yesterday that Miss Lohan was, indeed, a confirmed lesbian. It was the latest in a long line of gay comments about the crimson-haired actress, of which her own father has partaken.

Although, if the rumors aren't true, Lindsay's BFF Samantha Ronson isn't helping matters. The deejay chick posted a pic of the two of them kissing on her MySpace page, in addition to buying her a diamond ring for her birthday.

A source told press, "Sam took Lindsay shopping to celebrate her 22nd birthday. Although Lindsay is the major breadwinner, Sam has her own money and is very proud. It's not an engagement ring — simply a token of her commitment. Lindsay is thrilled and she and Sam are very content."

Enjoy the pictures of Lindsay Lohan on the set of "Labor Pains" (July 8).

Hayden Panettiere: Work and Play

2008-07-18T01:23:00.000-07:00

Hayden Panettiere: Work and Play

She may only be 18 years old, but Hayden Panettiere has the kind of well-rounded career most people twice her age haven't accomplished yet.

The blonde cutie was spotted on the set of her hit NBC drama Heroes yesterday horsing around and having a marvelous time in between shooting her scenes.

Sporting a lavender scoopneck top underneath a black cardigan teamed with a pair of jeans and sandals, the "I Love You Beth Cooper" babe looked like she was right at home, grabbing a quick bite with a friend after the shoot.

When she's not playing a Hero, Hayden is lending her voice to Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil. Oh yeah, and then there's spending time with her super-hot boyfriend Milo Ventimiglia!

Enjoy the pictures of Hayden Panettiere on the set of "Heroes" and grabbing a taco lunch on Wednesday (July 9).

John Landis, Johnnie To join Venice jury

2008-07-17T01:06:00.000-07:00

John Landis, Johnnie To join Venice jury

ROME (Hollywood Reporter) - "Blues Brothers" director John Landis and Hong Kong-based filmmaker Johnnie To will join the main competition jury at the Venice Film Festival, which kicks off next month, organizers said Wednesday.The other members of the jury -- which will be headed by German director Wim Wenders, as previously announced -- are veteran Russian screenwriter Juriy Arabov, Italian actress Valeria Golino, up-and-coming Argentine director Lucrecia Martel and Scottish visual artist Douglas Gordon.

The jury will hand out Venice's main prizes: the awards for best film, director, actor and actress, new actor or actress, technical contribution and screenplay.

The full lineup for the 65th edition of the Venice festival will be announced July 29. The event runs August 27-September 6.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Release denied for dying Manson follower

2008-07-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

Release denied for dying Manson follower
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A follower of Charles Manson who stabbed pregnant actress Sharon Tate to death nearly 40 years ago but is dying of brain cancer in a California prison was denied compassionate release TuesdayThe California Board of Parole released its unanimous decision on the release of Susan Atkins hours after a 90-minute hearing, during which it heard impassioned pleas from both sides.

"Obviously, it was too hot of a potato for them to handle," said one of Atkins' attorney, Eric P. Lampel. "Of course we're disappointed. There's no basis for denying this."

Lampel filed a motion July 10 with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Wesley asking for his client's release no matter what the parole board recommended. No hearing has been set, Lampel said after the hearing.

"We're going to be able to make the case in court. We'll take it to the next step," he said after being informed of the board's decision by The Associated Press.

Atkins' doctors and officials at the women's prison in Corona made the request in March because of her deteriorating health. She also has had her left leg amputated and is paralyzed on her right side, her husband, James Whitehouse, told the California Board of Parole Hearings.

Whitehouse, also acting as one of Atkins' attorneys, had argued that his wife was so debilitated that she could not even sit up in bed. He told the parole board there was no longer a reason to keep her incarcerated.

"She literally can't snap her fingers," he said. "She can put sentences together three or four times a day, but that's the extent of it."

He said doctors have given her three months to live. Atkins, in a hospital near the Southern California prison where she was housed for nearly 40 years, did not attend Tuesday's hearing.

The request for compassionate leave generated opposition from relatives of the victims, the state corrections department, Los Angeles County prosecutors and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"Those kinds of crimes are just so unbelievable that I am not for compassionate release in that case," Schwarzenegger said Tuesday before the parole board issued its decision.

Atkins, Manson and two other cult members, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten, were tried for the 1969 cult killings of Tate; Leno and Rosemary La Bianca; and four others. Tate, the wife of filmmaker Roman Polanski, was 8 1/2 months pregnant.

Sharon Tate's sister, Debra Tate, the last surviving member of her immediate family, sent a letter to the board opposing Atkins' release.

"She is a cold-blooded woman who to this day has not displayed any remorse," wrote Tate, who lives in the Los Angeles area.

The defendants maintained their innocence throughout the trial. Once convicted, the women confessed to the killings during the penalty phase.

On the stand, Atkins recounted her role in stabbing Tate, who pleaded for the life of her unborn baby. Atkins claimed she was on LSD at the time but did not apologize for the crime until a parole hearing years later.

Her brother, Steve Atkins, told the parole board Tuesday that he and his sister had been abused as children.

"After Susan got in with Manson, she was lost to me," he said. "Please let us be with Susan in private in her last days, to pray with her and give our last good-byes."

The defendants were sentenced to death, but their terms were commuted to life sentences when the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily ruled the death penalty unconstitutional. Manson and the two other women remain in state prison.

Atkins has spent 37 years in the California Institution for Women, where she has been held longer than any other female inmate in state history. She was transferred to the hospital in March.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley said that's where she ought to remain. In a letter to the parole board, Cooley said the nature of Atkins' crimes alone should rule out any release.

He noted that after Atkins stabbed Tate, she tasted her blood and used it to write the word "Pig" on the victim's door.

Los Angeles County prosecutor Patrick Sequeira said the board made the right decision because of the crime Atkins committed. He said he informed Debra Tate and two other relatives of the victims.

"They are both relieved and pleased with the decision," Sequeira said. "It obviously doesn't take away the pain for them."

He said it's unclear whether a Los Angeles County judge can consider the compassionate release request from Atkins' attorneys without a recommendation from the parole board.

Compassionate releases are rare in California, with just 10 of 60 requests granted last year, Corrections Department spokeswoman Terry Thornton said.

Atkins' medical treatment and paying for prison guards to watch over her has cost state taxpayers more than $1.4 million since March, according to the corrections department.

Atkins, 60, has been denied parole 12 times.

Bachna boys! Bipasha is back with her killer looks

2008-07-16T01:14:00.000-07:00

Bachna boys! Bipasha is back with her killer looks

There are girls and there are women. And then there is Bipasha Basu. Going by the promos of Bachna Ae Haseeno, Bipasha is back doing what she does best: look smouldering, making the boys and the men go week in their knees. Here's look at some of the gorgeous Bengali babe's five hottest looks.

First up, as the woman who is comfortable in her skin, and makes no bones about her sexuality, in Bachna Ae Haseeno. No wonder the Ranbir lad looks a little lost in her presence!

Ah! That's the 'little red dress' as we called it. At an event hosted by designer Rocky S last year, Bips made an appearance in this tiny red number that left the men gasping for breath.
As the cover girl for FHM India, Bipasha got got into a man's shirt and a pair of black shorts. The humble white shirt sure got lucky!

This was the film that started it all. In Jism, Bipasha sent her men into a tizzy and the nation got sleepless nights.

A cop in the first half and bimbette on the beach in the second. Only Bipasha could perhaps carry off both roles with such aplomb. In Dhoom:2, Bipasha showed her costars how to spell H-O-T!

South Korean court convicts ex-Samsung chairman

2008-07-16T01:10:00.000-07:00

South Korean court convicts ex-Samsung chairman

SEOUL, South Korea - A South Korean court convicted former Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee on Wednesday for evading taxes and fined him 110 billion won ($109 million), but said his crimes did not justify a prison term. Prosecutors had demanded a seven-year sentence and 350 billion won ($347 million) in fines against Lee for tax evasion and other charges.

"His crime is not serious enough to sentence him to prison," Judge Min Byung-hun of the Seoul Central District Court said in announcing his decision.

While convicting Lee for tax evasion and securities law violations, the court acquitted Lee on charges of breach of trust that had stemmed from allegations of dubious financial transactions to transfer corporate control to his son.

The 66-year-old tycoon has personified Samsung Group, the nation's largest conglomerate, which he had led for two decades as it grew into a global brand. He quit as Samsung head earlier this year following his indictment.

"I'm sorry for causing trouble to the people," Lee said after the verdict, appearing relieved.

The probe against Lee and Samsung was prompted by allegations by a former company lawyer that Samsung created a large slush fund to bribe prosecutors, officials and other influential figures. In April, special prosecutors indicted Lee after a three-month probe into his family-run company.

Prosecutors have said they found 4.5 trillion won ($4.5 billion) of his personal assets under borrowed names and determined he evaded taxes worth 112.8 billion won ($112 million). Lee was also charged with failing to report to securities authorities changes in the ownership of his stock assets.

The Samsung conglomerate, founded by Lee's father, consists of dozens of companies and has interests in businesses including electronics, shipbuilding, construction and life insurance. The group accounts for up to 20 percent of South Korea's exports by some estimates.

Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman end 5-year romance

2008-07-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman end 5-year romance

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Popular U.S. comedians Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman have broken off their five-year romance, publicists for both said on Monday, ending a relationship that provided fertile ground for outrageous humorKimmel, 40, is host of the late-night ABC television talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," and Silverman, 37, has her own comedy show, "The Sarah Silverman Program," on the cable TV network Comedy Central.

Earlier this year, Silverman performed a duet with actor Matt Damon on Kimmel's program in which she made a mock announcement to her boyfriend that she was cheating on him with Damon, the handsome star of the Jason Bourne spy movies.

Kimmel responded with his own sketch pretending to be in a gay relationship with Damon's good friend, actor Ben Affleck, another of Hollywood's rugged leading men.

The title of Silverman's film of her stand-up comedy act, "Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic," was inspired by her relationship with Kimmel.

Silverman, who is Jewish, says in the film that if she had a child with Kimmel, who is Catholic, the couple would have to explain that she is "one of the chosen people" and Kimmel believes that "Jesus is Magic."

Reuters/Nielsen.

Charles Joffe, co-producer for Woody Allen's films, dies

2008-07-15T00:55:00.000-07:00

Charles Joffe, co-producer for Woody Allen's films, dies

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Charles Joffe, a dealmaker for Woody Allen who co-produced most of his films and managed other US comedians, has died after a long illness, the Los Angeles Times reported. He was 78. Joffe died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Wednesday, the newspaper said.

He and his business partner, Jack Rollins, nurtured comic talents at their New York agency such as Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and Lenny Bruce and signed Allen when he was an unknown writing comedy sketches.

They encouraged Allen to perform his own material as a stand-up comic and then negotiated his first movie deal for "What's Up Pussycat?" in 1965, with Allen acting and writing for the film.

In 1969, Joffe began to produce Allen's films with "Take the Money and Run." He is credited as co-executive producer on Allen's upcoming release, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," which features Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson.

The latest film will mark Joffe's 42nd project with Allen, the Times wrote.

Joffe picked up the Best Picture Oscar for Allen's "Annie Hall" in 1978 while Allen chose to stay away from the ceremonies.

Born in Brooklyn in 1929, he began in talent management by booking bands as a student at Syracuse University.

Allen reportedly valued him for his ability to stand up to Hollywood studios and power brokers to safeguard the director's artistic control over projects.

"He was a fabulous deal maker. That was his real strength," said his wife, Carol Joffe

Nicole Kidman has baby girl, Sunday Rose

2008-07-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

Nicole Kidman has baby girl, Sunday Rose

NEW YORK (AFP) - Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman was Tuesday celebrating her first full day with her new baby girl Sunday Rose, her first child with country music star Keith Urban. "Nicole and Keith Urban are delighted to announce that Nicole Kidman gave birth to a baby girl on Monday morning, July 7, 2008 in the United States," her agent, Allen Eichhorn, said in a statement.

"Sunday Rose Kidman Urban weighed six pounds, seven and a half ounces (2.9 kilograms). Husband Keith was by Nicole's side and mother and baby are very well."

The birth of Sunday Rose, the 41-year-old actress's first biological child, comes just days after Kidman and Urban celebrated their second wedding anniversary on June 25.

Kidman, who won an Oscar in 2002 for her role in "The Hours," adopted a boy and a girl when she was married to Hollywood actor Tom Cruise. She had suffered a miscarriage in the early years of their marriage, which ended in 2001.

"We want to thank everybody that has kept us in their thoughts and prayers," Grammy-winner Urban, 40, said in a statement on his website announcing the birth of "our beautiful baby girl."

"We feel very blessed and grateful that we can share this joy with all of you today."

Ahead of the birth, the couple kept a low-profile as they followed their usual routine of heading out for Starbucks coffee and going to the gym in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live in a gated community, according to People magazine.

"She's never been happier and healthier," a close family friend told the magazine. "She is absolutely radiant and enjoying nesting and homemaking with Keith at their new home in Nashville."

Kidman was born in Hawaii to Australian parents and grew up in Australia. Urban was born in New Zealand but raised in Australia. He has lived in the United States since 1992 and become one of the hottest country stars here.

The couple met in January 2005 at a black-tie dinner in Los Angeles sponsored by the Australian government.

Asked by reporters in May how he felt about becoming a dad, Urban said: "The unknown excites me a lot.

"What kind of feelings will fatherhood bring? I'm sure I can't even imagine, but I am really looking forward to finding out."

Halle Berry: Out in Hollywood

2008-07-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

Halle Berry: Out in Hollywood

Taking a break from tending to baby daughter Nahla Ariela, Halle Berry was spotted out running errands in Hollywood on Friday (June 27).

Looking stylish as she made her way past the paparazzi, the "Swordfish" actress sported a white cotton top, jeans and some unique strappy sandals topped off with a short-billed black military style cap.

Meanwhile, Halle's also getting ready for what's going to be quite the hectic work schedule, as the 41-year-old beauty has five new films in the works.

Miss Berry is set to star alongside her "Monster's Ball" co-star Billy Bob Thornton in the crime/drama "Tulia", also getting ready for roles in "Frankie and Alice", "Who Is Doris Payne?", "Nappily Ever After" and "Class Act".

Enjoy the pictures of Halle Berry out in Hollywood (June

Miley Cyrus Gives U.S. Troops a Shout-Out

2008-07-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

Miley Cyrus Gives U.S. Troops a Shout-Out

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Teen sensation Miley Cyrus headlined America's Freedom Festival in Provo, Utah, on the Fourth of July.
Known as "one of the largest patriotic celebrations in America," the sixth annual event was telecast live to the nation's troops around the globe. The concert, dubbed the "Stadium of Fire," was emceed by conservative political TV and radio commentator Glenn Beck.

Cyrus, 15, clad in a conservative all-white outfit of jeans and a tank top, performed in front of nearly 60,000 fans, singing her biggest hits and debuting songs off her new album. The reigning tween queen dedicated "Simple Song" to American troops.

"I want to take a minute to dedicate this song to all of our troops we got out there," she told the crowd. "I know God has an ultimate plan, so I'm stoked."

E! News is told that, prior to the show, Cyrus visited with kids from a local cancer hospital and signed autographs.

Missing from the Independence Day show was Miley's best friend and backup dancer, Mandy Jiroux. But Miley & Mandy fans need not worry about a BFF split: Jiroux couldn't make the show because she was performing in Boulder, Colo., this weekend with her girl group, the Beach Girlz, at a volleyball event.

Cyrus took in a fireworks show after her concert, despite her fears. In a conference call with reporters earlier in the week to promote the concert, Miley said: "I actually am really, really scared of fireworks so I would always sit in the car. Fireworks scare me so badly. Like, on my concert tour, any time pyro goes off, I'm like crossing my fingers. I really don't like it."

Following the concert, Cyrus flew back to Tennessee, where she is still filming the Hannah Montana movie, which is scheduled to wrap later this month.

Madonna denies affair, divorce rumours, spiritual outreach

2008-07-07T04:06:00.000-07:00

Madonna denies affair, divorce rumours, spiritual outreach
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Madonna on Sunday took the rare step of issuing a formal denial of reports linking her to US baseball star Alex Rodriguez and speculation she was to divorce British director Guy Ritchie. In an exclusive statement released to celebrity magazine People, Madonna poured scorn on suggestions she was in a romantic relationship with New York Yankees star Rodriguez.

The 49-year-old pop icon also scotched speculation that she was seeking a divorce from "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" director Ritchie after seven years of marriage.

"My husband and I are not planning on getting a divorce," Madonna was quoted as saying in the People statement.

The singer insisted she only knew Rodriguez because they shared the same manager, Guy Oseary.

"I brought my kids to a Yankee game. I am not romantically involved in any way with Alex Rodriguez," Madonna said.

Rodriguez's wife Cynthia, who recently gave birth to the couple's second child, was reported to have left the slugger last week, citing Madonna as the cause of her marital breakdown, and alleging Madonna wooed Rodriguez to Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism.

"I have nothing to do with the state of his marriage or what spiritual path he may choose to study," added Madonna, who said she issued the statement to distinguish "fact from fiction."

"I have learned over the years not to take accusations and the many false reports about me very seriously," she said.

"I also appreciate how fiction and fact seem to be perceived as one and the same by people who read both newspapers and the Internet."

Rodriguez, 32, "dropped a marital bombshell on wife Cynthia three weeks after she gave birth to their second daughter, announcing their marriage was over, she has told friends," The New York Daily News reported.

The baseball great "has been spotted making late-night visits to Madonna's West Side (Manhattan, NY) home -- meetings Cynthia is telling friends have left her husband brainwashed by kabbalah," the newspaper reported Sunday.

Rodriguez first got to know Madonna through their common friend, Miami nightclub owner Ingrid Casares, Rodriguez's former trainer Dodd Romero told The New York Post.

"Once Madonna and A-Rod (Rodriguez) started working out together in New York in November 2007, he was under the complete spell of kabbalah's most famous practitioner," the Post quoted Romero as saying.

"He's more infatuated with the fact he's with an icon instead of realizing what's important, which is family and truth," Romero told the Post.

Madonna, who was previously married to US actor Sean Penn, is widely regarded as the world's highest-earning female singer with Forbes.com putting her top of its "Cash Queens of Music" earlier this year with earnings of 72 million dollars between June 2006 and June 2007.

Ore. man completes flight of fancy - in lawn chair

2008-07-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

Ore. man completes flight of fancy - in lawn chair

CAMBRIDGE, Idaho - Using his trusty BB gun to help him return to Earth, a 48-year-old gas station owner flew a lawn chair rigged with helium-filled balloons more than 200 miles across the Oregon desert Saturday, landing in a field in Idaho. Kent Couch created a sensation in this tiny farming community, where he touched down safely in a pasture after lifting off from Bend, Ore., and was soon greeted by dozens of people who gave him drinks of water, local plumber Mark Hetz said.

"My wife works at the City Market," Hetz said. "She called and said, 'The balloon guy in the lawn chair just flew by the market, and if you look out the door you can see him.

"We go outside to look, and lo and behold, there he is. He's flying by probably 100 to 200 feet off the ground.

"He takes his BB gun and shoots some balloons to lower himself to the ground. When he hit the ground he released all the little tiny balloons. People were racing down the road with cameras. They were all talking and laughing."

Couch covered about 235 miles in about nine hours after lifting off at dawn from his gas station riding in a green lawn chair rigged with an array of more than 150 giant party balloons.

Sandi Barton, 58, who has lived her whole life in this town of about 300, said she and her brother-in-law were the first ones to reach Couch and shook his hand.

"Not much happens in Cambridge," she said, adding that about half the town turned out.

"He came right over our pea field," she said. "He was coming down pretty fast."

She said Couch gave some of his balloons to local children.

It was not clear where Couch went after he landed.

It began after Couch, clutching a big mug of coffee, kissed his wife and kids goodbye, then patted their shivering Chihuahua, Isabella, on the head.

After spilling off some cherry-flavored Kool-Aid that served as ballast, Couch got a push from the ground crew so he could clear light poles and soared over a coffee cart and across U.S. Highway 20 into a bright blue sky.

"If I had the time and money and people, I'd do this every weekend," Couch said before getting into the chair. "Things just look different from up there. You've moving so slowly. The best thing is the peace, the serenity.

"Originally, I wanted to do it because of boyhood dreams. I don't know about girls, but I think most guys look up in the sky and wish they could ride on a cloud."

Couch's wife, Susan, called him crazy: "It's never been a dull moment since I married him."

This was Couch's third balloon flight. He realized it would be possible after watching a TV show about the 1982 lawn chair flight over Los Angeles of truck driver Larry Walters, who gained folk hero fame but was fined $1,500 for violating air traffic rules.

In 2006, Couch had to parachute out after popping too many balloons. And last year he flew 193 miles to the sagebrush of northeastern Oregon, short of his goal.

"I'm not stopping till I get out of state," he said.

To that end, he ordered more balloons. Dozens of volunteers wearing fluorescent green T-shirts that said "Dream Big" filled latex balloons 5 feet in diameter, attached them to strings and tied clusters of six balloons each to a tiny carabiner clip.

Each balloon gives four pounds of lift. The chair was about 400 pounds, and Couch and his parachute 200 more.

"I'd go to 30,000 feet if I didn't shoot a balloon down periodically," Couch said.

For that job, he carried a Red Ryder BB gun and a blow gun equipped with steel darts. He also had a pole with a hook for pulling in balloons, a parachute in case anything went wrong, a handheld Global Positioning System device with altimeter, a satellite phone, and two GPS tracking devices. One was one for him, the other for the chair, which got away in the wind as he landed last year.

For food he carried some boiled eggs, jerky and chocolate.

Couch flew hang gliders and skydived before taking up lawn-chair flights. He estimated the rig cost about $6,000, mostly for helium. Costs were defrayed by corporate sponsors

Tired firefighters battle 330 Calif. wildfires

2008-07-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

Tired firefighters battle 330 Calif. wildfires

LOS ANGELES - Firefighters got a gift of a mild, mostly windless night and a forecast for similar conditions Sunday as they attempted to protect thousands of Santa Barbara County homes from a huge wildfire, one of more than 300 taxing their energy and resources around the stateThe firefighters are stretched thin, they are exhausted," and some have gone days without sleep, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as he visited a command post in the coastal region of Santa Barbara County, where nearly 2,700 homes were threatened by a four-day-old fire in the Los Padres National Forest. The blaze has blackened about 13 square miles.

Fires have burned more than 800 square miles of land and destroyed at least 69 homes throughout California in the past two weeks. One firefighter died of a heart attack while digging fire lines.

About 1,400 fires have been contained, but more than 330 still were out of control by Sunday morning.

The Santa Barbara County fire, now the state's top priority, was less active Saturday because of cooler, moist air, said county spokeswoman Pat Wheatley. And evening fell without the return of the late afternoon "sundowner" wind that had sent flames racing up to homes earlier in the week.

"We've been pleased by some cooperative weather," Wheatley said. "The 'sundowners' that we were afraid could happen did not happen much tonight so that gave us an opportunity to fight the fire without fighting the winds."

The fire was 28 percent contained, she said.

Over 2,600 homes were under mandatory evacuation orders Saturday and residents of 1,400 others were warned to be ready to flee if the flames gathered speed.

The fire, fueled by 15-foot-high, half-century-old chaparral, still had the potential to roll through a hilly area of ranches, housing tracts and orchards between the town of Goleta and Santa Barbara, keeping firefighters on their toes.

"They're feeling very good about this, but they are not taking this fire lightly at all," Wheatley said.

Temperatures dipped to around 60 degrees during the night, but were forecast to reach the high 70s later Sunday.

Nearly 1,200 firefighters were assisted by a DC-10 air tanker and other aircraft dumping water and fire retardant along ridges and in steep canyons.

Investigators think the fire, which began Tuesday, was human-caused. The U.S. Forest Service on Saturday asked for public help in determining who set it and whether it was sparked accidentally or on purpose.

Meanwhile, cooler weather helped crews attacking the two-week-old blaze that has destroyed 22 homes in Big Sur, at the northern end of the Los Padres forest, but the fire continued to grow slowly on all flanks Saturday night.

The fire, which had blackened 111 square miles, was only 5 percent contained with full containment not expected until July 30, but morning fog that moved in from the sea helped prevent it from advancing on Big Sur's famed restaurants and hotels.

"We're gaining ground, but we're nowhere near being done," said Gregg DeNitto, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service. "There's still a lot of potential out there. The fire has been less active the last couple of days. We've had favorable weather; they are taking every opportunity to get some line on it."

The weather was expected to become hotter and drier over the next couple of days, he said, with wind and temperatures rising and humidity dropping.

"The fire still has the potential for movement and the potential to get out of our containment lines," he said.

Analysis: McCain struggles to regain footing

2008-07-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Analysis: McCain struggles to regain footing

WASHINGTON - John McCain calls himself an underdog. That may be an understatement. The GOP presidential candidate trails Democrat Barack Obama in polls, organization and money while trying to succeed a deeply unpopular fellow Republican in a year that favors Democrats. McCain also doesn't seem to have a coherent message let alone much of a strategy despite securing the nomination three months earlier than Obama.This is a tough race. We are behind. We are the underdog. That's what I like to be," the GOP nominee-in-waiting frequently tells donors these days, keenly aware not only of his woes but also his proven comeback ability: He won his party's nomination despite the implosion of his campaign last summer.

One year later, and now in the general election, McCain's troubles are so acute that he recently gave senior adviser Steve Schmidt "full operational control" of the day-to-day campaign and, effectively, scaled back the duties of campaign manager Rick Davis. The shift in responsibilities came after weeks of Republican quibbling that McCain had not adequately made the transition for the fall.

"The frustration is there's no big theme around which to build a winning campaign," said Steve Lombardo, a Republican pollster. "They need a big strategic message that will show the differences between the two campaigns, and allow for a win."

Hope is far from lost: The election is still four months away. The national conventions and the presidential debates are upcoming. Conservative evangelical leaders skeptical of McCain are now coalescing around him. The race remains competitive. And, Obama's campaign is far from flawless.

McCain also is beefing up his staff with more presidential campaign veterans under the guidance of Schmidt, a top aide in President Bush's re-election effort and the operative who led Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to a come-from-behind victory in California two years ago.

The campaign will try to showcase its efforts to restore discipline next week when McCain announces a "jobs first" economic plan and tours competitive states.

For now, GOP insiders are cautious as they watch for improvement — and they should be.

The political environment is dreadful for the GOP, with Bush's approval rating at low levels as the country teeters economically and fights two wars.

And, as McCain's campaign struggles, Obama is seemingly skating along, visiting states Bush won four years ago and courting traditional GOP supporters with his core message: "Change We Can Believe In."

Nonetheless, the Illinois senator says, "I'm going to have to be a better candidate" and is mindful of his own vulnerabilities.

There are many, not the least of which is trying to become the first black president of a country where racism still runs deep. The GOP-fueled liberal elitist label also could stick on this Harvard-educated Chicagoan.

And, Obama also may be undercutting his claim to be a straight-shooting, new-politics candidate as he repeatedly breaks with his liberal base on various issues to aggressively move to appeal to the center of the electorate.

National polls vary widely, but they have one commonality: None show McCain ahead of Obama. And, on voters' most important issues, McCain trails on every subject but Iraq and terrorism. He also lags in key states, including Bush-won Colorado and Ohio.

When it comes to message and strategy, McCain has appeared to flounder.

He hasn't settled on one theme and can't seem to stick with a particular line of argument in favor of his candidacy for more than a couple days. His attempts to derail Obama are scattershot; the campaign simply takes advantages of openings Obama creates rather than creating a negative narrative against the Democrat. And, McCain's fundraising events have driven his campaign schedule, often putting him in solid Republican states instead of swing states likely to decide the election.

As the sleepy summer pre-convention window opens, Obama is running TV ads in 18 states while McCain focuses on 11 for now and the Republican National Committee bolsters his efforts in the Great Lakes region.

At the same time, McCain is working to match Obama's organization. For now, McCain's campaign is roughly 300-strong compared with Obama's 1,000-person plus operation.

Obama had a campaign in just about every state during the long Democratic primary, and he has started bolstering the remnants of those existing networks. His aides also boast of a hefty grass-roots organization, a "persuasion army" of allies who will reach out to neighbors, friends and relatives. That's reminiscent of Bush's 2004 campaign.

Conversely, McCain's ground-game operation has been slow-moving; staffers weren't dispatched in earnest to key states until last month — even though the GOP primary ended in March. The RNC has fewer than 100 offices with just about the same number of field staffers. The campaign, itself, has 11 regional campaign managers who, in turn, have brought on nearly 100 staff members as part of a much-maligned, decentralized structure.

To return power to headquarters, Schmidt is hiring a national political director and a national field director to oversee ground-game efforts, and is promising to add hundreds more field staff and open more local GOP offices.

But all that takes money, and here, too, McCain trails.

Obama has 1.5 million donors and had raised more than $287 million by the end of May. McCain has far fewer donors and had raised $115 million. May was Obama's worst fundraising month of the year. He raised $22 million, to the $21 million McCain brought in during his best fundraising month.

Still, McCain and Obama entered June with virtually the same amount of cash available for the rest of the summer, $33 million for Obama to $31.6 million for McCain.

But McCain probably will feel the financial pinch this fall.

Unlike Obama, McCain will accept nearly $85 million in public financing and the spending limits that come with it. The Democrat can raise and spend at will.

Said Phil Musser, a former Republican Governors Association executive director: "There are a lot of miles to go before we get to Election Day, and McCain is in his finest form when he's the underdog."

The candidate had better hope that rings true once again.

2 fires still raging along Calif.'s Central Coast

2008-07-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

2 fires still raging along Calif.'s Central Coast

BIG SUR, Calif. - Weary firefighters got no rest during the holiday weekend as a pair of out-of-control wildfires roared across the landscape along California's central coast at opposite ends of the arid Los Padres National Forest. Despite lower temperatures and lighter wind, one stubborn fire that already had forced the evacuation of Big Sur inched closer to historic vacation retreats.

Farther south in the national forest, wind up to 40 mph fanned a wildfire near Goleta in Santa Barbara County. About 5,000 homes were under evacuation orders, while residents of 1,400 other homes were warned to pack up and be ready to leave on short notice, said county spokesman Jim McClure.

"The fire is expanding and presenting some very complex challenges because of the terrain and the fact that it hasn't burned in over 50 years," said Capt. Eli Iskow of the Santa Barbara County fire department. "And it's close to all the valuables like homes and people."

Authorities planned an aggressive air attack on the Goleta fire Saturday, including drops from a huge DC-10 air tanker that made a single pass over the blaze on Friday.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was set to visit a command center near Goleta on Saturday.

Big Sur was eerily empty under a thick blanket of fog and smoke at the start of the long holiday weekend as the nearly two-week-old wildfire advanced on the storied tourist town. As the flames approached scenic Highway 1, forest animals ran toward the Pacific Ocean for cover.

Hundreds of firefighters lit controlled fires along Highway 1 in a final effort to stop the Big Sur fire from crossing the highway where many more homes and businesses are located.

"We're fighting the fire on our terms," said U.S. Forest Service fire engineer Hector Sanchez. "We're lighting it slowly, and if we see it get out of hand we'll slow it down. It's perfect conditions, we don't have winds and we have cool temperatures."

The Big Sur fire was still only 5 percent contained and had consumed more than 107 square miles and 20 homes, while the Goleta fire was 14 percent contained and had destroyed about a half-dozen outbuildings and had charred than 10 square miles.

The two Los Padres blazes were among 335 active wildfires in California, down from a peak of roughly 1,500 fires a few days ago, but they were commanding the greatest share of equipment and personnel because of their locations near populated areas, said Daniel Berlant, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

"Any time we have structures threatened and lives at risk, it's a top priority," he said.

The governor ordered 200 more National Guard troops to report for firefighter training. After they complete the training, they will join 200 National Guard soldiers who already were deployed to build fire lines. More than 19,000 people were working to control blazes throughout the state.

Since a series of dry lightning strikes ignited more than 1,500 wildfires across central and Northern California on June 21, more than 814 square miles of trees, grass and brush has gone up in flames.

Along with the Goleta and Big Sur fires, another blaze generating concern was in the Sequoia National Forest east of Bakersfield. It had burned 28 square miles, destroyed one home and threatened 1,000 more in nearby communities. It was 18 percent contained.

In Arizona, officials said residents evacuated from the historic mining community of Crown King because of a wildfire would be allowed to return home Saturday evening. The blaze was 50 percent contained Saturday, after charring nearly 16 square miles of brush and forest.

About 120 residents of the mountain town, about 20 miles southeast of Prescott, Ariz., were evacuated last Sunday. Firefighters managed to save most of Crown King's scattered 400 homes and vacation cabins, but four homes and seven other buildings were destroyed.