LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Columbia Pictures is developing a third installment of the high-octane "Bad Boys" franchise, hiring a writer for the screenplay.
The hope is that Peter Craig's script would reunite director Michael Bay, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. At this point, with the project in the early stages, none has a deal to return.
The "Boys" movies feature Smith and Lawrence as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, caught up in cases involving car chases and explosions. The first "Boys," released in 1995, helped launch Bay as a director and Smith as an action star even though it was not a fire-stamped blockbuster -- it grossed $66 million domestically and $141 million worldwide. The sequel, released in 2003 when Bay and Smith's stars had risen, grossed $138 million domestically and $273 million worldwide.
All parties have expressed a willingness to return if a story can be hammered out. One potential hurdle, however, would be the costly deals with the players. Craig co-wrote "The Town," which Ben Affleck is directing for Warner Bros. and which shoots in Boston next month. He is adapting anime "Cowboy Bebop" for 20th Century Fox and Keanu Reeves.
Monday, August 31, 2009
"Barry Minkow" lands actor for title role
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Justin Baldoni has been cast in the title role of "Barry Minkow," the true-life story of a young entrepreneur busted for rnning a Ponzi scheme.
Baldoni ("Everwood," "Heroes") joins James Caan, Armand Assante, Mark Hamill and Ving Rhames in the indie film, which is currently shooting in Los Angeles.
Minkow, who ran a successful carpet company, ZZZZ Best, experienced a religious conversion while imprisoned for fraud. He became a pastor and did anti-fraud work with the FBI.
Baldoni ("Everwood," "Heroes") joins James Caan, Armand Assante, Mark Hamill and Ving Rhames in the indie film, which is currently shooting in Los Angeles.
Minkow, who ran a successful carpet company, ZZZZ Best, experienced a religious conversion while imprisoned for fraud. He became a pastor and did anti-fraud work with the FBI.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thousands attend Jackson birthday bash in New York
NEW YORK – Thousands of Michael Jackson fans danced the rain away in a Brooklyn park on Saturday at a party hosted by filmmaker Spike Lee, marking what would have been the 51st birthday of the late pop star.
Crowds of partygoers streamed into Prospect Park late Saturday afternoon, many wearing fedoras, sporting white gloves and showing off other Jackson-esque outfits. DJs spun Jackson's hits one after the other as people danced and sang along. Dozens of hawkers wandered through the crowd with T-shirts, buttons, posters and homemade memorabilia.
"I was just like everyone else. I loved his talent," said Lee, who directed two music videos for Jackson in 1996. He also reminisced how Jackson had visited him in his home in Brooklyn to talk about their music video collaboration.
The day was also designated Michael "King of Pop" Jackson Memorial Day by Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz.
"We all know Michael Jackson had fans around the world, but we all know the best fans come from Brooklyn," Markowitz boasted to a roaring crowd that grew as heavy rain in the morning lightened to a drizzle by mid-afternoon.
Edna Robles of Brooklyn was on her feet all afternoon. In a red baseball cap and flip flops, she closed her eyes and swung her hips, pivoting in the grass and mud to the beats of Jackson's hit "Thriller."
"It could be thundering, I don't care," she said. "I watched him through the years and I think he's the best. I love him."
The event, originally planned as a block-party-style gathering for 2,000 in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park, was moved to Prospect Park to accommodate a bigger crowd.
Peter Brodie and his wife, Corrine Rodriguez, brought their daughters, 3-month-old Astrid and 2 1/2-year-old Makeda, to the party. Rodriguez danced with Makeda to "Beat It" while Brodie swayed side to side as he held Astrid in his arms.
"I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. I was 9 years old and he opened up a whole new world of music and dancing to me," said Brodie, who said it was a shame that such a spirited celebration of Jackson's music came only after his death.
Aubrey Harris, a 45-year-old from New York, was clutching a stack of homemade portraits he made of Jackson.
"I'm spreading the memory of Michael Jackson," said Harris, who cut out Jackson's image from posters and created 19 collages decorated with paint and glitter. "I'm keeping it in the forefront of people's minds."
By mid-afternoon, he had already sold 10 portraits for $15 each.
Crowds of partygoers streamed into Prospect Park late Saturday afternoon, many wearing fedoras, sporting white gloves and showing off other Jackson-esque outfits. DJs spun Jackson's hits one after the other as people danced and sang along. Dozens of hawkers wandered through the crowd with T-shirts, buttons, posters and homemade memorabilia.
"I was just like everyone else. I loved his talent," said Lee, who directed two music videos for Jackson in 1996. He also reminisced how Jackson had visited him in his home in Brooklyn to talk about their music video collaboration.
The day was also designated Michael "King of Pop" Jackson Memorial Day by Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz.
"We all know Michael Jackson had fans around the world, but we all know the best fans come from Brooklyn," Markowitz boasted to a roaring crowd that grew as heavy rain in the morning lightened to a drizzle by mid-afternoon.
Edna Robles of Brooklyn was on her feet all afternoon. In a red baseball cap and flip flops, she closed her eyes and swung her hips, pivoting in the grass and mud to the beats of Jackson's hit "Thriller."
"It could be thundering, I don't care," she said. "I watched him through the years and I think he's the best. I love him."
The event, originally planned as a block-party-style gathering for 2,000 in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park, was moved to Prospect Park to accommodate a bigger crowd.
Peter Brodie and his wife, Corrine Rodriguez, brought their daughters, 3-month-old Astrid and 2 1/2-year-old Makeda, to the party. Rodriguez danced with Makeda to "Beat It" while Brodie swayed side to side as he held Astrid in his arms.
"I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. I was 9 years old and he opened up a whole new world of music and dancing to me," said Brodie, who said it was a shame that such a spirited celebration of Jackson's music came only after his death.
Aubrey Harris, a 45-year-old from New York, was clutching a stack of homemade portraits he made of Jackson.
"I'm spreading the memory of Michael Jackson," said Harris, who cut out Jackson's image from posters and created 19 collages decorated with paint and glitter. "I'm keeping it in the forefront of people's minds."
By mid-afternoon, he had already sold 10 portraits for $15 each.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Patriotic Chinese film stumbles over cast's citizenship
BEIJING (Reuters) – A patriotic Chinese film aimed at boosting national pride ahead of a key political anniversary has tempers rising instead, because many of the movie's stars are foreign citizens.
An online list shows that one quarter of the 80 celebrities affiliated with "The Great Cause of China's Foundation," being made to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Communist Party rule, are legally foreigners.
Some of the stars, like Jackie Chan and Andy Lau, have been Hong Kong citizens all their lives, but action star Jet Li, now a Singaporean, and director Chen Kaige, who holds U.S. citizenship, were born in the People's Republic of China.
"So many people have run abroad," Han Han, a popular writer who first raised the issue, wrote in his blog. "That means China's foundation is far from complete."
A spokesperson for producers China Film Group Corp was quoted by a local newspaper as saying that actors of any nationality could promote China's history and culture.
But that didn't pass muster with China's vocal online nationalists, who tend to adopt causes such as boycotts of French supermarkets and Japanese brands, and public denunciations of rich Chinese and multinationals for not contributing enough to relief efforts.
"You have the right to change your nationality," a web user commented on Sina.com. "But please don't say you still love China anymore."
The People's Republic of China celebrates the anniversary of its founding in 1949 on October 1, with a military parade and fireworks kicking off a week-long holiday.
This year, Beijing will issue nearly a million coupons to encourage people to watch patriotic films such as "The Great Cause of China's Founding" and "Tiananmen," which will debut in cinemas soon.
An online list shows that one quarter of the 80 celebrities affiliated with "The Great Cause of China's Foundation," being made to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Communist Party rule, are legally foreigners.
Some of the stars, like Jackie Chan and Andy Lau, have been Hong Kong citizens all their lives, but action star Jet Li, now a Singaporean, and director Chen Kaige, who holds U.S. citizenship, were born in the People's Republic of China.
"So many people have run abroad," Han Han, a popular writer who first raised the issue, wrote in his blog. "That means China's foundation is far from complete."
A spokesperson for producers China Film Group Corp was quoted by a local newspaper as saying that actors of any nationality could promote China's history and culture.
But that didn't pass muster with China's vocal online nationalists, who tend to adopt causes such as boycotts of French supermarkets and Japanese brands, and public denunciations of rich Chinese and multinationals for not contributing enough to relief efforts.
"You have the right to change your nationality," a web user commented on Sina.com. "But please don't say you still love China anymore."
The People's Republic of China celebrates the anniversary of its founding in 1949 on October 1, with a military parade and fireworks kicking off a week-long holiday.
This year, Beijing will issue nearly a million coupons to encourage people to watch patriotic films such as "The Great Cause of China's Founding" and "Tiananmen," which will debut in cinemas soon.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Robin Williams crashes "Wedding"
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Robin Williams is getting on one knee for "Wedding Banned," a romantic comedy.
The Touchstone Pictures project centers on a long-divorced couple who kidnap their daughter on her wedding day to prevent her from making the same mistakes they did. The divorced parents rekindle their relationship as they elude cops and the angry groom.
Jack Amiel and Michael Begler wrote the script. Producers have not yet tapped a director.
In November Williams will be onscreen in the comedy "Old Dogs," starring opposite John Travolta. His recent films include the indies "Shrink" and "World's Greatest Dad."
The Touchstone Pictures project centers on a long-divorced couple who kidnap their daughter on her wedding day to prevent her from making the same mistakes they did. The divorced parents rekindle their relationship as they elude cops and the angry groom.
Jack Amiel and Michael Begler wrote the script. Producers have not yet tapped a director.
In November Williams will be onscreen in the comedy "Old Dogs," starring opposite John Travolta. His recent films include the indies "Shrink" and "World's Greatest Dad."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sirius hooks up iPhone to premium satellite radio
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Sirius XM Radio unveiled a dock on Wednesday that lets iPhone users listen to premium satellite radio programing, including shock jock Howard Stern, a feature missing from previous iPhone software.
The $120 XM SkyDock turns Apple Inc's iPhone or iPod Touch into a satellite radio receiver.
The dock, which will go on sale in the next few months, is powered through a car's cigarette adapter. It comes with technology that eases installation by tapping into the car's radio system. It also allows users to flag songs they hear and buy them via Apple's iTunes software.
Sirius XM hopes to boost its subscriber base of 19 million. It gets most of its new subscribers when people buy cars with satellite radio receivers built in.
The company debuted the dock at a product showcase in New York, its biggest since Sirius completed its acquisition of XM Satellite Radio last year.
Earlier this month. Sirius said it lost some 300,000 subscribers who buy their own radios in the second quarter. It gained about 120,000 users through car sales.
With auto sales slowing, Sirius would like to get some of the tens of millions of iPhone and iPod touch owners.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has granted preliminary approval to the dock.
Sirius' first bid for iPhone users came with a software application released in June that lets fee-paying users stream Sirius' Internet package of music and talk stations.
Satellite radio analysts and Internet enthusiasts balked when they discovered that premium content such as Major League Baseball, NFL Football and Howard Stern were not available.
Shares of the company, which earlier this year secured financing from John Malone's Liberty Media Corp to stave off looming debt problems, have risen sharply this month, after it raised its income outlook, citing cost cuts and a potential rebound in automobile sales.
The company on Wednesday also showed several new radios priced below $100, as well as a $150 tabletop model.
The stock traded at 65 cents a share, off 6.5 per cent on Wednesday on Nasdaq.
The $120 XM SkyDock turns Apple Inc's iPhone or iPod Touch into a satellite radio receiver.
The dock, which will go on sale in the next few months, is powered through a car's cigarette adapter. It comes with technology that eases installation by tapping into the car's radio system. It also allows users to flag songs they hear and buy them via Apple's iTunes software.
Sirius XM hopes to boost its subscriber base of 19 million. It gets most of its new subscribers when people buy cars with satellite radio receivers built in.
The company debuted the dock at a product showcase in New York, its biggest since Sirius completed its acquisition of XM Satellite Radio last year.
Earlier this month. Sirius said it lost some 300,000 subscribers who buy their own radios in the second quarter. It gained about 120,000 users through car sales.
With auto sales slowing, Sirius would like to get some of the tens of millions of iPhone and iPod touch owners.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has granted preliminary approval to the dock.
Sirius' first bid for iPhone users came with a software application released in June that lets fee-paying users stream Sirius' Internet package of music and talk stations.
Satellite radio analysts and Internet enthusiasts balked when they discovered that premium content such as Major League Baseball, NFL Football and Howard Stern were not available.
Shares of the company, which earlier this year secured financing from John Malone's Liberty Media Corp to stave off looming debt problems, have risen sharply this month, after it raised its income outlook, citing cost cuts and a potential rebound in automobile sales.
The company on Wednesday also showed several new radios priced below $100, as well as a $150 tabletop model.
The stock traded at 65 cents a share, off 6.5 per cent on Wednesday on Nasdaq.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
LaToya Jackson appearing on '20/20' next month
NEW YORK – ABC says LaToya Jackson will give her first one-on-one interview since brother Michael Jackson's death when she sits down with Barbara Walters next month.
She will discuss her relationship with Michael and account for her belief that he was murdered, ABC says. The interview is scheduled to air on "20/20" on Sept. 11.
Jackson has told ABC News that she looks forward to the day justice is served "to all the parties involved in my brother's homicide."
She will also appear Sept. 16 and 18 as a guest co-host of ABC's "The View," where Walters is one of the regular hosts.
She will discuss her relationship with Michael and account for her belief that he was murdered, ABC says. The interview is scheduled to air on "20/20" on Sept. 11.
Jackson has told ABC News that she looks forward to the day justice is served "to all the parties involved in my brother's homicide."
She will also appear Sept. 16 and 18 as a guest co-host of ABC's "The View," where Walters is one of the regular hosts.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Nick Jonas says he dreams of being president
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Teen pop star Nick Jonas, taking a break from touring with his brothers to raise awareness of juvenile diabetes, said he dreams about being U.S. president and may study political science in college.
The 16-year-old singer, songwriter and member of pop trio the Jonas Bros, spoke on Monday to a sold-out audience at the National Press Club, a venue often reserved for presidents, kings and chief executives but for Jonas had many seats occupied by teenage and pre-teen girls.
Jonas talked about raising awareness and funding for juvenile diabetes, a disease he was diagnosed with in 2005.
Asked about recent trips to Washington, the youngest of the Jonas Bros told the crowd "I've always had this dream of becoming president one day." He said it was "very cool" and "such an honor" to visit the White House earlier this year.
The brothers made a surprise visit to President Barack Obama's daughters in January, and Nick Jonas met Obama in June as part of his diabetes efforts.
In an interview with Reuters, Jonas said his talk of wanting to be president was not entirely a tease. "As much as I joke about it and kind of say it to get a laugh, it is somewhat serious. I don't know if it will happen," he said.
If he goes to college, "I'd probably study English and then political science because I'm interested in it," he said. At the moment, he's touring with his band and will start shooting for TV show "Camp Rock 2" with his brothers in September.
Jonas told the press club audience he has learned to manage his diabetes while keeping a busy touring schedule but had adjusted his diet to help regulate blood sugar.
A song he wrote about diabetes includes a line saying "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone," and an audience member asked Jonas what he was referring to.
"Probably chocolate cake," he joked.
Jonas said he still eats his favorite foods but closely monitors his diet. There have been "one or two moments" during concerts when he asked his brothers to talk a bit longer on stage while he stepped away to check his sugar levels. He wears a diabetic insulin pump on his lower back while performs.
In response to questions, Jonas said he does not currently have a girlfriend and would consider dating a fan.
"I didn't know I was going to get in a suit today and have to talk about that kind of stuff," he said with a smile.
The 16-year-old singer, songwriter and member of pop trio the Jonas Bros, spoke on Monday to a sold-out audience at the National Press Club, a venue often reserved for presidents, kings and chief executives but for Jonas had many seats occupied by teenage and pre-teen girls.
Jonas talked about raising awareness and funding for juvenile diabetes, a disease he was diagnosed with in 2005.
Asked about recent trips to Washington, the youngest of the Jonas Bros told the crowd "I've always had this dream of becoming president one day." He said it was "very cool" and "such an honor" to visit the White House earlier this year.
The brothers made a surprise visit to President Barack Obama's daughters in January, and Nick Jonas met Obama in June as part of his diabetes efforts.
In an interview with Reuters, Jonas said his talk of wanting to be president was not entirely a tease. "As much as I joke about it and kind of say it to get a laugh, it is somewhat serious. I don't know if it will happen," he said.
If he goes to college, "I'd probably study English and then political science because I'm interested in it," he said. At the moment, he's touring with his band and will start shooting for TV show "Camp Rock 2" with his brothers in September.
Jonas told the press club audience he has learned to manage his diabetes while keeping a busy touring schedule but had adjusted his diet to help regulate blood sugar.
A song he wrote about diabetes includes a line saying "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone," and an audience member asked Jonas what he was referring to.
"Probably chocolate cake," he joked.
Jonas said he still eats his favorite foods but closely monitors his diet. There have been "one or two moments" during concerts when he asked his brothers to talk a bit longer on stage while he stepped away to check his sugar levels. He wears a diabetic insulin pump on his lower back while performs.
In response to questions, Jonas said he does not currently have a girlfriend and would consider dating a fan.
"I didn't know I was going to get in a suit today and have to talk about that kind of stuff," he said with a smile.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Tarantino's Nazi movie slays at box office
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Nazis and Quentin Tarantino proved a lethal combination at the worldwide box office as the bad-boy director topped the weekend charts with his violent World War Two movie "Inglourious Basterds."
According to studio estimates issued on Sunday, the film sold a total of $65.1 million worth of tickets in North America and 22 foreign territories, a promising start after the disappointment of Tarantino's previous effort, "Death Proof," two years ago.
In the United States and Canada, the $37.6 million tally surpassed his previous best opening of $25.1 million for "Kill Bill Vol. 2" in 2004.
The foreign contribution of $27.5 million was led by No. 1 openings in such countries as France ($6.1 million), Britain ($5.8 million), Germany ($4.3 million) and Australia ($2.7 million). It will roll out across the rest of the world over the next three months,
Brad Pitt stars as the leader of a group of Jewish-Americans who carry out violent wartime acts of retribution across Europe. Pundits had forecast a North American opening in the $25 million range.
The film, which reportedly cost $70 million to make, also provides a much-needed boost for the struggling independent studio Weinstein Co., which co-financed it with international distributor Universal Pictures, a unit of General Electric Co.
WOMEN TARGETED
Company principals Bob and Harvey Weinstein have released all of Tarantino's films, beginning in 1992 with "Reservoir Dogs" when they ran Miramax Films. But since launching their new firm in 2005, the Weinsteins have failed to make much of an impact either at the box office or the Academy Awards.
Harvey Weinstein told Reuters that the early strength of "Inglourious Basterds" was due in part to a last-minute marketing blitz aimed at women and urban audiences.
Female-skewing promos downplayed the violence and highlighted the key roles played by actresses Diane Kruger and Melanie Laurent. The strategy, which he said cost over $5 million, seemed to work. Exit surveys showed women accounted for 42 percent of the audience, a high proportion for a film with a high body count.
Additionally Samuel L. Jackson, one of the stars of Tarantino's 1994 smash "Pulp Fiction," cut a spot aimed at black moviegoers. "Pulp Fiction" remains Tarantino's biggest film overall with a domestic haul of $107 million.
Last weekend's top film in North America, TriStar Pictures sci-fi thriller "District 9," slipped to No. 2 with $18.9 million. After 10 days, the Peter Jackson-produced film has earned $73.5 million. TriStar is a unit of Sony Corp.
Paramount Pictures' "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," was also down one to No. 3, with $12.5 million. The three-week haul for the action movie stands at $120.5 million. Paramount is a unit of Viacom Inc.
According to studio estimates issued on Sunday, the film sold a total of $65.1 million worth of tickets in North America and 22 foreign territories, a promising start after the disappointment of Tarantino's previous effort, "Death Proof," two years ago.
In the United States and Canada, the $37.6 million tally surpassed his previous best opening of $25.1 million for "Kill Bill Vol. 2" in 2004.
The foreign contribution of $27.5 million was led by No. 1 openings in such countries as France ($6.1 million), Britain ($5.8 million), Germany ($4.3 million) and Australia ($2.7 million). It will roll out across the rest of the world over the next three months,
Brad Pitt stars as the leader of a group of Jewish-Americans who carry out violent wartime acts of retribution across Europe. Pundits had forecast a North American opening in the $25 million range.
The film, which reportedly cost $70 million to make, also provides a much-needed boost for the struggling independent studio Weinstein Co., which co-financed it with international distributor Universal Pictures, a unit of General Electric Co.
WOMEN TARGETED
Company principals Bob and Harvey Weinstein have released all of Tarantino's films, beginning in 1992 with "Reservoir Dogs" when they ran Miramax Films. But since launching their new firm in 2005, the Weinsteins have failed to make much of an impact either at the box office or the Academy Awards.
Harvey Weinstein told Reuters that the early strength of "Inglourious Basterds" was due in part to a last-minute marketing blitz aimed at women and urban audiences.
Female-skewing promos downplayed the violence and highlighted the key roles played by actresses Diane Kruger and Melanie Laurent. The strategy, which he said cost over $5 million, seemed to work. Exit surveys showed women accounted for 42 percent of the audience, a high proportion for a film with a high body count.
Additionally Samuel L. Jackson, one of the stars of Tarantino's 1994 smash "Pulp Fiction," cut a spot aimed at black moviegoers. "Pulp Fiction" remains Tarantino's biggest film overall with a domestic haul of $107 million.
Last weekend's top film in North America, TriStar Pictures sci-fi thriller "District 9," slipped to No. 2 with $18.9 million. After 10 days, the Peter Jackson-produced film has earned $73.5 million. TriStar is a unit of Sony Corp.
Paramount Pictures' "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," was also down one to No. 3, with $12.5 million. The three-week haul for the action movie stands at $120.5 million. Paramount is a unit of Viacom Inc.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Guitarist James Burton fails to set world record
SHREVEPORT, La. – Pioneering rockabilly guitarist James Burton led an ensemble of about 800 guitar players Saturday in a celebration of his 70th birthday, but failed in his attempt to make the Guinness Book of World Records.
At the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport, roughly 30 miles west of his hometown of Minden, Burton led a battalion of pickers through the Elvis Presley hits "That's All Right, Mama" and "Hound Dog."
Guinness lists the world's largest guitar ensemble as 1,802 participants led by Andreas Vockrodt in Germany in 2007.
Burton, who is known for working with the Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson bands, celebrated his birthday Friday.
At the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport, roughly 30 miles west of his hometown of Minden, Burton led a battalion of pickers through the Elvis Presley hits "That's All Right, Mama" and "Hound Dog."
Guinness lists the world's largest guitar ensemble as 1,802 participants led by Andreas Vockrodt in Germany in 2007.
Burton, who is known for working with the Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson bands, celebrated his birthday Friday.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Egoyan’s Chloe to open San Sebastian festival
Canadian director Atom Egoyan's psychological thriller, Chloe will open the 57th San Sebastian International Film Festival next month in Spain, organizers announced Friday.
The film, which stars Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore, will be one of 15 movies competing for the Golden Shell award, the highest prize given at the festival.
One of the most prestigious film festivals, San Sebastian takes place in September in the northern Spanish city.
Egoyan, who was raised in Victoria, B.C., is known for his contemporary style. He has directed such films as Exotica and The Sweet Hereafter, which earned him an Oscar nomination for best director.
His most recent film Chloe focuses on a woman who believes her husband is having an affair. She tries to learn whether he is being unfaithful by hiring a female escort to seduce him, which leads to negative consequences.
First established in 1953, the San Sebastian International Film Festival originally honoured Spanish language films. The festival changed this in the late 50s and has since allowed films of other languages to be eligible for consideration.
Other films that are set to screen at the event include the American feature Get Low starring Robert Duvall and Bill Murray.
The San Sebastian International Film Festival runs from Sep. 17-26
The film, which stars Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore, will be one of 15 movies competing for the Golden Shell award, the highest prize given at the festival.
One of the most prestigious film festivals, San Sebastian takes place in September in the northern Spanish city.
Egoyan, who was raised in Victoria, B.C., is known for his contemporary style. He has directed such films as Exotica and The Sweet Hereafter, which earned him an Oscar nomination for best director.
His most recent film Chloe focuses on a woman who believes her husband is having an affair. She tries to learn whether he is being unfaithful by hiring a female escort to seduce him, which leads to negative consequences.
First established in 1953, the San Sebastian International Film Festival originally honoured Spanish language films. The festival changed this in the late 50s and has since allowed films of other languages to be eligible for consideration.
Other films that are set to screen at the event include the American feature Get Low starring Robert Duvall and Bill Murray.
The San Sebastian International Film Festival runs from Sep. 17-26
Friday, August 21, 2009
Woman found guilty of snooping at Britney Spears' home sentenced to probation
LOS ANGELES - A court official says a woman found guilty of snooping at Britney Spears' house has been sentenced to three years of probation and 240 hours of community service.
Los Angeles Superior Court spokeswoman Patricia Kelly says a judge in Malibu, California found Miranda Tozier-Robbins guilty of peeping into Spears' home in Calabasas, California.
Kelly says Tozier-Robbins also was ordered Thursday to stay away from Spears and her home.
The woman was arrested in April after deputies found her wearing camouflage, carrying camera equipment and peering into the windows of Spears' home.
Tozier-Robbins said afterward that she was working on a documentary on paparazzi tactics and might have sold any footage she got of the pop singer, who wasn't home at the time.
Los Angeles Superior Court spokeswoman Patricia Kelly says a judge in Malibu, California found Miranda Tozier-Robbins guilty of peeping into Spears' home in Calabasas, California.
Kelly says Tozier-Robbins also was ordered Thursday to stay away from Spears and her home.
The woman was arrested in April after deputies found her wearing camouflage, carrying camera equipment and peering into the windows of Spears' home.
Tozier-Robbins said afterward that she was working on a documentary on paparazzi tactics and might have sold any footage she got of the pop singer, who wasn't home at the time.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Police track culprits behind Leona Lewis/Timberlake leak
An international music industry organization and a record label are teaming up with police to track down the computer hackers responsible for leaking an unreleased track by British singer Leona Lewis.
The IFPI, an industry body representing music labels around the world, says its anti-piracy unit is working with Simon Cowell's SyCo label to locate the source of the leak.
Cowell produces both American Idol and the British X Factor TV talent shows. Lewis won X Factor in 2006 and her debut album Spirits hit the top of the global charts.
The duet with Justin Timberlake, Don't Let Me Down, is a new song for her second album, slated for release this November.
"[We] are working with law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and Europe to trace the individuals who stole the Leona Lewis/Justin Timberlake track," Jeremy Banks, the head of the IFPI's internet piracy unit, said in a statement on Wednesday.
He added that the IFPI was "actively monitoring and removing illegal copies of this track from the internet to minimize the disruption caused by the leak."
The music industry has been sensitive about internet piracy, with soaring digital downloads chomping into CD sales.
Banks says leaks like these are "highly damaging" for record labels because they invest "considerable budgets in marketing and promoting music ahead of release."
The IFPI, an industry body representing music labels around the world, says its anti-piracy unit is working with Simon Cowell's SyCo label to locate the source of the leak.
Cowell produces both American Idol and the British X Factor TV talent shows. Lewis won X Factor in 2006 and her debut album Spirits hit the top of the global charts.
The duet with Justin Timberlake, Don't Let Me Down, is a new song for her second album, slated for release this November.
"[We] are working with law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and Europe to trace the individuals who stole the Leona Lewis/Justin Timberlake track," Jeremy Banks, the head of the IFPI's internet piracy unit, said in a statement on Wednesday.
He added that the IFPI was "actively monitoring and removing illegal copies of this track from the internet to minimize the disruption caused by the leak."
The music industry has been sensitive about internet piracy, with soaring digital downloads chomping into CD sales.
Banks says leaks like these are "highly damaging" for record labels because they invest "considerable budgets in marketing and promoting music ahead of release."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
2nd 'United Breaks Guitars' video released
Folk musician Dave Carroll has launched his latest online volley at United Airlines, posting a second humorous music video about the airline destroying his guitar.
"When all this started, I wasn't really hoping for anything. I was just sharing my frustrations … and trying to find a creative way, as a songwriter, to write three songs about the same topic and have them all be lighthearted and funny and unique," Carroll, the primary songwriter of Halifax band Sons of Maxwell, told CBC News on Tuesday.
In July, Carroll released the video for his song United Breaks Guitars. It became a viral sensation that eventually garnered about five million hits on YouTube.
However, besides the online fame, Carroll says he has most enjoyed the discussion, including receiving thousands of emails from people who are awaiting subsequent videos after having had similar experiences.
"It's the passion behind the conversations, the watercooler discussions I'm hearing about and the amount of people who are thanking me for having a song that voices their concerns about their customer service nightmares in the past."
Carroll has yet to travel on the airline since the 2008 incident, in which he and his bandmates watched — in horror — as United baggage handlers in Chicago carelessly tossed their equipment from the plane.
He spent nine months trying to negotiate compensation for his smashed, $3,500 custom Taylor acoustic guitar before releasing the first video.
"But I would [fly United] and I may again one day. My goal with this whole thing is not to drive United into the ground. It's hopefully to compel them maybe to do some customer service improvements," he said.
With one more song to go in his proposed trilogy, Carroll has issued a challenge to the airline.
"If United would go online and on record saying that they were going to make substantive changes to customer service and make the experience better for people, I'd be inclined to write about that," he said.
"[The third song] is still not written and it'll be released in the fall, though. If United wants to take part, they just have to come to the table and share what they're going to do to make it better for everybody."
"When all this started, I wasn't really hoping for anything. I was just sharing my frustrations … and trying to find a creative way, as a songwriter, to write three songs about the same topic and have them all be lighthearted and funny and unique," Carroll, the primary songwriter of Halifax band Sons of Maxwell, told CBC News on Tuesday.
In July, Carroll released the video for his song United Breaks Guitars. It became a viral sensation that eventually garnered about five million hits on YouTube.
However, besides the online fame, Carroll says he has most enjoyed the discussion, including receiving thousands of emails from people who are awaiting subsequent videos after having had similar experiences.
"It's the passion behind the conversations, the watercooler discussions I'm hearing about and the amount of people who are thanking me for having a song that voices their concerns about their customer service nightmares in the past."
Carroll has yet to travel on the airline since the 2008 incident, in which he and his bandmates watched — in horror — as United baggage handlers in Chicago carelessly tossed their equipment from the plane.
He spent nine months trying to negotiate compensation for his smashed, $3,500 custom Taylor acoustic guitar before releasing the first video.
"But I would [fly United] and I may again one day. My goal with this whole thing is not to drive United into the ground. It's hopefully to compel them maybe to do some customer service improvements," he said.
With one more song to go in his proposed trilogy, Carroll has issued a challenge to the airline.
"If United would go online and on record saying that they were going to make substantive changes to customer service and make the experience better for people, I'd be inclined to write about that," he said.
"[The third song] is still not written and it'll be released in the fall, though. If United wants to take part, they just have to come to the table and share what they're going to do to make it better for everybody."
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
"Mad Men" premiere sets ratings record
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – All the Emmys, critics' raves and marketing efforts are starting to pay off for AMC's beloved drama series "Mad Men."
Sunday night's Season 3 premiere saw a significant viewership increase -- up 33 percent from last year, to 2.8 million viewers. That's the show's largest audience ever.
Adding the viewership numbers from the premiere and AMC's two repeats of the episode, "Mad Men" garnered 4 million viewers, up 29 percent from the cumulative audience for last year's premiere episode. AMC also noted that its create-your-own "Mad Men" avatar was downloaded 485,000 times.
This weekend E! set records too, with the premiere of "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami," which became the network's most-watched series since 2002's "The Anna Nicole Show" with 2.7 million viewers. That's 60 percent more viewers than the last "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" premiere.
Two Lifetime series hit season highs: the new one-hour comedy drama "Drop Dead Diva" (3 million viewers) and "Army Wives" (4 million).
Sunday night's Season 3 premiere saw a significant viewership increase -- up 33 percent from last year, to 2.8 million viewers. That's the show's largest audience ever.
Adding the viewership numbers from the premiere and AMC's two repeats of the episode, "Mad Men" garnered 4 million viewers, up 29 percent from the cumulative audience for last year's premiere episode. AMC also noted that its create-your-own "Mad Men" avatar was downloaded 485,000 times.
This weekend E! set records too, with the premiere of "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami," which became the network's most-watched series since 2002's "The Anna Nicole Show" with 2.7 million viewers. That's 60 percent more viewers than the last "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" premiere.
Two Lifetime series hit season highs: the new one-hour comedy drama "Drop Dead Diva" (3 million viewers) and "Army Wives" (4 million).
Monday, August 17, 2009
'G.I. Joe' continues overseas box-office domination
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," the live-action feature based on the Hasbro toy line, held on to the top spot at the international box office and is nearing foreign grosses of $100 million after only 12 days of release.
The overseas box-office tally for the Paramount film nonetheless dropped nearly 40 percent from its opening round, registering $26.2 million overall from 7,039 screens in 49 markets. The movie's foreign total stands at $91.5 million, and its worldwide gross, including North America, is $190.3 million.
Sony introduced "District 9," which finished No. 1 in North America, in nine foreign markets for a total of $7 million drawn from 750 screens. Directed by Neill Blomkamp, a protege of producer Peter Jackson, the sci-fi tale of aliens in South Africa opened at No. 1 in Russia, New Zealand and Ukraine, and No. 2 in Australia.
Second for the weekend was Warner Bros.' "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," which registered $14.5 million from more than 8,000 screens in 64 markets, pushing its foreign gross to $577.7 million. Worldwide, the sixth "Harry Potter" has grossed $861.7 million, making it No. 17 among all-time box-office earners, behind "Finding Nemo."
No. 3 was 20th Century Fox's "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," which bagged $11.2 million from 6,532 sites in 66 markets, with a $2.4 million opening in Korea. The animated threequel, with a foreign box-office total of $600.7 million, is now the first Fox film since 1997's "Titanic" (foreign gross of $1.24 billion) to cross the $600 million mark overseas.
Fourth was Pixar/Disney's "Up," which continued its marathon foreign run with a $10.6 million weekend from 2,396 screens in 19 territories. Its overseas total is $128 million, with a global box-office gross of $415 million.
No. 5 for the second consecutive weekend was Universal's "Public Enemies." Propelled by six market openings, the period crime drama directed by Michael Mann and starring Johnny Depp drew $9.2 million, lifting its foreign total to $75.5 million.
Fox's "Night at The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" is winding up its overseas run, and going out with a bang. In its first weekend in Japan, the Ben Stiller comedy produced $8.62 million from 625 sites. The film's foreign total stands at $222.4 million.
Thanks to an $8 million weekend from 3,000 sites in 50 territories, Warner Bros.' hit comedy "The Hangover" raised its foreign box-office total to $136.6 million and its worldwide gross to more than $400 million.
"G-Force," a big-budget digital animation title from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney, drew $6.7 million from 2,079 sites in 17 markets for a foreign total to date of $40.9 million.
Topping the U.K. charts was New Line's "The Time Traveler's Wife," a romantic drama co-starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana. Its opening round produced $1.65 million from 426 sites.
The overseas box-office tally for the Paramount film nonetheless dropped nearly 40 percent from its opening round, registering $26.2 million overall from 7,039 screens in 49 markets. The movie's foreign total stands at $91.5 million, and its worldwide gross, including North America, is $190.3 million.
Sony introduced "District 9," which finished No. 1 in North America, in nine foreign markets for a total of $7 million drawn from 750 screens. Directed by Neill Blomkamp, a protege of producer Peter Jackson, the sci-fi tale of aliens in South Africa opened at No. 1 in Russia, New Zealand and Ukraine, and No. 2 in Australia.
Second for the weekend was Warner Bros.' "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," which registered $14.5 million from more than 8,000 screens in 64 markets, pushing its foreign gross to $577.7 million. Worldwide, the sixth "Harry Potter" has grossed $861.7 million, making it No. 17 among all-time box-office earners, behind "Finding Nemo."
No. 3 was 20th Century Fox's "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," which bagged $11.2 million from 6,532 sites in 66 markets, with a $2.4 million opening in Korea. The animated threequel, with a foreign box-office total of $600.7 million, is now the first Fox film since 1997's "Titanic" (foreign gross of $1.24 billion) to cross the $600 million mark overseas.
Fourth was Pixar/Disney's "Up," which continued its marathon foreign run with a $10.6 million weekend from 2,396 screens in 19 territories. Its overseas total is $128 million, with a global box-office gross of $415 million.
No. 5 for the second consecutive weekend was Universal's "Public Enemies." Propelled by six market openings, the period crime drama directed by Michael Mann and starring Johnny Depp drew $9.2 million, lifting its foreign total to $75.5 million.
Fox's "Night at The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" is winding up its overseas run, and going out with a bang. In its first weekend in Japan, the Ben Stiller comedy produced $8.62 million from 625 sites. The film's foreign total stands at $222.4 million.
Thanks to an $8 million weekend from 3,000 sites in 50 territories, Warner Bros.' hit comedy "The Hangover" raised its foreign box-office total to $136.6 million and its worldwide gross to more than $400 million.
"G-Force," a big-budget digital animation title from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney, drew $6.7 million from 2,079 sites in 17 markets for a foreign total to date of $40.9 million.
Topping the U.K. charts was New Line's "The Time Traveler's Wife," a romantic drama co-starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana. Its opening round produced $1.65 million from 426 sites.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Madonna turns 51 on concert stop in Poland
WARSAW, Poland – Polish fans joined together in song to wish Madonna a happy birthday at a concert in Warsaw Saturday evening — just hours before she turned 51.
In a break between two songs, a fan held up a sign wishing her a happy birthday and audience members sang, "may you live a hundred years," a traditional Polish birthday song.
"I feel your love!" Madonna told the crowd of tens of thousands gathered on a large green field for the latest stop in her Sticky & Sweet tour.
Many of the fans near the stage also held up paper hearts. One said: "Adopt Me."
Her stop in Warsaw fell not only a day before her birthday, but also on the August 15, the Roman Catholic holiday celebrating the heavenly assumption of the Virgin Mary — timing that angered some Catholics.
Several people who objected to Madonna held up banners outside the concert venue, and a Catholic group tried to spearhead protests in past weeks hoping to force the Material Girl to change the date of the concert. It failed, however, to win support from the official church or the public. Though Poland, homeland of the late John Paul II, is mainly Catholic, young urban Poles have overwhelmingly embraced pop culture and mores.
During the concert, Madonna also paid tribute to Michael Jackson, who died in June.
A Jackson impersonator did the King of Pop's signature moonwalk dance move while wearing a sequined jacket, white T-shirt, white glove and white socks, while a large photograph of him as a boy appeared on stage.
"Let's give it up for one of the greatest artists the world has ever known," Madonna shouted, and then segued into a performance of her old hit "Holiday."
In a break between two songs, a fan held up a sign wishing her a happy birthday and audience members sang, "may you live a hundred years," a traditional Polish birthday song.
"I feel your love!" Madonna told the crowd of tens of thousands gathered on a large green field for the latest stop in her Sticky & Sweet tour.
Many of the fans near the stage also held up paper hearts. One said: "Adopt Me."
Her stop in Warsaw fell not only a day before her birthday, but also on the August 15, the Roman Catholic holiday celebrating the heavenly assumption of the Virgin Mary — timing that angered some Catholics.
Several people who objected to Madonna held up banners outside the concert venue, and a Catholic group tried to spearhead protests in past weeks hoping to force the Material Girl to change the date of the concert. It failed, however, to win support from the official church or the public. Though Poland, homeland of the late John Paul II, is mainly Catholic, young urban Poles have overwhelmingly embraced pop culture and mores.
During the concert, Madonna also paid tribute to Michael Jackson, who died in June.
A Jackson impersonator did the King of Pop's signature moonwalk dance move while wearing a sequined jacket, white T-shirt, white glove and white socks, while a large photograph of him as a boy appeared on stage.
"Let's give it up for one of the greatest artists the world has ever known," Madonna shouted, and then segued into a performance of her old hit "Holiday."
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Soprano Kiri Te Kanawa retires from opera
Soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, whose career has spanned more than four decades, announced her retirement Friday.
Her last performance will be in April 2010 at the Cologne Opera in Germany, where she will play the Marschallin in Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier.
The 65-year-old singer told the Daily Telegraph newspaper in London that she is retiring from the stage because the work is "exhausting."
The soprano had been on an open-ended farewell concert tour for the last two years, with stops in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, among other cities.
Te Kanawa became an international opera star for her vibrant, fresh voice during the 1970s and '80s.
She excelled in various works, including those of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Strauss and Giuseppe Verdi, and was particularly successful in portraying princesses and countesses. Her natural beauty and presence helped personify such roles.
She first came into the spotlight in 1971, when she was cast to play the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro at the Covent Garden Opera in London.
She later gave a memorable performance at Lady Diana's wedding to Prince Charles.
Te Kanawa was made a dame commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1982 and has received honorary degrees from various universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
The New Zealand-born singer last performed in an opera in 2004 in Samuel Barber's Vanessa. Te Kanawa announced then that it would be her last opera performance, but she continued to give recitals and concerts.
She later decided to return to the stage to play the Duchess of Krakenthorpe in La Fille du Regiment at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The run is scheduled to begin next Feb. 6.
Te Kanawa said she will continue to tour and perform her scheduled farewell concerts, as well as teach young aspiring singers at the Solti Academy in Italy.
Her last performance will be in April 2010 at the Cologne Opera in Germany, where she will play the Marschallin in Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier.
The 65-year-old singer told the Daily Telegraph newspaper in London that she is retiring from the stage because the work is "exhausting."
The soprano had been on an open-ended farewell concert tour for the last two years, with stops in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, among other cities.
Te Kanawa became an international opera star for her vibrant, fresh voice during the 1970s and '80s.
She excelled in various works, including those of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Strauss and Giuseppe Verdi, and was particularly successful in portraying princesses and countesses. Her natural beauty and presence helped personify such roles.
She first came into the spotlight in 1971, when she was cast to play the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro at the Covent Garden Opera in London.
She later gave a memorable performance at Lady Diana's wedding to Prince Charles.
Te Kanawa was made a dame commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1982 and has received honorary degrees from various universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
The New Zealand-born singer last performed in an opera in 2004 in Samuel Barber's Vanessa. Te Kanawa announced then that it would be her last opera performance, but she continued to give recitals and concerts.
She later decided to return to the stage to play the Duchess of Krakenthorpe in La Fille du Regiment at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The run is scheduled to begin next Feb. 6.
Te Kanawa said she will continue to tour and perform her scheduled farewell concerts, as well as teach young aspiring singers at the Solti Academy in Italy.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Steven Tyler speaks out after accident
LOS ANGELES - Steven Tyler is thanking the South Dakota police department and others who helped him after he fell off the stage during a performance at the city's famous motorcycle rally earlier this month.
In a lengthy statement issued Thursday, Tyler says he broke his left shoulder and needed 20 stitches in his head after the Aug. 5 accident in Sturgis. The 61-year-old Aerosmith frontman also thanks the band's crew, the helicopter that evacuated him "for getting me outta there before I bled to death" and the doctors and nurses who treated him.
Tyler said thunderstorms delayed the band's set by an hour, then fuses blew and the audio systems failed shortly after the concert began.
"Well, I wasn't gonna go hide under the big top and play 'ROCK STAR' and wait for everything to be fixed," Tyler says. "I wanted to go out to the crowd to continue the show."
He said he was doing "the Tyler shuffle" when he slipped and fell off the edge of the stage.
"I just want to say that I' m plain grateful that I didn't break my neck," he says. "In truth, after thousands of live shows, falling off the edge four times ain't too bad."
In a lengthy statement issued Thursday, Tyler says he broke his left shoulder and needed 20 stitches in his head after the Aug. 5 accident in Sturgis. The 61-year-old Aerosmith frontman also thanks the band's crew, the helicopter that evacuated him "for getting me outta there before I bled to death" and the doctors and nurses who treated him.
Tyler said thunderstorms delayed the band's set by an hour, then fuses blew and the audio systems failed shortly after the concert began.
"Well, I wasn't gonna go hide under the big top and play 'ROCK STAR' and wait for everything to be fixed," Tyler says. "I wanted to go out to the crowd to continue the show."
He said he was doing "the Tyler shuffle" when he slipped and fell off the edge of the stage.
"I just want to say that I' m plain grateful that I didn't break my neck," he says. "In truth, after thousands of live shows, falling off the edge four times ain't too bad."
Thursday, August 13, 2009
TV Academy: All Emmys to be presented live
LOS ANGELES – The television academy is scrapping its "time-shifting" plans and will present all 28 Emmy Awards during the September telecast.
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced last month that it would pre-tape eight awards presentations and acceptance speeches, including some in the writing category. Members of the Writers Guild of America blasted the academy for the plan in a letter signed by some of the top TV showrunners.
The academy says the decision was made to "mend relationships within the television community" and allow the telecast producer to focus on "creative elements" during the live show.
The Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild issued separate statements Wednesday applauding the decision.
"We appreciate that the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has decided to present all 28 awards live on this year's Primetime Emmy Awards," the WGA statement read. "We look forward to developing a more collaborative relationship between the Writers Guild and the Academy."
The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards will air at 8 p.m. Sept. 20 on CBS.
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced last month that it would pre-tape eight awards presentations and acceptance speeches, including some in the writing category. Members of the Writers Guild of America blasted the academy for the plan in a letter signed by some of the top TV showrunners.
The academy says the decision was made to "mend relationships within the television community" and allow the telecast producer to focus on "creative elements" during the live show.
The Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild issued separate statements Wednesday applauding the decision.
"We appreciate that the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has decided to present all 28 awards live on this year's Primetime Emmy Awards," the WGA statement read. "We look forward to developing a more collaborative relationship between the Writers Guild and the Academy."
The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards will air at 8 p.m. Sept. 20 on CBS.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Neil Young to get special Grammy
The Grammy Awards are finally recognizing Canadian rocker Neil Young by bestowing him a special honour.
Young has never captured a Grammy as a solo artist.
The Toronto-born Young, who was a member of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, will be handed the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year trophy at next year's gala.
The award recognizes artistic achievements as well as philanthropic work.
"Neil has set a standard of artistic integrity and iconoclastic creativity for more than four decades, and his achievements have been matched by his unwavering humanitarianism," said Recording Academy president Neil Portnow in a statement on Tuesday. The Recording Academy is the organization behind the Grammys.
"He is a shining example of how music people offer their creative gifts to the world, and how they also give back through their commitments to charitable endeavours."
The 63-year-old musician — whose hits include Cinnamon Girl, Rockin' in the Free World, Heart of Gold and Old Man —has organized various charity events over the years and is a well-known social activist.
Young co-founded the benefit Farm Aid concert in 1985 and a year later, helped create The Bridge School, which assists physically challenged children.
Young and his wife Pegi organize a concert every October to benefit the school located in Hillsborough, Calif. Both of their sons have cerebral palsy and their daughter has epilepsy.
In 2006 he released the anti-war album, Living With War, which included the politically charged song Let's Impeach the President, a not-so-veiled condemnation of George W. Bush's war in Iraq.
The singer and songwriter will become the first Canadian to get the accolade.
Past honourees include Quincy Jones, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Bono and Neil Diamond.
The Grammys will be held on Jan. 29, 2010, in Los Angeles.
Young has never captured a Grammy as a solo artist.
The Toronto-born Young, who was a member of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, will be handed the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year trophy at next year's gala.
The award recognizes artistic achievements as well as philanthropic work.
"Neil has set a standard of artistic integrity and iconoclastic creativity for more than four decades, and his achievements have been matched by his unwavering humanitarianism," said Recording Academy president Neil Portnow in a statement on Tuesday. The Recording Academy is the organization behind the Grammys.
"He is a shining example of how music people offer their creative gifts to the world, and how they also give back through their commitments to charitable endeavours."
The 63-year-old musician — whose hits include Cinnamon Girl, Rockin' in the Free World, Heart of Gold and Old Man —has organized various charity events over the years and is a well-known social activist.
Young co-founded the benefit Farm Aid concert in 1985 and a year later, helped create The Bridge School, which assists physically challenged children.
Young and his wife Pegi organize a concert every October to benefit the school located in Hillsborough, Calif. Both of their sons have cerebral palsy and their daughter has epilepsy.
In 2006 he released the anti-war album, Living With War, which included the politically charged song Let's Impeach the President, a not-so-veiled condemnation of George W. Bush's war in Iraq.
The singer and songwriter will become the first Canadian to get the accolade.
Past honourees include Quincy Jones, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Bono and Neil Diamond.
The Grammys will be held on Jan. 29, 2010, in Los Angeles.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Focus is on "Funny" for "Half Nelson" duo
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Focus Features will finance, produce and distribute the next film from the writer-director team behind the 2006 drama "Half Nelson," which garnered a best actor Oscar nomination for Ryan Gosling.
The Universal Pictures specialty division has boarded "It's Kind of a Funny Story," a coming-of-age comedy-drama that Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden are directing from a script they wrote.
"Story" centers on a 15-year-old boy who is battling depression and checks himself into a psychiatric hospital but finds himself in the adult ward. He develops a series of colorful and dramatic relationships with adult patients and a girl his age.
"Story" is based on a young-adult novel by Ned Vizzini, a 450-page tome that gained critical acclaim when Miramax Books published it in 2006.
Producers aim to cast the film with a name-driven adult ensemble and a number of discoveries for the teen roles.
Fleck and Boden gained acclaim with their debut feature, "Half Nelson," which told the story of several New York City students and their devoted but crack-addicted teacher (Gosling).
The pair also were behind the immigrant baseball drama "Sugar," which caused a stir at Sundance in 2008 and whose screenplay was nominated for a Spirit Award.
The Universal Pictures specialty division has boarded "It's Kind of a Funny Story," a coming-of-age comedy-drama that Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden are directing from a script they wrote.
"Story" centers on a 15-year-old boy who is battling depression and checks himself into a psychiatric hospital but finds himself in the adult ward. He develops a series of colorful and dramatic relationships with adult patients and a girl his age.
"Story" is based on a young-adult novel by Ned Vizzini, a 450-page tome that gained critical acclaim when Miramax Books published it in 2006.
Producers aim to cast the film with a name-driven adult ensemble and a number of discoveries for the teen roles.
Fleck and Boden gained acclaim with their debut feature, "Half Nelson," which told the story of several New York City students and their devoted but crack-addicted teacher (Gosling).
The pair also were behind the immigrant baseball drama "Sugar," which caused a stir at Sundance in 2008 and whose screenplay was nominated for a Spirit Award.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Miley Cyrus, 'Twilight' sweep Teen Choice Awards
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – Miley Cyrus rode a wave at the Teen Choice Awards.
The teen queen sailed away with six surfboard-shaped trophies at Sunday's ceremony. Cyrus won for comedy TV actress and comedy TV show for "Hannah Montana," music/dance movie actress and hissy fit for the "Hannah Montana" movie, music single for "The Climb" and summer song for "Before the Storm." She also presented Britney Spears with the ultimate choice award.
"I'm a huge fans of hers," Cyrus said before a subdued Spears accepted her own surfboard.
Cyrus was among several multiple award winners at the 11th annual ceremony at Universal Studios Hollywood's Gibson Amphitheatre.
Show hosts the Jonas Brothers kicked off the ceremony by performing "Much Better" on a tiny stage that moved through the audience. They won five awards, including choice male red carpet icons and breakout TV show for "Jonas."
The biggest winner of the night was vampire drama "Twilight," which sucked up nine movie awards: choice drama, romance, liplock, rumble, drama actress for Kristen Stewart, drama actor for Robert Pattinson, villain for Cam Gigandet, fresh face female for Ashley Greene and fresh face male for Taylor Lautner, who will also appear in the upcoming sequel, "New Moon."
"We'll see you guys in theaters Nov. 20," Lautner teased the squealing crowd.
Other big winners included "Gossip Girl" and Zac Efron. Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick picked up drama actor, actress, villain and TV series awards for the sudsy CW series while Efron won for music/dance movie actor in "High School Musical 3" and comedy movie actor and rockstar moment in "17 Again."
The teen queen sailed away with six surfboard-shaped trophies at Sunday's ceremony. Cyrus won for comedy TV actress and comedy TV show for "Hannah Montana," music/dance movie actress and hissy fit for the "Hannah Montana" movie, music single for "The Climb" and summer song for "Before the Storm." She also presented Britney Spears with the ultimate choice award.
"I'm a huge fans of hers," Cyrus said before a subdued Spears accepted her own surfboard.
Cyrus was among several multiple award winners at the 11th annual ceremony at Universal Studios Hollywood's Gibson Amphitheatre.
Show hosts the Jonas Brothers kicked off the ceremony by performing "Much Better" on a tiny stage that moved through the audience. They won five awards, including choice male red carpet icons and breakout TV show for "Jonas."
The biggest winner of the night was vampire drama "Twilight," which sucked up nine movie awards: choice drama, romance, liplock, rumble, drama actress for Kristen Stewart, drama actor for Robert Pattinson, villain for Cam Gigandet, fresh face female for Ashley Greene and fresh face male for Taylor Lautner, who will also appear in the upcoming sequel, "New Moon."
"We'll see you guys in theaters Nov. 20," Lautner teased the squealing crowd.
Other big winners included "Gossip Girl" and Zac Efron. Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick picked up drama actor, actress, villain and TV series awards for the sudsy CW series while Efron won for music/dance movie actor in "High School Musical 3" and comedy movie actor and rockstar moment in "17 Again."
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Report: Jackson kids' godfather claims paternity
LONDON – A British tabloid reported Saturday that the godfather of Michael Jackson's three children claims to be the father of the singer's daughter Paris.
The News of the World quotes Jackson's longtime friend Mark Lester as saying that he "gave Michael my sperm so that he could have kids — and I believe Paris is my daughter."
The newspaper also quotes Lester, is a 51-year-old former child star known for his lead role in the 1968 movie version of the state show "Oliver!" as saying he's willing to take a paternity test.
In a video interview with Lester broadcast on the News of the World Web site, Lester said he donated his sperm at a London clinic. He said Jackson was married to Debbie Rowe at the time.
"She's the birth mother of the children so I naturally assumed the sperm donation would obviously have gone into Debbie and Debbie would have borne the children," he said.
He said Paris resembled his own 15-year-old daughter Harriet.
Rowe said he had made the revelations because he has "concerns about the welfare and upbringing of the children."
"It's a contact issue," he said on the video. "I dearly want to remain in contact with those kids and I feel now this is the only way I can ensure that."
Jackson and Lester became friends 27 years ago when Jackson's manager told Lester the singer wanted to meet him. Lester lives in Cheltenham, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of London.
The News of the World quotes Jackson's longtime friend Mark Lester as saying that he "gave Michael my sperm so that he could have kids — and I believe Paris is my daughter."
The newspaper also quotes Lester, is a 51-year-old former child star known for his lead role in the 1968 movie version of the state show "Oliver!" as saying he's willing to take a paternity test.
In a video interview with Lester broadcast on the News of the World Web site, Lester said he donated his sperm at a London clinic. He said Jackson was married to Debbie Rowe at the time.
"She's the birth mother of the children so I naturally assumed the sperm donation would obviously have gone into Debbie and Debbie would have borne the children," he said.
He said Paris resembled his own 15-year-old daughter Harriet.
Rowe said he had made the revelations because he has "concerns about the welfare and upbringing of the children."
"It's a contact issue," he said on the video. "I dearly want to remain in contact with those kids and I feel now this is the only way I can ensure that."
Jackson and Lester became friends 27 years ago when Jackson's manager told Lester the singer wanted to meet him. Lester lives in Cheltenham, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of London.
ABC wants Paula Abdul to dance on over post-'Idol'
PASADENA, Calif. – ABC is joining the chorus of those seeking to hire Paula Abdul, who said she's quitting "American Idol."
ABC programming chief Stephen McPherson told the Television Critics Association on Saturday that he was "stunned" to hear she'd decided to leave the top-rated Fox series and that he's contacted Abdul, whom he called an old friend.
McPherson told Abdul he'd love to see her at ABC, home of "Dancing with the Stars."
Abdul announced last Tuesday she was leaving as an "Idol" judge following stalemated contract talks with Fox and the show's producers. She said she quickly started receiving "wonderful" offers.
ABC programming chief Stephen McPherson told the Television Critics Association on Saturday that he was "stunned" to hear she'd decided to leave the top-rated Fox series and that he's contacted Abdul, whom he called an old friend.
McPherson told Abdul he'd love to see her at ABC, home of "Dancing with the Stars."
Abdul announced last Tuesday she was leaving as an "Idol" judge following stalemated contract talks with Fox and the show's producers. She said she quickly started receiving "wonderful" offers.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Jackson insurance excluded 'illicit' drug use
LOS ANGELES – The insurance taken out on Michael Jackson for his London concert series does not cover cancellations if the pop star was found to have illegally possessed drugs or was involved in the "illicit taking of drugs," according to a copy of the policy provided Friday to The Associated Press.
It was not immediately clear whether any medications Jackson was taking would negate a payout up to $17.5 million, which would ultimately benefit his estate.
Jackson's doctor administered multiple sedatives along with the powerful anesthetic propofol, a potentially lethal combination, hours before the singer died June 25, a law enforcement official who requested anonymity because the death investigation is ongoing told the AP.
The insurance policy, covering the first 13 shows of the 50-show run, was taken out by Jackson and concert promoter AEG Live in April. Such a policy and its provisions are considered standard for events on the scale of the one for which Jackson was preparing.
The policy covers cancellations resulting from death, but its provisions will hinge on the results of an autopsy that has been delayed twice. A claim could take months to resolve through a settlement or in court, and either route could be delayed as police investigate a manslaughter charge.
A New York doctor with no connection to AEG Live conducted a medical exam of Jackson in Los Angeles in February. AEG Live Chief Executive Randy Phillips said he was told by the insurance underwriter that Jackson passed "with flying colors." The exam results were shown to the insurers, but not to AEG Live.
A copy of the insurance policy shows that it had several clauses that would prevent a payout, including if the singer concealed information or acted carelessly to increase the risk of a no-show.
AEG Live and the special administrators of Jackson's estate have been moving quickly to cut business deals that will help the concert promoter recoup the more than $30 million it is currently owed by his estate. An insurance payout would go a long way to reducing the estate's obligation to AEG Live.
The promoter is also in line to quickly cover its costs if a $60 million payment from Sony Corp.'s movie division to distribute a film based on rehearsal footage is approved by a court Monday.
Also in the works for court approval is a merchandising deal with Bravado, a unit of Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group, which had signed a deal with AEG Live in July and has been selling Jackson goods online since then.
The estate is in line to receive 90 percent of the proceeds from the business deals after AEG Live's initial costs have been covered, according to documents filed in court this week.
It was not immediately clear whether any medications Jackson was taking would negate a payout up to $17.5 million, which would ultimately benefit his estate.
Jackson's doctor administered multiple sedatives along with the powerful anesthetic propofol, a potentially lethal combination, hours before the singer died June 25, a law enforcement official who requested anonymity because the death investigation is ongoing told the AP.
The insurance policy, covering the first 13 shows of the 50-show run, was taken out by Jackson and concert promoter AEG Live in April. Such a policy and its provisions are considered standard for events on the scale of the one for which Jackson was preparing.
The policy covers cancellations resulting from death, but its provisions will hinge on the results of an autopsy that has been delayed twice. A claim could take months to resolve through a settlement or in court, and either route could be delayed as police investigate a manslaughter charge.
A New York doctor with no connection to AEG Live conducted a medical exam of Jackson in Los Angeles in February. AEG Live Chief Executive Randy Phillips said he was told by the insurance underwriter that Jackson passed "with flying colors." The exam results were shown to the insurers, but not to AEG Live.
A copy of the insurance policy shows that it had several clauses that would prevent a payout, including if the singer concealed information or acted carelessly to increase the risk of a no-show.
AEG Live and the special administrators of Jackson's estate have been moving quickly to cut business deals that will help the concert promoter recoup the more than $30 million it is currently owed by his estate. An insurance payout would go a long way to reducing the estate's obligation to AEG Live.
The promoter is also in line to quickly cover its costs if a $60 million payment from Sony Corp.'s movie division to distribute a film based on rehearsal footage is approved by a court Monday.
Also in the works for court approval is a merchandising deal with Bravado, a unit of Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group, which had signed a deal with AEG Live in July and has been selling Jackson goods online since then.
The estate is in line to receive 90 percent of the proceeds from the business deals after AEG Live's initial costs have been covered, according to documents filed in court this week.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Wrigley drops Chris Brown after conviction
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Chewing gum maker Wrigley said on Thursday it had ended a commercial deal with R&B star Chris Brown, following his guilty plea on charges of assaulting former girlfriend and pop star Rihanna.
Brown had been a spokesman for Doublemint gum and his hit song "Forever" was part of Wrigley's advertising campaign.
Following Brown's February arrest on suspicion of attacking Rihanna in Los Angeles on the eve of the Grammy Awards, Wrigley said it was "concerned" by the allegations against him.
Maintaining that Brown, 20, deserved due legal process, Wrigley said at the time it was suspending its commercial featuring the singer until the matter was "resolved."
But with Brown pleading guilty in June to punching Rihanna until she was bloodied and bruised, Wrigley said on Thursday it had "ended" its deal with the singer.
Brown, whose hit songs include "Run It" and "Kiss Kiss," agreed in his plea to serve five years probation and perform 180 days of community service in his home state of Virginia.
Wrigley's disclosure came a day after a judge delayed a sentencing hearing for Brown to make sure his punishment included physical labor such as road cleanup.
Brown had been a spokesman for Doublemint gum and his hit song "Forever" was part of Wrigley's advertising campaign.
Following Brown's February arrest on suspicion of attacking Rihanna in Los Angeles on the eve of the Grammy Awards, Wrigley said it was "concerned" by the allegations against him.
Maintaining that Brown, 20, deserved due legal process, Wrigley said at the time it was suspending its commercial featuring the singer until the matter was "resolved."
But with Brown pleading guilty in June to punching Rihanna until she was bloodied and bruised, Wrigley said on Thursday it had "ended" its deal with the singer.
Brown, whose hit songs include "Run It" and "Kiss Kiss," agreed in his plea to serve five years probation and perform 180 days of community service in his home state of Virginia.
Wrigley's disclosure came a day after a judge delayed a sentencing hearing for Brown to make sure his punishment included physical labor such as road cleanup.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Barbra Streisand to auction her costumes, art, furniture for charity
LOS ANGELES - Want to lounge in a wicker chair from Barbra Streisand's sunroom? Perhaps wear one of her designer dresses or tinkle the keys of her baby grand piano?
Your chance is coming in October, when Streisand will auction more than 400 personal items to benefit her charity.
"What good does it do in storage," the 67-year-old entertainer said. "Let someone else enjoy it. These things, they're not forever. We pass them on and reap the benefits for something important."
A collector throughout her career, Streisand is selling costumes from her films, including a dress from "Funny Lady," a robe from "The Way We Were" and several outfits from "Meet the Fockers."
There's a gold Dior pantsuit Streisand wore to the 1986 Grammys, an old phonograph she bought when she was 18 and "one of the first pieces of furniture I ever bought: A dental cabinet. That's hard to part with actually," she said. "I wish I had room for it. I don't."
Dozens of dresses and suits, books, designer furniture, paintings and vintage collectibles are also being auctioned.
Streisand decided to part with items from her Beverly Hills, Malibu and New York homes because she's "through with extra stuff."
"The community is better served if I get rid of it and give all the proceeds to my foundation, which does really good work," she said.
She plans to donate all proceeds from the sale, scheduled for Oct. 17-18 at the Beverly Hilton hotel, to the Streisand Foundation, which supports women's, children's, environmental and political causes.
Among the beneficiaries: City Year, which Streisand said "brings together a core of diverse young leaders that provide vital resources to youth in local neighbourhoods"; the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation ("We gave a big chunk to the climate change initiative," she said); and the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Health Center, which supports cardiac research for women.
"For decades women have been treated based on medical research done on men," Streisand said. "So it's about time that proper research be done and communicated to women so they'll be more informed about their health."
Highlights from the sale will be exhibited aboard the Queen Mary 2 during its trans-Atlantic cruise this month and then in Ireland and New York before landing in Beverly Hills, where the auction will be conducted by Julien's Auctions.
Meanwhile, Streisand is working on an album for release in September and preparing to act and direct in "a couple of movies on the horizon." She's also making a book about her new home.
Parting with old possessions makes it easier to focus on the future, she said.
"I'm a collector, so one collects and collects and collects," she said. "But now I have enough stuff and I want to concentrate on other things, so it's a good time to clean (the) closets."
Your chance is coming in October, when Streisand will auction more than 400 personal items to benefit her charity.
"What good does it do in storage," the 67-year-old entertainer said. "Let someone else enjoy it. These things, they're not forever. We pass them on and reap the benefits for something important."
A collector throughout her career, Streisand is selling costumes from her films, including a dress from "Funny Lady," a robe from "The Way We Were" and several outfits from "Meet the Fockers."
There's a gold Dior pantsuit Streisand wore to the 1986 Grammys, an old phonograph she bought when she was 18 and "one of the first pieces of furniture I ever bought: A dental cabinet. That's hard to part with actually," she said. "I wish I had room for it. I don't."
Dozens of dresses and suits, books, designer furniture, paintings and vintage collectibles are also being auctioned.
Streisand decided to part with items from her Beverly Hills, Malibu and New York homes because she's "through with extra stuff."
"The community is better served if I get rid of it and give all the proceeds to my foundation, which does really good work," she said.
She plans to donate all proceeds from the sale, scheduled for Oct. 17-18 at the Beverly Hilton hotel, to the Streisand Foundation, which supports women's, children's, environmental and political causes.
Among the beneficiaries: City Year, which Streisand said "brings together a core of diverse young leaders that provide vital resources to youth in local neighbourhoods"; the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation ("We gave a big chunk to the climate change initiative," she said); and the Cedars-Sinai Women's Heart Health Center, which supports cardiac research for women.
"For decades women have been treated based on medical research done on men," Streisand said. "So it's about time that proper research be done and communicated to women so they'll be more informed about their health."
Highlights from the sale will be exhibited aboard the Queen Mary 2 during its trans-Atlantic cruise this month and then in Ireland and New York before landing in Beverly Hills, where the auction will be conducted by Julien's Auctions.
Meanwhile, Streisand is working on an album for release in September and preparing to act and direct in "a couple of movies on the horizon." She's also making a book about her new home.
Parting with old possessions makes it easier to focus on the future, she said.
"I'm a collector, so one collects and collects and collects," she said. "But now I have enough stuff and I want to concentrate on other things, so it's a good time to clean (the) closets."
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Joe Jackson won't help raise son's children
LOS ANGELES – Joe Jackson doesn't plan to help raise Michael Jackson's three children.
The Jackson family patriarch lives in Las Vegas and wrote in a statement filed in a Los Angeles court on Monday that he only occasionally visits the family home in the San Fernando Valley, north of downtown Los Angeles.
"I have had a close family relationship with these grandchildren since their birth," Jackson wrote in the declaration dated July 13. "I do visit the family residence from time to time and will continue to do so, however I will not be involved in raising the children."
His two-page declaration expresses support for his wife, Katherine, who on Monday was granted permanent custody of Michael Jackson's three children.
Joe Jackson wrote that his wife is "a wonderful caretaker and guardian."
A judge on Monday awarded Katherine Jackson a monthly stipend to help upkeep the family's home, where her three grandchildren are staying.
Court records released on Tuesday include forms signed by Jackson's two oldest children, Prince Michael, 12, and Paris-Michael, 11, consenting to their grandmother serving as their guardian. The documents do not include any statements by the children.
Michael Jackson named his mother as the person he wanted to raise his children if he died, according to a 2002 will.
Records filed on Monday also include consent by Jackson's ex-wife, Deborah Rowe, to Katherine Jackson's guardianship of Prince Michael and Paris-Michael, who she gave birth to while married to the King of Pop.
Under an agreement reached last week, Rowe will have some visits with the children that will be supervised by a child psychologist. A summary of the agreement filed with the court states that Rowe doesn't have any parental rights to Jackson's youngest son, Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket.
One of Katherine Jackson's attorneys, Diane Goodman, told a judge on Monday that Blanket, 7, was born to a surrogate who has no parental rights. The surrogate mother has never been identified.
The Jackson family patriarch lives in Las Vegas and wrote in a statement filed in a Los Angeles court on Monday that he only occasionally visits the family home in the San Fernando Valley, north of downtown Los Angeles.
"I have had a close family relationship with these grandchildren since their birth," Jackson wrote in the declaration dated July 13. "I do visit the family residence from time to time and will continue to do so, however I will not be involved in raising the children."
His two-page declaration expresses support for his wife, Katherine, who on Monday was granted permanent custody of Michael Jackson's three children.
Joe Jackson wrote that his wife is "a wonderful caretaker and guardian."
A judge on Monday awarded Katherine Jackson a monthly stipend to help upkeep the family's home, where her three grandchildren are staying.
Court records released on Tuesday include forms signed by Jackson's two oldest children, Prince Michael, 12, and Paris-Michael, 11, consenting to their grandmother serving as their guardian. The documents do not include any statements by the children.
Michael Jackson named his mother as the person he wanted to raise his children if he died, according to a 2002 will.
Records filed on Monday also include consent by Jackson's ex-wife, Deborah Rowe, to Katherine Jackson's guardianship of Prince Michael and Paris-Michael, who she gave birth to while married to the King of Pop.
Under an agreement reached last week, Rowe will have some visits with the children that will be supervised by a child psychologist. A summary of the agreement filed with the court states that Rowe doesn't have any parental rights to Jackson's youngest son, Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket.
One of Katherine Jackson's attorneys, Diane Goodman, told a judge on Monday that Blanket, 7, was born to a surrogate who has no parental rights. The surrogate mother has never been identified.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
MGM Mirage posts loss, but revenue tops estimates
ATLANTA (Reuters) – MGM Mirage posted a second-quarter loss on Monday as revenue fell and it discounted hotel rooms in a bid to attract conventioneers to its Las Vegas resorts, but its shares gained nearly 3 percent as revenue was better than expected.
The No. 2 casino operator, whose largest shareholder is billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, reported a net loss of $212.6 million, or 60 cents a diluted share, compared with year-earlier net income of $113.1 million, or 40 cents a share.
The results included a cash impairment charge of 34 cents a share from an investment in a convertible note, and other special items.
Excluding items, the loss came to 12 cents a share, while analysts on average had expected a loss of 9 cents, according to Reuters Estimates.
Revenue, adjusting for promotional allowances, fell 21 percent to $1.49 billion, compared with $1.48 billion forecast by analysts.
Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Robert LaFleur said MGM had done a "good job" controlling expenses in the quarter.
"It was from our view sort of an in-line quarter," LaFleur said.
MGM, whose holdings include nine Las Vegas Strip casino-hotels, gambling resorts in Mississippi and Michigan, and joint ventures in New Jersey and China's Macau, said $2.65 billion of debt and equity issuances completed in the quarter improved its financial position. It also said it was evaluating other ways to bolster its finances.
The company is looking to further expand in Asia as decreased business travel pressures casinos. It said in June that it was in talks with investors to develop a casino in Taiwan and also was eyeing potential projects in Japan and the Philippines.
But the company faces scrutiny in the United States tied to its joint venture in Macau with partner Pansy Ho.
Last week, the state of New Jersey reopened its review of the gaming license held by MGM and Boyd Gaming Corp's -- a 50-50 venture that operates Atlantic City's Borgata.
The move is tied to issues raised earlier this year by an investigation of the Macau venture. In May, New Jersey's gaming enforcement division issued a report recommending that MGM sever business ties with Ho.
MGM said on Friday that resolution of the New Jersey matter could take a year or more, and it plans to present evidence at a hearing before state gambling authorities.
"I don't think this is going to result in anything near-term," LaFleur said of the New Jersey investigation. "I think we're in the very early stages of a long, drawn-out process."
Shares of MGM were up 20 cents, or 2.8 percent, at $7.43 in morning New York Stock Exchange trading after falling before the market opened. Other casino stocks rose, with market leader Las Vegas Sands up 5.2 percent at $9.84 and Wynn Resorts up 4.5 percent at $53.46.
The No. 2 casino operator, whose largest shareholder is billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, reported a net loss of $212.6 million, or 60 cents a diluted share, compared with year-earlier net income of $113.1 million, or 40 cents a share.
The results included a cash impairment charge of 34 cents a share from an investment in a convertible note, and other special items.
Excluding items, the loss came to 12 cents a share, while analysts on average had expected a loss of 9 cents, according to Reuters Estimates.
Revenue, adjusting for promotional allowances, fell 21 percent to $1.49 billion, compared with $1.48 billion forecast by analysts.
Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Robert LaFleur said MGM had done a "good job" controlling expenses in the quarter.
"It was from our view sort of an in-line quarter," LaFleur said.
MGM, whose holdings include nine Las Vegas Strip casino-hotels, gambling resorts in Mississippi and Michigan, and joint ventures in New Jersey and China's Macau, said $2.65 billion of debt and equity issuances completed in the quarter improved its financial position. It also said it was evaluating other ways to bolster its finances.
The company is looking to further expand in Asia as decreased business travel pressures casinos. It said in June that it was in talks with investors to develop a casino in Taiwan and also was eyeing potential projects in Japan and the Philippines.
But the company faces scrutiny in the United States tied to its joint venture in Macau with partner Pansy Ho.
Last week, the state of New Jersey reopened its review of the gaming license held by MGM and Boyd Gaming Corp's -- a 50-50 venture that operates Atlantic City's Borgata.
The move is tied to issues raised earlier this year by an investigation of the Macau venture. In May, New Jersey's gaming enforcement division issued a report recommending that MGM sever business ties with Ho.
MGM said on Friday that resolution of the New Jersey matter could take a year or more, and it plans to present evidence at a hearing before state gambling authorities.
"I don't think this is going to result in anything near-term," LaFleur said of the New Jersey investigation. "I think we're in the very early stages of a long, drawn-out process."
Shares of MGM were up 20 cents, or 2.8 percent, at $7.43 in morning New York Stock Exchange trading after falling before the market opened. Other casino stocks rose, with market leader Las Vegas Sands up 5.2 percent at $9.84 and Wynn Resorts up 4.5 percent at $53.46.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Survivor & Amazing Race's Rob and Amber Become Parents
They survived two seasons apiece on both CBS's Survivor and The Amazing Race and even their own FOX reality show, Rob and Amber: Against the Odds. Now Amber and Rob Mariano are taking on their most daunting challenge yet – parenthood.
Amber, 30, gave birth to daughter Lucia Rose on the Fourth of July at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., Rob, 33, tells PEOPLE exclusively.
With a first name of Italian origin meaning "light of God" and a middle name as a tribute to her paternal great-grandmother, who died on the Fourth of July, Lucia Rose Mariano arrived weighing 6 lbs., 11.5 oz. and measuring 19 ¼-in. long. "Both mom and baby are healthy and doing great," says Rob.
"Lucia is a great eater and sleeps a lot, however she tends to be a bit of a night owl like her daddy at times," he adds. "She is a perfect baby and we could not have asked for anything more. We are over the moon with happiness at her arrival!"
Kids Always in the Plan
Amber Brkich competed on Survivor: The Australian Outback, which aired in 2001. Rob Mariano was first seen on Survivor: Marquesas in 2002. Both formed a winning alliance on Survivor: All-Stars, which concluded with Rob's on-air proposal to Amber during the May 9, 2004 finale. After competing on the seventh season of The Amazing Race as an engaged couple, the two wed on April 16, 2005. In 2007, they took on The Amazing Race again during its All-Star season.
In 2005, Amber told PEOPLE: "We both come from a family of three kids, so I would like to have three kids, but you never know what happens, so hopefully we are blessed with at least one child and then we would both like to adopt one day if possible."
Two years later, she spoke to PEOPLE about their plans to have children. "We definitely want a family and we've been talking about it," Amber said. "But I think it was also important for us to spend the first couple of years just the two of us together." Rob added, "We are not trying right away but when it happens, it happens."
Amber, 30, gave birth to daughter Lucia Rose on the Fourth of July at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., Rob, 33, tells PEOPLE exclusively.
With a first name of Italian origin meaning "light of God" and a middle name as a tribute to her paternal great-grandmother, who died on the Fourth of July, Lucia Rose Mariano arrived weighing 6 lbs., 11.5 oz. and measuring 19 ¼-in. long. "Both mom and baby are healthy and doing great," says Rob.
"Lucia is a great eater and sleeps a lot, however she tends to be a bit of a night owl like her daddy at times," he adds. "She is a perfect baby and we could not have asked for anything more. We are over the moon with happiness at her arrival!"
Kids Always in the Plan
Amber Brkich competed on Survivor: The Australian Outback, which aired in 2001. Rob Mariano was first seen on Survivor: Marquesas in 2002. Both formed a winning alliance on Survivor: All-Stars, which concluded with Rob's on-air proposal to Amber during the May 9, 2004 finale. After competing on the seventh season of The Amazing Race as an engaged couple, the two wed on April 16, 2005. In 2007, they took on The Amazing Race again during its All-Star season.
In 2005, Amber told PEOPLE: "We both come from a family of three kids, so I would like to have three kids, but you never know what happens, so hopefully we are blessed with at least one child and then we would both like to adopt one day if possible."
Two years later, she spoke to PEOPLE about their plans to have children. "We definitely want a family and we've been talking about it," Amber said. "But I think it was also important for us to spend the first couple of years just the two of us together." Rob added, "We are not trying right away but when it happens, it happens."
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Camrose, Alta., stage collapse leaves 1 dead, 15 injured
One person is dead and several others were critically injured after a storm knocked down the main stage Saturday at the Big Valley Jamboree near Camrose, Alta., about 95 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
Witnesses said severe winds caused the stage to break apart, with parts of it collapsing on concertgoers.
Camrose police confirm that one person was killed and 15 others were transported to hospital. They said four people suffered critical injuries.
Numerous emergency vehicles were rushed to the scene.
Strong winds, heavy rain and hail battered the jamboree, where thousands had gathered for the annual four-day event, said Camrose Police Chief Darrell Kambeitz.
"The concert … was delayed and the concert bowl was being cleared when a small portion of the main stage collapsed," Kambeitz told The Canadian Press.
He added that decisions regarding the continuation of the jamboree on Sunday — the event's final day — would be made at a later time.
Police asked that concertgoers, who had pitched tents and parked RVs at the festival's 6,000 camping sites, stay put until the weather cleared to avoid traffic snarls.
Kambeitz said early reports that dozens of people were trapped under the stage were not true and that emergency crews quickly had the situation in hand.
Nashville musician Billy Currington and his band were onstage when the structure collapsed. Hollywood actor Kevin Costner and his band Modern West were scheduled to take the stage next, according to the Big Valley Jamboree website.
Witnesses said severe winds caused the stage to break apart, with parts of it collapsing on concertgoers.
Camrose police confirm that one person was killed and 15 others were transported to hospital. They said four people suffered critical injuries.
Numerous emergency vehicles were rushed to the scene.
Strong winds, heavy rain and hail battered the jamboree, where thousands had gathered for the annual four-day event, said Camrose Police Chief Darrell Kambeitz.
"The concert … was delayed and the concert bowl was being cleared when a small portion of the main stage collapsed," Kambeitz told The Canadian Press.
He added that decisions regarding the continuation of the jamboree on Sunday — the event's final day — would be made at a later time.
Police asked that concertgoers, who had pitched tents and parked RVs at the festival's 6,000 camping sites, stay put until the weather cleared to avoid traffic snarls.
Kambeitz said early reports that dozens of people were trapped under the stage were not true and that emergency crews quickly had the situation in hand.
Nashville musician Billy Currington and his band were onstage when the structure collapsed. Hollywood actor Kevin Costner and his band Modern West were scheduled to take the stage next, according to the Big Valley Jamboree website.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Princess wins suit against German publisher
BERLIN – A Hamburg court has ordered a German publisher to pay Sweden's Princess Madeleine $560,000 in damages for fabricating stories about her, the parties involved said Friday.
Sonnenverlag GmbH & Co KG was ordered to pay the damages by the Hamburg state court, which was ruling on an appeal against a lower court's 2007 award of ⁈0 in damages against the publishing house.
The publisher's magazines carried false reports about the 27-year-old princess being engaged and pregnant, among other things, her attorney Matthias Prinz told The AP.
Madeleine has been dating boyfriend Jonas Bergstrom since 2002, but the couple is neither engaged nor married, nor do they have any children.
Sonnenverlag puts out a raft of magazines in Germany, and the reports were carried in two weekly women's publications, Frau mit Herz (Woman with Heart) and Welt der Frau, (Woman's World), Prinz said.
"There were scores of untruthful articles about my client in the publications," he said.
The Hamburg state court confirmed that the judgment had been made Thursday, but did not provide further details.
The Swedish Royal Court said in a statement that the court ruled the articles were "untrue and degrading."
"Princess Madeleine intends to donate the money she is finally awarded to charity," the statement said.
Sonnenverlag's parent company, Baden-Baden based KLAMBT media group, also confirmed the ruling in a short statement.
"The amount of the court-ordered damages and the related charges are in the range expected by the KLAMBT media group," the statement said. "Appropriate accounting provisions were already undertaken in 2004."
Company spokesman Jonas Schmieder said he could not provide more information beyond the release, and declined to say whether the company would attempt another appeal.
Madeleine Therese Amelie Josephine — the Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Halsingland and Gastrikland — is the youngest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.
She has two older siblings, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Carl Philip.
Sonnenverlag GmbH & Co KG was ordered to pay the damages by the Hamburg state court, which was ruling on an appeal against a lower court's 2007 award of ⁈0 in damages against the publishing house.
The publisher's magazines carried false reports about the 27-year-old princess being engaged and pregnant, among other things, her attorney Matthias Prinz told The AP.
Madeleine has been dating boyfriend Jonas Bergstrom since 2002, but the couple is neither engaged nor married, nor do they have any children.
Sonnenverlag puts out a raft of magazines in Germany, and the reports were carried in two weekly women's publications, Frau mit Herz (Woman with Heart) and Welt der Frau, (Woman's World), Prinz said.
"There were scores of untruthful articles about my client in the publications," he said.
The Hamburg state court confirmed that the judgment had been made Thursday, but did not provide further details.
The Swedish Royal Court said in a statement that the court ruled the articles were "untrue and degrading."
"Princess Madeleine intends to donate the money she is finally awarded to charity," the statement said.
Sonnenverlag's parent company, Baden-Baden based KLAMBT media group, also confirmed the ruling in a short statement.
"The amount of the court-ordered damages and the related charges are in the range expected by the KLAMBT media group," the statement said. "Appropriate accounting provisions were already undertaken in 2004."
Company spokesman Jonas Schmieder said he could not provide more information beyond the release, and declined to say whether the company would attempt another appeal.
Madeleine Therese Amelie Josephine — the Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Halsingland and Gastrikland — is the youngest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.
She has two older siblings, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Carl Philip.
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