Sunday, July 6, 2008

Monday, 7 July 2008


Sunday, July 6th, 2008

Bad reviews, stiff competition no prob for Will, once more he is the fireworks for Independence Day holiday box office

By Keith Williams

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today)
7/6/08 —

It was no lost weekend for alcoholic superhero Hancock as the Will Smith-starrer soaked up an estimated $107 million over five days-plus on 3965 screens over the Independence Day holiday period.

The competition proved strong, the film was weighted down with largely negative reviews and the fact that the film’s tone and narrative is muddled and not that much fun.

But Will Smith, Mr. Fourth of July (“Independence Day,” “Men in Black”) came through in spite of all.
It marks his 12th $100 million-plus film, which ties him with Harrison Ford.

Tom Hanks leads with 15, followed by Tom Cruise with 14 and Eddie Murphy with 13.

Below Smith and Ford comes Jim Carrey and Robin Williams with 11 each.

And if you’re counting double digit stars, then comes Mel Gibson and the only female in that rarefied group, Julia Roberts, with 10 each.

Last week’s champion “Wall-E” took an estimated $54M over the same period, $128M total so far, while “Wanted” proved less than so with $30.7, though $93 mil since opening is still a lot more than anyone ever anticipated.
Once “Hancock’s” opening figures drop dramatically by next weekend, expect the Pixar robot to keep on chugging along, but steep drop dealt a fatal blow to Angelina Jolie’s action-ship which it’s unlikely to recover from.

Faves “Kung Fu Panda” raked in another $10.7 mill over five days, “Get Smart” $14.9, “The Incredible Hulk” $6M, and “Indiana Jones 4” found El Dorado agin, with another $6M to cross the $300 mil mark domestic. .

Opening wide, “Kit Kittredge” failed to draw in the fans with a sad $3.5 mil,” according to analyst Steve Mason, “The Love Guru” sank lower still to $2.2,while “The Happening” just didn’t this week.

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES,
JULY 4-6, 2008

(These weekend figures from Boxofficemojo do not include entire holiday time frame, only Friday-to-Sunday estimates.

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)Weekend Gross Theaters Total Gross Week #

1. Hancock (Sony / Columbia)$66.0 million 3,965 $107.3 million 1

2. Wall-E (Buena Vista)$33.4 million 3,992 $128.1 million 2

3. Wanted (Universal)$20.6 million 3,185 $90.8 million 2

4. Get Smart (Warner Bros.)$11.1 million 3,574 $98.1 million 3

5. Kung Fu Panda (Paramount (DreamWorks))$7.5 million 3,347 $193.4 million 5

Photo: Will Smith and Charlize Theron by Emily Smith at “Hancock” premiere
3 Days Away

Saturday, July 5th, 2008

Next Wednesday we will know if AFTRA officially approves tentative deal with the AMPTP

By Brian Frederick

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today)

7/5/08 - -

Caught between a rock and a hard place, SAG battles the produucers on one side and it’s former spouse, AFTRA, on the other side.

Can the underdog rise from the ashes to defeat the AFTRA ratification vote and force the AMPTP to capitulate to it’s demands or smolder in the dust after AFTRA votes “yes” for the tentative agreement?

The AMPTP, SAG, and AFTRA are in a threesome of waiting on one for the other to decide their economic futures.
To simplify, SAG is stalling to negotiate on the AMPTP’s “final offer” it received last week until AFTRA votes for or against their tentative agreement with the AMPTP.

That’s important because half of AFTRA’s members belong to SAG.

Should AFTRA vote against the tentative agreement, SAG’s negotiating strength improves 180 degrees and a vote “no” is close to a strike authorization.

A SAG and AFTRA joint strike union as one party against the AMPTP could make the $2.5 billion writer’s strike of 2007/2008 look like a bankrupt neighborhood lemonade stand.
The cost of a strike to the Los Angeles economy should that occur could be devastating.

In a show of defiance by each party, SAG and AFTRA have enlisted big name actors to speak for them publically.
The AMPTP has also released a statement of its own.

The odds are stacked against SAG with AFTRA on the verge of approving its deal with the AMPTP.

SAG’s contract has already expired with the AMPTP and no tentative agreement has been reached, although SAG is reviewing a final AMPTP offer.

Before next Tuesday’s AFTRA ratification vote, last minute separate appeals were voiced by all three parties concerning their own cause for or against the AFTRA agreement.

SAG: Screen Actors Guild


“AFTRA’s deal not only falls short of fair compensation and protection for actors but just as significantly reflects corporate appeasement that will have an irreversible negative affect on the integrity of the show and the films we perform in.



They’re trying to buy us out, bully us down and in doing so, they will destroy the very purpose of our work,” Sean Penn wrote in message to SAG members.










AFTRA: American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

Sally Field lent her face with a hand full of others, including Morgan Fairchild to vote “yes” for the agreement.
Unofficially John Travolta is giving his support to AFTRA.


“You’ve heard from so many of us again and again about the value and importance of AFTRA’s deal, urging you to vote – YES.



You’ve also heard from SAG Hollywood, again and again about what a bad deal this is.



This campaign by SAG is absolutely without precedent in the history of entertainment, likely within labor itself.




The cost is exorbitant.
Flyers, postcards, trade ads, robo calls…, the price mounts everyday,” said AFTRA in a written response to its members.

AMPTP: Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers

“Our industry is now in a de facto strike, with film production virtually shut down and television production now seriously threatened.
In an effort to put everyone back to work, the AMPTP presented SAG our final offer – a comprehensive proposal worth more than $250 million in additional compensation to SAG members, with significant gains and groundbreaking new media rights for all performers.
Our $250 million offer is consistent with the four other labor agreements reached this year with DGA, WGA, AFTRA Network Code and AFTRA Prime-Time.
If our industry shuts down because of the unwillingness of SAG’s Hollywood leadership to make a deal, SAG members will lose $2.5 million each and every day in wages.
The other guilds and unions will lose $13.5 million each day in wages and the California economy will be harmed at the rate of $23 million each and every day.
We will continue for now to work under the terms of the old contract as current productions wind down,” wrote the AMPTP on its website.

Photo: Nick Counter III

Some basics of the AMPTP agreement offered to SAG are as follows:

Minimums:

Increase minimums by 10% over the course of the contract, 3.5%, 3%, and 3.5%.

Increase network primetime rerun ceiling by 2.5% in the first and third years of the contract.

Pension and Health:

Increase contribution by 0.5% in the second year of the contract; bring SAG’s pension and health rate up to 15%. The highest Guild rate in the industry.

New Media:

Establish residuals for streaming television and programs.

Establish jurisdiction and residuals for derivative and original made for New Media programs.

Doubling of residual rate for permanent downloads.

Preserve performer’s consent over non-promotional uses of clips in New Media.

Broad definition of “covered performers,” in low budget New Media productions.

Full access to Companies’ un-redacted New Media deal memos.

Sunset clause to protect both sides in future negotiations.

Mark your calendars, AFTRA’s ballots must be mailed and are due by the close of business next Tuesday July 8th.
Be counted and get your votes in!


Posted Jul 6th 2008 2:35PM

Pamela Anderson called Jessica Simpson a what?
The classy mother of two celebrated her 41st bday at LAX Nightclub in Las Vegas by diving head first into the sweet section of a questionable birthday cake.









Posted Jul 6th 2008 10:45AM


Dennis Rodman has had great success with women --

Madonna and Carmen Electra to name a few --

but last night his premature pontification proved his game is in serious need of a rebound.


Wow.

This is unexpected.

As rumors of a possible divorce from Guy Ritchie and an inappropriate relationship with New York Yankess star player Alex Rodriguez continue to swirl, Madonna has just released a new statement (in her own words) on Sunday.

The Material Mom's publicist, Liz Rosenberg, spoke last week about all the chatter, and now it's M's turn.

Says her Madgesty:

"My husband and I are not planning on getting a divorce.
I know Alex Rodriguez through Guy Oseary, who manages both of us.

I brought my kids to a Yankee game.

I am not romantically involved in any way with Alex Rodriguez.

I have nothing to do with the state of his marriage or what spiritual path he may choose to study.

I have learned over the years not to take accusations and the many false reports about me very seriously.
I also appreciate how fiction and fact seem to be perceived as one and the same by people who read both newspapers and the internet."
Posted by pictures at 5:22 PM

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Sunday, 6 July 2008



Usually when Venus and Serena Williams play against each other, it's a shitty match to watch.

Thankfully, that wasn't the case at the Wimbledon Women's Finals on Saturday.

This time, Venus prevailed.

After losing five Grand Slam titles to her little sister, V took the prized Wimbledon title 7-5, 6-4.

AND, the Williams sisters also won the women's doubles championship.

Congrats!






Future U.S. President Barack Obama looks very presidential on the cover of the new issue of Ebony magazine.





Published by Carolina on July 5th, 2008 (4 hours ago)

The always reliable Sun reports that Madonna has asked Britney Spears to join her on tour.

Not only that, the Queen Of Pop is set to record a video with Britney in New York tomorrow.

Madge’s Sticky and Sweet tour kicks off on August 23, so if this is true, they better get cracking!
Madonna has also invited Britney to appear in person on some of the world tour dates.

A source close to Britney revealed,

They are recording a video together on Sunday that will provide the backdrop for part of Madonna’s show.

And they are talking about Britney taking the stage on a few of the dates too.

There’s no doubt that her and Britney together will spell fireworks again.

It’s hoped that Madonna can help Britney get back to her old self.

Appearing with Madonna would really kickstart her career again.

She’s been there and done it so could provide some great guidance.

Britney and If anyone can mastermind a Britney comeback, it’s Madonna.

Lots of people will be hoping there’s a repeat of the kissing incident a few years ago.

Madonna’s new tour to support album Hard Candy promises to be her sexiest yet, as she will turn 50 a week before it kicks off in Cardiff.

No worries though, the Queen will still shock fans with a controversial stage show–a part of her routine will be to be mummified.


LBN-A DIFFERENT VIEW......




















AMY WINEHOUSE ON WINE
ARGANDA DEL REY, Spain
— Soul diva Amy Winehouse sipped from a glass of red wine and looked a bit unsteady on her feet as she appeared in front of a large audience at the Rock in Rio music festival southeast of Madrid on Friday.

Then, as tens of thousands cheered, she threw off a pair of high stiletto heels in favor of white moccasins, donned a white electric guitar and settled into an intense rendition of some of her best known songs, including "Rehab."

Winehouse delivered a strong vocal performance accompanied by her octet plus two male backing vocalists.

There was no hint of the controversy that saw the Grammy-winning singer scuffle with a fan at the Glastonbury festival in Britain and
show up an hour late looking the worse for wear last May in Portugal.

The singer won five Grammy Awards, including best record, best song and best new artist, in early February,
but her musical success has been overshadowed by her tumultuous private life and public struggles with drugs and alcohol.

Last month, her father said she developed emphysema from smoking cigarettes and crack cocaine, although her spokeswoman has said Winehouse only has pre-emphysema symptoms.

Once finished at Rock in Rio, she did not stay for an encore and left the outdoor concert venue by helicopter.


Winehouse's manager, Michael Jobson, told national broadcaster RTVE that the singer had looked forward to singing in Madrid after appearances in Portugal and Hyde Park, London.

English band Jamiroquai followed Winehouse on stage, with Colombian pop singer Shakira topping the bill.

The Police, Bob Dylan, Lenny Kravitz, Alejandro Sanz and Franz Ferdinand were all due to perform over the weekend.

Organizers said around 350,000 people were expected to have enjoyed music at the newly inaugurated concert site by the end of the festival.
Mark Ronson, Winehouse producer, is Obama fundraiser
Mark Ronson: "Sometimes I cannot help but feel with Hillary that she tacks which way the wind is blowing." to not show enlarge option

Adam Sherwin, Media Correspondent, The Times
Mark Ronson, Britain’s best-connected music producer who guided Amy Winehouse to stardom, has revealed that he is a donor and fundraiser for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

The Anglo-American star, who was invited to DJ at Tom Cruise’s wedding, hopes to persuade other celebrities yet to endorse Senator Obama, that his man can win the White House.

Ronson, nominated for a Grammy and three Brit Awards, told The Times:
“I have given a donation to Obama and I intend do so again.
I have also been involved in fund-raising.”

Ronson, 32, produced Winehouse’s seven million-selling Back To Black album, as well as hits for Lily Allen and Christina Aguilera.
His Version album achieved double platinum sales in Britain.
Ronson was born in London and his relatives include Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Gerald Ronson, the property tycoon.
“I’m the first-born son in a Jewish family, so a lot was going to be expected of me, whatever field I went into."
But, he insists again, he was never spoilt or coddled or given an easy ride.
“In fact the opposite.
My mother definitely instilled in us her pretty heavy value system."
He can donate to Obama because he is a working resident in New York.
His donation is listed on a campaign website.
Individual contributions are capped at $4,600 (£2,328) for the primary and general election campaigns under US law.

Ronson could support Mr Obama further through fund-raising club nights attended by stars.
Oprah Winfrey raised $3 million for the Illinois senator at a $2,300-per ticket event at her California estate.

“I got to meet Obama at a small fundraiser,” Ronson said.
“He is incredibly intelligent and you know that he can talk honestly about who he is.
Sometimes I can’t help but feel with Hillary that she tacks which way the wind is blowing.”

Mr Obama’s celebrity donors include Oprah Winfrey, and the actors Will Smith, Chris Rock and George Clooney.
But the campaign, which raised a record-breaking $32 million (£16 million) last month, is keen to secure support from music stars in Ronson’s circle,
including Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Beyonce Knowles.

Ronson said:
“America’s public image is so bad.
I think electing an African-American sets a good example.
It shows the rest of America that we’re not all like Bush.
People now know that when they back Obama he is a guy who can win.
The nature of American politics is changing.”

A “cool icon” among dance music fans, Ronson hopes to motivate younger voters to the polls.
“I think for a lot of people it’s become the most important thing to get the Republicans out of the White House,” he said.

Ronson, who numbers Michael Jackson and Sean Lennon among his friends, moved to New York with his music industry family, when he was eight years old.

The young Ronson discovered a passion for hip-hop and was hired by Diddy and Prince to DJ at their parties.

He was paid £40,000 by Tom Cruise to spin records at his wedding to Katie Holmes.

Bikini after babies: Jennifer Lopez slips back into a two-piece
Last updated at 7:22 PM on 05th July 2008

She gained more than three stone while pregnant with twins Max and Emme, but less than five months later Jennifer Lopez has slipped back into a bikini.


The 38-year-old singer stripped down to a string two-piece while holidaying aboard a luxury boat in Italy.

She was joined by husband Marc Anthony, who showered her with affection as she cooled off in the sea, as well as friend and fashion designer Stefano Gabbana.

Making a splash: Jennifer Lopez cooled off while holidaying in Italy yesterday
After giving birth in February,
Jennifer said she was in no rush to lose her baby weight, revealing she even liked to 'play with my little leftover belly.'

She slowly reintroduced a fitness regime, working out three times a week with celebrity personal trainer Gunnar Peterson.

Her program now includes 20-30 minute walks with sets of push-ups and lunges.

The couple's summer holiday marks the end of Anthony's European tour, which took in Spain, Belgium and Italy.

Family matters:

J.Lo recently accompanied her husband on his European tour

Jennifer, who has barely been apart from the Latin star since their marriage in 2004, joined him on the road along with their children.

When announcing his plan to make the tour a family affair, Marc said:
'When I perform... they will inspire me.'

Jennifer is expected to resume work later this week, and has already has a number of film projects lined up including the romantic comedy Love and Other Impossible Pursuits.


Posted Jul 5th 2008 4:07PM


Adolf Hitler has had his head chopped off, decades after leaving a planet he profoundly harmed.
It went down at Madame Tussauds in Berlin.
A 41-year-old Berlin man decided to wax poetic.
In the end he won by a neck, even though he now faces criminal charges.
Truth be told, it kind of gave us an idea.

Stacy Ferguson
1989

Posted Jul 5th 2008 2:55PM

TMZ got a hold of some Fergie photos from back in the day --
when she was just known simply as Stacy Ferguson.
This was probably around the time she got that ridic eyebrow piercing she's had forever.



Jim Carrey made the best of the paparazzi shit show in Malibu on Friday and gave them some good photo op!

The Canadian funny man, looking pretty good shirtless -
we must say, donned gal pal Jenny McCarthy's swimsuit as they strolled down the beach outside their Independence Day party.

He can give Borat a run for his money!

Posted by pictures at 5:11 PM

Friday, July 4, 2008

Covenant News- The Latest Industry & Social News From the Entertainment & Media Capital of the Universe, HOLLYWOOD, Los Angeles.CA. Sat 5 july 2008



LBN-SEE IT......



Paris Hilton celebrating the

4th of July.....














Maggie Q ---PETA



The gorgeous Maggie Q is the latest celebrity to strip down for PETA.





The ads, which feature a barely covered Maggie Q, are being used to promote a vegatarian lifestyle in the Asia Pacific region.





The first ad features Maggie in a skimpy bikini with lettuce leaves covering her sensitive areas, and a tagline which says “Turn over a new leaf, try vegetarian”.

The second has Maggie covered in chilis with the tagline “Spice up your life”.


These pictures have definitely added some spice to my afternoon.

















Age Appropriate Styling -
Kylie Minogue Retires Her Sexy Image

Kylie Minogue is the queen of brand revival, and now she’s ready for her biggest physical transformation thus far.

Kylie, now 40, has been known to crank up the spice on her stage costumes, as well as for pushing the raciness boundaries on photo shoots, but she has now decided to retire her sexy image.

“It’s difficult to age with dignity in the pop business, but I’d like to think I’ve managed it so far,”
Kylie told Britain’s Easy Living magazine.

“But I won’t be wearing hotpants any more!”

Kylie, now 40, swears she won’t be giving up the stage—she intends to perform until she’s 60—
but she says it’s time to be responsible and dress more her age.

Not only that, but the Australian singer says she wants to turn shift her pop-style music in more of a jazz direction.

“A while ago I sang I Should Be So Lucky as a romantic torch song on Later… With Jools Holland (U.K. TV show).
Jools accompanied me on the piano, and I can imagine working like that,” said Kylie.

While most people her age would be best to hide their bodies to disguise sagging, Kylie shows no signs of wear and tear.

The gallery shows how incredibly well she’s maintained her physique.

By realizing that just because she can, doesn’t mean she should, Kylie could be teaching the public (and other celebs) a really valuable lesson.

As she shows in the images of her white pea coat, sophisticated can be very sexy too!

LBN-A DIFFERENT VIEW
....Acclaimed Painter & Rock Icon Paul Stanley (Self Portrait).....













LBN-QUOTE:

"A democracy thrives or dies on the intelligence, the interest, and the voting power of its citizens.

If the people are too lazy or too ignorant to question where their money comes from or who benefits from the creation of their money, then they deserve what they get."

----Richard Russell, financial analyst

LBN-HISTORY:

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain and its king.
The declaration came 442 days after the first volleys of the American Revolution were fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts.

This week’s “Tuesday Olympic Beauty” is Amy Acuff.

Amy Lyn Acuff (born July 14, 1975, Port Arthur, Texas) is an athlete from the United States.



An aggressive high jump competitor, Acuff competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics as a member of USA Track and Field and is a three-time Olympian.


Her personal best is 2.01 m, which she achieved in Zürich on 2003-08-15.


Acuff is also known for her career as a model, including multiple cover appearances.






Athletes in 'Playboy'
Candice Michelle


The WWE diva-turned-wrestler professional wrestler, seen here posing in the Playboy pool in 2003, appeared on the cover of the April 2006 edition of the magazine.


Posted by pictures at 5:18 PM

Thursday, July 3, 2008

.....more entertainment.......

VAGINA Spa New York

Today the New York Times reports on a jaw-dropping addition to the medical spa trend.

Now comes the first medi spa in Manhattan wholly dedicated to strengthening and grooming a woman's genital area.

Phit -- short for pelvic health integrated techniques -- is to open this month on East 58th Street.

Dr. Lauri Romanzi, a gynecologist who performs pelvic reconstruction surgery, said she came up with the idea for the spa one day while walking by an outlet of BriteSmile, the tooth-whitening chain.

She liked that the stores cater to people with healthy teeth.

The spa is essentially a gussied-up examination room down the hall from Dr. Romanzi's medical practice.

At the spa, the signature treatment will be a $150 gynecological exam --

in which a client contracts her pelvic muscles around Dr. Romanzi's fingers --

to determine by feel whether muscle tone is weak, moderate or strong.

Dr. Romanzi likes to call the vaginal workouts she prescribes "personal training."

Clients could also use an in-office electrostimulation machine to improve pelvic muscle tone or buy a device for home use.

Dr. Romanzi said that such treatments are intended to improve bladder control;

she said pelvic training may also lead to more intense orgasms.

Further proving that she has perfected the art of the soundbite, Dr. Romanzi goes on to say:

"If you can vote and you have a vagina, you should do these," she said.

"It's the dental floss of feminine fitness."

and

"The outer layer can become almost scrotal, very wrinkly and lax," Dr. Romanzi said.

Phit's website lists their services as follows:

Vaginal Rejuvenation:

Kegel Phitness

Do-It-Yourself

Baby Boot Camp

Inner StrengthPersonal Trainer

The "Other" Face Lift

Lazy Susan

Core Restore

Lip Sync

Skin Rejuvenation:

Refirme Skin Tightening

Matrix IR Wrinkle Reduction

Velashape Body Recountouring

Elose Laser Hair Removal

Velasmooth Cellulite Treatment

Diamondtome Micro-Dermabrasion

Optimal Skin Care Regimens

What do you think of the vagina spa?

Is it offensive or do you totally want an appointment?

Armani's INDIA



Published: July 3, 2008

AT the finale of the Armani men’s wear presentation in Milan 10 days ago, the lights in the theater suddenly went dark.
When they flashed on again, the runway was filled with models striking poses in the Indian-inspired dhotis, band-collared jackets and vivid silks that were a major theme of the collection.

Out went the lights again as the models hustled to get into yoga poses on the floor.

When the illumination returned, all the pretties were facing the head of the runway, where Giorgio Armani was bathed in a pool of light, arms raised as if he were a fashion guru.

Matteo Bazzi/European Press Agency

INNER BLISS Giorgio Armani, Milan with a bow to South Asia.

Mr. Armani may as well have been chanting a mantra on the lips of many in the fashion business lately.




Not as euphonious as om shanti shanti, the words “IndiaEmergingMarket,” run together, seem destined to produce inner bliss in the minds of designers seeking new brand frontiers.



Although no one seems able to gauge the size of India’s prospering classes (the most common figures assert that India’s middle class numbers 200 million —



a number that the writer Shashi Tharoor, among others, derides as being predicated on ownership of a bike), there is no arguing with the country’s 9 percent annual growth rate.



In cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi, malls are being built almost faster than call centers and IT campuses.

What is significant about this is that until now, Western luxury brands were restricted to selling their goods in stores in the lobbies of high-end hotels.

All that will change next month when the five-story 320,000-square-foot Emporio mall opens in an upscale residential neighborhood of South Delhi.

Like shopping destinations everywhere, the Emporio mall will feature the requisite spa and Nobu-style Japanese restaurant.

It will also have 34 Indian designers among its tenants.

More important, it will offer brands like Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, Cartier, Paul Smith and others that have been slow to break into the lucrative South Asian market.

And it will have Armani’s first Indian store.

“We obviously see India as an important emerging market of the future,” said Robert Triefus, Armani’s executive vice president for global communications.

Armani will add stores in Mumbai and Bangalore within the year, Mr. Triefus said, exporting chic silk shantung dhotis to the land of Gandhi and hand-loomed khadi cloth.



President Bush's economic stimulus package, which appears so far to have been ineffective in stroking the economy to life, is giving an unexpected raise to the porn industry.


An independent market-research firm, AIMRCo (Adult Internet Market Research Company), has discovered that many websites focused on adult or erotic material have experienced an upswing in sales in the recent weeks since checks have appeared in millions of Americans' mailboxes across the country.

According to Kirk Mishkin, Head Research Consultant for AIMRCo,

"Many of the sites we surveyed have reported 20-30% growth in membership rates since mid-May when the checks were first sent out,

and typically the summer is a slow period for this market."
Posted by pictures at 11:25 PM

Covenant News- The Latest Industry & Social News From the Entertainment & Media Capital of the Universe, HOLLYWOOD, Los Angeles.CA. Fri 4 July 2008






HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Malaysia's BIGGEST TRADING PARTNER
Fact: rm 149.21 Billion( 2007 figures by Matrade )

* Independence Day July 4th *

On July 4, 1776, America claimed their independence from Britain and Democracy was born.
Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.
The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people.

Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.
Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world.
Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.
Founded July 4th 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America is celebrating it's 232nd birthday this year (2008)

The 4th of July is a time for the Red White and Blue.
A time for Picnics, Parades and Marching Bands.
A time for Beaches, BBQs and "Bombs Bursting in Air.
" So pour yourself a cold one, put another "shrimp on the barbie," and join us for a birthday celebration with fun Holiday things for you and your family

We've got some history to read, Flag facts, National Parks, National Monuments & Memorials, and Must-See Fireworks to share.
We've also got Mom's Apple Pie to bake, holiday craft to make, pictures for the kids to color, and summertime recipes to grill.
One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.



Posted Jul 3rd 2008
6:56PM

Larry Harmon, the man credited with making Bozo the Clown the icon he was, died Thursday of congestive heart failure.
He was 83. Harmon wasn't the original Bozo, but built up the character and eventually licensed it to television stations across the country.

Some Weinstein shizz is about to hit the fan!

Industry insiders say an ex-employee of brothers Harvey and Bob Weinstein is writing an 'explosive' tell all-about their reign at Miramax


The author supposedly has files and tapes compiled over a 15 year period to back up the stuff that will be revealed in the book.

Ain't no denying taped evidence!

Reports claim the former employee will detail the manipulation of the Disney company (who owns Miramax) by the Weinsteins.

Surprisingly, the author was not asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement before joining the Weinsteins' team.

The bros must be kicking themselves in the butts

We bet all of Hollywoodland can't wait for the book's release!

Sir George Martin at USC

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

Sir George recipient of “Starry Night” award from Recording Academy

By Kat Kramer


HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today)
6/3/08 —
On July 12, The Grammy Foundation will honor Sir George Martin on the USC campus.
It is the signature, annual “Starry Night” – a special benefit dinner and concert.
Sir George is a legendary, six-time GRAMMY winner, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1996.
He is best known to the world as “The Beatles” who signed them, and produced and arranged most all Beatles records.
The president of the Grammy Foundation and The Recording Academy president/CEO Neil Portnow will present the award to Martin on “Starry Night.”
“Throughout his legendary career, Sir George has had an impact on music and popular culture that is immeasurable,” said Portnow.
“We look forward to paying tribute to a man who has had an indelible influence on generations of music lovers around the world.”
According to Grammy Foundation board chair Steve Schnur,
“Sir George’s celebrated career has extended far beyond the recording studio.
His is a lifetime commitment to both music and humanity, and it is only fitting that this year’s foundation leadership award honors one of the most iconic figures in music history.”

Martin is currently in pre-production with PBS and Wildheart Entertainment on the eight-part prime-time showcase series, “On The Record: The Soundtrack Of Our Lives.”
This unique program traces the history of recorded music and its major impact on our popular culture.
It will be hosted by Martin and narrated by two-time Academy-Award winning actor Kevin Spacey, and is slated to air on PBS nationally in fall 2010.

The star-studded line-up for “Starry Night” includes Jeff Beck, Chris Botti, Natalie Cole, Tom Jones, Dave Grusin, Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Webb, Michael McDonald, and a few surprises.
The dinner chairs include Sir Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Ringo Starr, and Olivia Harrison.
Tickets start at $750 - and the gala will take place at McCarthy Quad on The University of Southern California campus.

The Grammy Foundation’s annual signature gala “Starry Night” is presented by Gibson Foundation.
On July 11, also at USC, there will be a special multimedia presentation by Martin on “The Making Of Sgt. Pepper” sponsored in part by Best Buy.

Hollywood Today

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

AMPTP and SAG working together to bring a contract to fruition

By Brian Frederick


HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today)
7/3/08 - -
“The Screen Actors Guild national negotiating committee met with AMPTP negotiators today to present a series of substantive questions on the employers’ proposed package.
Guild negotiators and staff will further analyze and review the AMPTP’s responses over the next several days in order to prepare a response to management’s proposal,” SAG leaders released in a press statement today.

The SAG board made a similar offer to AFTRA’s contract and the AMPTP responded with a counter offer. AFTRA approved a tentative agreement made by the AMPTP before their June 30th contract expired.
SAG has yet to approve a tentative agreement.
Half of AFTRA’s 78,000 members belong to SAG.

SAG’s and AFTRA’s contracts ran concurrently because the two unions used to work jointly during contract talks with the AMPTP.
They have since moved separately from each other.
SAG negotiators and the AMPTP executives are in their 43rd day of talks to settle their contract dispute.

In a sign that SAG and the AMPTP are eager to settle their financial differences and work towards solidifying a deal, it appears they might come to an agreement soon.
The negotiators for both parties have not stopped communicating despite the contract expiration two days ago.
This is good news for the Los Angeles community which suffered $2.5 billion in economic losses during the recent 2007/2008 writer’s strike.

When Guild negotiators take the offer from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and review it over several days, that is a clear indication the immediate offer is workable pending minor contract issues.
Should that be the case, combined with AFTRA’s possible July 8th ratification of its tentative contract with the AMPTP, it could be the final hold-out SAG has before accepting a tentative agreement.

Much to the relief of many in the entertainment industry who are depending on the Screen Actor’s Guild and the AMPTP to come to terms, a contract agreement similar to the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists will re-energize the industry with much needed work.

There’s no business like show business.

There no people like show people.

Let’s go on with the show!

- Irving Berlin

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

Doherty in talks to appear in alum-heavy spinoff

By Matthew B. Zeidman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today)

7/3/08 –

Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling have already signed on to appear this fall on The CW’s new “Beverly Hills: 90210” spinoff as older, wiser versions of their original characters, and now Shannen Doherty may be adding her name to the list.

Access Hollywood has reported the former “Scare Tactics” host is in talks to reprise the role of Brenda Walsh, a Minnesota teenager transplanted to Beverly Hills, Calif. in the original series, which ran from 1990 to 2000.

It is unknown how her more mature character would fit in on the show, titled only “90210,” though it has already been announced Garth’s will have become a guidance counselor and Spelling’s will have become a boutique owner.

Doherty’s potential return to the franchise comes after leaving the first series in 1994, allegedly due to disagreements with her castmates.

Other notable works to the 37-year-old actress’ credit include feature films “Heathers” (1989) and “Mallrats” (1994) and a starring role on supernatural dramedy “Charmed” from 1998 to 2001, which aired on The WB, one of two predecessors of The CW.
Posted by pictures at 5:42 PM

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Covenant News- The Latest Industry & Social News From the Entertainment & Media Capital of the Universe, HOLLYWOOD, Los Angeles.CA. Thur,3 July 2008


Duran Duran want to team up with Mark Ronson to record another Bond theme

By 3am

Duran Duran want to record another Bond theme - this time with Mark Ronson

Nick Rhodes tells us: "We'd love to collaborate with Mark on a single for the next Bond film...

With him we may even surpass A View To A Kill."

They can ask him tonight when Mark joins them for their Smirnoff Experience gig in Paris.
Rachel Bilson attends The Whitney Contemporaries' Art Party in New York wearing a beautifully sexy Herve Leger dress.























Published by Carolina on July 2nd, 2008 (1 hour ago)


Cohen and Will Ferrell will take on detective Sherlock Holmes.


The two comedians have officially been cast in Sony’s currently untitled comedy as Holmes and Watson, respectively.


No director is attached yet, but Judd Apatow is producing and Etan Cohen (Idiocracy, Tropic Thunder) is writing the script.


Columbia Pictures’ president Matt Tolmach said,

Just the idea of Sacha and Will as Sherlock Holmes and Watson makes us laugh.
[They] are two of the funniest and most talented guys on the planet, and having them take on these two iconic characters is frankly hilarious.
Published by Carolina on July 2nd, 2008 (4 hours ago)

To promote Miley Cyrus‘ new album “Breakout”, Walmart’s Soundcheck posted a segment with Miley where fans got to ask her questions.






















THEN & NOW


RAQUEL WELCH

& NOW 67
























MIMI VAN DOREN



NOW 77









Tyra Banks
Madame Tussauds in Washington D.C. unveiled a new wax figure of Tyra Banks on Wednesday.



When the fake you looks better than the actual you….

It's time to go in there with a machete and chop that bitch's head off!


















Conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh struck a mighty rich renewal deal with Clear Channel!

The radio giants are paying the Right's top media man $400 million to host his conservative talk show ’til 2016.

Limbaugh reaches an audience of nearly 20 million listeners.

His program is syndicated on about 600 radio stations nationwide.

In a recent magazine interview, Limbaugh shows off his biz acumen.
He says, “First and foremost I’m a businessman.

My first goal is to attract the largest possible audience so I can charge confiscatory ad rates.


I happen to have great entertainment skills, but that enables me to sell airtime.”

So he just riles people up for the money?

Looks like it's working!

Charlize Theron wears Calvin Klein Collection’s black crepe wool gown, at Calvin Klein Collection, New York. Maison Martin Margiela ring.

After a series of gritty roles, Hollywood’s sexy blond unleashes her comedic chops and inner babe in a new summer blockbuster.

When Charlize Theron arrives at our interview, poolside at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, she’s still showing the effects of a weeklong bout with the flu.

With her blond hair pushed back into a no-fuss ’do and dressed Hollywood business casual in jeans, a white shirt and a black sweater vest, she looks, well, incredibly normal.

And yet, days earlier, on the set of the W photo shoot at the western edge of the Mojave Desert, there was no overlooking her ultralean Amazonian physique, her mile-long legs and her startling green eyes, framed by a perfectly symmetrical heart-shaped face.

Perhaps surprisingly then, for an actress whom Esquire last fall named the “sexiest woman alive,” the 32-year-old Theron has always resisted taking on roles that play only to her innate beauty.

She fired her first manager after he sent her scripts on the order of Showgirls and Species.

“So, we can see where he saw my career going,” she quips.

But ever since her haunting, Oscar-winning portrayal of Aileen Wuornos in Monster—for which she gained 30 pounds, wore prosthetic teeth and cannily captured the physicality of the hard-bitten lesbian serial killer—

Theron has been dogged, she says, by a public perception that she actively seeks to mask her beauty whenever she plays steely-minded, gritty women.

In fact, the surest way to rile her is to suggest that she’s somehow “transformed” herself yet again in several post-Monster roles, among them, a female miner battling sexism in the Minnesota iron mines in the 2005 film North Country,

a Tennessee detective (who’s a brunette) in 2007’s In the Valley of Elah and, most recently, a desperate single mom in this year’s Sleepwalking.

“Oh, no, you better not be bringing up ‘ugly,’” she admonishes when I broach the subject.

“Look, I get it,” she says.

“Monster was a transformation.”

But after that, she points out, whenever she’s played “women in middle America living normal lives,” she’s heard cries of “ugly,” no matter what they looked like.

“North Country was dirt.

That’s what happens when you go into a mine.

In the Valley of Elah—that’s when I took real offense, because that was just my real hair color and me with no makeup.”

Her greater transformation, she says, comes on the red carpet.

“It’s great fun when you have three people coming to your house, and one’s doing your nails, one’s doing your hair and one’s doing your makeup.

Two hours later, you look gorgeous,” she says.

“But that’s not my life.”
Looking at her, you have to conclude that Theron is being unduly self-deprecating, and that the truth lies somewhere between the red carpet and North Country.

Oscar de la Renta’s black silk velvet gown, at Oscar de la Renta, oscardelarenta.com.

Lanvin bracelet.

Photographed by Craig McDean Styled by Alex White
June 2008
Posted by pictures at 6:33 PM

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Covenant News- The Latest Industry & Social News From the Entertainment & Media Capital of the Universe, HOLLYWOOD, Los Angeles.CA. Wed, 2 July 2008

PriceWaterhouseCoopers Report:
Global Music Sales To Slip
June 18, 2008 -

By Antony Bruno, N.Y.A new report from PriceWaterhouseCoopers says global spending on recorded music will fall from $33.4 billion worldwide in 2007 to $32.5 billion by 2012, a .6% compound annual decline.
That's for all formats of recorded music combined.
Regionally, Latin America and Asia are expected to see gains, driven mostly by digital formats, but declines in the U.S. and the rest of the world will offset that positive note, the report says.
Not surprisingly, digital formats are expected to explode in that time.
Global spending on digital music formats is predicted to reach $18.8 billion by 2010, from $7.3 billion in 2007, a more than 20% compound annual gain.
Regionally, Asia is expected to contribute $7.5 billion to the 2012 digital total;
the U.S. $5 billion;
Latin American $1 billion;
and almost $5 billion for the rest of the world.
PWC says digital revenues will overtake physical revenues in Asia by 2009, Latin America by 2010, by 2011 in the U.S. and Canada, and not until 2010 for the rest of the world.
And while mobile will edge out Internet-based distribution as the more lucrative channel, the Internet will remain the fastest growing with a compound annual rate of over 27% to $8.6 billion by 2012, while mobile phones will grow by 16.7% for a total of $10.3 billion.
PWC says there were 361 million songs downloaded via mobile phone worldwide last year, and expects that figure to grow about 4% to 373 million this year, and to 580 million by 2012.
In the near term, single-track sales remain the dominant component of digital sales, at $802 million, but album downloads increased by 54% in 2007 over the prior year.
The company expects single downloads to grow to 1.9 billion a year by 2012 (or $2.2 billion) worldwide, while album downloads will rise to 120 million units a year by the same time (or $1.2 billion).
Interestingly, PWC believes tracks will cost more in the near future, to an average of $1.15 by 2012, while albums will average $10.15.
PWC pegged the music subscription market at $201 million and a total of 1.8 million subscribers.
It says the market will increase slowly at about 2% annually to $218 million by 2012.
Unlike the increase in track sales, PWC says subscription prices will fall, to an average of $8 a month by 2012.

Another artist is joining Live Nation.

This time, it's Latin sensation Shakira!

The pop star is close to signing a contract with the concert promoters which includes recording, touring, and merchandising.

The deal is said to be in the multi-million dollar range and should be finalized before the end of the year.

Some reports are estimating she'll be receiving $70 million, though others estimate it's closer to $90M.

Live Nation and Shakira have worked together in the past when they handled the US Leg of her Oral Fixation tour last year.

Reports were that the tour made more than $100M.

Seems like Live Nation made a good investment in Shaki!



Pharrell Williams revealed to British Vogue that he's using a revolutionary procedure to rid himself of his tattoos.



Tats just don't 'go' with the grown up image he'd like to project.


But, forget the painful laser procedure that could scar!


He's going to have replicated skin cover his tats.


The N.E.R.D. front man said, "It's basically like getting a skin graft, but you're not taking skin from your ass or your legs.

These guys actually grow the skin for you.

First you have to give them a sample of your skin, which they then replicate.

Once that's been done, they sew it on - and it's seamless."


It's expensive…but that's irrelevant says Pharrell.


Isn't it nice to have $$ to throw round?
"It's going to be pricey, but worth it," he says.


"I got fire on my arms! I'm a grown man!"
We're sooo glad we never jumped on to the tattoo bandwagon!


July 1

LAS VEGAS --
Soaring gas prices have hurt business here in Sin City but you’d never know it when you drop by the worst show in town -- the ubiquitous Blue Man Group.
I’ve always admired the men in blue purely as a business venture.
Three anonymous guys with blue faces and marginal talents (and spartan production values) pack their theater at the Venetian night after night.
Entertainment writers keep turning out laudatory pieces about the mega business run by Cirque de Soleil (a company that turns out great productions) but, as a business venture, I have to give the prize to Blue Man Group.

At the Venetian last night, while the Phantom played next door (how many times can folks keep returning?) and Jersey Boys does its sing-a-long, the three Men in Blue did their routine --
tossing and catching marshmallows in their mouths, stuffing themselves with Capt Crunch, banging out lame tunes on their giant xylophone they call an Aronophonic.
There’s lots of audience participation shtick, dragging reluctant participants from the audience who are then painted blue or fed Twinkies.
And for the big close?
Giant rolls of paper billow across the audience from the back of the theater causing folks to thrash around amid the onslaught --
a sort of toilet paper avalanche.
I’ve heard of papering the house, but this gave the term new definition.
Mind you, folks from the fly-over country found all this modestly amusing and a steady blast of drums kept them from nodding off.
But, to use Variety lingo, the hix from the stix deserve better trix.
The so-called script (what little there is) feels like it was written thirty years ago.
Considering the glitz of modern Vegas, the production values are embarrassing (folks in the first ten rows are asked to put on plastic ponchos as though to protect them against some spectacular detonations, but nothing occurs).
The success of Blue Man clearly represents a triumph of show business branding.
The Blue Man Group was formed in New York in ‘88 and struggled to survive for several years.
The founding fathers are Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton and they still all share one office.
But rake in an estimated $8 million in revenue per month.
And while the Quebequise behind Cirque have been immortalized in countless articles, the Blue Crew has chosen to remain substantially below the radar.
That is just as well:
They should remain there until they invest some their money and talent and re-energize their show.

LBN-HOLLYWOOD INSIDER:

***Hollywood is preparing for another crippling strike after the largest actors' union failed to agree on a new contract with the US entertainment industry's key studios and networks .
The 120,000-member Screen Actors Guild has been locked in talks with the studios for several weeks, with both sides working towards a deadline of midnight on Monday night.




Kim Kardashian charges at least $25,000 for public appearances --


























Razor & Tie Team With Gary Gersh's TAO July 02, 2008 - Indies

By Laura Leebove, N.Y.
Razor & Tie Entertainment and Gary Gersh's The Artist Organization (TAO) have partnered.

Under the deal, Razor & Tie will provide marketing, sales and distribution to TAO.
The two companies plan to sign a handful of artists per year, beginning with Athens, Ga.-based band Dead Confederate.
The quintet's first full-length album, "Wrecking Ball," is slated for a fall release through TAO/Razor & Tie.
Industry veteran Gersh was the former president of Capitol Records and has been instrumental in the success of artists including Nirvana, the Beastie Boys and Sonic Youth.
Razor & Tie's record label roster includes Dave Barnes, All That Remains, EndeverafteR, Angelique Kidjo, Ryan Shaw, Twisted Sister and Neil Sedaka, among others.
Posted by pictures at 10:10 PM