December 31, 2008

December 31st, 2008

Happy New Years Eve everybody!

Can you believe its almost 2009? So much happened in 2008: Americans voted Barack Obama the next President of the United States! Michael Phelps won 8 Olympic gold medals. Britney Spears made a comeback on TV, in music, and personally. The Dark Knight soared close to the box-office record anchored by Titanic. The Boston Celtics regained their NBA glory. And Saturday Night Live gave the media some of its best coverage, with a little help from Tina Fey.

And, just when we thought Sarah Palin was the worst thing to happen to politics since George W. Bush, we heard about Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Merry Christmas cable and network news!

Tonight, you can celebrate 2008 and welcome in 2009 with Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest at 10PM, ET, on ABC. Or, you can watch:


Cheers!

December 29, 2008

Flower Child Storms The City

OK, so I'm not exactly thrilled for the premiere of The City tonight on MTV at 10PM, but I need my daily dose of NYC skyline shots and I'm interested to see how Whitney Port holds her own on a reality show. (And, I could watch the scene of Whitney and Olivia getting shoes autographed by Manolo Blahnik over-and-over again. Mainly because of the blue satin pumps made famous by Sex and the City: The Movie!)

If you are excited for tonight's premiere, check out the video I nabbed from JustJared.com:

Switching Season's

Now that Christmas is over, and the new year is on its way, I'm starting to get excited for my favorite season of all: Awards Season! And up first are the Golden Globe Awards.


Sometimes the Globes are a serious prequel to February's Oscars, and sometimes they're a little unpredictable and unreliable. But one thing's for sure: This year's show is sure to be better than last year's writerless press conference-style broadcast.

It's time to start printing out ballots!

December 27, 2008

To See List

Hollywood has just released a bunch of (apparently) really great films, and, as a result, movie theater's are experiencing their best holiday season ever! So, here's what I'm going to go see ASAP:





December 26, 2008

Holiday Triumph

I hope everyone had a wonderful, happy Christmas! I know I sure did, especially because the Lakers snapped the Celtics 19-game winning streak by beating them 92-83 in LA!


The game also marked the boys first face-off since the NBA finals, and Lakers' coach Phil Jackson's 1,000th career win (making him the fastest coach to do so)!

December 23, 2008

The Luckiest Sheila's Down Under

I wish I were one of these Australian Britney Spears fans who won a trip to meet her and see her perform in Japan!


Crikey, I'm jealous!

Fit For Office

Recent paparazzi photos of a shirtless President-elect Barack Obama on holiday in Hawaii have taken the worldwide media by storm, and have opened the door for a lot of puns (thus this blog's title).


But, why are people so surprised that the paparazzi got these pics? Secret Service or no Secret Service, after years of stalking Britney Spears they can snap anyone.

PS: I must say, it looks like Barack took Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger up on his suggestion to get pumped up.

December 22, 2008

Time To Get Lucky

On February 3rd, one of Broadway's best returns with tickets as low as $56.50. And, it's playing at the infamous Nederlander Theatre (which is currently undergoing a big makeover after the departure of RENT).


PS: Des McAnuff also directed Jersey Boys, so you know he's good!

Also, don't miss your last chance to see the most groundbreaking musical in a generation, Spring Awakening, before it closes on Janruary 18th! PLAYBILL's offering $54 seats in the MEZZ through Jan. 11th.

And, while I'm at it, I may as well plug the "theatrical event of the season," EQUUS! You can see Daniel Radcliffe's Broadway debut for as little as $49.50 (for a very limited time).


Not so sure you want to see it? Here is what some of the critics are saying:

"A SMASHING BROADWAY DEBUT! Daniel Radcliffe bravely and believably exposes his character's troubled soul."
-Michael Sommers, The Star-Ledger

"This powerful revival stirs a level of passion
that only live theater can evoke."
-Roma Torre, NY-1

"PRIMAL AND ELECTRIC!"
-Entertainment Weekly

December 21, 2008

The Cast of Shrek

Better late than never. Here's the YouTube video of Sutton Foster, Marissa O'Donnell, and Leah Greenhaus performing "I Know It's Today" from Shrek The Musical about a week ago on The Today Show:


Bravo!

December 20, 2008

Life Would Suck Without You, Kelly!

Check out Kelly Clarkson's new video blog from a photoshoot for her new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You":


I can't wait to see Kelly back in the spotlight!

December 19, 2008

Breaking News

Today has been chalk full of Breaking News stories and press conferences! Some good, some bad, and some downright entertaining.

First, President Bush held a press conference at 9AM this morning to announce his plans to "bail out" the auto industry.


Because Congress could not get anything accomplished, the Federal Reserve will give out $17.4 billion in rescue loans.

Then, President-elect Barack Obama held another news conference to announce more cabinet member picks.


He nominated Rep. Hilda Solis for secretary of labor, Republican Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois as transportation secretary, venture capitalist Karen Mills to head the Small Business Administration and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk to serve as U.S. trade representative.

Next, Orange County medical examiner Dr. Jan Garavaglia confirmed what we already knew and feared, that the skeletal remains found on December 11 are those of Caylee Anthony's.


Garavaglia said the cause of death was homicide, but she could not determine how Caylee was killed. Casey Anthony, Caylee's 22-year-old mother, faces charges including first-degree murder.

Then, at 3PM, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich spoke out for the first time on charges that he conspired to sell off the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama.


Despite overwhelming (recorded) evidence that he has engaged in illegal activity, he said he has done nothing wrong, will not resign, and will fight these accusations to the very end.

Lastly, at 3:30PM, another press conference was held in regards to the Caylee Anthony case, this time by the Meter Reader, Roy Kronk, who discovered the child's bones.


Apparently, Mr. Kronk called the Sheriff's department three times in August directing them to the site where he had spotted a bag.

What a day.

December 17, 2008

Person of the Year


In one of the craziest elections in American history, he overcame a lack of experience, a funny name, two candidates who are political institutions and the racial divide to become the 44th President of the United States.

Source: Time.com


In a way, this title was made for Barack. Few people have ever made, or will ever make the kind of headlines and, of course, change that he has.

Still, Nothing Sells Like 'Harry Potter'

Could a 107-page book of five fairy tales become the fastest/best selling book of 2008 in less than two weeks? Absolutely! And, that's just what has happened with J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

The book, imagined from the wizarding world of Harry Potter, has already sold more than 2.6 million copies worldwide and has raised $6.5 million for charity (Proceeds go to the Children's High Level Group (CHLG), a charity for vulnerable children in Eastern Europe co-founded by Rowling).

Congratulations Jo! You're still No. 1! And you're back at the top of the best-sellers list where you belong!

December 16, 2008

Big Names, Big Movies

Tom Cruise looked handsome at the premiere of his new suspense thriller, Valkyrie, in New York City on Tuesday, while Leonardo DiCaprio hit the red carpet with his Titanic co-star/BFF Kate Winslet at the premiere of Revolutionary Road in Calif.



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PS: Summit Entertainment spokesman Paul Pflug says Twilight fans can expect the next installment in the series, New Moon, to hit theaters on November 20th, 2009. Just 12 months after the first film was released.

December 13, 2008

Calling All SATC Fans


Now, don't get me wrong, I love Whitney and all, but "the next Carrie Bradshaw"? I think not. That title needs to be reserved for someone with at least a little bit more personality.

And, check out these pictures of the hotel Britney Spears stayed in while she was in Paris:



Doesn't it look like she was in the same room Carrie was in in the two-part Sex and the City series finale ("An American Girl in Paris")!?

December 11, 2008

Join The Battle


... another excuse to watch Anderson Cooper.

Those Up For Globes

The Golden Globe nominations were just announced, and the list included some obvious favorites and a few surprises!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, and Slumdog Millionaire are in the race for Best Motion Picture Drama, two of which are Kate Winslet films. It seems only fitting that Kate should be nominated twice, once for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Drama (Revolutionary Road) and once for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Drama (The Reader). Meryl Streep also got two nods, one for Best Actress in a Drama (Doubt) and one for Best Actress in a Comedy (Mamma Mia!).

Other Best Actress (Drama) nominees include Anne Hathaway, Kristin Scott Thomas, and my girl Angelina Jolie!

The Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Drama category includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Frank Angella, Sean Penn, Mickey Rourke, and Mr. Jolie himself, Brad Pitt.

Here's when things get a little funny.

Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. have been nominated for their roles in Tropic Thunder, and James Franco was nominated for his role in Pineapple Express. Each of these announcements was met with laughs from the audience.

Other nominees that should be noted: Jeremy Piven for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series (Entourage), Debra Messing for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (The Starter Wife), Hans Zimmer for Best Original Score (Frost/Nixon), and last, but not least, Heath Ledger for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (The Dark Knight).

PS: Industry insiders are already saying that this years 'Globes' won't necessarily reflect next years Oscars. I think I would agree.

December 10, 2008

What I'm Reading Now


I've just started reading The Tales of Beedle the Bard, and I must say: Three cheers for J.K. Rowling! Hip Hip Hurray! This book provides a very welcomed, much needed return to the wizarding world! It's a MUST HAVE for Harry Potter fans, another instant classic for muggle's bookshelves!

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful

Here's your first look at Ellen DeGeneres' beauty campaign for CoverGirl:



Ellen will do the ad's for Olay's newest product, Simple Ageless Foundation. This product is a first of its kind — an anti-aging makeup that stays suspended over fine lines and wrinkles, instead of settling into lines which can make you look older.

The Cruise Girls Hit The Streets

Here's a picture of Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise outside of their New York City apartment on Tuesday morning.


The always fashionable mother and daughter duo were wearing matching silver shoes! Isn't that cute?

December 9, 2008

Circus Takes The Top Spot

Yes, she did it again! Britney Spears has landed another #1 album in the top spot on the Billboard 200 (her 5th and should be 6th #1 album).


And, not only is Brit Brit sitting at the top of the charts, but she sold 504,507 albums in the first week! Early reports suggested Circus would sell somewhere over 300k, then the estimate was bumped up toward 470-490k, and now it's sold over 500k! Go Britney!!!

December 8, 2008

They're Team Number 1!


Congratulations Nick & Starr Spangler on your amazing win on The Amazing Race! Enjoy that $1 million prize!

December 7, 2008

Everyone's Favorite Friend

Jennifer Aniston is all smiles on the cover of the new Entertainment Weekly.


She looks gorgeous, her dress is sooo Carrie Bradshaw-esque, and that puppy is adorable! I can't wait to see the film adaption of Marley & Me! I was so moved by the book. As a matter of fact, I was crying just thinking about it today.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Sunday, December 7th, marks the 67th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Hawaii's Pearl Harbor. Nearly 2,400 Americans were killed and almost 1,180 injured when Japanese fighters bombed and sank 12 naval vessels and heavily damaged nine others.

Today, more than 2,000 World War II veterans and other observers gathered in Hawaii for a ceremony to remember the aftermath of the attack, including the B-52 bomber raid on Tokyo led by Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle.

If it weren't for "my friend" being on the Amazing Race finale tonight (Go Nick!), I'd be watching my Pearl Harbor DVD.

December 6, 2008

Always Fascinating

Now that Britney's back, I think it's time to shift the gear into cruise control! So, here's a little bit of what I haven't been blogging about in the life of Mr. Tom Cruise.

On Thursday, Decemeber 4th, Tom was one of Barbara Walters "10 Most Fascination People of 2008." If you missed it, here's the video (he was charming as usual):


If you'd like to watch an even better video, head over to nytimes.com and watch Tom, and Katie's screen tests for New York Times Magazine Style. They also grace the cover of the new issue.



Here's a cute picture of Tom & Suri leaving their apartment in NYC on Wednesday:


I love those little red shoes!

And, here's Tom's upcoming press schedule for his new film, Valkyrie:

12/11 - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

12/16 - The Late Show with David Letterman

12/17 - Live with Regis and Kelly

12/22 - Jimmy Kimmel Live

December 2, 2008

Happy 27th Birthday Britney!

What a way to celebrate!

As everyone MUST know, Britney Spears' new album, Circus, is on sale now (go get it!)! And, so is the first leg of her North American concert tour (I bought my tickets the minute they went on sale!)!



* * *

Just in case you missed it, here are Brit's performances from this morning's GMA:


December 1, 2008

A New Dawn Of American Leadership


President-elect Barack Obama picked a national security team headed by former campaign rival Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bush administration holdover Robert Gates on Monday, and said he wants to consult with military commanders before settling on a firm timetable to withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq.

Obama said a newly completed agreement between Iraq and the Bush administration covering U.S. troop presence signals "a transition period in which our mission is changing" after a long war. The president-elect campaigned on a call to pull out most combat troops within 16 months of taking office, a period he said he still believes "is the right time frame."

Obama named Clinton, a New York senator, as secretary of state and said Gates would remain as defense secretary, a post he has held for the past two years.

At a news conference, the president-elect also introduced retired Marine Gen. James Jones as White House national security adviser, former Justice Department official Eric Holder as attorney general, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as secretary of homeland security and Susan Rice as ambassador to the United Nations.

The announcements rounded out the top tier of the team that will advise the incoming chief executive on foreign and national security issues in an era marked by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and terrorism around the globe.

"I assembled this team because I am a strong believer in strong personalities and strong opinions," he said.

"I think that's how the best decisions are made. One of the dangers in a White House, based on my reading of history, is that you get wrapped up in group-think and everybody agrees with everything and there's no discussion and there are no dissenting views. So I am going to be welcoming a vigorous debate inside the White House."

"But understand, I will be setting policy as president. I will be responsible for the vision that this team carries out, and I will expect them to implement that vision once decisions are made."

Obama's announcements marked a shift in emphasis after a spate of appointments last week for his economic team, led by Timothy Geithner as treasury secretary.

He now has selected half the members of his Cabinet, and is filling out the top echelons of his administration at an unusually quick pace during his transition as he seeks to fulfill his goal of being able to "hit the ground running" when he takes the oath of office on Jan. 20.

Obama said his appointees "share my pragmatism about the use of power, and my sense of purpose about America's role as a leader in the world."

Source: Associated Press

November 30, 2008

What I'm Reading Now

After finishing Marley & Me (which took me longer to read than I expected because I had to keep putting the book down to wipe the tears from my eyes every 5 minutes) I've started reading Anderson Cooper's memoir, Dispatches from the Edge.


So far, so good. And, when I say good, I mean really good.

I can't say enough about this man. What he's seen, where he's been, the way he interacts with people, and the way he tells stories... it's fascinating!

November 29, 2008

Simon Says Britney Has The "X Factor"

Here she is, baby, one more time... Watch Britney Spears strut her stuff for Simon Cowell on the British TV show X Factor:


Next stop: New York City!!! The circus is coming!

The Glamorous Britney Spears

Coming soon, the January 2009 issue of Glamour magazine:


I've seen the entire spread, and it's stunning! It's very similar to the most recent spread Angelina Jolie did for Vanity Fair.

And, here's Britney's Friday performance on Star Academy:


She actually did a lot of live singing. You go girl!

November 28, 2008

Britney's Back!

As you can tell, posts regarding Britney Spears have taken over this blog. And, deservedly so!

Last night, while we were celebrating Thanksgiving in the states, Britney made her first comeback performance in Germany! She performed "Womanizer" on the Bambi Awards and was named the Best International Popstar!

Brit looked hot! The "Womanizer" set was hot (literally, there was fire)! And things are only going to get better and more intense from here on out.

Enjoy:

November 26, 2008

Mark Your Calendars


Britney Spears' comeback is about to get serious! And, I know you don't want to miss anything, so here's what her promo schedule looks like for the next week:

Britney is expected to be performing at the Bambi awards, in Germany, tomorrow night!

From now until Friday, November 28th, imeem is holding an Official online album premiere of Circus. Click HERE to check it out!

Also on Friday, Brit will grace the cover of the new issue of Rolling Stone!

On Saturday, Britney is expected to sing "Womanizer" on the British singing contest "X Factor."

On Sunday, November 30th, "Britney: For the Record" airs on MTV at 10 PM EST. The documentary finally gives Britney the chance to set the record straight!

On the morning of December 2nd, Britney will celebrate her birthday in style with a live performance under the big top at New York City's Big Apple Circus! Check your local listings for details and tune in as Britney will also finally reveal a secret to fans - most likely the tour set to go on sale in a week!

November 23, 2008

My Circus Review

Britney Spears' 6th studio album, Circus (duh!), will be released in just one week! And, although I've already heard all of her new material, I can't wait to hold a copy of it in my hands! So, to encourage everyone to not only buy the album, but to get excited about it, here's my song-by-song review:

1. Womanizer - You've all heard it, and I'm sure you love it! This song sets the tone for the entire album. It's sexy, upbeat, and empowering.

2. Circus - The second single, and title track, channels a new age Madonna and the brand new Britney. It's about being a performer and being in control. Plus, the bridge is amazing!

3. Out From Under - Though this song is a cover, it's a sweet ballad for Brit. If you liked "Shadow," you'll like this.

4. Kill The Lights - In this song, Brit turns the tables on the photogs. It's got a great beat and the chorus reminds me of a song JT did with Timbaland called "Bounce."

5. Shattered Glass - This song is a little outdated, like, it could have easily been on one of her earlier albums. But, I would be lying if I said I didn't love the chorus.

6. If U Seek Amy - This was one of the first songs I heard from the album and it still holds up as my favorite! I la la la love this song! It's fun and flirty.

7. Unusual You - This is a brilliant slow song, and it takes on the edgy feel of "Mad World." It's very addictive, and Britney sounds awesome singing it!

8. Blur - An attempt at "Early Morning" part 2, but she doesn't quite pull it off. Sorry B, but I'm not feelin' this one.

9. Mmm Papi - I hated this song at first, mainly because I heard rumors that it was about Adnan Galhib. But once I pushed Adnan out of my mind, and ignored the strange talking segments, I really started to like it. Then, I heard it really wasn't about Adnan and I liked it even more. It's really upbeat and I like the guitar!

10. Mannequin - An upbeat pop song. Need I say more?

11. Lace And Leather - A sassy mix of a cute and sexy Britney. For some reason, this song makes me think of "Anticipating," one of my all-time favorite Britney songs to sing!

12. My Baby - I'll admit it, I'm not a fan of this song. It's sweet, she wrote it about her children, but it doesn't have a good melody.

13. Radar - I don't know why this song is being re-released, but we all know it from Blackout.

14. Rock Me In (bonus track) - I can just imagine this song playing during an opening of The Hills. It's very pop, with a touch of rock and a pinch of futuristic drama. I bet you'll find yourself clapping along to the beat.

15. Phonography (bonus track) - This song is so very *Nsync "Digital Get Down!" I wasn't sure about it at first, but after the second listen I fell in love with it! It has a dark feel to it, and Britney's voice sounds great!

16. Amnesia (unreleased/import) - Sure, this song will make a great girly sing-a-long, but it doesn't have many layers, music wise. And, it reminds me of a Christmas song.

17. Trouble (unreleased/import) - This should have been on her "B in the Mix" remix album. Enough said.

18. Quicksand (unreleased/import) - Again, not my favorite song, but catchy.

19. Rock Boy (unreleased/import) - This song's a bit forgettable. It's not bad, but can be easily overlooked. I can see why she didn't put it on the album.

Overall, the good songs are really good, while the "bad" songs are at least worth a listen. Brit deserves the number one spot on the Billboard charts with this album. Buy it, December 2nd y'all!

November 22, 2008

Johnny Gallagher and Mr. Big

Tony winner John Gallagher Jr. made a surprise appearance in a dream I had last night, which prompted me to blog about the play he's currently starring in Off-Broadway, Farragut North.

The play centers on J Galls character, Stephen Bellamy, a wunderkind press secretary who has built a career that men twice his age would envy. During a tight presidential primary race, Stephen's meteoric rise falls prey to the backroom politics of more seasoned operatives. According to show notes, it's a "timely story about the lust for power and the costs one will endure to achieve it."

Sex and the City fan-favorite Chris Noth also stars.

Here are some pics:



November 21, 2008

Britney's A Ring Leader

Here's a new promotional commercial for Britney Spears' upcoming album, Circus! The ad features footage from the title track, and second single's music video. It looks amazing!


I love Britney Spears!

Be Careful What You Wish For

Click HERE to watch the latest trailer for Coraline, the film based on the book by the wickedly awesome Neil Gaiman!


Coraline is scheduled to hit theaters on February 6th, 2009.

Twilight Hits Theaters

The day has come. It's time to see if Twilight can live up to all the hype. I'm projecting that the film will open with no more than $70 million.


If you're going to see it, be sure to arrive at the theater a bit early, not only to get a ticket, but to make sure you see the previews (the newest trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is running before the film!).

Update: My estimate was so close... Twilight grossed $70.6 million in its first weekend. I'd also like to point out that it opened with 10's of million's of dollar's less than any one of the 'Harry Potter' films. So, to anyone who thought Twilight could be the next HP, think again!

Update No. 2: Twilight actually only grossed $69.9 million. The first reported numbers were inaccurate.

November 20, 2008

Men of the Year

GQ magazine has just announced their annual list of athletes, actors, and newsmakers who blew their minds over the past year.

So, who are they?

Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Phelps, John Hamm, and the man of the year: President-elect Barack Obama!


Other "Men of the Year" include the Boston Celtics, Aaron Eckhart, Shepard Fairey (the artist who created the Obama Hope/Progress posters), Brandon Flowers (lead singer of The Killers), Ted Kennedy, etc.

... But what about Joe Biden?!

November 19, 2008

Lance Vamps

Look how hot Lance Bass looked at the Twilight premiere afterparty at the Armand Hammer Museum on Monday in Los Angeles!


And, congratulations Lance, for making it to the Dancing with the Stars finale!!!

The Sexiest Man Alive


He's a triple threat: a star who can sing, dance and wield a weapon.

At 6 ft. 2 in., all scruff and biceps, Hugh Jackman looms large in the soon-to-be-released epic Australia, which he says kept him "dirty 95 percent of the time" and left people stammering, "Oh ... my ... God," according to costar Nicole Kidman, who adds, "Women's jaws drop when Hugh walks into a room."

Jackman's wife of 12 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, calls his perfect form "the Body of Doom – but I like what's inside": a romantic who sings ballads at home and makes pancakes for children Oscar, 8, and Ava, 3.

A hard body with a soft center, that's why Hugh Jackman's PEOPLE's 2008 Sexiest Man Alive.

Source: PEOPLE


From what I saw on Oprah's Australia special a few weeks ago - women nearly fainting at the very mention of Hugh's name - I think PEOPLE magazine made the right choice!

Justin Does Charity

As of Tuesday, MySpace users can listen to and purchase the live version of Justin Timberlake’s song “Follow My Lead” featuring Esmée Denters. Click HERE to check it out.


All profits benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.

And, here are a few recent photos that I hadn't posted: The first is of J and Jessica leaving his Upper East Side restaurant Southern Hospitality last week. The second is of J arriving at the Hammerstein for a black-tie ball (organized by Alicia Keys) last Friday. And the third is of J heading to the SNL after party. Enjoy!