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Russell Peters - Live 2008

JAMIE FOXX SUGGEST "A PITBULL" DOG FOR THE OBAMAS
[AP, 12/8/08]
As the quest for the first dog continues, Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx thinks he's come up with the perfect solution for the President-elect and his family. "A pitbull," the entertainer said. "(I'm) trying to pick out Barack Obama's Christmas puppy right now, so we're working hard on that," he joked. "I think I'm going to get him a pitbull, we just got to keep it street." Foxx made the comments after performing at the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting in New York last week. "I'm just celebrating Barack Obama (and) celebrating the new president," he said. Obama's presidential win isn't the only thing the Grammy-nominated singer is celebrating. Foxx is also gearing up for the release of his third CD, "Intuition," in stores December 16, 2008. He calls it his "best work ever." "I got the best of Timbaland, the best of Kanye (West), The-Dream, the best of Lil Wayne (and) the best of T.I.," he said as he rattled off some of the album's top collaborators. "Intuition" is Foxx's follow-up to 2005's "Unpredictable," a platinum CD that hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Foxx says that he's asking Santa for the same gift this year. "For Christmas, I definitely want another No. 1 album," he said.

OPRAH NAMED ENTERTAINMENT'S MOST POWERFUL WOMAN
[Reuters, 12/8/08]
The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, December 5 named Oprah Winfrey the most powerful woman in entertainment on its annual "Power 100 List." Winfrey, whose "Oprah" talk show began in national syndication 22 years ago, played a role in the victory of President-elect Barack Obama by endorsing him early in his run and by supporting him throughout the campaign. The Top 10 in the Women in Entertainment Power 100 list are: • Oprah Winfrey, chairman of Harpo Inc. • Anne Sweeney, president of Disney-ABC Television Group and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks • Amy Pascal, chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group and co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment • Nancy Tellem, president of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group • Stacey Snider, co-chairman and CEO of DreamWorks • Bonnie Hammer, president of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Universal Cable Productions • Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks • Mary Parent, chairman of MGM Worldwide Motion Picture Group • Dana Walden, chairman of 20th Century Fox Television • Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment.

"TWILIGHT" DIRECTOR NOT RETURNING FOR SEQUEL
[E! Online, 12/8/08]
Catherine Hardwicke delivered the biggest opening weekend ever for a female film director—not to mention Robert Pattinson to the screaming fans—but it doesn't look like she'll be getting the chance to top that record with the next Twilight film. The helmer has parted ways with the series. The story broke today on Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily, and by Sunday night Variety had a statement from the director. "I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct New Moon," said Hardwicke. "Directing Twilight has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel—it is a great story." So it is. Considering all the elements that went into the film—a successful series of novels, an attractive cast and, of course, teen vampirism—does this seem like a decision that might put the series in jeopardy, or is it just par for the course in Hollywood?

MARILYN MANSON'S NEW GIRLFRIEND IDENTIFIED
[Aceshowbiz, 12/7/08]
Marilyn Manson's new leading lady, who previously was said to be his ex-girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood lookalike, has been identified. The lady is claimed to be Isani Griffith, who works as a model. Marilyn introduced Isani to the press at his inaugural U.S. exhibition, called "Marilyn Manson: Trismegistus," during Art Basel Miami 2008 on Thursday, December 4. "That's my special lady friend," the rocker said. Marilyn Manson, 39, and Isani Griffith, 24, reportedly began dating shortly after he was dumped by Evan Rachel Wood last month. On Wednesday, December 3, the new lovers were photographed walking hand-in-hand during an outing in Miami. Prior to dating Evan and Isani, Marilyn was married to burlesque queen Dita Von Teese. He had his divorce to her being finalized in December last year after two years of marriage.

DEL TORO ATTENDS SCREENING OF "CHE" IN HAVANA
[AP, 12/7/08]
Actor Benicio del Toro says protesters at the Miami screening of "Che" should have watched the film first. Del Toro plays Argentine-born Ernesto "Che" Guevara, a hero of the Cuban revolution and global icon. He says the role was difficult and took a lot of time. Cuban exiles protested the movie in Miami last week. Many opposed Guevara for executions of officials from Fulgencio Batista's government, which was toppled in 1959. But del Toro says "a lot of the people protesting the movie hadn't seen it." He spoke Saturday as about 1,500 people attended the screening of the movie by director Steven Soderbergh at a film festival in Havana. The Puerto Rican actor won the Cannes Film Festival's best-actor prize for his performance.

CATE BLANCHETT: A STAR GETS HER STAR IN HOLLYWOOD
[AFP, 12/7/08]
Australian actress Cate Blanchett has accepted the role of an Oscar-winner honored with her own star on Hollywood's old-school Walk of Fame. The new name on star number 2,376, Blanchett was joined for the ceremony by directors Steven Spielberg, with whom she worked on the fourth instalment of "Indiana Jones," and David Fincher, whose "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" opens this month starring Blanchett and Brad Pitt. While deeply committed to theatre and film in her home country, Blanchett has found the time to build an A-list international film career, including nominations for many Academy Awards. Now 39, the mother of three and winner of an Oscar in 2005 for her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn in "The Aviator," last January she was nominated for best actress in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" as well as for best supporting actress for her gender-bending turn as Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There."

"MY THREE SONS" ACTRESS BEVERLY GARLAND DIES AT 82
[AP, 12/7/08]
Beverly Garland, the B-movie actress who starred in 1950s cult hits like "Swamp Women" and "Not of This Earth" and who went on to play Fred MacMurray's TV wife on "My Three Sons," has died. She was 82. Garland died Friday, December 5 at her Hollywood Hills home after a lengthy illness, her son-in-law Packy Smith told the Los Angeles Times. Garland made her film debut in the 1950 noir classic "D.O.A.," launching a 50-year career that included 40 movies and dozens of television shows. She gained cult status for playing gutsy women in low-budget exploitation films such as "The Alligator People" and a number of Roger Corman movies including "Gunslinger," "It Conquered the World" and "Naked Paradise." "I never considered myself very much of a passive kind of actress," she said in a 1985 interview with Fangoria magazine. "I was never very comfortable in love scenes, never comfortable playing a sweet, lovable lady." Garland showed her comedic chops as Bing Crosby's wife in the short-lived sitcom "The Bing Crosby Show" in the mid-'60s. She went on to be cast in "My Three Sons" as the second wife of MacMurray's widower Steve Douglas during the last three seasons of the popular series that aired from 1960 to 1972. Her television credits also include "Remington Steele," "Scarecrow and Mrs. King," "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" and "7th Heaven." Garland was born Beverly Fessenden in Santa Cruz, Calif., in 1926, and grew up in Glendale. She became Beverly Garland when she married actor Richard Garland. They were divorced in 1953 after less than four years of marriage. In 1960, she married real estate developer Fillmore Crank, and the couple built a mission-style hotel in North Hollywood, now called Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn. Garland, whose husband died in 1999, remained involved in running the North Hollywood hotel. She was the honorary mayor of North Hollywood and served on the boards of the California Tourism Corp. and the Greater Los Angeles Visitors and Convention Bureau.

VINNIE JONES GETS INTO BAR FIGHT OVER ROLE IN "X-MEN"
[AFP, 12/6/08]
British football star turned tough-guy Hollywood actor Vinnie Jones was hospitalized and arrested after he got into a bar fight over his role in the film X-Men. Witnesses said the fight began Friday, December 5 when Jones tried to join a game of pool in the small town of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Jones took offense when one of the men identified as Juggernaut from "X-Men: The Last Stand" which he apparently took as a slight against his more significant roles. "He started pushing my other friends around," said Juan Barrera, 24, who sat nearby while his roommates played pool. "He said he's been in so many other movies or whatever." Police said Jones charged at a local patron, 24-year-old Jesse Bickett, who then hit Jones in the face with a beer glass. His face bloodied, Jones was walking to the restroom to clean up when he saw Barrera and punched him in the face, Barrera told AFP. Barrera said he hit Jones once or twice in the face before bar staff kicked him out.Jones was treated for facial injuries at a local hospital where was arrested for misdemeanor assault early Friday morning, police said. Formal charges have not been filed, and no court date has been set. Police charged Bickett with felony aggravated assault, but his mother says it was self-defense. "He's got major hospital bills hanging over his head," Deb Bickett said. "He (Jones) doesn't want to run into me." After a football career in which he developed a brutal "hard man" reputation, Jones debuted as an actor in "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." His other film credits include "Snatch" and "Gone in Sixty Seconds." His manager said Jones was vacationing in the area but declined to comment on the brawl.

SHIA'S SHATTERED HAND KEEPS HIM UNEMPLOYED
[E! Online, 12/6/08]
Shia LaBeouf isn't feeling very hands-on right now. A source confirmed to E! News Friday, December 5 that the severe injury the Eagle Eye star suffered to his left hand in a July 27 rollover crash has forced him to pull out of his latest film. "Shia's hand is totally shattered; it's much worse than anyone thought," the source said. The 22-year-old LaBeouf, who was able to work around the injury to complete filming on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, dropped out of the upcoming technology-themed thriller Dark Fields. Production had already been delayed thanks to its now former star's medical issues. But at least it looks as if a solution is in sight. LaBeouf, who already underwent one extensive surgery in the days immediately following his accident, requires a second procedure to further repair the area around his thumb.

HUNDREDS HONOUR LATE "PLATINUM BLONDE" BASSIST MacLEAN
[CBC, 12/6/08]
Hundreds of mourners gathered in Toronto Thursday, December 4 to pay tribute to former Platinum Blonde bassist Kenny MacLean, who died suddenly late last month. Friends and family thanked fans for sharing their thoughts and prayers. "For those who have sent condolences and posted tributes, we thank you — there have been so many," said MacLean's brother, Donald. "Every musician, writer and artist knows there's a hell of a price to pay for being in this business … [Kenny] had demons along the way, but in the last year he found the strength to deal with them head on," he added, listing his late brother's work on a new solo album, record label and other recent musical endeavours. As well, the 52-year-old MacLean had been in the midst of reuniting his former Platinum Blonde bandmates for a gig prior to his death. Also on Thursday, friends and family announced plans for a free tribute concert in MacLean's honour at Toronto's Mod Club on December 17, 2008. MacLean was discovered unresponsive in his home and recording studio on November 24. A post-mortem indicated late last week that he died of natural causes.

WITNESS: "SOPRANOS" ACTOR KNEW FRIEND HAD GUN
[AP, 12/6/08]
Former "Sopranos" actor Lillo Brancato knew a fellow junkie was carrying a gun before a break-in that led to the deadly shooting of an off-duty police officer, a drug dealer testified Friday, December 5. Joseph Borelli's testimony could prove vital in Brancato's second-degree murder trial, which may hinge on whether the jury believes the "A Bronx Tale" star knew about associate Steven Armento's loaded weapon. Brancato says he didn't. But Borelli testified that Armento pulled the gun on him, while Brancato watched, minutes before the shooting on December 10, 2005. The two had dashed to Borelli's house after trying to break into a nearby Bronx apartment looking for drugs to steal, said Borelli, 53, who said he had been Brancato's heroin and crack dealer. Defense lawyer Joseph Tacopina has acknowledged Brancato was a "strung out" drug addict. But Tacopina has said the former actor never intended to hurt anyone. Tacopina has portrayed Borelli as a liar looking for leniency in his own legal troubles. Brancato, 32, made his 1993 debut in "A Bronx Tale" opposite Robert De Niro. He has appeared in more than a dozen other movies and played a doomed aspiring mobster in HBO's "The Sopranos."

PINUP BETTIE PAGE HOSPITALIZED AFTER HEART ATTACK
[AP, 12/6/08]
Bettie Page, a 1950s pinup known for her raven-haired bangs and saucy come-hither looks, was hospitalized in intensive care after suffering a heart attack, her agent said Friday, December 5. "She's critically ill," Mark Roesler of CMG Worldwide told The Associated Press. He said the 85-year-old had been hospitalized for the last three weeks with pneumonia and was about to be released when she had the heart attack Tuesday. Page was transferred to another hospital in Los Angeles and remained in intensive care Friday. A family friend, Todd Mueller, said Page was in a coma. When asked to confirm, Roesler said, "I would not deny that," but he would not comment further on her condition. Page, a secretary turned model, is credited with helping set the stage for the sexual revolution of the rebellious 1960s. She attracted national attention with magazine photographs of her sensuous figure that were tacked up on walls across the country. Her photos included a centerfold in the January 1955 issue of then-fledgling Playboy magazine, as well as controversial sadomasochistic poses. Page later spent decades away from the public eye, and during that time battled mental illness and became a born-again Christian. After resurfacing in the 1990s, she occasionally granted interviews but refused to allow her picture to be taken. Mueller credits his business dealings with Page for bringing her out of seclusion. He said he first met her in 1989 when he offered her "a bunch of money" to show up at autograph signings. "I probably sold 3,000 of her autographs, usually for $200 to $300," he said. "Eleanor Roosevelt, we got $40-$50. ... Bettie Page outsells them all."

HOLLYWOOD'S NO. 1 WOMEN: WINFREY AND JOLIE
[AP, 12/6/08]
Oprah Winfrey tops The Hollywood Reporter's Power 100 list, an annual ranking of the most influential women in the entertainment industry. The chairman of Harpo Inc. was selected "based on her dizzying array of Oprah-branded media and her immense cultural influence," editor-in-chief Elizabeth Guider said in a statement Friday. The Hollywood Reporter also ranks the industry's highest-paid actresses each year. Angelina Jolie is No. 1, commanding more than $15 million a movie, followed by Julia Roberts and last year's top earner, Reese Witherspoon.

CELINE DION PLANS TO EXPAND HER FAMILY, HAS FROZEN EMBRYO
[Acehowbiz, 12/6/08]
Slated to do more shows until late next year, Celine Dion has stated that after completing her concert tour she's planning to have more children with husband Rene Angelil. To CBS "Early Show" host Julie Chen, she said "Yes, we do have a frozen embryo. We'd love to extend the family," when asked to verify the rumours that she wants to expand her clan and has a frozen embryo. "I started to talk to Rene Charles about it. He said 'Can we have four and five?'" Celine said about discussing the idea of having more children with her 7-year-old son Rene Charles Angelil. "So if we're blessed again, I will be very happy to come back and do another interview with you and talk about it. I will be the first one to be extremely happy." Speaking about Rene Charles, Celine admitted she sometimes feels guilty for taking him on the road as she is touring, realizing the fact that "children need stability." She told Julie, "We are normal people, but we have a very, very different life...I'm proud of Rene-Charles because he copes and he's let me do my things. But I tell you, when I am in my PJ's, that's his favorite time and it's mine too." Celine Dion has been married to her manager-husband Rene Angelil since 1994. Their son, Rene Charles Angelil, who was born in January 2001, was conceived by in vitro fertilization after six years of trying.

KEVIN FEDERLINE TELLS HIS STORY OF LIFE WITH BRITNEY SPEARS
[Aceshowbiz, 12/5/08]
Britney Spears' former husband Kevin Federline has an exclusive tell-all interview with People, during which he reveals his side of the story about marrying the pop superstar. He talks about everything, from his first meeting with her and his happiest memories of their marriage, to the joint custody of their sons; Sean Preston and Jayden James. "I met her at a club in Hollywood, Joseph's," the so-called wannabe rapper tells People at the beginning of the interview. "Our eyes met and that was it. We just hit it off right away. I learned real fast how much of a whirlwind the press and everything was." He, furthermore, reveals "Well, getting married. I never thought that I would get married but it wound up happening. That was a really, really, happy, exciting moment. I pretty much realized that I was giving my life to her, and I was doing it without question", when recalling the day he wed Britney. On their failed marriage, Kevin confesses to People, "It's hard enough to be in a marriage, and then have a kid, then kids, it changes everything." He continues, "For me, I'd become more concerned with my children. Not that I ignored Britney, but my kids are always most important ... I mean, we were having complications. I didn't give her an ultimatum, but I was trying to work stuff out with her, and she didn't even talk to me or anything and went behind my back and filed [for divorce]. [I was] completely blindsided." Though so, he insists he still cares for Britney, claiming "Just because I'm not in love with her doesn't mean that I don't love her. I'm definitely rooting for her. There's nothing more that I want than for her to be in the best health and doing what she loves to do." During the interview, Kevin Federline also addresses on more personal issues, like a possible reconciliation with Britney Spears, their sons Sean Preston and Jayden James' personalities, and his life at home with the boys. The full version of the interview is featured on the latest issue of People, going on sale Friday, December 5, 2008.

CIARA TO BE FEATURED ON VICTORIA'S SECRET CATALOG
[Aceshowbiz, 12/5/08]
Rumour has it, R 'n' B singer Ciara is about to be recruited as a new model for Victoria's Secret and will possibly be featured on its catalog. MediaTakeOut broke the news Wednesday, December 3, claiming in a report on its site that the music star is expected to sign a deal "soon." Citing its most "reliable snitches," the gossip site stated both Victoria's Secret and Ciara will start working together "as early as possible next year" when "a number of the current model's contracts expire". Ciara reportedly is very happy about her future partnership with the brand. Ciara herself has yet commented on the report. Her people also haven't issued a single word on that matter. On Tuesday night, December 2, Ciara was seen joining Victoria's Secret's Angels Heidi Klum and Miranda Kerr at the Grand Opening of the Victoria's Secret Lexington Avenue Flagship store. The brand's famous faces Selita Ebanks, Marisa Miller, Alessandra Ambrosio and Doutzen Kroes were also in attendance.

DON CORNELIUS ENTERS 'NOT GUILTY' PLEA
[AP, 12/5/08]
Former "Soul Train" host Don Cornelius has pleaded not guilty to spousal battery charges. Court records show Cornelius entered the plea to five misdemeanor counts through his attorney Thursday, December 4. The 72-year-old producer was arrested in October after police responded to a domestic dispute call at his Hollywood Hills home. He was charged last month with spousal battery, assault with a deadly weapon and dissuading a witness from making a police report. The records indicate Cornelius was not in court Thursday, but was ordered to appear for a January pretrial hearing.

"PERSONS OF INTEREST" NAMED IN RUFFALO SHOOTING
[E! Online, 12/5/08]
Beverly Hills police announced Thursday, December 5 that two "persons of interest" have been identified in their investigation into the shooting of Mark Ruffalo's younger brother, 39-year-old Scott Ruffalo—what officials are now calling an attempted murder. In a press release issued by police department spokesman Lt. Tony Lee, authorities say that they're looking to question a man by the name of Brian Scofield Adham and a woman named Shaha Mishaal in connection with the shooting. No further information regarding their relationship to the victim was released. A Beverly Hills Fire Department crew responded at about 1:10 a.m. on Monday to a report of a man who had fallen in the 400 block of North Palm Drive in Beverly Hills. Upon arrival, they found that Scott Ruffalo had sustained a head injury, which turned out to be a gunshot wound. A rep for Mark confirmed to E! News yesterday that Scott was hospitalized in critical condition and was fighting for his life.

"PRICE IS RIGHT" STAR GENA LEE NOLIN GIVES BIRTH TO A GIRL
[Aceshowbiz, 12/4/08]
A baby girl has been born for actress Gena Lee Nolin and her husband, NHL hockey player Cale Hulse. The newborn baby, named Stella Monroe Hulse, was born on Wednesday, December 3 in Scottsdale, Ariz. She weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long at time of birth. Jerry Shandrew, a representative for Gena confirmed the baby's birth to People, stating "Mom and baby are both healthy and doing very well." Jerry added, "The whole family is very excited to welcome baby Stella home". Stella is the second child for Gena and Cale. They also have one son, named Hudson Lee Hulse. In addition to both, Gena and Cale also have one kid each from their previous relationships, named Spencer and Caia. Gena Lee Nolin is best known for her television appearances on "The Price Is Right" and "Baywatch" in the 1990s. She married Cale Hulse, her third husband, in September 2004.

JAZMINE SULLIVAN HITS IT BIG WITH 5 GRAMMY NODS
[AP, 12/4/08]
Jazmine Sullivan's first song was a No. 1 hit on the R&B and hip-hop charts, and her raspy voice has drawn her comparisons to Lauryn Hill. Still, the singer-songwriter was struggling for name recognition in a crowded field of music newcomers. The Recording Academy just made it easier for her. On Wednesday, December 3 it nominated her for five Grammys, including best new artist. Her nominations match veterans like John Mayer and Alison Krauss. And she's only 21. Besides the best new artist nod — which pits her against the Jonas Brothers, U.K. songstresses Adele and Duffy and country act Lady Antebellum — Sullivan's CD, "Fearless," was nominated for best contemporary R&B album. She was also nominated for best female R&B vocal for "Need U Bad," best traditional R&B vocal for "In Love With Another Man," and best R&B song for "Bust Your Windows." "Fearless" was released by J Records in September. She also co-wrote a song on Jennifer Hudson's debut CD.

MARK RUFFALO'S BROTHER FIGHTING FOR LIFE AFTER BEING SHOT IN THE HEAD
[Aceshowbiz, 12/4/08]
A publicist for Mark Ruffalo has confirmed the actor's brother, Scott Ruffalo, is fighting for his life after being shot in the head in Beverly Hills early Monday, December 1. No record on the name of the hospital where he is treated. Scott, 39, was found in critical condition at his apartment with a gunshot wound to the head. Beverly Hills Police confirmed the incident, claiming it as "suspicious", reasoning that the events leading to the incident remained unclear. But they have not yet determined if the shooting is a crime or not. Speaking about that matter, Beverly Hills Police Department spokesman Tony Lee explained, "Our detectives will not say if it was a shooting. All we can say is that we are investigating some suspicious circumstance that [occurred] early Monday morning." Investigation, in the meantime, is still undergoing. Entertainment Tonight which broke the news on Wednesday, December 3 claimed "the Ruffalo family is being very supportive of each other during this family tragedy." Scott Ruffalo, who is two years younger than Mark Ruffalo, is a hairdresser who has worked in salons in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. He has held a California state cosmetology license since 1991. As for his personal life, Scott is married to Luzelena Ruffalo and has one stepdaughter named Lucinda.

OPRAH WINFREY STAYS WITH "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW" UP TO 2011
[Aceshowbiz, 12/4/08]
President-elect Barack Obama's biggest supporter, Oprah Winfrey, finally has made a statement concerning previous rumors saying that she has a plan to leave her hit reality show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show". The media mogul, who has recently guest starred on Tina Fey's "30 Rock", said that she has full intentions on riding out her contract. As reported by Extra TV, the 54-year-old television host has stated she will fulfill her contract until it expires in 2011. "I'm a girl that keeps her word. I have a contract till 2011, so right now that's what I have until someone writes me another one. I'm going to fulfill my contractual obligations and fulfill them happily," Oprah said. In another news, "The Oprah" show will be brought to the U.S. capitol, Washington D.C., during the week of Barack Obama's inaguration day on January 20, 2009. The special episode will be tapped on Monday, January 19 at the Kennedy Center Opera House. "I'm going to break that right here, that's where I'm going to be. See you there, that's the place to be," Winfrey told Access Hollywood on Wednesday, December 3, 2008.

SOULJA BOY TAKES PART IN TOY DRIVE
[Aceshowbiz, 12/4/08]
Hip-hop artist Soulja Boy will take some time off from recording his upcoming LP to take part in the yearly Toyz N Da Hood charity event, which donates holiday toys throughout Atlanta during the month of December. Offering a helping hand, he will on December 19 help to host the annual event at Atlanta's Walmart, located on 6149 Old National Highway. There he will help with gifts, and sign autographs and copies of his latest music effort, titled "iSouljaBoyTellem". Participating on the 6th annual toy drive, Soulja expresses his gladness, saying "It's all about putting smiles on kids' face this holiday season. I'm happy to do anything I can during these hard economic times to make a kid's holiday season a little brighter. " He then recalls his old days before he became famous, revealing "Growing up I didn't have much, so I can relate to these kids and know how important it is to them. To see how excited they get when we donate all these toys is worth anything I can do to make that possible." To support the toy drive, Toyz N Da Hood, which was founded by Hittmenn DJ president Robert "Kaspa" Smith, is partnering with the non-profit Kids with Strong Opinions, Inc. to hold a toy donation drive which will be running through December 17. The drive will run at various Atlanta middle and high schools. The school who can collect the most toys will win a free concert featuring local top hip-hop stars. The toys collected will be donated to underprivileged kids and low-income families.

KID ROCK UPSET AT GA. JUDGE'S RULING
[AP, 12/4/08]
Kid Rock is upset that he can't pick the good deed that will serve as his punishment for a brawl at a Georgia Waffle House. In a post on his Web site, the rocker blasts a judge for denying his request to serve his 80 hours of community service by performing for U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East. "Apparently he thinks it's more important that I do something else rather than sing, shake hands, take pictures and spend time with the men and women who put themselves in harms (sic) way to protect the very freedom he and all of us live by," the singer wrote in a holiday message posted on his site. Georgia State Court Judge Alvin T. Wong, who denied the request Sept. 30, sees it differently. He noted that Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert J. Ritchie, had performed for the troops before and "would do so even if he was not under a sentence to perform community service. "Besides, giving him credit for something he would otherwise love to do in front of a camera completely defeats the punitive purpose of performing community service," Wong wrote. Ritchie and members of his entourage were arrested last October after they became involved in a fight at a Waffle House in suburban Atlanta after a concert. He pleaded no contest to one count of battery and other charges were dropped. He later returned to a Waffle House and helped raise nearly $20,000 for an Atlanta homeless shelter. Ritchie in his post noted the event, and that the judge didn't give him credit for that either. Ritchie wrote that Wong's ruling was a "slap in the face" and he is having trouble thinking of a better form of community service. The singer is currently on tour in Europe, and plans to participate in U.S.O. concerts scheduled for mid-December.

"BLUE" FORMER MEMBER LEE RYAN AND FIANCEE WELCOME BABY BOY
[Aceshowbiz, 12/3/08]
Lee Ryan, the former member of boyband Blue, and his fiancee Samantha Miller have welcomed the arrival of their first child, a baby boy. Celebrity Baby Blog reports the pair named their newborn son Rain Amethyst Lee. He weighed in at around 8 lbs. His birth date hasn't been disclosed though. Lee Ryan revealed during his 25th birthday in June this year that he had impregnated Samantha Miller, his fan. At the same time he also confirmed he planned to wed her soon. The confirmation sent shock to Lee's friends and family. In July, report surfaced claiming Lee dumped Samantha after a series of heated arguments. She was claimed to be in complete shock over the separation. However, Lee was quick to put the brake on the false report, insisting he and Samantha were still engaged. No wedding plans have been made by Lee and Samantha.

JAMIE FOXX ADDED AS 'CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER' PERFORMER
[Aceshowbiz, 12/3/08]
Jamie Foxx is lined up as one of the musical guests at holiday event "Christmas in Rockefeller Center". He will be performing on-stage at the NBC's annual tree-lighting ceremony on December 3 at 8 - 9 P.M. ET/PT. Joining him at the event are Miley Cyrus, Beyonce Knowles, David Cook, Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr., Rosie O'Donnell, The Broadway Kids, Rascal Flatts, and Solange Knowles. The star-studded show will be hosted by Al Roker and is going to be held at Rockefeller Center's Art Deco plaza in Manhattan. "This year brings more star power than ever before, for the lighting of the world's most famous Christmas tree," Bob Holmes, the executive producer of the show, told OK! Magazine. "We couldn't be more proud of all the people who have come together to make this special happen for all the families tuning in."

CABLE GIANT, BLUE JAYS OWNER TED ROGERS DIES AT 75
[CBC, 12/3/08]
Canadian media magnate Ted Rogers, founder and CEO of Rogers Communications, has died. Rogers, 75, died at his Toronto home early Tuesday, December 2 surrounded by loved ones, said a statement from the company's board of directors. He had recently been admitted to hospital for a cardiac condition. "We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Loretta and all of the Rogers family for this loss," said Alan Horn, chairman of Rogers Communications and acting CEO. "Ted Rogers was one of a kind who built this company from one FM radio station into Canada's largest wireless, cable and media company — a leader also in giving to the community through his and Loretta's many philanthropic initiatives. He will be sadly missed." Rogers continued to play an active role in the company, which owns the Toronto Blue Jays, five Citytv television stations across the country, as well as the Rogers cable TV, wireless, radio and magazine businesses, including Maclean's and Chatelaine. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family. He is survived by his wife, Loretta, whom he married in 1963, and their four children — Edward, Lisa, Melinda and Martha.

SWAYZE SAYS HE'S WINNING FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
[AP, 12/3/08]
Patrick Swayze is angry about tabloid reports that say he doesn't have long to live. The actor, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year, issued a statement Tuesday, December 2 affirming that so far he is winning his fight against the disease and responding well to treatment. Says Swayze: "They're reporting that I'm on my last legs and saying goodbye to my tearful family! ... It's upsetting that the shoddy and reckless reporting from these publications cast a negative shadow on the positive and good fight I'm fighting." Swayze, who stars in the upcoming A&E series "The Beast," says such coverage is tantamount to "emotional cruelty," and angers him "when hope is so precious."

EX-MEDICAL STAFF ADMITS TO PEDDLING FARRAH FAWCETT'S FILE
[E! Online, 12/3/08]
Look what curiosity did to the profit-seeking cat. Former UCLA Medical Center employee Lawanda Jackson pleaded guilty Monday, December 1 to peddling confidential information about Farrah Fawcett's cancer battle to the National Enquirer and using her boss' password to access records belonging to dozens of patients, including Britney Spears and Maria Shriver. The single charge of violating medical privacy law for commercial purposes carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for May, 2009. In March, UCLA fired 13 staffers and disciplined at least 12 others—including a number of doctors—for poking around in Spears' medical records without cause, unleashing a Los Angeles Times investigation into what appeared to be a chronic problem at the hospital over the past decade. Tom Cruise and Mariah Carey turned out to be among the 1,041 patients who reportedly had their files riffled through, while since 2003 nearly 165 employees have been either fired or otherwise punished for privacy breaches. Jackson, who worked as an administrator for 32 years at UCLA's various Southland locations, resigned in July 2007 and was indicted in April in U.S. District Court. She and her attorney declined to comment after today's hearing.

EXTRA JUMP RUMP, NO CARBS FOR VICTORIA'S SECRET MODELS
[AP, 12/3/08]
Let's take a moment to savor this little tidbit: Even Victoria's Secret's hand-picked "angels" ramp up the cardio and cut out the carbs before they parade around in their underwear for a nationally televised broadcast. Marisa Miller, Doutzen Kroes and Miranda Kerr are the newest models to be given their wings by the lingerie giant, joining Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Selita Ebanks as the brand's top models. All three of the newbies had graced the Victoria's Secret catwalk before but they weren't fully part of the family until they went to Miami last month for the new runway show spectacle that will be seen on CBS Wednesday night, December 3, 2008.

KIRSTEN DUNST GETS ORDER AGAINST ALLEGED STALKER
[AP, 12/2/08]
Kirsten Dunst doesn't need Spider-Man — she's got an assistant who recently proved capable of protecting the actress. Dunst's assistant performed a citizen's arrest on a man who bypassed security and showed up at the actress' Hollywood home in November. Dunst was not home at the time. Police and Dunst sought a restraining order against Christopher Smith after his Nov. 20 arrest. Documents show state police have found Smith at Dunst's home several times in recent weeks. The actress wrote she is "quite frightened" of Smith, whom she has never met. Records do not indicate whether Smith has an attorney. He is due in court later this month on a trespassing charge. Dunst's restraining order could be made extended on Dec. 22, 2008.

'CSI' STAR MARG HELGENBERGER AND HUSBAND SPLIT
[Aceshowbiz, 12/2/08]
Actress Marg Helgenberger and her actor husband Alan Rosenberg have decided to go separate ways after 19 years of marriage. Her representative publicly confirmed their separation Monday, December 1, giving no words on the reason for their split. "After 19 years of marriage, Marg and Alan have decided to take some time apart," Marg's representative said in a statement. "They love and respect each other and remain committed to their family." Marg Helgenberger is well known for her role as Catherine Willows in CBS' "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation". Alan Rosenberg, meanwhile, is recognized as stage and screen actor, as well as the current president of the Screen Actors Guild. He occasionally appeared with Marg in several episodes of "CSI". Marg and Alan first met on the set of "Ryan's Hope" in the 1980s. A few years later they began dating and in 1989 they eloped in San Francisco. Their son, Hugh Howard Rosenberg, was born in October the following year.

DANIEL RADCLIFFE: "GETTING NAKED ON STAGE NEVER BE THE MOST COMFORTABLE THING"
[Aceshowbiz, 12/2/08]
Portraying the character of Alan Strang in stage play "Equus", Daniel Radcliffe finds the nude scene he has to do in front of the audience as "never be the most comfortable thing." To James Lipton on Bravo's Inside the Actor's Studio, he says "Personally, not my thing. For some people it's great! But not for me" when referring to his nude scene on the Peter Shaffer's play. And to overcome the apprehension, as he revealed to James, he trained for 18 months to make sure his body was built up for the role. He, moreover, also worked with a vocal coach. "I got kind of fit because I knew I'd be appearing naked," he confessed. "The play was there to do. Someone had to do it. If you take the job, you take everything that comes with it." Addressing on the one thing that many people would like to know, which is what if he got "an erection on stage", Daniel said it never happened though he thought "that would be great". His full interview with James Lipton can be watched on Bravo TV. Daniel Radcliffe, famous for his role as the boy wizard Harry Potter in "Harry Potter" movies, played the role of Alan Strang, a mentally disturbed boy who pokes horses in the eye with a metal wire and strides them naked for sexual thrills, in both Broadway and London's West End. Next for him is a reprising role in the next installment of "Harry Potter," titled "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", which is slated for a July 2009 release.

GLITZY "CADILLAC RECORDS" PREMIERE IN NEW YORK
[Aceshowbiz, 12/2/08]
After a premiere in Los Angeles late November, "Cadillac Records" brought the glam to New York. On Monday, December 1, the drama musical saw a star-studded screening event being held at AMC Loews 19th Street in the Big Apple, where stars from Beyonce Knowles to Kelly Ripa were spotted. Though missing out on the signature red carpet, the premiere extravaganza was still attended by Knowles' co-stars, Adrien Brody, Columbus Short, Eamonn Walker, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Gabrielle Union, Mos Def, Chyna Layne and Jeffrey Wright. Producer Sofia Sondervan and director Darnell Martin also made time to come to the event. Beside all of the film's cast and crew, celebrity guest, like Akon, Ne-Yo, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Carmen Ejogo, Mark Consuelos, Tamara Tunie and Elsa Pataky, have also been seen among the attendees. Hip hop mogul Jay-Z was also spotted coming to the evening event alongside wife Knowles. "Cadillac Records" is directed and scripted by Darnell Martin. It is a drama musical chronicling the rise of Chess Records and its recording artists that include Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf. It will come out to the U.S. big screen on December 5, 2008.

TINA FEY TELLS ALL ABOUT SCAR ON HER FACE AND HER LOVE FOR CUPCAKES
[Aceshowbiz, 12/2/08]
Former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Tina Fey opens up to the January 2009 issue of Vanity Fair magazine about the story behind the scar on the left side of her face. Besides, she also talks about her loves for cupcakes, strippers role and nice people. Publicly addressing the scar on her left cheek for the very first time, Fey admits "It's impossible to talk about it without somehow seemingly exploiting it and glorifying it." She goes on telling the publication that she got the scar when she was still 5 years old when a stranger walked into the front yard of her Upper Darby, Penn., home and cut her face, leaving a scar on her left cheek. "She just thought somebody marked her with a pen," her husband Jeff Richmond adds. As a result of the incident, Fey thus doesn't "enjoy any kind of danger or volatility". "I don't have that kind of 'I love the bad guys' thing. No, no thank you. I like nice people," she reveals. And that is one reason why she loves her husband Jeff very much. Talking about her love for cupcakes, Fey jokingly tells Vanity Fair's Maureen Dowd, that it's okay to indulge before the Vanity Fair photo shoot with famed photographer Annie Leibovitz because "Annie's going to photograph my soul, right?" Furthermore also revealing her love for strippers role, the actress explains, "I love to play strippers and to imitate them. I love using that idea for comedy, but the idea of actually going there? I feel like we all need to be better than that. That industry needs to die, by all of us being a little bit better than that." In addition to the interview, Tina Fey also takes over the cover of Vanity Fair's January 2009 issue, which will go on sale on Wednesday, December 3 in New York/L.A. and December 9, 2008 nationwide.

BONO GETS THE (RED) OUT FOR "WORLD AIDS DAY"
[E! Online, 12/2/08]
Bono's adding to his résumé for sainthood. For today's 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, the U2 frontman and all-around good guy is helping launch (RED)WIRE, a music-themed site to benefit the cause. "Through music [people] are not just celebrating their life, they are celebrating lives and the saving of them," Bono says in a video message. And he's getting some help from a few all-star pals. Among the featured tunes: the Dixie Chicks' "Lucky Ones," the Texas trio's first new music since 2006's Taking the Long Way; Jay-Z's "Brooklyn Go Hard," featuring Santogold; the Coldplay-Kylie Minogue duet "Lhuna"; and U2's cover of Greg Lake's "I Believe in Father Christmas." There are several live video clips, such as Elvis Costello and The Police uniting for a "Watching the Detectives"/"Walking on the Moon" medley and John Legend's in-studio performance of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song." Also debuting is the latest Killers Christmas single. For three years running, the group has released a holiday single to benefit the (RED) campaign, starting with "A Great Big Sled" in 2006 and last year's "Don't Shoot Me Santa." This year, the group collaborated with Elton John and Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys for "Joseph, Better You Than Me." "This is our third Christmas year in a row, and we donate the proceeds to the (RED) campaign," Killers' singer Brandon Flowers tells E! Online. "I was sitting at the piano playing around with different chords and I started thinking about Joseph. I don't know, would you call him Jesus' stepfather? When you think of Joseph, the only thing that comes to mind is Joseph walking next to a donkey with Mary on it, and that's about it. He doesn't get much of a story, so we tried to bring Joseph to life." Though music fans can preview the site today via MSN, the magazine will officially be available Dec. 10. Everyone who signs up before that day will be recognized as a "Founding Member" and receive a bonus track by Jay-Z. Subscribers will get two exclusive new songs every week, one by a major artist and another by an emerging artist, as well as updates on Africa, photography and video shorts. Half the $5 monthly subscription rate goes to the Global Fund, which provides medicine to African AIDS patients with a focus on women and children.

KRISTEN STEWART DOTES PRAISE ON "TWILIGHT" CO-STAR
[Aceshowbiz, 12/2/08]
Being in the same scene with movie heartthrob Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart has only good words for the actor, praising him as the perfect star to play the role of vampire Edward Cullen in "Twilight." She even says she cannot imagine another actor in the role. "Not to put down any of the other actors who came in, because they were really good, but everyone came in playing Edward as this perfect, happy-go-lucky guy," Kristen tells Teen Magazine's winter issue. "But I got hardcore pain from Rob. It was purely just connection," she adds. Both Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, who play on-screen lovers in "Twilight", gain fame and receive intense media attention after the romance-thriller-action flick hit the No.1 spot on the box office, after its first weekend screening. Due to the success of the vampire drama, a sequel titled "New Moon" has been in the making. Kristen and Robert are rumored to get a major paycheck boost for the planned sequel, reportedly $12 million each. Robert himself has admitted to research his role as Edward Cullen very seriously by reading "Twilight" book by Stephenie Meyer. "I kind of tried to read the book from Edward's perspective," so he says. "He's this guy seen through the eyes of someone who is completely, obsessively in love with him. So I tried to make a reality about it and take it to how he sees himself."

ROBERT PATTINSON ALWAYS FANCIES RUMOURED GIRLFRIENDS
[Aceshowbiz, 12/2/08]
Movie hottie Robert Pattinson has no problem with the many media reports claiming him dating particular ladies because he admits he always fancies the girls rumoured to be his girlfriends. "I am single at the moment but I read stories in the magazines and papers that I am dating so and so or I am dating so and so. But it's not true. But they are very good guesses because I always fancy the girl they pair me up with," he shares. He then goes on adding, "I'm hoping it's the girl herself who has made it up - then I'm in with a real chance. Maybe I should start getting in contact with them." Defending his single status, Robert thus puts to rest Internet reports claiming him dating the likes of Camilla Belle and Kristen Stewart. This isn't the first time that Robert Pattinson reveals his struggles to find a date. Previously, in an interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," he openly stated that he might be staying single "permanently" reasoning no one wants to date him. "No one else seems to get into a relationship with me. It's really strange," he told Ellen DeGeneres. "People like screaming at me. Actually, they like screaming at me in relationships as well. No one wants to commit." Robert, who gains his worldwide fame for playing the role of Edward Cullen in box office flick "Twilight," was spotted walking along Melrose Avenue on Saturday, November 29. He was photographed kindly stopping for a young fan to chat and pose for pictures.

BOY GEORGE DENIES HE INTENDED TO HURT ESCORT
[AP, 12/2/08]
Singer Boy George admits in a recording played in a London court that he restrained a male escort with handcuffs. But the former Culture Club singer says he had no intention of hurting the man. He also denies he tried to assault the escort or that he swung a chain at him. The singer, whose real name is George O'Dowd, is on trial for the false imprisonment of 29-year-old Audun Carlsen. O'Dowd says in a police recording played Monday, December 1 that he asked Carlsen to come to his apartment. O'Dowd says he wanted to ask Carlsen if he had tampered with his laptop. The '80s pop icon has a history of drug abuse and served a community service sentence in 2006 in the United States after falsely reporting a burglary.

MIRANDA KERR DENIES SHE IS ENGAGED TO ORLANDO BLOOM
[Aceshowbiz, 12/2/08]
Aussie supermodel Miranda Kerr puts to rest the mounting reports claiming she has been engaged to actor boyfriend Orlando Bloom. A representative for her has publicly declared the engagement reports as "completely false and misleading." The representative adds, "Miranda herself has clearly stated she is not engaged. There is nothing else to be said." Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom have been dating since October last year. Despite split report, they are still very much together and even have been rumoured to get engaged. The engagement report took its toll over the weekend when the Sydney's Sunday Telegraph 'exclusively' revealed the pair plans to marry next year after they "celebrated their engagement with a romantic getaway in Venice last week." Making it clear that she and Orlando are not engaged just yet, Miranda however has publicly revealed her dream to have a family. "I've always wanted kids, so ... someday ... eventually, yes, it will happen," so she told Page Six magazine. She continued stating, "My ideal situation would be to live on a farm in a solar-powered house with a hammock and a vegetable patch. When this is all over that's where I'll be."

IVANA TRUMP SEPARATES FROM FOURTH HUBBY RUBICONDI
[AP, 12/2/08]
Ivana Trump has issued a statement confirming reports of marital discord with Italian entrepreneur Rossano Rubicondi. Trump, who married Rubicondi in April, says she filed a legal separation agreement three months ago. Trump says she kept quiet about it because she didn't want to ruin Rubicondi's chances as a contestant on the Italian edition of the reality TV show "Survivor." Rubicondi is Trump's fourth husband. After about six years of dating, they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at her ex-husband Donald Trump's estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Says Trump: "Rossano wants to live in Miami and work in Milan. ... But, I am a New Yorker and my family, friends and businesses are here. As the beautiful song says, 'Que sera sera!'"