TopNews - Entertainment News

Spider-Man creator to make new superhero for India!

Jamie Williamson — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:46:28 +0000

Washington, Dec 23 : Stan Lee, co-creator of some of the world's leading superhero characters like Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Daredevil, Hulk and Thor will be launching an original superhero for the Indian market.

Multi-media company Pow! Entertainment's Lee, will develop the new superhero with a team of Indian artists working at Liquid Comics, a leading creator of Indian character franchises, the two firms announced Thursday.

It will initially launch as a series of downloadable web & mobile comics distributed throughout India on Liquid's recently announced 'Graphic India' platform and www. graphicindia. com website.

Indian artist's new animated web series launched in US

Jamie Williamson — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:31:49 +0000

Washington, Dec 20 : A digital entertainment company founded by three Indian Americans is launching a new animated web series by noted filmmaker John Woo created with writer Garth Ennis and Indian artist Jeevan J. Kang.

Liquid Comics, founded by Sharad Devarajan, Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman, have joined Tiger Hill Entertainment to launch the first four episodes in a 13 episode animated web series from Woo, maker of "Mission Impossible 2", "Face-Off" and "Red Cliff".

The animated series is an adaptation of the graphic novel, "Seven Brothers," created by Woo, with writer Garth Ennis and Indian artist Jeevan J. Kang.

‘Hit potential equation’ may predict a ‘hit’ song

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 06:21:17 +0000

Washington, Dec 17 : Scientists have argued that predicting the popularity of a song may well be feasible by using state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms.

Tijl de Bie and his team of researchers from the University of Bristol’s Intelligent Systems Laboratory looked at the official UK top 40 singles chart over the past 50 years. Their aim was to distinguish the most popular, peak position top five, songs from less popular singles, peak position 30 to 40.

‘Breaking Dawn – Part 1’ tops US weekend box office with $139.5m revenue

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:38:16 +0000

Washington, Nov 21 : ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1’ opened with a huge 139.5 million dollars on its first weekend at the US box office, with a worldwide launch of 283.5 million dollars.

According to Hollywood. com, the domestic total gives the newest addition to the ‘The Twilight Saga’ the second-best debut weekend for the franchise, after the 142.8 million dollars launch for 2009’s ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’, the Washington Post reported.

Martha Stewart’s daughter washes mum’s dirty linen in new book

Jamie Williamson — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:50:39 +0000

Washington, Oct 4 : Talk show host Alexis Stewart has revealed some of the juiciest and eccentric secrets of her mother,

Martha, in her new book, "Whateverland: Learning to Live Here".

Amongst the various secrets is the fact that her domestic diva mom urinated with the door open.

"Mother always peed with the door open. I remember saying, `You know, now I have friends over! You can't do that anymore! It's

gotta stop! My friends' parents don't do it! Give me a break here! I don't feel like being embarrassed! It's exhausting! I'm a kid!

Stop!" the Fox News quoted Alexis telling ABC News.

Micheale Salahi’s husband filed for divorce over penis pic email

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 06:46:37 +0000

Washington, Sept 24 : Michaele Salahi's husband filed for divorce after he found out that Neal Schon had emailed her a photo of his penis, and that she had been having an affair with the guitarist for a long time.

Tareq Salahi, who reported earlier this month that his wife Michaele went missing after a day out, found that the reality TV star had jetted off to Tennessee to be with newlywed Schon on tour.

Berlusconi’s ‘smitten’ ex mistress says sex with him was ‘fantastic’

Jamie Williamson — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:07:46 +0000

Washington, Sept 22 : Embattled Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's former mistress has said that there was nothing fake about her four-year romance with the 75 year old, revealing she was smitten with him when they first met in 2005.

Actress/model Evelina Mann has opened up about her fling with the leader in the pages of October's Playboy magazine.

Manna tells the men's magazine that she and the Italian Prime Minister got together after she named him as one of the men she most admired in an interview promoting the film Alexander, in which she had a small role.

Archie comics’ 1st ‘gay marriage’ draws mixed reactions from critics

Jamie Williamson — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 06:56:10 +0000

Washington, Sept 15 : Archie Comics' announcement of having its first gay character married has drawn mixed reactions from critics.

The Archie Comic Publications confirmed that Kevin Keller would be the focus of an upcoming gay marriage storyline in `Life With Archie'.

"Kevin followed in his father''s footsteps and is returning to Riverdale as a war hero, but that''s not all - It's Kevin's wedding day!" Fox News quoted a news release from Archie Comic Publications as saying.

Angola''s Leila Lopes crowned Miss Universe 2011

Jamie Williamson — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:14:36 +0000

Washington, Sept 13: Leila Lopes from Angola was crowned Miss Universe Monday night, smoothly handling an interview question about what physical trait she would change if she could, by stating it was her inner beauty and principles that matters most.

Lopes, Angola''s first winner, beat out 88 other competitors to win the title during the 60th anniversary of the world''s biggest beauty pageant. She replaces last year''s winner, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico, reports CBS News.

"Thank God I''m very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn''t change a thing," Lopes said when asked her interview question.

‘Austin Powers’ actor sentenced to life in jail for rape, torture

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 07:23:44 +0000

Los Angeles, Sept 10 : An actor best known for his part in the hit 1997 film `Austin Powers' has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 1990 abduction and gang rape of a 20-year-old California woman.

Joseph Hyungmin Son was found guilty Aug. 25 of felony torture, an offence that carries a life term without possibility of parole.

The actor was originally charged three years ago with numerous sex crimes but because of a statute of limitations, prosecutors eventually won a conviction on torture.

Prosecutors want MJ’s medical reports sealed to avoid media leakage

Jamie Williamson — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:50:35 +0000

Washington, Sept 2 : Prosecutors dealing with Michael Jackson's manslaughter trial, have sought to keep his medical records from the coroner and fire officials sealed until the case reaches the court.

The case that holds Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, as the culprit for the king of pop's death, is due to begin on Sep 8, reports Contactmusic.

Jackson's concert promoters are in the midst of a civil suit with his insurers, where both the parties mainly need to know the cause of his death to finalise a controversial payout.

Julia Roberts’ 1990 medical thriller ‘Flatliners’ set for a remake

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:14:12 +0000

Washington, Aug 29 : `Flatliners', that featured Julia Roberts and Kiefer Sutherland in its first instalment, is all set for a remake.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Columbia Pictures executives have commissioned `Source Code' screenwriter Ben Ripley to bring the 1990 medical thriller back to life, reports Contactmusic.

The original story centered on a group of medical students experimenting with death, as they investigated myths about the afterlife.

Kevin Bacon also starred in the film that was directed by Joel Schumacher. (ANI)

‘The Help’ climbs to first place at US weekend box office with $20.5m

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:23:55 +0000

Washington, Aug 22 : `The Help' has topped the U. S weekend box office with a revenue of 20.5 million dollars.

According to early estimates by Hollywood. com, the movie, an adaptation of a novel about African-American maids during the Civil Rights era, has left behind high profile sequels and remakes to become the number 1 at the US weekend box office.

`The Help' starring Emma Stone and Viola Davis earned 20.5 million dollars over its second weekend in theatres, whereas `Rise of the Planet of the Apes' was placed second with 16.3 million dollars.

Donald Trump skips Kim Kardashian’s wedding to play golf

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:47:36 +0000

Washington, August 22 : Donald Trump declined an invite to Kim Kardashian's wedding in favour of playing golf.

According to E! News, Donald Trump and his wife Melania ditched Kim Kardashian and Kris Humpries' wedding to attend his Trump National Golf Club tournament in Bedminster, New Jersey - that was likely scheduled far in advance from Kim''s big day, reports Contactmusic.

Despite his absence, the celebrity head count was predictably high.

According to the Daily Mail, among the many stars in attendance were Ellen Degeneres, Eva Longoria, Demi Lovato, Serena Williams, Kelly Osbourne and Ryan Seacrest.

Latino film fest kicks off in New York

Jamie Williamson — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:54:47 +0000

New York, Aug 16 : The New York International Latino Film Festival (Nyilff), which this year pays tribute to actor Andy Garcia, began Monday with its traditional Cinema Under the Stars, a free outdoor screening.

Nyilff includes conferences, premieres, documentaries, short subjects and concerts.

Scheduled for Thursday is a day dedicated to Andy Garcia with the presentation of "A Conversation with Andy Garcia", which will delve into his career and achievements as an actor, director, musician, producer and family man.

‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ tops weekend box office with $54m

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 07:48:02 +0000

Washington, August 8 : `Rise of the Planet of the Apes' has topped the weekend box office, with a revenue of 54 million dollars.

The 20th Century Fox action thriller took in almost 15 to 20 million dollars more than the analysts expected, still lagging behind the 68.5 million dollar opening mark of Tim Burton's `Planet of the Apes' remake 10 years ago, Fox News reported.

The flick, well received by critics, features James Franco, Freida Pinto and Andy Serkis and narrates the tale of the evolution of lower primates, who take over the Earth from humans.

I have zero sexual interest: Octomom Nadya Suleman

Jamie Williamson — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:31:42 +0000

New York, August 4 : Nadya Suleman, who was dubbed Octomom after she gave birth to eight babies, claims she has not had sex in 12 years and that she has zero sexual interest.

Suleman, 36, who appears on the cover of the latest edition of Steppin' Out magazine, made a peculiar decision to strip to a black bikini while talking about hating sex with lovers as well as her own self.

"People need sex, but I don't ... I have zero sexual interest," the New York Daily News quoted her as saying.

U2’s ‘360’ tour grosses $736m to beat Rolling Stones’ previous record

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:28:35 +0000

New York, August 1 : U2's latest tour `360' has made history as the most successful concert tour of all time after having grossed a record-breaking 736.1 million dollars, thereby beating Rolling Stones' previous record for the highest grossing tour at 558 million dollars.

The Irish rockers wrapped up its 110th and final show in Moncton, New Brunswick last weekend.

"This tour was a brilliant success on every level and all involved should be extremely proud," New York Daily News quoted the band''s tour producer and chairman of Live Nation''s Global Touring, Arthur Fogel as saying.

Asian-American group takes aim at ‘racist’ ''Breakfast at Tiffany''s'' Brooklyn showing

Jamie Williamson — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:09:48 +0000

New York, July 13 : An Asian-American group is up in arms over plans to screen "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" in Brooklyn Bridge Park, alleging that Mickey Rooney’s portrayal of a buck-toothed, bumbling Japanese man in the flick is offensive and racist.

The 1961 Audrey Hepburn classic is being shown as part of the Park Conservancy’s free outdoor "Movies With a View" series, which receives some city funding but is primarily sponsored by the SyFy network, The New York Post reports.

Films are shown on the park’s lawns by Pier 1 in Brooklyn Heights.

TV shows pitting fame behind rise of narcissistic culture in today’s kids

Jamie Williamson — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:30:11 +0000

Washington, July 13 : The values of popular children television shows have changed dramatically over the past 10 years, with fame now being emphasized as the most important thing, according to a new study.

On a list of 16 values, fame jumped from the 15th spot, where it was in both 1987 and 1997, to the first spot in 2007.

From 1997 to 2007, benevolence (being kind and helping others) fell from second to 13th, and tradition dropped from fourth to 15th.

The study assessed the values of characters in television shows popular with 9- to 11-year-olds in each decade from 1967 to 2007.

It evaluated two shows per decade, including ‘Andy Griffith’ and ‘The Lucy Show’ in 1967, ‘Laverne and Shirley’ and ‘Happy Days’ in 1977, and ‘American Idol’ and ‘Hannah Montana’ in 2007.

‘Glee'' creator Ryan Murphy gets engaged to ‘mystery man’

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 09:00:18 +0000

Washington, June 18 : ''Glee'' creator Ryan Murphy has announced that he has got engaged, although he did not reveal the lucky man's name.

The openly gay TV writer said that he would be marrying his partner whom he has known for 15 years.

"I''m with a great fellow now who I''ve known for 15 years. We just got engaged and I''m very excited about it!" Contactmusic quoted him as telling Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM radio show.

Murphy also had an announcement about the future of ''Glee''.

Danny Cipriani spotted with Lara Bingle at Oz nightclub

Jamie Williamson — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:22:52 +0000

Washington, June 15 : English footballer Danny Cipriani was spotted with Sydney socialite Lara Bingle at a nightclub in Australia.

Cipriani, 23, and Bingle, 23, were seen having a cosy time together at a St Kilda nightclub.

And an insider at the Laika Bar said the two were "canoodling" on the couch.

Bingle's manager, Titus Day, denied any romance, but confirmed the couple had met at the club.

"Lara said he is a nice guy, that's all," Fox News quoted Day as saying. (ANI)

NY Metropolitan Museum of Art to exhibit Hindu goddesses

Jamie Williamson — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 06:23:01 +0000

Nevada (US), June 9: The prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) of New York is organizing an exhibition from June 29 to November 27 on ‘Mother India: The Goddess in Indian Painting’.

It will reportedly include rare molded-clay images of the goddess, such as Goddess with attendants dated around first century BCE from Bengal; a bronze of Yashoda nursing the infant Krishna from 12th-century Tamil Nadu; painting of Devi from Bikaner (Rajasthan) showing her assuming the form of Durga displaying the cosmic weapons but standing on lotus flowers, etc.

7.5m underage kids on Facebook are at risk, finds survey

Jamie Williamson — Wed, 11 May 2011 08:48:15 +0000

Washington, May 11: A new survey has revealed that despite Facebook’s prohibition, as many as 7.5 million kids under the age of 13 are using the social networking site in which 5 million under the age of 10.

For minors who lack the experience or judgment to use a social network, this raises the scary potential of sexual predators tracking down kids who reveal their age in an online chat, cyberbullying and more, according to a new survey released by Consumer Reports.

“A million kids were bullied on Facebook in the last year," the Fox News quoted Jeff Fox, technology editor at Consumer Reports, as saying.

Coming up - computer-generated songs comparable to human singing

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 07 May 2011 07:11:58 +0000

Washington, May 7: Making computer-generated vocals a success has been a distant dream, since the tweaking of the frequency curve is labor intensive and prone to human error.

But now, Japanese scientists have refined the production of synthetic vocals by copying the frequencies of human voices.

Akio Watanabe and Hitoshi Iba have devised an algorithm that takes eight frequency curves from human samples with random parameters and feeds them into a Vocaloid program.

First, production of the first generation involves making eight individual curves with random parameters and feeding them into Vocaloid.

‘Swiss cheese’ design ups thin film solar cells’ efficiency potential

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 07 May 2011 07:05:49 +0000

Washington, May 7: Researchers have developed a bold new design modeled after "Swiss cheese" for thin film solar cells that requires significantly less silicon – and may boost their efficiency.

The team at Oerlikon Solar in Switzerland and the Institute of Physics'' photovoltaic group focused their new design on optically thick cells that are strongly absorbing, while the distance between the electrodes remains very tight.

"Our new 3D design of solar cells relies on the mature, robust absorber deposition technology of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, which is a technology already used for amorphous silicon-based electronics produced for liquid crystal displays,” said Milan Vanecek.

“We just added a new nanostructured substrate for the deposition of the solar cell.

Hollywood abuzz with Osama films rewrites ‘to reflect news of his death’

Jamie Williamson — Tue, 03 May 2011 05:37:09 +0000

Washington, May 3 : With the whole world buzzing with news of Osama Bin Laden’s death in Pakistan, Hollywood producers and screenwriters are wasting no time to reflect the breaking news to previously green-lighted films chronicling missions to kill the world''s most wanted man.

According to a report from Deadline. com, a pair of projects planned around the story of the mission to kill bin Laden have now shot to the top of Hollywood’s timeliest films list, reports Fox News.

Buy vodka for $740K and get an SUV and a designer vibrator for free!

Jamie Williamson — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:44:26 +0000

Washington, April 29: A Russian car maker is offering an SUV along with a designer vibrator for free on purchase of a bottle of vodka worth 740,000 dollars.

This particular bottle of RussoBaltique’s vodka comes in a 20-pound case made of solid gold, reports Fox News.

The free SUV is the company’s new model named Iron. Diamond or L4P Ladies Only and is targeted at women.

It gets a slightly shorter wheelbase than the company’s previous model, as well as a high-end camera system to aid parking and two-tone interior.

Now, Cupcake Vodka with ''creamy texture''

Jamie Williamson — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:40:45 +0000

New York, Apr 29: A California-based company has come up with an alcohol called Cupcake Vodka that is made from natural ingredients and which boasts of a carefully produced "creamy texture".

The six-time distilled Cupcake Vodka is the latest by-product of the cupcake craze, produced by Underdog Wine and Spirits. It is available in four flavours, Original, Chiffon, Frosting and Devil''s Food.

According to the product''s website, cupcakevodka. com, the catch phrase for the drink reads, "Live deliciously".

Superman renounces US citizenship in latest issue of ‘Action Comics’

Jamie Williamson — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:18:37 +0000

Washington, April 29 : Superman has always been recognized as a devoted American warrior who constantly fought evil, but now onwards he is no longer the country''''s own to claim.

In Action Comics’ new record-breaking 900th issue, the iconic super hero has renounced his U. S citizenship following a clash with the federal government.

"I intend to speak before the United Nations tomorrow and inform them that I am renouncing my U. S. citizenship," the ‘Man of Steel’, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, said in a cell in the issue.

Men still do the talking, women stripping in films, finds Hollywood study

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 07:33:05 +0000

Washington, Apr 23: A new study has shown that women still do not get as much respect as men in Hollywood, with the former still getting roles that require stripping and showing off skin, while the latter get more speaking roles.

Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California studied 100 top-grossing films of 2008 and found that men had 67 percent of the speaking parts, while women had only 33 percent.

Dr. Stacy L. Smith, Marc Choueiti and their research team found that 39.8 percent of teenage female characters were seen in sexy clothing, and 30.1 percent were shown with exposed skin in the cleavage, midriff or upper thigh regions.

Fans hope to raise $150K to send M. Night Shyamalan back to film school

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:48:05 +0000

Washington, Apr 18 : A new website is hoping to raise 150,000 dollars to send Razzie Award-winning filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan back to film school.

Shyamalan, 40, who earned fame with his 1999's Oscar-nominated thriller `The Sixth Sense', won five Golden Raspberry Awards for Worst Picture, Worst Director, Worst Screenplay, Worst Supporting Actor and Worst Eye-Gouging Misuse of 3D for his movie `The Last Airbender'.

When it emerged that he is working on a sci-fi adventure titled `1000 A. E' starring Will Smith and his 12-year-old son Jaden, three movie fans decided to raise money to send him back to school.

Size two ex-Miss San Antonio accused of eating too many tacos

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 11:13:18 +0000

Washington, Mar 19: The former Miss San Antonio, who lost her crown after she was told to lose weight, has revealed that she was accused of eating too many tacos.

Domonique Ramirez, 17, who showed off her size 2 physique in court, said a pageant official told her she needed to "drop 13 pounds" at a bikini photo shoot.

"She told me I need to drop 13 pounds and I needed to lay off the tacos," ABC News quoted Ramirez as saying.

Shortly after, Ramirez was stripped of her sash and her tiara was taken, and there was a quick coronation for her runner up, Ashley Dixon.

Ramirez sued the pageant, and this week, Linda Woods, the president of the Miss Bexar County organization that runs the Miss San Antonio pageant, testified in court.

DeVito a cleanliness freak, reveals Douglas

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 31 May 2010 03:32:04 +0000

New York, May 31 : Hollywood star Michael Douglas has revealed he has one lasting memory of sharing a New York apartment with the "Taxi" actor Danny De Vito as the neatest man he has ever met.

The two stars were roommates at the beginning of their careers in the late 1960s and Douglas still has fond memories of his friend's organisational skills, reports hollywood. com.

Brit actress says Polanski sexually abused her at 16, slept with all his actresses

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 17 May 2010 06:27:07 +0000

New York, Mar 17 : British actress Charlotte Lewis has come out in open to reveal that Roman Polanski "abused" her when she was 16 and the director told her he slept with all his leading ladies.

Lewis revealed the shocking details about her history with Polanski at a press conference on Friday.

She told London's Daily Mail that she initially refused the director''s advances when she met him in 1983 to audition for "Pirates."

Katy Perry named world''s hottest woman by Maxim

Jamie Williamson — Tue, 11 May 2010 06:59:33 +0000

New York, May 11 : Katy Perry has topped Maxim''s 2010 Hot 100 List, knocking last year''s winner, "House" star Olivia Wilde, down to No. 20.

Perry was chosen for being "a triple - no, quadruple - kind of hot," Maxim Editor-in-Chief Joe Levy tells UsMagazine. com.

"It''s that feeling you get when you suddenly realize that the smartest, funniest, coolest girl you know also happens to the best looking and a pretty good skateboarder, too. All of sudden, your crush goes supernova, and this is Katy''s supernova moment."

Model Brooklyn Decker came in second place on the list, reports The New York Daily News.

American action films still portray actresses as the weaker sex

Jamie Williamson — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:31:25 +0000

Washington, Apr 22 : Although there has been an increase in tough and even violent female characters in American films, women still are shown as sidekicks to more dominant male heroes and they are also frequently involved in a romantic relationship with them, claimed a new study.

The work of Katy Gilpatric, from the Department of Social Sciences at Kaplan University in the US, points to continued gender stereotypes set within a violent framework of contemporary American cinema.

These have the potential to influence a young viewing audience and their ideas about gender and violence. Her study is published in Springer's journal Sex Roles.

India’s “One Crazy Ride” makes it to Wisconsin Film Fest

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:10:49 +0000

Nevada (US), Mar 20 : "One Crazy Ride" documentary of India has made it to the Wisconsin Film Festival, said to be the largest campus-based festival in USA, to be held April 14 to 18 in state capital Madison.

In its 12th year, the Festival, organized by University of Wisconsin-Madison, presents a broad range of independent American and world cinema (narrative, documentary, experimental, shorts), restorations and revivals, and locally made pictures. Meg Hamel is the festival director while Allen Ebert is operations director.

U2 top Billboard’s Money Makers list

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:34:25 +0000

Washington, Feb 27 : Irish superstars U2 are music industry’s top money makers after raking in more than 108 million dollars in 2009.

The band landed at the top of Billboard magazine''s 2010 Money Makers list, thanks to their 360 world tour that boosted their earnings for the past year, reports Contactmusic.

Bruce Springsteen came second with 57 million dollars, while Madonna banked 47 million dollars.

AC DC were the fourth biggest earners, followed by Britney Spears at five with 43 million dollars and 38 million dollars respectively.

Billboard editors came up with the list after using information including cash earned through tours, music sales and publishing royalties. (ANI)

GM confirms Saab sale to Spyker

Jamie Williamson — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:51:27 +0000

Washington/Stockholm, Jan 27 - General Motors reached a "binding agreement" Tuesday to sell Swedish subsidiary Saab to Dutch-based automaker Spyker Cars, ending a year-long saga and saving the iconic brand from a complete wind-down that was already underway.

The Swedish government welcomed the rescue, which came after a weekend of final talks between Detroit-based GM and the Dutch niche sports car group.

"Today's announcement is great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM," said John Smith, GM's vice president for corporate planning and alliances.

Jolie strips off for first time since twins’ birth

Carina Rose — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:16:10 +0000

Melbourne, Nov 6 : Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie proved she’s still as sexy as she was before giving birth to her twins when she flaunted her post-baby bod in her new film - wearing just lingerie.

Jolie started shooting for her new film Salt just six months after giving birth to the twins Knox and Vivienne and the revealing scenes show the actress has managed to regain her flat stomach after the pregnancy.

In the new trailer, released online this week, Jolie''s character is briefly seen in her underwear.

With her head out of camera shot, the 34-year-old is seen walking towards a bed wearing an open dressing gown, which reveals her black bra and knickers, reports the Courier Mail.

Mad Men, 30 Rock repeat as Emmy winners

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:50:38 +0000

Los Angeles - It was business as usual at the Emmy television awards as the little watched but critically praised Mad Men retook the prize for top drama and NBC's 30 Rock picked up its third trophy for best comedy.

Alec Baldwin of 30 Rock won the prize Sunday night for best lead actor in a comedy, but co-star Tina Fey, who created 30 Rock, lost out to Toni Collete for top comedy actress. Collete won for her role as a woman with multiple personalities in United States of Tara.

The 30 Rock series examines the behind-the-scenes goings-on at a network variety show while Mad Men, which screens on the AMC cable channel, focuses on the shenanigans surrounding a 1960s New York advertising agency.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs tops US box office

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:18:18 +0000

Washington - The 3-D animated comedy, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, was at the top of the US box office, with 30.1 million dollars in ticket sales, according to Hollywood. com.

In the film, a scientist attempts to solve world hunger by turning water into food. The result - hot dogs, spaghetti and pizza drop from the clouds after the experiment goes awry.

The Matt Damon-starrer, The Informant, was in second place with 10.5 million dollars in ticket sales, while Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself dropped to third place.

In the film based on a true story and directed by Steven Soderbergh, Damon plays a corporate whistleblower who becomes an informant for the FBI.

Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary dies at 72

Jamie Williamson — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:02:29 +0000

New York - Mary Travers - a US folk-singing icon who was part of the famed 1960s trio Peter, Paul and Mary - has died at the age of 72 from leukaemia.

She died Wednesday night in a hospital in the eastern US state of Connecticut, her spokeswoman Heather Lylis told The New York Times.

Peter, Paul and Mary was famous for such hits as If I Had a Hammer; Blowin' in the Wind; Puff, The Magic Dragon; I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane; and Lemon Tree.

But Travers, Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey also were known for their political activism, which was based on strong opposition to the Vietnam War and support for the civil rights movement.

The trio won five Grammies before disbanding in 1970 to pursue solo careers. They found little individual success and reunited in 1978.

Details of Swayze memoir releasedPatrick Swayze

Jamie Williamson — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:11:37 +0000

Los Angeles - The first excerpts of Patrick Swayze's memoir were released Wednesday, two days after the Dirty Dancing star died from pancreatic cancer at age 57.

Written with his wife of 34 years, Lisa Niemi, the book is called The Time of My Life, and hits stores at the end of the month.

The memoir reveals how Swayze learned he had cancer 20 months ago and his courageous method of dealing with it.

"I had been having some digestive trouble, mostly acid reflux and a kind of bloated feeling, for a few weeks," Swayze said in the book excerpts, which were released to People magazine and broadcaster NBC.

Jessica Simpson heartbroken over dog snatched by coyote

Jamie Williamson — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:46:06 +0000

Los Angeles - Actress and singer Jessica Simpson has revealed on Twitter that her heart is broken - and it's not because of her recent split with quarterback boyfriend Tony Romo.

Rather, she revealed that her little dog, a cream-coloured mix of a Maltese and a poodle, was snatched in front of her eyes by a hungry coyote in her Los Angeles neighbourhood.

"My heart is broken because a coyote took my precious Daisy right in front of our eyes," tweeted Simpson. "HORROR! We are searching. Hoping. Please help!" (dpa)

First details released of Harry Potter theme park

topnews — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:41:38 +0000

Los Angeles - Visitors to the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida, will soon be able to experience the magic of Harry Potter for themselves.

Park executives revealed the first details Tuesday about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an 8-hectare park set to open in spring 2010. It will feature several state-of-the-art rides as well as Potter-themed stores and restaurants, where parkgoers will be able to consume delicacies such as butter beer, pumpkin juice and chocolate frogs and buy their own customized magic wands.

The rides will include "the Forbidden Journey," an immersive experience that purports to take visitors inside Hogwarts, a high- speed roller coaster based on the books Triwizard Tournament, and a family coaster called Flight of the Hippogriff.

Kanye West says sorry to Swift

Jamie Williamson — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:32:10 +0000

Los Angeles - Rapper Kanye West apologized Tuesday to country singer Taylor Swift after interrupting her prize acceptance speech at MTV's Video Music Awards Sunday by saying on stage that her award should have gone to Beyonce.

West had already issued a public apology for his widely condemned antics but called Swift directly on Tuesday to say sorry, Swift told ABC News. "He was very sincere in his apology, and I accepted that apology," she said.

West made the call after Swift appeared on a chat show and said she would accept a call from the world-famous rapper.

Lily Allen stands out against Internet piracy

Jamie Williamson — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:49:15 +0000

Washington, Sep 15 : Brit singer Lily Allen has taken a stand against Internet piracy, and she has also urged fellow pop and rock stars to follow suit before song stealing destroys the music industry.

Allen, 24, fears record company bosses will drastically cut their budgets for new acts if the income from CD buyers dries up, and has called on other musicians to help her spearhead an industry-wide plan of action to stamp out illegal file-sharing.

And, in a post on her Myspace. com blog, Allen takes aim at stars like Robbie Williams, Annie Lennox, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason and Ed O’Brien from Radiohead, who appear to be applauding the pirates as members of the Featured Artists Coalition.

Harrison Ford set for ‘Indiana Jones 5’

Jamie Williamson — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:30:55 +0000

Washington, Sept 15 : Harrison Ford is reportedly all set to reprise his role as Indiana Jones in the fifth flick in the series.

He says that director Steven Spielberg has almost cracked a new plot.

"The story for the new Indiana Jones is in the process of taking form….Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and myself are agreed on what the fifth adventure will concern, and George is actively at work. If the script is good, I''ll be very happy to put the costume on again," Fox News quoted the 67-year-old actor as having told Le Figaro magazine.

Ford last played the adventurous archaeologist in 2008’s ‘Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’, after a 13-year-break. (ANI)

Swayze was romantic superstar with charm, swagger

Jamie Williamson — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:55:47 +0000

Los Angeles - Patrick Swayze, whose smashing success in the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing turned him into a romantic and rebellious icon for millions of young American women died Monday after a prolonged and brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.

Born in 1952 in Houston, Texas, Swayze combined the macho, country-boy swagger with the dancing charm of an old-fashioned romantic hero to propel Dirty Dancing from a low budget, made-for- video flick into a box-office sensation that earned more than 300 million dollars worldwide.

It was by far Swayze's greatest hit, but the actor kept working hard even through a debilitating battle with cancer.

Courtney Love sued by former bodyguards for non-payment

Jamie Williamson — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:32:32 +0000

Washington, Sep 12 : Rock musician Courtney Love has been sued by her former bodyguards over unpaid bills.

Bosses at Screen International Security Services filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles, reports Contactmusic.

They claim that Love, 45, owes them 60,000 dollars for work they did for her between April and August this year.

According to documents obtained by TMZ. com, the security firm claims it provided services for "the protection of Love, her family members, and her property" and she never paid them. (ANI)

Jennifer Connelly convinced her Big Apple pad was haunted

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:35:17 +0000

Hollywood actress Jennifer Connelly was forced to move out of her Brooklyn home with hubby Paul Bettany, after she was convinced that it is haunted.

‘A Beautiful Mind’ star grew up not far from the same New York home, and planned to raise her kids six-year-old son Stellan and 12-year-old son Kai.

But when the kids echoed Connelly''s spooky fears, she was convinced that the house was haunted and moved with Bettany to Manhattan.

Maggie Gyllenhaal feels sorry for brother Jake’s constant media attention

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:19:36 +0000

Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal admits that she feels sorry for her brother, actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who is constantly followed by paparazzi.

The ‘Dark Knight’ actress says that Jake’s celebrity lifestyle has changed him as a person.

"Of course, everybody does change as they grow up, but I think it''s really hard for anybody who has to figure out a way to manage it,” Contactmusic quoted her as having told Britain’s Marie Claire magazine.

“Like in Los Angeles, I don''t always know where to avoid going - sometimes you just walk right into a paparazzi nest.

Actress Natasha Richardson buried in New York

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:17:18 +0000

New York - Actress Natasha Richardson was buried Sunday at a small funeral service of family and friends, after her death mid-week from a brain injury after the 45-year-old fell on a learner's ski slope in Canada.

Her husband and actor Liam Neeson, 56, was one of the bearers who carried her casket into a church in Millbrook, New York, the internet news service E! Online reported.

The British film and stage actress died Wednesday in a New York hospital from head injuries during her fall on Monday.

Nicolas Cage cleans up at US box office: Knowing

Jamie Williamson — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:05:23 +0000

Los Angeles - Nicolas Cage cleaned up at the box office over the weekend with the debut of his science fiction spectacle Knowing, where he plays an astrophysicist who wants to save the world from a disastrous end.

Knowing took in 25 million dollars, out-placing two other new arrivals, according to Box Office Mojo on Sunday.

I Love You Man, starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel of Forgetting Sarah Marshall fame, took in 18 million dollars.

Wahlberg Confronts Comedian Andy Samberg at SNL

Jane Kornblut — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:52:15 +0000

In his first appearance on Saturday Night Lives’ (SNL) highest rated episode in 14-years, ‘Max Payne’ star Mark Wahlberg confronted comedian Andy Samberg and admonished him against any future parodies.

Two days earlier, in an interview on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’, Wahlberg had threatened to break Samberg’s nose for impersonating him. However, one of the funniest impressions in recent memory, humoured Wahlberg making him decide against punching Samberg.

‘Max Payne’ Leads At The Box Office

Robert Murray — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:46:33 +0000

‘Beverley Hills Chihuahua’’s long reign at the box office has ended, with Mark Wahlberg’s action film ‘Max Payne’ pushing it to second place.

Grossing $18-million in its premiere show, ‘Max Payne’ out performed ‘W.’, Oliver Stone’s film biography of George W. Bush, whose $10.6-million opening saw it finish in fourth place. ‘The Secret Life of Bees’, a sweet as honey Southern drama grabbed the third spot making $11.1-million.

Hollywood revenues continue to rise with the top 12-movies raking in $86.4-million, up 10% from the same weekend last year.

Don Conelius Arrested On Charges Of Domestic Violence

Jane Kornblut — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:40:18 +0000

The former host of the television show "Soul Train", Don Cornelius, was arrested on Friday Los Angeles on suspicion of domestic violence.

The 72-year-old producer was taken to Van Nuys jail, late on Friday, where he was booked for investigation of felony domestic violence after someone reported a domestic incident.

He was released on $50,000 bail and has been ordered to appear in court on November 14.

Cornelius is famous for having created and produced “Soul Train” in 1970 in which he showcased black music and culture, introducing such legendary artists as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Barry White.

Saturday Night Live Ratings Climb With Palin On The Show

Brian Edwards — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:37:04 +0000

Tina Fey’s impersonation of Sarah Palin may have boosted Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) ratings to a 14-year high, but the real Sarah Palin appearing on the show saw Saturday Night Live reach its highest mark in overnight Nielsen Media Research ratings, since Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan guest hostes the show in March 1994.