Archive for June, 2009

First Look: Michael Jackson All-Star Tribute Single, ‘Better On The Other Side’

Featuring The Game, Chris Brown, P. Diddy, Usher, Boys II Men and more
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 30 Comments

Just hours after news broke of the death of Michael Jackson last Thursday, a tribute song titled Better on the Other Side (featuring The Game, Chris Brown, Sean P. Diddy Combs et al.) was leaked to the Internets in honor of the late King of Pop. Today, we get our first look at the accompanying music video. Be Warned: some of the lyrics may be offensive to some viewers:


Only a day after Michael Jackson’s untimely death, a few artists have come together to record a tribute song in remembrance of the late, great pop star. When Los Angeles based DJ Skee told his good friend, The Game, about the passing of Michael, the rapper was shocked. But once it sunk in, he locked himself in the studio and came out with “Better On The Other Side.” “After I called Game and told him the news, he put this tribute together and produced this amazing record,” DJ Skee tweeted Friday morning (June 26). “Yesterday I told Game about MJ’s death and he didn’t believe it.” The new song, which leaked Friday (June 26), featuring Game spitting alongside Chris Brown, Diddy, Polow Da Don, Mario Winans, Usher and Boyz II Men, while DJ Khalil produced the track.

I have to say, for the song being put together so hasitly after MJ‘s death it’s not a bad song at all. I got to hear it last week but I think I like it better with a music video. The images of fans mourning MJ‘s death makes it feel more poignant. It’s a very nice tribute, wouldn’t you agree?

[Source, Source]

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Emma Watson Does British ‘Elle’ Magazine

"I’ll fade into the background a bit."
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 28 Comments

Emma Watson, star of the upcoming Summer movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is featured on the cover and in the pages of the new issue of British Elle magazine. In addition to another fashion forward photospread, Emma talks a bit about the anonymity that she hopes to achieve once she enters college here in the US (it’s rumored she’ll attend classes at Columbia University) after she completes filming the final Harry Potter movie The Deathly Hallows. Here is Emma‘s British Elle coverphoto and a portion of her coverstory interview:


It’s hard to imagine Emma Watson ever fading into the background – but according to the Harry Potter actress that’s exactly what she wants to do. The 19-year-old is busy preparing for the end of the Harry Potter franchise and her start at U.S. university Columbia in September. And, despite her worldwide fame, she has revealed she hopes to be just another ‘anonymous’ student. “I’m so excited. Living in London, it’s hard to be anonymous,” she told Elle magazine. “But hopefully, on some campus somewhere, I’ll fade into the background a bit.” But if the photos accompanying the article are anything to go by, fashion fan Emma will stand out wherever she goes. The rock chick-style shoot shows her with backcombed hair and dramatic eye makeup, showing off her figure in leggings, heels and space-age suits. Emma, who lives with a flatmate in Hampstead, had considered taking up a place at Cambridge University, after receiving straight As in her A’levels. But she reveals: ‘I’m very aware that with Cambridge, people would find that interesting. “Cambridge is so high profile in itself and then, on top of that, people don’t really go out in Cambridge because it’s so small, so I’ll be going out in London and then that’s just the same thing. I definitely am attracted to the States for that reason.” With the end of filming on the Harry Potter series of eight films, Emma will be saying goodbye to her ‘second family’ on the Watford set. “It’s going to sound dramatic, but I feel like it’s going to be my life over as I know it,” she said. “My whole life has been about Harry Potter and then all of that will shut down and I don’t know what it will be like. I go to university in September – I’ll be doing bits and bobs at Christmas, but September feels like my cut-off point, the moment when I’ll really stop.” And, having already banked more than £10 million, Emma isn’t certain she will return to acting. “At the moment I feel like I need to go away and figure out what I want to do and be myself for a bit,” she said. “Does that sound strange? I just want to take a step back from it and not rush into stuff. I need university to give me that break. People think because I’m going to university I’m never going to act again, but it’s actually me. I want to figure out how I feel about everything first. Maybe I’ll keep acting, maybe I won’t. I just want to find something where I feel I have to do this. Maybe that’ll happen when I read a script. It felt like that with Hermione. I want to feel like that again.” But if that doesn’t happen Emma already has another career in mind – she says she would enjoy being a make-up artist.

Um … or a fashion model! OK, mebbe not a model for real but she does rock these hot outfits right. After the jump, check out a few of Emma‘s photos from this issue of British Elle magazine … More »

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‘Vanity Fair’ Remembers The Life Of Heath Ledger

“[Heath] was always hesitant to be in a summer blockbuster"
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 14 Comments

The late Heath Ledger is featured on the cover and in the pages of the new issue of Vanity Fair magazine whose coverstory is all about Heath‘s last days alive. The article compiles interviews with friends of Ledger and is meant as a tribute to the late actor’s memory. Here is the cover of the new issue of Vanity Fair magazine:


Why was Heath Ledger so ambivalent about his own stardom, and what happened at the end of his life? Vanity Fair contributing editor Peter Biskind sheds new light on these difficult-to-answer questions as he writes about the actor’s remarkable talent and untimely death in the August cover story, “The Last of Heath.” In his article, Biskind explores Ledger’s final movie role, his uncertainty about Hollywood, his devotion to his young daughter, and what happened in the days and weeks leading up to his death as he battled chronic insomnia, pneumonia, and exhaustion. Here are some of the revelations contained in Biskind’s story.

How he cleaned up his act: Cinematographer Nicola Pecorini, who worked with Ledger on his last film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, says Ledger “used to smoke marijuana on a regular basis, like probably 50 percent of Americans.” But after it became an issue, Ledger “went clean as a whistle.” And vocal coach Gerry Grennell, who worked and lived with the actor during the filming of The Dark Knight, says Ledger even stopped drinking: “Heath would happily go to the bar, buy a round of drinks for friends, and come back and have a soda or juice, never once drinking alcohol.”

How chronic insomnia may have led to his death: Ledger’s use of sleeping medication to combat chronic insomnia at the end of his life was of more concern to Grennell. “I’d say, ‘If you can possibly bear it to stop taking the medications, do, because they don’t seem to be doing you any good.’ He agreed. It is very difficult for me to imagine how close he came to not taking them.” Ledger would typically spend night after night awake, diverting himself with time killers, Biskind reports, such as re-arranging the furniture in whatever space he happened to be living in at the moment. Grennell coached him in the Alexander Technique, which helped him to sleep for a few hours at a time, but he still struggled. “Everyone has a different view of how he passed away,” Grennell tells Biskind. “From my perspective, and knowing him as well as I did, and being around him as much as I was, it was a combination of exhaustion, sleeping medication … and perhaps the aftereffects of the flu. I guess his body just stopped breathing.”

How his relationship failed: Terry Gilliam—Ledger’s friend and mentor, and the director of Doctor Parnassus—agrees with Pecorini that the romance between Ledger and Williams began to unravel during the Oscar campaign for Brokeback Mountain. “The whole machinery started growing up around them,” Gilliam says. “That was the moment when it changed, when he realized, Uh-oh. We perceive the world differently. He didn’t care about things like those awards.” … As Ledger’s relationship with Williams unraveled, and the pair started dealing with lawyers and custody issues, according to Gilliam, Ledger fell apart. “The thing that really made Heath snap” was legal wrangling over his daughter, Matilda, Gilliam says. “He said, ‘Just fuck all of you! I’m not giving Michelle anything.’???” Recalls another source, when it came to Matilda’s care, “there were definitely heated conversations, and emotions were high.” (Ledger’s lawyer declined to comment on any aspect of the separation or custody dispute.)

Ledger’s apathy for stardom: Ledger’s friend and agent, Steven Alexander, tells Biskind that Heath “was always hesitant to be in a summer blockbuster, with the dolls and action figures and everything else that comes with one of those movies. He was afraid it would define him and limit his choices.” According to friends of Ledger’s, one of the reasons he agreed to do Dark Knight was that the unusually long shoot would give him an excuse to turn down other offers. Alexander tells Biskind that Ledger had a pay-or-play deal on The Dark Knight—meaning he’d get compensated no matter what—so he felt he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted as the Joker. According to Pecorini, Ledger hoped his performance would be so far-out he’d be fired, and thus become the beneficiary of a lengthy, paid vacation. “He was ready to bust out of the gate, but he didn’t want to step on the gas and become something that he didn’t want to become: a matinee idol,” says Alexander. “He was a private person, and he didn’t want to share his personal history with the press. It just wasn’t up for sale.

Altho we’ve been forced to deal with so much new death in just the past week (Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays) it is still very difficult to process that Heath Ledger has already been gone for more than a year now. The Dark Knight is currently playing on HBO on a daily basis and I cannot help but watch it over and over again … marveling at Heath‘s amazing performance. He truly was an amazing actor. He is still very much missed. After the jump, check out a few photos of Heath that accompany this piece in Vanity Fair magazine … More »

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Lifetime TV Launches The New ‘Project Runway’ Website

"They've Arrived"
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 7 Comments

Lifetime TV, in preparation for the premiere of the new season of Project Runway (the first for their network), has launched the new official web site for PR. In addition, the site lists the urls for the official Project Runway Twitter account and Facebook page. Here is a new promo image for the show:


The site also features a new promo video for the show which attempts to hype up fans for the show … but IMHO, falls well off the mark. The video features “regular people” talking about how much they love the show and only features brief appearances by hosts Heidi Klum and Time Gunn. There are NO appearances by any of the contestants or any footage from the upcoming season. It’s not a great promo video, in my estimation, but something is better than nothing I suppose. After the jump, check out the promo video in full and judge for yourselves … More »

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A Public Memorial For Michael Jackson Has Been Scheduled For July 3, 2009

At Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, CA
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 22 Comments

TMZ is reporting that the body of Michael Jackson will be transported to the Neverland Ranch on Thursday and CNN reports that a public memorial service will be held at the ranch on Friday. The public ceremony will be followed by a private family service on Sunday. This week, preparations began at Neverland for the memorial services this weekend … a white carriage was unloaded yesterday which will, presumably, house his body:


From TMZ: We’ve just learned Michael Jackson’s body is set to be driven to Neverland Ranch late Thursday morning. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ upwards of a 30 car motorcade — including Jackson’s body — will be traveling
from Los Angeles to Neverland at 10 AM on Thursday. We’re told law enforcement is currently meeting to discuss security and traffic control.

From CNN: Michael Jackson’s body will return to his Neverland Ranch on Thursday morning for a public viewing on Friday, CNN has learned. A private memorial service is scheduled for Sunday. Also, a Jackson will, written in 2002, has been located, according to Jackson family lawyer Londell McMillan. The question of where Jackson will be buried remains unanswered. The singer’s hometown of Gary, Indiana, is asking the family to send him there, according to the mayor’s spokeswoman. Gary Mayor Rudy Clay has been in contact with the Jackson family hoping to make that happen, spokeswoman Lalosa Burns said Tuesday. Clay told Chicago radio station WGN that he expects Jackson’s body will, at the least, be taken to Gary for a memorial service he is planning for next week. “I believe that his body will lie in state in Gary, Indiana,” Clay said Tuesday. “Now, it may not happen, but I believe it will.” The Jackson memorial service is set for July 10 at U.S. Steel Works ballpark in Gary, Burns said.

I understand the Apollo Theater in NYC is also hosting memorial services for Michael Jackson this weekend but it remains to be seen if his body will be transported to NY for any public memorial services there. David and I have been talking about mebbe going up to Neverland Ranch for the service this Friday … we haven’t made any determination just yet.

[Photo credit: X17; Source, Source]

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I ‘Strain’

The TV Guide
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 8 Comments

Things have been lazy days around here the past few days … except for the few outings to hang out with friends over the weekend, David and I have stayed happily ensconced in our humble abode. Because there is nothing to watch on TV these days, I’ve been reading a lot. I’m currently TOTALLY engrossed in the new book The Strain which was co-authored by director Guillermo Del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) and Chuck Hogan:


I really don’t want to say anything about this book … I think it works best if you know nothing about the story before you read it and just let it freak you RIGHT out. I will tease the plotline a bit by saying that a mysterious incident befalls a plane full of people and figuring out what the hell is going on is freaky as hell. I have not been this disturbed from reading a book since I read Cormac McCarthy‘s The Road. I had a hard time sleeping last night … it’s that good. I highly recommend it to all y’all.

No plans for today … David and I are seriously discussing a trip to Neverland Ranch this weekend for Michael Jackson‘s memorial service. We’ll have to get more info but … well, we’ll see.

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Les News, 063009

MJ's worth, Clooney lives, Debbie Rowe reaches out to the Jacksons
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 7 Comments
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Robert Pattinson Films ‘Remember’ Me In NYC’s Central Park

Smokin', Chillin', Filmin'
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 14 Comments

Filming continues this week on the NYC set of the new film Remember Me which stars Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson … here are a few pics of R. Pattz on location in Central Park yesterday lookin’ all kinds of fine as he relaxed in between film takes:


These photos are really great, no question, but I’m not too keen on the pic of Rob seemingly putting out his cigarette on the bunny statue in the park. While I hope he is just patting his unlit cig on the statue, it really does look like he’s putting out the lit cigarette on the statue’s head. Let’s just assume the best and say he isn’t … In any event, new photos of R. Pattz are worthy of celebration, yes? Enjoy.

[Photo credit: Splash News]

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Jude Law Takes Son Rudy Out For A Stroll

A vested interest
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 6 Comments

Here are a few photos of hottie dad Jude Law taking his young son Rudy Indiana out for a stroll in London, England yesterday after father and son picked up some caffeinated drinks at their friendly neighborhood Starbucks:


While I love seeing photos of Jude Law out and about with his kids, I think I much prefer the ones where he is wearing as little clothing as possible. The vest is the closest thing to shirtless, no? As much as I miss the Jude’stache, seeing photos of Jude‘s muscly arms kinda makes up for the loss I think. Aren’t these two just the cutest ever?

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin]

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Mariah Carey Films A Music Video For Her New Single ‘Obsessed’

Man up
Posted by: Trent on June 30, 2009| 24 Comments

Mariah Carey posted a tweet on her official Twitter account yesterday announcing the star of her music video (currently in production in NYC) for her new single Obsessed. Here is a photo of the music video star and Mimi‘s tweet message:


Check out my website to see a photo of the star of my new Obsessed video! LYM!!

HMMMM … this person looks like a straight-up thug, right? After the jump, find out who this person really is and see a few pics of Mimi on the NYC set of her music video yesterday afternoon … More »

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