Metallic beauty Britney Spears

Singer Britney Spears arrives at the Teen Choice 2009 Awards taping in Los Angeles, California August 9, 2009. [Agencies]

Britney Spears' beauty secret is aluminium foil.

The 'Womanizer' singer reportedly uses cool strips of the metallic cooking aid to give her lips an instant pick-me-up when she is feeling tired.

A source said: "To keep her lips looking perky and fresh, her make-up artist takes a sheet from a stockpile of frozen foil in his freezer, pokes a hole in it so Britney can breath through her mouth and smoothes it over her face."

The regime apparently helps reduce puffiness and swelling, leaving Britney with a perfect pout.

Britney, 27, is not the only star with an unusual oral beauty regime.

Jennifer Aniston apparently uses a homemade lip scrub containing sugar and water to banish flaky skin, while Angelina Jolie swears by a $4 lip balm.

A source said of the 'Tomb Raider' beauty: "Angelina stockpiles the lip butter to preserve her to-die-for pout. She likes it because it also helps to freshen your breath and Angelina hates chewing gum"
taken from : China Daily

Read more...

R&B singer Keri Hilson took detour to stardom

Singer Keri Hilson performs "Turn Me On/Knock You Down" at the BET Awards '09 in Los Angeles June 28, 2009. [Agencies]

LOS ANGELES – Keri Hilson initially planned to break into the music industry as a singer. Straight from the best-laid-plans file, however, she encountered several false starts. But she didn't abandon her dream.

Hilson did put it on layaway as she sharpened another skill: songwriting. Not only has she become a sought-after writer, Hilson finally broke out earlier this year as a chart-topping singer with her aptly titled debut album, "In a Perfect World."

And her career evolution underscores the increasing role publishing companies are playing in artist development.

Five years ago, the relatively unknown songwriter signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group. At that point, Hilson's resume included credits as the teen lead singer of one-time Elektra girl group By D'Sign and early songwriting efforts on projects by Kelly Rowland and Ciara.

"Melody is one of Keri's strongest points and she's very clever lyrically," said Ethiopia Habtemariam, the company's New York-based senior VP/head of urban.

Around that time, Atlanta-based songwriter/producer Polow Da Don arranged an introduction between Hilson and Timbaland. The producer signed her to his Interscope-distributed Mosley Music imprint in 2006.

All the while, Hilson was developing her songwriting skills. Stranded in Miami during Hurricane Katrina following a songwriting retreat, she became a founding member of the songwriting/production collective the Clutch. The five-person team has churned out such R&B/hip-hop and pop hits as Mary J. Blige's "Take Me As I Am," Britney Spears' "Gimme More" and Omarion's "Ice Box."

Through her connection with Timbaland and Polow, Hilson got placements for songs recorded by the Pussycat Dolls ("Wait a Minute") and Ludacris ("Runaway Love"). She also wrote and was featured on Timbaland's top five Billboard Hot 100 hit "The Way I Are." Then two years ago she began to focus on her dream.

The long gestation from songwriter to artist paid off. Hilson's "In a Perfect World" debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Selling 411,000 copies after 19 weeks, according to Nielsen SoundScan, the album has spun off two hits: "Knock You Down" featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo and "Turnin' Me On" featuring Lil Wayne. A new single, "Slow Dance," is scaling the charts, as is R. Kelly's "Number One" featuring Hilson.

Hilson recently returned to the studio to begin writing for forthcoming albums by Timbaland and Chris Brown, as well as her own next project. Looking back on her songwriter-to-artist evolution, she says taking the alternate route was worth it.

"I thought I was ready back then," she says. "But in all actuality, I now know a little more than the average new artist. I learned a lot about the business from my behind-the-scenes view. And my songwriting has definitely made me a lot less inhibited as a singer and opened up the creative boundaries I thought I had. It's a double learning experience that's given me a strong foundation."

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

'G.I. Joe' commands box office with $56.2M debut

Cast member Marlon Wayans arrives at the premiere of 'G.I. Joe' in Los Angeles on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.[Agencies]

LOS ANGELES – G.I. Joe is the latest toy to invade Hollywood and plant its blockbuster flag.

Inspired by the Hasbro action figure, Paramount's "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" took command of the weekend box office with a $56.2 million debut domestically, according to studio estimates Sunday. "G.I. Joe" also took in $44.3 million overseas for a worldwide total of $100.5 million.

Meryl Streep's Julia Child tale "Julie & Julia" opened a solid No. 2 as an alternative for adult crowds with $20.1 million. While "G.I. Joe" was the first choice for young males, women 35 and older were the main audience for "Julie & Julia."

"G.I. Joe" follows Paramount's "Transformers" franchise as the latest toy story to find success on the big screen.

Harsh reviews for "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" earlier this summer prompted Paramount to skip critic screenings for "G.I. Joe" and put the movie in theaters sight-unseen by most reviewers.

Critics generally trashed the "Transformers" sequel, yet it had a colossal opening and is on its way to joining the handful of movies to top $400 million domestically. Based on that disparity between critical and commercial reaction, the studio decided it could do without reviews for "G.I. Joe."

"The thing we saw from 'Transformers' is that with these kind of movies, at times critics have a hard time getting their arms around them," said Rob Moore, Paramount vice chairman. "But the audience got exactly what it was. A fun summer movie, a great way to end your summer. You just relax and have a good time. You don't have to worry about global politics or global warming."

Critics who went to see "G.I. Joe" after it opened gave it mixed reviews at best, with many branding it mindless action but some finding it fun and entertaining.

The weekend's other new wide release, Universal's slasher thriller "A Perfect Getaway" with Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich, opened weakly at No. 7 with $5.8 million.

The previous weekend's top movie, Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen's "Funny People," tumbled to No. 5 with $7.9 million, down a whopping 65 percent from its opening weekend. The Universal release has taken in $40.4 million so far.

"G.I. Joe" pulled Hollywood out of a monthlong box-office swoon compared with last summer. The overall box office came in at $147 million, up 22 percent from the same weekend a year ago, when the Batman blockbuster "The Dark Knight" still was the No. 1 flick after four weeks in release.

"'Joe' kind of saved the day," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "We needed a box-office hero to turn things around, and we certainly got it."

But summer revenues continue to lag behind last year's, with receipts this season down about 1 percent.

"G.I. Joe" features Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a globe-trotting adventure about an elite military unit taking on a corrupt arms dealer.

While the G.I. Joe action figures started out as all-American heroes, the movie expands their story to include an international team of good guys to capitalize on overseas box office, which nowadays can equal or exceed domestic receipts for Hollywood movies.

"One of the best markets on the movie was Russia," Moore said. "How far G.I. Joe has come. He was incredibly popular in Russia."

"Julie & Julia" casts Streep as celebrated chef Child and Amy Adams as a woman trying to revitalize her own life by cooking every recipe in Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking."

Sony opened it opposite "G.I. Joe" to give adults a fresh option after a summer of action adventures, family flicks and comedies.

"We felt the audience we were going to start with was going to be very hungry by this point," said Rory Bruer, Sony's head of distribution. "It's a really fun movie with heart and humor and good food."

Child was also a hit on Amazon.com this weekend. "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" was the Web site's top seller Sunday, while Child's memoir "My Life in France" was No. 9.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," $56.2 million.

2. "Julie & Julia," $20.1 million.

3. "G-Force," $9.8 million.

4. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," $8.9 million.

5. "Funny People," $7.9 million.

6. "The Ugly Truth," $7 million.

7. "A Perfect Getaway," $5.8 million.

8. "Aliens in the Attic," $4 million.

9. "Orphan," $3.73 million.

10. "500 Days of Summer," $3.7 million.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Paris Hilton's Supernatural role

Paris Hilton sighted at Miami International Airport on July 10, 2009 in Miami, Florida. [CFP]

Paris Hilton is to guest star in 'Supernatural'.

The hotel heiress latest will appear in episode five of the upcoming new season of the US TV series - which follows two brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they battle evil creatures while searching for their missing father.

It is strongly rumoured Paris will play a love interest for both Sam and Dean - played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles respectively - although all other details are being kept under wraps.

A source said: "The fans just need to trust show creator Eric Kripke."

The fifth season of 'Supernatural' premieres in the US on Thursday, September 10.

Paris is no stranger to horror.

She appeared in slasher movie 'House of Wax' in which she is murdered by a waxwork-obsessed killer. The movie was promoted with the tagline "See Paris Hilton die" to attract cinemagoers with a dislike of the blonde socialite.

She also starred in gothic musical 'Repo! The Genetic Opera' - in which she plays surgery and painkiller-addicted character Amber Sweet.
taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Edgy CW promos tout "Gossip Girl"

Actress Leighton Meester of "Gossip Girl" carries a surfboard, her award for winning "Choice TV Actress Drama" at the Teen Choice 2009 Awards taping in Los Angeles, California August 9, 2009. [Agencies]

LOS ANGELES– The CW is again diving into text-message shorthand for its latest provocative ad campaign.

To promote Season 3 of "Gossip Girl," the network is set to launch a campaign Monday to get its young viewers saying "WTF" (well, even more so). Unlike last year's eyebrow-raising "OMG"/"OMFG" campaign, however, there's a more practical twist this time. During on-air ads, "WTF" is revealed by the network to stand for "Watch This Fall."

The new "WTF" ads follow up an evocative print campaign for the "Melrose Place" remake ("Menage a Tues") and a campaign for "Vampire Diaries" ("Love Sucks"). "Gossip" returns September 14.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

'Twilight' sinks fangs into Teen Choice Awards

Robert Pattinson arrives at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday Aug. 9, 2009, in Universal City, Calif. [Agencies]

Celebs arrive at the Teen Choice 2009 Awards taping in Los Angeles

UNIVERSAL CITY, California – "Twilight" didn't suck at the Teen Choice Awards.

The adolescent vampire drama dominated Sunday's ceremony with 11 wins, including choice movie drama, romance, liplock, rumble and soundtrack. Kristen Stewart won the movie drama actress category while Robert Pattinson picked up two surfboard-shaped trophies — one for movie drama actor, another for male hottie.

"We'll see you guys in theaters November 20th," co-star Taylor Lautner teased the squealing crowd.

Lautner and Ashley Greene, who will appear alongside Stewart and Pattinson in the upcoming "Twilight" sequel "New Moon," were honored as the male and female movie fresh faces while Cam Gigandet was crowned movie villain. "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke joined the cast on stage to accept the adaptation's pack of trophies.

The Teen Choice Awards, which were selected by over 83 million votes cast online, honor celebrities in TV, film, music and sports. Several winners — including 16-year-old Miley Cyrus and show hosts the Jonas Brothers — took home multiple trophies at the 11th annual ceremony at Universal Studios Hollywood's Gibson Amphitheatre.

Cyrus sailed away with six awards, winning for comedy TV show and actress for "Hannah Montana;" music/dance movie actress and hissy fit for "Hannah Montana: The Movie;" music single for "The Climb" and summer song for "Before the Storm" with the Jonas Brothers. Cyrus also presented Britney Spears the ultimate choice award.

"I'm a huge fans of hers," Cyrus said before a subdued Spears accepted her own surfboard.

The Jonas Brothers won five trophies, including choice male red carpet icons. They kicked off the show performing on a tiny stage that moved through the audience. Throughout the taped ceremony, the trio completed dares submitted by fans. At one point, younger brother Nick was challenged to hug a lineup of female fans.

"It's just hugs," Joe cautioned the women. "You're not going for long-term relationships here, girls."

Other big winners included "Gossip Girl" and Zac Efron. Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick picked up TV drama actor, actress, villain and TV series awards for the sudsy CW show while Efron won for music/dance movie actor in "High School Musical 3" and comedy movie actor and rockstar moment in "17 Again."

The ceremony itself was peppered with several odd moments.

Kathy Griffin arrived on the red carpet with Levi Johnston, the teenage ex-fiance of Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Mike Tyson took shears to Joe Jonas' head as part of stunt. And before presenting the choice hottie awards, comedian Dane Cook pleaded to Vanessa Hudgens to keep her clothes on.

The Teen Choice Awards is scheduled to air Monday at 8 p.m. EDT on Fox.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Blood-stained blouse found in Jackson's wardrobe

Michael Jackson waves to supporters outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, June 13, 2005. [Agencies]

A blood-stained woman's blouse was found hanging in the late Michael Jackson's wardrobe at the mansion where he died, but was not taken as evidence by investigating police officers.

The white women's garment - which still had its $3.99 price tag attached - was not seized as evidence by police officers investigating the singer's death, despite legal experts speculating that it may have been used to mop up the singer's blood.

Top US attorney Craig Silverman - who is not involved with the investigation - said: "It's pretty extraordinary that a bloody shirt would not have been taken as evidence."

A Los Angeles police spokesperson refused to say why the garment hadn't been taken as possible evidence.

The spokesperson said: "I don't know why it wasn't taken. Our detectives aren't speaking about the investigation so we won't have an answer at the moment. I don't foresee one for some time."

Jackson died on June 25 from a suspected cardiac arrest, and it has been widely alleged he was given surgical anesthetic Propofol by his personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray earlier in the day to help him sleep.

Meanwhile, Michael's family have reportedly requested a third autopsy be carried out on the late pop star's body in order to prove foul play.

His mother Katherine is convinced her son was murdered and wants another opinion on the cause of his death.

A source said: "Katherine looked at the second autopsy and she wasn't happy with what it didn't reveal to her."

The Los Angeles County coroner's office has not yet ruled on the cause of death, with results currently delayed indefinitely.

Police are currently investigating Dr. Conrad Murray on accusations of manslaughter.
taken from : China Daily

Read more...

The selling of Jackson heats up in court action

Michael Jackson-themed toy dolls

Michael Jackson products could start appearing on store shelves, cell phones, even in X-Box add-ons if a judge signs off on a merchandising deal.

The current administrators of the singer's estate have presented several proposed contracts to a probate judge for approval.

The agreements offer a taste of how the King of Pop may be sold in the coming months and years.

Trading cards, T-shirts, calendars, lighters, stuffed animals that play Jackson's music and games are among the tangible items being considered.

So too are denim products and high-end clothing lines, according to the filings in Los Angeles.

But Jackson seems destined to try to conquer the digital domain too. Some of the possible products include cell phone screen savers, X-Box themes, video games and digital tattoos for characters in games such as "Second Life."

The proposed deals are between Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services. The contract calls for Bravado, which is Universal Music Group's retailing arm, to receive global merchandise rights. AEG Live will retain rights to sell certain merchandise related to Jackson's canceled London performances.

Despite a tainted legacy while he was alive, some believe Jackson will beat Elvis Presley in annual merchandise sales. Presley's estate reported US$55 million in revenue last year, US$14 million of which came from retail sales.

A separate agreement is being pursued between the estate's administrators and Columbia Pictures for a feature length movie based on footage of Jackson's preparations for his 50 comeback concerts in London. The studio paid US$60 million for the rights to the project, the contract filed in Los Angeles Superior Court states.

Jackson's estate - which primarily benefits his mother and three children - would receive 90 percent of the profits from the film.
taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Brad Pitt was 'doughnut' on drugs

Cast member Brad Pitt of the U.S. waves as he arrives for the German premier of director Quentin Tarantino's new movie "Inglourious Basterds" in Berlin, July 28, 2009. [Agencies]

Brad Pitt says drugs turned him into a "doughnut".

The 'Inglourious Basterds' actor realised he had to move out of Hollywood when his marijuana use began to get heavier and he started isolating himself away from his friends.

He admitted to Parade magazine: "I liked to smoke a bit of grass at the time, and I became very sheltered. Then I got bored. I was turning into a damn doughnut, really. So I moved as far away from that as I could. I was done.

"In Missouri, where I come from, we don't talk about what we do, we just do it. If we talk about it, it's seen as bragging."

Brad, 45, has been dating his "soul mate" Angelina Jolie - with whom he raises six children - since 2005 but insists they have no plans to marry, despite being bombarded with hate mail over their lifestyle.

He explained: "I have love in my life, a soul mate - absolutely. When someone asked me why Angelina and I don't get married, I replied, 'Maybe we'll get married when it's legal for everyone else.' I stand by that, although I took a lot of flak for saying it - hate mail from religious groups. I believe everyone should have the same rights. They say gay marriage ruins families and hurts kids. Well, I've had the privilege of seeing my gay friends being parents and watching their kids grow up in a loving environment.

"I resent people telling others how to live! Just the other night, I heard this TV reverend say that Angelina and I were setting a bad example because we were living out of wedlock, and people should not be duped by us! It made me laugh. What damn right does anyone have to tell someone else how to live if they're not hurting anyone? How many times do you think real love comes to someone in a lifetime? If you're lucky, maybe two or three."

Despite their hectic family life, Brad and Angelina manage to enjoy private time together by sneaking off to a secret stone grotto behind a waterfall in his pool.

He joked: "It's a great place for sex."
taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Brad Pitt missed out on Time Travel

Cast member Brad Pitt of the U.S. (C) arrives for the German premiere of director Quentin Tarantino's new movie "Inglourious Basterds" in Berlin, July 28, 2009. [Agencies]

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were being lined up to star in the 'Time Traveler's Wife' - before their split.

The former couple - who separated in January 2005 before finalising their divorce in October 2005 - would have been ideal for the lead roles of Chicago librarian Henry DeTamble and his love interest Clare Abshire, according to screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin.

Bruce said: "I thought Brad and Jennifer would be perfect for this film. I just saw them as a perfect version of Henry and Clare.

"I just found them equally attractive and equally compelling and in terms of the Hollywood arena at that time, they were as good a couple as you could find.

"I was writing it in my mind for them."

The movie is based on the 2003 book of the same name by Audrey Niffenegger which follows Henry as he discovers he has a genetic disorder which enables him to travel through time when stressed.

The starring roles eventually went to Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, and Bruce admits the pair have done a brilliant job of bringing the characters and story to life on the big screen.

He added: "They are wonderful embodiments of who I envisioned would be on the screen."

In the movie, Eric appeared naked several times and he insists he only agreed to bare all because he was told it was scientifically accurate.

He said: "The movie's very romantic. Henry's just a guy who's in love and I think that's a masculine thing.

"We had a time travelling expert on the set who said that for a fact if Henry were to time travel he would be naked. We just had to take his word for it."
taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Japanese police seek to arrest missing actress Sakai

Japanese police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of missing actress Noriko Sakai on suspicion of violation of the stimulant drugs control act, local media reported Friday.

The arrest warrant came following the detention of her husband Yuichi Takaso over drug possession earlier this week.

Sakai, 38, who made her debut in 1986 in a TV drama, was popular in Asia in the 1990s.

Her husband Takaso, 41, was arrested Monday after the police found a plastic bag containing stimulant drugs in his underwear in Tokyo's Shibuya district.

Sakai, who was then summoned by the police for further investigation, refused to come to a police station and went missing with her 10-year-old son.

Her son was found safe Thursday in Tokyo at an acquaintance's home, but radio signals from her cellphone in Yamanashi Prefecture disappeared Tuesday evening.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Ridley Scott, DiCaprio travel to "Brave New World"

Leonardo DiCaprio sits courtside during Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic in Los Angeles, June 7, 2009. [Agencies]

NEW YORK-Ridley Scott is going back to the futurism.

The "Blade Runner" director is joining forces with Leonardo DiCaprio to take on one of the most highly regarded dystopian works of literature, Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World."

Both are producing the Universal project, which DiCaprio would tentatively star in and Scott direct. The studio has brought on "Apocalypto" scribe Farhad Safinia to write the script; he's expected to be working shortly.

Scott has mentioned casually in interviews that he's interested in the 1931 novel, whose film rights are owned by DiCaprio's Appian Way production company, prompting a flurry of rumors on sci-fi and other blogs over the past year. But the studio details as well as DiCaprio's personal involvement always have been murky.

Now, with a writer on board and production executives meeting frequently during the past six months, the project has more momentum, though several people familiar with it emphasize that it remains at the development stage.

Much of the timing going forward will depend on the script. Scott is not committed to direct anything beyond "Robin Hood," which is in post-production. DiCaprio is shooting the Christopher Nolan adventure tale "Inception," but does not have a movie lined up after that.

"Brave" has had several go-rounds on television, including a Leonard Nimoy-Peter Gallagher picture on NBC in 1998. But Huxley's idea-rich novel hasn't had a shot on the big screen.

Huxley sets his book in a seemingly perfect 26th century world that has achieved harmony by tightly controlling birth, which takes place mainly in laboratories, and outlawing family. The world is populated by a series of five castes, each with its own defined roles.

Characters who figure in are Bernard, a lower-caste member, and Lenina, the woman with whom he is infatuated. DiCaprio would likely play Bernard, who is persecuted when the leaders of the society find his behavior antisocial.

Dystopian stories have sometimes proved difficult to film. George Orwell's "1984" has had several theatrical turns, including Michael Anderson's Columbia version in 1956 and the somewhat better regarded John Hurt vehicle 25 years ago.

Scott is considered one of the few who can pull it off. The director took the Philip K. Dick novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" and turned it into the 1982 futurist pic "Blade Runner." While the movie divided critics and didn't enjoy a great theatrical run, it has had a long life on video and become a cult classic.

Scott directed DiCaprio in last year's Middle East thriller "Body of Lies," and the two are also producing dark thriller "The Low Dweller" at indie filmmaker Relativity.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Leighton Meester: Sex tape is 'not real'

Leighton Meester has rubbished reports that surfaced in June of an old sex tape featuring her with her boyfriend being shopped around.

"[The tape] is not real," Meester, Harper Bazaar September issue cover girl, tells the magazine. "So it makes me sort of sad. It's unfortunate that it got carried as far as it did.

"I definitely understand the nature of people better now and that the mere allegation of something like that could be headline news. People think it's real because somebody says it is.

"By the way, [as for] me being 18 in those pictures, I don't believe I was."

Leighton, who plays Blair Waldorf in CW's teen drama TV series Gossip Girl, is currently dating co-star, Romanian Sebastian Stan, who plays Carter Baizen.

At the time of her birth, Meester's mother Connie was serving time in Texas prison for her involvement in a drug ring that smuggled marijuana from Jamaica to the United States.

Meester, however, maintains her parents gave her a good upbringing and is proud of her friends.

"I'm doing everything I can to keep things separate. I feel like my friends are in a cult because we're like, No outsiders! I've never been crazy. I'm a very good girl, to be honest. I don't do anything to hurt anybody. Honestly, all I ever do is work."

Meester has two films lined up for release next year: Date Night wiht Steve Carell and Tina Fey releases on April 9, 2010; and The Roommate which hits theaters on October 1, 2010.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Vanessa Hudgens gets naked again? More nude pics leaked

Vanessa Hudgens gets naked again? More nude pics leaked

After surviving the leaked nude photos scandal in 2007, Vanessa Hudgens may have done it again.

Back in 2007, nude pictures of then 18-year-old "High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens were leaked. The Disney star claimed the photos were intended only for boyfriend Zac Efron, said she regretted taking them and apologized to her fans.

Now, two years later, it seems she may have done it again. It is still unclear if this is Hudgens or a remarkable look-a-like, but what is clear is numerous scantily clad and nude photos snapped on a cell phone in what appears to be a bedroom.

Several web sites have picked up the photos. Reps have yet to confirm or deny their legitimacy, but the leak comes just before her the release of her new film "Bandslam," which opens on August 14.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Penelope Cruz pregnant?

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz arrives to the German premier of the film "Broken Embraces" in Berlin, August 3, 2009. [Agencies]

Penelope Cruz arrives to the German premier of the film "Broken Embraces" in Berlin

Penelope Cruz is reportedly pregnant.

The Spanish actress is said to be expecting her first child with long-term boyfriend Javier Bardem.

A source is quoted by website Just Jared as saying: "Penelope is about four months pregnant. She's really healthy now and will be a great mother."

The couple are believed to be thrilled with the news, although no further details are yet to emerge.

Cruz, 35, is currently on a promotional tour for her new movie 'Broken Embraces', and when she attended the UK premiere in London she wore a red Bottega Veneta trouser suit, which was sourced for her at the last minute.

At the time it was reported her luggage went missing on the flight to the UK capital from Madrid, but speculation is now rife she wore the high-waisted outfit to disguise her fledgling baby bump.

At the German premiere in Berlin on Monday (03.08.09) Cruz donned a one-shoulder, floor-length gown which could disguise any signs of the pregnancy.

Cruz - who previously dated Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey - recently revealed she wants to fully commit to motherhood when she starts a family.

She told Psychologies magazine: "When I have babies, I want to do it really well. I want it to be my best project in life. I don't know if I believe in marriage. But I believe in family, love and children."

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Rihanna's model man

Rihanna has been flirting with a model.

The 'Umbrella' singer was partying in the Hamptons - an exclusive New York seaside resort - with friends last weekend when she spotted the handsome stranger working as a doorman at the AXE Lounge.

When Rihanna left the club, she was seen laughing and joking with the mystery hunk before asking for his phone number.

E! online reports: "By the end of the evening Rihanna was smitten with the doorman. But he wasn't just any doorman. The dude is also a model. He is really hot. Rihanna asked for his number on the way out."

Although the Barbados-born beauty has been flirting with other men, it is believed she has rekindled her romance with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.

Rihanna, who split from Chris after he attacked her in February, has reportedly upset her mother Monica Fenty by admitting she is still in love with the 'Run It' star.

Monica is quoted by Britain's Star magazine as saying: "I'm devastated, but what can I do? We love her but can't stand to see her play Russian roulette with her life.

"Chris has a bizarre power over her. She still loves him and he knows it. In her eyes he is a god. Even after this time, and even after what he did, it's not diminished.

"It looks like he still can - and is - calling the shots. Chris can charm the birds out of the trees."

Rihanna, 21, reportedly told Monica that Chris is "ingrained in my heart and in my mind".

Last month, it was claimed Rihanna and Chris - who is banned from coming within 50 yards of the singer after pleading guilty to assault - had been staying at the same New York hotel.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Chris is reportedly set to appear on US TV talk show 'Larry King Live' later this week to discuss the attack.
taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Meryl Streep plays mom in movie

Meryl Streep plays "an idealised version" of her mother in her new movie.

The 'Devil Wears Prada' actress, who stars as chef Julia Childs in 'Julie and Julia', revealed the film allowed her to pay homage to her mom Mary.

She explained: "Yes, the performance is an idealised version of Julia, but I'm also doing an idealised version of my mother, who had a similar joie de vivre.

"She had undeniable sense of how to enjoy her life, and made every room she walked into brighter by her presence. She really was something.

"I have a good deal of my father in me. I'm another kind of sensibility. But really, all my life, I wanted to be more like my mother. So this was my little homage to that spirit. That's more of what I was doing, than actually just doing Julia Child."

The 60-year-old actress - who has received 15 Oscar nominations, winning two honours - says that despite her advancing years, she is enjoying working more than ever and believes the movie industry is changing to be more female dominated.

She told the Chicago Sun Times newspaper: "When it comes to choices for film roles, I have had more in the last five years than in the previous five years. Part of it may be there are now more women in Hollywood making executive decisions."

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Michael Jackson 'exhilarated by death'

Michael Jackson "died three times" in the 18 months before he passed away.

The pop icon reportedly put his life in danger several times before his ultimate death on June 25 from a suspected cardiac arrest. It has even been claimed Michael enjoyed the sensation of having his heart re-started.

A source told National Enquirer magazine: "I know there were at least three instances in the last 18 months where Michael literally died before either doctors or bodyguards were able to bring him back.

"I've heard there were at least two instances in 2008 and both involved prescription drugs. One time they had to pump his stomach and another time do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

"Once, after doctors finally managed to wake him up, Michael said he had died and gone to heaven, and it felt good.

"Michael said it was the most exhilarating experience of his life, to have seen how things looked on the other side, then come back to Earth again.

"I'm told there was another time earlier this year when he appeared to flat line. In each incident, his heart stopped."

Although the events leading up to Michael's death remain unclear, there has been intense speculation he was misusing prescription drugs at the time of his passing.

According to reports, police are focusing their investigation on the 50-year-old singer's use of the anaesthetic Propofol, which is used to put patients to sleep before surgery.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Modest Mouse video directed by Heath Ledger debuts

In this Nov. 6, 2006, file photo, actor Heath Ledger arrives to the premiere of his new film 'Candy' in New York. The music video Ledger directed for 'King Rat' by Modest Mouse debuted online Tuesday Aug. 4, 2009. [Agencies]

LOS ANGELES – Heath Ledger's latest directorial work has been released.

The music video Ledger directed for "King Rat" by Modest Mouse debuted online Tuesday. The six-minute, animated video is both whimsical and dark, showing whales and dolphins aboard a ship, fishing for humans in the water.

It concludes with a message in white letters on a black screen: "This began with our friend, a great defender of life, and was completed in his spirit."

Ledger was 28 when he died last year. Modest Mouse announced in March that it would release the video "in honor of Heath's last piece of work as a director," according to spokeswoman Lisa Markowitz. The actor previously directed a video for one of Ben Harper's songs.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...

Star moms share tips of raising babies

Pop star moms including actress Ma Yili, Sun Li and model Sun Haizhen shared their baby raising experiences and tips when they attended China Chic K-gold Chinese Western Creative Exhibition earlier in Beijing.

Ma Yili considered her young female baby “the source of happiness everyday”. After she turned into a mom, she likes to put her as the priority in her life. But she revealed that she’s reluctant to let her daughter to step into an acting career when she grows up into an adult. “I hoped that she could have lead a regular life with a relatively fixed timetable” said Ma, “A large part of the happiness that average people enjoy would be deprived if she chose to become an actress.”

The exhibition, co-hosted by the established Hong Kong jewelry brand Chow Tai Fook, World Gold Council and Trends Magazine Group, feature design elements of original oriental flavor. Designers have incorporated typical Chinese symbols such as porcelain, auspicious clouds and Chinese characters into their fabulous work. The K-gold jewelry design makes a perfect combination of the elegance of Chinese aesthetics and the modernity of the western fashion industry.

taken from : China Daily

Read more...