Justin Bieber says he and Selena are strong

Justin Bieber insists his relationship with Selena Gomez has not been affected by the allegations he fathered a child with a fan.

The 'Mistletoe' singer has been rocked in recent weeks after Mariah Yeater filed a lawsuit claiming he is the dad of her four-month-old son and has demanded a paternity test, but he insists his girlfriend has offered him unwavering support since the claims surfaced.

He said: "She (Selena) is doing great - like me she just ignores things. She had to get used to some pretty horrible stuff being said about her on twitter when we first got together, and since then she has just learned to ignore all the rubbish that is written about us."

Justin - who is accused of having sex with Mariah in October 2010 after a concert in Los Angeles - also claims he and Selena have had to get used to the harsh side of fame quickly and have "learned to ignore the rubbish".

In an interview with Britain's Star magazine, he added: "Both Selena and myself have had to get used to this stuff; it's part of being in the industry. It's not right that we have to get used to it, but it's one of those things you need to accept. We've both learned to ignore the rubbish that comes out. I don't want to give these people any attention."

Justin - who has been in a relationship with Selena since March - has also had the full backing of his family and friends in the paternity row.

The 17-year-old pop star said: "They all just dismissed them as the rubbish that they are."

taken from : China Daily
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Singer Adele "on the mend" after throat surgery

LONDON | Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:06am EST

(Reuters) - British singer Adele said she was "on the mend" after undergoing microsurgery in Boston to treat a benign polyp on her vocal cords.

The problems forced Adele, whose album "21" is the top seller in the United States and Britain this year, to cancel a string of appearances at concerts and awards ceremonies in recent weeks.

"I'm doing really well, on the mend, super happy, relaxed and very positive with it all," the 23-year-old said in a blog posting on her website.

"The operation was a success and I'm just chilling out now until I get the all clear from my doctors ... I best get back to practicing (sic) my mime show now."

Adele, who leads the field with four nominations at the American Music Awards to be held in Los Angeles on November 20, recently dismissed speculation in the media that she had throat cancer.

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White, editing by Paul Casciato)

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Chelsea Clinton named NBC special correspondent

Chelsea Clinton speaks during a panel discussion regarding technologies for economic empowerment at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, September 22, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

The daughter of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton will be a special correspondent for NBC, the network announced on Monday.

Chelsea Clinton, who also works for her father's charitable foundation, will report for NBC Nightly News and the network's news magazine show "Rock Center with Brian Williams" on groups and individuals making a difference by doing good.

"People who imagine and implement solutions to challenges in their own lives, in their communities, in our country and in our world have always inspired me," Chelsea Clinton said in a statement.

Clinton, who has traditionally avoided the spotlight and was known for refusing to speak to the press during her mother's political campaigns, will also continue her public health work at New York University and studying for a doctorate at the University of Oxford.

"Chelsea Clinton has led a remarkable life. She possesses an uncommon understanding of humanity -- on city streets, across this country and around the globe," said NBC News anchor Brian Williams. "We are so excited she's joining us to tell the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush, also works as a correspondent for NBC and has been reporting on issues like education for the network's "Today" show for the past couple of years.

taken from : China Daily
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Justin Bieber buys 100k car

Canadian singer Justin Bieber poses with the trophy for Entertainment during the 63rd Bambi media awards ceremony in Wiesbaden, November 10, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Justin Bieber has splashed out more than £100,000 on a customised Range Rover.

The 17-year-old singer is hoping to impress his girlfriend Selena Gomez with the purchase of the 'Project Kahn' car, which has a sound system worth £50,000, leather interior, modified paintwork and a Cosworth engine.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Justin loves his motors even though he's barely old enough to drive.

"His girlfriend Selena Gomez will be well impressed with his latest. It's the business."

The 'Never Say Never' hitmaker is set to get the vehicle shipped from Bradford, west Yorkshire, Northern England, where he purchased the motor from the 'Project Kahn' operation - whose previous customers have included England soccer star Wayne Rooney and TV star Katie Price - to his Los Angeles home.

He will add the motor to his fleet of vehicles, which includes a Batman-themed customised Cadillac and a Ferrari.

Last month, he was pulled over by police in Los Angeles in his Batmobile-inspired Cadillac after he reportedly cut off an officer. He was given a warning and allowed to carry on his way.

Earlier this year, the teen heartthrob was unhurt after being involved in a minor car crash when his Ferrari - which he is thought to have been driving alongside an unnamed passenger - collided into a Honda Civic at the Studio City area of Los Angeles.

taken from : China Daily
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Meryl Streep promotes Thatcher biopic in London

LONDON | Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:45am EST

(Reuters) - Actress Meryl Streep unveiled a poster in London on Monday promoting her upcoming big-screen portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, which one early review described as "magnificent."

When details of the screenplay became public over a year ago, Thatcher's children were quoted in the press as being "appalled" at the concept.

Questions were also raised as to whether an American actress should play one of the towering figures of British politics.

"The Iron Lady," which hits British cinemas on January 6, depicts an aging Thatcher looking back on the highs and lows of her career and the personal price she paid for power.

Streep attended the photocall against the backdrop of the Houses of Parliament, and was joined by the movie's director Phyllida Lloyd, who also worked with Streep on the hit musical "Mamma Mia!"

The Iron Lady is likely to be a major media talking point over the coming weeks in Britain, where former conservative leader Thatcher is still a divisive figure both revered and reviled by the public.

Streep, a two-time Oscar winner and one of Hollywood's most respected actresses, told the Daily Mail newspaper that playing Thatcher was the biggest role of her career.

"It took a lot out of me, but it was a privilege to play her, it really was," the 62-year-old was quoted as saying.

"It was one of those rare, rare films where I was grateful to be an actor and grateful for the privilege of being able to look at a life deeply with empathy."

Streep added that while she did not agree with many of Thatcher's policies, "I feel she believed in them and that they came from an honest conviction."

The right-leaning newspaper's showbusiness correspondent Baz Bamigboye called Streep's portrayal "magnificent."

"It's a performance of towering proportions that sets a new benchmark for acting, a searing interpretation that looks at the big forces that shaped Mrs T's life," he wrote, using a common shortened form for Thatcher's name.

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White, editing by Paul Casciato)

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Justin Timberlake keeps date for Marine Corps Ball

LOS ANGELES | Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:00pm EST

(Reuters) - Justin Timberlake's date with a Marine combat instructor on Saturday night was "one of the most moving evenings" of his life, the singer-turned-actor said on his website.

Keeping his promise to Corporal Kelsey De Santis, Timberlake donned formal wear to escort her to the Instructor Battalion Marine Corps Ball in Richmond, Virginia.

In a post on his website Sunday, Timberlake noted that he was "almost brought to tears" during a video tribute to Marines.

De Santis, who practices mixed martial arts, invited Timberlake to the event via a YouTube video in July.

She was inspired to reach out to him after he publicly encouraged Mila Kunis, his "Friends with Benefits" co-star, to accept a similar invitation from a serviceman.

"You want to call out my girl Mila?" De Santis said to Timberlake in her video. "Well, I'm going to call you out and ask you to come to the Marine Corps ball with me on November 12."

She added, "If you can't go, all I have to say is, cry me a river."

Timberlake said in his post that he and De Santis had ample time to chat before the evening's ceremony, and that she spoke of her training in mixed martial arts "with a passion, a discipline, and a respect." He was struck by her concern with his comfort at the ball.

"I have to tell you, it's not every day that I meet a 23-year-old girl and she's more worried about if I'm having fun or if I'm comfortable!" Timberlake wrote. "It hit me all of a sudden that these were the type of people that look after us and our freedom... Last night changed my life and I will never forget it."

A military wife who attended Saturday's event at the Richmond Convention Center told local news station WTVR that Timberlake "posed for pictures and seemed like a normal guy."

Kunis, meanwhile, will attend a Marine Corps Ball with Sergeant Scott Moore on November 18 in Greenville, North Carolina.

(Reporting by Sheri Linden; Editing by Tim Gaynor and Jerry Norton)

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Justin Bieber's 'Mistletoe' debuts at No 1

Canadian singer Justin Bieber performs after switching on the Christmas lights at the Westfield shopping centre in west London November 7, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Teen sensation Justin Bieber received a sweet kiss from fans on Wednesday when his album "Under the Mistletoe" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, edging out new entries from rapper Wale and country singer Miranda Lambert.

The album of festive singles sold just over 210,000 copies in its first week and is Bieber's third album to debut at No. 1, following "My World 2.0" and "Never Say Never: The Remixes," from his documentary, "Never Say Never."

Bieber, 17, who is currently fighting claims that he fathered a baby with a California woman after a brief backstage encounter last year, thanked his fans for supporting him on Twitter earlier this week and released an animated video for the single "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town."

"So this past week and even today every rumor and lie about me possible has been coming out in the press. Just need to ignore it ... my fans have been there for me" tweeted Bieber.

The album, which features collaborations with Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Usher, The Band Perry and Boys II Men, also broke the record for the first Christmas album by a male artist to debut at the top position in the history of the Billboard 200 chart, reported Billboard.com.

"Under the Mistletoe" beat rapper Wale's "Ambition," which sold 164,000 copies in its first week and landed at No. 2. Country singer Miranda Lambert's "Four The Record" debuted at No. 3 while "Britain's Got Talent" alumni Susan Boyle entered the charts at No. 4 with her third album, "Someone To Watch Over Me," forcing Adele's mega-hit "21" to slip to No. 5.

British indie band Florence + The Machine entered the charts at No. 6 with their highly anticipated second album, "Ceremonials," while Coldplay's fifth album, "Mylo Xyloto" fell to No. 7 from last week's top position.

The drop for Coldplay's album was foreseen by frontman Chris Martin, who recently told British newspaper The Guardian that maintaining the No. 1 spot would be difficult this week.

"We have Justin Bieber and Adele to compete with and they're much younger than us," he said.

The top 10 albums were rounded out by Michael Buble's holiday-themed "Christmas" at No. 8, R&B singer Tyrese's "Open Invitation" at No. 9, and Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" dropping to No. 10.

The singles chart held steady with Rihanna's "We Found Love" at No 1, LMFAO's 'Sexy and I Know It" at No. 2 and Adele's "Someone Like You" rounding out the top three.

Next week's chart may succumb to "Twilight" fever as the lead single from the movie's official "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1" soundtrack, "It Will Rain" by Bruno Mars, jumped from no. 17 to no. 10 on the singles chart.

The music video for "It Will Rain" was released on Wednesday and the song and entire soundtrack are expected to climb steadily ahead of the film's release on Nov 18.

taken from : China Daily
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Kate Winslet immortalised in wax

Kate Winslet has been immortalised in wax.

The 'Titanic' actress has been given her own replica waxwork model at top London attraction Madame Tussauds and her lookalike is being exhibited alongside other British acting talents such as Dame Helen Mirren and Dame Judi Dench.

Model-makers spent months perfecting the figure of 36-year-old Kate and the model has been dressed in the red cap-sleeve Elie Saab dress she wore to collect her prize at the Emmy Awards earlier this year.

Kate was included at Madame Tussauds after visitors voted for her to get her own tribute.

Liz Edwards, PR Manager at the tourist attraction, said: "Guests from around the world voted for Kate Winslet in droves - she has clearly got wide reaching global appeal. She is an iconic actress of a generation; a true English Rose and we're delighted to be creating a figure of her."

Other stars to have waxworks at Madame Tussauds include Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, David Beckham and Brad Pitt.

taken from : China Daily
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Eddie Murphy Quits as Oscars Host After Exit of Show Producer Brett Ratner

By Michael White - Nov 10, 2011 4:03 AM GMT+0700

Actor Eddie Murphy withdrew as host of the 2012 Oscar awards telecast following the exit of producer Brett Ratner over controversial remarks.

“I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well,” Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, said today in an e-mailed statement.

Murphy, 50, was working with Ratner and a team of writers to headline the show scheduled for Feb. 26 on Walt Disney Co. (DIS)’s ABC network. Ratner, director of the Murphy comedy “Tower Heist,” stepped down yesterday amid criticism over a gay slur made after a promotional screening of the film.

“I completely understand and support each party’s decision with regard to a change of producers for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony,” Murphy said in the statement. “I was truly looking forward to being part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop.”

Ratner was working on the telecast with Don Mischer, who produced last year’s show and also has overseen telecasts of television’s Emmy Awards.

Sherak has approached possible replacements for Ratner including producer Brian Grazer, the Hollywood Reporter said, citing people familiar with the situation. They would join Mischer as co-producer, the newspaper said.

Ratner was also criticized for remarks about sexual escapades with actresses during an interview on Howard Stern’s Nov. 7 radio program. The producer had urged Murphy’s selection as the show’s host. It would have been the actor’s first time hosting the program.

Disney, based in Burbank, California, fell 4.3 percent to $33.79 at the close in New York trading. The shares had declined 5.9 percent this year before today.

To contact the reporter on this story: Michael White in Los Angeles at mwhite8@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Anthony Palazzo at apalazzo@bloomberg.net

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Bieber, Gaga dominate MTV awards in Belfast

LONDON - The MTV Europe Music Awards turned into a celebration of Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga Sunday night as the two picked up a number of top prizes, including best male and best female act.

Gaga, striking in several outfits throughout the evening, also won for best song and best video for "Born This Way." Bieber picked up best pop act as well.

Their live performances captured the differences between the two ascendant mega-stars: the teenage Bieber, wholesome and almost impossibly cute; Gaga challenging and aggressively sexual in her approach.

Other awards went to Bruno Mars, Eminem and Katy Perry while the band Queen received the "Global Icon" award, in effect a lifetime achievement award to the now-graying rockers, who closed the show with a spirited set of their classics, including "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions."

It was a rousing end to the awards show, a highlight on the European music calendar that also draws A-list stars from the United States. It was held in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for the first time.

Queen guitarist Brian May said the show focused attention on how Belfast had found "true peace" after years of sectarian violence.

"It's wonderful to be in Belfast," he said.

The show also included a video tribute to the late Amy Winehouse, who died earlier this year in London.

But the evening was dominated by Bieber and Gaga, the two crowd favorites.

The casually dressed Bieber said modestly that he had voted for competitor Kanye West and thanked his fans and family for his first award.

"Never say never, right?" he said, waving his trophy in the air.

After he won his second award, for best pop act, he praised his fans for staying with him despite "a lot of crap on the Internet," an apparent reference to unsupported allegations that he had fathered a child after a brief liaison.

Bieber took the stage a few minutes after Gaga accepted her award in characteristic style.

"Thank you so much, I love you so much. I'm so grateful. I'm really smiling right now, but I know you can't tell," said Gaga, wearing a bizarre silver dress with an oversize tilted hat that completely covered her face except for tiny holes that allowed her to see. She joked that she had had a lot of Botox treatment.

Gaga, who has enjoyed a year of spectacular commercial success, triumphed over a strong field that included a resurgent Jennifer Lopez, Adele, Katy Perry and Beyonce.

She later won awards for best video and best song for "Born This Way." She thanked her "little monsters" for their support and said she regarded "Born This Way" as her most important work to date. She also won an award for having the best fan base.

Earlier, Perry - dressed in a mostly pink jacket and miniskirt - won the best live act award, and the American band Thirty Seconds to Mars won best alternative act and best world stage.

American rapper Eminem was named best hip hop act and Linkin Park took the prize for best rock band.

The show featured performances by headliners Bieber, Gaga, Bruno Mars - who won for best newcomer and for "best push" - Coldplay, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol and other top acts.

Chris Martin, the Coldplay frontman, joked that the band was just "warming everyone up for Justin" on his way into the awards ceremony, which was hosted by Bieber's girlfriend, the actress and singer Selena Gomez.

She admitted she was nervous about her performance while being photographed on the red carpet just before the show.

The awards, which were set up in 1994, have previously featured performances by stars including U2, Paul McCartney, Take That, Beyonce and Jay-Z.

taken from : China Daily
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Johnny Depp has private smoking plane

Johnny Depp flies on private planes so he can smoke.

The 'Rum Diary' star prefers to travel in his own personal aircraft so he can indulge his habit and he also hates using public airlines because he becomes "novelty boy" who other passengers want to stare at.

He said: "On a private plane you can smoke. It makes it an incredibly expensive habit or course, because you can only smoke on a private plane.

"The commercial flight thing, it just gets a little weird when you're standing in line and suddenly you're not just a guy standing in line any more, you become sort of novelty boy."

The 48-year-old actor gave up smoking for two-and-a-half years and only took the habit back up after working on 'The Rum Diary' with Bruce Robinson, with the director turning to alcohol after several years of sobriety when making the film, which is based on the semi-autobiographical by late gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson.

Speaking about taking up smoking again, Johnny told The Guardian newspaper: "It was the gift we gave each other.

"One bang on Bruce's horrible little Cafe Creme cigar. One bang - yeah one hit and it was over. I just said, 'Come on, give me a bang.'

"Bruce and I were on the plane and I just said, 'Oh come on.' You know, we'd had a bit to drink, and..."taken from : China Daily
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John Lennon's tooth sells at auction

One of John Lennon's rotten teeth has fetched £19,500 at auction.

Dentist Michael Zuk purchased the late Beatles legend's molar by telephone bid at the Omega Auction House in Stockport, Greater Manchester, on Saturday (05.11.11), and the 49-year-old dental surgeon was "buzzing" after finalising the deal.

He said: "Most people would say I was crazy, but I think it's fantastic."

The "gruesome" tooth went under the hammer for almost double its £10,000 reserve price and it comes with an affidavit signed by John's former housekeeper Dot Jarlett, who he gave the molar to when she worked for him at his Kenwood mansion in Surrey in the 1960s.

Karen Fairweather, owner of Omega Auction House, said: "John Lennon came back from the dentist and gave it to his housekeeper and said to dispose of it 'or better still give it to your daughter as a souvenir'.

"It's rather gruesome, yellowy, browny with a cavity."

Dot has previously sold other items related to the late singer - who was shot dead aged 40 in 1980 - including a jacket he wore on the cover of the Beatles' 1965 'Rubber Soul' album.

Her son Barry Jarlett explained: "John was in the kitchen and he had this tooth which he had wrapped in a piece of paper.

"He said, 'Dot will you dispose of this,' and then he said, 'Or, as your daughter's a Beatles fan, you can give to her as a souvenir.'

"It is something that we felt was very personal and my mum actually gave it to my sister who has kept it safe."

Earlier this year, a lock of pop star Justin Bieber's hair went under the hammer for £25,000, with all the proceeds going to charity, and a jar of Angelina Jolie's breath once sold for £330.

taken from : China Daily
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Kristen Stewart shuns designer clothes

Kristen Stewart is a "jeans and T-shirt kind of girl."

The 'Twilight' beauty loves wearing designer dresses for film premieres and glamorous showbiz parties, but admits she's happiest in comfortable, everyday clothes the rest of the time.

She told SkyView magazine: "I like fashion because it's part of my work. I dive into the new trends when I have to, but I'm more of jeans and t-shirt kind of girl."

Kristen, 21, also loves second hand clothes and admits she scours vintage stores in the Los Angeles for unusual T-shirts whenever she gets the chance.

She added: "In Los Angeles I like to go to vintage stores, I look for funny T-shirts. I'm very casual when I'm not working, but I think everybody should have their own style, even if they're going to the gym."

Kristen's relaxed fashion sense is something she shares with her boyfriend, 'Twilight' co-star Robert Pattinson, who is also a fan of pre-worn bargains.

He said: "I like kind of s***ty clothes most of the time. I like second hand. That's another thing. I can't really go into second hand stores to get new clothes any more so I end up wearing the same thing every day.

"I wish I could shop in vintage stores the whole time. But because a lot of paparazzi follow me around, it can be difficult."



taken from : China Daily
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Jennifer Aniston buys 9m home

Jennifer Aniston has splashed out $9 million on a new home.

The former 'Friends' star purchased the three-bedroom, 2,873 square foot apartment in New York's exclusive Gramercy Park area and the building includes perks like housekeeping, room and butler service and a membership to the luxury David Barton gym.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jennifer's new home is the only unit in the building that looks out on Gramercy Park from the master bedroom.

This is not the only New York property Jennifer, 42, owns.

In April, the 'Horrible Bosses' actress purchased the 17th and 18th floors of an apartment building in Manhattan for more than $7 million.

And in August, Jennifer and boyfriend Justin Theroux moved into a two-bedroom home.

The couple are renting the small $3 million property in Hollywood after the Jennifer sold her lavish Beverly Hills mansion for $38 million.

A source said: "One bedroom is the master and the other is currently furnished as a guest room.

"It is a really romantic house with great views and a warm feeling in every room. If they decide they like it, it's also for sale."

Jennifer and Justin's new home boasts hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, a pool, hidden garden and a garage which has been converted into a family room.

The source added: "They're really excited about it."


taken from : China Daily
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Tito Jackson says film shows Michael's loving nature

Tito Jackson says people will learn that Michael Jackson was a loving man who wanted "to change the world" when they watch new documentary 'Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon'.

The singer appears in the film - which features interviews with more than 50 of the music legend's closest friends and family members and focuses on his rise from child prodigy to the 'King of Pop' and his shock death in June 2009 - and insists it shows aspects of his brother's life the public would not be aware of.

Speaking at the film's UK premiere at the Empire Cinema in London's Leicester Square last night (02.11.11), Tito told BANG Showbiz: "The documentary made me laugh, it made me smile, cry, I went through a lot of emotions, and a lot of memories ... I think the fans will learn a little more about Michael, what he was like and who he is, what he meant and what the fans meant to him. He loved everyone and he adored his fans. In his music he tried to give messages to make the world one unit. He wanted to change the world and help those who were in need, and he did. He left some beautiful music and things and the messages in his songs are brilliant and I want them to last forever."

Jackson 5 star Tito's sister Rebbie also appears in the documentary - which was produced by Michael's close friend David Gest and directed by Andrew Eastel - and she admits her interviews for the film had a cathartic effect on her.

Speaking on the red carpet, she said: "It was emotional to be part of it, I didn't think it was going to be as emotional as it is, but I'm happy I did it, because as much as I wanted to do it for myself as a type of therapy, I really wanted to do it for Michael. I wanted people to really see what actually happened."

A host stars attended the premiere, including producer David, Alexandra Burke, Peabo Bryson, 'EastEnders' actress Patsy Palmer, 'Jimmy Mack' singer Martha Reeves and Jodie Marsh.

'Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon' - released by Universal Pictures - is available to buy on DVD and Blu Ray now.

taken from : China Daily
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Kitchen 'nerd' Kristen Stewart

Actress Kristen Stewart protects herself from the sun as she poses at her hand and footprint ceremony at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California November 3, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Robert Pattinson says his girlfriend Kristen Stewart is a cooking "nerd".

The actor has revealed the actress is obsessed with culinary TV programmes and would watch them in-between takes on the set of the last two 'Twilight Saga' movies.

He said: "She's a nerd when it comes to cooking, especially on set. It was bizarre! She'd be in the trailer and the cooking channel was always on."

Robert - who plays vampire Edward Cullen in the film franchise - admits he is very protective about his girlfriend and he won't tolerate people unfairly criticising Kristen, who portrays Edward's lover Bella Swan in the movie series.

He explained: "I'm protective of anyone close to me. If people say anything about my family or friends, I feel protective and that's the one time I feel like I really have to do something about it."

Robert and Kristen have been in a relationship since 2008, but only publically admitted their romance last year.

taken from : China Daily
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Judge orders 30 days in jail for Lindsay Lohan

Lohan is sentenced to 30 days in jail.[Photo/Agencies]

A judge on Wednesday sentenced Lindsay Lohan to 30 days in jail for violating probation and ordered the troubled actress to perform a strict schedule of community service and psychological counseling.

The "Mean Girls" actress must report to jail on November 9 and will not be eligible for house arrest or early release, unless required by law. With overcrowding in Los Angeles jails, the sheriff could order Lohan's release after just a few days.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner sentenced Lohan to a total 300 days, but stayed the remaining 270 depending on how well the actress performs community service. After jail, Lohan must begin a five-month routine of work performing cleaning and other tasks at the Los Angeles county morgue, as well as regularly attending counseling.

"(This) sentence is known as 'putting the keys to the jail in the defendant's hands,'" Sautner told Lohan, because the ultimate responsibility for staying out of a jail cell depends entirely on Lohan's actions.

Lohan, 25, dressed demurely in a blue-and-white polka dot dress and answered "yes" to the judge's questions on whether she understood the sentence. At various times she appeared on the verge of tears. She left the courtroom without comment, and her spokesman said there would be no statement.

Lohan rose to fame as a likable child star of Disney movies such as "The Parent Trap," but has been in and out of trouble -- spending time in rehab and in jail -- since 2007 when she was convicted on a drunk driving and drug possession charges.

Earlier this year, she was convicted of stealing a gold necklace from a jewelry story. At that time, judge Sautner sentenced her to 480 hours community service at a Los Angeles women's detention center and at the county morgue.

Two weeks ago, Judge Sautner revoked her probation because Lohan failed to adequately perform the service at the women's center and repeatedly missed court-ordered psychotherapy sessions. Judge Sautner angrily admonished Lohan and characterized her actions as having "blown off" her sentence.

In court on Wednesday, prosecutors said Lohan had canceled 12 of her 20 scheduled sessions at the women's center and missed 14 of 19 scheduled psychotherapy appointments.

Judge Sautner asked Lohan if she admitted to violating her probation by missing the appointments, and the actress answered "yes, your honor."

The judge then reinstated probation and changed Lohan's sentence. If all goes according to plan, Lohan's community service would end by March 29, 2012, and she would serve out the remaining days of her sentence under her own supervision.

taken from : China Daily
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Lady Gaga launches youth empowerment foundation

U.S. singer Lady Gaga waves during a news conference in New Delhi October 28, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Lady Gaga on Wednesday launched the Born This Way Foundation to support programs dealing with youth empowerment and help people facing bullying and abandonment.

The foundation, named after the Grammy-winning singer's hit album and single of the same name, was launched by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta.

"My mother and I have initiated a passion project," the singer said in a statement. "Together we hope to establish a standard of Bravery and Kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment."

It follows on the singer's interests in supporting gay rights and being outspoken on issues affecting youth.

The Born This Way Foundation will be work closely with the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and The California Endowment, both focusing on youth empowerment.

The Foundation will also work with the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, which focuses on the power of the Internet as a means to promote change. The singer has harnessed the power of the Internet to attract more than 44 million fans on Facebook and 15 million followers on Twitter.

taken from : China Daily
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Justin Bieber denies child rumor

A lawsuit has been filed accusing Justin Bieber of fathering a child with a fan - a claim he has strenuously denied.

Mariah Yeater, 20, has filed legal papers stating she had a sexual encounter with the pop superstar on October 25, 2010, following a performance at Los Angeles' Staples Center and he is the dad of her almost four-month-old son Tristyn Anthony Markhouse Yeater, who was born on July 6.

The documents were filed on October 31, 2011, and Yeater has signed an affidavit, sworn under the penalty of perjury, to support her claims.

Bieber's representative has issued a statement branding her allegations "malicious and false".

The statement issued by the rep' to website RadarOnline.com said: "While we haven't yet seen the lawsuit, it's sad that someone would fabricate malicious, defamatory, and demonstrably false claims. We will vigorously pursue all available legal remedies to defend and protect Justin against these allegations."

The 'Baby' singer - who has been in a relationship with Selena Gomez since March - has also taken to his twitter account to address the allegation, telling his fans to focus on his music by directing them to his new Christmas album 'Under the Mistletoe'.

He tweeted: "all the rumors ...the gossip ... Im gonna focus on the positives ... the music. (sic)"

In the lawsuit, which has been obtained by America's Star magazine, Yeater - who was 19 at the time - claims she was approached by one of Bieber's security guards at the concert and asked if she wanted to meet the singer and was then took backstage.

After chatting briefly with him, Yeater claims she and Bieber began to kiss and then on the star's suggestion she went with him to a "private place where we could be alone" and once there he told her "he wanted to make love to me and this was going to be his first time".

Yeater, who is from California, then claims in the court documents the pair had unprotected sex.

A court hearing about Yeater's claims has been scheduled to take place on December 15.

taken from : China Daily
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James Bond aims to bounce back with new film launch

By Mike Collett-White

LONDON | Thu Nov 3, 2011 3:21am EDT

(Reuters) - James Bond returns Thursday with the launch of the 23rd installment in the famous film franchise, and aims to bounce back after a studio bankruptcy put production on hold for months and the last movie earned mixed reviews.

As ever ahead of a major Bond announcement, unconfirmed rumors have been flying across cyberspace.

What can be said with certainty is that Daniel Craig returns for his third outing as the suave secret agent, and Sam Mendes, Oscar winner with "American Beauty" who worked with Craig on "Road to Perdition," will direct.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem and Britain's Ralph Fiennes are expected to join the cast, and Judi Dench is set to return as Bond's stern boss "M."

Other stars reported to be involved include Albert Finney, who would be making his first Bond appearance aged 75, and Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny.

Locations and plotline are largely unknown to the outside world, although some media have said scenes shot on a train in India are likely to feature.

A spokeswoman for Sony Pictures declined to give details about Thursday's event beyond what appeared on a press invitation -- that producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli would present Mendes and "key" cast members.

Sony Pictures, a unit of Sony Corp, will distribute the film, which is set to hit British theatres on October 26, 2012 and U.S. cinemas on November 9.

Next year is the 50th anniversary of the series, which began in 1962 with Sean Connery on Her Majesty's secret service in "Dr. No."

Debt-laden Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc, known for its roaring lion logo and behind some of Hollywood's most fabled films including "The Wizard of Oz," filed for bankruptcy in November last year.

Two months later it confirmed Bond 23 would hit theatres in November, 2012, and in April MGM and Sony announced they would co-finance and distribute the next two Bond movies.

The studios previously partnered on "Quantum of Solace" and Craig's 2006 Bond debut "Casino Royale."

The high-octane, action-heavy films are expensive to make and market, with Quantum of Solace estimated to have cost around $200 million.

But they have a good record commercially, and according to movie tracking website boxofficemojo.com, Casino Royale earned $594 million in global ticket sales and Quantum of Solace $586 million.

Craig's first appearance as Bond was hailed as a refreshing change in direction toward a tougher, more serious 007, and reviews were overwhelmingly positive.

Quantum of Solace fared less well with the critics, although positive reviews still outweighed the negative.

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White, editing by Paul Casciato)

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