National scandal in Britain as Prime Minister joins calls for government censorship
By David Blake
Fawlty Towers a classic off limits for comedy
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 10/31/08 - In a year when BBC has been riddled with scandals, this may be the most alarming yet as British government-run BBC is being accused of censure of comedy skits. In America, President Bush is not allowed to fire Jay Leno for making fun of him. Not necessarily so in the UK, where Leno/Howard Stern-type counterpart Jonathan Ross has been censured and suspended for a stunt involving multi-continent BBC hit John Cleese show “Fawlty Towers.”
“Fawlty Towers” Spanish waiter Manuel, actor Andrew Sachs 78, had rejected any need for censure after ‘Britain’s Leno’ Johnathan Ross and fellow ‘shock jock’ Russell Brand, left messages bragging about sex with Sachs’ grand-daughter, Georgina, 23.
Although only two people complained when the taped radio show was originally broadcast, after four days of media pressure and millions of hits on Youtube, 35,000 complaints were whipped up by London’s right wing Puritan press.
Cue Big Brother. The farce was only missing John Cleese or it would have made a longed for new episode. It’s not like the original show didn’t make fun of the character in the first place — he was a bumbling waiter who didn’t fit in to a British society.
Ross was suspended without pay for three months and Brand resigned from the BBC permanently.
The widely respected head of Britain’s most popular station Radio 2, Ms. Lesley Douglas 45, also resigned after 23 years with the BBC, despite not having heard the tape prior to broadcast. She was accused of a “lax regime of control over presenters.”
One of her more conservative presenters claimed that he had written to her warning that Russell Brand was a “time bomb that would go off eventually”.
Ross “and others” were told by the self governing BBC Trust, that this was a “final warning” and that the BBC must “demonstrate the highest level of editorial standards at all times.”
The BBC Governor had spent seven hours at Westminster apparently explaining how the “Editorial Standards Committee” failed to stop the offending material Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Ferrari, the very definition of F1 racing, may leave to start it’s own circuit By David Mirsky
F1 wants no more innovations from Ferrari for fairness to lesser cars, Ferrari says that's what F1 all about
HOLLYWOD , CA (Hollywood Today) 10/31/08 — Here’s something we thought we’d never hear. Let us preface this, Formula 1 fans already know about Formula 1’s commitment to the advancement of technology and development in the racing world. It’s basically what Formula 1 racing is all about, making it the pinnacle of motor sports. There are only 10 Formula 1 racing teams. There are only 20, active drivers with Super Licenses, which allow them to compete in Formula 1 racing. As a matter of fact, you’re supposed to have a Super License just to drive a Formula 1 car, that’s how advanced and intense these cars are. Very few people outside the Formula 1 world have ever driven one of these cars. NASCAR’S multi-champ, Jeff Gordon drove an F1 car a couple of years ago at Indy, and when he finished his laps, and got out of the car, his knees were wobbling. In certain words, Gordon said it was scary. Formula 1 is a true international sport, where billons of dollars a year are spent. Most of the money spent in Formula 1 are by manufacturers such as Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Renault, Honda, etc., huge corporations that make their money selling cars. And what better way to advertise and promote your product than to have it marketed to the largest television sporting audience in the world. Formula 1 has averaged around 3 billion viewers a year…the top of the heap. And it works for them, to the point where for every dollar they spend, a dollar is returned to them in some form or another. This is some serious money.
Okay, I hope I’ve laid a little ground work on the spectacle of the sport, so here is the meat of this article. Today, Ferrari announced that it would most likely pull out of racing if Max Mosley’s idea of a single engine supplier for all Formula 1 racing teams came to fruition. Can you imagine associating Formula 1 racing without hearing the word Ferrari? Ferrari chairman, Luca di Montezemolo said that after meeting with his board of directors that the company would have to re-evaluate their presence in the sport. Toyota has already made their position known to the FIA, much the same as Ferrari. Nearly all of the companies involved in racing feel the same way.
Let’s face it, this is how these companies make their money…selling cars with their engines in them. That certainly makes sense to me, and just about everyone else, except for outgoing FIA president, Mosley. Mosley’s argument is that this would reduce the cost of the sport to all of the teams, and create a more level playing field for them. Call me crazy, but that is the exact contradiction to the spirit of Formula 1 racing…TECHNOLOGY and DEVELOPMENT. It’s what makes competition. It’s what makes people come and watch races, which usually average over 100,000 people at each event. It’s what creates commerce of the sport. Can Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Hayden Panettiere kept a straight face earlier this month as she joked in an online video that she believed everyone should smoke, not use seatbelts and vote for John McCain
Infomercial and ‘The Daily Show’ big draws
By Matthew B. Zeidman
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 10/31/08 – With Election Day fast approaching, Barack Obama has proven his ability to draw a crowd.The Democratic presidential nominee’s 30-minute “infomercial,” which aired on several broadcast and cable networks at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, boasted a staggering audience of 33.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Later that night, one of Comedy Central’s faux news programs, “The Daily Show,” clocked 3.6 million viewers, the highest rating the show ever received.Obama appeared on the show from a campaign stop in Florida via satellite, where he was interviewed by host Jon Stewart.
Obama has received several celebrity endorsements over the past month, including Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert, “Heroes’” Hayden Panettiere, “Gossip Girl’s” Penn Badgley and Blake Lively and British popstress Joss Stone.
Hollywood,CA. (RushPRnews/Hollywood Today) 29/10/08— Celebrity parents seem to be going all out this year, with costumes, candies and good old trips to the pumpkin patch, and a few tricks and treats up their sleeves. Tori Spelling and husband Dean McDermott’s kids will be “bugging it out” on October 31. Tori shared potential costume ideas for her kids Liam and Stella. Because her son Liam loves the animated movie “The Bee Movie” he might be a bee. “Or” Tori says, “he might be a dinosaur — he’s obsessed with them but calls them horses!” As for Stella, “She’ll be a ladybug ‘cause that’s her nickname.”
Actress Shirly Brener, who plays the role of Natalya in Overture Film’s “Righteous Kill” starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, as well as a role in Lindsay Lohan’s upcoming film “Labor Pains”, is enjoying the spirit of Halloween this year, with three year old daughter, Mila. Shirly tells RushPRnews, “Either she’ll be a butterfly princess, a candy corn, or a princess ballerina.” But whatever little Mila does decide to wear, “it absolutely must have wings and antennas!” Shirly and Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Britney Spears must petition the court to dissolve the conservatorship if she ever wishes to run her own affairs again
Court states singer still ‘susceptible to undue influence’
By Matthew B. Zeidman
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Today) 10/29/08 – Britney Spears’ star has been rising over the past several months, with largely watched TV appearances, more time with her children and a new album completed in time for a holiday release.The “Baby One More Time” singer still apparently hasn’t proven herself fit to run her own personal and business affairs, however, with Los Angeles Superior Court extending her father’s conservatorship indefinitely.
Commissioner Reva Goetz explained Tuesday’s decision by stating her belief that Spears was still “susceptible to undue influence” and that it was “necessary and appropriate” to allow her father, James, and attorney Andrew Wallete to continue their co-management of her career and finances.
A court relinquished legal control over Spears’ assets to her father and Wallete on Jan. 31, following two highly publicized hospitalizations for psychiatric evaluation.The following day, a temporary restraining order was instituted against Sam Lutfi, an individual whose Spears’ mother, Lynne, alleged had drugged the pop star and kept tight control over her.
Spears’ legal team unsuccessfully attempted to use her conservatorship as grounds to delay her recent traffic-related court case, which ended in a mistrial earlier this month, arguing that if she were unfit to manage her own life, she should have also been considered unfit to assist in her own defense.
The entertainer’s latest CD, “Circus,” is due for release on Dec. 2.It features, “Womanizer,” which has so far been Spears’ first single since 1998 to chart at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.It has also reached number one on several international charts, including those in Canada, Mexico, Norway, Sweden and Turkey.
Jury returns a guilty verdict on seven felony counts
Senator Ted Stevens will be allowed to remain on the ballot for reelection.
By Ane Howard
Washington,D.C(Hollywood Today/RushPRnews)10/28/08-Republican Ted Stevens, currently the longest serving GOP Senator on Capitol Hill has been found guilty on all seven felony charges, of falsifying financial documents. Under sentencing guidelines, Stevens is facing up to five years in prison for each count, but is likely to receive much less. Jurors found that Stevens, 84, lied on his financial-disclosure forms and hid gifts, valued at as much as $250,000 over seven years. These gifts Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Poll before convictions put Stevens in tie for Alaskan Senate race
Outspoken politician refuses to retire re-election campaign
By Matthew B. Zeidman
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Hollywood Today) 10/28/08 – U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, who is best known for his tooth-and-nail fight for Alaska’s “bridge to nowhere” and for referring to an e-mail as “an Internet,” was found guilty on seven felony counts of corruption Monday.Even in light of the unfavorable court decision, the once overwhelmingly popular politician has refused to bow out of his close senatorial race against Democratic rival Mark Begich.
“This has been a very difficult year for Alaskans, and a long year,” Begich, mayor of Anchorage, said in a statement. “I believe Alaskans will move forward, because we have many critical issues and challenges ahead of us to deal with.”
Stevens, 84, was convicted of violating the Ethics in Government Act.He did so by failing to disclose major renovations and additions energy company Veco and CEO Bill Allen made to his home on his Senate financial disclosure reports from 1999 to 2006.He also failed to disclose free household items, such as furniture, tools and an outdoor grill, given to him by Veco and Allen, as well as a $19,000 discount on a car trade-in.
Hard rain falls on the unprecedented, suspended Fall Classic By Jeffrey Jolson
Unprecedented in World Series: Rains on the parade
PHILADELPHIA (Hollywood Today) 10/27/08 –Despite Major League Baseball efforts to make sure the World Series went on as scheduled, buckets of rain called a halt to game five of the Fall Classic with the Phillies ahead 3-1 in the series but tied with the TB Rays in this do-or-die game at two runs apiece.
It was a swamp on the infield in Philadelphia, and it looked like the pitcher’s mound was going to melt away as a storm swept the Northwest. And weather radar, closely watched by MLB including it’s Commissioner Bud Selig in attendance, shows no let up for two days - hence why everyone tried to let the show go on. Even when the muddy field disfavored Tampa Bay, whose base-running speed helped get them into the World Series.
Any game during mid-season would have been shut down by the third inning, but this went to the sixth - making it an official game - even though the cameras could hardly shoot at times during the downpour. It looked like the only people in the stadium not covered by plastic were the players. Even the umps had rain jackets on.
TB was probably lucky. The Phillies, looking to clinch the Series for the first time since 1980, were the Riders of the Storm at two runs to one until the last minute the game was postponed, when the Rays saw a little sunshine with a run that kept them from losing the World Series - and gave them another chance on another day.
Game 3 was rain-delayed, though just for a short while.
MLB chief Selig said “We were told (before the game) there was only going to be a tenth an inch of rain, everyone decided we would play the game. I came down in the fourth and fifth inning and was getting very nervous. In the sixth, I decided Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
NEW YORK(Hollywood Today)10/27/08–A newspaper’s demise can become old news fast and as newspapers try to squeeze the most out of their sites in the face of narrowing profit margins, nothing can afford to go to waste. With the current economic climate and the tumultuous times facing print media, online news sites have still done little to promote and sell subscriptions as a potential asset while continuing to improve their online presence.
There’s a tough market standing in front of the newsroom. Publishers have to think print and web simultaneously. The Chicago Tribune recently Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Hudson Family puts up large bounty, Chicago police mum on arrest, deaths and ID of boy found in white SUV
Hudson family slain
By Jeffrey Jolson
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 10/27/08 — A dead boy has been found in an SUV similar to the one Chicago police had been looking for, possibly driven by the prime suspect in the murders of Jennifer Hudson mother and brother. The suspect, William Balfour, is in custody, but not charged, and he is the estranged husband of the Oscar-winner’s sister, and mother of the missing seven-year-old, Julian.
As police refuse to ID the dead child, Jennifer Hudson’s family has put up a $100,000 reward for the safe return of her nephew. Julian King has been missing since Hudson’s mother and brother were shot on Friday.
Jennifer’s mother Darnell Donerson, 57, and brother Jason Hudson, 29, were found dead at Donerson’s South Side Chicago home, as police said they were looking for a white SUV that may have been used to abduct the boy.
The FBI has stepped in as the boy could have been brought across state lines, and police may perhaps be holding off charging Balfour until they can find out more about what happened in the grisly murder-kidnapping. Balfour is an ex-con who recently spent seven years in jail for attempted murder and carjacking.
It all seems to add up on paper, the police even said the case was “domestic related.” Yet there is still an Amber Alert for the boy, which says police are looking for a white Chevrolet Suburban SUV, which is roughly the vehicle the dead boy was found in. But still no double or triple murder charges, though they can hold Balfour at present for non-related parole violations.
Hudson thanked fans Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
TB on edge, Singletary takes over Niners, Brett wins for Jets and Edwards for NASCAR in last minute By David Mirsky
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 10/27/08 - It was a wild sports weekend. Tampa Bay proved not up to World Series play against the Philadelphia Phillies, losing 10-2 with only tonight’s game left to go as the Florida upstart looks doomed.
NYJ QB Brett Favre got intercepted three times and was booed by New York Jets fans, but they are just not used to the Cardiac Kid like Green Bay fans used to be. He pulled it out for a win in the last minute for the 40th time in his career.
The new San Francisco coach Mike Singletary didn’t take long to take the reins, benching both his quarterback and tight end after numerous foul-ups. “I told (tight end Vernon Davis) that he would do a better job for us right now taking a shower and coming back and watching the game than going out on the field,” Singletary said after his team was routed at home by Seattle. “Simple as that.”
Singletary, who took over after Mike Nolan was fired last week, was angry at Davis for being called for an unnecessary roughness penalty for slapping a Seahawks defender’s head in the third quarter. Singletary is apparently a Tough Guy, but perhaps, that’s what the Niners need right now.
Just as tough was Carl Edwards, who drove to his 7th victory of the year, winning the Pep Boys Auto 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway today. It was a wild race for most of the day, but it wasn’t until the final restart with only 11 laps to go that the race became what NASCAR fans live for. Denny Hamlin led Carl Edwards for the restart, with Jimmie Johnson, having just pitted for new tires, was way back in 11th place. Edwards quickly took the lead away from Hamlin, and pulled away from Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
After the long hiatus, Axl Rose finally plans to release the long awaited “Chinese Democracy” CD.
By Chantal Waldholz
A Rose by any other name
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 10/27/08 - When making an album, some say the creative process can take months, even years, but in this case, it was 17 years for Guns N’ Roses, and founder Axl Rose. After a much anticipated release for “Chinese Democracy” to hit CD shelves, fans and critics will finally get to hear new material and judge if the album is up to par.
With some leaks to the media of the material, some have pre-judged the album’s fate. But that is to count Axl out, despite his alleged drug and temper problems — traits that are something of a plague among many of history’s biggest rock stars. Soon, fans can decide for themselves if he is to be welcomed Back to the Jungle.
What seems to be worrisome is the fact that Axl Rose remains the only original member of Guns N’ Roses. “Chinese Democracy” marks the first album of new material since 1991’s dual release of Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II. Set for release on November 23, the record is being billed as “of the most highly anticipated albums in rock history.”
After various line-up changes and decades after their mid-1980s success and following such hits as Sweet Child ‘O Mine, Paradise City, and Welcome to the Jungle, Axl could come back alive and swinging if the album proves as a success-much needed in this case. From selling out stadiums to the huge world-wide success of Appetite for Destruction-which sold more than 28-million copies-fans are hoping that Read the rest of this Hollywood Today story »
Jury returns a guilty verdict on seven felony counts
