X17 Newstag:x17online.com,2008:/news//82008-07-04T18:18:22ZMovable Type 3.34Strike.tv To Launch This Summertag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.125302008-07-04T17:58:58Z2008-07-04T18:18:22ZLOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Strike.tv, an online network formed by film and television writers during the writer's strike, announced on Wednesday that they will launch their website this summer, with projects from the writers behind The Office, Family Guy,...Elisabeth
The Office, Family Guy, and Die Hard, among others.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Strike.tv will feature over 40 shortform programs, including dramas, comedies and a game show. Participating writers include Lester Lewis (The Office), Rob Kutner (The Daily Show With Jon Stewart), Stephen E. de Souza (Die Hard), Karen Harris (General Hospital) and Ron Corcillo (Malcolm in the Middle). The site has also attracted talent including Bob Newhart, Timothy Dalton and Saturday Night Live's Kristen Wiig.
In a statement on the site, Strike.TV pledges to donate "all profits from the first three months to the Actors Fund, which aids Hollywood crew members affected by the strike." Strike.tv also allows participating writers to own their intellectual property.]]>
Madonna and Lenny Kravitz Linked To Alex Rodriguez Splittag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.125122008-07-03T19:47:22Z2008-07-04T00:08:02Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Though Madonna's spokesperson is vehemently denying claims that Madonna and Guy Richie's marriage is over, new reports have surfaced that Madonna has been spending time with Yankees star Alex Rodriguez. Madonna's spokeswoman insists that...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Though Madonna's spokesperson is vehemently denying claims that Madonna and Guy Richie's marriage is over, new reports have surfaced that Madonna has been spending time with Yankees star Alex Rodriguez. Madonna's spokeswoman insists that the athlete and the singer are "just friends," but Rodriguez has reportedly been paying visits to Madonna's apartment, according to a source for Us Weekly, and after the birth of his second daughter back in April, "Alex literally left 10 minutes after the baby was born, and then was at Madonna's."
Additionally, a source tells the magazine that Rodriguez's wife Cynthia "doesn't believe they are just friends," and that she left "because she is sure this is all true." The New York Post reports that the baseball star's five year marriage is over, and that Cynthia is currently in Paris with the couple's two daughters staying with Madonna's ex, singer Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz denies that the two are an item, telling Us Weekly:
"There is absolutely no affair between Cynthia Rodriguez and myself. This is unequivocally 100% not true. Cynthia is a friend and is here with the godfather of her baby, who is also Alex's trainer, his wife and their baby girl. She came here to escape from everything happening in New York City. I opened my home to her as a friend and I find it extremely hurtful that I am now being referred to as an adulterer."
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The Beckhams To Be Portrayed In Upcoming Musicaltag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.125002008-07-03T17:17:11Z2008-07-03T17:46:22Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - A theater company in Dublin, Ireland, is set to produce a musical based on the lives of Victoria Beckham and her husband, soccer star David Beckham. MacBecks will poke fun at the couple, mixing...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - A theater company in Dublin, Ireland, is set to produce a musical based on the lives of Victoria Beckham and her husband, soccer star David Beckham. MacBecks will poke fun at the couple, mixing details of their personal life with parts from classic Shakespearean plays, according to OK! Magazine.
Victoria Beckham will reportedly be portrayed as an ambitious Lady Macbeth for whom husband David sacrifices his career, and bits from Macbeth, King Lear and Romeo & Juliet will be incorporated into the production. Additionally, David's former assistant, Rebecca Loos, with whom he allegedly had an affair, will also be portrayed in the musical comedy, which is scheduled to premiere in January of 2009.]]>
Britney Spears, Mary-Kate Olsen Snubbed By Emmy'stag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.124982008-07-03T16:46:20Z2008-07-03T17:16:14Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Though she earned rave reviews for her guest spot on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother, Britney Spears didn't make the cut for the Emmy's list of 11 semifinalists being considered for best guest...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Though she earned rave reviews for her guest spot on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother, Britney Spears didn't make the cut for the Emmy's list of 11 semifinalists being considered for best guest actress in a comedy series.
Spears was one of 41 actresses to be considered for a nomination, and she wasn't the only one snubbed by the Academy; Mary-Kate Olsen, who portrayed a religious stoner in Showtime’s hit series Weeds, was also left off the list. The list will be narrowed down further before the final list of nominees are announced.
The complete list of semifinalists for best guest actress in a comedy series are:
Polly Bergen, Desperate Housewives
Shirley Knight, Desperate Housewives
Kathryn Joosten, Desperate Housewives
Annie Potts, Ugly Betty
Elaine Stritch, 30 Rock
Carrie Fisher, 30 Rock
Edie Falco, 30 Rock
Jane Lynch, Two and a Half Men
Amy Ryan, The Office
Sarah Silverman, Monk
Vivica A. Fox, Curb Your Enthusiasm]]>
Naomi Watts Is Expecting Her Second Childtag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.124892008-07-02T21:23:02Z2008-07-02T21:42:39Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Naomi Watts is expecting her second child with husband Liev Schreiber, according to Us Weekly. The 39-year-old Academy Award nominated actress has entered her second trimester. The couple have a son Alexander, age 1....Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Naomi Watts is expecting her second child with husband Liev Schreiber, according to Us Weekly.
The 39-year-old Academy Award nominated actress has entered her second trimester. The couple have a son Alexander, age 1.
Calls to Watts’ manager were not immediately returned.]]>
Angelina Jolie's Doctor Holds Press Conferencetag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.124672008-07-02T18:34:38Z2008-07-02T20:37:53Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Angelina Jolie's obstetrician, Dr. Michel Sussmann held a news conference in France today, discussing the actress' status. Sussmann, told the press, "Everything is normal. She is very well, and she's okay. Brad and Angelina...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Angelina Jolie's obstetrician, Dr. Michel Sussmann held a news conference in France today, discussing the actress' status.
Sussmann, told the press, "Everything is normal. She is very well, and she's okay. Brad and Angelina want everyone to know that everything is going well." He added that the twins will arrive "in the weeks to come...it is simply a visit of surveillance, no birth."
The hospital announced yesterday that Jolie had checked into it's Santa Maria maternity clinic to rest and be under doctor's supervision before she gives birth to twins. Nadine Bauer, a press attache for the Lenval Hospital in Nice, said Jolie is fine and she is not expected to give birth immediately.
Nice Matin, the local newspaper, reports that Jolie, 33, has the best room in the hospital, with an "unobstructed view" over the Bay of Angels.
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Jay-Z's New York Club Allegedly Violated Labor Lawstag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.124682008-07-02T15:45:15Z2008-07-02T15:56:31Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Jay-Z's New York club 40/40 could be held financially and legally responsible for cheating their employees out of overtime, forcing them to work for tips only and making them pick up the tab for...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Jay-Z's New York club 40/40 could be held financially and legally responsible for cheating their employees out of overtime, forcing them to work for tips only and making them pick up the tab for "walkout" customers.
Manhattan Federal Judge Loretta Preska said current and past servers, bartenders and others who have worked at the venue could be eligible for a settlement from a suit certified as class action yesterday.
Preska added the workers' lawyers have made a "minimal" showing that the 40/40 owners have violated federal wage and labor laws.]]>
Heath Ledger's Hometown To Open Theater In His Honortag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.124362008-07-01T17:32:30Z2008-07-01T17:58:16Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Heath Ledger's hometown of Perth, Australia announced today that they will name a theater in his honor, according to the Associated Press. The Heath Ledger Theater cost an estimated $87 million and holds 575...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Heath Ledger's hometown of Perth, Australia announced today that they will name a theater in his honor, according to the Associated Press. The Heath Ledger Theater cost an estimated $87 million and holds 575 seats.
Western Australia state Premier Alan Carpenter stated, “Heath Ledger was totally dedicated to the craft of being an actor and that's what made him successful. I think what we're doing is continuing that support for young people who want to make a career in the arts and acting, stage and in film, whatever it happens to be.”
Kim Ledger, the actor's father, called the tribute a pleasant surprise and said, “He was such a giver to the arts right across the board. I really feel that there's not a lot of things he'd put his name to, but he'd put his name to that."
Ledger will make his final film appearance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" which opens on July 18.]]>
Angelina Jolie In The Hospital To Give Birthtag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.124332008-07-01T16:46:51Z2008-07-01T19:15:18Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - The Associated Press is reporting that Angelina Jolie has checked into a French hospital, where she is expected to give birth to her twins, according to a hospital spokesperson. Additionally, an X17 photographer on...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - The Associated Press is reporting that Angelina Jolie has checked into a French hospital, where she is expected to give birth to her twins, according to a hospital spokesperson. Additionally, an X17 photographer on the scene has confirmed that Jolie was seen checking into the hospital last night.
Nadine Bauer, a press attache for the Lenval Hospital in Nice, said Jolie is fine and that her admittance to the maternity wing had been planned for some time. Bauer added that Jolie will remain in the hospital until she gives birth and that she is not expected to give birth immediately.
Calls to Jolie and Pitt's representatives were not immediately returned.
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Vanity Fair's "New Wave" Of Young Starstag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.124092008-06-30T18:20:37Z2008-06-30T18:51:02Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - The August issue of Vanity Fair showcases "Hollywood's New Wave" of up and coming celebrities, including Gossip Girl's Blake Lively, Mamma Mia's Amanda Seyfried, Unfabulous' Emma Roberts and Twilight's Kristen Stewart who all grace...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - The August issue of Vanity Fair showcases "Hollywood's New Wave" of up and coming celebrities, including Gossip Girl's Blake Lively, Mamma Mia's Amanda Seyfried, Unfabulous' Emma Roberts and Twilight's Kristen Stewart who all grace the cover together.
The article covers other rising young stars including The Jonas Brothers, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Zoe Kravitz, Emma Stone, Olivia Thirlby, Jay Baruchel, Kat Dennings, Rob Brown, Hunter Parrish, Michael Angarano, Summer Bishil, Josh Peck, Rachael Taylor and Amber Heard.]]>
Will Smith's New School Sparks Controversy Over Scientologytag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.124022008-06-30T16:56:58Z2008-06-30T17:45:49Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Will Smith's new school, New Village Academy, has sparked controversy lately, due to the fact that several teachers are members of the Church of Scientology, and teaching methods developed by Scientology founder L. Ron...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Will Smith's new school, New Village Academy, has sparked controversy lately, due to the fact that several teachers are members of the Church of Scientology, and teaching methods developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard will be used at the private school in Calabasas.
According to the Los Angeles Times, both Smiths have denied that they are Scientologists, and Smith even made a statement about his intentions, saying:
"About 10 years ago, Jada and I started dreaming about the possibility of creating an ideal educational environment, where children could feel happy, positive and excited about learning. New Village Academy was born of a simple question, 'Is it possible to create an educational environment in which children have fun learning?' Jada and I believe the answer is 'Yes.' "
The head of the school, Jacqueline Olivier, confirmed that some staff members are Scientologists, as well as Christian and Jewish, and that the school has no religious affiliation.
Olivier added,
"We are a secular school and just like all nonreligious independent schools, faculty and staff do not promote their own religions at school or pass on the beliefs of their particular faith to children."
One teaching method the school will employ is study technology, which was developed by Hubbard and focuses on students getting hands-on experience, and mastering subject matter before moving to the next level. Olivier explained, "People tend to think study technology is a subject, but it is really just the way the subject is taught. They then come to the conclusion that we are teaching Scientology when actually a methodology doesn't have anything to do with content." She added that the school will use many other philosophies, including Montessori, Bruner and Gardner.
However, critics claim that the school is not being honest about its ties to Scientology. David S. Touretzky, a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University argues that it is Scientology disguised as education. Touretzky states:
"There is no reputable educator anywhere who endorses [study technology]. What happens is that children are inculcated with Scientology jargon and are led to regard L.R. Hubbard as an authority figure. They are laying the groundwork for later bringing people into Scientology."
Ron Reynolds, executive director of the California Assocation of Private School Organizations, remained somewhat neutral, but certainly has his doubts, as he said:
"I know next to nothing about Scientology, but if you're using some method or technology closely associated with Scientology and Scientology is characterized as a church or religious body, it raises a question if they proclaim themselves as other than religious. I don't want to insinuate the school is failing to disclose anything. But as a matter of good practice, if a school has an affiliation, it would behoove it to expose it."
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Wall-E Number One At The Box Officetag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.123992008-06-30T16:36:11Z2008-06-30T16:56:40ZLOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Pixar's animated feature WALL-E earned $62.5 million and the number one spot at the box office this weekend, which marks the studio's ninth number one opener. Wanted, starring Angelina Jolie came in second place with...Elisabeth
WALL-E earned $62.5 million and the number one spot at the box office this weekend, which marks the studio's ninth number one opener.
Wanted, starring Angelina Jolie came in second place with $51.1 million, which was higher than most critics had predicted. Get Smart continued it's impressive run, snagging the third place spot and earning an additional $20 million, making it's domestic gross $77.3 million.]]>
Spears And Federline Mediation Was "Positive"tag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.123532008-06-27T18:17:11Z2008-06-27T18:39:27Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Kevin Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, revealed to E! News after a mediation session on Thursday that both Federline and Spears are looking to work out a custody agreement prior to their upcoming trial...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Kevin Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, revealed to E! News after a mediation session on Thursday that both Federline and Spears are looking to work out a custody agreement prior to their upcoming trial in August.
Kaplan stated:
"Kevin is seeking to maintain the sole legal and physical custody that he presently has. There's nothing magical about 50-50. There's nothing magical about 60-40. What's magical is that whatever order is in place, it's the order that best suits the best interest of the children. Kevin has had sole legal custody since January. He wants that to become a permanent order at trial, and the visitation to be consistent with what the court expanded it to this week."
Spears currently has two supervised day visits with her sons, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, and last week, one supervised overnight visit per week was added to her visitation rights. Kaplan added that Federline is more than happy to give ex-wife Spears not only more custody rights, but the ability to be "involved in their lives in a very substantial and meaningful way," and credits the conservatorship with her progress.
"When the conservatorship was imposed, it brought a certain sense of structure and stability to an environment that seemed to be continually in flux. And in flux is not a description of what you want for a child's environment."
Regarding the overall mood of the mediation meeting, Kaplan stated:
"The mediation didn't result in an agreement that would avoid the trial set in August...The mood was comfortable, positive and it was a mood that was consistent with opening at least a great dialogue, which is necessary."
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Russell Simmons' Daughters Get $20,000 A Month In Child Supporttag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.123522008-06-27T17:40:14Z2008-06-27T18:12:57Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Russell Simmons daughters Ming Lee, 8, and Aoki, 5, are set to receive $20,000 a month each in the new child support agreement between the hip hop mogul and his estranged wife Kimora Lee...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Russell Simmons daughters Ming Lee, 8, and Aoki, 5, are set to receive $20,000 a month each in the new child support agreement between the hip hop mogul and his estranged wife Kimora Lee Simmons.
Kimora Lee Simmons, who is the CEO of the Baby Phat fashion line, filed for divorce in March after nine years of marriage to Simmons, one of the founders of Def Jam Records. Kimora Lee is asking for primary custody of the couple's daughters and that Russell be given "reasonable child visitation...accompanied at all times by the children's nanny and security personnel."]]>
Paris Hilton Donates To Los Angeles Children's Hospitaltag:x17online.com,2008:/news//8.123492008-06-27T17:17:44Z2008-06-27T19:22:32Z LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Paris Hilton has made an “extremely generous” donation toward the construction of a medical building at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, hospital officials said on Thursday. In a statement, Hilton said, “The children I have...Elisabeth
LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Paris Hilton has made an “extremely generous” donation toward the construction of a medical building at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, hospital officials said on Thursday.
In a statement, Hilton said, “The children I have met through my involvement with Childrens Hospital have truly touched my heart. I am proud to make a donation and lend my name to the fundraising effort to help children who are facing terribly serious illnesses.”
Hilton has been donating her time and money to CHLA for over a year now, and the Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases is expected to open in 2010.
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