Casino files lawsuit against ‘Girls Gone Wild’ founder

Wednesday, 07/02/2008 - 9:51 am.

Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis is being sued by a Las Vegas Strip casino for US$2 million (NZ$2.6 million) in gambling debts from February of last year.

A spokesman said on Tuesday that Francis, who built a soft porn empire by making and marketing videos of young women in sexually provocative situations and exposing their breasts, satisfied his debt to the Wynn Las Vegas casino through "prior agreements" and plans to fight the lawsuit.

"The Wynn hotel has chosen not to honour its agreement to apply certain discounts to balances they have already been paid for," Francis spokesman Ronn Torossian said in a statement.

Torossian said Francis was waiting for his day in court with Wynn Resorts Ltd. Chief Executive Steve Wynn and planned on "exposing how exactly Mr Wynn deceives his high-end customers".

Wynn Las Vegas spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne said she could not comment on the specifics of the lawsuit but said the casino wouldn’t have sued unless other options were exhausted. "We don’t file lawsuits against people after 30, 60, 90 days," Dunne said.

"This has been an issue with our collections department for some time." The resort said in the lawsuit filed on Friday in Clark County District Court that it loaned Francis $2.8 million in February 2007 but was repaid only $800,000. The suit seeks the remainder of the loan plus costs.

Francis, 35, also faces federal charges that he claimed more than $20 million in phony tax deductions for 2002 and 2003 and used offshore accounts to conceal income.  A federal judge in April ordered Francis’ trial on the charges moved to Los Angeles because he and most other witnesses in the case live in Southern California.  Source


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Ok Mary-Kate Does Look Like A Troll - But Spencer Is A Dumbass!

Wednesday, 07/02/2008 - 9:43 am.

Spencer Pratt actually has regrets –- he says he’s sorry for calling Mary-Kate Olsen a "troll" –- but it’s because MK brought up a very sore subject … soccer.

Who knew? Us reports that Pratt says the celebutwin brought up an "emotional subject" when she told a story on Letterman about his throwing a hissy fit on the soccer field during high school. In fact, Pratt reveals that he’s "secretly jealous" of MK because he wants his face "on a lunchbox" just like her.

The pair have been feuding ever since he supposedly sold shots of a tipsy-looking MK to a tabloid. 


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The Brad & Angie Twins Are On The Way!

Wednesday, 07/02/2008 - 7:53 am.

Angelina Jolie has checked into a hospital in the South of France in anticipation of giving birth to twins, the Associated Press reports.  "There’s no urgency," hospital representative Nadine Bauer tells the AP. "[Jolie’s admittance has] been planned for a long time."

Bauer added, "She’s very well. Everything is fine."   Jolie and Brad Pitt are expecting their fifth and sixth children. The clan currently consists of Maddox, 6, Pax, 4, Zahara, 3, and Shiloh, 2.

In May, Jolie, 33, said on the Today show, "Unlike most women, I love being pregnant. [It makes] you feel more like a woman than you’ve ever felt. You just feel like everything about your body is there for your baby."

As for the babies’ first home, Jolie and Pitt recently signed a three-year lease on an estate in the French Riviera.


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Christina Aguilera full Glamour interview August 2008

Wednesday, 07/02/2008 - 7:49 am.

She rarely leaves the house. Her nails are blissfully unmanicured. She calls dates with her husband "Mommy and Daddy nights-out." Could the sexiest diva in the business have actually become a good girl? You decide.

The last time I interviewed Christina Aguilera for Glamour, it was in October 2006 and she was gearing up for her Back to Basics world tour. After I watched her grueling rehearsal, we sat down in her dressing room for a late-night chat. At the time, she was a confessed workaholic with a penchant for severe red lips, towering stilettos and perfectly manicured nails. She rarely met my eyes during the interview–a technique, she told me at the time, that helped her gather her thoughts–and while she was articulate, she seemed to choose her words very carefully. Almost two years later, I meet a very different Christina: The first thing I notice is that she looks me directly in the eyes–a nice improvement. She’s relaxed and eager to talk about life with her six-month-old son, Max, and her husband of nearly three years, music exec Jordan Bratman. Her appearance is softer too. She wears her hair in a tousled ponytail and apologizes for her unmanicured nails. But as we talk about her career, it’s clear that Aguilera’s focus is as razor-sharp as ever: She’s been working out 90 minutes a day to get back to her prebaby body, not to mention launching a new perfume called Inspire, promoting a jewelry line with designer Stephen Webster and working on an album that’s set for release later this year. (Oh, and the woman’s still a night owl: We meet at 10 P.M. at a West Hollywood lounge because she wanted to spend a full day with baby Max.) What else is new in this 27-year-old’s life? Read on!


GLAMOUR: You’re obviously back into fighting shape, so let’s discuss this workout of yours: boxing, running backward on a treadmill while going uphill, crunches, weights, pull-ups–it sounds brutal.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA: [Laughs.] I hate working out–I have to mentally push myself through it. I can get very whiny, saying things like, "I can’t do it!"

GLAMOUR: Does your trainer crack the whip when you get like that?

CA: No–I can’t deal with having someone barking at me. Mean training is not motivating to me at all; I like to be comforted [through my workout]. All my trainer has to do is say nicely, "I want you to do 200 bicycles; go right through it and don’t stop." Then I’ll know she’s serious and I’ll do it. I started out not being able to do man push-ups; pull-ups were a big one too. Now I can do five in a row.

GLAMOUR: You look great, Christina. How quickly did you notice a change in your body?

CA: Being the perfectionist that I am, my attitude was, this had better hurry up–I want results! My trainer kept saying, "Give it time, you’re looking great." Everyone around me was saying they could see a difference, but, you know, you’re hardest on yourself. I did see my stomach get flatter and tighter and more muscle definition.

GLAMOUR: What did you like the least about your postbaby body and what did you like the most?

CA: Well, I was OK with the booty and the boobs! [Laughs.] My stomach was really where I carried my weight. Toward the end of my pregnancy, I felt really big–I gained about 40 pounds, which is a lot for my size. My hips also changed significantly. And my feet grew from a size 5 to a size 7 in flats–thank God they [went back to normal]. I would have been so depressed if I had to get rid of my shoe collection!

GLAMOUR: Let’s talk about your new album: Can we expect to see you reinvent yourself as you did for Back to Basics?

CA: I just started recording it, but I can tell you that this record is all about fun. I’ll be referencing Pop Art, Andy Warhol’s art. So it will [sound] fun and fast-paced, and visually, it will be full of color, which is how it’s going to tie in with my new fragrance, Inspire [in stores next month].

GLAMOUR: So Warhol, Pop Art–will it have a sixties sound to it?

CA: I want it to be a surprise! But there’s also going to be a modern element to it that comes from my love of Tokyo.

GLAMOUR: I used to live there!

CA: Really? [Jordan] and I vacation there. There’s such excitement and energy. It’s just a zillion people walking around–it’s an incredible place.

GLAMOUR: How do people react to you in Tokyo? They must go nuts.

CA: You know what’s great? I’m a pretty petite person, so I just put on a hood or a hat and blend in.

GLAMOUR: What? That does not seem possible! Has being a new mom influenced your music?

CA: Absolutely–my little boy breathes new life into me. That’s one of the reasons I decided to go in a playful direction with this album. I’ve spoken openly about the domestic violence I experienced growing up.

GLAMOUR: Now that you’re a mom, is it even harder to grasp the concept of child abuse?

CA: Yes–even watching the news when you hear about babies being shaken. Of course you have compassion for children, but when you have your own, you feel it on a much deeper level. So I’m motivated to speak out even more; to do more charity work; to help children find [safe] homes.

GLAMOUR: Despite your tough childhood, you grew up into a solid person. What do you think when you see people in your industry, like Amy Winehouse, self-destruct?

CA: I’m not a judgmental person, so I can’t comment on someone else’s background. [As for me], I think I’ve always had a strong sense of self. My mom brought me up to believe that my talent is a gift and a blessing. But I have definitely made some mistakes that I would never do again.

GLAMOUR: Like what?

CA: When I was 21 and made Stripped, I was pretty distraught about some personal issues coming up from my past. I was going out and partying a lot–as people do at that age–and did some very unhealthy things to deal with the pain. But I was able to say, "OK, hold on."

GLAMOUR: But for some reason, you weren’t caught on camera doing it.

CA: Thank God! [Laughs.]

GLAMOUR: You probably couldn’t have gotten away with that now.

CA: I don’t think so. [It wasn’t until] the wave of reality TV that [our culture’s] obsession with celebrity got so crazy. I think a lot of people thrive on that stuff.

GLAMOUR: So how do you manage nowadays to avoid paparazzi?

CA: A lot of people go out of their way [to be photographed]; I make a conscious effort to keep me and my family out of the limelight. The other day a paparazzo actually pulled up to my husband on the street and said, "Geez, I know the new house is big, but I’ve been trying to get a picture of you for months–you never leave the house!" And it’s true: I’ll go out at night after spending time with my son, but [during the day] I just hang out on my grounds, taking him for walks in the stroller in the backyard where we won’t be seen.

GLAMOUR: Has having a child changed your relationship with your own mother?

CA: It’s given me a deeper understanding of the things she went through. She had a difficult childhood, and I think she wanted to make sure [I didn’t go through that]–[yet] she ended up marrying an abuser. My mom was so giving, almost too much, that she almost forgot about herself many times. So I’m careful to make time for myself. Rather than change who I am for Max, I bring the life lessons I’ve learned to the table.

GLAMOUR: How do you manage to make time for yourself?

CA: Obviously I didn’t do anything today–you’re not allowed to look at my nails!

GLAMOUR: How has your relationship with Jordan changed since the baby?

CA: It’s brought us closer–we’re bonded together for life. Relationships and great marriages are a whole learning and growing process. We’re just great teammates.

GLAMOUR: So, how do you guys keep things sexy these days?

CA: We make sure we have Mommy and Daddy nights out. Our child comes first, obviously, but there are certain things you can do: Once we know he’s in good hands, we go out late at night and have a few drinks. Then we’ll come home, dim the lights and do our thing–and I’m not going into any more detail than that!


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NY Yankee Making Late-Night Visits to Madonna’s Apartment

Tuesday, 07/01/2008 - 10:37 am.

Us Weekly reports in its new issue, on newsstands tomorrow, that Madonna’s seven-year marriage to Guy Ritchie has stalled out – and the singer has been hosting late-night visits from New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez at her Central Park West apartment in New York City.

A ringless and grim-faced Ritchie, 39, arrived in New York City from London yesterday after several weeks apart from his family. A source tells Us that the $28-million-a-year Rodriguez, 32, has made numerous solo nighttime visits to Madonna, 49, at her spacious home and would sneak out "as late as midnight." Says the source, "All the doormen are talking."

Rodriguez attended Madonna’s April 30 NYC concert; the singer sat in his seats at a Yankees game on June 22 (it was the first time she ever was photographed at a Yankees game). Her son Rocco, 7, also sported Yankees gear on June 25 while playing in Central Park.

Rodriguez, married with two young daughters, has already faced speculation about cheating: In 2007, he and a stripper were reportedly spied in Toronto, Miami and Dallas.

Complicating matters: Former Yankee slugger Jose Canseco – who once dated Madonna – wrote in his book Vindicted that he "hates [A-Rod’s] guts" because he once hit on his wife.

Madonna has been in NYC since the venerable Times of London confirmed that she consulted the same high-profile divorce attorney who worked with Paul McCartney and Prince Charles. Meanwhile, Us confirms Ritchie has also sought legal advice from Forsters law firm in London.

A-Rod’s Yankees rep, when reached for comment, referred Us to their shared manager Guy Oseary. When reached by Us, Oseary hung up the phone. Madonna’s rep, Liz Rosenberg, was not available.

Check out the new issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now, for exclusive details about Madonna’s surprising friendship with A-Rod, how she fell in and out of love with Ritchie, what divorce would mean for her $600 million estate, and why a reconciliation isn’t out of the question.  Source


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Steamy pic of John Mayer & Jennifer Aniston

Tuesday, 07/01/2008 - 10:11 am.



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Jonas Fever! Hits Toronto!

Tuesday, 07/01/2008 - 10:03 am.

Jonas Brothers Shoot Chevy Rocks the Road with Jonas Brothers. Having fun and thinking green… Toronto’s Molson Amphitheatre is the start of The Burning Up Tour this friday July 4th…


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Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester On The Cover of Lucky August 2008

Tuesday, 07/01/2008 - 8:34 am.

“I know it’s corny to say. … I love my life right now. The fashion alone is pretty unbelievable.” – Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester admits she’s lucky in August’s Lucky, out July 8.


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WOW! Jessica Alba Less Than One Month After Giving Birth

Tuesday, 07/01/2008 - 8:28 am.

Less than a month after giving birth, Jessica Alba has shed all her extra weight.  Jessica appeared to have regained her figure as she spent the afternoon shopping in Beverly Hills yesterday. Dressed casually in tracksuit bottoms and flip-flops, the actress did however seem to be having problems with her back as she stopped for a stretch.


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Hollywood to Face Actors Strike?

Tuesday, 07/01/2008 - 8:11 am.

The contract between producers and the biggest actors’ union, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), runs out next week – and the efforts to negotiate a new one are struggling, to say the least.

Union leaders have stressed they’ve made no moves to strike, and will continue negotiating after the contract expires, but the possibility would exist that actors could walk off the job, or be locked out by studios, which would severely damage film and TV production.

Issues affecting negotiation talks are reportedly stemming from similar problems that prompted the writers’ strike: namely that writers and actors want a greater share of DVD sales.

Some film productions have already halted, as studios don’t want to risk their projects being interrupted by a strike. The conflict has apparently divided La-La-Land, pitting stars against each other, with George Clooney assuming the role of mediator.

Playing hardball on the SAG side are leading actors Jack Nicholson and Ben Stiller, who want better wages for actors and a greater cut of DVD sales.  Meanwhile, Tom Hanks, Kevin Spacey and Alec Baldwin have all given their support to a smaller union, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), which is more willing to compromise in the deal with studio chiefs.

And Clooney just wants peace, man. The actor is prompting unity between the two. ‘Rather than pitting artist against artist, maybe we could find a way to get what both unions are looking for.

‘Because the one thing you can be sure of is that stories about Jack Nicholson versus Tom Hanks only strengthen the negotiating power of the AMPTP,’ he said in reference to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the Hollywood studios.

Estimates suggest that the writers strike, which lasted from November 2007 to February 2008, cost Hollywood $2.5 billion (£1.25bn) in lost wages and other revenues hitting hardest those in non-acting trades such as set builders, caterers, lighting engineers and make-up artists.  Source


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London Premiere Of “Mamma Mia!”

Monday, 06/30/2008 - 10:59 pm.

The star studded event which was held at the Odeon in Leicester Square saw a host of celebrities trotting down a blue carpet to see what is said to be this summer’s smash hit movie.

Meryl Streep

Amanda Seyfried

Pierce Brosnan & His Wife & Colin Firth & his Wife.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.

Source


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Britney’s Album Due To Drop Early 2009

Monday, 06/30/2008 - 10:40 pm.

Darkchild talking to RapUp about a new track he’s worked on with Britney four weeks ago. He also revealed that there looking at an early 2009 release for the album now.



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