http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/24/actor-michael-avmen-suing-after-being-denied-entry-to-oscars/
Actor Michael Avmen Suing After Being Denied Entry to Oscars
Budding Hollywood actor Michael Avmen is suing the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for $50 million, FOXNews reported on April 22. Avmen is claiming in his lawsuit that he and his wife were on the guest list to attend the Academy Awards on March 7, but when they arrived at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, they were held against their will for six hours.
Avmen said he and his wife were taken to the Academy’s “detention center” and repeatedly questioned about how they were able to get onto the red carpet without tickets. While he is insisting they were confirmed guests, they were accused of lying and trespassing. Therefore, Avmen has listed illegal false imprisonment and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress on the lawsuit.
In the lawsuit, which was filed in Central District Superior Court in California, Avmen also stated he and his wife did indeed receive a tentative invitation to cinema’s biggest night. While he and his publicist never given physical tickets to the event, he still showed up. He believed the Academy would hold their tickets inside the theater, as they did for other actors, including Robert Downey, Jr.
But when they arrived at the Kodak, Avmen said he and his wife were taken by an usher to the hotel’s “resolution desk.” He spoke with the Academy employee with whom he was previously in contact with, but the couple was still questioned. Six hours later, L.A. police arrived and took Avmen and his wife into custody, but no charges were filed against them. While the Academy officials didn’t apologize for the alleged imprisonment, Avmen said the police did.
The actor, who has small roles in the upcoming movies ‘Broken Blade,’ ‘Battle: Los Angeles’ and ‘Straw Dogs,’ also said in a statement that “If I or some ‘REGULAR’ individual acted as the Academy did, we would be in prison right now. I want and will show that these people aren’t above the law.’
Written by: Karen Benardello
Sunday, April 25, 2010
California Court Denies Petition Filed by Roman Polanski’s Victim
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/24/california-court-denies-petition-filed-by-roman-polanskis-victim/
California Court Denies Petition Filed by Roman Polanski’s Victim
The California Second District Court of Appeal denied a petition on April 22 filed by Samantha Geimer, the victim in Roman Polanski’s sex case, FOX News has reported. The court declined to comment on the denial of the petition, which was filed on March 23 to dismiss the case.
Geimer’s attorney, Lawrence Silver, argued that the 2008 changes in the state’s constitution gives her more rights as a victim to influence the case, saying “She is a person who is harmed by the maintenance of the prosecution and she wants it to end. She has not been treated fairly.”
In response, prosecutors said that the change doesn’t grant Geimer or other crime victims the right to end prosecutions. The ruling is unlikely to change anything on the Academy Award-winning director’s status, at least immediately. Presently, he is under house arrest in the Swiss resort of Gstaad.
American authorities are still seeking to extradite Polanski from Switzerland so that he can be sentenced for the one count of unlawful sexual intercourse he pled guilty to in 1978. However, his attorneys are hoping the plea will be overturned all together, as they claim there was serious misconduct by the original judge in the case.
Written by: Karen Benardello
California Court Denies Petition Filed by Roman Polanski’s Victim
The California Second District Court of Appeal denied a petition on April 22 filed by Samantha Geimer, the victim in Roman Polanski’s sex case, FOX News has reported. The court declined to comment on the denial of the petition, which was filed on March 23 to dismiss the case.
Geimer’s attorney, Lawrence Silver, argued that the 2008 changes in the state’s constitution gives her more rights as a victim to influence the case, saying “She is a person who is harmed by the maintenance of the prosecution and she wants it to end. She has not been treated fairly.”
In response, prosecutors said that the change doesn’t grant Geimer or other crime victims the right to end prosecutions. The ruling is unlikely to change anything on the Academy Award-winning director’s status, at least immediately. Presently, he is under house arrest in the Swiss resort of Gstaad.
American authorities are still seeking to extradite Polanski from Switzerland so that he can be sentenced for the one count of unlawful sexual intercourse he pled guilty to in 1978. However, his attorneys are hoping the plea will be overturned all together, as they claim there was serious misconduct by the original judge in the case.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Cybil Shepherd Son Avoids Jail Time
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/23/cybil-shepherds-son-avoids-jail-time/
Cybil Shepherd Son Avoids Jail Time
Cybil Shepherd’s son, Cyrus Zachariah Shepherd-Oppenheim, has averted jail time and will instead enter a pretrial diversion program. The 22-year-old law student from the University of Pennsylvania appeared in Philadelphia Municipal Court on April 20, People.com is reporting. He will be able to keep his criminal record clean if he follows the rules of the program, which is designed for first time offenders.
Shepherd-Oppenheim was arrested in January at Philadelphia National Airport for allegedly stealing other passengers’ property. He was caught trying to take a Cannon digital camera, leather make-up case, small travel bag and money from fellow passengers as they slept on an overnight flight from San Francisco to Philadelphia.
Another hearing is scheduled for on June 4. The lawyer for Shepherd-Oppenheim, who comes from Sebastopol, California and whose father is the actress’ ex-husband, Bruce Oppenheim, declined to comment on the case outside of the courtroom.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Cybil Shepherd Son Avoids Jail Time
Cybil Shepherd’s son, Cyrus Zachariah Shepherd-Oppenheim, has averted jail time and will instead enter a pretrial diversion program. The 22-year-old law student from the University of Pennsylvania appeared in Philadelphia Municipal Court on April 20, People.com is reporting. He will be able to keep his criminal record clean if he follows the rules of the program, which is designed for first time offenders.
Shepherd-Oppenheim was arrested in January at Philadelphia National Airport for allegedly stealing other passengers’ property. He was caught trying to take a Cannon digital camera, leather make-up case, small travel bag and money from fellow passengers as they slept on an overnight flight from San Francisco to Philadelphia.
Another hearing is scheduled for on June 4. The lawyer for Shepherd-Oppenheim, who comes from Sebastopol, California and whose father is the actress’ ex-husband, Bruce Oppenheim, declined to comment on the case outside of the courtroom.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Heather Locklear Arrested for Hit-and-Run
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/23/heather-locklear-arrested-for-hit-and-run/
Heather Locklear Arrested for Hit-and-Run
Heather Locklear, who made headlines late last year after returning to the role of Amanda Woodward on the CW’s revamped ‘Melrose Place,’ has made headlines again. TMZ reported that the actress was arrested on April 17 for a hit-and-run.
One of Locklear’s neighbors in the gated North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, California, heard a crash around 4 a.m. While the witness didn’t call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department to report the crash until 7:48 p.m. that night, deputies were still able to find obvious signs that a car went on a curb and struck a “No Parking” sign near the actress’s home.
The deputies determined that the car in question was indeed Locklear’s black 2005 BMW after examining debris left at the scene. When they went to her house, they saw the car had damage consistent with the crash, and then subsequently arrested her for the hit-and-run.
Locklear wasn’t taken into custody however, as the offense is a misdemeanor. However, she may be facing serious trouble, as she was arrested in Santa Barbara in 2008 for driving under the influence of prescription medications. She pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving in that case, and was placed on three years informal probation. A Santa Barbara prosecutor is looking into the recent hit-and-run, as it may be a probation violation.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Heather Locklear Arrested for Hit-and-Run
Heather Locklear, who made headlines late last year after returning to the role of Amanda Woodward on the CW’s revamped ‘Melrose Place,’ has made headlines again. TMZ reported that the actress was arrested on April 17 for a hit-and-run.
One of Locklear’s neighbors in the gated North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, California, heard a crash around 4 a.m. While the witness didn’t call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department to report the crash until 7:48 p.m. that night, deputies were still able to find obvious signs that a car went on a curb and struck a “No Parking” sign near the actress’s home.
The deputies determined that the car in question was indeed Locklear’s black 2005 BMW after examining debris left at the scene. When they went to her house, they saw the car had damage consistent with the crash, and then subsequently arrested her for the hit-and-run.
Locklear wasn’t taken into custody however, as the offense is a misdemeanor. However, she may be facing serious trouble, as she was arrested in Santa Barbara in 2008 for driving under the influence of prescription medications. She pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving in that case, and was placed on three years informal probation. A Santa Barbara prosecutor is looking into the recent hit-and-run, as it may be a probation violation.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Friday, April 23, 2010
Michael Douglas Asks Judge for Leniency in Son Cameron’s Case
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/21/michael-douglas-asks-judge-for-leniency-in-son-camerons-case/
Michael Douglas Asks Judge for Leniency in Son Cameron’s Case
Before Cameron Douglas son was sentenced on April 20 for dealing methamphetamine and cocaine in New York City, his famous father, Michael, wrote to the judge, asking him for leniency, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
AP added the actor wrote that the Douglas family’s long history of drug abuse sparked his son’s drug habit. Douglas also wrote that while his son is an adult and is “responsible for his own actions,” Cameron’s substance abuse problems and drug dealing were a result of “genes, family and peer pressure.” Douglas’s half-brother Eric died in 2004 from a drug overdose.
Douglas also hinted that his son’s drug problems stemmed from coming from a privileged family, as his grandfather, Kirk, is also an actor. He wrote that “I have some idea of the pressure of finding your own identity with a famous father. I’m not sure I can comprehend it with two generations to deal with.”
The 31-year-old Cameron was arrested July 28 of last year at the Hotel Gansevoort in Manhattan as part of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation. He reportedly dealt large amounts of meth and cocaine while there. He pled guilty in January, and told the judge that he first started dealing when a contact asked him for drugs in 2006. After that, Cameron said he began dealing on a regular basis.
Cameron is currently in a Manhattan federal jail, and is also supported by his grandfather Kirk, stepmother Catherine Zeta-Jones and NBA executive Pat Riley. Ninety-three-year-old Kirk asked the judge to spare his grandson a lengthy sentence, as he hopes to see him turn his life around while he’s still alive. Zeta-Jones also wrote that while Cameron’s heroin addition has taken over his life in recent years, he has remained a ‘caring, considerate, worthy human being.” However, she didn’t argue that he shouldn’t pay for his crimes.
The charges carried a minimum sentence of 10 years, but Cameron’s lawyers insist he is committed to his sobriety. They urged the judge to only give him a maximum three-and-a-half year sentence.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Michael Douglas Asks Judge for Leniency in Son Cameron’s Case
Before Cameron Douglas son was sentenced on April 20 for dealing methamphetamine and cocaine in New York City, his famous father, Michael, wrote to the judge, asking him for leniency, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
AP added the actor wrote that the Douglas family’s long history of drug abuse sparked his son’s drug habit. Douglas also wrote that while his son is an adult and is “responsible for his own actions,” Cameron’s substance abuse problems and drug dealing were a result of “genes, family and peer pressure.” Douglas’s half-brother Eric died in 2004 from a drug overdose.
Douglas also hinted that his son’s drug problems stemmed from coming from a privileged family, as his grandfather, Kirk, is also an actor. He wrote that “I have some idea of the pressure of finding your own identity with a famous father. I’m not sure I can comprehend it with two generations to deal with.”
The 31-year-old Cameron was arrested July 28 of last year at the Hotel Gansevoort in Manhattan as part of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation. He reportedly dealt large amounts of meth and cocaine while there. He pled guilty in January, and told the judge that he first started dealing when a contact asked him for drugs in 2006. After that, Cameron said he began dealing on a regular basis.
Cameron is currently in a Manhattan federal jail, and is also supported by his grandfather Kirk, stepmother Catherine Zeta-Jones and NBA executive Pat Riley. Ninety-three-year-old Kirk asked the judge to spare his grandson a lengthy sentence, as he hopes to see him turn his life around while he’s still alive. Zeta-Jones also wrote that while Cameron’s heroin addition has taken over his life in recent years, he has remained a ‘caring, considerate, worthy human being.” However, she didn’t argue that he shouldn’t pay for his crimes.
The charges carried a minimum sentence of 10 years, but Cameron’s lawyers insist he is committed to his sobriety. They urged the judge to only give him a maximum three-and-a-half year sentence.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Mel Gibson, Oksana Grigorieva Split
4/21/10 Shockya.com blog
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/21/mel-gibson-oksana-grigorieva-split/
Mel Gibson, Oksana Grigorieva Split
The Russian model, musician and mother of Mel Gibson’s youngest child, Oksana Grigorieva, has confirmed her split with the controversial actor and director. During a press conference on April 19 in Moscow to announce a charity concert, Grigorieva appeared in front of cameras for the first time since the breakup and told reporters that “I can tell you that we have split up, suddenly and recently. Unfortunately, I cannot give you the reason. But you will find out everything quite soon.”
US Magazine reported that the Russian piano player also said that the breakup was mutual, and the two will raise their 5-month-old daughter Lucia together. At the time of the press conference, Grigorieva said Lucia was at her Los Angeles home with her mother.
Their relationship stirred controversy last year when it first became public. When it first made headlines, Gibson’s wife Robyn, who he was married to for nearly 30 years, filed for divorce in April. A month later, Gibson and Grigorieva announced they were expecting a child and were engaged, although a wedding date was never publicly revealed.
Lucia joins Gibson’s seven children with Robyn. Grigorieva also has a son, 13-year-old Alexander, with former James Bond star Timothy Dalton.
Written by: Karen Benardello
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/21/mel-gibson-oksana-grigorieva-split/
Mel Gibson, Oksana Grigorieva Split
The Russian model, musician and mother of Mel Gibson’s youngest child, Oksana Grigorieva, has confirmed her split with the controversial actor and director. During a press conference on April 19 in Moscow to announce a charity concert, Grigorieva appeared in front of cameras for the first time since the breakup and told reporters that “I can tell you that we have split up, suddenly and recently. Unfortunately, I cannot give you the reason. But you will find out everything quite soon.”
US Magazine reported that the Russian piano player also said that the breakup was mutual, and the two will raise their 5-month-old daughter Lucia together. At the time of the press conference, Grigorieva said Lucia was at her Los Angeles home with her mother.
Their relationship stirred controversy last year when it first became public. When it first made headlines, Gibson’s wife Robyn, who he was married to for nearly 30 years, filed for divorce in April. A month later, Gibson and Grigorieva announced they were expecting a child and were engaged, although a wedding date was never publicly revealed.
Lucia joins Gibson’s seven children with Robyn. Grigorieva also has a son, 13-year-old Alexander, with former James Bond star Timothy Dalton.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Thursday, April 22, 2010
'Ondine' Movie Review
Ondine Movie Review
Here's the link to my 'Ondine' Movie Review, starring Colin Farrell, on the Shockya.com website:
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/21/ondine-movie-review/
Here's the link to my 'Ondine' Movie Review, starring Colin Farrell, on the Shockya.com website:
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/21/ondine-movie-review/
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Gerald Imes Apologizes to Sister Monique for Abuse
Gerald Imes Apologizes to Sister Monique for Abuse
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/20/gerald-imes-apologizes-to-sister-monique-for-abuse/
The brother of recent Academy Award winner and comedienne Mo’Nique, Gerald Imes, appeared on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ on April 19 to publicly admit that he molested her when they were children. Imes said he wanted to apologize for the abuse, which began when he was 13 and she was 7, and continued for about a year.
“I abused and betrayed the trust of another sibling, my sister, my blood sister,” Imes told Winfrey, adding “I’m sorry, Mo’Nique. I’m sorry.” He also told Winfrey that he wanted to appear on her show to bring their family back together, as he was also molested when he was a child. He added that he started using drugs and drinking when he was just 11 years old.
Imes also directed a comment towards Mo’Nique, which included apologizing and finally admitting what he had done by saying “It happenned. I’m sorry that I was the one who did it to you. I understand your pain. Now let’s share this together.”
Mo’Nique has spoken about the molestation she incurred from her brother in previous interviews. She said she used it as an inspiration for her role as abusive mother Mary Lee Johnston in ‘Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,’ for which she won her Oscar. While she declined to appear on Winfrey’s show with her brother, the talk show queen said Mo’Nique did give her consent for him to give the interview
Written by: Karen Benardello
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/20/gerald-imes-apologizes-to-sister-monique-for-abuse/
The brother of recent Academy Award winner and comedienne Mo’Nique, Gerald Imes, appeared on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ on April 19 to publicly admit that he molested her when they were children. Imes said he wanted to apologize for the abuse, which began when he was 13 and she was 7, and continued for about a year.
“I abused and betrayed the trust of another sibling, my sister, my blood sister,” Imes told Winfrey, adding “I’m sorry, Mo’Nique. I’m sorry.” He also told Winfrey that he wanted to appear on her show to bring their family back together, as he was also molested when he was a child. He added that he started using drugs and drinking when he was just 11 years old.
Imes also directed a comment towards Mo’Nique, which included apologizing and finally admitting what he had done by saying “It happenned. I’m sorry that I was the one who did it to you. I understand your pain. Now let’s share this together.”
Mo’Nique has spoken about the molestation she incurred from her brother in previous interviews. She said she used it as an inspiration for her role as abusive mother Mary Lee Johnston in ‘Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,’ for which she won her Oscar. While she declined to appear on Winfrey’s show with her brother, the talk show queen said Mo’Nique did give her consent for him to give the interview
Written by: Karen Benardello
Brooke Mueller Initiates Separation from Charlie Sheen
Brooke Mueller Initiates Separation from Charlie Sheen
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/20/brooke-mueller-initiates-separation-from-charlie-sheen/
Brooke Mueller has initiated the separation process from Charlie Sheen, her husband of just 23 months, Star Magazine is reporting. Mueller ultimately decided to leave the troubled marriage was when Sheen reportedly reverted back to his partying bachelor days and was caught with a paid escort in L.A.
The reported cheating, combined with the ‘Two-and-a-Half Men’ star’s pending criminal charges of assault, criminal mischief and menacing after their Christmas Day fight in their Aspen home, were the final straws for Mueller. She is said to be moving out of the couple’s home in the gated community of Mulholland Estates in Beverly Hills.
Star also reported that while Mueller has been trying to keep the marriage together for their one-year-old twin sons, Bob and Max, she will be taking them with her when she moves out. Mueller is also said to be upset that she is the only one in the marriage to be taking rehab seriously since the two both entered after Christmas. When Star contacted Mueller, the only statement she gave was “I’m not going to comment, other than to say that I’m doing what I need to do to move forward with my life.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/20/brooke-mueller-initiates-separation-from-charlie-sheen/
Brooke Mueller has initiated the separation process from Charlie Sheen, her husband of just 23 months, Star Magazine is reporting. Mueller ultimately decided to leave the troubled marriage was when Sheen reportedly reverted back to his partying bachelor days and was caught with a paid escort in L.A.
The reported cheating, combined with the ‘Two-and-a-Half Men’ star’s pending criminal charges of assault, criminal mischief and menacing after their Christmas Day fight in their Aspen home, were the final straws for Mueller. She is said to be moving out of the couple’s home in the gated community of Mulholland Estates in Beverly Hills.
Star also reported that while Mueller has been trying to keep the marriage together for their one-year-old twin sons, Bob and Max, she will be taking them with her when she moves out. Mueller is also said to be upset that she is the only one in the marriage to be taking rehab seriously since the two both entered after Christmas. When Star contacted Mueller, the only statement she gave was “I’m not going to comment, other than to say that I’m doing what I need to do to move forward with my life.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
Monday, April 19, 2010
Danny Glover Arrested During Protest
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/18/danny-glover-arrested-during-protest/
Danny Glover Arrested During Protest
Actor Danny Glover was among a group of 12 protesters who were arrested at the Sodexo headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the Huffington Post reported on April 16. The group stepped across yellow police tape during a labor union protest, and they refused to step back when Montgomery County police officers asked them to retreat three times.
The ‘Lethal Weapon’ star and the other protesters were given citations for trespassing at the food service company and let go. The punishment for the group will either be 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.
The Service Employees International Union claims that Sodexo treats its workers unfairly and illegally. In response, Sodexo officials said the union was spreading false claims against the company. However, Glover’s publicists declined to comment on the arrest.
This isn’t the first time the actor has been arrested for trespassing during a union rally. The Post reported that Glover was convicted in Niagara Falls, Ontario in early 2008 for entering a Sheraton property in September 2006. He was convicted with UNITE HERE union representative Alex Dagg and Ontario Federation of Labour President Wayne Samuelson. The hotel’s company, Canadian Niagara Hotels, filed the lawsuit against the three.
Glover participated in a protest that aimed to increase the salaries and improve working conditions for American and Canadian hotel workers. The protest was led by UNITE HERE, which represents food service, garment and manufacturing workers across in North America.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Danny Glover Arrested During Protest
Actor Danny Glover was among a group of 12 protesters who were arrested at the Sodexo headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the Huffington Post reported on April 16. The group stepped across yellow police tape during a labor union protest, and they refused to step back when Montgomery County police officers asked them to retreat three times.
The ‘Lethal Weapon’ star and the other protesters were given citations for trespassing at the food service company and let go. The punishment for the group will either be 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.
The Service Employees International Union claims that Sodexo treats its workers unfairly and illegally. In response, Sodexo officials said the union was spreading false claims against the company. However, Glover’s publicists declined to comment on the arrest.
This isn’t the first time the actor has been arrested for trespassing during a union rally. The Post reported that Glover was convicted in Niagara Falls, Ontario in early 2008 for entering a Sheraton property in September 2006. He was convicted with UNITE HERE union representative Alex Dagg and Ontario Federation of Labour President Wayne Samuelson. The hotel’s company, Canadian Niagara Hotels, filed the lawsuit against the three.
Glover participated in a protest that aimed to increase the salaries and improve working conditions for American and Canadian hotel workers. The protest was led by UNITE HERE, which represents food service, garment and manufacturing workers across in North America.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Christina Applegate Engaged to Martyn LeNoble
Christina Applegate Engaged to Martyn LeNoble
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/18/christina-applegate-engaged-to-martyn-lenoble/
Samantha Who?’ star Christina Applegate is ready to get married again. The actress’ publicist confirmed to Usmagazine.com on April 16 that her musician boyfriend, Martyn LeNoble, proposed on Valentine’s Day.
The couple has been dating for two years, Applegate’s rep also said. However, no date has been set yet. This will be the second marriage for both Applegate and LeNoble. She was previously married to actor Johnathon Schaech, who has starred in such movies as ‘8MM2′ and the 2008 remake of ‘Prom Night.’ However, they divorced in 2007.
Applegate said LeNoble stood by her during her breast cancer scare last spring. “I have a small but mighty support system and (Martyn) has really been an incredible part of my life,” she also said. “Without him, I don’t know if I could’ve gone through any of it. He kind of came around at a time when there was a lot of loss in my life on many levels, so he’s been a really incredible help.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/18/christina-applegate-engaged-to-martyn-lenoble/
Samantha Who?’ star Christina Applegate is ready to get married again. The actress’ publicist confirmed to Usmagazine.com on April 16 that her musician boyfriend, Martyn LeNoble, proposed on Valentine’s Day.
The couple has been dating for two years, Applegate’s rep also said. However, no date has been set yet. This will be the second marriage for both Applegate and LeNoble. She was previously married to actor Johnathon Schaech, who has starred in such movies as ‘8MM2′ and the 2008 remake of ‘Prom Night.’ However, they divorced in 2007.
Applegate said LeNoble stood by her during her breast cancer scare last spring. “I have a small but mighty support system and (Martyn) has really been an incredible part of my life,” she also said. “Without him, I don’t know if I could’ve gone through any of it. He kind of came around at a time when there was a lot of loss in my life on many levels, so he’s been a really incredible help.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Larry King Divorcing Seventh Wife
Larry King Divorcing Seventh Wife
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/17/larry-king-divorcing-seventh-wife/
Larry King has filed for divorce from his seventh wife, Shawn Southwick, Popeater.com reported on April 15. The talk show legend stated “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the break-up.
However, rumors are swirling that Southwick thinks King had a five-year affair with her sister, Shannon Engemann. Southwick allegedly looked at one of his credit card statements and saw expensive charges, including a $160,000 car, but she claims she never received anything form King. Engremann has denied the affair, which was first reported on by the National Enquirer last year.
Southwick is also being accused of cheating, including with one of her husband’s employees. The Enquirer also claimed in 2008 that she had an affair with one of her sons’ baseball coach.
The 76-year-old CNN host married the 50-year-old former singer in 1997 in a hospital before he went into surgery for a clogged blood vessel. They had two sons together, 11-year-old Chance and 9-year-old Cannon. This will be Kings’ eighth divorce from seven different women.
King’s spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, told People magazine that his client’s main concern is with his children. King is seeking joint custody of Chance and Cannon. He also wants the court to deny Southwick spousal support. In response, she asked the court for primary physical custody and spousal and child support.
Written by: Karen Benardello
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/17/larry-king-divorcing-seventh-wife/
Larry King has filed for divorce from his seventh wife, Shawn Southwick, Popeater.com reported on April 15. The talk show legend stated “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the break-up.
However, rumors are swirling that Southwick thinks King had a five-year affair with her sister, Shannon Engemann. Southwick allegedly looked at one of his credit card statements and saw expensive charges, including a $160,000 car, but she claims she never received anything form King. Engremann has denied the affair, which was first reported on by the National Enquirer last year.
Southwick is also being accused of cheating, including with one of her husband’s employees. The Enquirer also claimed in 2008 that she had an affair with one of her sons’ baseball coach.
The 76-year-old CNN host married the 50-year-old former singer in 1997 in a hospital before he went into surgery for a clogged blood vessel. They had two sons together, 11-year-old Chance and 9-year-old Cannon. This will be Kings’ eighth divorce from seven different women.
King’s spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, told People magazine that his client’s main concern is with his children. King is seeking joint custody of Chance and Cannon. He also wants the court to deny Southwick spousal support. In response, she asked the court for primary physical custody and spousal and child support.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Dennis Quaid Discusses Twins Nearly Fatal Overdose
Dennis Quaid Discusses Twins Nearly Fatal Overdose
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/17/dennis-quaid-discusses-twins-nearly-fatal-overdose/
Dennis Quaid is finally discussing the fact that his twins nearly died when they were first born in 2007, due to an error made by the staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The actor told the Associated Press (AP) that the twins, named Thomas and Zoe, were accidentally given an overdose of heparin, a blood thinner.
The actor said the twins’ lives were in danger for 41 hours, which he called the worst two days of his and his wife Kimberly’s lives. Quaid said they were in “shock, anger and confusion” during the time, which he called a preventable error. The two settled with the hospital for $500,000, and the twins so far have shown no side effects.
In response to the overdose, Quaid said he did some research, and found out it’s a common occurrence. So he decided to raise awareness, as many health care workers aren’t even aware of the harm and consequences such an overdose can bring. Quaid decided to produce a documentary called ‘Chasing Zero: Winning the War on Heathcare Harm,’ which focuses on medical mistakes. It’s set to premiere on the Discovery Channel April 24.
Written by: Karen Benardello
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/17/dennis-quaid-discusses-twins-nearly-fatal-overdose/
Dennis Quaid is finally discussing the fact that his twins nearly died when they were first born in 2007, due to an error made by the staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The actor told the Associated Press (AP) that the twins, named Thomas and Zoe, were accidentally given an overdose of heparin, a blood thinner.
The actor said the twins’ lives were in danger for 41 hours, which he called the worst two days of his and his wife Kimberly’s lives. Quaid said they were in “shock, anger and confusion” during the time, which he called a preventable error. The two settled with the hospital for $500,000, and the twins so far have shown no side effects.
In response to the overdose, Quaid said he did some research, and found out it’s a common occurrence. So he decided to raise awareness, as many health care workers aren’t even aware of the harm and consequences such an overdose can bring. Quaid decided to produce a documentary called ‘Chasing Zero: Winning the War on Heathcare Harm,’ which focuses on medical mistakes. It’s set to premiere on the Discovery Channel April 24.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Friday, April 16, 2010
Melissa Etheridge Splits With Partner Tammy
Melissa Etheridge Splits With Partner Tammy
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/16/melissa-etheridge-splits-with-partner-tammy/
Melissa Etheridge has ended her nine year relationship with her partner Tammy, her rep told People.com on April 15. In an official statement, her rep said that the couple is “…saddened to announce that they are now separated.” The couple added that they hope the public will give them and their family “privacy, consideration and respect” as they deal with the breakup.
The singer exchanged vows with the actress, who appeared on the TV shows ‘Popular’ and ‘The L Word,’ in Malibu in September 2003. While Tammy changed her last name to Etheridge from Lynn Michaels, California state law didn’t recognize same-sex marriages at the time. However, five years later, the Supreme Court of California overturned the state’s ban on same sex marriage for six months, but the two never walked down the aisle again.
Tammy gave birth to the couple’s two children, son Miller and daughter Johnnie Rose, in 2006. Etheridge also has two other children, 13-year-old Bailey and 11-year-old Beckett, with her previous partner Julie Cypher.
Written by: Karen Benardello
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/16/melissa-etheridge-splits-with-partner-tammy/
Melissa Etheridge has ended her nine year relationship with her partner Tammy, her rep told People.com on April 15. In an official statement, her rep said that the couple is “…saddened to announce that they are now separated.” The couple added that they hope the public will give them and their family “privacy, consideration and respect” as they deal with the breakup.
The singer exchanged vows with the actress, who appeared on the TV shows ‘Popular’ and ‘The L Word,’ in Malibu in September 2003. While Tammy changed her last name to Etheridge from Lynn Michaels, California state law didn’t recognize same-sex marriages at the time. However, five years later, the Supreme Court of California overturned the state’s ban on same sex marriage for six months, but the two never walked down the aisle again.
Tammy gave birth to the couple’s two children, son Miller and daughter Johnnie Rose, in 2006. Etheridge also has two other children, 13-year-old Bailey and 11-year-old Beckett, with her previous partner Julie Cypher.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Ringo Starr Does Not Accept Vaticans Forgiveness
Ringo Starr Does Not Accept Vaticans Forgiveness
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/16/ringo-starr-doesnt-accept-vaticans-forgiveness/
Ringo Starr has not accepted the Vatican’s moves to forgive the Beatles for John Lennon’s 1966 claim that the group was ‘bigger than Jesus,’ Spinner.com reported on April 15. This comes after Pope Benedict XVI sanctioned the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, to praise the Beatles’ music and absolve them for their rock star lifestyle.
The drummer seems unfazed by the Vatican’s move, which comes two years after it initially expressed its forgiveness for the Beatles self-indulgent ways in the ’60s. The L’Osservatore Romano was taking part in the 40th anniversary of the record ‘The Beatles,’ and called it a “magical musical anthology.”
Starr wondered why the Church would forgive the group, asking “Didn’t the Vatican say we were Satanic or possibly Satanic?” He also said that he thinks the Vatican has more to discuss than the Beatles, in reference to the current sex abuse scandal involving priests and pedophilia in the Catholic Church.
The Pope is under controversy as he nears his 83rd birthday and the fifth anniversary of his papacy. Sex scandals are breaking out across the world, including Ireland, Brazil and New Zealand. He has been accused of being too lenient towards pedophile priests during the ’80s when he served as archbishop of Munich, and later when he was the head of the Vatican’s doctrinal enforcement department.
Written by: Karen Benardello
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/16/ringo-starr-doesnt-accept-vaticans-forgiveness/
Ringo Starr has not accepted the Vatican’s moves to forgive the Beatles for John Lennon’s 1966 claim that the group was ‘bigger than Jesus,’ Spinner.com reported on April 15. This comes after Pope Benedict XVI sanctioned the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, to praise the Beatles’ music and absolve them for their rock star lifestyle.
The drummer seems unfazed by the Vatican’s move, which comes two years after it initially expressed its forgiveness for the Beatles self-indulgent ways in the ’60s. The L’Osservatore Romano was taking part in the 40th anniversary of the record ‘The Beatles,’ and called it a “magical musical anthology.”
Starr wondered why the Church would forgive the group, asking “Didn’t the Vatican say we were Satanic or possibly Satanic?” He also said that he thinks the Vatican has more to discuss than the Beatles, in reference to the current sex abuse scandal involving priests and pedophilia in the Catholic Church.
The Pope is under controversy as he nears his 83rd birthday and the fifth anniversary of his papacy. Sex scandals are breaking out across the world, including Ireland, Brazil and New Zealand. He has been accused of being too lenient towards pedophile priests during the ’80s when he served as archbishop of Munich, and later when he was the head of the Vatican’s doctrinal enforcement department.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Links to my last four Shockya.com blogs
Here are the links to my last four Shockya.com blogs:
Ryan Phillippe Tired of Media Blaming Him for Failed Marriage
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/15/ryan-phillippe-tired-of-media-blaming-him-for-failed-marriage/
Steven Seagal Sued Over Alleged Sex Trafficking and Assault
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/15/steven-seagal-sued-over-alleged-sex-trafficking-and-assault/
Actress Dixie Carter Dies from Endometrial Cancer
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/13/actress-dixie-carter-dies-from-endometrial-cancer/
Anna Torv, Mark Valley Divorcing After One Year
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/13/anna-torv-mark-valley-divorcing-after-one-year/
Ryan Phillippe Tired of Media Blaming Him for Failed Marriage
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/15/ryan-phillippe-tired-of-media-blaming-him-for-failed-marriage/
Steven Seagal Sued Over Alleged Sex Trafficking and Assault
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/15/steven-seagal-sued-over-alleged-sex-trafficking-and-assault/
Actress Dixie Carter Dies from Endometrial Cancer
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/13/actress-dixie-carter-dies-from-endometrial-cancer/
Anna Torv, Mark Valley Divorcing After One Year
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/13/anna-torv-mark-valley-divorcing-after-one-year/
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Brian Bonsall from Family Ties Pled Guilty to Assault
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/11/brain-bonsall-from-family-ties-pled-guilty-to-assault/
Brian Bonsall from Family Ties Pled Guilty to Assault
Former child star Brian Bonsall, who’s most remembered for playing Michael J. Fox’s younger brother Andy Keaton on the hit 1980s show ‘Family Ties,’ has been sentenced to two years probation, the Associated Press reported on April 9. Bonsall pled guilty to felony menacing and third-degree assault, charges stemming from a fight he had with his friend Micheal Trujillo in Colorado last year.
The Colorado Daily reported in December that Bonsall was arrested at Trujillo’s home after heavily drinking and fighting. The arrest report states that Bonsall hit Trujillo with a broken stool, but he stated that he doesn’t remember doing it. During the arrest, Bonsall said in his defense that he and Trujillo both are bipolar and like drugs, which makes him forget things.
The 28-year-old actor entered his plea, which also included violating the terms of his probation after a 2007 assault on his girlfriend, in Boulder. The Denver Post reported that Bonsall will get a deferred sentence on the felony menacing charge, and it won’t show up on his permanent record, if he doesn’t get into trouble for the next two years.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Brian Bonsall from Family Ties Pled Guilty to Assault
Former child star Brian Bonsall, who’s most remembered for playing Michael J. Fox’s younger brother Andy Keaton on the hit 1980s show ‘Family Ties,’ has been sentenced to two years probation, the Associated Press reported on April 9. Bonsall pled guilty to felony menacing and third-degree assault, charges stemming from a fight he had with his friend Micheal Trujillo in Colorado last year.
The Colorado Daily reported in December that Bonsall was arrested at Trujillo’s home after heavily drinking and fighting. The arrest report states that Bonsall hit Trujillo with a broken stool, but he stated that he doesn’t remember doing it. During the arrest, Bonsall said in his defense that he and Trujillo both are bipolar and like drugs, which makes him forget things.
The 28-year-old actor entered his plea, which also included violating the terms of his probation after a 2007 assault on his girlfriend, in Boulder. The Denver Post reported that Bonsall will get a deferred sentence on the felony menacing charge, and it won’t show up on his permanent record, if he doesn’t get into trouble for the next two years.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Meinhardt Raabe One of Last Surviving Munchkin Dies
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/11/meinhardt-raabe-one-of-last-surviving-munchkins-dies/
Meinhardt Raabe One of Last Surviving Munchkin Dies
Meinhardt Raabe, one of the last surviving Munchkins from ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ died on the morning of April 9, the New York Times is reporting. The 94-year-old actor is presumed to have died from a heart attack.
Cindy Bosnyak, Raabe’s caregiver, said he was taken to a hospital after he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest at the Penney Retirement Community in Penney Farms, Florida. He had lived at the community home since 1986, and had complained of a sore throat prior to collapsing.
Raabe graduated from the University of Wisconsin and was a World War II veteran. He also played Little Oscar, the mascot of Oscar Mayer meats, for almost 30 years. But the actor, who was 4 feet 7 inches, is best remembered for his only on-screen appearance, his un-credited role in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ He appeared in the classic movie for just 13 seconds, saying “As coroner, I must aver, I thoroughly examined her. And she’s not only merely dead, she’s really most sincerely dead.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
Meinhardt Raabe One of Last Surviving Munchkin Dies
Meinhardt Raabe, one of the last surviving Munchkins from ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ died on the morning of April 9, the New York Times is reporting. The 94-year-old actor is presumed to have died from a heart attack.
Cindy Bosnyak, Raabe’s caregiver, said he was taken to a hospital after he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest at the Penney Retirement Community in Penney Farms, Florida. He had lived at the community home since 1986, and had complained of a sore throat prior to collapsing.
Raabe graduated from the University of Wisconsin and was a World War II veteran. He also played Little Oscar, the mascot of Oscar Mayer meats, for almost 30 years. But the actor, who was 4 feet 7 inches, is best remembered for his only on-screen appearance, his un-credited role in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ He appeared in the classic movie for just 13 seconds, saying “As coroner, I must aver, I thoroughly examined her. And she’s not only merely dead, she’s really most sincerely dead.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Shockya.com now has PR division-hire us!
I am currently a writer/publicist for Shockya.com's public relations (PR) division. We specialize in "digital forms of publicity through social media and entertainment websites and blogs. We will strategically plan, create and market your project through our long standing editorial relationships and popular social sites such as Twitter, Facebook and the like." Our services include: Online Promotions, Campaign Review, Editorial Calendars, Press Kit and Press Release Development and Digital Press Materials.
If you would like to hire Shockya.com for your PR needs, please visit: http://www.shockyapr.com/, or e-mail: info@shockyapr.com.
If you would like to hire Shockya.com for your PR needs, please visit: http://www.shockyapr.com/, or e-mail: info@shockyapr.com.
James Van der Beek Expecting First Child
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/10/james-van-der-beek-expecting-first-child/
James Van der Beek Expecting First Child
James Van der Beek is expecting his first child with his girlfriend, business consultant Kimberly Brook. The 33-year-old actor made the announcement via Twitter, writing “Yes, it’s true-the woman I love and I are expecting our first child. Currently experiencing joy on levels I never knew existed.” People.com reported on April 9 that his rep has confirmed the news.
The actor met Brook last July, three months after he announced his separation from his wife Heather Ann McComb. Van der Beek married McComb in July 2003, two months after the series finale of his hit WB show ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ on which he played the title character for six seasons, aired. The divorce became final last month, and he will be paying McComb $7,750 monthly until December 2012.
Since ‘Dawson’s Creek’ wrapped, Van der Beek has remained out of the headlines the most out of all his co-stars. He has mainly stuck to guest-starring and made-for-television and direct-to-DVD movie roles. Van der Beek had a four-episode stint on another teen favorite, ‘One Tree Hill,’ last season, and recently signed on for a recurring role on the NBC medical show ‘Mercy.’
Written by: Karen Benardello
James Van der Beek Expecting First Child
James Van der Beek is expecting his first child with his girlfriend, business consultant Kimberly Brook. The 33-year-old actor made the announcement via Twitter, writing “Yes, it’s true-the woman I love and I are expecting our first child. Currently experiencing joy on levels I never knew existed.” People.com reported on April 9 that his rep has confirmed the news.
The actor met Brook last July, three months after he announced his separation from his wife Heather Ann McComb. Van der Beek married McComb in July 2003, two months after the series finale of his hit WB show ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ on which he played the title character for six seasons, aired. The divorce became final last month, and he will be paying McComb $7,750 monthly until December 2012.
Since ‘Dawson’s Creek’ wrapped, Van der Beek has remained out of the headlines the most out of all his co-stars. He has mainly stuck to guest-starring and made-for-television and direct-to-DVD movie roles. Van der Beek had a four-episode stint on another teen favorite, ‘One Tree Hill,’ last season, and recently signed on for a recurring role on the NBC medical show ‘Mercy.’
Written by: Karen Benardello
Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon E-Mailed Husband Co-Workers After Rumors of Infidelity
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/10/garcelle-beauvais-nilon-e-mailed-husbands-co-workers-after-rumors-of-infidelity/
Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon E-Mailed Husband Co-Workers After Rumors of Infidelity
With all of the recent allegations that Hollywood husbands are cheating on their wives, the newest report of infidelity involves former ‘NYPD Blue’ actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and her spouse Mike Nilon. The New York Post’s Page Six reported on April 9 that Beauvais-Nilon e-mailed her husbands’ co-workers at the Creative Arts Agency (CAA) in Beverly Hills, accusing him of cheating on her.
Beauvais-Nilon recently found out that Nilon had an alleged 5-year affair. Instead of backing away from a potential scandal, she sent a mass e-mail to his colleagues, which in part read “Tiger Woods/Jesse James/Mike Nilon … What do they have in common … I found out today that MY husband of almost 9 yrs has been having an affair for 5 yrs with some slut in Chicago.”
The outraged star also went on to say that her husband’s affair will affect not only her, but their two-year-old twin sons, Jax Joseph and Jaid Thomas,. She further wrote that “I am devastated!!!! And I have been duped!! Our boys don’t deserve this!” However, neither Beauvais-Nilon or Nilon’s reps or CAA have publicly commented on the e-mail yet.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon E-Mailed Husband Co-Workers After Rumors of Infidelity
With all of the recent allegations that Hollywood husbands are cheating on their wives, the newest report of infidelity involves former ‘NYPD Blue’ actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and her spouse Mike Nilon. The New York Post’s Page Six reported on April 9 that Beauvais-Nilon e-mailed her husbands’ co-workers at the Creative Arts Agency (CAA) in Beverly Hills, accusing him of cheating on her.
Beauvais-Nilon recently found out that Nilon had an alleged 5-year affair. Instead of backing away from a potential scandal, she sent a mass e-mail to his colleagues, which in part read “Tiger Woods/Jesse James/Mike Nilon … What do they have in common … I found out today that MY husband of almost 9 yrs has been having an affair for 5 yrs with some slut in Chicago.”
The outraged star also went on to say that her husband’s affair will affect not only her, but their two-year-old twin sons, Jax Joseph and Jaid Thomas,. She further wrote that “I am devastated!!!! And I have been duped!! Our boys don’t deserve this!” However, neither Beauvais-Nilon or Nilon’s reps or CAA have publicly commented on the e-mail yet.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Friday, April 9, 2010
Robert Pattinson Reportedly Set to Play Kurt Cobain in Biopic
Pattinson Reportedly Set to Play Kurt Cobain in Biopic
‘Twilight’ heartthrob Robert Pattinson has reportedly agreed to play Kurt Cobain in a movie biography about the rocker’s life, the British newspaper The Sun reported on April 9. Courtney Love, Cobain’s widow, reportedly has a large part in the production of the movie, rumored to be titled ‘All Apologies,’ and has agreed to the casting of Pattinson.
The Sun also reported that playing Cobain is Pattinson’s dream role, and he has been continuously contacting Love. But it didn’t take much convincing, as Pattinson is Love’s current frontrunner to play Cobain. Love also hopes to get Scarlett Johansson to play herself, as the actress is friendly with her daughter with Cobain, Frances Bean.
Producers at Universal Pictures agreed to let Love decide on all of the crucial aspects of the movie, not just the actors. She also has a say in the director, screenplay and music. Her first pick for the director is David Fincher, who previously helmed the Brad Pitt hits ‘Se7en,’ ‘Fight Club’ and ‘The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.’
The rumored movie has been through several incarnations. Sony Pictures was trying to release a Nirvana biography several years ago, but was reportedly turned down when they suggested teen favorite Zac Efron be cast as Cobain. Love was also reportedly interested at one point in casting Ryan Gosling as Cobain after seeing his Academy Award-nominated take as the drug addicted teacher Dan Dunne in 2006’s ‘Half Nelson.’
Written by: Karen Benardello
‘Twilight’ heartthrob Robert Pattinson has reportedly agreed to play Kurt Cobain in a movie biography about the rocker’s life, the British newspaper The Sun reported on April 9. Courtney Love, Cobain’s widow, reportedly has a large part in the production of the movie, rumored to be titled ‘All Apologies,’ and has agreed to the casting of Pattinson.
The Sun also reported that playing Cobain is Pattinson’s dream role, and he has been continuously contacting Love. But it didn’t take much convincing, as Pattinson is Love’s current frontrunner to play Cobain. Love also hopes to get Scarlett Johansson to play herself, as the actress is friendly with her daughter with Cobain, Frances Bean.
Producers at Universal Pictures agreed to let Love decide on all of the crucial aspects of the movie, not just the actors. She also has a say in the director, screenplay and music. Her first pick for the director is David Fincher, who previously helmed the Brad Pitt hits ‘Se7en,’ ‘Fight Club’ and ‘The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.’
The rumored movie has been through several incarnations. Sony Pictures was trying to release a Nirvana biography several years ago, but was reportedly turned down when they suggested teen favorite Zac Efron be cast as Cobain. Love was also reportedly interested at one point in casting Ryan Gosling as Cobain after seeing his Academy Award-nominated take as the drug addicted teacher Dan Dunne in 2006’s ‘Half Nelson.’
Written by: Karen Benardello
National Scene Magazine April 2010 Entertainment Article
National Scene Magazine April 2010 Entertainment Article
http://www.nationalscenemagazine.com/html/entertainment.html
Was ‘The Hurt Locker’ Really the Best Movie of the Year?
Critics Argue Whether the War Movie Was Really Better than the Sci-Fi ‘Avatar’
Written by: Karen Benardello
By the time Tom Hanks walked out onto the Oscar stage on March 7 to announce the night’s biggest winner, Best Picture, the Iraq War-themed drama, ‘The Hurt Locker,’ seemed like a sure bet. After all, Kathryn Bigelow just bet out her ex-husband, James Cameron, who helmed the highest-grossing movie of all time, ‘Avatar,’ to become the first woman to ever win the Best Director Academy Award. Her movie also received top honors from such groups as the Producers Guild, BAFTA, Broadcast Film Critics and the National Society of Film Critics, so it came as no surprise that it also won the Best Picture Oscar.
But some critics and fans are questioning whether ‘The Hurt Locker’ was really better than ‘Avatar.’ The war-themed movie is the lowest-grossing movie ever to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, raking in a mere $21.3 million against an $11 million budget. It also saw a limited theatrical release, never appearing on more than 535 screens nationwide, while ‘Avatar’ was released in December, and is still being shown on thousands of theaters. The sci-fi movie was number one at the box office for seven weeks, and was the first film to gross over $2 dollars.
‘The Hurt Locker,’ like many movies based on the Iraq War, had trouble finding an audience, as many people like going to the movies to be entertained, instead of dwelling on real life. The movie was also hit with attacks from the military, who questioned how real the bomb-removal unit was. Others thought it used propaganda to persuade people to join the army.
Bigelow’s movie was also distributed by Summit Entertainment, a relatively new and small company that never won an Oscar before. Before ‘The Hurt Locker,’ its biggest hits were the teen favorites ‘Twilight’ and ‘New Moon,’ which only won awards selected by fans, including MTV Movie Awards. Summit also picked up ‘The Hurt Locker’ in September 2008, but didn’t release it theatrically until a year later because its schedule was too crowded.
There was also debate over Summit’s public relations choice for the movie. The distributor picked PR firm 42 West, with veteran campaigner Cynthia Swartz in the lead. She stirred up criticism for waiting to send DVD copies of the movie to Academy voters until early December, whereas many directors like to have their movies sent out earlier to have the biggest impact. But Swartz seemed to impress the voters by also sending them bound scripts of the movie. She also focused the PR campaign on Bigelow and writer/producer Mark Boal, who wrote the screenplay after working as an embedded journalist with a bomb disposal unit in Iraq.
While Cameron was recognized by the Academy for his visual achievements in ‘Avatar’ by winning Best Visual Effects and Art Direction, voters seemed to favor the underdog overall, and wanted to award a movie set in reality, instead of outer-space.
http://www.nationalscenemagazine.com/html/entertainment.html
Was ‘The Hurt Locker’ Really the Best Movie of the Year?
Critics Argue Whether the War Movie Was Really Better than the Sci-Fi ‘Avatar’
Written by: Karen Benardello
By the time Tom Hanks walked out onto the Oscar stage on March 7 to announce the night’s biggest winner, Best Picture, the Iraq War-themed drama, ‘The Hurt Locker,’ seemed like a sure bet. After all, Kathryn Bigelow just bet out her ex-husband, James Cameron, who helmed the highest-grossing movie of all time, ‘Avatar,’ to become the first woman to ever win the Best Director Academy Award. Her movie also received top honors from such groups as the Producers Guild, BAFTA, Broadcast Film Critics and the National Society of Film Critics, so it came as no surprise that it also won the Best Picture Oscar.
But some critics and fans are questioning whether ‘The Hurt Locker’ was really better than ‘Avatar.’ The war-themed movie is the lowest-grossing movie ever to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, raking in a mere $21.3 million against an $11 million budget. It also saw a limited theatrical release, never appearing on more than 535 screens nationwide, while ‘Avatar’ was released in December, and is still being shown on thousands of theaters. The sci-fi movie was number one at the box office for seven weeks, and was the first film to gross over $2 dollars.
‘The Hurt Locker,’ like many movies based on the Iraq War, had trouble finding an audience, as many people like going to the movies to be entertained, instead of dwelling on real life. The movie was also hit with attacks from the military, who questioned how real the bomb-removal unit was. Others thought it used propaganda to persuade people to join the army.
Bigelow’s movie was also distributed by Summit Entertainment, a relatively new and small company that never won an Oscar before. Before ‘The Hurt Locker,’ its biggest hits were the teen favorites ‘Twilight’ and ‘New Moon,’ which only won awards selected by fans, including MTV Movie Awards. Summit also picked up ‘The Hurt Locker’ in September 2008, but didn’t release it theatrically until a year later because its schedule was too crowded.
There was also debate over Summit’s public relations choice for the movie. The distributor picked PR firm 42 West, with veteran campaigner Cynthia Swartz in the lead. She stirred up criticism for waiting to send DVD copies of the movie to Academy voters until early December, whereas many directors like to have their movies sent out earlier to have the biggest impact. But Swartz seemed to impress the voters by also sending them bound scripts of the movie. She also focused the PR campaign on Bigelow and writer/producer Mark Boal, who wrote the screenplay after working as an embedded journalist with a bomb disposal unit in Iraq.
While Cameron was recognized by the Academy for his visual achievements in ‘Avatar’ by winning Best Visual Effects and Art Direction, voters seemed to favor the underdog overall, and wanted to award a movie set in reality, instead of outer-space.
National Scene Magazine April 2010 International Article
National Scene Magazine April 2010 International Article
http://www.nationalscenemagazine.com/html/other_news.html
Will the Iraqi Election Go According to Plan?
UN Helps Iraq Prepare for the Parliamentary Election
Written by: Karen Benardello
The parliamentary election in Iraq on March 7 will be the turning point for the Iraqi people, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Ad Melkert, declared. The United Nations’ website, www.un.org, reported two days before the elections were slated to take place that Melkert, the top United Nations official in Iraq, also proclaimed the election is a very decisive moment for the country, possibly the most crucial since the 2003 invasion.
The election allowed the nearly 19 million Iraqis registered to vote a chance to elect a new Council of Representatives. “Now is the chance, against the backdrop of the withdrawal of the American troops in the next few years, that Iraqis really define by themselves their own way forward, their own destiny,” Melkert also said. “And the election is of course not the only thing, but it’s very vital to bring all Iraqis on board that process towards the future.”
The UN helped Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission launch a massive operation to prepare for the election. Nearly 50,000 polling stations in Iraq were prepared to open, and 16 other nations were also prepared to allow Iraqis to vote.
A new data entry center was also opened in Baghdad, which was a smart decision. The country had to make sure that all the votes were tallied under tight security, as every citizen’s voice should be heard. “We have done everything possible to make sure to provide all conditions to facilitate polling, counting and data tabulation,” Panto Letic of the UN’s electoral assistance unit told reporters in Baghdad.
The UN rightfully exerted its power by updating voter registration and allowing citizens to check and make sure their information on file was accurate. The UN is also rightfully stepping in by providing training to election officials, including polling station workers. Poll workers need to have proper training, so they can verify that the votes went through, and the Iraqi citizens can be heard.
http://www.nationalscenemagazine.com/html/other_news.html
Will the Iraqi Election Go According to Plan?
UN Helps Iraq Prepare for the Parliamentary Election
Written by: Karen Benardello
The parliamentary election in Iraq on March 7 will be the turning point for the Iraqi people, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Ad Melkert, declared. The United Nations’ website, www.un.org, reported two days before the elections were slated to take place that Melkert, the top United Nations official in Iraq, also proclaimed the election is a very decisive moment for the country, possibly the most crucial since the 2003 invasion.
The election allowed the nearly 19 million Iraqis registered to vote a chance to elect a new Council of Representatives. “Now is the chance, against the backdrop of the withdrawal of the American troops in the next few years, that Iraqis really define by themselves their own way forward, their own destiny,” Melkert also said. “And the election is of course not the only thing, but it’s very vital to bring all Iraqis on board that process towards the future.”
The UN helped Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission launch a massive operation to prepare for the election. Nearly 50,000 polling stations in Iraq were prepared to open, and 16 other nations were also prepared to allow Iraqis to vote.
A new data entry center was also opened in Baghdad, which was a smart decision. The country had to make sure that all the votes were tallied under tight security, as every citizen’s voice should be heard. “We have done everything possible to make sure to provide all conditions to facilitate polling, counting and data tabulation,” Panto Letic of the UN’s electoral assistance unit told reporters in Baghdad.
The UN rightfully exerted its power by updating voter registration and allowing citizens to check and make sure their information on file was accurate. The UN is also rightfully stepping in by providing training to election officials, including polling station workers. Poll workers need to have proper training, so they can verify that the votes went through, and the Iraqi citizens can be heard.
National Scene Magazine April 2010 Space Article
National Scene Magazine April 2010 Space Article
http://www.nationalscenemagazine.com/html/other_news.html
Which Student Team Will Win the Top Award This Year?
Over 1,000 Students From Around the World Will Compete in NASA’s 17th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race
Written by: Karen Benardello
Student teams from around the world will be testing their own designed lunar rovers through a course set up by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at its 17th annual Great Moonbuggy Race in Huntsville, Ala., the agency has announced via a press release on its website. More than 100 student teams, featuring about 1,088 high school and college students from 20 states, as well from Bangladesh, Canada, Germany, India, Romania and Serbia, will compete April 9-10 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, which hosts the event.
The students’ rovers will be put through a challenging course of rugged, moon-like terrain. The teams began designing, building and testing their vehicles during the fall semester. The vehicles must be sturdy, collapsible and lightweight, and be based on the designs by the “rover development team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville in the late 1960s,” according to the press release. Students are required to use bike tires and aluminum or composite-metal parts, and often times teams add gears, suspension, steering and braking systems they find or construct.
Three high school and three college teams are awarded the top prizes. The teams that win must have the fastest racing times, which include assembly time. The Moonbuggy’s corporate sponsors, including Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Jacobs Engineering ESTS Group, also award in such categories as ‘rookie of the year’ and ‘featherweight.’
The event is a great idea for all students interested in science and space. NASA should be awarded for carrying on this educational project for 17 years, as it engages students interested in engineering, technology and math as well. Students from other countries may not have the same technical and scientific opportunities at home that this event offers, so allowing other countries to participate is also a great idea.
http://www.nationalscenemagazine.com/html/other_news.html
Which Student Team Will Win the Top Award This Year?
Over 1,000 Students From Around the World Will Compete in NASA’s 17th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race
Written by: Karen Benardello
Student teams from around the world will be testing their own designed lunar rovers through a course set up by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at its 17th annual Great Moonbuggy Race in Huntsville, Ala., the agency has announced via a press release on its website. More than 100 student teams, featuring about 1,088 high school and college students from 20 states, as well from Bangladesh, Canada, Germany, India, Romania and Serbia, will compete April 9-10 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, which hosts the event.
The students’ rovers will be put through a challenging course of rugged, moon-like terrain. The teams began designing, building and testing their vehicles during the fall semester. The vehicles must be sturdy, collapsible and lightweight, and be based on the designs by the “rover development team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville in the late 1960s,” according to the press release. Students are required to use bike tires and aluminum or composite-metal parts, and often times teams add gears, suspension, steering and braking systems they find or construct.
Three high school and three college teams are awarded the top prizes. The teams that win must have the fastest racing times, which include assembly time. The Moonbuggy’s corporate sponsors, including Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Jacobs Engineering ESTS Group, also award in such categories as ‘rookie of the year’ and ‘featherweight.’
The event is a great idea for all students interested in science and space. NASA should be awarded for carrying on this educational project for 17 years, as it engages students interested in engineering, technology and math as well. Students from other countries may not have the same technical and scientific opportunities at home that this event offers, so allowing other countries to participate is also a great idea.
National Scene Magazine April 2010 National News Article
National Scene Magazine April 2010 National News Article
http://www.nationalscenemagazine.com/html/other_news.html
Why Do People in Power Continue to Defraud the Public?
Charles W. McCall, Former McKessonHBOC Chairman, Sentenced to 10 Years for Fraud
Written by: Karen Benardello
Charles W. McCall, the former McKessonHBOC Chairman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on March 5 in San Francisco for his four securities fraud convictions and one circumventing internal accounting controls at a public company conviction. The news was officially announced by First Assistant United States Attorney David L. Anderson.
According to information released on the San Francisco section of the FBI’s website, http://sanfrancisco.fbi.gov/index.html, McCall was convicted on November 19 last year. The jury found that the Delray Beach, Florida resident had falsely inflated the publicly reported revenues of HBO & Company of Alpharetta, Ga. (HBOC), and McKessonHBOC of San Francisco between December 1997 and April 1999.
U.S. District Court Judge William H. Alsup sentenced McCall to serve 120 months for each securities fraud count and 60 months for the circumventing internal accounting controls count. The sentences will be served concurrently. Judge Alsup also ordered McCall to surrender to the United States Marshal on March 31 at noon.
The 10-year sentence seems lenient, considering that expert testimony determined McCall’s investors collectively lost more than $8.6 billion in one day. In a world following Bernie Madoff, investment schemers and Ponzi scammers need to know that their actions will be punished. However, Judge Alsup did the right thing by denying McCall bail pending appeal-if his victims have to suffer due to their financial losses, then McCall shouldn’t have lived in luxury until he surrendered to the U.S. Marshal.
http://www.nationalscenemagazine.com/html/other_news.html
Why Do People in Power Continue to Defraud the Public?
Charles W. McCall, Former McKessonHBOC Chairman, Sentenced to 10 Years for Fraud
Written by: Karen Benardello
Charles W. McCall, the former McKessonHBOC Chairman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on March 5 in San Francisco for his four securities fraud convictions and one circumventing internal accounting controls at a public company conviction. The news was officially announced by First Assistant United States Attorney David L. Anderson.
According to information released on the San Francisco section of the FBI’s website, http://sanfrancisco.fbi.gov/index.html, McCall was convicted on November 19 last year. The jury found that the Delray Beach, Florida resident had falsely inflated the publicly reported revenues of HBO & Company of Alpharetta, Ga. (HBOC), and McKessonHBOC of San Francisco between December 1997 and April 1999.
U.S. District Court Judge William H. Alsup sentenced McCall to serve 120 months for each securities fraud count and 60 months for the circumventing internal accounting controls count. The sentences will be served concurrently. Judge Alsup also ordered McCall to surrender to the United States Marshal on March 31 at noon.
The 10-year sentence seems lenient, considering that expert testimony determined McCall’s investors collectively lost more than $8.6 billion in one day. In a world following Bernie Madoff, investment schemers and Ponzi scammers need to know that their actions will be punished. However, Judge Alsup did the right thing by denying McCall bail pending appeal-if his victims have to suffer due to their financial losses, then McCall shouldn’t have lived in luxury until he surrendered to the U.S. Marshal.
Link to my Exclusive Shockya Kick-Ass Katrena Rochell Interview
Here's the link to my exclusive 'Kick-Ass' Katrena Rochell interview, posted on the Shockya website:
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/09/exclusive-kick-ass-katrena-rochell-interview/
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/04/09/exclusive-kick-ass-katrena-rochell-interview/
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Exclusive Interview with James Caan on Openfilm
Visit the following link to read my exlusive interview with actor James Caan about Openfilm.com, posted on the Shockya website:
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/03/29/exclusive-interview-with-james-caan-on-openfilm/
Exclusive Interview with James Caan on Openfilm
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/03/29/exclusive-interview-with-james-caan-on-openfilm/
Exclusive Interview with James Caan on Openfilm
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