Has fatherhood changed Sir Elton John's feelings about marriage for same-sex couples?
The 63-year-old singer made several blunt comments on the topic Wednesday night while performing at a private fundraiser for the ongoing legal challenge to California's gay marriage ban.
"It seems so ridiculous I could be with my partner for 17 years and we have a son, and my partner and I can't get married," John said during the 90-minute set at a sprawling Beverly Hills estate in which he banged out "Your Song," "Sixty Years On," "Levon" and other hits he wrote before he came out as gay.
John disappointed some gay rights activists after the ban, known as Proposition 8, passed in 2008 when he said he had no desire to get married and was satisfied with the civil partnership he and his longtime partner, David Furnish, had.
"If gay people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership. The word 'marriage,' I think, puts a lot of people off," he said at the time.
But Sir Elton was singing a different tune at Wednesday's concert, which raised $3 million for the American Foundation for Equal Rights. He praised the effort to overturn the ban and promised to do everything he could to support it, even though he is British.
"As a gay man. I think I have it all," he said. "I have a wonderful career, a wonderful life. I have my health, I have a partner of 17 years and I have a son. And you know what, I don't have everything, because I don't have the respect of people like the church, and people like politicians who tell me that I am not worthy or that I am 'less than' because I am gay."
He then punctuated his remark with an expletive, to cheers and applause from the crowd.
Furnish and John became parents to a baby boy on Christmas Day. Their son, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John, was born in California through a surrogate mother.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Khloe Kardashian Wears a Bondage Mask, Poses Pantless
With a spiked bondage mask covering her heavily made-up face, Khloe Kardashian debuted a darker, sexier look on the cover of YRB magazine.
"It's so different from anything I've ever done, which was what made the shoot so fun for me," Kardashian, 26, explained on her blog. "YRB is known for being very wild and crazy with the content they publish, so I jumped at the chance to work with them! I love experimenting with different looks and this was the perfect opportunity for me to do that."
The Khloe & Lamar star also poses pantless in the magazine, wearing nothing but a leotard and spiked sandals in one of the racy shots. According to Kardashian, the shoot even inspired her nine-day stint as a redhead.
"I had been considering [dying my hair], but then the shoot went so well so I decided to go for it that day!" she explained.
Shot by The A-List's Mike Ruiz, Kardashian was styled by the magazine's fashion director, Darius Baptist.
"They both did such a fabulous job!" Kardashian, who took a brief break from Twitter on Wednesday, raved of the shoot. "I mean, can you believe those outfits?! And those shoes?!? I die for every single thing Darius dressed me in."
"It's so different from anything I've ever done, which was what made the shoot so fun for me," Kardashian, 26, explained on her blog. "YRB is known for being very wild and crazy with the content they publish, so I jumped at the chance to work with them! I love experimenting with different looks and this was the perfect opportunity for me to do that."
The Khloe & Lamar star also poses pantless in the magazine, wearing nothing but a leotard and spiked sandals in one of the racy shots. According to Kardashian, the shoot even inspired her nine-day stint as a redhead.
"I had been considering [dying my hair], but then the shoot went so well so I decided to go for it that day!" she explained.
Shot by The A-List's Mike Ruiz, Kardashian was styled by the magazine's fashion director, Darius Baptist.
"They both did such a fabulous job!" Kardashian, who took a brief break from Twitter on Wednesday, raved of the shoot. "I mean, can you believe those outfits?! And those shoes?!? I die for every single thing Darius dressed me in."
Foreign BO still 'Tangled' but 'Hornet' closing in
"Tangled" topped the international box office chart for the second weekend in a row with $14.1 million in 31 territories in its eighth weekend of release as it approaches the $400 million mark in worldwide revenue.
But "The Green Hornet" was close behind on its debut weekend in 28 territories, earning $13.8 million and reaching a worldwide total of $57.3 million.
In notable action outside of the top five, "The King's Speech" in just five territories was crowned as the No. 7 film with $9.6 million in weekend business and an impressive $81.2 million in worldwide receipts so far. And more solid business is expected for the critical and awards favorite in the wake of a Golden Globe win for Colin Firth and 14 BAFTA nominations for the period biopic.
Here are the top 20 movies at international theaters last weekend, followed by international gross for the weekend (excluding North America), number of theater locations, number of territories, worldwide gross to date (including North America), and number of weeks in release as compiled Wednesday by global media measurement company Rentrak Corp. and provided by Hollywood.com:
1. "Tangled," $14,132,211, 4,622 locations, 31 territories, $385,589,139, eight weeks.
2. "The Green Hornet," $13,785,671, 6,171 locations, 28 territories, $57,297,080, one week.
3. "The Tourist," $13,708,085, 4,970 locations, 49 territories, $186,838,584, six weeks.
4. "Little Fockers," $13,554,839, 7,082 locations, 44 territories, $255,545,433, four weeks.
5. "Gulliver's Travels," $10,776,810, 4,146 locations, 29 territories, $139,075,802, four weeks.
6. "Ma Che Bella Giornata," $10,642,343, four locations, two territories, $42,169,074, two weeks.
7. "The King's Speech," $9,561,264, 2,095 locations, five territories, $81,167,551, eight weeks.
8. "Love and Other Drugs," $8,507,467, 1,971 locations, 21 territories, $66,028,019, eight weeks.
9. "Season of the Witch," $8,387,701, 3,739 locations, 11 territories, $37,721,352, two weeks.
10. "Megamind," $6,686,940, 3,233 locations, 37 territories, $297,460,459, 11 weeks.
11. "Tron Legacy," $6,107,276, 4,724 locations, 40 territories, $321,805,556, five weeks.
12. "Yogi Bear," $5,582,303, 3,475 locations, nine territories, $97,651,279, five weeks.
13. "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," $5,142,063, 5,184 locations, 44 territories, $358,214,753, seven weeks.
14. "Burlesque," $4,351,567, 1,006 locations, 24 territories, $63,367,653, eight weeks.
15. "Eyyvah Eyvah 2," $4,286,319, 430 locations, three territories, $12,669,158, two weeks.
16. "Hereafter," $4,279,417, 422 locations, 16 territories, $45,814,199, two weeks.
17. "Unstoppable," $4,136,868, 827 locations, 13 territories, $158,294,213, 10 weeks.
18. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1," $4,010,241, 3,116 locations, 38 territories, $921,527,084, nine weeks.
19. "Morning Glory," $3,520,778, 1,228 locations, nine territories, $34,784,692, 10 weeks.
20. "The Social Network," $2,231,066, 586 locations, 23 territories, $203,012,320, 16 weeks.
But "The Green Hornet" was close behind on its debut weekend in 28 territories, earning $13.8 million and reaching a worldwide total of $57.3 million.
In notable action outside of the top five, "The King's Speech" in just five territories was crowned as the No. 7 film with $9.6 million in weekend business and an impressive $81.2 million in worldwide receipts so far. And more solid business is expected for the critical and awards favorite in the wake of a Golden Globe win for Colin Firth and 14 BAFTA nominations for the period biopic.
Here are the top 20 movies at international theaters last weekend, followed by international gross for the weekend (excluding North America), number of theater locations, number of territories, worldwide gross to date (including North America), and number of weeks in release as compiled Wednesday by global media measurement company Rentrak Corp. and provided by Hollywood.com:
1. "Tangled," $14,132,211, 4,622 locations, 31 territories, $385,589,139, eight weeks.
2. "The Green Hornet," $13,785,671, 6,171 locations, 28 territories, $57,297,080, one week.
3. "The Tourist," $13,708,085, 4,970 locations, 49 territories, $186,838,584, six weeks.
4. "Little Fockers," $13,554,839, 7,082 locations, 44 territories, $255,545,433, four weeks.
5. "Gulliver's Travels," $10,776,810, 4,146 locations, 29 territories, $139,075,802, four weeks.
6. "Ma Che Bella Giornata," $10,642,343, four locations, two territories, $42,169,074, two weeks.
7. "The King's Speech," $9,561,264, 2,095 locations, five territories, $81,167,551, eight weeks.
8. "Love and Other Drugs," $8,507,467, 1,971 locations, 21 territories, $66,028,019, eight weeks.
9. "Season of the Witch," $8,387,701, 3,739 locations, 11 territories, $37,721,352, two weeks.
10. "Megamind," $6,686,940, 3,233 locations, 37 territories, $297,460,459, 11 weeks.
11. "Tron Legacy," $6,107,276, 4,724 locations, 40 territories, $321,805,556, five weeks.
12. "Yogi Bear," $5,582,303, 3,475 locations, nine territories, $97,651,279, five weeks.
13. "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," $5,142,063, 5,184 locations, 44 territories, $358,214,753, seven weeks.
14. "Burlesque," $4,351,567, 1,006 locations, 24 territories, $63,367,653, eight weeks.
15. "Eyyvah Eyvah 2," $4,286,319, 430 locations, three territories, $12,669,158, two weeks.
16. "Hereafter," $4,279,417, 422 locations, 16 territories, $45,814,199, two weeks.
17. "Unstoppable," $4,136,868, 827 locations, 13 territories, $158,294,213, 10 weeks.
18. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1," $4,010,241, 3,116 locations, 38 territories, $921,527,084, nine weeks.
19. "Morning Glory," $3,520,778, 1,228 locations, nine territories, $34,784,692, 10 weeks.
20. "The Social Network," $2,231,066, 586 locations, 23 territories, $203,012,320, 16 weeks.
Denise Richards: I'm 'Learning How to Deal' With Charlie Sheen's Antics
Just days after CBS expressed a "high level of concern" regarding Charlie Sheen's recent bender in Las Vegas, Denise Richards says she's had enough of his wild ways.
"I think a lot of people are concerned about Charlie and my concern is obviously ... what becomes difficult is things become so public," Richards told "Access Hollywood" on Wednesday. "I try my best to keep that quiet from our daughters because, you know, this is something I've never dealt with in my life until this situation."
According to Richards, it hasn't been easy shielding Lola, 5, and Sam, 6, from their father's frequent binges.
"I'm learning how to deal with it," she explained. "Just keeping a lid on it for our kids has been my main priority. It does become difficult."
Though she maintains a good relationship with her ex, Richards admit she doesn't understand Sheen's behavior -- particularly his highly-publicized NYC hotel debacle with porn star Capri Anderson.
"The last two years, Charlie and I have been in such a much better place and it makes it so much easier for our daughters," she said. "When we went to New York, that was our intention -- to have a nice time with the girls. I thought it was great that we could all travel together and go out to dinner and do things even though we're not together anymore."
"The events that took place after that, you know, it was ... difficult."
"I think a lot of people are concerned about Charlie and my concern is obviously ... what becomes difficult is things become so public," Richards told "Access Hollywood" on Wednesday. "I try my best to keep that quiet from our daughters because, you know, this is something I've never dealt with in my life until this situation."
According to Richards, it hasn't been easy shielding Lola, 5, and Sam, 6, from their father's frequent binges.
"I'm learning how to deal with it," she explained. "Just keeping a lid on it for our kids has been my main priority. It does become difficult."
Though she maintains a good relationship with her ex, Richards admit she doesn't understand Sheen's behavior -- particularly his highly-publicized NYC hotel debacle with porn star Capri Anderson.
"The last two years, Charlie and I have been in such a much better place and it makes it so much easier for our daughters," she said. "When we went to New York, that was our intention -- to have a nice time with the girls. I thought it was great that we could all travel together and go out to dinner and do things even though we're not together anymore."
"The events that took place after that, you know, it was ... difficult."
Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler Well Received by 'American Idol' Contestants
Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler were greeted by star struck "American Idol" contestants as they debuted on the judging panel. Randy Jackson at times felt he was living in the shadow of their overwhelming fame, but the "Idol" veteran held his own among the rookies.
Neither newbie took on Simon Cowell's sinister role, but Steven spit out some witty phrases. The kind Jennifer found it hard to say "no" to the contestants with a glimmer of hope in their eyes, but was forced to draw the line when singers were not up to par.
Many of "American Idol" season 10's most promising contestants were merely in elementary school when the show debuted a decade ago. In the first two days of the audition round, the metropolitan area-based teens tried to prove they were mature beyond their years at the New York and New Jersey auditions.
Steven Tyler may not have been "feeling that pizazz" with Kenzie Palmer's audition, but all three judges agreed the 15-year-old student from Pennsylvania deserved to progress. Randy Jackson tapped the vibrant Victoria Huggins, 16, as having "the most personality ever on 'Idol.'" The bubbly and comedic youth from Lumberton, NC earned her plane ticket to LA by hopping aboard "The Midnight Train to Georgia."
Veteran contestant Rachel Zevita was "shocked" that J. Lo recognized her from her season six appearance, in which she was dismissed from the show after making it to Hollywood. Although her rendition of "Hallelujah" didn't live up to the expectations Jennifer set for her, Steven said, "We ought to let her in the door, water that flower, and let her grow." With a golden ticket in hand, Rachel will be en route to Hollywood for a second chance at fame and glory.
Neither newbie took on Simon Cowell's sinister role, but Steven spit out some witty phrases. The kind Jennifer found it hard to say "no" to the contestants with a glimmer of hope in their eyes, but was forced to draw the line when singers were not up to par.
Many of "American Idol" season 10's most promising contestants were merely in elementary school when the show debuted a decade ago. In the first two days of the audition round, the metropolitan area-based teens tried to prove they were mature beyond their years at the New York and New Jersey auditions.
Steven Tyler may not have been "feeling that pizazz" with Kenzie Palmer's audition, but all three judges agreed the 15-year-old student from Pennsylvania deserved to progress. Randy Jackson tapped the vibrant Victoria Huggins, 16, as having "the most personality ever on 'Idol.'" The bubbly and comedic youth from Lumberton, NC earned her plane ticket to LA by hopping aboard "The Midnight Train to Georgia."
Veteran contestant Rachel Zevita was "shocked" that J. Lo recognized her from her season six appearance, in which she was dismissed from the show after making it to Hollywood. Although her rendition of "Hallelujah" didn't live up to the expectations Jennifer set for her, Steven said, "We ought to let her in the door, water that flower, and let her grow." With a golden ticket in hand, Rachel will be en route to Hollywood for a second chance at fame and glory.
Cake Sets Record for Lowest Selling Album to Top Charts
Hey, it’s still hella cool to be no. 1.
Sacramento, Calif. alt-rockers Cake topped the charts for the first time with the release of their sixth album, “Showroom of Compassion,” Billboard.com reported.
The only problem: Cake sold just 44,000 copies of the album, which makes "Showroom" the weakest-selling no. 1 since SoundScan began tracking data in 1991.
Overall sales of albums for the week ended Jan. 16 totaled 4.9 million units, down 15 percent compared to the same week a year ago, Billboard reported. Album sales have tanked 11 percent to date in 2012.
Until now, Cake had never cracked the top 10 on Billboard’s charts despite penning radio hits “The Distance” and “Never There,” MTV News reported.
Taylor Swift had set the record for lowest album sales in the top spot last week. The country darling’s “Speak Now” had sold 52,000 to lead the competition in its 11th week on the market, according to Billboard.
“Speak Now” landed at no. 3 this week, below indie rockers Cage the Elephant’s latest, “Thank You Happy Birthday.”
Rounding out the top 10 were: Bruno Mars’ “Doo-Wops & Hooligans”; Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday”; the “Country Strong” soundtrack; Steel Magnolia (self titled); Rihanna’s “Loud”; Mumford & Sons’ “Sigh No More”; and Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.”
Sacramento, Calif. alt-rockers Cake topped the charts for the first time with the release of their sixth album, “Showroom of Compassion,” Billboard.com reported.
The only problem: Cake sold just 44,000 copies of the album, which makes "Showroom" the weakest-selling no. 1 since SoundScan began tracking data in 1991.
Overall sales of albums for the week ended Jan. 16 totaled 4.9 million units, down 15 percent compared to the same week a year ago, Billboard reported. Album sales have tanked 11 percent to date in 2012.
Until now, Cake had never cracked the top 10 on Billboard’s charts despite penning radio hits “The Distance” and “Never There,” MTV News reported.
Taylor Swift had set the record for lowest album sales in the top spot last week. The country darling’s “Speak Now” had sold 52,000 to lead the competition in its 11th week on the market, according to Billboard.
“Speak Now” landed at no. 3 this week, below indie rockers Cage the Elephant’s latest, “Thank You Happy Birthday.”
Rounding out the top 10 were: Bruno Mars’ “Doo-Wops & Hooligans”; Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday”; the “Country Strong” soundtrack; Steel Magnolia (self titled); Rihanna’s “Loud”; Mumford & Sons’ “Sigh No More”; and Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.”
Katy Perry Tweets Displeasure Over Coachella Lineup
Katy Perry is causing some fireworks over the lineup at one of the year's hottest musical festivals.
The "Teenage Dream" singer lashed out on Twitter after discovering that French electronic music duo Daft Punk, who are back in the spotlight for their work on the Tron: Legacy soundtrack, would not be playing the 2011 Coachella Music Festival in Indio, Calif., reports the New York Daily News.
"Dear @coachella WTF happened to DAFT PUNK?!" she posted on Twitter. "I wanted to get my TRON ON!"
For a week prior to the festival's announcement of its anticipated lineup on January 19, rumors swirled that Daft Punk, made up of Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter, would play the music and arts festival for the first time in five years. However, fans were greeted with the news that Kanye West, the Kings of Leon and Arcade Fire will headline the three-day festival that runs from April 15-17.
Despite being let down by the fact that she won't be able to see one of Daft Punk's highly staged, Matrix-esque stage shows, Perry is determined to make an appearance.
The "Teenage Dream" singer lashed out on Twitter after discovering that French electronic music duo Daft Punk, who are back in the spotlight for their work on the Tron: Legacy soundtrack, would not be playing the 2011 Coachella Music Festival in Indio, Calif., reports the New York Daily News.
"Dear @coachella WTF happened to DAFT PUNK?!" she posted on Twitter. "I wanted to get my TRON ON!"
For a week prior to the festival's announcement of its anticipated lineup on January 19, rumors swirled that Daft Punk, made up of Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter, would play the music and arts festival for the first time in five years. However, fans were greeted with the news that Kanye West, the Kings of Leon and Arcade Fire will headline the three-day festival that runs from April 15-17.
Despite being let down by the fact that she won't be able to see one of Daft Punk's highly staged, Matrix-esque stage shows, Perry is determined to make an appearance.
Amy Poehler and the Audacity of Knope
"Parks and Recreation" makes a long-awaited return – and just in the nick of time.
All the fuss over who's going to replace Steve Carell in "The Office" intensified last week with news that he'll be leaving the show in April with four episodes left in the season.
That's a big void to fill, to be sure. But in the meantime, we're heartened by the comeback of another well-meaning, sometimes clueless TV boss who, like Carell's iconic Michael Scott, is shaping up as a character for our times.
Thursday brings the long-awaited return of "Parks and Recreation," an "Office"-style mockumentary staring Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, a small town bureaucrat who maintains her big dreams, even if minor victories are hard to come by. This ultimately is a comedy about a woman determined to turn a hole in the ground into a park, which plays far funnier than it sounds, thanks to sharp writing and performances.
The show, which has logged some 30 episodes to mixed reactions from critics and audiences, was held back as a mid-season replacement – and wound up fitting into NBC's new Thursday sitcom six-pack, between "The Office" and "30 Rock."
We're hoping this will be the season "Parks and Recreation" finds the audience it deserves, much like "Community,” another fun NBC Thursday night quirk fest that took a little time to gel.
It almost seems unfair to compare "Parks and Recreation" to the sitcoms around it. But like "Community" and "The Office," the show thrives on a strong ensemble cast (Aziz Ansari as the not-so-smooth operator Tom is a standout). And like those shows (and the newer NBC sitcom, "Outsourced") the humor, appeal and relatability are rooted, to some extent, in tough economic times.
Last we saw "Parks and Recreation," Knope's department was on the chopping block, thanks to a state auditor whose relentlessly high-intensity sunny attitude belies the budget ax he wields (he’s played by Rob Lowe, who is showing an Alec Baldwin-like comedic flare).
Knope might share Michael Scott's tin ear for human interaction, but she's hyper efficient, comically hardworking to the detriment of her personal life and somehow maintains an optimism and determination that eludes most of the sad sacks around her. She won’t let anything – including a backlash after she presided over the “wedding” of two male penguins – get her down. You almost expect that Pawnee, Indiana someday will get that park.
The versatile Poehler, who was the stealth weapon of “Saturday Night Live” during her tenure on the show, imbues Knope with a goofy likability due to – or in spite of – her undying belief in the power of government to do good and in the inherent decency of people. You just need to give them time to come around – much like TV audiences.
Michael Scott might be on his way out, and it's unclear where "The Office" is headed. But it's comforting to know that we’re at least in for more of the audacity of Knope.
All the fuss over who's going to replace Steve Carell in "The Office" intensified last week with news that he'll be leaving the show in April with four episodes left in the season.
That's a big void to fill, to be sure. But in the meantime, we're heartened by the comeback of another well-meaning, sometimes clueless TV boss who, like Carell's iconic Michael Scott, is shaping up as a character for our times.
Thursday brings the long-awaited return of "Parks and Recreation," an "Office"-style mockumentary staring Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, a small town bureaucrat who maintains her big dreams, even if minor victories are hard to come by. This ultimately is a comedy about a woman determined to turn a hole in the ground into a park, which plays far funnier than it sounds, thanks to sharp writing and performances.
The show, which has logged some 30 episodes to mixed reactions from critics and audiences, was held back as a mid-season replacement – and wound up fitting into NBC's new Thursday sitcom six-pack, between "The Office" and "30 Rock."
We're hoping this will be the season "Parks and Recreation" finds the audience it deserves, much like "Community,” another fun NBC Thursday night quirk fest that took a little time to gel.
It almost seems unfair to compare "Parks and Recreation" to the sitcoms around it. But like "Community" and "The Office," the show thrives on a strong ensemble cast (Aziz Ansari as the not-so-smooth operator Tom is a standout). And like those shows (and the newer NBC sitcom, "Outsourced") the humor, appeal and relatability are rooted, to some extent, in tough economic times.
Last we saw "Parks and Recreation," Knope's department was on the chopping block, thanks to a state auditor whose relentlessly high-intensity sunny attitude belies the budget ax he wields (he’s played by Rob Lowe, who is showing an Alec Baldwin-like comedic flare).
Knope might share Michael Scott's tin ear for human interaction, but she's hyper efficient, comically hardworking to the detriment of her personal life and somehow maintains an optimism and determination that eludes most of the sad sacks around her. She won’t let anything – including a backlash after she presided over the “wedding” of two male penguins – get her down. You almost expect that Pawnee, Indiana someday will get that park.
The versatile Poehler, who was the stealth weapon of “Saturday Night Live” during her tenure on the show, imbues Knope with a goofy likability due to – or in spite of – her undying belief in the power of government to do good and in the inherent decency of people. You just need to give them time to come around – much like TV audiences.
Michael Scott might be on his way out, and it's unclear where "The Office" is headed. But it's comforting to know that we’re at least in for more of the audacity of Knope.
CSA President Nyoka Asked to Resign
Cricket South Africa president Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka has been asked to quit after a written notice was sent to him, on Wednesday, of a motion of no confidence against him. "He has been asked to step down, that's all I am willing to say," a source close to CSA told ESPNcricinfo.
The letter given to Nyoka serves as notice of a special general meeting that will take place in 21 days. "The only order of business on the agenda is a motion of no confidence in the President," Gerald Majola, CSA chief executive said.
Nyoka was verbally informed of the motion of no confidence on Monday but said he wanted to see it in writing before making any decisions.
He is expected to accept his fate and may not even wait for the general meeting to do so. He told the New Age that if he received written notice of a vote of no confidence, he would step down in a "dignified manner" so as not to tarnish CSA's reputation so close to the World Cup.
The notice sent to Nyoka, which is signed by the presidents of all CSA's 11 affiliates, ends weeks of speculation that Nyoka would be given his marching orders following the bonus scandal, which Majola was at the centre of.
Nyoka was in favour of an external inquiry into the bonuses received by Majola and 39 other CSA staff members after the Twenty20 Champions Trophy and IPL, but CSA opted to have an internal inquiry in order to exhaust all its own procedures first. Majola was cleared of all charges of wrongdoing by the commission and Nyoka said he accepted the findings.
That spat was believed to have caused a "general breakdown" in the relationship between Nyoka and Majola, according to another insider, who also said that it became apparent that there was "only room for one of them" in CSA.
The two have appeared to be at loggerheads since Nyoka was chairman of the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) at the turn of the millennium. In 2002, Nyoka resigned from his post at the GCB after unsuccessfully challenging then United Cricket Board (UCB) president Percy Sonn for his position.
Nyoka returned to cricket in 2005, as chair of a 22-man steering committee that was set up to run the GCB and assist in mediating between warring clubs who were up in arms over the lack of transformation in the province.
If Nyoka vacates his post, vice-president AK Khan will step in as acting president until the next election. That vote is scheduled for CSA's Annual General Body Meeting in July next year but may be brought forward.
Nyoka, who has been in office since 2008, will be the second successive president to leave office in this fashion. Norman Arendse, his predecessor, also had a motion of no confidence tabled against him before he resigned.
The letter given to Nyoka serves as notice of a special general meeting that will take place in 21 days. "The only order of business on the agenda is a motion of no confidence in the President," Gerald Majola, CSA chief executive said.
Nyoka was verbally informed of the motion of no confidence on Monday but said he wanted to see it in writing before making any decisions.
He is expected to accept his fate and may not even wait for the general meeting to do so. He told the New Age that if he received written notice of a vote of no confidence, he would step down in a "dignified manner" so as not to tarnish CSA's reputation so close to the World Cup.
The notice sent to Nyoka, which is signed by the presidents of all CSA's 11 affiliates, ends weeks of speculation that Nyoka would be given his marching orders following the bonus scandal, which Majola was at the centre of.
Nyoka was in favour of an external inquiry into the bonuses received by Majola and 39 other CSA staff members after the Twenty20 Champions Trophy and IPL, but CSA opted to have an internal inquiry in order to exhaust all its own procedures first. Majola was cleared of all charges of wrongdoing by the commission and Nyoka said he accepted the findings.
That spat was believed to have caused a "general breakdown" in the relationship between Nyoka and Majola, according to another insider, who also said that it became apparent that there was "only room for one of them" in CSA.
The two have appeared to be at loggerheads since Nyoka was chairman of the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) at the turn of the millennium. In 2002, Nyoka resigned from his post at the GCB after unsuccessfully challenging then United Cricket Board (UCB) president Percy Sonn for his position.
Nyoka returned to cricket in 2005, as chair of a 22-man steering committee that was set up to run the GCB and assist in mediating between warring clubs who were up in arms over the lack of transformation in the province.
If Nyoka vacates his post, vice-president AK Khan will step in as acting president until the next election. That vote is scheduled for CSA's Annual General Body Meeting in July next year but may be brought forward.
Nyoka, who has been in office since 2008, will be the second successive president to leave office in this fashion. Norman Arendse, his predecessor, also had a motion of no confidence tabled against him before he resigned.
Clarke Stands by his 'Steady' Batting
Michael Clarke, Australia's stand-in captain, has defended the way he batted during the first one-day international against England at the MCG. Australia won the match by six wickets with Shane Watson hitting an unbeaten 161, but Clarke's 57-ball 36 threatened to stall the run chase and increased the pressure on his partner.
The home supporters were clearly unimpressed as they booed Clarke when he played a dot ball and cheered when he got off strike. It continued a difficult summer for Clarke, whose popularity has taken a severe hit following off-field issues and a slump in form. Following the Ashes series, where he scored 193 runs at 21.44, and made his Test captaincy debut at Sydney, he retired from Twenty20 cricket so he could focus on his batting in the longer formats.
Clarke is currently filling the No. 3 role that will be Ricky Ponting's when he recovers from a broken finger, and he stood by his performance. "What's important for me as the captain of this team right now is to do whatever it takes to help Australia win every game of cricket we play," Clarke said. "I thought throughout that period when I was batting with Watto that it was important to get a partnership.
"We thought in those conditions both Swann and Yardy were going to be quite tough to score off, so we had to be patient throughout that middle period. When I first walked out to bat, the ball was reverse-swinging a little bit.
"It wasn't the easiest of conditions to walk out and just smack it. Watto was playing an amazing knock and my role was to get up the other end and try not to lose wickets, try to build a partnership. We put on a hundred-run partnership which helped us set up the game."
The first ODI followed two Twenty20 matches where quick scoring was far more evident and Clarke suggested the fans needed to adjust to a change in tempo. "If people want to see fours, sixes and wickets taken every ball, that's not international cricket," he said. "My role will be the same it has been over the 180 one-dayers I've played, to play the best type of cricket I can for the team, try to help win the game. If it means I need to go steady, I go steady. If it means I come in early and need to maximise the Powerplay, well then I maximise the Powerplay."
However, while Clarke was bullish about his own performance and Australia's victory he knows the team needs to improve after a shoddy display in the field. Brad Haddin had a poor match with three missed stumpings, while an early run-out opportunity went begging and a wicket fell to a Brett Lee no-ball. England's 294 was their highest score against the hosts in Australia, but it could have been even more.
"Our bowling and our fielding for the first 30 overs of the game was as bad as I've seen and played in," Clarke said. "The whole team is aware of that. But as a batting unit, I thought we went about it the right way."
Clarke will again have to juggle a group of expensive fast bowlers with Shaun Tait likely to replace the ill Mitchell Johnson. However, he should be able to rely on some control from Nathan Hauritz, who earned the specialist spinner's role for the World Cup and will belatedly resume his international summer.
The home supporters were clearly unimpressed as they booed Clarke when he played a dot ball and cheered when he got off strike. It continued a difficult summer for Clarke, whose popularity has taken a severe hit following off-field issues and a slump in form. Following the Ashes series, where he scored 193 runs at 21.44, and made his Test captaincy debut at Sydney, he retired from Twenty20 cricket so he could focus on his batting in the longer formats.
Clarke is currently filling the No. 3 role that will be Ricky Ponting's when he recovers from a broken finger, and he stood by his performance. "What's important for me as the captain of this team right now is to do whatever it takes to help Australia win every game of cricket we play," Clarke said. "I thought throughout that period when I was batting with Watto that it was important to get a partnership.
"We thought in those conditions both Swann and Yardy were going to be quite tough to score off, so we had to be patient throughout that middle period. When I first walked out to bat, the ball was reverse-swinging a little bit.
"It wasn't the easiest of conditions to walk out and just smack it. Watto was playing an amazing knock and my role was to get up the other end and try not to lose wickets, try to build a partnership. We put on a hundred-run partnership which helped us set up the game."
The first ODI followed two Twenty20 matches where quick scoring was far more evident and Clarke suggested the fans needed to adjust to a change in tempo. "If people want to see fours, sixes and wickets taken every ball, that's not international cricket," he said. "My role will be the same it has been over the 180 one-dayers I've played, to play the best type of cricket I can for the team, try to help win the game. If it means I need to go steady, I go steady. If it means I come in early and need to maximise the Powerplay, well then I maximise the Powerplay."
However, while Clarke was bullish about his own performance and Australia's victory he knows the team needs to improve after a shoddy display in the field. Brad Haddin had a poor match with three missed stumpings, while an early run-out opportunity went begging and a wicket fell to a Brett Lee no-ball. England's 294 was their highest score against the hosts in Australia, but it could have been even more.
"Our bowling and our fielding for the first 30 overs of the game was as bad as I've seen and played in," Clarke said. "The whole team is aware of that. But as a batting unit, I thought we went about it the right way."
Clarke will again have to juggle a group of expensive fast bowlers with Shaun Tait likely to replace the ill Mitchell Johnson. However, he should be able to rely on some control from Nathan Hauritz, who earned the specialist spinner's role for the World Cup and will belatedly resume his international summer.
Bagai to Lead Young Canadian Side in World Cup
Ashish Bagai will lead a young 16-member Canadian squad to the 2011 World Cup, and Rizwan Cheema will be his deputy. Apart from Bagai, seamer Henry Osinde and allrounder John Davison are the two other players in the side with prior World Cup experience.
The team features seven players who have come through Canada's youth programs, including six who have represented the country at the under-19 level - Zubin Surkari, Nitish Kumar, Hiral Patel, Ruvindu Gunaskera, Parth Desai, and Hamza Tariq.
The Jamaica-born Tyson Gordon has been picked, though he still awaits confirmation of his Canadian citizenship. Cricket Canada expect this to be completed in the coming days but have named a standby in case Gordon cannot make the cut, thus taking the squad's strength to 16.
The team leaves for a pre-tournament training camp in Dubai on January 26 and will head to Bangladesh on February 8 for warm-up matches against Bangladesh and England, before opening their tournament on February 20 against Sri Lanka.
Squad: Ashish Bagai (capt & wk), Rizwan Cheema (vice-capt), Harvir Baidwan, Nitish Kumar, Hiral Patel, Tyson Gordon, Henry Osinde, John Davison, Ruvindu Gunasekera, Parth Desai, Karl Whatham, Khurram Chohan, Jimmy Hansra, Zubin Surkari, Balaji Rao, Hamza Tariq
The team features seven players who have come through Canada's youth programs, including six who have represented the country at the under-19 level - Zubin Surkari, Nitish Kumar, Hiral Patel, Ruvindu Gunaskera, Parth Desai, and Hamza Tariq.
The Jamaica-born Tyson Gordon has been picked, though he still awaits confirmation of his Canadian citizenship. Cricket Canada expect this to be completed in the coming days but have named a standby in case Gordon cannot make the cut, thus taking the squad's strength to 16.
The team leaves for a pre-tournament training camp in Dubai on January 26 and will head to Bangladesh on February 8 for warm-up matches against Bangladesh and England, before opening their tournament on February 20 against Sri Lanka.
Squad: Ashish Bagai (capt & wk), Rizwan Cheema (vice-capt), Harvir Baidwan, Nitish Kumar, Hiral Patel, Tyson Gordon, Henry Osinde, John Davison, Ruvindu Gunasekera, Parth Desai, Karl Whatham, Khurram Chohan, Jimmy Hansra, Zubin Surkari, Balaji Rao, Hamza Tariq
Australia Hopeful Hussey Can Make World Cup
Australia are hoping that the World Cup schedule will give Michael Hussey enough time to recover from the serious hamstring injury that has ruled him out of the remaining one-day matches against England and put him in major doubt for the global tournament. Hussey underwent surgery on Tuesday after tearing the muscle off a bone during the first one-dayer at the MCG and faces a lengthy rehabilitation program.
Adding to the problem of risking Hussey at the World Cup is that the captain Ricky Ponting is still recovering from the broken finger he sustained during the Perth Test and which subsequently required an operation. Although Ponting is much less of a concern for the tournament proper, there remains the chance that Australia could travel with two unfit frontline batsmen in their squad.
"What gives us the leeway is the gap between games," Michael Clarke, Australia's stand-in captain, said. "We've got two practice games and then I think our first actual game is February 21. I think there's a bit of a gap there as well. There's a bit of time which is on our side. I'm hearing good reports that they're confident if all goes well they can get him [Hussey] fit to take part in the World Cup. It's just a matter of when he'll be fit and if selectors are willing to take that risk to take him not being 100%.
"I guess the concern is we're trying to get the skipper as fit as possible so hopefully he can take part in those two practice games. The selectors have to weigh up if we can we take Hussey as well, knowing he mightn't be fit for those first couple of games. We'll know more in time. I think the main thing right now is that Huss does everything in his power to make it heal. We just sit, watch closely and keep our fingers crossed in the hope that he pulls up well."
The odd nature of the injury has made it difficult for Cricket Australia to accurately predict when Hussey might return and they won't have a clearer picture for a number of weeks, which pushes them even closer to the World Cup. "As this is an unusual injury in cricket we will be closely monitoring his progress and making appropriate progressions," Alex Kountouris, the CA physiotherapist, said. "As yet we have not determined a fixed time for his return to cricket training and playing. This will become clearer in the next two or three weeks."
However, a leading sports doctor has said Hussey faces a long period on the sidelines and that the World Cup will be out of reach. "Our experience with that particular injury, it's a three-month plus [recovery time] in most sports," Peter Larkins told the Sydney Morning Herald. "The fact he had surgery ensures he won't be going to the World Cup.''
Shaun Marsh, the Western Australia batsman, has been drafted into the squad for the next three matches against England and would be the player to step up if Hussey was ruled out of the World Cup squad but Clarke knows they are massive shoes to fill.
"He's been a huge player, not only this summer in the Test format but over a long period of time in one-day cricket," he said. "I think in the subcontinent conditions are going to be quite tough for the middle-order players and I think his experience and knowledge in those conditions would be really helpful."
Ponting, meanwhile, is around the squad in Hobart and will spend other periods with them during the remainder of this series. It isn't impossible that he could squeeze in a match before the summer is finished.
"I think it's more day-by-day, keep seeing Alex, keep seeing how it's healing then they make a plan as soon as they can," Clarke said. "I'm confident Ricky will be right to play the World Cup, it's just about how much batting he gets under his belt leading up to that first game. The sooner the better I think for our team."
Adding to the problem of risking Hussey at the World Cup is that the captain Ricky Ponting is still recovering from the broken finger he sustained during the Perth Test and which subsequently required an operation. Although Ponting is much less of a concern for the tournament proper, there remains the chance that Australia could travel with two unfit frontline batsmen in their squad.
"What gives us the leeway is the gap between games," Michael Clarke, Australia's stand-in captain, said. "We've got two practice games and then I think our first actual game is February 21. I think there's a bit of a gap there as well. There's a bit of time which is on our side. I'm hearing good reports that they're confident if all goes well they can get him [Hussey] fit to take part in the World Cup. It's just a matter of when he'll be fit and if selectors are willing to take that risk to take him not being 100%.
"I guess the concern is we're trying to get the skipper as fit as possible so hopefully he can take part in those two practice games. The selectors have to weigh up if we can we take Hussey as well, knowing he mightn't be fit for those first couple of games. We'll know more in time. I think the main thing right now is that Huss does everything in his power to make it heal. We just sit, watch closely and keep our fingers crossed in the hope that he pulls up well."
The odd nature of the injury has made it difficult for Cricket Australia to accurately predict when Hussey might return and they won't have a clearer picture for a number of weeks, which pushes them even closer to the World Cup. "As this is an unusual injury in cricket we will be closely monitoring his progress and making appropriate progressions," Alex Kountouris, the CA physiotherapist, said. "As yet we have not determined a fixed time for his return to cricket training and playing. This will become clearer in the next two or three weeks."
However, a leading sports doctor has said Hussey faces a long period on the sidelines and that the World Cup will be out of reach. "Our experience with that particular injury, it's a three-month plus [recovery time] in most sports," Peter Larkins told the Sydney Morning Herald. "The fact he had surgery ensures he won't be going to the World Cup.''
Shaun Marsh, the Western Australia batsman, has been drafted into the squad for the next three matches against England and would be the player to step up if Hussey was ruled out of the World Cup squad but Clarke knows they are massive shoes to fill.
"He's been a huge player, not only this summer in the Test format but over a long period of time in one-day cricket," he said. "I think in the subcontinent conditions are going to be quite tough for the middle-order players and I think his experience and knowledge in those conditions would be really helpful."
Ponting, meanwhile, is around the squad in Hobart and will spend other periods with them during the remainder of this series. It isn't impossible that he could squeeze in a match before the summer is finished.
"I think it's more day-by-day, keep seeing Alex, keep seeing how it's healing then they make a plan as soon as they can," Clarke said. "I'm confident Ricky will be right to play the World Cup, it's just about how much batting he gets under his belt leading up to that first game. The sooner the better I think for our team."
Milton Bradley Arrested in LA
Police in Los Angeles have arrested Seattle Mariners outfielder Milton Bradley for allegedly making threats against a woman, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.
Bradley, 32, was taken into custody at 10 a.m. local time Tuesday and was taken to the Van Nuys, Calif., jail, where he was booked for suspicion of making criminal threats, a Los Angeles Police Department officer told the Times.
His bail was set at $50,000 and he was released around 5:45 p.m., according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department booking records.
The booking records would not provide details about the identity of the woman or details of the threats allegedly made against the woman. Bradley has a court appearance scheduled for Feb. 8.
The Mariners released a statement late Tuesday night saying they are aware of Bradley's arrest.
"While we do not yet have full details on what occurred, we are aware of the situation and take it very seriously," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "We are in the process of determining the full circumstances of what occurred today. Until we have more information, we will not be able to comment further."
The arrest is the latest in a long list of problems for Bradley, whose 11 major league seasons have been marked by boorish behavior, suspensions, and repeated run-ins with umpires and managers.
The self-described bad guy pled guilty in 2004 to a reduced charge for leaving the scene of a traffic stop and was ordered to serve three days in jail. Bradley was charged with driving 52 mph in a 25 mph zone later that year. He also was charged with failure to comply after police said he drove away without signing his speeding ticket.
Also in 2004, Bradley was ordered to undergo anger management counseling while with the Dodgers after being suspended for charging a fan in the stands who had thrown a bottle near him. During the National League playoffs that year, he called a reporter an "Uncle Tom."
And during a 2009 major league game, he was sent home by former Cubs manager Lou Piniella following an angry outburst in the dugout. Also in 2009, he was suspended for a game after arguing with umpire Larry Vanover when he was called out on strikes with the bases loaded April 16.
During spring training last year, Bradley called himself the Kanye West of baseball. He was acquired by the Mariners from the Cubs in a December 2009 trade and has one season remaining on the $30 million, three-year contract he signed with Chicago. A right knee injury ended Bradley's 2010 season in late July.
Earlier last season, the switch-hitter was put on the restricted list for two weeks by Seattle while he received counseling that is ongoing. He said he was having "unpleasant thoughts." He told his wife he was understanding why some people commit suicide.
He returned saying, "I don't have all the answers; I'm not saying I'm cured."
Bradley, 32, was taken into custody at 10 a.m. local time Tuesday and was taken to the Van Nuys, Calif., jail, where he was booked for suspicion of making criminal threats, a Los Angeles Police Department officer told the Times.
His bail was set at $50,000 and he was released around 5:45 p.m., according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department booking records.
The booking records would not provide details about the identity of the woman or details of the threats allegedly made against the woman. Bradley has a court appearance scheduled for Feb. 8.
The Mariners released a statement late Tuesday night saying they are aware of Bradley's arrest.
"While we do not yet have full details on what occurred, we are aware of the situation and take it very seriously," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "We are in the process of determining the full circumstances of what occurred today. Until we have more information, we will not be able to comment further."
The arrest is the latest in a long list of problems for Bradley, whose 11 major league seasons have been marked by boorish behavior, suspensions, and repeated run-ins with umpires and managers.
The self-described bad guy pled guilty in 2004 to a reduced charge for leaving the scene of a traffic stop and was ordered to serve three days in jail. Bradley was charged with driving 52 mph in a 25 mph zone later that year. He also was charged with failure to comply after police said he drove away without signing his speeding ticket.
Also in 2004, Bradley was ordered to undergo anger management counseling while with the Dodgers after being suspended for charging a fan in the stands who had thrown a bottle near him. During the National League playoffs that year, he called a reporter an "Uncle Tom."
And during a 2009 major league game, he was sent home by former Cubs manager Lou Piniella following an angry outburst in the dugout. Also in 2009, he was suspended for a game after arguing with umpire Larry Vanover when he was called out on strikes with the bases loaded April 16.
During spring training last year, Bradley called himself the Kanye West of baseball. He was acquired by the Mariners from the Cubs in a December 2009 trade and has one season remaining on the $30 million, three-year contract he signed with Chicago. A right knee injury ended Bradley's 2010 season in late July.
Earlier last season, the switch-hitter was put on the restricted list for two weeks by Seattle while he received counseling that is ongoing. He said he was having "unpleasant thoughts." He told his wife he was understanding why some people commit suicide.
He returned saying, "I don't have all the answers; I'm not saying I'm cured."
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