Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds may have called it quits on their two-year marriage, but it seems as though the duo aren't ready to make a clean break.
According to an X17.com source, the couple met for an intimate dinner at The Little Door in West Hollywood. The notoriously camera-shy couple left through the restaurant's back door following the meal to avoid being snapped by paparazzi.
The source says, "The reservation was made for a private table and they sat there talking -- very seriously, very intimately. It wasn't overtly romantic, but they seemed like two people who were together, no doubt. There was no tension, no conflict. They chuckled every once in a while and generally enjoyed the evening. They didn't look like two people who had recently broken up."
The pair reportedly shared a car from the restaurant to an undisclosed location afterward.
Despite rumors that the couple may be rekindling their romance, a source close to the pair tells PopEater that they are merely trying to remain friendly during this difficult time.
"They are not getting back together," our source said of the couple's earlier dinner date, just one week after their divorce announcement. "Rather, this was her way to show the world that you can be friends with your ex and that just because you are getting divorced doesn't mean you can't still be civilized toward each other."
Reynolds, who announced in a joint statement with Johansson that their marriage was ending with "love and kindness," has been spotted spending plenty of time with Sandra Bullock, although the actress has denied any romantic involvement with 'The Proposal' co-star.
While the pair may be trying to reignite their relationship, we think it's just as likely that they're working out custody details of their Tom Waits collection.
Showing posts with label Back. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Back. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Tiger Woods: When Will He Be Back?
A lot of fans expected or hoped that Tiger Woods could take home the trophy at the Farmer’s Insurance Open. The more realistic among us took a wait-and-see attitude. What we saw was not totally encouraging. Woods in bunker after bunker, missing putts. It was a head shaker.
Woods was disappointed, although at the beginning of his final round, he was actually encouraged.
“Today was nice starting out. I hit it just as pure as can be, and then it progressively got worse as the day went on," he said after play on Sunday. “I hit so many good putts that didn't go in today and consequently probably one of the worst possible scores at 3-over.”
OK, let’s get serious here. Plus three is not the worst possible score. There were some 78s and even an 80 in the final round. What Woods meant was +3 was not a score he shoots.
He said he had higher expectations coming in to the tournament than his results showed.
"I started out hitting it pretty good out here this week. I really did, and it progressively got worse,” he added.
“We have some things that we need to work on,” he added about his new direction and new coach. “Sean ( Foley) and I have been talking about it every night. I can do it on the range, but it's a little different when I've got to bring it out here, and I've got to shape shots. I've got to hit the ball with the right trajectory. These greens are not soft. So you can't just hit any trajectory. You have to hit the proper trajectory.”
He said it was a matter of rerouting muscle memory.
“The old motor patterns are still there," he explained. "I'm going to have to fight through that. And I've done it before, and there's no reason I can't do it again.”
He pointed to a stretch between the Western Open in 1997 and the Buick Invitational in 1999 when he won just a single event. After that victory, he won seven additional titles on the PGA Tour before the end of 1999 and went into what most consider his best time ever, from US Open 2000 to the Masters of 2001, the Tiger Slam.
One issue in his swing right now, according to Woods, is the release, which is different from his previous swing.
“The release that you want to have for the good shots and full swings are the same, and even the putting stroke,” he explained. “You've got to do it. It takes reps and it takes reps under competition. You can't be afraid to go ahead and try it.”
Woods said that he felt confident that he was making progress at the end of last year with his play at the Chevron World Challenge.
“The whole year last year golf-wise came down to one golf shot, and that's what I'm so proud of—the 72nd hole of Chevron—that was it,” he said. “I needed to hit that fade. I needed to hit the 8-iron flush. I needed to get it there. I needed to hit it through the wind. And I did all those things and hit it to two-and-a-half feet. Those are fun moments.”
So Woods is not 100 percent back, but he’s at least in the bull pen, warming up.
Woods was disappointed, although at the beginning of his final round, he was actually encouraged.
“Today was nice starting out. I hit it just as pure as can be, and then it progressively got worse as the day went on," he said after play on Sunday. “I hit so many good putts that didn't go in today and consequently probably one of the worst possible scores at 3-over.”
OK, let’s get serious here. Plus three is not the worst possible score. There were some 78s and even an 80 in the final round. What Woods meant was +3 was not a score he shoots.
He said he had higher expectations coming in to the tournament than his results showed.
"I started out hitting it pretty good out here this week. I really did, and it progressively got worse,” he added.
“We have some things that we need to work on,” he added about his new direction and new coach. “Sean ( Foley) and I have been talking about it every night. I can do it on the range, but it's a little different when I've got to bring it out here, and I've got to shape shots. I've got to hit the ball with the right trajectory. These greens are not soft. So you can't just hit any trajectory. You have to hit the proper trajectory.”
He said it was a matter of rerouting muscle memory.
“The old motor patterns are still there," he explained. "I'm going to have to fight through that. And I've done it before, and there's no reason I can't do it again.”
He pointed to a stretch between the Western Open in 1997 and the Buick Invitational in 1999 when he won just a single event. After that victory, he won seven additional titles on the PGA Tour before the end of 1999 and went into what most consider his best time ever, from US Open 2000 to the Masters of 2001, the Tiger Slam.
One issue in his swing right now, according to Woods, is the release, which is different from his previous swing.
“The release that you want to have for the good shots and full swings are the same, and even the putting stroke,” he explained. “You've got to do it. It takes reps and it takes reps under competition. You can't be afraid to go ahead and try it.”
Woods said that he felt confident that he was making progress at the end of last year with his play at the Chevron World Challenge.
“The whole year last year golf-wise came down to one golf shot, and that's what I'm so proud of—the 72nd hole of Chevron—that was it,” he said. “I needed to hit that fade. I needed to hit the 8-iron flush. I needed to get it there. I needed to hit it through the wind. And I did all those things and hit it to two-and-a-half feet. Those are fun moments.”
So Woods is not 100 percent back, but he’s at least in the bull pen, warming up.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Karaoke Brought Jewel Back to Her Undiscovered Days
Jewel knows what it’s like to be nurtured. And now the pop star and newly expectant mom will do a little nurturing of her own, both in and out of the recording studio.
Along with providing loving care to the upcoming arrival she and husband Ty Murray are expecting at home, Jewel will be tending to the careers of burgeoning songwriters as the co-host of Bravo’s new reality competition series “Platinum Hit” alongside ex-“American Idol” judge Kara Dioguardi.
The singer tells PopcornBiz that being in the family way hasn’t made her more motherly to the show’s undiscovered song scribes: “I've always been quite maternal towards young talent,” says Jewel. “I was that way on 'Nashville Star.’ I'm very protective of them. I don't pull punches. I'm a very straight shooter, but I'm not ever mean about it and I pull for these kids. I'm really pulling for them.”
Jewel says she was recently reminded of the care and support she got as an unknown singer-songwriter on the coffee house circuit in the early 90s after she donned a mousy disguise and sang karaoke incognito as the shy “Karen” at L.A.’s bar The Gaslite for a FunnyOrDie video that became a viral sensation last year.
“It was a neat experience,” she recalls. “It was like a social experiment, to dress up as someone else and still see if people react to you. It reminded me of when I started out. I was homeless when I got discovered. I wasn't trying to get discovered – that's a big misconception. I was just trying to get by and I started singing locally. The crowds just really pulled for me. It was really like a family.
They fed me, they gave me books to read and they really, really believed in me. That all came flooding back suddenly. I was anonymous in this little karaoke club and people really responded to my voice and they were high-fiving me – and it even kind of teared me up because they were wholeheartedly, genuinely happy for me. It was really sweet.”
She also knows that giving birth to a solid song can come with its own lengthy labor pains. “There was a song called 'The New Wild West' that I started writing at the Democratic Convention in '98 and I finished it in 2003. I didn't write it that whole time, but it just didn't work back then and then I dug it up and redid it.”
She’s taking inspiration from her pregnancy for her next musical project. “I'm working on a children's album,” she says. “I did an album called 'Lullaby' that I wrote kind of getting into the zone. It'll be based on 'Rocky Raccoon', The Beatles song, and will hopefully be a well crafted, well written album that adults will enjoy and also be whimsical for children.”
Along with providing loving care to the upcoming arrival she and husband Ty Murray are expecting at home, Jewel will be tending to the careers of burgeoning songwriters as the co-host of Bravo’s new reality competition series “Platinum Hit” alongside ex-“American Idol” judge Kara Dioguardi.
The singer tells PopcornBiz that being in the family way hasn’t made her more motherly to the show’s undiscovered song scribes: “I've always been quite maternal towards young talent,” says Jewel. “I was that way on 'Nashville Star.’ I'm very protective of them. I don't pull punches. I'm a very straight shooter, but I'm not ever mean about it and I pull for these kids. I'm really pulling for them.”
Jewel says she was recently reminded of the care and support she got as an unknown singer-songwriter on the coffee house circuit in the early 90s after she donned a mousy disguise and sang karaoke incognito as the shy “Karen” at L.A.’s bar The Gaslite for a FunnyOrDie video that became a viral sensation last year.
“It was a neat experience,” she recalls. “It was like a social experiment, to dress up as someone else and still see if people react to you. It reminded me of when I started out. I was homeless when I got discovered. I wasn't trying to get discovered – that's a big misconception. I was just trying to get by and I started singing locally. The crowds just really pulled for me. It was really like a family.
They fed me, they gave me books to read and they really, really believed in me. That all came flooding back suddenly. I was anonymous in this little karaoke club and people really responded to my voice and they were high-fiving me – and it even kind of teared me up because they were wholeheartedly, genuinely happy for me. It was really sweet.”
She also knows that giving birth to a solid song can come with its own lengthy labor pains. “There was a song called 'The New Wild West' that I started writing at the Democratic Convention in '98 and I finished it in 2003. I didn't write it that whole time, but it just didn't work back then and then I dug it up and redid it.”
She’s taking inspiration from her pregnancy for her next musical project. “I'm working on a children's album,” she says. “I did an album called 'Lullaby' that I wrote kind of getting into the zone. It'll be based on 'Rocky Raccoon', The Beatles song, and will hopefully be a well crafted, well written album that adults will enjoy and also be whimsical for children.”
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Emotional Back Story Behind ‘American Idol’s’ Chris Medina
Chris Medina was the breakout star on Monday night’s audition episode of “American Idol,” as he tugged at America’s heartstrings for more than just his singing.
Chris auditioned, performing The Script’s “Breakeven,” and he brought along his beloved fiancée, Juliana Ramos, who is confined to a wheelchair following a tragic car accident. Today, Access Hollywood has new details about this emotional story.
Chris, an aspiring singer, said he fell in love with Juliana the first moment he saw her and the two became engaged in the coffee shop she worked in, in 2007.
They had planned to wed two years after getting engaged, but shortly before they could walk down the aisle, Juliana suffered a brain injury in a tragic car accident.
On the exact day they were supposed to get married, Chris shared a song he wrote for his ladylove on Facebook.
“I’m giving all I’ve got to give/To Pull You through/To set you free/More than the vow/‘Through thick and thin’/I’m living it/In your darkest hour, I will be your light,” were some of his heartfelt lyrics. Click HERE to check out Chris’ song.
According to Juliana’s MySpace page, which appears to not have been updated since December 2007, her idol is Oprah Winfrey and she is a major music fan, especially of musicals like “Rent” and “Wicked,” and Chris’ band at the time, The Green Light.
Even rocker and “Idol” judge Steven Tyler could see that Juliana remains a fan of her fiance’s music, accompanying him to the audition, where she met the judges and show host Ryan Seacrest.
“I just heard your fiance sing and he’s so good,” Steven told Juliana following Chris’ audition. “You know, ‘cause he sings to you all the time, I could tell. Love that… That’s why he sings so good – because he sings to you.”
Chris received a ticket to Hollywood, which Juliana proudly waved.
While he is heading to Hollywood to pursue his dream of singing, Chris continues to take care of Juliana, alongside her mother.
A source close to the family told Access on Thursday that the young woman “is constantly improving. Crossing milestones all the time.”
Chris’ love story touched more than America. It reached Irish rockers The Script, who Tweeted about the young man covering their song at his audition.
“Chris Medina: Not only R U a major talent but U R 1 in a billion! Stay Strong,Never waver,This world needs more MEN like U. Peace+Love,” the band’s guitarist, Mark Sheehan, Tweeted on Wednesday.
Chris auditioned, performing The Script’s “Breakeven,” and he brought along his beloved fiancée, Juliana Ramos, who is confined to a wheelchair following a tragic car accident. Today, Access Hollywood has new details about this emotional story.
Chris, an aspiring singer, said he fell in love with Juliana the first moment he saw her and the two became engaged in the coffee shop she worked in, in 2007.
They had planned to wed two years after getting engaged, but shortly before they could walk down the aisle, Juliana suffered a brain injury in a tragic car accident.
On the exact day they were supposed to get married, Chris shared a song he wrote for his ladylove on Facebook.
“I’m giving all I’ve got to give/To Pull You through/To set you free/More than the vow/‘Through thick and thin’/I’m living it/In your darkest hour, I will be your light,” were some of his heartfelt lyrics. Click HERE to check out Chris’ song.
According to Juliana’s MySpace page, which appears to not have been updated since December 2007, her idol is Oprah Winfrey and she is a major music fan, especially of musicals like “Rent” and “Wicked,” and Chris’ band at the time, The Green Light.
Even rocker and “Idol” judge Steven Tyler could see that Juliana remains a fan of her fiance’s music, accompanying him to the audition, where she met the judges and show host Ryan Seacrest.
“I just heard your fiance sing and he’s so good,” Steven told Juliana following Chris’ audition. “You know, ‘cause he sings to you all the time, I could tell. Love that… That’s why he sings so good – because he sings to you.”
Chris received a ticket to Hollywood, which Juliana proudly waved.
While he is heading to Hollywood to pursue his dream of singing, Chris continues to take care of Juliana, alongside her mother.
A source close to the family told Access on Thursday that the young woman “is constantly improving. Crossing milestones all the time.”
Chris’ love story touched more than America. It reached Irish rockers The Script, who Tweeted about the young man covering their song at his audition.
“Chris Medina: Not only R U a major talent but U R 1 in a billion! Stay Strong,Never waver,This world needs more MEN like U. Peace+Love,” the band’s guitarist, Mark Sheehan, Tweeted on Wednesday.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Jayhawks Take Long Road Back to Fresh Start
Patience and perseverance are the great lost virtues of cultural experience, but sometimes they pay off. The Jayhawks know from experience.
The Minneapolis band is back, with its first studio album in eight years ready to be released, and a renewed appreciation of the long road taken. The quintet will perform two concerts this week at the Vic Theatre focusing on two of their finest albums, “Hollywood Town Hall” (1992) and “Tomorrow the Green Grass” (1995), which have been re-released with bonus tracks.
“We did a lot of waiting in the Jayhawks,” singer-guitarist Gary Louris says. “Seven albums in 20 years; compared to what we recorded it’s not much.”
“We were in high volume mode, thinking it was 1966 when you could put out two albums in a year,” Louris’ songwriting partner, Mark Olson, adds, looking back on the band’s first decade. “I found out it’s not like that anymore. These people (record companies) want an album every two or three years. The pace is dictated by the powers that be that had money and studios. But I’ve always had a gonzo aspect about me. I get a head of steam, I’m ready to drive all night out to the desert, dig a trench, write songs all day and night. I enjoy living at high speed.”
Louris and Olson produced a treasure trove of recordings in the early to mid-‘90s, a bunch of which ended up on “Hollywood Town Hall” and “Tomorrow the Green Grass” albums. Those albums sound as good as ever, but the 18 tracks appended to the “Green Grass” reissue tell a deeper story. These represent a portion of “The Mystery Demos” that Louris and Olson recorded during that era, a window into what might have been. Brimming with the duo’s lustrous harmonies and love of melody, these demos affirm the Jayhawks’ place as one of the great American bands of that era — even if they weren’t widely recognized at the time. Louris and Olson can only shrug that some of their best work, as captured on the “Mystery Demos,” remained unreleased until now.
One of the reasons for that oversight is that the band’s story inevitably gets tangled with their modest commercial success. “Green Grass” in particular included a raft of potential hits, including “Blue,” a soaring anthem that melded the band’s love of American roots music with hints of orchestral pop and a melody for the ages. The song never caught on with commercial radio programmers, and subsequent media attention focused on the band’s massive debt to its label at the time, Def American (later American).
“We weren’t different than a lot of other bands in that respect,” Olson says. “I noticed a lot of money around in those days, lots of money spent on bands to make videos that nobody sees today, and bands that nobody cares about today. But we were building a core audience and have continued to tour to that audience ever since. All the gold is not in the hit, but in the building of an audience that really digs you. Any money spent toward our end gave us a chance to play and find that audience.”
The fallout from “Green Grass” discouraged Olson and he walked away from the band. Louris continued on with the remaining members — keyboardist Karen Grotberg, bassist Marc Pearlman and, subsequently, drummer Tim O’Reagan — for a few more years, before dissolving the Jayhawks in 2004.
But Olson and Louris later reconciled, began touring and eventually recording together, and brought the Jayhawks back in 2009. The band has finished a new album, due out in the spring on the Rounder label.
“I can’t think of another band that made their best record after reuniting, but I think we just did,” Louris says of the as-yet-untitled release.
Olson isn’t surprised by his bandmate’s bravado. “I never understood the dropoff with age syndrome,” he says. “If you are playing constantly and working on your singing and songwriting and guitar-playing, you should improve. You have life experiences that you can define in your lyrics. I believe in progress and I believe that as musicians and singers and songwriters we’ve gotten better.”
Louris says the time away gave him a new perspective on the band and what it could do.
“I honestly can say that I didn’t foresee this when the Jayhawks broke up,” the guitarist says. “Mark would probably tell you that when he quit, he should’ve just taken a break. And the same with me: I should have taken a break instead of disbanding the group. But when you’re so deep into it, everything starts to be a grind, and you tend to lose appreciation for what you have.”
Part of the appreciation stems from knowing what not to do. For Olson, it was touring as an opening act at amphitheaters for bands such as Tom Petty and the Black Crowes.
“I still have a slight fear of the huge carnival aspect of modern touring,” he says with a laugh. “Seven trucks, four tour buses — something about that got to me. It got to me. I don’t think of music that way. We don’t have to worry about that now, because we did the hard work. I was in the band during the warm-up years. I love to play, but I didn’t love that 30-minute opening slot. And now here I am, I get to play all I want.”
The Minneapolis band is back, with its first studio album in eight years ready to be released, and a renewed appreciation of the long road taken. The quintet will perform two concerts this week at the Vic Theatre focusing on two of their finest albums, “Hollywood Town Hall” (1992) and “Tomorrow the Green Grass” (1995), which have been re-released with bonus tracks.
“We did a lot of waiting in the Jayhawks,” singer-guitarist Gary Louris says. “Seven albums in 20 years; compared to what we recorded it’s not much.”
“We were in high volume mode, thinking it was 1966 when you could put out two albums in a year,” Louris’ songwriting partner, Mark Olson, adds, looking back on the band’s first decade. “I found out it’s not like that anymore. These people (record companies) want an album every two or three years. The pace is dictated by the powers that be that had money and studios. But I’ve always had a gonzo aspect about me. I get a head of steam, I’m ready to drive all night out to the desert, dig a trench, write songs all day and night. I enjoy living at high speed.”
Louris and Olson produced a treasure trove of recordings in the early to mid-‘90s, a bunch of which ended up on “Hollywood Town Hall” and “Tomorrow the Green Grass” albums. Those albums sound as good as ever, but the 18 tracks appended to the “Green Grass” reissue tell a deeper story. These represent a portion of “The Mystery Demos” that Louris and Olson recorded during that era, a window into what might have been. Brimming with the duo’s lustrous harmonies and love of melody, these demos affirm the Jayhawks’ place as one of the great American bands of that era — even if they weren’t widely recognized at the time. Louris and Olson can only shrug that some of their best work, as captured on the “Mystery Demos,” remained unreleased until now.
One of the reasons for that oversight is that the band’s story inevitably gets tangled with their modest commercial success. “Green Grass” in particular included a raft of potential hits, including “Blue,” a soaring anthem that melded the band’s love of American roots music with hints of orchestral pop and a melody for the ages. The song never caught on with commercial radio programmers, and subsequent media attention focused on the band’s massive debt to its label at the time, Def American (later American).
“We weren’t different than a lot of other bands in that respect,” Olson says. “I noticed a lot of money around in those days, lots of money spent on bands to make videos that nobody sees today, and bands that nobody cares about today. But we were building a core audience and have continued to tour to that audience ever since. All the gold is not in the hit, but in the building of an audience that really digs you. Any money spent toward our end gave us a chance to play and find that audience.”
The fallout from “Green Grass” discouraged Olson and he walked away from the band. Louris continued on with the remaining members — keyboardist Karen Grotberg, bassist Marc Pearlman and, subsequently, drummer Tim O’Reagan — for a few more years, before dissolving the Jayhawks in 2004.
But Olson and Louris later reconciled, began touring and eventually recording together, and brought the Jayhawks back in 2009. The band has finished a new album, due out in the spring on the Rounder label.
“I can’t think of another band that made their best record after reuniting, but I think we just did,” Louris says of the as-yet-untitled release.
Olson isn’t surprised by his bandmate’s bravado. “I never understood the dropoff with age syndrome,” he says. “If you are playing constantly and working on your singing and songwriting and guitar-playing, you should improve. You have life experiences that you can define in your lyrics. I believe in progress and I believe that as musicians and singers and songwriters we’ve gotten better.”
Louris says the time away gave him a new perspective on the band and what it could do.
“I honestly can say that I didn’t foresee this when the Jayhawks broke up,” the guitarist says. “Mark would probably tell you that when he quit, he should’ve just taken a break. And the same with me: I should have taken a break instead of disbanding the group. But when you’re so deep into it, everything starts to be a grind, and you tend to lose appreciation for what you have.”
Part of the appreciation stems from knowing what not to do. For Olson, it was touring as an opening act at amphitheaters for bands such as Tom Petty and the Black Crowes.
“I still have a slight fear of the huge carnival aspect of modern touring,” he says with a laugh. “Seven trucks, four tour buses — something about that got to me. It got to me. I don’t think of music that way. We don’t have to worry about that now, because we did the hard work. I was in the band during the warm-up years. I love to play, but I didn’t love that 30-minute opening slot. And now here I am, I get to play all I want.”
Britney Spears' Boyfriend is Back in Business
It looks like Britney Spears is making some changes in her life -- professional changes, that is.
Spears parted ways with her agent Jason Trawick last spring, though the two have remained a couple. Now, the singer is back working with Trawick's agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, as she prepares to release a new album in the coming months, a source tells Us Weekly.
But for those worried how this rekindled partnership will affect the pop princess's career -- don't fret. The source insists that Trawick will be one of many agents representing the singer.
"Jason will be part of the team handling her career," the source said. "He won't be the only agent working with her, he will handling acting endeavors, but there will be a big music department also on her account."
Why the sudden switch? Perhaps Spears' close relationship with Trawick has influenced her decision. The duo have been stirring up engagement rumors for months.
"Jason is someone the family trusts. They know he will make the best decisions for her, and she feels comfortable with him," the source said.
Spears released her first new single 'Hold It Against Me' earlier this month, and it immediatly shot up the charts. Her currently untitled album is rumored to be released in March.
Spears parted ways with her agent Jason Trawick last spring, though the two have remained a couple. Now, the singer is back working with Trawick's agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, as she prepares to release a new album in the coming months, a source tells Us Weekly.
But for those worried how this rekindled partnership will affect the pop princess's career -- don't fret. The source insists that Trawick will be one of many agents representing the singer.
"Jason will be part of the team handling her career," the source said. "He won't be the only agent working with her, he will handling acting endeavors, but there will be a big music department also on her account."
Why the sudden switch? Perhaps Spears' close relationship with Trawick has influenced her decision. The duo have been stirring up engagement rumors for months.
"Jason is someone the family trusts. They know he will make the best decisions for her, and she feels comfortable with him," the source said.
Spears released her first new single 'Hold It Against Me' earlier this month, and it immediatly shot up the charts. Her currently untitled album is rumored to be released in March.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Selectors Back Michael Clarke to Rediscover Form
Michael Clarke, the out-of-form one-day captain, will continue to receive the support of Australia's selectors at least until the end of the World Cup. While Clarke has been struggling for runs throughout the summer, Greg Chappell said the panel has been impressed with his leadership against England, who the hosts lead 3-0 in the seven-match series.
"We have a lot of reasons to support him at this time," Chappell said in the Sydney Morning Herald. ''We've been delighted with his leadership. His captaincy in the first three games has been excellent. His strategies, bowling changes, everything that he's done - not least winning matches - has been good, and I'm sure that will only be good for him.''
However, Clarke's batting is more of a problem, with him unable to exit the slump which worsened during the Ashes. He scored 193 runs in that campaign and has posted 36, 10 and 9 in the first three ODIs.
"Many wanted Mike Hussey out of the team, we decided to back his ability to perform at the top level and we were repaid in spades by his performances in the Ashes series," Chappell said in the Courier-Mail. "We are pretty confident that given the same opportunities Michael Clarke will repay us the same way. I believe he has got through to the end of the World Cup to sort it out and we are confident he well and truly will have it sorted before then."
Clarke, who is preparing for Wednesday's fourth ODI, said it was "nice" to hear Chappell's positive comments. "I've had a lot of support from a lot of people over the last couple of months and that helps," Clarke said. "A lot of people who support me don't have a story written about them. I know I've got a lot of supporters and fans out there who continue to get behind me. I'm confident that if I keep doing the hard work things will change."
Chappell told Clarke to believe in himself to correct the "state-of-mind" problem. "You can turn it around very quickly and for that reason I'm confident Michael only needs to get a few runs at some stage in the next few games and he'll go to India [for the World Cup] in a very different space than he's in now," he said. ''When you're not playing well you start to think about anything and everything and stop watching the ball. It's nearly as simple as that."
"We have a lot of reasons to support him at this time," Chappell said in the Sydney Morning Herald. ''We've been delighted with his leadership. His captaincy in the first three games has been excellent. His strategies, bowling changes, everything that he's done - not least winning matches - has been good, and I'm sure that will only be good for him.''
However, Clarke's batting is more of a problem, with him unable to exit the slump which worsened during the Ashes. He scored 193 runs in that campaign and has posted 36, 10 and 9 in the first three ODIs.
"Many wanted Mike Hussey out of the team, we decided to back his ability to perform at the top level and we were repaid in spades by his performances in the Ashes series," Chappell said in the Courier-Mail. "We are pretty confident that given the same opportunities Michael Clarke will repay us the same way. I believe he has got through to the end of the World Cup to sort it out and we are confident he well and truly will have it sorted before then."
Clarke, who is preparing for Wednesday's fourth ODI, said it was "nice" to hear Chappell's positive comments. "I've had a lot of support from a lot of people over the last couple of months and that helps," Clarke said. "A lot of people who support me don't have a story written about them. I know I've got a lot of supporters and fans out there who continue to get behind me. I'm confident that if I keep doing the hard work things will change."
Chappell told Clarke to believe in himself to correct the "state-of-mind" problem. "You can turn it around very quickly and for that reason I'm confident Michael only needs to get a few runs at some stage in the next few games and he'll go to India [for the World Cup] in a very different space than he's in now," he said. ''When you're not playing well you start to think about anything and everything and stop watching the ball. It's nearly as simple as that."
Friday, January 21, 2011
Lyle Lovett is Back on the Road with Fellow Troubadour John Hiatt
Since his self-titled debut album in 1986, Lyle Lovett has established himself as a distinctive voice in American music — a lanky Texan with a mischievous grin who follows in the Lone Star tradition of stubbornly individualistic talents, from Bob Wills to Willie Nelson, Delbert McClinton to Guy Clark. With a style that ranges from stark folk narratives to robust swing and R&B delivered with his Large Band — and sly humor — Lovett has had a richly rewarding musical career spiced by the occasional acting gig.
Busy as he is, however, Lovett still makes time to hit the road regularly with his old pal John Hiatt. The 53-year-old Texan and the 58-year-old Indiana native may have different personalities and different musical approaches, but they have developed quite a rapport since first performing together in 1989, and that’s evident in their loose and spontaneous acoustic performances.
“It’s a really great chance for me to ask him about his songs and his process,” Lovett says from Austin, Texas, where he was recording a song for a Guy Clark tribute album. “For me, that’s one of the most enjoyable aspects of doing this. I get to sit on stage and interview him, basically. ... And he surprises me every night.”
“There’s nothing more inspiring to me than to be in the company of someone who’s fully engaged in what he’s doing, and who’s really talented. ... Sometimes, it makes you want to put your guitar down and stop. But ultimately it makes you want to take it back out and try to do something.”
Lovett is too modest to say it, but other artists no doubt look at the four-time Grammy winner the same way. His most recent album, 2009’s “Natural Forces,” once again displays his range. It presents topflight original songs while also showcasing his skills as an interpreter by spotlighting numbers from Texas tunesmiths who influenced him, including Eric Taylor, Robert Earl Keen and Townes Van Zandt.
“These are all songs that have been a part of my musical life since I was 18 or 20,” Lovett says. The songwriters are artists he got to see and in some cases know. “Behind their musical impact, they had a personal impact on me as well.”
In December, Lovett appeared with Helen Hunt in the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles’ production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” He had a musical as well as an acting role that allowed him to perform some of his own songs.
It was his first formal stage role after several appearances in movies and on TV. He’s open to more acting, but Lovett, who is in the early stages of making his next album, says any roles have to fit around his music schedule.
“It’s great fun, and I’ve enjoyed it every time I’ve gotten to do it. But playing and singing and making up songs is my real job.”
Busy as he is, however, Lovett still makes time to hit the road regularly with his old pal John Hiatt. The 53-year-old Texan and the 58-year-old Indiana native may have different personalities and different musical approaches, but they have developed quite a rapport since first performing together in 1989, and that’s evident in their loose and spontaneous acoustic performances.
“It’s a really great chance for me to ask him about his songs and his process,” Lovett says from Austin, Texas, where he was recording a song for a Guy Clark tribute album. “For me, that’s one of the most enjoyable aspects of doing this. I get to sit on stage and interview him, basically. ... And he surprises me every night.”
“There’s nothing more inspiring to me than to be in the company of someone who’s fully engaged in what he’s doing, and who’s really talented. ... Sometimes, it makes you want to put your guitar down and stop. But ultimately it makes you want to take it back out and try to do something.”
Lovett is too modest to say it, but other artists no doubt look at the four-time Grammy winner the same way. His most recent album, 2009’s “Natural Forces,” once again displays his range. It presents topflight original songs while also showcasing his skills as an interpreter by spotlighting numbers from Texas tunesmiths who influenced him, including Eric Taylor, Robert Earl Keen and Townes Van Zandt.
“These are all songs that have been a part of my musical life since I was 18 or 20,” Lovett says. The songwriters are artists he got to see and in some cases know. “Behind their musical impact, they had a personal impact on me as well.”
In December, Lovett appeared with Helen Hunt in the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles’ production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” He had a musical as well as an acting role that allowed him to perform some of his own songs.
It was his first formal stage role after several appearances in movies and on TV. He’s open to more acting, but Lovett, who is in the early stages of making his next album, says any roles have to fit around his music schedule.
“It’s great fun, and I’ve enjoyed it every time I’ve gotten to do it. But playing and singing and making up songs is my real job.”
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sarah Michelle Gellar Heading Back to TV in CBS Drama
Sarah Michelle Gellar is returning to TV with a pilot for CBS, reports Deadline.com. The former 'Buffy' star will make her return to primetime in a pilot titled 'Ringer.'
'Ringer' is a drama in which Gellar plays a troubled young woman hiding out from the mob by inhabiting the life of her wealthy twin sister. The show is a creation of 'Supernatural' writer-producers Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder.
Since the series finale of 'Buffy' in 2003, Gellar's most notable roles have been as Daphne in the 'Scooby Doo' films and Karen in the American remake of the Japanese horror film 'The Grudge' and its sequel.
Gellar and husband Freddie Prinze, Jr. had their first child, a daughter named Charlotte Grace, in September of 2009. The couple first met in 1999 on the set of the horror film 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' but didn't begin dating until 2000. They married in September 2002 in Mexico. In 2007, Gellar legally changed her name to Sarah Michelle Prinze in honor of five years of marriage to Prinze.
'Ringer' is a drama in which Gellar plays a troubled young woman hiding out from the mob by inhabiting the life of her wealthy twin sister. The show is a creation of 'Supernatural' writer-producers Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder.
Since the series finale of 'Buffy' in 2003, Gellar's most notable roles have been as Daphne in the 'Scooby Doo' films and Karen in the American remake of the Japanese horror film 'The Grudge' and its sequel.
Gellar and husband Freddie Prinze, Jr. had their first child, a daughter named Charlotte Grace, in September of 2009. The couple first met in 1999 on the set of the horror film 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' but didn't begin dating until 2000. They married in September 2002 in Mexico. In 2007, Gellar legally changed her name to Sarah Michelle Prinze in honor of five years of marriage to Prinze.
Charlie Sheen: Back in Sin City
Charlie Sheen has returned to the scene of his latest bender ... Las Vegas ... but this time he's hangin' with Drew Carey.
Multiple people in the audience in Vegas this weekend tell us Charlie made a cameo during Drew's improv show -- which is being filmed for a GSN series called "Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza," which premieres on March 28.
Drew himself even tweeted: "Charlie Sheen just got on stage with us during our improv show at MGM in Vegas. Hilarious!"
Gives new meaning to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"
Multiple people in the audience in Vegas this weekend tell us Charlie made a cameo during Drew's improv show -- which is being filmed for a GSN series called "Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza," which premieres on March 28.
Drew himself even tweeted: "Charlie Sheen just got on stage with us during our improv show at MGM in Vegas. Hilarious!"
Gives new meaning to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"
Dropped Collingwood Forced to Fight Back
Andy Flower and the England selectors have not been afraid to make big calls. James Anderson didn't play in the World Twenty20, Kevin Pietersen was dropped last summer and Steven Finn left out during the Ashes after taking 14 wickets. They made another in Melbourne on Sunday when Paul Collingwood, England's most capped one-day player, was omitted for the first match against Australia.
Although Andrew Strauss said Collingwood remained firmly in their plans for the World Cup - the final 15-man squad will be named on Wednesday - he added that there would be no quick return. This omission wasn't dressed up as rotation or resting, this was a clinical dropping because Collingwood isn't currently part of England's best one-day side.
Michael Vaughan, a close friend of Collingwood, backed the decision to leave him out. "No colly looks a big call but with the way Bell and Trott are playing the right one," he wrote on Twitter.
From a form point of view it was an entirely logical step because Collingwood has had a shocking tour of Australia with 83 runs in five Tests followed by scores of 16 and 6 in the two Twenty20s where he was also captain. He also tailed off badly towards the end of the last English season, yet his ODI record remains impressive with 4978 runs at 36.07 and 106 wickets at 38.63.
There is an argument going around that the whole of last year was a write-off for Collingwood, but he still averaged 35.71 in 16 ODIs, although his bowling was less effective with just five wickets at 54.20. However, he has always been more than just about the numbers. What he lacks in natural ability is compensated for by fighting spirit. What was telling in Strauss's comments was that Collingwood needed to "clear his mind" because mental strength has made him.
He's bounced back before on numerous occasions, including four years ago in Australia where he suffered a significant form slump following his 206 at Adelaide. He then went 14 innings without a fifty before missing a match against Australia, in Sydney, due to illness. He returned for the following game against New Zealand, a shoot-out for a place in the CB Series final, and hit 106 which was followed by an unbeaten 120 and 70 in the two deciders against Australia.
Then there was the last time he was officially dropped, for the second Test against South Africa, at Headingley in 2008, following another lean run. He was recalled for the next match, at Edgbaston, and with his career hanging by a thread after a first-innings failure he hit 135 second time around. Collingwood is a man who knows how to fight back.
Both Flower and Strauss will be desperate for Collingwood to regain form and confidence because he can play a pivotal role over the next three months. They missed his bowling in the first ODI at the MCG, where little off-cutters would have been ideal for the slow surface, and similar conditions will be prevalent throughout the subcontinent. He also remains one of the best fielders in the world.
However, those two facets alone can't keep him in the side because he is there to score runs. There will be no sentiment or sympathy towards Collingwood and he wouldn't expect any, either, having always earned his rewards the hard way. Beyond one-day cricket there is Twenty20 to consider, even though England don't play another until the end of June, where Collingwood is also struggling to justify his place despite being captain.
Next April, England will defend their Twenty20 crown in Sri Lanka and it could provide an ideal finishing point for Collingwood's international career. Now it doesn't look quite so certain that he will make it that far. Collingwood ended Test cricket on his own terms, but the rest of his England career may be more out of his control.
Although Andrew Strauss said Collingwood remained firmly in their plans for the World Cup - the final 15-man squad will be named on Wednesday - he added that there would be no quick return. This omission wasn't dressed up as rotation or resting, this was a clinical dropping because Collingwood isn't currently part of England's best one-day side.
Michael Vaughan, a close friend of Collingwood, backed the decision to leave him out. "No colly looks a big call but with the way Bell and Trott are playing the right one," he wrote on Twitter.
From a form point of view it was an entirely logical step because Collingwood has had a shocking tour of Australia with 83 runs in five Tests followed by scores of 16 and 6 in the two Twenty20s where he was also captain. He also tailed off badly towards the end of the last English season, yet his ODI record remains impressive with 4978 runs at 36.07 and 106 wickets at 38.63.
There is an argument going around that the whole of last year was a write-off for Collingwood, but he still averaged 35.71 in 16 ODIs, although his bowling was less effective with just five wickets at 54.20. However, he has always been more than just about the numbers. What he lacks in natural ability is compensated for by fighting spirit. What was telling in Strauss's comments was that Collingwood needed to "clear his mind" because mental strength has made him.
He's bounced back before on numerous occasions, including four years ago in Australia where he suffered a significant form slump following his 206 at Adelaide. He then went 14 innings without a fifty before missing a match against Australia, in Sydney, due to illness. He returned for the following game against New Zealand, a shoot-out for a place in the CB Series final, and hit 106 which was followed by an unbeaten 120 and 70 in the two deciders against Australia.
Then there was the last time he was officially dropped, for the second Test against South Africa, at Headingley in 2008, following another lean run. He was recalled for the next match, at Edgbaston, and with his career hanging by a thread after a first-innings failure he hit 135 second time around. Collingwood is a man who knows how to fight back.
Both Flower and Strauss will be desperate for Collingwood to regain form and confidence because he can play a pivotal role over the next three months. They missed his bowling in the first ODI at the MCG, where little off-cutters would have been ideal for the slow surface, and similar conditions will be prevalent throughout the subcontinent. He also remains one of the best fielders in the world.
However, those two facets alone can't keep him in the side because he is there to score runs. There will be no sentiment or sympathy towards Collingwood and he wouldn't expect any, either, having always earned his rewards the hard way. Beyond one-day cricket there is Twenty20 to consider, even though England don't play another until the end of June, where Collingwood is also struggling to justify his place despite being captain.
Next April, England will defend their Twenty20 crown in Sri Lanka and it could provide an ideal finishing point for Collingwood's international career. Now it doesn't look quite so certain that he will make it that far. Collingwood ended Test cricket on his own terms, but the rest of his England career may be more out of his control.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Philadelphia Flyers: Why Chris Pronger Doesn't Need To Rush Back From His Injury
The Philadelphia Flyers are about ready to take fans on another run. Could this journey end the same way or differently? That's a question that's in everyone's minds at the moment, with only the Flyers capable of answering it over the next several months.
They've overcome their injuries but the core has been generally healthy. The latest injury to defensive rock Chris Pronger has really tested the team's will. To their own credit, they've answered the call admirably.
In Pronger's absence, the defense has stepped up even more. Kimmo Timonen has assumed the role of defensive rock as the Flyers remain atop the Eastern Conference. In addition, Andrej Meszaros is having his best season yet with a +27 on the ice. Even Oskars Bartulis, who was bullied in last year's playoffs, has been solid over the past four weeks.
While the Flyers are getting less offensive production out of defensemen, they're making up for it with sound defensive play. The Flyers' defensemen have scored just eight goals as a unit this season. A lot of this is contributed to a different style in play; their forwards are crashing the net and doing more crafty things closer to the net to score goals.
That being said, the Flyers are in a favorable position. If Pronger isn't ready to go just yet, why not give him the time he needs to recover? There's no need to rush him back and risk another injury. The Flyers would benefit from giving Pronger ample time to get back into shape and be ready for the stretch run.
Not to look too far ahead, but the Flyers are likely to make the playoffs this season. Also, they may finish with their best regular season in years. They have enough depth around their lineup and can afford to let Pronger get back to full health.
Last year wasn't a fluke by any means, as that team was built to succeed in the playoffs despite regular season inconsistency. This year's team is even better and could make you forget about the 2009-10 edition. Then again, no one will ever forget that amazing run to the Stanley Cup Finals.
For the first time in a while, the Flyers have enough depth to go around. They have four scoring lines, perhaps the most solid defensive core in team history, and probably the best in the league.
Their goalie situation will work itself out but, as of now, both Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher are raring to play. "Bob" escaped trouble the other night in Buffalo and turned in a solid final two periods. Boucher is the best in the NHL as a backup right now. He's recently overtaken the starter role though and has excelled.
What else will they need to succeed down the stretch and into the playoffs? A healthy and vicious Chris Pronger.
They've overcome their injuries but the core has been generally healthy. The latest injury to defensive rock Chris Pronger has really tested the team's will. To their own credit, they've answered the call admirably.
In Pronger's absence, the defense has stepped up even more. Kimmo Timonen has assumed the role of defensive rock as the Flyers remain atop the Eastern Conference. In addition, Andrej Meszaros is having his best season yet with a +27 on the ice. Even Oskars Bartulis, who was bullied in last year's playoffs, has been solid over the past four weeks.
While the Flyers are getting less offensive production out of defensemen, they're making up for it with sound defensive play. The Flyers' defensemen have scored just eight goals as a unit this season. A lot of this is contributed to a different style in play; their forwards are crashing the net and doing more crafty things closer to the net to score goals.
That being said, the Flyers are in a favorable position. If Pronger isn't ready to go just yet, why not give him the time he needs to recover? There's no need to rush him back and risk another injury. The Flyers would benefit from giving Pronger ample time to get back into shape and be ready for the stretch run.
Not to look too far ahead, but the Flyers are likely to make the playoffs this season. Also, they may finish with their best regular season in years. They have enough depth around their lineup and can afford to let Pronger get back to full health.
Last year wasn't a fluke by any means, as that team was built to succeed in the playoffs despite regular season inconsistency. This year's team is even better and could make you forget about the 2009-10 edition. Then again, no one will ever forget that amazing run to the Stanley Cup Finals.
For the first time in a while, the Flyers have enough depth to go around. They have four scoring lines, perhaps the most solid defensive core in team history, and probably the best in the league.
Their goalie situation will work itself out but, as of now, both Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher are raring to play. "Bob" escaped trouble the other night in Buffalo and turned in a solid final two periods. Boucher is the best in the NHL as a backup right now. He's recently overtaken the starter role though and has excelled.
What else will they need to succeed down the stretch and into the playoffs? A healthy and vicious Chris Pronger.
Sheen's Lawyer: Actor Back At Work
Charlie Sheen's lawyer said the actor is back at work on Thursday after seeking treatment for an ear infection on Wednesday.
"Charlie is back at work as scheduled. According to all reports he is absolutely nailing it as he always does and the show is doing phenomenally well," Sheen's lawyer, Yale Galanter, told Access Hollywood.
Access also spoke to Sheen's rep Stan Rosenfield about a report from TheWrap.com, which claimed both CBS and Warner Bros. Television are "worried" about the actor following his Las Vegas weekend.
"I do not comment on reports that are based on rumor and have no relevance," Sheen's rep told Access. He had an ear infection, and was confirmed by Warner Bros. doctors. My Chicken Little remarks remain intact."
On Tuesday, the actor's rep told Access, "I keep reading that Charlie Sheen did not show up for work today. I read those remarks two hours before his scheduled time of arrival. Charlie Sheen arrived at work today and is there as I send this. Memo to Chicken Little: The sky remains in place."
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, on Monday a source told Access that Sheen spent the weekend in Las Vegas, staying at the Palms hotel. According to online reports from both TMZ and Radar Online, he was there partying with porn stars.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
"Charlie is back at work as scheduled. According to all reports he is absolutely nailing it as he always does and the show is doing phenomenally well," Sheen's lawyer, Yale Galanter, told Access Hollywood.
Access also spoke to Sheen's rep Stan Rosenfield about a report from TheWrap.com, which claimed both CBS and Warner Bros. Television are "worried" about the actor following his Las Vegas weekend.
"I do not comment on reports that are based on rumor and have no relevance," Sheen's rep told Access. He had an ear infection, and was confirmed by Warner Bros. doctors. My Chicken Little remarks remain intact."
On Tuesday, the actor's rep told Access, "I keep reading that Charlie Sheen did not show up for work today. I read those remarks two hours before his scheduled time of arrival. Charlie Sheen arrived at work today and is there as I send this. Memo to Chicken Little: The sky remains in place."
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, on Monday a source told Access that Sheen spent the weekend in Las Vegas, staying at the Palms hotel. According to online reports from both TMZ and Radar Online, he was there partying with porn stars.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Meg Ryan Excited to Be Back in the Spotlight
Meg Ryan isn't just loving the attention of her new boyfriend, rocker John Melllencamp, she's also enjoying being back in the public eye more than two years after her last major film release, the star-studded 'The Women.'
"Meg couldn't be happier," a friend of the actress tells me. "Not only has she got a great new guy, she's back in the headlines. It's not easy going from being one of the highest paid actress in the world to an anonymous New Yorker. Meg's loving all this attention again."
The newly formed couple hasn't exactly been trying to hide their love as they stroll through [New York's] West Village or spent time on Martha's Vineyard. And now insiders tell me the two of them are even in talks with a major magazine to do a photo shoot together.
"Meg would much rather be back on the cover of the magazines announcing a hit new movie but unfortunately that isn't the case," an insider tells me.
The 49-year-old beauty is fully aware how the world of celebrity has changed since she was burning up the box office in landmark hits like 'Sleepless in Seattle' and 'You've Got Mail.'
"Now folks are much more interested in your private life than if you have a hit movie," the insider says. "Look at Kate Gosselin or Kim Kardashian, they are always on magazine covers talking about their love life."
Welcome back, Meg. But please, please, please don't become the new Kate Gosselin. Please.
"Meg couldn't be happier," a friend of the actress tells me. "Not only has she got a great new guy, she's back in the headlines. It's not easy going from being one of the highest paid actress in the world to an anonymous New Yorker. Meg's loving all this attention again."
The newly formed couple hasn't exactly been trying to hide their love as they stroll through [New York's] West Village or spent time on Martha's Vineyard. And now insiders tell me the two of them are even in talks with a major magazine to do a photo shoot together.
"Meg would much rather be back on the cover of the magazines announcing a hit new movie but unfortunately that isn't the case," an insider tells me.
The 49-year-old beauty is fully aware how the world of celebrity has changed since she was burning up the box office in landmark hits like 'Sleepless in Seattle' and 'You've Got Mail.'
"Now folks are much more interested in your private life than if you have a hit movie," the insider says. "Look at Kate Gosselin or Kim Kardashian, they are always on magazine covers talking about their love life."
Welcome back, Meg. But please, please, please don't become the new Kate Gosselin. Please.
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