Teams that beat Duke have reason to celebrate. Teams that blow Duke out of the building should be able to party all night.
So, how long will the St. John's players be allowed to celebrate Sunday's 93-78 victory over No. 3 Duke - a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicated?
"Coach Lav said we had two hours to celebrate and then we have to get ready for Rutgers," senior forward Justin Burrell said, referring to first-year coach Steve Lavin and the Red Storm's next opponent on Wednesday.
Two hours? It will take longer than that just to go over the highlight plays of a game that St. John's had won by halftime. Those last 20 minutes were just a formality.
"I felt like we were ready. The guys wanted to play this game," Duke guard Nolan Smith said. "We wanted to be here but they came out from the jump ball and kicked our butts."
It wasn't that St. John's (12-8) beat the Blue Devils (19-2), it was the way it happened.
St. John's was finishing a stretch of eight straight games against ranked teams. This win gave them three wins in that span. It was enough to have Lavin waving his arms to the crowd at a media timeout in the second half.
"You're caught up in the moment of the game and I wanted St. John's fans to come to the party in terms of supporting the players on the court," Lavin said. "We had this arduous stretch of games and having lost five of six, at that moment it was just wanting to jumper cable the crowd and bring energy for our players because they deserved a pat on the back and some appreciation for the yeoman's effort and the cohesive brand of basketball they had been playing against the defending national champion."
The Red Storm, who had lost three straight and five of six, took control early and had a 46-25 lead at halftime. Duke, which came into the game shooting 40 percent from 3-point range, missed its first 10 shots from behind the arc and made one of 13 in the half.
The Blue Devils' overall shooting wasn't a whole lot better as they shot 29.6 percent (8 of 27) in the half - they entered the game shooting 48.1 percent from the field - and they were careless with the ball as well, committing 11 turnovers, one off their season average for a game.
St. John's had a lot to do with how poorly Duke played, using a three-quarter court trap to force the Blue Devils into low percentage passes that almost all seemed to either be stolen by St. John's or just thrown away.
"It's not an Xs and Os thing today," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "I felt we were not ready to compete, we had blank expressions on our faces and guys weren't talking and that's my responsibility. Our program didn't do well today and that is all our responsibilities."
There was plenty of praise to go around for the Red Storm, who gave the Big East a 6-1 record against teams ranked in the top 10 this season. They were 16 of 28 from the field (57.1 percent) in the first half, well above the 45.2 percent the Red Storm were shooting coming into the game.
Dwight Hardy had 26 points for St. John's, while Justin Brownlee had 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists and Paris Horne added 15 points and six assists. St. John's shot 58.2 percent for the game (32 of 55) and was 26 of 33 from the free throw line.
"I thought our team from the outset executed with precision on offense and brought great intensity to the defensive end of the floor," Lavin said, "and we were able to maintain a high level of basketball for 40 minutes and that was the difference."
Duke's loss continued the weekend of misery for members of the Top 25. On Saturday, four teams in the top 10 and 11 ranked teams overall lost.
Smith led Duke with 32 points and Kyle Singler added 20. Duke finished 5 of 26 from 3-point range -- they missed 21 of the first 22 attempts -- and had 17 turnovers.
"To sum it up they got whatever they wanted and we just weren't able to bounce back and match them," Singler said.
The sellout crowd of 19,353 at Madison Square Garden -- about 60 percent of whom were cheering for St. John's -- seemed to be waiting for a run by the Blue Devils, who had won four straight since its loss at Florida State, that would make their nightmare half go away.
St. John's came out and scored the first two baskets of the second half -- one on a dunk by D.J. Kennedy 10 seconds in, the other on a layup by Hardy off a nice pass from Dwayne Polee II -- to take its biggest lead of the game, 50-25 1:04 into the second half.
St. John's had doubled Duke and the Red Storm managed to score enough the rest of the way to keep the Blue Devils at bay. The closest Duke would get would be 11 points after they hit four straights 3-pointers to pull to 87-76.
"I was really excited," said Burrell who had eight points and five rebounds. "I'm one of those guys who really enjoys college basketball and I was excited to be a part of this."
The Red Storm started their run against ranked teams with a 61-58 victory over then-No. 13 Georgetown. After losses to Notre Dame and Syracuse, they beat then-No. 9 Notre Dame 72-54 in a rematch. Losses to Louisville, Cincinnati and Georgetown preceded the win over Duke. All three wins were at Madison Square Garden.
"This was an interesting stretch as a coach," Lavin said. "I don't think it had ever happened. The mathematical probabilities have got to be one in a zillion. "We've had to temper things with them and be mindful of that frustration. The concern was that our players realize this conference is really tough and you can lose five of six and not be playing bad basketball."
Duke had been as comfortable at the Garden as St. John's. The Blue Devils had won their last five and 12 of 13 there and were 25-14 all-time.
The game got chippy for a while in the second half and double technicals were called twice before things settled down.
Showing posts with label Over. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Over. Show all posts
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tila Tequila Sobers Up and Turns Over New Leaf
Former reality star Tila Tequila has had her fair share of ups and downs over the years, but she is sober and ready to start over, according to RadarOnline.
Thanks to her doctor and therapist, the star was able to overcome her addictions and emotional issues during what she said was the lowest point in her life.
"When you need help, you don't realize it. Last year, I was going through a really tough time," Tila said. "I needed help ... I was in denial."
After noticeable scars and marks on her wrists were reported in the press, the star claimed she woke up with blood gushing down her arms from cuts made by her alter-ego, "Jane."
"That's when I realized, OK, I have a problem," Tila said.
Her emotional struggles came on top of the death of her reported fiancee, Casey Johnson, early last year and various pregnancy claims.
"I have my doctor and my therapist and throughout all of last year I went constantly," she said. "I got sober."
And with her new sobriety comes a new name. She's ditching her "Tequila" moniker -- made famous on MTV's 'A Shot of Love with Tila Tequila' -- for something a little more normal.
She plans to legally change her last name to "Wynn," which is variation of the pronunciation of her given name, Nguyen.
And she even returned to TV with a guest appearance on the CBS comedy '$#*! My Dad Says,' according to TV Guide. The episode airs Thursday, Jan. 27 at 8PM.
Thanks to her doctor and therapist, the star was able to overcome her addictions and emotional issues during what she said was the lowest point in her life.
"When you need help, you don't realize it. Last year, I was going through a really tough time," Tila said. "I needed help ... I was in denial."
After noticeable scars and marks on her wrists were reported in the press, the star claimed she woke up with blood gushing down her arms from cuts made by her alter-ego, "Jane."
"That's when I realized, OK, I have a problem," Tila said.
Her emotional struggles came on top of the death of her reported fiancee, Casey Johnson, early last year and various pregnancy claims.
"I have my doctor and my therapist and throughout all of last year I went constantly," she said. "I got sober."
And with her new sobriety comes a new name. She's ditching her "Tequila" moniker -- made famous on MTV's 'A Shot of Love with Tila Tequila' -- for something a little more normal.
She plans to legally change her last name to "Wynn," which is variation of the pronunciation of her given name, Nguyen.
And she even returned to TV with a guest appearance on the CBS comedy '$#*! My Dad Says,' according to TV Guide. The episode airs Thursday, Jan. 27 at 8PM.
'King of Queens' Actor Sues Over Oral Sex Claim
A comedian who played Cousin Danny on "King of Queens" has filed a lawsuit against a woman who he claims falsely accused him of sexual assault after a night of consensual oral sex.
Gary Valentine -- Kevin James' real-life older brother -- is suing a former business associate, alleging she busted out a bottle of wine during a business meeting last year and "initiated intimate contact."
According to the suit, filed today in L.A. County Superior Court, one thing led to another ... and she eventually performed "mutually consensual oral sex on him."
Valentine claims the woman was concerned her BOYFRIEND would find out about the hook-up -- so she lied and told him she was sexually assaulted by Valentine. She then went to police with her story.
In the suit, Valentine says cops investigated -- but the claims "proved to be groundless."
Now, Valentine is suing the woman for $500,000 -- claiming she damaged his reputation, caused severe emotional distress and cost him a ton of cash in legal fees.
Gary Valentine -- Kevin James' real-life older brother -- is suing a former business associate, alleging she busted out a bottle of wine during a business meeting last year and "initiated intimate contact."
According to the suit, filed today in L.A. County Superior Court, one thing led to another ... and she eventually performed "mutually consensual oral sex on him."
Valentine claims the woman was concerned her BOYFRIEND would find out about the hook-up -- so she lied and told him she was sexually assaulted by Valentine. She then went to police with her story.
In the suit, Valentine says cops investigated -- but the claims "proved to be groundless."
Now, Valentine is suing the woman for $500,000 -- claiming she damaged his reputation, caused severe emotional distress and cost him a ton of cash in legal fees.
Miss Teen Arkansas -- 'Mortified' Over Drunk Arrest
An ex-Miss Teen Arkansas USA -- who was arrested last weekend for public intoxication -- is "mortified" about the situation ... and says she's "sorry if I brought any shame on my state."
A rep for the Miss USA Organization tells TMZ, it was Megan Burgess' resident assistant at her University of Arkansas dorm who called the cops on Megan for being a drunk nuisance -- and when police found her, she was sitting in the snow outside by herself.
But the Miss USA Organization isn't holding any grudge -- telling us, Megan "is a sweet girl who exemplifies the values of a Miss Teen title holder and is mortified about this."
The rep adds, "She even called over to us and said she was 'sorry if I brought any shame on my state.'"
A rep for the Miss USA Organization tells TMZ, it was Megan Burgess' resident assistant at her University of Arkansas dorm who called the cops on Megan for being a drunk nuisance -- and when police found her, she was sitting in the snow outside by herself.
But the Miss USA Organization isn't holding any grudge -- telling us, Megan "is a sweet girl who exemplifies the values of a Miss Teen title holder and is mortified about this."
The rep adds, "She even called over to us and said she was 'sorry if I brought any shame on my state.'"
Monday, January 24, 2011
Did Regis Philbin Quit Over a Pay Cut Dispute?
There's a new twist in the surprise departure of Regis Philbin from 'Live With Regis and Kelly,' and as you'd expect, it centers around money. Loads of money. Regis fired his longtime manager, Jim Griffin, right after telling viewers he was quitting, and sources say he made the move because he was insulted by a proposed pay cut.
According to TMZ sources, Regis makes between $18 and $20 million a year. I'm told it's a bit less than that, but regardless, an insider tells me that's "more than double" what Kelly Ripa receives. ABC producers wanted an adjustment for Regis' new contract, and Jim Griffin went to work on negotiations.
"Regis was insulted by the offer he got and chose to leave, blaming his agent on his way out," a television exec tells me. "The problem is the world has changed around this legend. Regis thinks he's being pushed out for someone they can pay peanuts to. The problem is if he thinks he's going to get anywhere near that sort of money doing another show he should think again."
Regis, 79, announced the news on last Tuesday's episode of the hit show, saying that he will leave the program sometime in late summer.
He apparently told Kelly about his decision 15 minutes before they went on air. While initially she was said to be stunned, she is now apparently furious and feels he showed a total lack of respect for her.
An insider with knowledge of the situation tells me that ABC wanted to retain Regis but also felt that Kelly had proven during his medical leaves and frequent days off that she could thrive without him.
"The writing was on the wall when Regis got sick and the show's ratings did not decline," my source says. "When it came time to renegotiate his contract again, the producers knew the show would survive with or without him and offered him way less than the multimillions he had become accustomed to."
Regis has said he's not quitting television, just the show he's helmed since 1983. ABC will announce his replacement in the coming months.
I was at ABC studios in New York just hours after Regis made his announcement and an executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity told me that producers have been "unofficially testing" out possible replacements for a while, but that they haven't necessarily found Kelly's partner yet.
"The show can definitely survive without Regis if they find Kelly the right new co-host," an ABC exec tells me. "For some time they have been unofficially testing out potential replacements on the show. Neil Patrick Harris, Anderson Cooper and even Kelly's husband, Mark, have filled in; yet no one was as good as Regis."
According to TMZ sources, Regis makes between $18 and $20 million a year. I'm told it's a bit less than that, but regardless, an insider tells me that's "more than double" what Kelly Ripa receives. ABC producers wanted an adjustment for Regis' new contract, and Jim Griffin went to work on negotiations.
"Regis was insulted by the offer he got and chose to leave, blaming his agent on his way out," a television exec tells me. "The problem is the world has changed around this legend. Regis thinks he's being pushed out for someone they can pay peanuts to. The problem is if he thinks he's going to get anywhere near that sort of money doing another show he should think again."
Regis, 79, announced the news on last Tuesday's episode of the hit show, saying that he will leave the program sometime in late summer.
He apparently told Kelly about his decision 15 minutes before they went on air. While initially she was said to be stunned, she is now apparently furious and feels he showed a total lack of respect for her.
An insider with knowledge of the situation tells me that ABC wanted to retain Regis but also felt that Kelly had proven during his medical leaves and frequent days off that she could thrive without him.
"The writing was on the wall when Regis got sick and the show's ratings did not decline," my source says. "When it came time to renegotiate his contract again, the producers knew the show would survive with or without him and offered him way less than the multimillions he had become accustomed to."
Regis has said he's not quitting television, just the show he's helmed since 1983. ABC will announce his replacement in the coming months.
I was at ABC studios in New York just hours after Regis made his announcement and an executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity told me that producers have been "unofficially testing" out possible replacements for a while, but that they haven't necessarily found Kelly's partner yet.
"The show can definitely survive without Regis if they find Kelly the right new co-host," an ABC exec tells me. "For some time they have been unofficially testing out potential replacements on the show. Neil Patrick Harris, Anderson Cooper and even Kelly's husband, Mark, have filled in; yet no one was as good as Regis."
Jack LaLanne's Son -- I'm Taking Over the Family Biz
Jack LaLanne's son says he is ready to carry on the family business ... and will take over his father's role as the company's official ultra-fit spokesperson.
TMZ spoke with Jon LaLanne (pictured right) -- one of Jack's three children -- who told us, "Though we are saddened by our father's passing, the overwhelming response from fans and the media has made us all feel he is still with us."
Jon added, "I plan to carry on the family business. I will be alongside my mother Elaine, my wife Lora, my brother Dan and my sister Yvonne touring the country preaching my father's common sense approach to a longer and better life."
Jon is an accomplished businessman himself -- running a successful surf board company aptly named "LaLa."
TMZ spoke with Jon LaLanne (pictured right) -- one of Jack's three children -- who told us, "Though we are saddened by our father's passing, the overwhelming response from fans and the media has made us all feel he is still with us."
Jon added, "I plan to carry on the family business. I will be alongside my mother Elaine, my wife Lora, my brother Dan and my sister Yvonne touring the country preaching my father's common sense approach to a longer and better life."
Jon is an accomplished businessman himself -- running a successful surf board company aptly named "LaLa."
Regis Philbin Quit Over Pay Cut
Regis Philbin quit his show after execs told his agent they would cut his salary when his current contract expired ... sources tell TMZ.
Sources connected with the show tell TMZ ... Regis' agent, Jim Griffin, was talking with execs from the ABC station group about a new contract for Regis when his current deal expired. We're told the honchos made it clear ... Regis would be getting a pay cut, partly because the show is not performing as well as in the past ... and partly because he takes a lot of time off.
Sources say Reeg is currently pulling in between $18 and $20 million a year.
Regis, we're told, was angry at the offer and that was the trigger for his announcement this week that he's leaving the show.
TMZ first reported ... Regis told Kelly Ripa about his decision 15 minutes before they went on the air. Initially we were told she was stunned but not angry. Now we've learned she was furious -- partly because, as one source says, "She felt it showed a total lack of respect for her."
We're told the entire production team is angry at Regis because they feel he hurt the show by blindsiding everyone.
As for Regis' agent, Jim Griffin, Reeg fired him. We're told Regis feels Griffin did not negotiate the upcoming deal effectively.
Sources connected with the show tell TMZ ... Regis' agent, Jim Griffin, was talking with execs from the ABC station group about a new contract for Regis when his current deal expired. We're told the honchos made it clear ... Regis would be getting a pay cut, partly because the show is not performing as well as in the past ... and partly because he takes a lot of time off.
Sources say Reeg is currently pulling in between $18 and $20 million a year.
Regis, we're told, was angry at the offer and that was the trigger for his announcement this week that he's leaving the show.
TMZ first reported ... Regis told Kelly Ripa about his decision 15 minutes before they went on the air. Initially we were told she was stunned but not angry. Now we've learned she was furious -- partly because, as one source says, "She felt it showed a total lack of respect for her."
We're told the entire production team is angry at Regis because they feel he hurt the show by blindsiding everyone.
As for Regis' agent, Jim Griffin, Reeg fired him. We're told Regis feels Griffin did not negotiate the upcoming deal effectively.
Friday, January 21, 2011
'Voices Were Raised': 'Big Pussy' and Rapper in 'Sopranos' Style War of Words Over Video Shoot
"Sopranos" star Vincent Pastore and mob-related rapper Tony Testa got into a wild, name-calling dust-up during a video shoot for Testa's new record.
A nephew of jailed mob boss Joseph Carmine Testa told us he had a fight with Pastore after the actor -- who played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the HBO series -- demanded a limo and top billing on the credits before he would leave the house.
According to Testa, Pastore then refused to show up for Wednesday's shoot for "Paper Chaser" at Bamonte's restaurant in Williamsburg -- leaving fellow "Sopranos" actor Joe Gannascoli, who played closet gay Vito Spatafore Sr., and Chuck Zito, who starred in HBO's "Oz," to carry on with the shoot before they, too, began bickering.
Testa, who owns three Long Island tanning salons, said, "At the last minute, Vincent didn't like the negotiated terms for the video, so I gave him some choice words. He says he's not turning up. He wants a limo to pick him up because of the rain. I called him and said, 'Take a cab, and I'll pay for it.'
"But he gets very rude and disrespectful, starts cursing on the phone, saying, 'This isn't even union. I don't know what the [bleep] this is. I need a private car to pick me up. I am not leaving my [bleep]ing house to get into a car accident to film your video.'
"I said to him, 'Listen to me, you fat mother[bleeper]: If you don't turn up to my video shoot, I'll stomp on your head.' He then sent a text to Joe saying he was just threatened by me. This isn't 'The Sopranos.' My uncle is doing life in jail. I am doing rap because it is my passion. These guys think they are celebrities. He thinks he is Kim Kardashian."
Then, during the shoot, Zito and Gannascoli started fighting about whether "The Sopranos" or "Oz" was the better show.
"Voices were raised," Testa told us.
Pastore's agent said, "This is the first I've heard of this." Zito said, "Vinnie has always been a down-to-earth guy. On a movie, they pick you up; it's normal treatment. I don't think he would expect star treatment."
Zito laughed: "The best show is 'Oz' . . . Joe took good advice and walked away. He knew he was in a losing battle."
A nephew of jailed mob boss Joseph Carmine Testa told us he had a fight with Pastore after the actor -- who played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the HBO series -- demanded a limo and top billing on the credits before he would leave the house.
According to Testa, Pastore then refused to show up for Wednesday's shoot for "Paper Chaser" at Bamonte's restaurant in Williamsburg -- leaving fellow "Sopranos" actor Joe Gannascoli, who played closet gay Vito Spatafore Sr., and Chuck Zito, who starred in HBO's "Oz," to carry on with the shoot before they, too, began bickering.
Testa, who owns three Long Island tanning salons, said, "At the last minute, Vincent didn't like the negotiated terms for the video, so I gave him some choice words. He says he's not turning up. He wants a limo to pick him up because of the rain. I called him and said, 'Take a cab, and I'll pay for it.'
"But he gets very rude and disrespectful, starts cursing on the phone, saying, 'This isn't even union. I don't know what the [bleep] this is. I need a private car to pick me up. I am not leaving my [bleep]ing house to get into a car accident to film your video.'
"I said to him, 'Listen to me, you fat mother[bleeper]: If you don't turn up to my video shoot, I'll stomp on your head.' He then sent a text to Joe saying he was just threatened by me. This isn't 'The Sopranos.' My uncle is doing life in jail. I am doing rap because it is my passion. These guys think they are celebrities. He thinks he is Kim Kardashian."
Then, during the shoot, Zito and Gannascoli started fighting about whether "The Sopranos" or "Oz" was the better show.
"Voices were raised," Testa told us.
Pastore's agent said, "This is the first I've heard of this." Zito said, "Vinnie has always been a down-to-earth guy. On a movie, they pick you up; it's normal treatment. I don't think he would expect star treatment."
Zito laughed: "The best show is 'Oz' . . . Joe took good advice and walked away. He knew he was in a losing battle."
Fired Nurse Sues Over Leaked Tiger Woods Records
A nurse who was fired for allegedly leaking medical records of Tiger Woods that infamous day is now suing the hospital that gave him the boot.
David Rothenberg was the charge nurse on November 27, 2009, when Tiger was taken to the hospital after hitting bushes, trees and a fire hydrant.
Within hours after Tiger checked in, someone inside the hospital gained access to his patient file, using Rothenberg's computer log in and password.
Rothenberg says in his lawsuit he did sign in, but minimized the screen and walked away to do other business. He claims someone else must have used his terminal.
Rothenberg, who claims among other things that the hospital defamed him, is suing for more than $400,000 in damages.
David Rothenberg was the charge nurse on November 27, 2009, when Tiger was taken to the hospital after hitting bushes, trees and a fire hydrant.
Within hours after Tiger checked in, someone inside the hospital gained access to his patient file, using Rothenberg's computer log in and password.
Rothenberg says in his lawsuit he did sign in, but minimized the screen and walked away to do other business. He claims someone else must have used his terminal.
Rothenberg, who claims among other things that the hospital defamed him, is suing for more than $400,000 in damages.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
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.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Controversy Over FOX Show Canceling Joan Rivers
Joan Rivers has been canceled from a scheduled appearance on FOX & Friends -- she says it's all over a comment she made to TMZ blasting Sarah Palin ... but FOX denies that's the reason.
This weekend, Rivers said she partially blamed the Arizona shootings on Palin ... and then referred to Sarah as "stupid and a threat."
Rivers was scheduled to appear with daughter Melissa tomorrow on the show to promote her new show, "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?" River's rep tells us a producer called to say they gave her the chop because of Joan's comments.
But moments ago FOX responded ... they say the show was overbooked and the producer "mistakenly" canceled Joan's appearance instead of rescheduling it.
FOX insists it has nothing to do with Joan's comments.
This weekend, Rivers said she partially blamed the Arizona shootings on Palin ... and then referred to Sarah as "stupid and a threat."
Rivers was scheduled to appear with daughter Melissa tomorrow on the show to promote her new show, "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?" River's rep tells us a producer called to say they gave her the chop because of Joan's comments.
But moments ago FOX responded ... they say the show was overbooked and the producer "mistakenly" canceled Joan's appearance instead of rescheduling it.
FOX insists it has nothing to do with Joan's comments.
England Choose Matt Prior Over Steve Davies
The return of Matt Prior is the major surprise in England's 15-man World Cup squad after he was preferred to Steve Davies for the wicketkeeper's role. Davies was the original glove man in the one-day squad against Australia, but won't be travelling to the subcontinent as England make another change behind the stumps.
The rest of the squad was as expected with Ajmal Shahzad securing the final fast bowler's slot and James Tredwell, the Kent offspinner, named as back up for Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy. Paul Collingwood was included despite his recent omission against Australia, Luke Wright retained his spot as the spare allrounder and Stuart Broad is on track to recover from the stomach injury that kept him out since the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
The last-minute switch to Prior was unexpected and meant England changed their one-day wicketkeeper for the third time in less than a year. Prior last played against Bangladesh, in Chittagong, in March where he batted in the middle order before being replaced by Craig Kieswetter, who held the position until the series against Pakistan in September, when Davies earned a chance.
Davies scored 197 runs in five matches against Pakistan and when he was retained for the current series against Australia he appeared set for the World Cup. He made 42 in the opening ODI in Melbourne but it was a scratchy innings which included four let-offs. The selectors were not convinced he was the right man for the subcontinent so Prior, who has been playing in the Big Bash for Victoria since the end of the Ashes, gets another chance at the top of the order. He will link up with the squad in Hobart ahead of the second ODI, where he will open with Andrew Strauss.
"Matt Prior returns to the England ODI squad after a brief absence and given his recent form and his batting style, which is very well suited to the subcontinent conditions, we believe his inclusion is warranted," Geoff Miller, the national selector, said. "Despite some strong performances both with the bat and behind the stumps by Steven Davies, we feel that Matt's game will be better suited to the conditions in Bangladesh and India, the venues staging England's group matches."
Prior has played 55 one-day internationals and averages 25.38 with a strike-rate of 74.80, while his record in India, where England will play five of their six group matches, is unflattering with 158 runs in 11 matches at an average of 17.55. However, he did finish the Ashes series in strong form with 85 in Melbourne and 118 in Sydney, and has since hit 51 off 29 balls for Victoria on his Big Bash debut against Tasmania.
Prior is guaranteed his place in the starting XI but the same can't be said of Collingwood after he was dropped for the opening match against Australia so he could "clear his mind". He is expected to be given some match time towards the end of the one-day series and has been backed to be a key part of the World Cup.
"Paul Collingwood may not have scored as many runs as he would have liked so far on the tour of Australia but he has been a consistently strong performer for England in limited-overs cricket for a long period of time," Miller said. "His experience, ODI knowledge and skills across all three facets of the game make him a valuable member of the squad and he'll be looking to make a big impact at another global event."
Miller was also confident the squad had the depth to cope with all the challenges that will be put forward during the tournament. "With spin bowlers set to play a prominent role in this World Cup we feel we have quality and depth in Graeme Swann, Michael Yardy and James Tredwell who have all shown their capabilities at international level," he said.
"We believe we have selected an extremely exciting World Cup squad that offers balance with several options across the entire squad. With this tournament being staged on the subcontinent the conditions will require a specific style of cricket and we feel that we've selected a squad that can prosper in these conditions."
Squad Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy
The rest of the squad was as expected with Ajmal Shahzad securing the final fast bowler's slot and James Tredwell, the Kent offspinner, named as back up for Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy. Paul Collingwood was included despite his recent omission against Australia, Luke Wright retained his spot as the spare allrounder and Stuart Broad is on track to recover from the stomach injury that kept him out since the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
The last-minute switch to Prior was unexpected and meant England changed their one-day wicketkeeper for the third time in less than a year. Prior last played against Bangladesh, in Chittagong, in March where he batted in the middle order before being replaced by Craig Kieswetter, who held the position until the series against Pakistan in September, when Davies earned a chance.
Davies scored 197 runs in five matches against Pakistan and when he was retained for the current series against Australia he appeared set for the World Cup. He made 42 in the opening ODI in Melbourne but it was a scratchy innings which included four let-offs. The selectors were not convinced he was the right man for the subcontinent so Prior, who has been playing in the Big Bash for Victoria since the end of the Ashes, gets another chance at the top of the order. He will link up with the squad in Hobart ahead of the second ODI, where he will open with Andrew Strauss.
"Matt Prior returns to the England ODI squad after a brief absence and given his recent form and his batting style, which is very well suited to the subcontinent conditions, we believe his inclusion is warranted," Geoff Miller, the national selector, said. "Despite some strong performances both with the bat and behind the stumps by Steven Davies, we feel that Matt's game will be better suited to the conditions in Bangladesh and India, the venues staging England's group matches."
Prior has played 55 one-day internationals and averages 25.38 with a strike-rate of 74.80, while his record in India, where England will play five of their six group matches, is unflattering with 158 runs in 11 matches at an average of 17.55. However, he did finish the Ashes series in strong form with 85 in Melbourne and 118 in Sydney, and has since hit 51 off 29 balls for Victoria on his Big Bash debut against Tasmania.
Prior is guaranteed his place in the starting XI but the same can't be said of Collingwood after he was dropped for the opening match against Australia so he could "clear his mind". He is expected to be given some match time towards the end of the one-day series and has been backed to be a key part of the World Cup.
"Paul Collingwood may not have scored as many runs as he would have liked so far on the tour of Australia but he has been a consistently strong performer for England in limited-overs cricket for a long period of time," Miller said. "His experience, ODI knowledge and skills across all three facets of the game make him a valuable member of the squad and he'll be looking to make a big impact at another global event."
Miller was also confident the squad had the depth to cope with all the challenges that will be put forward during the tournament. "With spin bowlers set to play a prominent role in this World Cup we feel we have quality and depth in Graeme Swann, Michael Yardy and James Tredwell who have all shown their capabilities at international level," he said.
"We believe we have selected an extremely exciting World Cup squad that offers balance with several options across the entire squad. With this tournament being staged on the subcontinent the conditions will require a specific style of cricket and we feel that we've selected a squad that can prosper in these conditions."
Squad Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy
FCC Approves NBC Take Over by Comcast
Despite concerns about the overlap between Internet service providers and content providers, the FCC voted Tuesday to allow Comcast, the country's largest cable company, to take over NBC Universal, home of the NBC television network.
The deal is still awaiting Justice Department approval, which is expected later Tuesday.
The recent passage of so-called net neutrality legislation may have helped pave the way for the merger. The new laws are designed to prohibit phone and cable companies from abusing their control over Internet connections by discriminating against rival content or services, such as Internet phone calls or online video, or playing favorites with Web traffic. Rivals of the law feared that it could strangle industry investment in new Internet technologies.
With the sheer size of the Comcast / NBC deal certain to transform the entertainment industry landscape, regulators are attaching additional conditions above and beyond the net neutrality laws in order to prevent Comcast Corp. from trampling competitors once it takes control of NBC's vast media empire.
Among other things, the government is requiring Comcast to make NBC programming available to rival cable companies, satellite operators and new Internet video services that could pose a threat to Comcast's core cable business. It must also protect diversity and local concerns, by carrying public interest content, for example.
Comcast and NBC have also voluntarily agreed to certain conditions, the FCC reported. Notably, Comcast will make high-speed Internet access available to about 2.5 million low income households, maintain at least the current level of news and other programming among Telemundo owned and operated stations, and increase the amount of children's programming it provides.
In a statement released with the the notification of the approval, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski touted these and other agreements as "carefully considered steps to ensure that competition drives innovation in the emerging online video marketplace."
These targeted conditions and commitments, which generally will remain in effect for seven years.
Commissioner Michael J. Copps dissented with the agreement, which he said put too much power into one company's hands.
"I searched in vain for the benefits," Copps wrote. "Many of the new commitments that have been added aim no higher than maintaining the status quo. The status quo is not serving the public interest," he wrote in a statement released by the FCC.
The FCC voted 4-to-1 Tuesday to let Comcast buy a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal from General Electric Co. for $13.8 billion in cash and assets.
The deal is still awaiting Justice Department approval, which is expected later Tuesday.
The recent passage of so-called net neutrality legislation may have helped pave the way for the merger. The new laws are designed to prohibit phone and cable companies from abusing their control over Internet connections by discriminating against rival content or services, such as Internet phone calls or online video, or playing favorites with Web traffic. Rivals of the law feared that it could strangle industry investment in new Internet technologies.
With the sheer size of the Comcast / NBC deal certain to transform the entertainment industry landscape, regulators are attaching additional conditions above and beyond the net neutrality laws in order to prevent Comcast Corp. from trampling competitors once it takes control of NBC's vast media empire.
Among other things, the government is requiring Comcast to make NBC programming available to rival cable companies, satellite operators and new Internet video services that could pose a threat to Comcast's core cable business. It must also protect diversity and local concerns, by carrying public interest content, for example.
Comcast and NBC have also voluntarily agreed to certain conditions, the FCC reported. Notably, Comcast will make high-speed Internet access available to about 2.5 million low income households, maintain at least the current level of news and other programming among Telemundo owned and operated stations, and increase the amount of children's programming it provides.
In a statement released with the the notification of the approval, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski touted these and other agreements as "carefully considered steps to ensure that competition drives innovation in the emerging online video marketplace."
These targeted conditions and commitments, which generally will remain in effect for seven years.
Commissioner Michael J. Copps dissented with the agreement, which he said put too much power into one company's hands.
"I searched in vain for the benefits," Copps wrote. "Many of the new commitments that have been added aim no higher than maintaining the status quo. The status quo is not serving the public interest," he wrote in a statement released by the FCC.
The FCC voted 4-to-1 Tuesday to let Comcast buy a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal from General Electric Co. for $13.8 billion in cash and assets.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Chris Colfer Emotional Over Globes Win
A Golden Globe win means a lot to the winners, but to “Glee’s” Chris Colfer, who picked up the statute for Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role, it was a the culmination of a childhood dream.
“It’s insane. I hate to say that I am a ‘Cinderfellow’ but I really kind of feel like it tonight,” Chris told reporters backstage at the ceremony following his win for playing Kurt Hummel. “Literally, I have been watching the Globes since I was an embryo. I actually got a message via Facebook from a friend and he said, ‘One of my elementary school memories is you standing up in front of the class and telling everyone to watch the Golden Globes,’ and now I am here.”
The actor said he expects himself to have only few memories from Sunday night, because it was so emotional.
“I won’t remember this. I kind of blacked out when I heard my name,” he said.
There is someone who might be able to help him recall things later – his mom, whom he called backstage.
“I was on the phone with my mom. And I was trying to say, ‘I can’t talk right now because I am in the pressroom.’ [She said], ‘You’re in the rest room?’ [I responded], ‘No, the press room!’”
While he can spend the next few days, trying to tap into his Sunday night memories, Chris said he considers his win as a win for young children, who see him as the openly gay Mckinley High School student character, Kurt.
“Now I am really going to cry — I think one of the best things for all the kids that are watching tonight who don’t quite understand that Kurt is a character and that we are actors — they just saw Kurt [Hummel] get an award for being him. I think that’s a great thing they are seeing right now,” Chris said.
“It’s insane. I hate to say that I am a ‘Cinderfellow’ but I really kind of feel like it tonight,” Chris told reporters backstage at the ceremony following his win for playing Kurt Hummel. “Literally, I have been watching the Globes since I was an embryo. I actually got a message via Facebook from a friend and he said, ‘One of my elementary school memories is you standing up in front of the class and telling everyone to watch the Golden Globes,’ and now I am here.”
The actor said he expects himself to have only few memories from Sunday night, because it was so emotional.
“I won’t remember this. I kind of blacked out when I heard my name,” he said.
There is someone who might be able to help him recall things later – his mom, whom he called backstage.
“I was on the phone with my mom. And I was trying to say, ‘I can’t talk right now because I am in the pressroom.’ [She said], ‘You’re in the rest room?’ [I responded], ‘No, the press room!’”
While he can spend the next few days, trying to tap into his Sunday night memories, Chris said he considers his win as a win for young children, who see him as the openly gay Mckinley High School student character, Kurt.
“Now I am really going to cry — I think one of the best things for all the kids that are watching tonight who don’t quite understand that Kurt is a character and that we are actors — they just saw Kurt [Hummel] get an award for being him. I think that’s a great thing they are seeing right now,” Chris said.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Controversy Rages Over New 'Elvis' Recordings
TMZ has obtained a 30-second clip from what could be a historic recording of Elvis & Jerry Lee Lewis back in 1960 -- their only duet in existence -- but there's a problem ... some people claim it ain't legit.
The clip allegedly features Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis shooting the breeze at Jerry's house -- and based on the audio, Jerry's a big fan of the King.
A guy named Rod Lambert from Nashville tells TMZ, he bought the tape over ten years ago at a yard sale ... and only recently discovered that he could have a piece of rock and roll history on his hands.
An audio forensics expert verified that the voices on the tape were indeed Elvis and Lewis ... but Lambert -- who posted more of the clip on his website -- tells us, the company in charge of Elvis' catalog denied it was really the rock legend.
Lambert claims the full 30-minute version of the tape contains some pretty explicit dialogue -- and although Elvis doesn't say much ... according to Lambert, Lewis wasn't so cautious, saying things like, “If you don’t like Jerry’s peaches, then get your f**kin’ ass away from my tree."
The clip allegedly features Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis shooting the breeze at Jerry's house -- and based on the audio, Jerry's a big fan of the King.
A guy named Rod Lambert from Nashville tells TMZ, he bought the tape over ten years ago at a yard sale ... and only recently discovered that he could have a piece of rock and roll history on his hands.
An audio forensics expert verified that the voices on the tape were indeed Elvis and Lewis ... but Lambert -- who posted more of the clip on his website -- tells us, the company in charge of Elvis' catalog denied it was really the rock legend.
Lambert claims the full 30-minute version of the tape contains some pretty explicit dialogue -- and although Elvis doesn't say much ... according to Lambert, Lewis wasn't so cautious, saying things like, “If you don’t like Jerry’s peaches, then get your f**kin’ ass away from my tree."
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A Web of Confusion Over Theatre Previews for 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark'
As if there weren’t enough new hot buttons being pressed by “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” the show has pushed a more familiar controversy back to the surface.
We speak of Broadway previews, a subject that rears its head every decade or so when the concept gets stretched beyond its original intention. Or when people forget what that was.
And here it is again. Last week, Bill de Blasio, the public advocate for New York City, spoke up against Broadway’s failure to tell customers when they are buying tickets for a preview — that is, a work in progress — and not the final version.
“Theatergoers deserve to know what they are buying,” he said in a statement to Newsday. “The industry must be forthright with its consumers. Make no mistake, there is a difference between a finished product and a preview performance that could be stopped at any time to iron out new material.”
And in a letter urging action by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, de Blasio was specific that, although the problem is widespread, the impetus for his concern is “Spider-Man,” which he believes “may be in violation of consumer-protection laws.”
With all the opinions, gossip and catastrophic injuries flying around the high-flying, $65-million mega-musical, it is understandable if people — especially people outside New York — believe that the show has been open since Nov. 28.
In fact, that was just the first preview, a public run-through that, in saner days, was a discounted trade-off between informed theatergoers and working artists. The much-delayed show does not officially open — that is, completed for professional reviews — until Feb. 7.
But nowhere on the show’s official website is there an indication that this much-anticipated collaboration between “Lion King” director Julie Taymor and rock royalty Bono and The Edge is still very much a work in progress. If you call Ticketmaster to buy a seat ($75-$150, premium seat $289), the helpful automated voice says nothing about the show still being in previews, nor does it mention the opening date. When national newscasts interviewed enthusiastic cast members last week, not a word was mentioned about the show still being rewritten, recomposed and restaged.
The only place the word “preview” appears is in the alphabetical theater classifieds, called the ABC’s, that appear in some newspapers.
“Spider-Man” is by no means the only example of this misleading consumer practice. Like almost everything else about this bigger-than-big attraction, however, it is the most public. With the enormous 1,900-seat capacity at the Foxwoods Theatre and the clamoring for tickets, it surely is the most lucrative.
Historically, the preview issue came to a boiling point in 1991 with “Nick and Nora,” a musical that played 71 performances without telling audiences they were paying opening-night prices to watch a preview. After the reviews finally came out, the show ran just nine more times.
Some of us in the press complained of what we saw as consumer fraud, which got the attention of Mark Green, then commissioner of the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs. He informed the League of American Theaters and Producers (now the Broadway League) that all future theater ads “must clearly disclose” when a play was in previews and when it would officially open.
Green originally wanted previews indicated in all ads and at the theater box offices.
He also wanted to impose a penalty, “including but not limited to fines of up to $500 per ad as well as restitution for aggrieved consumers.” In his letter, de Blasio said, “I believe the Department of Consumer Affairs is both within its rights — and obligated — to undertake similar measures today.”
I can’t find anyone who knows anyone who was ever fined. But when producers got lax about labeling their full-price previews in 2002, Betsy Gotbaum, then public advocate, was informed and, suddenly, the word reappeared on advertisements.
But Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the Broadway League since 2006, denies there is any “industry mandate” at all. In a statement to Newsday, she said, “Each show has always developed their own individual marketing strategies.”
Producers can thank the stratospherically high profile of “Spider-Man” for shining lots of light on the slipping adherence to now-dated consumer guidelines.
Should the Department of Consumer Affairs and the league decide to revisit the problem, they will have to acknowledge that most tickets are now bought online or by phone. The idea of someone going to the box office and reading a display ad there seems pretty quaint. A random sampling of the websites of major upcoming shows (“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Catch Me If You Can”) has nothing about previews. Shows begin “performances,” with none the wiser about the omitted opening date.
Compared to “Nick and Nora” or “Legs Diamond” (72 previews in 1989) or “Merlin” (69 in 1982), “Spider-Man” (between 65 and 70 by Feb. 7) is not a record breaker.
But 65 previews in a virtually sold-out house means that more than 120,000 people will have paid extraordinary prices without being warned they’ve bought practice sessions. If the average ticket price continues to be $121, as it was New Year’s week, that’s a gross of more than $14 million before the thing even opens.
Producers will remind us that many shows are too complicated to try out on the road. Tours are too expensive for most budgets, which means that work must be done in public in New York. This is hard, obviously, especially in an Internet age in which every blogger is a critic. Except for the Web, however, producers had the same complaints in 1991.
How, one wonders, does the Metropolitan Opera stage huge new productions (including Taymor’s 2004 “The Magic Flute”) with ever-more-complicated technology with just a dress rehearsal before opening? Granted, nobody flies over the audience. But how did the massive production of “Sweeney Todd” open as a masterpiece in 1979 after just 19 previews and no out-of-town tryout?
Closer to home, Taymor revealed the full glory of “The Lion King” with just 33 previews here in 1997. There is no precedent to indicate that a musical — even one with flying — improves in proportion to the number of previews. There is, however, a precedent for making sure they are labeled as such.
We speak of Broadway previews, a subject that rears its head every decade or so when the concept gets stretched beyond its original intention. Or when people forget what that was.
And here it is again. Last week, Bill de Blasio, the public advocate for New York City, spoke up against Broadway’s failure to tell customers when they are buying tickets for a preview — that is, a work in progress — and not the final version.
“Theatergoers deserve to know what they are buying,” he said in a statement to Newsday. “The industry must be forthright with its consumers. Make no mistake, there is a difference between a finished product and a preview performance that could be stopped at any time to iron out new material.”
And in a letter urging action by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, de Blasio was specific that, although the problem is widespread, the impetus for his concern is “Spider-Man,” which he believes “may be in violation of consumer-protection laws.”
With all the opinions, gossip and catastrophic injuries flying around the high-flying, $65-million mega-musical, it is understandable if people — especially people outside New York — believe that the show has been open since Nov. 28.
In fact, that was just the first preview, a public run-through that, in saner days, was a discounted trade-off between informed theatergoers and working artists. The much-delayed show does not officially open — that is, completed for professional reviews — until Feb. 7.
But nowhere on the show’s official website is there an indication that this much-anticipated collaboration between “Lion King” director Julie Taymor and rock royalty Bono and The Edge is still very much a work in progress. If you call Ticketmaster to buy a seat ($75-$150, premium seat $289), the helpful automated voice says nothing about the show still being in previews, nor does it mention the opening date. When national newscasts interviewed enthusiastic cast members last week, not a word was mentioned about the show still being rewritten, recomposed and restaged.
The only place the word “preview” appears is in the alphabetical theater classifieds, called the ABC’s, that appear in some newspapers.
“Spider-Man” is by no means the only example of this misleading consumer practice. Like almost everything else about this bigger-than-big attraction, however, it is the most public. With the enormous 1,900-seat capacity at the Foxwoods Theatre and the clamoring for tickets, it surely is the most lucrative.
Historically, the preview issue came to a boiling point in 1991 with “Nick and Nora,” a musical that played 71 performances without telling audiences they were paying opening-night prices to watch a preview. After the reviews finally came out, the show ran just nine more times.
Some of us in the press complained of what we saw as consumer fraud, which got the attention of Mark Green, then commissioner of the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs. He informed the League of American Theaters and Producers (now the Broadway League) that all future theater ads “must clearly disclose” when a play was in previews and when it would officially open.
Green originally wanted previews indicated in all ads and at the theater box offices.
He also wanted to impose a penalty, “including but not limited to fines of up to $500 per ad as well as restitution for aggrieved consumers.” In his letter, de Blasio said, “I believe the Department of Consumer Affairs is both within its rights — and obligated — to undertake similar measures today.”
I can’t find anyone who knows anyone who was ever fined. But when producers got lax about labeling their full-price previews in 2002, Betsy Gotbaum, then public advocate, was informed and, suddenly, the word reappeared on advertisements.
But Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the Broadway League since 2006, denies there is any “industry mandate” at all. In a statement to Newsday, she said, “Each show has always developed their own individual marketing strategies.”
Producers can thank the stratospherically high profile of “Spider-Man” for shining lots of light on the slipping adherence to now-dated consumer guidelines.
Should the Department of Consumer Affairs and the league decide to revisit the problem, they will have to acknowledge that most tickets are now bought online or by phone. The idea of someone going to the box office and reading a display ad there seems pretty quaint. A random sampling of the websites of major upcoming shows (“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Catch Me If You Can”) has nothing about previews. Shows begin “performances,” with none the wiser about the omitted opening date.
Compared to “Nick and Nora” or “Legs Diamond” (72 previews in 1989) or “Merlin” (69 in 1982), “Spider-Man” (between 65 and 70 by Feb. 7) is not a record breaker.
But 65 previews in a virtually sold-out house means that more than 120,000 people will have paid extraordinary prices without being warned they’ve bought practice sessions. If the average ticket price continues to be $121, as it was New Year’s week, that’s a gross of more than $14 million before the thing even opens.
Producers will remind us that many shows are too complicated to try out on the road. Tours are too expensive for most budgets, which means that work must be done in public in New York. This is hard, obviously, especially in an Internet age in which every blogger is a critic. Except for the Web, however, producers had the same complaints in 1991.
How, one wonders, does the Metropolitan Opera stage huge new productions (including Taymor’s 2004 “The Magic Flute”) with ever-more-complicated technology with just a dress rehearsal before opening? Granted, nobody flies over the audience. But how did the massive production of “Sweeney Todd” open as a masterpiece in 1979 after just 19 previews and no out-of-town tryout?
Closer to home, Taymor revealed the full glory of “The Lion King” with just 33 previews here in 1997. There is no precedent to indicate that a musical — even one with flying — improves in proportion to the number of previews. There is, however, a precedent for making sure they are labeled as such.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Report: 50 Cent Hauls In $8.7 Million Via Twitter Over the Weekend
50 Cent made a lot sense, financially, on Twitter over the weekend. According to the New York Post, the rapper saw the value of his 30 million shares in a penny-stock company increase by $8.7 million after sending out a series of tweets urging his 3.8 million followers to invest, which sent the price of the stock skyrocketing (relatively speaking).
The penny-stock company also owns TV Goods, a small marketing company ran by former 'Shark Tank' star Kevin Harrington. The Post even goes as far to call H&H a "money-losing venture," but once 50 Cent started telling his Twitter followers to invest, the company's stock rose from 10 cents to 39 cents.
The stock opened at 41 cents on Tuesday, reports The Huffington Post.
50 Cent "received 30 million shares of H&H in a private placement last October, including a series of warrants granting him the opportunity to cash in as the stock rises: at 15 cents, 25 cents or -- no kidding -- 50 cents," according to the New York Post.
One of the catches is that the company is selling the star's trademarked sunglasses, Sleek by 50, ensuring 50 Cent equity in the company. He also used the marketing of his sunglasses to sell the stock to his followers, according to StreetInsider.com.
"HNHI is the stock symbol for TVG, Sleek by 50 is one of the 15 products this year. If you get in technically I work for you. BIG MONEY," 50 Cent tweeted, according to screen shots on mediabistro, but later removed from his page.
Along with this and a flurry of other promotional tweets, 50 finally decided to back off toward the end of the weekend.
"Ok ok ok my friends just told me stop tweeting about HNHI so we can get all the money. Hahaha check it out its the real deal," 50 Cent reportedly tweeted.
Despite all of 50 Cent's recent success, the Post suggests H&H's long-term future doesn't look like a healthy investment since it currently sits at $3.3 million in debt and lost $1.3 million in the last quarter.
The penny-stock company also owns TV Goods, a small marketing company ran by former 'Shark Tank' star Kevin Harrington. The Post even goes as far to call H&H a "money-losing venture," but once 50 Cent started telling his Twitter followers to invest, the company's stock rose from 10 cents to 39 cents.
The stock opened at 41 cents on Tuesday, reports The Huffington Post.
50 Cent "received 30 million shares of H&H in a private placement last October, including a series of warrants granting him the opportunity to cash in as the stock rises: at 15 cents, 25 cents or -- no kidding -- 50 cents," according to the New York Post.
One of the catches is that the company is selling the star's trademarked sunglasses, Sleek by 50, ensuring 50 Cent equity in the company. He also used the marketing of his sunglasses to sell the stock to his followers, according to StreetInsider.com.
"HNHI is the stock symbol for TVG, Sleek by 50 is one of the 15 products this year. If you get in technically I work for you. BIG MONEY," 50 Cent tweeted, according to screen shots on mediabistro, but later removed from his page.
Along with this and a flurry of other promotional tweets, 50 finally decided to back off toward the end of the weekend.
"Ok ok ok my friends just told me stop tweeting about HNHI so we can get all the money. Hahaha check it out its the real deal," 50 Cent reportedly tweeted.
Despite all of 50 Cent's recent success, the Post suggests H&H's long-term future doesn't look like a healthy investment since it currently sits at $3.3 million in debt and lost $1.3 million in the last quarter.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
TNA Star Jeff Hardy -- My Drug War Is Almost Over
TNA wrestling stud Jeff Hardy -- who JUST lost his title on Sunday -- is expected to finally strike a plea deal over his 2009 steroid bust, but the wrestler tells us ... everything's gonna be alright.
As we previously reported, cops found 262 Vicodin pills, 180 Somas, 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids -- plus a residual amount of powder cocaine -- in Hardy's North Carolina home.
Now, with Hardy reportedly ready to plead guilty to at least one of the drug charges in exchange for a lesser sentence ... Hardy tells us, "I'll make the best of it, bro."
Hardy -- who plans to wrestle on TNA's "iMPACT" until his January 20 court date -- adds, "It's been a long while ... but it should get to an end soon."
As we previously reported, cops found 262 Vicodin pills, 180 Somas, 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids -- plus a residual amount of powder cocaine -- in Hardy's North Carolina home.
Now, with Hardy reportedly ready to plead guilty to at least one of the drug charges in exchange for a lesser sentence ... Hardy tells us, "I'll make the best of it, bro."
Hardy -- who plans to wrestle on TNA's "iMPACT" until his January 20 court date -- adds, "It's been a long while ... but it should get to an end soon."
New Fears Over Sarah Palin's Stalker
A man who's been legally ordered to stay away from Sarah Palin is causing a new wave of concern in Alaska -- after federal agents learned he plans to visit Sarah's home state in the very near future.
TMZ has learned ... 19-year-old Shawn Christy has told family members he plans to travel to Wasilla in the hopes of removing the restraining order issued against him last year after Sarah and her close friend Kristan Cole proved he sent them threatening emails and letters.
Now, Cole is launching a preemptive strike -- through the courts -- in the hopes of blocking Shawn from "dissolving" the restraining order.
Cole just filed new documents, obtained by TMZ, explaining how Shawn has continued to harass her and her family in the past few months ... and keeping the restraining order in place is essential to their safety.
Law enforcement sources tell us Shawn -- who lives in Pennsylvania -- has not been spotted in Alaska yet ... but he's already filed a motion to remove the protective order.
TMZ has learned ... 19-year-old Shawn Christy has told family members he plans to travel to Wasilla in the hopes of removing the restraining order issued against him last year after Sarah and her close friend Kristan Cole proved he sent them threatening emails and letters.
Now, Cole is launching a preemptive strike -- through the courts -- in the hopes of blocking Shawn from "dissolving" the restraining order.
Cole just filed new documents, obtained by TMZ, explaining how Shawn has continued to harass her and her family in the past few months ... and keeping the restraining order in place is essential to their safety.
Law enforcement sources tell us Shawn -- who lives in Pennsylvania -- has not been spotted in Alaska yet ... but he's already filed a motion to remove the protective order.
'Hangover' Star Sued Over Nightclub Shooting
Mike Epps just got sued for $1 million for punching a photog back in November -- but the victim claims the violence didn't end there ... accusing Epps' friends of firing shots at him as he tried to escape.
Cameraman Douglas Thornton filed the seven-figure lawsuit today in Michigan -- claiming he was covering a public event hosted for Epps at the Key Club in Detroit. According to Thornton, Epps went ballistic and started grabbing at Thornton's camera ... at which point a fist-flying brawl erupted.
Thornton claims Epps unleashed a "brutal beating" -- and after Thornton was physically removed from the club, "members of Epps' entourage fired several shots at Thornton who ran for his life."
Thornton's attorney tells TMZ, "Mr. Epps is lucky he is not facing a murder charge."
According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, Thornton claims he was "hired to film the party that was being thrown for Mike Epps."
Calls to Epps have not been returned.
Cameraman Douglas Thornton filed the seven-figure lawsuit today in Michigan -- claiming he was covering a public event hosted for Epps at the Key Club in Detroit. According to Thornton, Epps went ballistic and started grabbing at Thornton's camera ... at which point a fist-flying brawl erupted.
Thornton claims Epps unleashed a "brutal beating" -- and after Thornton was physically removed from the club, "members of Epps' entourage fired several shots at Thornton who ran for his life."
Thornton's attorney tells TMZ, "Mr. Epps is lucky he is not facing a murder charge."
According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, Thornton claims he was "hired to film the party that was being thrown for Mike Epps."
Calls to Epps have not been returned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)