Thank God, Kanye West is giving the world a break.
He and Lady Gaga's scheduled tour has been canceled, according to a Live Nation announcement Thursday night in a brief statement that doesn't offer an explanation.
However, the man of hour at the MTV Video Music Awards confessed to Jay Leno last month that he hadn't taken time to grieve after his mother died and hinted that a break would be coming. A much-needed break if he has is so lacking in maturity that he had to interrupt someone's acceptance speech.
So we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief now - he won't be upstaging Lady Gaga for awhile.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
My take: Punish Polanski once and for all
I've heard enough about Roman Polanski.
According to published reports, the acclaimed filmmaker was accused in 1977 of giving drugs and alcohol to a 13-year-old girl and then having sex with her. Initially he was indicted on six felony counts, including rape by use of drugs, child molesting and sodomy. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of unlawful sexual intercourse in exchange for having the rest of the charges dropped. The judge agreed to send Polanski to prison for a 90-day psychiatric evaluation, but Polanski was released after just 42 days and he fled the country before sentencing. Apparently, he found out the judge was supposedly going to add more prison time so he went to France.
He is a criminal. Plain and simple. I fail to see how there can be any debate about this.
His defenders say it's been 30-plus years, let it go. He's a great filmmaker, let it go. His victim wants it to be over, let it go. The prosecutor lied to a film crew for a documentary about Polanski, he should be released. And, my personal favorite quote of the week from Whoopi Goldberg on "The View,": It wasn't rape, rape." (Goldberg has 'clarified' her comments recently. Good for her.)
Please.
A crime is a crime, and a criminal who flees should not be given two thumbs up and a gold statue for avoiding prison for 30-plus years. He should have served his sentence. If Swiss authorities decide to send Polanski back to the U.S., he should face the original 6 charges, plus whatever federal prosecutors can dream up for him leaving the country and ditching sentencing.
Debate continues, and probably will for weeks to come, on whether or not he should be punished. But he committed a crime, like any other person and, like any one of us, he should be brought to justice.
There's no Oscar for hiding from the law.
According to published reports, the acclaimed filmmaker was accused in 1977 of giving drugs and alcohol to a 13-year-old girl and then having sex with her. Initially he was indicted on six felony counts, including rape by use of drugs, child molesting and sodomy. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of unlawful sexual intercourse in exchange for having the rest of the charges dropped. The judge agreed to send Polanski to prison for a 90-day psychiatric evaluation, but Polanski was released after just 42 days and he fled the country before sentencing. Apparently, he found out the judge was supposedly going to add more prison time so he went to France.
He is a criminal. Plain and simple. I fail to see how there can be any debate about this.
His defenders say it's been 30-plus years, let it go. He's a great filmmaker, let it go. His victim wants it to be over, let it go. The prosecutor lied to a film crew for a documentary about Polanski, he should be released. And, my personal favorite quote of the week from Whoopi Goldberg on "The View,": It wasn't rape, rape." (Goldberg has 'clarified' her comments recently. Good for her.)
Please.
A crime is a crime, and a criminal who flees should not be given two thumbs up and a gold statue for avoiding prison for 30-plus years. He should have served his sentence. If Swiss authorities decide to send Polanski back to the U.S., he should face the original 6 charges, plus whatever federal prosecutors can dream up for him leaving the country and ditching sentencing.
Debate continues, and probably will for weeks to come, on whether or not he should be punished. But he committed a crime, like any other person and, like any one of us, he should be brought to justice.
There's no Oscar for hiding from the law.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
'Idol' runner-up 'comes out' to Rolling Stone
By LORENA BLAS
Gannett News Service
Adam Lambert is gay.
The “American Idol” Season 8 runner-up ends any speculation in the next issue of Rolling Stone, out Friday. “I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear I’m gay.” He explains: “I’ve been living in Los Angeles for eight years as a gay man. I’ve been at clubs drunk making out with somebody in the corner.”
The “Idol” favorite, who finished in second place after Kris Allen, says, “Right after the finale, I almost started talking about it to the reporters, but I thought, ‘I’m going to wait for Rolling Stone, that will be cooler.’ ” He adds, “I’m proud of my sexuality.”
Still, Lambert, 27, says he doesn’t mind attention from the opposite sex. “I loved it this season when the girls went crazy for me,” he says. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s all hot.”
But exactly what is his type? When “Idol” producers put him in a room to share with Allen, Lambert says his first thought was, “They put me with the cute guy. Distracting! He’s the one guy I found attractive in the whole group on the show: nice, nonchalant, pretty and totally my type — except that he has a wife. I mean he’s open-minded and liberal, but he’s definitely 100 percent straight.”
As for the scandal over photos of Lambert in drag that surfaced on the Internet in March, he says, he forgot to remove photos from his profile on a social network for the Burning Man festival in Nevada.
“Wasn’t ready for that,” he tells RS of the photos of him in costume making out with his ex. He was worried people would think the drag ensemble was typical of him. “I’ve only dressed in drag three or four times. ... I don’t tuck and wear breasts, that’s not me.”
Though Lambert supports the gay-rights movement, he doesn’t want to be its poster boy. “I’m trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader.”
Stereotypes about gays do annoy Lambert. “Clay Aiken’s gay, and I’m gay, and we couldn’t be more different. The only thing that is the same about everyone in the gay community is that we’re gay. ... Why can’t we talk about a human community?”
In addition to his homosexuality, Lambert shares other personal details with RS.
At 21, he was in a European tour of “Hair” for six months. That was when he dyed his hair black. In Germany, he started smoking pot and tried Ecstasy. But he does have limits. Among his dislikes: cocaine.
“That drug is such a reflection of the lack of self-esteem and control people have over themselves and their lives,” he says.
Gannett News Service
Adam Lambert is gay.
The “American Idol” Season 8 runner-up ends any speculation in the next issue of Rolling Stone, out Friday. “I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear I’m gay.” He explains: “I’ve been living in Los Angeles for eight years as a gay man. I’ve been at clubs drunk making out with somebody in the corner.”
The “Idol” favorite, who finished in second place after Kris Allen, says, “Right after the finale, I almost started talking about it to the reporters, but I thought, ‘I’m going to wait for Rolling Stone, that will be cooler.’ ” He adds, “I’m proud of my sexuality.”
Still, Lambert, 27, says he doesn’t mind attention from the opposite sex. “I loved it this season when the girls went crazy for me,” he says. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s all hot.”
But exactly what is his type? When “Idol” producers put him in a room to share with Allen, Lambert says his first thought was, “They put me with the cute guy. Distracting! He’s the one guy I found attractive in the whole group on the show: nice, nonchalant, pretty and totally my type — except that he has a wife. I mean he’s open-minded and liberal, but he’s definitely 100 percent straight.”
As for the scandal over photos of Lambert in drag that surfaced on the Internet in March, he says, he forgot to remove photos from his profile on a social network for the Burning Man festival in Nevada.
“Wasn’t ready for that,” he tells RS of the photos of him in costume making out with his ex. He was worried people would think the drag ensemble was typical of him. “I’ve only dressed in drag three or four times. ... I don’t tuck and wear breasts, that’s not me.”
Though Lambert supports the gay-rights movement, he doesn’t want to be its poster boy. “I’m trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader.”
Stereotypes about gays do annoy Lambert. “Clay Aiken’s gay, and I’m gay, and we couldn’t be more different. The only thing that is the same about everyone in the gay community is that we’re gay. ... Why can’t we talk about a human community?”
In addition to his homosexuality, Lambert shares other personal details with RS.
At 21, he was in a European tour of “Hair” for six months. That was when he dyed his hair black. In Germany, he started smoking pot and tried Ecstasy. But he does have limits. Among his dislikes: cocaine.
“That drug is such a reflection of the lack of self-esteem and control people have over themselves and their lives,” he says.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Hippiefest revives spirit of Woodstock at Mohegan Sun
UNCASVILLE, CT - August is the 40th anniversary of Woodstock and five flower-powered originators of rock are teaming up for an unforgettable evening at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Mountain featuring Leslie West & Corky Laing and Badfinger featuring Joey Molland will perform live August 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for this sensational lineup are $40 and go on sale May 15 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster's national toll free Charge by Phone number 1.800.745.3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, May 16th subject to availability.
The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie are an American Pop and Folk band that exploded onto the scene in the late 60s and became notable with their cover version of Bob Dylan's hits "It Ain't Me Babe" ; and "Happy Together." They have released two greatest hits albums and have been credited with numerous Top 40 hits.
Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals is an accomplished American producer and musician. His stint with The Young Rascals jumpstarted his career, where he produced acts like Laura Nyro and Jimmie Spheeris. He went on to have a Billboard hit in 1980 as a solo artist with "Only a Lonely Heart Sees." Cavaliere will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 18, 2009.
Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night joined the band in 1968, which became one of the most successful acts of the late 60s and 70s. Negron went on to pursue a solo career in which he recorded several albums including 1995's Am I Still In Your Heart, 1996's Joy to the World and 1999's Long Road Back. Chuck has since been touring solo and wrote a book in 2000 entitled Three Dog Nightmare: The Chuck Negron Story.
Mountain featuring Leslie West & Corky Laing has recorded over fifteen albums and countless Billboard chart hits since the 1960s. The band's 1970 hit "Mississippi Queen" skyrocketed into commercial success. To this day, the Rock masterpiece remains their signature song with countless movie and commercial references. VH1 ranked the band #98 on its 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.
Badfinger featuring Joey Molland has recorded over ten albums and has had countless Billboard hits including "Come and Get It" which peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts in 1969. The band is known as one of the earliest representatives of the Power Pop genre.
Tickets for this sensational lineup are $40 and go on sale May 15 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster's national toll free Charge by Phone number 1.800.745.3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, May 16th subject to availability.
The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie are an American Pop and Folk band that exploded onto the scene in the late 60s and became notable with their cover version of Bob Dylan's hits "It Ain't Me Babe" ; and "Happy Together." They have released two greatest hits albums and have been credited with numerous Top 40 hits.
Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals is an accomplished American producer and musician. His stint with The Young Rascals jumpstarted his career, where he produced acts like Laura Nyro and Jimmie Spheeris. He went on to have a Billboard hit in 1980 as a solo artist with "Only a Lonely Heart Sees." Cavaliere will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 18, 2009.
Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night joined the band in 1968, which became one of the most successful acts of the late 60s and 70s. Negron went on to pursue a solo career in which he recorded several albums including 1995's Am I Still In Your Heart, 1996's Joy to the World and 1999's Long Road Back. Chuck has since been touring solo and wrote a book in 2000 entitled Three Dog Nightmare: The Chuck Negron Story.
Mountain featuring Leslie West & Corky Laing has recorded over fifteen albums and countless Billboard chart hits since the 1960s. The band's 1970 hit "Mississippi Queen" skyrocketed into commercial success. To this day, the Rock masterpiece remains their signature song with countless movie and commercial references. VH1 ranked the band #98 on its 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.
Badfinger featuring Joey Molland has recorded over ten albums and has had countless Billboard hits including "Come and Get It" which peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts in 1969. The band is known as one of the earliest representatives of the Power Pop genre.
Jay-Z to perform at Mohegan Sun with special guest Ciara
UNCASVILLE, CT - Jay-Z, one of the biggest names in rap/hip-hop music, is set to perform live at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, July 10 at 8 p.m. with special guest Ciara.
Tickets are $110 and $70 and go on sale May 15 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster's national toll free Charge by Phone number 1.800. 745.3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting Saturday, May 16th subject to availability.
A multiple Grammy, AMA and VMA award winner, Jay-Z has continued to set the bar for all artists and entrepreneurs. Co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, he currently is the President of Rocawear, part owner of the New Jersey Nets and co-owner of the successful 40/40 chain. Most recently, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter held the title of President of Def Jam Records where he helped guide the careers of superstar artists and multiple Grammy nominees such as Rihanna, Ne-Yo, NAS, Kanye West and Young Jeezy.
Ciara recently released her latest studio effort, Fantasy Ride, on May 5th. She currently has two hit singles riding the airwaves; "Never Ever" featuring rapper Young Jeezy and "Love Sex Magic" featuring Justin Timberlake.
For more information on Jay-Z and special guest Ciara and other great events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com. For information on this week's schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.
Tickets are $110 and $70 and go on sale May 15 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster's national toll free Charge by Phone number 1.800. 745.3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting Saturday, May 16th subject to availability.
A multiple Grammy, AMA and VMA award winner, Jay-Z has continued to set the bar for all artists and entrepreneurs. Co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, he currently is the President of Rocawear, part owner of the New Jersey Nets and co-owner of the successful 40/40 chain. Most recently, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter held the title of President of Def Jam Records where he helped guide the careers of superstar artists and multiple Grammy nominees such as Rihanna, Ne-Yo, NAS, Kanye West and Young Jeezy.
Ciara recently released her latest studio effort, Fantasy Ride, on May 5th. She currently has two hit singles riding the airwaves; "Never Ever" featuring rapper Young Jeezy and "Love Sex Magic" featuring Justin Timberlake.
For more information on Jay-Z and special guest Ciara and other great events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com. For information on this week's schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.
Stone Temple Pilots return to Mohegan Sun
UNCASVILLE, CT - Following an incredibly successful reunion tour last year, Stone Temple Pilots are hitting the road again and will be making a stop at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, July 17th at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $54.50 and $44.50 and go on sale May 16 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster's national to ll free Charge by Phone number 1.800.745.3000. Tickets may also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting Sunday, May 17th subject to availability.
For more information on Stone Temple Pilots and other great events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com. For information on this week's schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.
Tickets are $54.50 and $44.50 and go on sale May 16 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster's national to ll free Charge by Phone number 1.800.745.3000. Tickets may also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting Sunday, May 17th subject to availability.
For more information on Stone Temple Pilots and other great events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com. For information on this week's schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sutherland charged in head-butt claim
By COLLEEN LONG
Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK — Kiefer Sutherland was charged with misdemeanor assault Thursday for allegedly head-butting a fashion designer at a Manhattan nightclub.
The star of Fox television’s “24” reported to a lower Manhattan police station in a Lincoln Town Car alongside his lawyers, but he did not speak to reporters.
Sutherland, 42, was interviewed by investigators, given a ticket, ordered to appear in court June 22 and released on his own recognizance. The minor charge is akin to a speeding ticket.
But the case could create another major legal hassle for Sutherland, who served 48 days in jail on a drunken-driving charge in California last year.
The designer, Jack McCollough of the high-end Proenza Schouler fashion house, claims Sutherland attacked him after an argument, leaving him with a cut on his face. The incident happened about 2 a.m. Tuesday.
Detectives were planning to question actress Brooke Shields as a witness because she was at the trendy SoHo nightspot SubMercer, in the basement of the Mercer Hotel, where the altercation took place. Drinks at the ultra-hip club cost around $15.
No decision has been made on whether the charge will affect Sutherland’s probation for a drunken-driving conviction in Los Angeles, said Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the Los Angeles City Attorney.
Sutherland pleaded no contest to driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
He was sentenced to 30 days, in addition to 18 days for violating probation in a 2004 drunken-driving arrest.
Representatives for Sutherland, Shields and McCollough did not return several calls seeking comment.
Sutherland, who plays dashing federal counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer on “24,” won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for best actor, and has been nominated multiple times for his work on the wildly popular show. His gritty portrayal of the counterterrorism agent has made Bauer an iconic character.
The current season — the show’s seventh — finds Bauer scrambling through Washington to save the world from its latest bad day. Sutherland also has signed on for an eighth season. The show airs on Mondays.
Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK — Kiefer Sutherland was charged with misdemeanor assault Thursday for allegedly head-butting a fashion designer at a Manhattan nightclub.
The star of Fox television’s “24” reported to a lower Manhattan police station in a Lincoln Town Car alongside his lawyers, but he did not speak to reporters.
Sutherland, 42, was interviewed by investigators, given a ticket, ordered to appear in court June 22 and released on his own recognizance. The minor charge is akin to a speeding ticket.
But the case could create another major legal hassle for Sutherland, who served 48 days in jail on a drunken-driving charge in California last year.
The designer, Jack McCollough of the high-end Proenza Schouler fashion house, claims Sutherland attacked him after an argument, leaving him with a cut on his face. The incident happened about 2 a.m. Tuesday.
Detectives were planning to question actress Brooke Shields as a witness because she was at the trendy SoHo nightspot SubMercer, in the basement of the Mercer Hotel, where the altercation took place. Drinks at the ultra-hip club cost around $15.
No decision has been made on whether the charge will affect Sutherland’s probation for a drunken-driving conviction in Los Angeles, said Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the Los Angeles City Attorney.
Sutherland pleaded no contest to driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
He was sentenced to 30 days, in addition to 18 days for violating probation in a 2004 drunken-driving arrest.
Representatives for Sutherland, Shields and McCollough did not return several calls seeking comment.
Sutherland, who plays dashing federal counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer on “24,” won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for best actor, and has been nominated multiple times for his work on the wildly popular show. His gritty portrayal of the counterterrorism agent has made Bauer an iconic character.
The current season — the show’s seventh — finds Bauer scrambling through Washington to save the world from its latest bad day. Sutherland also has signed on for an eighth season. The show airs on Mondays.
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