TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
NATIONAL HEADLINES:
GUNMAN STORMS WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, 12 PEOPLE DEAD
A gunman armed with multiple weapons opened fire inside a building at the Washington Navy Yard yesterday, killing at least 12 people. Officials said SWAT officers swarmed the building and a shooter – identified as 34-year-old Aaron Alexis – was killed. They said he recently began working as a civilian contractor. Authorities also said there could be as many as two other suspects at large, who were both seen with firearms and wearing military-style uniforms. But there was no confirmation of more than one person firing shots. President Obama called the attack a “cowardly act.” He said the shooting targeted patriots, both military and civilian, “men and women who were going to work, doing their job, protecting all of us.” The building where the rampage took place was the headquarters of the Naval Sea Systems Command, which builds, buys and maintains ships and submarines and their combat systems. It was the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut last December.
UN REPORT CONFIRMS SYRIA CHEMICAL WEAPONS USE
A United Nations report yesterday confirmed that rockets loaded with sarin gas were used in the August 21 attack on a Damascus suburb in Syria. “Chemical weapons have been used in the ongoing conflict between the parties in the Syrian Arab Republic, also against civilians, including children, on a relatively large scale,” the 38-page report concluded. But inspectors stopped short of saying who was responsible for the attack, although it is widely believed the chemical weapons were used by President Bashar Assad’s regime. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said the results of the investigation are “overwhelming and indisputable,” and he called the use of chemical weapons “a war crime.” But he said it is “for others to decide” whether to attempt to determine who perpetrated the attack. The chemical weapons killed over 1,400 people – including hundreds of children.
COLORADO FLOODS DEATH TOLL RISES TO 7
The death toll in the Colorado floods rose to at least seven yesterday as more than 1,000 people remained unaccounted for. A week of torrential downpours has swamped areas in the eastern Rocky Mountains and has left many residents cut off from all communication. Search efforts were hindered yesterday after clouds grounded rescue helicopters, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency was sending two 80-person search-and-rescue teams to help out. Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said that while the death toll is expected to rise, he's hopeful that the majority of those missing will be found "safe and sound." Emergency management officials estimated that 17,494 homes were damaged and 1,502 homes were destroyed. Nearly 15 inches of rain had been dumped on parts of Colorado since last Monday.
COSTA CONCORDIA FREED FROM ITALIAN REEF
Engineers yesterday began removing the shipwrecked Costa Concordia from the Italian reef where it’s been stuck since January 2012. Progress was slow-moving as workers attempted to rotate the cruise ship from its capsized position to upright. According to engineer Sergio Girotto, a ship of that size has never been righted before, and for the first three hours of the operation, the Concordia didn’t budge. But after around 6,000 tons of force was applied, using a system of pulleys and weights, the ship was detached from the reef. The goal of the operation is to raise the ship 65 degrees to a vertical position, so it can eventually be towed. Cameras did not immediately reveal any sign of the two bodies that were never recovered from the ship. A total of 32 people died in the accident.
2 MEN RESCUED AFTER BEING STRANDED AT SEA FOR OVER A WEEK
Two men were rescued yesterday after spending more than a week stranded atop their capsized boat. The unidentified Bahamian boaters were spotted by a cargo ship after surviving for eight days without food or water. A Coast Guard team rescued the men from the middle of the Gulf Stream and they were transported to a South Florida hospital. They were both dehydrated and suffering from hypothermia. Officials said the pair was not trying to enter the U.S. illegally and they will have help getting home to the Bahamas, once they are well.
SHOWBIZ NEWS:
MILEY & LIAM CALL OFF ENGAGEMENT
Who didn’t see this one coming. Reps for Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth confirmed to Peopleyesterday that the couple has called off their engagement. The news comes just days after Miley, 20, stopped following Liam, 23, on Twitter, and rumors surfaced that Liam was caught kissing another woman at the Toronto Film Festival. The couple, who met on the set of 2010’s The Last Song, got engaged in May 2012. In a new interview with Harper’s Bazaar, obviously conducted before the split, Miley said a wedding was the furthest thing from her mind at the moment. “I definitely don’t have time to deal with a wedding right now,” she said. “But I will at some point.” As for her recent raunchy behavior, Miley doesn’t understand what the big deal is. “I was an adult when I was supposed to be a kid,” said the former Hannah Montana star. “So now I’m an adult and I’m acting like a kid.”
FAN PULLS BEYONCE INTO CROWD
Nothing can stop Beyonce. During her performance in Sao Paulo, Brazil Sunday, an over-excited fan yanked her off stage, and while the incident certainly looked scary, Bey didn’t stop singing for any of it. Beyonce was putting her mic out in the crowd for fans to sing along to “Irreplaceable” when a shirtless dude pulled her from the stage and into the pit. Security immediately ran up and released Bey from the fan’s grasp, but she seemed to be a good sport about it. She was heard shouting at security, “Hey, hey, hey! It’s alright…He just got excited,” and then shook the guy’s hand.
KHLOE WORRIED ABOUT LAMAR/LAMAR WANTS MARRIAGE OVER
Khloe Kardashian may have kicked husband Lamar Odom out of the house because of his drug problems, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t still worried about him. In fact, sources say Khloe “panicked” last week when she heard reports that Lamar had suffered a drug overdose. Khloe immediately tried to contact her husband, but kept getting his friends. She eventually spoke to him and was assured the reports were false and he was fine. Meanwhile sources say the couple’s marriage is likely headed towards divorce, but it’s Lamar who wants to end things. “The whole situation is so sad,” a source tells People. “She wants to save her marriage, but Lamar doesn’t and he’s not in his right mind to do so.”
NEW MISS AMERICA BRUSHES OFF RACIST REACTION
New Miss America Nina Davuluri isn’t concerned about the racist attacks that appeared online after her win Sunday night. Some Twitter commenters referred to the 24-year-old, who is of Indian descent, as “the Arab,” “Miss Terrorist” and Miss 7-11,” among other things. But Nina brushed off the comments, telling reporters, “I have to rise above that. I always viewed myself as first and foremost an American.” She added, “I’m so happy this organization has embraced diversity. I’m thankful there are children watching at home who can fully relate to a new Miss America.”
BRIT TO MAKE $15 MIL ON VEGAS GIG
Britney Spears is headed to Las Vegas and will be making a boatload of money there. The singer has signed a two-year contract with Planet Hollywood. She has agreed to do 48 shows a year, and will get paid $310,000 per concert, which comes out to about $15 million. Producers are hoping for a “cool hip, club-like show,” which will kick off in December.
JADEN RANTS AGAINST SCHOOL
Jaden Smith doesn’t feel the need for school. Earlier this month, the 15-year-old went on an anti-education Twitter rant. “School Is The Tool To Brainwash Youth,” he wrote, adding, “If Everybody In The World Dropped Out of School We Would Have A Much More Intelligent Society.” Finally he wrote, “If Newborn Babies Could Speak They Would Be The Most Intelligent Beings on the Planet Earth.” Jaden, son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, used to go to the Scientology-based New Village Leadership Academy in Los Angeles, which was closed earlier this year. He and his 12-year-old sister Willow are now being homeschooled. Sounds like Will and Jada need to find a better teacher.
BRAND DATING GRANT’S EX
Russell Brand reportedly has a new girlfriend. Just a few weeks after he was spotted dining in London with millionairess Jemima Kahn, the pair was photographed together on a stroll through New York City over the weekend. Just last week, Brand admitted to The Guardian he was dating someone, but refused to reveal the woman’s identity. “I'm not typically immune to the allure of objectified women, but I am presently beleaguered by a nerdish, whirling dervish, and am eschewing all others,” he told the paper. Jemima, who is 11 years older than Russell’s ex-wifeKaty Perry, previously dated Hugh Grant. They split in 2007.
WILLIAMS TOOK TV SHOW FOR THE MONEY
Robin Williams is starring in the new CBS comedy The Crazy Ones (premiering September 26th), and while some may have been surprised by his decision to return to TV, Williams had a very good reason to do so – money. The 62-year-old, whose last TV gig was the late 70s/early 80s seriesMork & Mindy, says his two divorces left him short on cash, so he needed a “steady job.” “Divorce is expensive,” he said. “I used to joke they were going to call it ‘all the money,’ but they changed it to alimony. It’s ripping your heart out through your wallet.” Robin’s first marriage ended in 1998 after ten years, and his second ended in 2008 after 19 years. He is currently married to graphic designer Susan Schneider.
EMMYS TO REMEMBER GANDOLFINI, GOLDBERG, MONTEITH, STAPLETON AND WINTERS
This weekend’s Emmy telecast will feature the usual ”In Memoriam” segment, but will also include special remembrances of five TV vets who died this year. Edie Falco will be on hand to salute The Sopranos’ James Gandolfini, while Michael J. Fox will remember Family Ties creator Gary David Goldberg. In addition, Jane Lynch will honor Glee’s Cory Monteith, Rob Reiner will pay tribute toAll in the Family’s Jean Stapleton and Robin Williams will remember Jonathan Winters. The 65thAnnual Emmy Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, airs Sunday, September 22nd on CBS.
NEWHART WINS FIRST EMMY, AND OTHER NEWS FROM THE CREATIVE ARTS CEREMONY
Veteran comedian Bob Newhart won his first Emmy ever Sunday at the Creative Arts Emmy ceremony. The 84-year-old picked up the trophy for his guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory. “This is my seventh shot at this. … I just love this very much,” said Newhart, who got a standing ovation. Other winners at the Creative Arts ceremony include: Behind the Candelabra, which took home eight awards (and is still up for more at this Sunday’s telecast); Project Runway’sHeidi Klum and Tim Gunn, named Best Reality Hosts; Undercover Boss for Best Reality Show, and Neil Patrick Harris, who won for hosting the Tony Awards.
CONNOLLY DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Comedian Billy Connolly has revealed he’s been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer and Parkinson’s Disease. The 70-year-old, who appears in the next two Hobbit films, The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again, has undergone minor surgery for the cancer, which was successful. He is also “receiving the appropriate treatment” for his Parkinson’s symptoms.
BIG BROTHER STAR’S DAUGHTER DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
The 2-month-old daughter of Big Brother contestant Britney Haynes has been diagnosed with cancer. Haynes, who competed on 2010 and 2012, and her husband Nathan “Ryan” Goodwin, revealed the news on Facebook late last month. "On September 1st, we were among the daily 720 sets of parents to be absolutely devastated with a Childhood Cancer diagnosis,” they wrote of their daughter Tilly. “September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month Please take the time to pray for all these children, our sweet baby included. We appreciate each and every one."
SOPHIA GRACE LOSES MOVIE ROLE
Ten-year-old Ellen DeGeneres favorite Sophia Grace Brownlee has lost her first movie role. The Brit was cast to play Little Red Riding Hood in the upcoming big screen adaptation of the musicalInto The Woods, but has now been replaced with Lilla Crawford, who starred in Annie on Broadway last year. It isn’t known why Brownlee lost the part.
TV TIDBITS
● AMC is developing a companion series to The Walking Dead. The drama will tell a brand new story and feature a new cast, but like the original, it will be based on Robert Kirkman’s Walking Dead comics. The series is expected to premiere in 2015. [See Spotlight on for more.]
● The cast of Breaking Bad, including stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, Bob Odenkirk and R.J. Mitte, and creator Vince Gilligan, will be guests on Conan September 23rd . It will mark the first time the entire cast has appeared together on a talk show. The series finale of Breaking Bad airs September 29th.
● Lifetime has given the go-ahead for a movie about Olympic Gold Medal-winning gymnast Gabby Douglas. The Gabby Douglas Story will star Everybody Hates Chris’ Imani Hakim and actressSydney Mikayla sharing the title role, with Southland’s Regina King as Douglas’ mother and Law & Order’s S. Epatha Merkerson as her grandmother. Mikayla will portray the young Douglas, while Hakim will play her as a teen/young adult.
ROCK NEWS:
NBC TO AIR 30-MINUTE ARCADE FIRE CONCERT FOLLOWING SNL
Canada’s Arcade Fire will take over NBC for a good chunk of the network’s late-night September 28 broadcast schedule as part of the band’s promotional push surrounding the October 29 release of the new album, Reflektor. Immediately following the band’s appearance on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, NBC will air a 30-minute Arcade Fire concert special, though details on the bonus coverage are still sketchy.
THE KILLERS COLLECT CREAM OF CROP FOR BEST OF SET
Sin City rockers the Killers are set to release a greatest hits package this fall. Direct Hits will hit stores and online retailers on November 11 and will include two new tracks, including the brand new song “Shot at the Night,” which just landed on iTunes yesterday. A deluxe edition of the compilation will hold three bonus tracks, and include a documentary DVD.
ATOMS FOR PEACE PLANS HINGE ON INDIVIDUAL SCHEDULES
The current Atoms for Peace tour kicks back up next Tuesday in Philadelphia and wraps November 23 in Tokyo, and according to keyboardist Nigel Godrich, none of the members Thom Yorke, Flea, Joey Waronker and Mauro Refosco – knows what’s next after that. Godrich toldRolling Stone, “We are talking about the logistics of doing some other things. But we have the slightly annoying issue where we’re five people doing five different things… I know we want to carry on. It’s going to come down to what everyone’s year is looking like next year.”
NINE INCH NAILS NUMBER FEATURED IN FIFA 14 SOCCER VIDEO GAME
The music of Nine Inch Nails, Vampire Weekend and Empire of the Sun, among many other artists, can be heard in the upcoming FIFA 14 soccer video came from EA Sports, available this Tuesday. In all, thirty-seven songs are included in the soundtrack, including NIN’s “Copy of A,” Vampire Weekend’s “Worship You” and Empire of the Sun’s “Alive.”
DINOSAUR JR. PREP PRICEY LIMITED-EDITION BOOK
The pride of Amherst, MA, Dinosaur Jr. is offering 500 deep-pocketed devotees the opportunity to purchase a limited edition to 500 autographed copy of their forthcoming coffee table book, Dinosaur Jr. by Dinosaur Jr., available in December. Available only through the band’s website, the pricey souvenir features exclusive art prints, previously unpublished photos and new interviews with all band members. A more reasonably-priced hardcover version will be sold for $75.
AUGUSTINES SERVES UP SOARING “CRUEL CITIES” OFF SELF-TITLED SET
Seattle by way of Brooklyn threesome Augustines, formerly known as We Are Augustines, have debuted the single “Cruel Cities,” one of the new tracks to be found on their forthcoming self-titled album, due January 21, 2014. The group will set out on a tour with Scotland’s Frightened Rabbit, starting next Tuesday in Edmonton, Canada and running through October 29 in Washington, DC.
RUSH READIES CLOCKWORK ANGELS TOUR CD, DVD
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame progressive rock trio Rush has announced the November 19 release of the live CD and DVD, Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour. The three hours of sound and video was culled from the band’s show last November at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas. The DVD contains a 25-minute tour documentary, fresh interviews with all three band members, a soundcheck performance of “Limelight” and more.
SIMMONS SMEARS EX-BANDMATES AS “DRUNKS AND LOSERS”
Never one to bite his tongue, though always the first to stick it out, Kiss bassist/singer Gene Simmons had nothing nice to say about his former bandmates Peter Criss and Ace Frehleyduring a recent interview with Rolling Stone. Asked if he has a problem being labeled “the bad guy” in the firing of his former friends, Simmons said, “I am the band guy. I won’t stand for drunks and alcoholics who get up on stage and consider it their birthright. Ace and Peter have had a lifetime of being losers. And not just with drugs and alcohol. They’re losers because of wrong decisions. You sleep in the bed you make. But they’re mostly angry at themselves for being losers.”
NEW ALBUM RELEASES
New albums out today: MGMT – MGMT; Mark Lanegan – Imitations; Placebo – Loud Like Love; Grouplove – Spreading Rumours; Carcass – Surgical Steel; The Naked and Famous – In Rolling Waves; The Grateful Dead – Sunshine Daydream (Venetta, OR 8/27/72).
