TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
NATIONAL HEADLINES:
JOURNALIST SAYS UK WILL REGRET DETAINING HIS PARTNER
The Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald yesterday vowed that Britain will regret detaining and questioning his partner Sunday. "I will be more aggressive in my reporting from now,” he told reporters at Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro airport, where he met his boyfriend, David Miranda. Greenwald was the reporter who first published the contents of classified NSA documents leaked by Edward Snowden. Miranda, who lives with Greenwald in Rio, was held and questioned for nine hours at London’s Heathrow Airport under local anti-terrorism laws. Authorities allegedly grilled Miranda about Greenwald’s reporting and asked what he knew about the documents that Snowden had provided to Greenwald and documentary filmmaker Laura Poitras. Greenwald said yesterday that he has many more documents to report on, including ones about the UK.
PISTORIUS OFFICIALLY CHARGED WITH MURDER
A tearful Oscar Pistorius was formally indicted on charges of murder and illegal possession of ammunition in a South African court yesterday. The former Olympian, dubbed “Blade Runner” for his prosthetic legs, is accused in the shooting death of his 29-year-old girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The formal charges came after a six-month police investigation into the shooting. Prior to the hearing, the 26-year-old Pistorius was seen wiping away tears and holding hands with his brother and sister. His trial is scheduled to begin March 3, 2014. If he’s found guilty, Pistorius could face a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years. Pistorius has maintained that he killed Steenkamp by accident, after he mistook her for an intruder in their home.
EGYPTIAN COURT ORDERS RELEASE OF MUBARAK
An Egyptian court has ordered the release of imprisoned ex-leader Hosni Mubarak after prosecutors cleared him in a corruption case. The former president, who ruled Egypt for three decades, has already been convicted and sentenced to life in prison for complicity in the murder of protesters in the 2011 uprising that ousted him from power. The verdict was overturned on technicalities and a retrial is pending, but Mubarak would not be required to stay in jail while he awaits trial. Over the next few days, the 85-year-old’s legal team will be working to secure his discharge from Tora prison outside Cairo. Meanwhile yesterday, the unrest in the country continued. Masked gunmen attacked minibuses carrying Egyptian police officers, killing 25 of them, according to security and government sources. Over 900 people have been killed since Wednesday, when the military stormed camps of supporters of deposed president Mohammed Morsi, who succeeded Mubarak in 2012.
NJ GOV. CHRISTIE SIGNS BILL BANNING CONVERSION THERAPY
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill barring licensed therapists from using “gay conversion” therapy on teenage patients. The bill was passed with bipartisan support in June. Assemblyman Tim Eustace, who sponsored the bill and is openly gay, described the therapy – which involves therapists trying to turn gay teenagers straight – as "an insidious form of child abuse." In a note accompanying the bill, Christie said he believe people are born gay and that homosexuality is not a sin. New Jersey becomes the second state to ban the therapy, along with California.
CDC: LYME DISEASE AFFECTS 300,000 PEOPLE EACH YEAR
According to new information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease affects about 300,000 people each year. The new estimates suggest the disease is 10 times more common than previously thought. Typically, only 20,000 to 30,000 cases of the illness are reported each year, but CDC officials have long known that many doctors don’t report every case and that the true number was probably much higher. The new figure comes from a survey of seven national laboratories, a national patient survey and a review of insurance information. "This new preliminary estimate confirms that Lyme disease is a tremendous public health problem in the United States, and clearly highlights the urgent need for prevention,” said Dr. Paul Mead, chief of epidemiology and surveillance for CDC's Lyme disease program. The disease is caused by a bacteria that’s transmitted to humans through the bite of infected deer ticks.
SHOWBIZ NEWS:
THE OBAMAS GET ANOTHER DOG
The Obamas have added a new member to the family. First Lady Michelle Obama yesterdaytweeted a picture of the family’s new dog Sunny, sitting alongside their first pooch, Bo, with the caption, “So excited to introduce the newest member of the Obama family—our puppy, Sunny.” Sunny is a year-old female Portuguese Water Dog, the same breed as Bo.
DICK VAN DYKE PULLED FROM BURNING CAR
TV legend Dick Van Dyke was rescued from his burning car in L.A. yesterday. According to TMZ, a bystander named Jason Pennington was driving on the freeway when he noticed a smoking car on the side of the road and an elderly man hunched over the wheel. Pennington pulled over and found the 87-year-old Van Dyke struggling inside. He pulled the actor out just as flames rippedthrough the car’s engine. Van Dyke was reportedly disoriented but did not need medical attention.
KIM ZOLCIAK EXPECTING TWINS
Kim Zolciak’s family is getting even bigger. The reality show star, who announced her pregnancy in June, revealed Monday that she and husband Kroy Biermann are expecting twins. This will be her third and fourth child with the NFL player. They are already parents to Kroy Jr., 2, and Kash, 1. In addition, Zolciak is mom to 16-year-old Brielle and 12-year-old Arianna, whom Biermann recently adopted.
RIZZOLI & ISLES STAR DIES FROM APPARENT SUICIDE
Lee Thompson Young, who plays Detective Barry Frost on TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles, has died, according to TMZ. Sources tell the site the 29-year-old’s body was discovered with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gun-shot wound. “It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning,” read a statement from the actor’s publicist. “Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed." Insiders say Young did not show up for work this morning, so staffers called his landlord to check up on him, which is when the body was found. TMZ reports that Thompson did not leave a suicide note. In addition to Rizzoli & Isles, Young starred on the Disney series The Famous Jett Jackson, and also appeared in the 2004 movie Friday Night Lights. Click here to read stars' reaction to Thompson’s death.
PRINCE WILLIAM CALLS SON A “RASCAL”/OFFICIAL PHOTOS RELEASED
Prince William sat down for his first interview since becoming a new dad. The 31-year-old admitted to CNN he’s been very “emotional” since the birth of son George on July 22nd. “I think the last few weeks for me have been just a very different emotional experience. Something I never thought I would feel myself,” he said. “And I find, again it’s only been a short period, but a lot of things affect me differently now.” As for how wife Kate is doing as a mom, William said, “She's doing a fantastic job.” William says Prince George is “a little bit of a rascal. He either reminds me of my brother or me when I was younger, I'm not sure.” He added, “He's doing very well at the moment. He does like to keep having his nappy (diaper) changed. He's growing quite quickly actually. He's a little fighter. He wriggles around a lot. He doesn't want to get his sleep, which is a little bit of a problem.” Click here for Prince George’s first official portrait.
NAKED DEMI LOVATO PICS FOR SALE
Demi Lovato could be the latest young star to be the victim of a nude photo leak. Radaronline claims they were offered several X-rated photos for sale, allegedly of The X Factor judge. The site says so far they have not been able to verify whether the pics are authentic, although the girl in them looks like Demi and appears to have the same tattoo of 12 blackbirds on her right forearm.
DEMI JOINING GLEE
In happier Demi Lovato news… The X Factor judge is close to signing on for a guest starring arc on Fox’s Glee. TV Line reports Demi, who turns 21 today, is “nearing a deal” to appear in the last six episodes of the upcoming season, playing Dani, a friend of Lea Michele’s character.
DR. LUKE FRONTRUNNER FOR THIRD IDOL JUDGE SPOT
Us Weekly reports that music producer Dr. Luke is in talks to become the third judge on Fox’sAmerican Idol. Will.i.am was thought to be the frontrunner for the job, although sources say talks have now stalled due to money. Dr. Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, is best known for chart-topping hits like Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone," Ke$ha's "Tik Tok" and Katy Perry's "California Gurls." So far only Keith Urban is confirmed for Idol, although Jennifer Lopez’s boyfriend Casper Smart revealed over the weekend that she will be returning next season as well.
BREAKING BAD’S AARON PAUL CALLS FANS
Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul is a man of his word. On Sunday he took to Twitter and promised to call the first 10 fans who tweeted their phone numbers. "Happy Breaking Bad day b––s!" Paul tweeted. "What's your number? Calling the first 10 people to answer questions. Ask me anything." And sure enough, the first ten fans who responded received a call from the actor. "Aaron Paul called me. I'm serious. I am at a loss of words. He actually did it," @vbizzlebeee tweeted. Another follower, @alonzo_j30 wrote, “Thanks for the call man! Thought of a real question for you now but it's [too] late. #INeedARedo" Finally, @joshfishr tweeted, “OMG @aaronpaul_8 just called me. Super cool down to earth dude." In other Aaron Paul news…he and co-star Bryan Cranston are holding a contest in which one lucky winner will get to watch the series finale with them at a party at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Kind Campaign.Click here to enter.
LAWRENCE & HOULT PHOTOGRAPHED ARM-IN-ARM
There’s more evidence that Jennifer Lawrence has reunited with her former beau Nicholas Hoult. The two stars were spotted walking arm-in-arm as they attended Saturday’s wrap party for X-Men: Days of Future Past. Lawrence and Hoult split earlier this year after two years of dating, but appeared to rekindle their romance as they began filming the X-Men sequel. X-Men: Days of Future Past hits theaters May 23rd, 2014.
FRASER’S WIFE SAYS HE’S LYING ABOUT MONEY
Brendan Fraser is trying to get his alimony payments reduced, but his ex-wife is having none of it. Fraser filed legal documents in Connecticut earlier this year claiming he could no longer afford his $50,000 a month alimony payment because he hasn’t been booking new acting jobs. But his ex-Afton Fraser filed her own legal documents arguing that Brendan is making plenty of money. She also says his net worth is close to $25 million which means he has enough to keep up his payments.
HOGAN WANTS THOR STAR TO PLAY HIM
Hulk Hogan already knows who he’d like to play him if they ever make a movie of his life. “I think we need a serious, serious actor that knows what he’s doing,” Hogan told Toronto’s Cape Breton Post. “You know who I thought would be good? That guy who did Thor.” Hogan was talking aboutChris Hemsworth, but it doesn’t sound like Chris will need to start shaving his chest anytime soon. Hogan says rumors that a movie was already in the works are “not really true.” He claims they got started when a TMZ photographer started asking him questions about a biopic and he just shouted out, “it’s already in development.” Said Hogan, “So now everybody’s rambling like it’s a feature film already.”
WALKING DEAD STAR TO RELEASE PHOTO BOOK
The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus, a.k.a. Darryl Dixon, will release a hardcover book featuring photos from 15 years of traveling around the world. The Sun’s Coming Up…Like a Big Bald Headwill hit stores October 31st. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will go to charity. "It’s a really nice hardcover book and it’s very personal," Reedus tells The Hollywood Reporter. "[The photos are] through my eyes, like my interpretation of what my surroundings were at certain times.”
FRIENDS HOLD MEMORIAL FOR GIA
About 50 friends and co-workers gathered along the Mississippi River in New Orleans over the weekend to remember Bachelor contestant Gia Allemand, who died August 14th. The group, wearing white ribbons, tossed white flowers into the water to “symbolize that our love and memory of (Gia) will continue to flow in our hearts.” Gia’s funeral is expected to take place Thursday at Trinity Grace Church in New York.
MOVIEGOERS CLAIM EXTRA SECURITY WAS HIRED FOR BUTLER SCREENING
Two Washington, DC-area moviegoers claim there was extra security on hand for a weekend screening of Lee Daniels’ The Butler, which made them feel racially profiled. Tiffany Flowers, a labor organizer, tweeted about the experience she and her husband Alan Hanson had at the Regal Majestic Theater in Silver Springs, MD, and later told NBC, “A lot of people feel that an overwhelmingly African-American audience getting three police officers to guard and manage our entrance and exit from the theater is very, very suspicious. " But Regal Group insists there was nothing racial about them bringing in extra security. "Regal Entertainment Group routinely employs security personnel to ensure the safety of all of our guests and staff,” they said in a statement. “When a theatre experiences sold out showings of any feature, security will assist with crowd control and guest assistance throughout the facility, including auditoriums.” They add, “At no time last night did local management receive any guest complaints or concerns about our security or staff, who worked diligently to meet all of our guests’ needs.”
THE BIGGEST LOSER HIRES UNCERTIFIED TRAINER
There’s some behind-the-scenes controversy brewing over at NBC’s The Biggest Loser. According to TMZ, producers have fired trainer Sandy Krum, who had been with the show since 2007, and replaced him with a new trainer, Ryan Applegate, who doesn’t hold a California state trainer certification. The site claims past contestants and current staffers are upset Ryan hasn’t passed the voluntary test, which isn’t required by law. A rep for the show stands by their decision to hire Ryan, explaining, “the health and safety of our contestants is our #1 priority and the show is confident that the team of professionals they have hired to work with the contestants are qualified to do so.”
ROCK NEWS:
GROHL PREDICTS 2014 WILL BE “A REALLY BIG YEAR”
In a recent interview with London’s XFM, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl said the group has “written an album and we are going to make this album in a way that no one’s ever done before.” Grohl declined to elaborate, but did added that “it’s not ready to happen right now but I think next year is going to be a really big year for the Foo Fighters without question.”
KINGS OF LEON TO HOST – BUT NOT PLAY – MUSIC CITY EATS FESTIVAL
Trumpeting “Nashville is becoming one of the food meccas of the South, Kings of Leon frontmanCaleb Followill, along with his brother Nathan, are putting on Music City Eats: Nashville Food, Wine & Spirits Festival on September 21 and 22. The food will be served up during the day on the 21st, but that night Petty Fest featuring the Black Keys’ Patrick Carney and others covering Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tunes will crank up, though Kings of Leon are not expected to perform. The new KOL album, Mechanical Bull, arrives September 24.
LORDE’S “ROYALS” CROWNED ALTERNATIVE ROCK CHART CHAMP
The impressive (to say the least) start to New Zealand teen Lorde’s career is now officially historic as well, as the 16-year old singer/songwriter became the first woman in 17 years to top theBillboard Alternative Rock chart with her hit “Royals.” As if that wasn’t enough; her six-show North American tour, which gets underway September 25 in Los Angeles and wraps October 6 in Toronto, completely sold out in minutes. All of these well-deserved accomplishments have come over a month before her debut album, Pure Heroine, will be available on September 30.
THE CALLING SINGER SNATCHED, BEATEN, DUMPED ON TRAIN TRACKS
Lapeer, MI police are looking for two men driving a “blue colored minivan” considered suspects in the kidnapping and beating of The Calling lead singer Alex Band at around 4a Sunday morning. Band was in Lapeer performing at a music festival and later decided to walk from his hotel to a nearby mini mart when he was abducted, severely beaten and dumped on nearby train tracks. The singer was discovered a short time later and transported to a local emergency room where he was treated and released. The Calling scored a huge hit in 2001 with “Wherever You Will Go,” broke up in 2005 (due in large measure to Band’s personal struggles with substance abuse and a bitter divorce), but announced they had regrouped just last week on their Facebook page. The band is in the midst of signing a new recording contract.
RA RA RIOT RELEASES MIND-BENDING VIDEO FOR “BINARY MIND”
Syracuse-spawned Ra Ra Riot is out with the visually-stimulating video for “Binary Mind,” found on their new album, Beta Love. Fresh off their spring string of shows with The Postal Service andThe Shins, Ra Ra Riot will take off on a coast-to-coast headlining trek, starting this Friday in Cincinnati and running through October 13 in Boston. Additional stops include St. Louis, Denver, San Francisco, Houston, Baton Rouge, Tampa, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville and Washington, DC.
WHITE, MUMFORD PART OF SHOW CELEBRATING 60S FOLK MUSIC SCENE
Contemporary artists including Jack White, Marcus Mumford, the Avett Brothers, the Punch Brothers, Colin Melow of the Decermberists, along with folk icon Joan Baez and New York music scene legend Patti Smith will take part in a benefit concert entitled Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of Inside Llewyn Davis, the Joel and Ethan Coen film set in the 1960’s Greenwich Village folk music scene. The concert will take place at the Town Hall in New York City on September 29, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the National Recording Preservation Foundation. Inside Llewyn Davis opens in theatres December 6, and the T Bone Burnett-helmed soundtrack goes on sale November 12.
GLAM ROCK SHINES ON FORTHCOMING FIVE-DISC BOX SET
All that glittered wasn’t necessarily gold in the musical sub-genre known as Glam Rock, but nevertheless many of the less than gold and platinum-selling artists who fit into the category are found on the upcoming five-disc box set, Oh Yes We Can Love, due October 28. The title comes from the David Bowie-penned Mott the Hoople hit “All the Young Dudes,” which naturally is included in the collection. Additional androgynous artists found in the compilation include T. Rex,Slade, Sweet, Fox, Kiss, Bay City Rollers, Hanoi Rocks, and The Glitter Band.
YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE AXE FOUR NORTH AMERICAN DATES
A hand injury sustained by Crazy Horse guitarist Pancho Sampredo has forced Neil Young and the band to abandon four scheduled North American tour dates. The dates that have been cancelled includes August 31 in Dundas, Ontario, Canada, September 2 in Port Chester, NY, September 4 in Ottawa, and September 7 in Arrington, VA. The Dundas, Ottawa and Arrington dates were scheduled to be festival performances.
MERCURY TRIBUTE CONCERT DVD GETS RELEASE DATE
A tribute concert that took place in 1992 in memory of late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury is set to be released as a three-disc DVD and Blu-ray on September 3, two days ahead of what would have been the singer’s 67th birthday. The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert: The Definitive Editionfeatures the surviving members of Queen with Robert Plant, David Bowie, Elton John and others paying homage to the superb vocalist, plus previously unreleased footage of opening actsDef Leppard, Guns N’ Roses and Metallica.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES
New albums out today: Blessthefall – Hollow Bodies; Blue October – Sway; Tedeschi Trucks Band – Made Up Mind; Travis – Where You Stand.
