Chris Rock Isn't Laughing
2008-03-27 06:00:13.959644
Click href="http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/chrisrock/articles/story/19400269/video_gallery_chris_rock" target="blank">here to watch Chris Rock's greatest film and stand-up moments.
Here in the Time of Rock, wherein Christopher Julius Rock III rules again as he has ruled before, but only more so — international sweep! colossal forums! better transportation! — promptness counts for much. "There's no such thing as early," Rock himself will tell you, just as his late heroic father often impressed upon him under threat of belt strap. "There's on time and late. I'm always on time." Unsurprisingly, then, he has made it a point to be on time for his Time, which is a very good thing for a dire populace that suddenly seeks racial clarity with historic fervor (no mortal, of course, sifts matters of class and skin divide with sharper acuity than Rock, who is black but sometimes employs the term "a fine mocha" because he is just that precise.) Moreover, he concedes that seizing this seismic American...
Video Gallery: Chris Rock
2008-03-27 23:00:13.994291
Click href="http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/19551925" target="blank">here for an excerpt of the Chris Rock cover story.
Though Chris Rock had minor success on Saturday Night Live and with the HBO special Big Ass Jokes, his true breakout came in 1996 with the premiere of Bring the Pain. The stand-up special (and subsequent album Roll With the New) introduced the world to a number of instant-classic Rock bits, including "Niggas vs. Black People." The controversial routine is everything that's great about Rock: it's honest, insightful, vulgar and above all hilarious.
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Why Can't Adam Duritz Get Any Respect?
2008-03-27 22:00:14.677344
For half a second, Adam Duritz is airborne — and then he comes down hard. It's early February, during the second song of a rare Counting Crows small-club show in New York, and a moment ago, Duritz was teetering on a monitor speaker at the edge of the stage. Now, he tumbles backward, dreadlocks flailing, and his head collides with a piano. It looks painful. But Duritz springs back up, not missing a note — though his voice seems to quaver even more than usual as he sings, "Have you seen me lately?"
Then he climbs up onto that same speaker, again and again, like a man who has everything to prove. And maybe he does. Duritz is all too aware that some people hate him. They say his voice is whiny. They say his dreads are fake (which they are). And they don't like his band, either. "For some reason, everyone decided we were a piece of shit," he says a few days after the concert, describing a low point a couple of years back. "So the only thing to do was to go out there and show we weren't."
..."Fifth Beatle" Neil Aspinall dies at 66 in New York
2008-03-27 20:00:12.571437
BEIJING, March 25(Xinhuanet) -- Neil Aspinall, a longtime friend and business associate of the Beatles, died in New York City of lung cancer Sunday night at 66, the surviving band members said Monday. Neil Aspinall, the managing director of Apple Corps
'American Idol' cuts another contestant (AP)
2008-03-27 02:00:11.846866
By ERIN CARLSON, Associated Press Writer 30 minutes ago
NEW YORK - Uneasy lies Chikezie, who won't wear the crown. The one-name singer — who previously worked security at Los Angeles International Airport — was eliminated from "American Idol" as the show narrowed the competition to nine finalists.Chikezie, 22, of Inglewood, Calif., injected the singing contest with enthusiasm and soul. His performances could be risky and kinetic, as when he sang the Beatles' "She's A Woman," or safe and retro, as seen in his earlier rendition of "More Today than Yesterday."
Simon Cowell criticized Chikezie for singing the ballad "If Only for One Night" on Tuesday's performance show: "You chose the wrong song last night. ... It wasn't original."
The other lowest vote-getters were Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado.
Tattooed finalist Carly Smithson took a moment to address speculation she's expecting a child with her husband. She told host Ryan Seacrest: "Apparently I'm pregnant — but I'm not."
Wednesday's show also featured a performance by "Idol" also-ran Kimberley Locke, who placed third behind Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken in season two.
___
On the Net:
http://www.americanidol.com/
Email Story IM Story...Bon Jovi star arrested for drunk-driving
2008-03-27 16:00:16.989612
Richie Sambora is pulled up in California Guitarist Richie Sambora was arrested yesterday in Laguna Beach for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol. A police spokesperson said the Bon Jovi guitarist was arrested after being stopped
Botswana: Afro-Jazz Artistes Delight Music Lovers
2008-03-27 07:00:14.304911
Botswana's women of song Punah Gabasiane and Nono Siile lived up to their reputation during their show held at the Millennium Jazz Restaurant on Sunday. The Afro jazz artistes, who were performing separately, gave electrifying performances much to the
Celebrity Birthdays (AP)
2008-03-27 01:00:17.443785
By The Associated Press 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Celebrity birthdays for the week of March 30-April 5:March 30: Actor Richard Dysart is 79. Actor John Astin is 78. TV personality Peter Marshall is 78. Actor Warren Beatty is 71. Drummer Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues is 67. Musician Eric Clapton is 63. Actor Robbie Coltrane ("Harry Potter") is 58. Actor Paul Reiser is 51. Rapper MC Hammer is 45. Actor Ian Ziering ("Beverly Hills 90210") is 44. Singer Tracy Chapman is 44. Singer Celine Dion is 40. Singer Norah Jones is 29.
March 31: Actress Peggy Rea ("Grace Under Fire") is 87. Actor William Daniels ("St. Elsewhere") is 81. Actor Richard Chamberlain is 74. Actress Shirley Jones is 74. Country singer-songwriter John D. Loudermilk is 74. Musician Herb Alpert is 73. Actor Christopher Walken is 65. Comedian Gabe Kaplan ("Welcome Back Kotter") is 63. Actress Rhea Perlman ("Cheers") is 60. Actor Ed Marinaro ("Hill Street Blues," "Sisters") is 58. Guitarist Angus Young of AC/DC is 53. Actor Ewan McGregor is 37. Rapper Tony Yayo is 30.
April 1: Actress Debbie Reynolds is 76. Country singer Jim Ed Brown is 74. Actor Don Hastings ("As The World Turns") is 74. Actress Ali MacGraw is 70. Singer Rudolph Isley (Isley Brothers) is 69. Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff is 60. Jazz keyboardist Gil Scott-Heron is 59. Keyboardist Billy Currie of Ultravox is 58. Actress Annette O'Toole ("Smallville") is 56. Country singer Woody Lee is 40. Rapper-actor Method Man is 37. Filmmakers Albert and Allen Hughes ("Menace II Society," "Dead Presidents") are 36. Actor Sam Huntington ("Superman Returns," "Jungle 2 Jungle") is 26.
April 2: Singer Leon Russell is 66. Jazz guitarist Larry Coryell is 65. Actress Linda Hunt is 63. Singer Emmylou Harris is 61. Actress Pamela Reed is 59. Drummer Dave Robinson of The Cars is 55. Country singer Buddy Jewell is 47. Actor Chris Meloni ("Law and Order: Special Victims Unit") is 47. Singer Keren Woodward of Bananarama is 47. Country singer Billy Dean is 46. Guitarist Greg Camp of Smash Mouth is 41. Guitarist Tony Fredianelli of Third Eye Blind is 39. Actor Adam Rodriguez ("CSI: Miami") is 33. Keyboardist Jesse Carmichael of Maroon 5 is 29. Actress Bethany Joy Galeotti ("One Tree Hill") is 27.
April 3: Actress-singer Doris Day is 84. Actress Marsha Mason is 66. Singer Wayne Newton is 66. Singer Billy Joe Royal is 66. Singer Tony Orlando is 64. Singer Richard Thompson is 59. Bassist Curtis Stone of Highway 101 is 58. Guitarist Mick Mars of Motley Crue is 52. Actor Alec Baldwin is 50. Actor David Hyde Pierce ("Frasier") is 49. Comedian-actor Eddie Murphy is 47. Singer-guitarist Mike Ness of Social Distortion is 46. Singer Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) is 40. Actress Jennie Garth ("Beverly Hills 90210") is 36. Actress Cobie Smulders ("How I Met Your Mother") is 26. Actress Amanda Bynes is 22.
April 4: Author-poet Maya Angelou is 80. Bandleader Hugh Masekela is 69. Actor Craig T. Nelson ("Coach") is 64. Actress Caroline McWilliams ("Benson," "Soap") is 63. Actress Christine Lahti ("Chicago Hope") is 58. Singer Steve Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers is 57. Writer-producer David E. Kelley ("Ally McBeal," "The Practice") is 52. Actor Hugo Weaving ("The Matrix," "Lord of the Rings") is 48. Bassist Craig Adams of The Cult is 46. Comedian David Cross ("Arrested Development," "Mr. Show") is 44. Actor Robert Downey Jr. is 43. Actress Nancy McKeon is 42. Country singer Clay Davidson is 37. Singer Josh Todd of Buckcherry is 37. Singer Jill Scott is 36. Bassist Magnus Sveningsson of The Cardigans is 36. Magician David Blaine is 35. Singer Kelly Price is 35. Singer Andre Dalyrimple of Soul for Real is 34. Actor James Roday ("Psych") is 32. Actress Natasha Lyonne ("Slums of Beverly Hills," "American Pie") is 29. Actress Jamie Lynn Spears ("Zoey 101") is 17.
April 5: Actress Gale Storm ("My Little Margie") is 86. Country singer Tommy Cash is 68. Actor Michael Moriarty ("Law and Order") is 67. Actor Max Gail ("Sons and Daughters," "Barney Miller") is 65. Actress Jane Asher is 62. Singer Agnetha Faltskog of Abba is 58. Actor Mitch Pileggi ("The X Files") is 56. Guitarist Mike McCready of Pearl Jam is 42. Country singer Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry is 41. Singer Paula Cole is 40. Actress Krista Allen ("Baywatch," "What About Brian") is 37. Country singer Pat Green is 36. Rapper-producer Pharrell Williams is 35.
Email Story IM Story Printable View...Colour Revolt Tour with The Breeders
2008-03-27 01:00:18.115475
After a string of loud performances at SXSW, Mississippi quintet Colour Revolt will continue the clamor on tour with fellow alt-rockers The Breeders. Their full-length debut Plunder, Beg, and Curse recorded with legendary producer Clay Jones (Modest
Combs' lawyer calls LA Times story "defamatory" (Reuters)
2008-03-27 21:00:13.505681
By Bob Tourtellotte 1 hour, 57 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A lawyer for Sean "Diddy" Combs lashed out at the Los Angeles Times on Thursday over the "defamatory nature" of a story the paper published that sought to link the rap music mogul to an assault on Tupac Shakur.The story, which first appeared on March 17, was later said to be based on forged FBI documents. Late Wednesday, the paper and Times reporter Chuck Philips apologized for the story, and Philips said he now believes the papers are fake.
The "apology is, at best, a first step, but it doesn't undo the false and defamatory nature of the story, or the suspicion and innuendo that Mr. Combs has had to endure due to these...
Dalai Lama's inspirational message "Never Give Up" set to pop music by SisterMonk
2008-03-27 23:00:12.243193
AM GMT (TransWorldNews) SisterMonk has just released a danceable Pop song 'Never Give Up' with lyrics by the Dalai Lama off their new Cd 'Stop Being Afraid' (recorded Feb.08'; Robert Lang Studio, Seattle) Play this song on your programs. : Join a
Death Cab For Cutie Unveils Cover Art
2008-03-27 08:00:14.050433
Death Cab For Cutie's going abstract for its next album cover. The indie-pop outfit unveiled cover art for its upcoming Narrow Stairs. The album, which follows up 2005's Plans (review) (Atlantic) arrives in stores May 13 from Atlantic. A&R dudes selected
Duran Duran world tour off to wobbly start in NZ (Reuters)
2008-03-27 04:00:20.260971
2 hours, 9 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Duran Duran's world tour got off to an awkward start in New Zealand on Wednesday as singer Simon Le Bon forgot the lyrics and bassist John Taylor stormed off stage, according to a published report."Duran Duran, f---ing up in style," Le Bon, 49, told the crowd at the Vector Arena in the northern city of Auckland, according to the New Zealand Herald's review the next day.
Taylor, 47, abandoned his instrument and walked off stage, apparently in reaction to a segment in which the group's members donned matching satin suits and headsets to play a medley on keyboards and an electric drum set.
"I could not dance to that. These people came here to...
Emilio Navaira's brother recalls crash (AP)
2008-03-27 10:00:14.757331
By MICHAEL GRACZYK, Associated Press Writer Thu Mar 27, 7:17 AM ET
HOUSTON - Raul Navaira remembers seeing his brother, the Tejano music star known to his fans simply as Emilio, signing autographs after an Easter weekend club date in Houston.Raul Navaira climbed aboard the tour bus that Emilio routinely drove and went to sleep for the 200-mile trip home to San Antonio.
"It was like any other night," Raul Navaira, 40, said Wednesday.
Except it wasn't.
"The next thing I knew, I felt stuff falling over me," he said.
At about 5 a.m. Sunday, the 26,000-pound motor coach slammed into a collection of freeway barrels that mark the interchange of two highways in Bellaire, a southwest Houston enclave. Emilio was thrown through the windshield, injuring him severely and requiring two brain surgeries, the most recent on Tuesday evening.
The 45-year-old father of five and Grammy winner is fighting for his life.
"It was weird," his brother said. "Right away. I thought of him. I knew he was driving. I go: 'Emilio, you OK?' I heard a 'Yeh, yeh,' but it actually was our drummer beneath the rubble."
He said by the time he made his way out of the bus, paramedics had strapped his brother to a gurney to take him to the hospital.
"They didn't let me get to him," Raul Navaira said. "I just shouted out that I loved him. ... Maybe I was in a daze. By the time I got out of the bus, everybody was there and helping."
Doctors worried about the condition of Emilio Navaira took him into surgery a second time Tuesday, after medication failed to lower pressure that began to build in his brain around a bruise where they removed a blood clot two days earlier.
"We all agreed it was heading in a negative direction and we thought we'd intervene before it got to a critical point," said Dr. Alex Valadka, director of neurotrauma services at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and vice chairman of neurosciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
...Ice Cube Recruits Nas And Scarface For Remix
2008-03-27 04:00:19.729587
Ice Cube is currently working on his new album, Raw Footage, which is due out on June 17th. The latest single from the project is 'Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It' and recently Ice Cube recruited Scarface and Nas for a remix of the song. Cube told MTV.com,
L.A. Times Apologizes For Shakur Story
2008-03-27 17:00:13.926634
The Los Angeles Times apologized for using documents that were apparently fabricated in a story implicating associates of Sean 'Diddy' Combs in a 1994 assault on rapper Tupac Shakur. 'The bottom line is that the documents we relied on should not have
LA Times Issues Apology for Tupac Ambush Story
2008-03-27 19:00:15.582042
LA Times Issues Apology for Tupac Ambush Story : Writer Chuck Philips says: "I failed to do my job." ... : Rapper walks off stage during middle of show... : Rapper rumored to have been hospitalized for two weeks... : "I felt it appropriate not to give
LA Times apologizes for Shakur story (AP)
2008-03-27 05:00:20.771903
7 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Times apologized for using documents that were apparently fabricated in a story implicating associates of Sean "Diddy" Combs in a 1994 assault on rapper Tupac Shakur."The bottom line is that the documents we relied on should not have been used," Editor Russ Stanton said in a story posted Wednesday night on the newspaper's Web site. "We apologize both to our readers and to those referenced in the documents ... and in the story."
Pulitzer-prize winning reporter Chuck Philips, who wrote the story, and his supervisor, Deputy Managing Editor Marc Duvoisin, also apologized.
The apologies followed an investigation launched by Stanton after The Smoking Gun Web site reported earlier in the day that the paper was conned by a prisoner who doctored the documents.
Combs denied that he had any prior knowledge of or involvement in the robbery and shooting of Shakur at a New York recording studio. He and other subjects of the story claimed they had been defamed by the newspaper.
The Smoking Gun said the documents seemed phony because they appeared to be written on a typewriter instead of a computer and included blacked-out sections not typically found in such documents, among other problems.
The Web site claimed the documents were fabricated by a prison inmate with a history of exaggerating his place in the rap music world.
The Times said its March 17 story was based on FBI records, interviews with people at the scene of the 1994 shooting, and statements to the FBI by an informant.
None of the sources was named.
Philips said Wednesday that a former FBI agent examined the documents in question for him and said they appeared to be legitimate.
But Philips said he wished he had done more to investigate their authenticity.
"I now believe the truth here is I got duped," he said.
The shooting triggered a feud between East and West Coast rappers that led to the killings of Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.
...Lake Braddock's Orchestrating Talent: Four Graduates of Burke School Continue Musical Aspirations at Juilliard
2008-03-27 07:00:14.306717
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Latitude Line Up Revealed
2008-03-27 02:00:12.806377
Sigor Ros and Interpol have been confirmed to perform alongside Franz Ferdinand at this years' Latitude Festival. The 2007 event was the most chilled-out gig of the summer and this year it boasts four Music Arenas; The Obelisk, The Uncut, The Sunrise and
Leona Lewis Scores First U.S. No. 1 Hit
2008-03-27 17:00:13.925013
Already a chart-topper in her native U.K., Leona Lewis scores her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 this week with 'Bleeding Love,' which zooms 8-1. She's the first female to take her inaugural single to the top of this tally since Fergie's
Leona Lewis tops US single charts
2008-03-27 15:00:15.829377
X-Factor winner Leona Lewis has achieved what no British woman has been able to for more than 20 years and reached the top of the American singles chart. Her song Bleeding Love reached the top spot after three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, having
Lewis first UK female to top U.S. chart in 20 yrs (Reuters)
2008-03-27 13:00:15.318277
49 minutes ago
LONDON (Reuters) - Talent show winner Leona Lewis became the first British female solo artist in over 20 years to top the U.S. pop ratings on Thursday when her single "Bleeding Love" hit number one in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.The 22-year-old Londoner, who shot to fame in Britain after winning "The X Factor" in 2006, appeared on Oprah Winfrey's talk show this month, helping to boost the number of downloads of her song on the Internet and mobile phones, media reported.
Kim Wilde was the last British female solo singer to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her 1987 song "You Keep Me Hangin' On," a cover of The Supremes song.
Lewis, who Billboard compared to a young Whitney Houston in...
Lil Wayne Incorporates Other Artists for New Album
2008-03-27 04:00:19.739575
As he prepares to wrap up his sixth studio album, Lil Wayne has mentioned the fact that many rap and R&B artists will appear on most of the new tracks. 'Tha Carter III' is set for release in late May from Cash Money/ Universal. During an interview with
McCartney pays tribute to 'fifth Beatle'
2008-03-27 22:00:13.1406
Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to close friend Neil Aspinall, who died on Monday. Aspinall, known as the 'fifth Beatle', passed away from lung cancer in New York, aged 66. McCartney revealed that he had managed to speak to his long-time friend in
Ne-Yo In A Rat Pack State Of Mind With New CD
2008-03-27 22:00:13.142332
Barely a year after his last album, Ne-Yo will return this summer with his third release, 'Year of the Gentleman.' Due June 24 via Def Jam, the set is led by the Stargate-produced single 'Closer,' a funky slice of Euro-disco. Ne-Yo says he was inspired
New York Mets audition anthem singers (AP)
2008-03-27 01:00:18.113418
By VERENA DOBNIK, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 21 minutes ago
NEW YORK - You don't need a bat and a ball to strike out in baseball. On Wednesday, most of the hundreds of people who auditioned to sing the national anthem for the Mets at Shea Stadium this season never reached the outfield fence.Most didn't even sing the notoriously difficult "Star Spangled Banner"; contestants were allowed to choose other songs.
"Have you sung outside the shower before?" entertainer Michael Amante, one of the judges, asked a young woman who offered a demure and shaky "America the Beautiful."
The judges were choosing 10 singers who will go to the Mets' stadium in Queens in a few weeks for a second audition — this one from second base and singing the actual anthem with its very high notes. Five winners will be picked to sing it before home games at Shea.
The Mets usually have professionals performing the anthem, but team organizers say they launched the publicity stunt to give fans a chance to be part of the game.
The open auditions were held for the second year at the midtown Manhattan studios of SportsNet New York, the year-round television home of the Mets where fans began lining up the night before for the 11 a.m. call.
Amante, a singer, was one of three judges, joining Gary Apple, anchor of SNY's SportsNite, and Lolita Lopez, weekend sports anchor for the CW11 cable channel.
With his Mets sweatshirt and rich booming voice, 56-year-old Leonard Bagarozzo, a retired postal worker from New Jersey, sang "Amazing Grace."
Bagarozzo hit it off with Amante; the two of them bantered a bit in Italian with Amante finally saying, "Grazie tante" — Italian for "Thank you very much."
That last phrase, in English, was often heard after only the first few bars of a contestant's song. It was the signal to — as they say in New York — fugheddaboudit.
Later, Amante suggested that contestants who sang certain songs probably didn't have much of a chance.
"We don't want to hear 'Amazing Grace' or 'Ave Maria' — you've got to sing us some high notes because you need them for the anthem," he said.
...Oxygène: ba-boo-boo beew
2008-03-27 00:00:19.127855
With its unforgettable hook, Oxygène led the synthesizer revolution of the Seventies. Jean Michel Jarre tells Thomas H Green why he's bringing it back to life Nicolas Sarkozy is not the only grand fromage from across the Channel bringing the aroma of
Rapper Remy Ma convicted of assault (AP)
2008-03-27 13:00:14.837841
By SAMUEL MAULL, Associated Press Writer 34 minutes ago
NEW YORK - A Manhattan jury has convicted Grammy-nominated rapper Remy Ma of assault.She faces up to 25 years in prison. The rapper was convicted Thursday in state Supreme Court.
The defense had conceded that Remy Ma fired a shot at a friend she suspected of stealing $3,000, but said it was an accident. The incident occurred outside a nightclub on July 14, 2007.
Remy Ma, whose real name is Remy Smith, was nominated for a Grammy as part of the Terror Squad for the 2004 hit "Lean Back." She also has appeared on recordings with Busta Rhymes and Eminem.
Email Story IM Story Printable View Yahoo! Buzz RECOMMEND THIS STORY Recommend It: Not at All...Rapper Remy Ma is convicted of assault (AP)
2008-03-27 16:00:16.9875
By SAMUEL MAULL, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 46 minutes ago
NEW YORK - Grammy-nominated rapper Remy Ma was led out of a Manhattan courtroom Thursday, weeping and in handcuffs, after being convicted of shooting a woman outside a nightclub last summer.The defense had conceded that Remy Ma, whose real name is Remy Smith, fired a shot toward a friend she suspected of stealing $3,000, but said it was an accident.
Smith, 26, faces up to 25 years in prison following her conviction in state Supreme Court for assault, weapon possession and attempted coercion.
She was nominated for a Grammy as part of the Terror Squad for the 2004 hit "Lean Back." She also has appeared on recordings with Busta Rhymes and Eminem.
Smith quietly wiped away tears as the verdict was read, then wailed loudly and sobbed openly after she was outside the courtroom. Many of her supporters also cried.
A few supporters of Makeda Barnes Joseph, the woman who was shot, cheered and wept when they heard the verdict. Some chanted "bye, bye" in an almost taunting singsong as Smith left the courtroom.
Justice Rena Uviller, denying a request by defense lawyer Ivan Fisher, ordered Smith jailed without bail while awaiting sentencing on April 23.
She was acquitted of witness tampering and gang assault, charges related to a nightclub attack in the New York City borough of the Bronx on the boyfriend of a witness who ultimately testified against her. A man who tried to help the boyfriend also was beaten.
Joseph was shot after a party at a nightclub in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood on July 14, 2007.
Assistant District Attorney Michael McIntosh said the defendant "took an illegal .45-caliber automatic and loaded it with hollow-point bullets," then used both hands to cock the weapon as she got into the car. "She took every step you had to take to shoot somebody," the prosecutor said.
The rapper demanded that Joseph dump the contents of her purse; Joseph denied she had taken the rapper's money and refused. Fisher said the gun went off accidentally as the women struggled over the bag.
Joseph, who was shot in the abdomen, testified that she underwent three operations during a three-week hospital stay.
...Review: LuPone drives a superb `Gypsy' (AP)
2008-03-27 23:00:11.751957
By MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic 15 minutes ago
NEW YORK - The drive and determination are still there — only more so. Patti LuPone gave a virtuosic display of both in last summer's thrilling City Center revival of "Gypsy," the enduring show-biz saga of the world's quintessential stage mother.Now that production, decked out with a bit more scenery, has made its way to Broadway's St. James Theatre, where LuPone continues to be a major source of theatrical electricity. Heck, she probably could light all of Manhattan.
The role of Rose is a perfect fit for LuPone, a performer of unstinting energy and inventiveness. It's wondrous to see what she has done to deepen her portrait of a woman desperate for recognition but who channels that desire through her daughters — first, June, and then Louise, who will grow up to become the famous stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.
Of course, LuPone is blessed with superb material, possibly the best musical of Broadway's Golden Age, the two decades after World War II. The brash, tough-minded score by Jule Styne (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) is rich in character and atmosphere.
Most indelibly, there's character in the big numbers for Rose that close each of the show's two acts. In the first, "Everything's Coming Up Roses," Rose's coarse, indomitable spirit is on display; in the second, "Rose's Turn," her anger boils over into high-octane rage as she realizes show business and her daughter have escaped her grasp.
LuPone tears into both songs, particularly "Rose's Turn," which director Arthur Laurents has directed as if the disappointed Rose is unleashing all her furies in one blazing musical moment.
But then, Laurents also wrote the book for the show, which is based on Lee's memoirs. And what's particularly exciting about this revival is the care with which those book scenes are played. Rarely, in musicals, do you see people of such depth and complexity.
"Gypsy" may be emotional but it is not sentimental. Still, Laurents laces the tale with humor and heart, most emphatically in the blossoming of Louise, whose ugly duckling transformation into a young woman of assurance is beautifully handled by Laura Benanti.
The relationship between Rose and Herbie, the even-tempered candy salesman, benefits from the obvious rapport between LuPone and the marvelous Boyd Gaines. They elevate the couple's romance into a major component of the story, not just a sideline before Rose and her daughter have their major faceoff.
Laurents has cast "Gypsy" with care all the way down the line. Leigh Ann Larkin's June, the favorite sister, also gets a moment to shine in her duet with Benanti, "If Momma Was Married." And has there ever been a more full-proof show stopper than "You Gotta Get a Gimmick," the number in which three strippers teach Louise about the fine art of disrobing in public? As played by Alison Fraser, Marilyn Caskey and Lenora Nemetz, these ladies earn their thunderous applause.
Jerome Robbins' original choreography has been lovingly recreated by Bonnie Walker, a "Gypsy" veteran. It runs the gamut from the hilarious vaudeville numbers for Baby June and her coterie of newsboys and farm boys to the meltingly romantic "All I Need Is the Girl."
That number, in particular, shows Robbins at his most theatrical. As Tulsa (played with genial good-guy appeal by Tony Yazbeck) demonstrates the dance he hopes will get him out of vaudeville, the love-smitten Louise follows every turn — behind his back.
...Smashing Pumpkins lawsuit latest step in feud (Reuters)
2008-03-27 05:00:21.85276
By Jonathan Cohen 26 minutes ago
NEW YORK (Billboard) - Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan said his recent breach-of-contract lawsuit against Virgin Records comes on the heels of a lengthy feud with the band's former label over the handling of its back catalog.The rock band sued Virgin on Monday, claiming that the EMI Group unit used its name, music and image without its permission in a "Pepsi Stuff" promotion to market the soft drink and Amazon.com.
Corgan told Billboard.com that he had been at loggerheads with Virgin for years, but that the Pepsi/Amazon.com promotion "crosses the Rubicon. You're going to see more of this playing...
Sources: T.I. expected to plead guilty (AP)
2008-03-27 09:00:13.583232
By ERRIN HAINES and HARRY R. WEBER, Associated Press Writers 6 minutes ago
ATLANTA - Rapper T.I. was expected to plead guilty Thursday to federal weapons charges and will face prison time, according to two people familiar with his case.The 27-year-old singer, whose real name is Clifford Harris, was expected to be sentenced to 1,500 hours of community service talking to youth groups around the country, followed by about 12 months in prison, according to two people familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the plea deal had not been finalized yet Thursday morning.
His prison time could be increased or reduced, depending on his fulfillment of the terms of the deal and good behavior, they said. His talks to youth groups are supposed to be about the pitfalls of guns, gangs and drugs.
The U.S. Attorney in Atlanta announced a change-of-plea hearing was scheduled at 1:30 p.m. at the federal courthouse. Prosecution officials were expected to speak to the media after the hearing.
U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. must approve the deal.
Harris was arrested Oct. 13, just blocks away and hours before he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta.
He was charged with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers, as well as possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
Harris was allegedly trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers. He initially pleaded not guilty, and has been under house arrest since he was released on $3 million bond Oct. 26.
He is co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records and one of Atlantic Records' most successful artists.
Harris grew up in Atlanta. His first taste of success came with his 2003 album, "Trap Muzik." In 2004, warrants were issued for his arrest on probation violations for a drug conviction, and he was sentenced to three years behind bars.
His sixth album, "T.I. vs. T.I.P.," was released July 3 and debuted at No. 1.
He co-starred in the 2007 film "American Gangster" with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
...Sporadically exciting soundtrack to Martin Scorsese film-doc
2008-03-27 18:00:14.663521
Listening to The Rolling Stones live is like eavesdropping on a circus. You may surmise that the crowd is being tantalised by Mick's clown pouts, but what you get is the sensation of being stuck outside the tent. On the plus side, you don't have to watch
Steven Isserlis: 'I use two Strads - am I a bigamist?'
2008-03-27 00:00:19.129483
Musician Steven Isserlis tells Peter Culshaw about tackling the cellist's 'Everest' and why his instruments have 'souls' Steven Isserlis is now one of the most in-demand cellists in the world, with a packed schedule for at least the next two years. When
Summer special from Interpol
2008-03-27 11:00:14.837813
THEY may have missed out our fair city on their last jaunt, but New Yorkers Interpol haven't forgotten us. Carlos D and co will play a festival warm-up show here in July. You can get ticket details and read a recent interview with the Big Apple outfit,
T.I. pleads guilty to weapons charges (AP)
2008-03-27 23:00:12.230283
By ERRIN HAINES, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 37 minutes ago
ATLANTA - Rapper T.I. pleaded guilty Thursday to federal weapons possession charges, and will receive a sentence that includes prison time after he completes a period of community service.In the year that he is awaiting sentencing, T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, must complete at least 1,000 hours of a total 1,500 hours of community service, talking to youth groups about the pitfalls of guns, gangs and drugs.
He will be sentenced to serve about 12 months in prison after completing the community service, officials said. His prison time could be increased or reduced, depending on his fulfillment of the terms of the deal and good behavior, they said.
Harris, 27, who was dressed in a gray business suit, told the judge he understands the terms of the agreement.
He pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers, unlawful possession of machine guns and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
Harris is one of pop music's most successful artists. His sixth album, "T.I. vs. T.I.P.," was released July 3, debuting at No. 1. He appeared in the 2007 film "American Gangster," which starred Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
U.S. Attorney David Nahmias said Harris will remain "under strict bond conditions" during the next year.
He said Harris' sentencing was deferred "to allow him to perform a unique and extensive program — at least 1,000 hours — of community service. That service will focus on using his high public visibility and his talents to tell at-risk young people about the mistakes he has made and to educate them about the dangers of violence, guns, gangs and drugs."
Nahmias said under the agreement, Harris will have to serve a year in prison and three years of supervised home detention, perform a total of 1,500 hours of community service and pay a $100,000 fine.
Failure to fulfill his obligations will net Harris a "much longer prison sentence," Nahmias said.
Harris spoke to the media briefly after the hearing.
"I'd like to thank God for blessing me with a second chance in life and success," he said, adding that he takes the charges against him very seriously.
...T.I. to enter plea in weapons case (AP)
2008-03-27 12:00:13.089415
By ERRIN HAINES and HARRY R. WEBER, Associated Press Writers 2 hours, 17 minutes ago
ATLANTA - Rapper T.I. was expected to plead guilty Thursday to federal weapons charges and will face prison time, according to two people familiar with his case.The 27-year-old singer, whose real name is Clifford Harris, was expected to be sentenced to 1,500 hours of community service talking to youth groups around the country, followed by about 12 months in prison, according to two people familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the plea deal had not been finalized yet Thursday morning.
Harris is one of Atlantic Records' most successful artists. His sixth album, "T.I. vs. T.I.P.," was released July 3, debuting at No. 1. He appeared in the 2007 film "American Gangster," which starred Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
His prison time could be increased or reduced, depending on his fulfillment of the terms of the deal and good behavior, the two people familiar with the negotiations said. His talks to youth groups are supposed to be about the pitfalls of guns, gangs and drugs.
The U.S. Attorney in Atlanta announced a change-of-plea hearing was scheduled Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse. Prosecution officials were expected to speak to the media after the hearing.
U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. must approve the deal.
Harris was arrested Oct. 13, just blocks away and hours before he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta.
He was charged with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers, as well as possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
Harris was allegedly trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers. He initially pleaded not guilty, and has been under house arrest since he was released on $3 million bond Oct. 26.
Harris, co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records, grew up in Atlanta. His first taste of success came with his 2003 album, "Trap Muzik." In 2004, warrants were issued for his arrest on probation violations for a drug conviction, and he was sentenced to three years behind bars.
Email Story...That Was the Week That Was (AP)
2008-03-27 02:00:12.804403
By The Associated Press 2 hours, 21 minutes ago
Entertainment highlights during the week of March 30-April 5:1955: The movie "On the Waterfront" won the Academy Award for best picture. Marlon Brando won the best actor Oscar.
1963: The soap opera "General Hospital" premiered on ABC.
1964: The Beatles held the top five positions on Billboard's Hot 100. "Can't Buy Me Love" was No. 1, followed by "Twist and Shout," "She Loves You," "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "Please Please Me."
1971: Ringo Starr's first solo single, "It Don't Come Easy," was released. It became a Top Five hit.
1979: Singer-songwriter Kate Bush made her first major concert debut at a theatre in Liverpool, England.
1986: Actor James Cagney died at his farm in Stanfordville, N.Y., at age 86.
1991: Katie Couric started her first day on the job as co-host on NBC's "Today" show.
1993: Actor Brandon Lee died after a freak accident on the set of the movie "The Crow." Lee had been shot with a prop gun that was supposed to fire blanks. He was 28.
1995: Tejano singer Selena was shot and killed by the founder of her fan club.
1996: Actor Clint Eastwood married newscaster Dina Ruiz.
2000: Diana Ross announced a Supremes "reunion" tour, even though the other two Supremes, Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence, never performed with Ross. The tour was later canceled due to poor ticket sales.
...The Beatles in one song?
2008-03-27 08:00:14.048801
I've been exploring the areas of the Beatles catalogue that I had missed previously. Following Heppo's excellent 'definitive Zep song' thread (easy - 'Ramble on') - what is the definitive Beatles song? Bookmark/Search this post with:
The Gutter Twins: Dulli And Lanegan Are Total Music BFFs
2008-03-27 02:00:12.807969
The Gutter Twins sound like every Gen-Xer's wet dream: Two perennial '90s favourites, Screaming Trees' Mark Lanegan and The Afghan Whigs' Greg Dulli, coming together to create a project to provide an intersection between northwestern grunge and
The Top 5 Lists (AP)
2008-03-27 11:00:14.34762
By The Associated Press 37 minutes ago
TELEVISION1. "American Idol" (Tuesday), Fox.
2. "American Idol" (Wednesday), Fox.
3. "Dancing With the Stars" (Monday), ABC.
4. "Dancing With the Stars" (Tuesday), ABC.
5. "Two And a Half Men," CBS.
(From Nielsen Media Research)
FILM
1. "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!", Fox.
2. "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns," Lionsgate.
3. "Shutter," Fox.
4. "Drillbit Taylor," Paramount.
...Thom Yorke Remixes Classical Music For New Album
2008-03-27 14:00:14.512522
Thom Yorkeand members of The Verve have remixed classical music for a new album by John Mathias and Nick Ryans. The Radiohead front man has recorded a track called 'Cortical Songs', which is described as 'classical music in an unexpected and refreshing
Times apologises to Diddy
2008-03-27 12:00:13.093155
The Los Angeles Times has issued an apology after publishing a story which alleged Diddy knew about a plot to kill Tupac Shakur.The newspaper came underfire earlier this month from the rapper, who accused them of printing the 'beyond ridiculous'
UK seaside town lifts 44-year Rolling Stones ban (Reuters)
2008-03-27 15:00:15.817899
1 hour, 21 minutes ago
LONDON (Reuters) - They've played to sell-out audiences all over the world -- except in Blackpool.Until now.
After being banned for almost half-century from the English seaside resort, the Rolling Stones are free to perform there again, the local council said on Thursday.
The ban was imposed in 1964 after a riot broke out during one of their early gigs at the Empress Ballroom.
Chandeliers were smashed, a Steinway grand piano was trashed and seats torn out after a member of the 7,000-strong crowd was said to have spat at guitarist Brian Jones.
But now the council has written to the group saying all is...
Update: T.I. To Be Sentenced Next Year, Remains On House Arrest
2008-03-27 20:00:12.569883
While the self-proclaimed 'King of the South' pleaded guilty to federal weapons charges this afternoon (Mar. 27) he will have to wait until next year to for sentencing. , sources who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity -- because
Wildlife park hosts music festival
2008-03-27 21:00:12.36555
A number of top acts are to headline a music festival held in the grounds of a wildlife park, it has been announced. Zoo Thousand and Eight (ZOO8) is being held at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, near Ashford, Kent, in July. The event is expected to
Wrap-up of entertainment quotes (AP)
2008-03-27 12:00:12.029927
By The Associated Press 25 minutes ago
"I don't want to be the pretty girl. I just want to dress up and look terrible on TV. You know, I've always wanted to be the ugly stepsister or the person with the problem." — Tracey Ullman.___
"We're talking suicidal thoughts here, we're not talking, `I'm a little bit miserable.'" — J.K. Rowling, discussing how she contemplated suicide as she suffered from depression before her rise to success.
___
"I spend most of the day chasing my kids around the house. Their needs define my schedule every day." — Kevin Federline, on being a full-time dad to his two toddler sons. The aspiring rapper has had sole custody of Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 18 months, since early this year after months of bizarre behavior by his ex-wife, Britney Spears.
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"I keep hearing these stories how people turned it down a few times. I banged on their doors. 'Please let me do this show. Please! Please! Please!' It's lived up to all my expectations." — Marissa Jaret Winokur, on joining the new season of "Dancing with the Stars."
___
"I tried to approach the role like (James Doohan) did. He's a Scottish engineer who works in outerspace. He's a bit of a brawler. I didn't try to facilitate change." — Simon Pegg, on his portrayal of starship Enterprise's chief engineer "Scotty" in the upcoming "Star Trek" film. Doohan played "Scotty" in the '60s TV series and in several movies.
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"The bottom line is that the documents we relied on should not have been used. We apologize both to our readers and to those referenced in the documents ... and in the story." — Russ Stanton, editor of the Los Angeles Times, apologizing for using documents that were apparently fabricated in a story implicating associates of Sean "Diddy" Combs in a 1994 assault on rapper Tupac Shakur.
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