Anna Nicole Smith’s mother sues lawyer, Web sites
HOUSTON (Reuters) - The mother of Anna Nicole Smith has sued the deceased television star’s lawyer and several media outlets including celebrity Web site TMZ.com, claiming she was defamed.
Virgie Arthur said in a lawsuit filed in Texas state court on Monday that Smith’s lawyer and companion Howard K. Stern and others spread a false story that she was the mother of her stepbrother’s child in a bid to ruin her reputation.
“Their goal was simple and straightforward — to ‘destroy’ anyone that was opposed to Howard K. Stern or his interest,” the lawsuit said.
At issue is a story that appeared on TMZ.com titled “Virgie Has Son With Step-Brother,” according to court papers.
Harvey Levin, who is managing editor of TMZ, is also named in the lawsuit. Representatives for Stern and TMZ were not immediately available to comment on the allegations.
Anna Nicole Smith died at age 39 of an accidental prescription drug overdose in Florida in February 2007.
The death of the former pin-up model and reality television star sparked a legal battle between Arthur and Smith’s companions, including Stern and photographer Larry Birkhead, both over her remains and custody of her infant daughter, Dannielynn.
Arthur, who lives in Texas, lost those court fights.
Birkhead, following tests that showed he was her father, was awarded custody of Dannielynn, who as Smith’s sole heir could inherit a multimillion-dollar fortune.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt fighting over the size of their family?
The actress is pregnant for a second time and is thought to be expecting twins. The couple already have adopted children Maddox, 6, Pax Thien, 4, Zahara, 3, and biological daughter Shiloh, 23 months, NOW reports.
Brad, 44, is said to have issued her with an ultimatum: ‘No more kids – our family’s complete.’
‘Brad loves being a dad and enjoys nothing more than spending time with the children,’ says a source.
‘But he’s constantly tired from working so hard and then mucking in at home. All the sleepless nights are taking their toll.’
Angelina Jolie Wanted Teaser Poster Debuts Online
“Wanted”, the new Angelina Jolie film being released on June 27, has a new movie poster out giving a bit of info about her role.
The film follows 25-year-old Wes (James McAvoy), who lives a stagnant existence, and who many people expect very little from. then, one day his life changes drastically when his estranged father is murdered. He meets Fox, Jolie’s character, and she recruits him into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his dad’s death by unlocking his dormant powers.
Wes gets trained by Fox and fellow team member, Sloan (Morgan Freeman), and grows as a student and gains all the strength he’s wanted in his life. Slowly, however, Wes beings to learn that his teachers have more to them than meets the eye. He also learns throughout the film that only he can control his destiny.
Jolie And Pitt To Wed
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will get married this summer aboard a massive yacht, according to reports.
Sources close to the superstar couple say they’re planning a ceremony on a $200 Million boat which boasts a twin helicopter pad, basketball court and 60 staff.
The ship ‘Octopus’ is owned by Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen and is apparently parked in the French Riviera.
Jolie is currently pregnant- possibly with twins- as the A-List stars expand their family even further.
Reports also say the Brad and Ange’ are looking for a house in France and that she will give birth there.
Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Ned Beatty
When CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR was first announced, it sounded like another in a long line of award-season dramas that was going to take itself too seriously and be one long, plodding bore.
Boy was I wrong. With THE WEST WING’s Aaron Sorkin scripting and director Mike Nichols at the helm, CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR turned out to be one of most entertaining political films made last year and now it’s hitting DVD where it will gain even more fans.
While there has certainly been a deluge of films tackling the Iraq war and how it’s been an open sore for the American government, CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR looks at Iraq from the distant past in what could almost be seen as a prequel to our current state of affairs.
It’s based on the true-life story of Texas congressman, who took it upon himself to covertly help Afghanistan fight and ultimately defeat the Russians by providing weapons, training and support through a secret, discretionary fund.
It’s an eye-opening story, essayed by Tom Hanks playing Wilson as a fun loving, but politically charged man who wants to do the right thing any way he can. Aided by rich socialite (Julia Roberts) and a rogue CIA agent (played to perfection by Philip Seymour Hoffman), the story unfolds in a fast, breezy style. It takes itself seriously, but isn’t afraid to also have fun along the way.
In many respects, this is Sorkin’s strength as a writer which he has proved on THE WEST WING and more recently on STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP. He can take politics and create intelligent, well-informed stories, while still making them damn entertaining in the process.
The supporting cast is superb too, including Amy Adams in a nice turn as Wilson’s assistant (who obviously as an unrequited crush on him). While Roberts is good, her role is marginal compared to Hoffman who just steamrolls through the film and takes it prisoner with every scene he’s in.
The special features are routine, if not unspectacular for this type of release. There’s a standard “making of” and also a nice featuette on the real Charlie Wilson, who surprisingly is captured to a tee by Hanks.
With a powerhouse cast and a great creative team, CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR certainly doesn’t let the current Iraq conflict go by without a prescient nod to it in the closing scenes. But in uncovering one of the United States’ little known wars, it also sheds light on why we fight and why freedom is so important even if it’s not directly happening on U.S. soil.
Amanda Bynes Goes Over to the Dark Side
She’s a red hot actress who has her own line of clothing at Steve and Barry’s, and Amanda Bynes just got a new hairdo.
The “Hairspray” actress was spotted leaving the Jessica Galvan Hair Studio in Beverly Hills where she made the transition from light tresses to a dark-hued coif.
She looked fabulous in a white top, denim skirt and a pair of super-trendy Roman-style sandals as she walked her pooch around Beverly Hills.
As for her Steve and Barry’s collection Dear, she says, “I would like to wear it on a day-to-day basis. When I was growing up, I always wanted the coolest jeans and the ‘in shirt.’ But my parents would always say to me, ‘We’re not going to buy the most expensive thing, because you’re growing.’ ”
ABC In Talks With Fillion And Milano For New Pilots
With the big network upfronts headed this way, we should expect to hear some pilot news over the next couple of weeks. This includes casting rumors. The latest news is that Nathan Fillion and Alyssa Milano are both in negotiations for new ABC pilots.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Milano is up for the starring role in a new Kristin Newman comedy. Newman’s resume includes writing and producing for That 70’s Show and How I Met Your Mother. Her new series, which is currently untitled, will center on a thirtysomething woman who wants to get away from her dysfunctional family.
Meanwhile, Nathan Fillion, who is currently playing a recurring role on ABC’s Desperate Housewives is up for the lead in a new dramedy called Castle. It’s a “comedic procedural” about a mystery novelist who helps the NYPD solve crimes. While Fillion has plenty of fans, he doesn’t exactly have the best track record with pilots. Fillion starred in the one-season Joss Whedon series, Firefly as well as last year’s cancelled Fox show, Drive. Let’s just hope he has better luck with Castle.
Aishwarya’s dilemma
What is Aishwarya Rai抯 dilemma? She is at a point where she little choice but to accept one film but only at the cost of declining another equally high-profile film which she would not like to miss. Here are the details:
Aishwarya had happily agreed to work in a Manirathnam movie, slated to begin from June 2008, long before she accepted a role in Robot. But it will now be possible for her to appear in Manirathnam抯 movie only if she opts out of Robot, which will begin at approximately the same time. She even shed 6 kg for the role as advised by director Shankar. Now, when shooting of Robot is about to begin, Manirathnam抯 movie is also ready to start shooting and requires Ash抯 presence. Manirathnam抯 movie also stars Abishek Bachchan, another solid gold-plated reason for Ash; the plot revolves around the bickering and problems of a newly-married couple. Now Aishwarya Rai HAS no choice but to make a choice between these two projects.
Aishwarya does not have the heart to say no to Robot because Rajinikanth has been requesting her to be his heroine since a long time. Aishwarya is all praise for Rajinikanth抯 patience, would love to act with him and does not want to be in his bad books by rejecting his offer again (last time she refused the heroine抯 role in Sivaji). There is also the not-so-small matter of the astronomical fee she demanded and was offered for Robot. But if she accepts his offer, she will be fully occupied by this project which will continue for two years. This will not only preclude her from acting in Manirathnam抯 movie, she would also be losing a lot of other offers plus she may have to put motherhood on hold for the same period.
And if this is not enough, if she rejects Robot and works with Manirathnam, she just might lose her place to Deepika Padukone. When Aishwarya faced a similar date problem and turned down the role of Jhansi ki Rani in a movie, it was offered to Deepika Padukone, who accepted it eagerly.
So what could be the win-win solution for Ash? Possibly directors Manirathnam and Shankar could sit together, sort out the schedules and let Aishwarya act in both movies.
Aishwarya Rai And The Lotus Flower: Symbols Of India
The lotus flower has been given a sacred place in Indian culture. It plays a huge role in the art and mythology there and has done so for centuries. In Indian society, the lotus represents divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge, and enlightenment. Perhaps the reverence of the flower stems from the fact that is an unquestionable beauty despite the fact that it grows out of murky waters and mud. Because of its ability to grow in the water, the lotus is often referred to as the water lily.
Though they have an exotic look, lotuses are actually fairly simple to grow. However, first time lotus gardeners should be aware that the lotus is a very invasive plant that can take over your entire water garden if not tended to carefully. Also, you’ll notice that lotus plants may not bloom during their first year-don’t be discouraged, the plants will almost surely blossom in the second year. As you watch your lotus plants grow and blossom, watch for yellowing foliage and faded blooms; you’ll want to remove them to allow other leaves and blossoms to grow healthy and strong.
Lotuses come in a variety of types that include small plants with one-inch blossoms and larger ones with blossoms as big as your face. Lotus colors include red, yellow, white, peach, violet, and cream.
The lotus plant loves the heat-the hotter the better! In fact, the hotter it is at night, the bigger the flowers will be. During the winter you’ll need to make certain the lotus tuber doesn’t freeze or it will die. If you’re growing them in your garden pond, the pond will need to be at least three feet deep so that it doesn’t freeze solid, which will jeopardize the tubers. If you’re growing them in pots, bring the pots inside for the winter.
With proper care, your lotus flowers will grow to exotic and fragrant flowers worthy of their status in India. They’re exquisite beauty will rival that of fellow Indian Aishwarya Rai.
VANESSA HUDGENS - DISNEY STAR HUDGENS WORKING ON ADULT ALBUM
Singer/actress VANESSA HUDGENS is desperate to follow in the footsteps of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL co-stars ZAC EFRON and ASHLEY TISDALE with her upcoming album IDENTIFIED.
Hudgens, 19, who plays Efron’s love-interest in real life and on-screen, hopes the solo project will catapult her career into a more adult direction - although she admits the album isn’t a full departure from her Disney roots.
She says, “It’s definitely more grown-up. But not to the point where I’m singing, ‘I’m so hot! I’m so hot! Boys want me. I’m so hot!’”
Hudgens came under fire when nude photographs of the star were leaked online last year (Aug07).