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Diehard sushi lovers, stars dive into Blowfish By Hillary Atkin WEST HOLLYWOOD — Depending on your perspective, Blowfish is either at the very end or the very beginning of Sunset Strip. No matter which direction you're coming from, the hot new restaurant/bar is at the cutting edge of Hollywood's insatiable appetite for all things Asian. Complete with its own slightly dangerous subtitle — Sushi to Die For — and a chef who delights in pushing the culinary envelope, Blowfish is luring a see-and-be-seen crowd with its dark, sexy atmosphere and sleek Japanese décor complete with bonsai trees and tables of inlaid bamboo. You may spot Tori Spelling, Adam Sandler, Diahann Carroll or the Olsen sisters at the 35-seat sushi bar or at a booth under one of the 15 plasma TVs screening Japanese animé and vintage movies. Over the summer, Lindsay Lohan celebrated her 18th birthday here with then-boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama and some close pals. Others eating up the Blowfish experience include Nicolas Cage, JC Chasez,Chris Noth, Kevin Spacey, Denzel Washington, Vin Diesel, Pamela Anderson, Mischa Barton, Neve Campbell and Fred Durst. "Blowfish is awesome," Nicole Richie says. "The atmosphere is kickin', the music and animé videos rock, and the sushi is to die for. The Animal Style roll is my favorite, of course." That would be spicy tuna, snow crab and shrimp tempura wrapped in soy paper ($11.50). Other favorites created by executive chef Ritsuo Tsuchida include Kobe carpaccio, premium Kobe beef with watercress, apple and spicy ponzu sauce ($21); tiger prawns ($13); and filet mignon with shiitake whipped potatoes ($28). London-based musician Julian Lennon is a partner in the venture, which also boasts two Bay Area locations. "I have always found inspiration in Los Angeles with food and music, especially up and down the famed Sunset Strip where Blowfish is located," says Lennon, son of John Lennon. "I feel right at home here."
JUSTIN Timberlake might have forgotten he had a girlfriend as he was kicking back after a music video shoot at the Spa in Palm Springs. The former boy-bander got very friendly with several girls who acted in the video while he played $1,000-a-hand blackjack. But not all were able to keep the secret. "I skinny-dipped with Justin Timberlake last night!" one shrieked into her cellphone, a spy reports, and then clarified, "Britney's gone, Mom. He's with Cameron Diaz now."
Add joy and charitable spirit to your holiday shopping by participating in the first GRAMMY “Hope for the Holidays” online auction on eBay to benefit the GRAMMY charities. The auction runs November 29 through December 9 and will feature music and entertainment memorabilia from your favorite artists and celebrities as well as exciting once-in-a-lifetime VIP experiences available only on GRAMMY online auctions! Bid on an exclusive 47 th Annual GRAMMY Awards VIP Experience , a Montreaux Jazz Festival VIP Experience , autographed items from backstage at the 5 th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards , and autographed memorabilia from Aerosmith, Annie Lennox, Beyoncé, Bonnie Raitt, Bono, Carlos Santana, Dave Matthews, Foo Fighters, Jessica Simpson, Lee Ann Womack, Madonna, Melissa Etheridge, P-Funk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sheila E. , and more! Click here to enter the official GRAMMY “Hope For The Holidays” online auction site on eBay: www.ebay.com/grammy After an extraordinarily successful run with ‘N Sync, breaking
sales records year after year and wowing crowds all over the world, The package includes: One (1) copy of Schizophrenic, autographed by Chasez in silver
Sharpie on the front of the CD jacket. One (1) MusiCares baseball cap (KC brand; black with red and
white embroidered logo; one size fits all; 85% acrylic and 15%
wool) autographed by Chasez in silver Sharpie on the bill.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Stars are doubling
down and GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network
dedicated
By Christine Mahr The trail of a Southern California fugitive has led a former Coachella Valley public defender to Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone. Attorney-turned-writer Michael Mehas, who once practiced law in Indio, returned to the valley earlier this month for filming of scenes from a motion picture based on a criminal case Mehas researched. The film, "Alpha Dog," stars Willis, Stone and Justin Timberlake. Mehas helped actor, director and screenwriter Nick Cassavetes write the screenplay based on the case of fugitive Jesse James Hollywood, who made the FBI’s "wanted" list. Hollywood, 24, is wanted in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 15-year-old boy who was killed in August 2000 in Santa Barbara because of a drug debt his half brother owed. "We originally set out to write a true story," Mehas said of the screenplay. "But it’s actually a dramatization based on a true story." In researching the case, Mehas used trial and grand-jury transcripts, witness statements and appellate court records to create a chronology of events. Mehas will also use that material to write a book he said will be a true account of what happened and will provide details the film doesn’t. Authorities in Santa Barbara allege that Hollywood, then 20, and his accomplices had intended to kidnap Ben Markowitz, 22, to settle a drug debt. When they couldn’t find Markowitz but spotted his 15-year-old half brother, Nicholas Markowitz, they kidnapped him, authorities say. Several days later, he was taken to a rural area in Santa Barbara County and was bound, gagged and shot, according to FBI and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department wanted posters. Hikers later found his body in a shallow grave. Hollywood’s four accomplices were arrested and convicted, but he remains at large, Mehas said. Hollywood has been featured on such television programs as "Unsolved Mysteries" and "America’s Most Wanted," but authorities still haven’t found him. "His trail is very cold," Mehas said. "Alpha Dog" was filmed at several Southern California locations, including Palm Springs near the Indian Canyons. It’s scheduled to be released sometime in 2005. Mehas said he was brought into the "Alpha Dog" project by Cassavetes, whom he has known since they were teenagers. Mehas started his legal career in the valley, working as a law clerk in the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office in Indio until he was admitted to the bar in 1988. He spent a couple of years in the valley and opened his own practice before relocating. For a number of years he practiced criminal and family law in Ventura but later started dabbling in writing. In addition to working with Cassavetes on a couple of movie projects and writing a book, he’s also writing his own screenplay, "Twice Sacrificed," which he’s currently marketing. "I’m still a lawyer, but my time and energy are devoted to writing," Mehas said.
Ashlee Simpson isn't the first to lip-synch She stirred controversy for her performance on 'SNL' but artists have been doing it for more than five decades By SARAH MARLOW Pop-singer Ashlee Simpson earned headlines and ridicule when she was discovered lip-synching on "Saturday Night Live" on October 23. "SNL" prides itself with featuring live musical performances and this is supposedly the first time that anyone has lip-synched on the show. However, lip-synching, or dubbing, has been a staple in the entertainment industry for decades, in movies and TV shows especially. 1950s and '60s Let's take a trip back to the 1950s, back when the most popular TV show wasn't "The O.C.," but "American Bandstand." Popular music groups of the era performed on "Bandstand," and the fact is that all of the acts lip-synched, with the exception of B.B. King. Fast forward a few years, and you're at the height of movie musicals in America. Marni Nixon sang Deborah Kerr's part in "The King and I," released in 1956, as did Bill Lee sing Christopher Plummer's as Captain von Trapp in "The Sound of Music," which was released in 1965. 1970s It's unfathomable that John Travolta could sing in key while jumping over cars in "Grease" in 1978 and that the rest of the cast could manage to sing while doing the hand jive. The illusion of lip-synching made it all possible. 1990s Zoom ahead to the early '90s. Here we find pop group Milli Vanilli, who is widely known to have lip-synched both live and in their recordings. They even lost the Grammy Award they received in the Best New Artist category after their deceit was revealed. One fact worth mentioning is that Milli Vanilli didn't even lip-synch to their own songs -- someone else did the singing. Then, in the late 90s, we had the boy band craze. Let's just say that it's very unlikely that the pop stars could dance around the stage and still hold their notes. 'NSync was accused of lip-synching, but insisted that they never did so and had practiced a lot to be able to sing and dance simultaneously. One boy band that definitely lip-synched was New Kids on the Block. When they were discovered to be lip-synching, their careers were ruined. So, in short, Ashlee isn't the first entertainer to lip-synch, and she definitely won't be the last. In fact, one week after her "SNL" appearance, Eminem was accused of the same wrongdoing on the show. We can hope, however, that singers will honor the public's trust by keeping live performances live.
(11/26/04) Billboard Ever year, artists and labels pull together holiday music releases in hopes of striking perennial silver and gold, and 2004 can be considered a banner year for seasonal fare. Thanks to new albums from Vanessa Williams and Jessica Simpson, reissued material from Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder and compilations featuring everyone from modern rockers to teenyboppers, the songs of the season are everywhere. MULTI-ARTIST COMPILATIONS "Have a Merry Chrismukkah! -- Music From the OC: Mix 3" (Warner Sunset/Warner Bros.). The Fox series spins off another modern rock compilation, this one with holiday tracks from the Raveonettes, Jimmy Eat World, Eels and more. "Ultimate Christmas 2" (BMG Strategic Marketing). This collection earns its "Ultimate" moniker with cuts from such superstar talent as Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Alan Jackson, TLC, Santana, R. Kelly, Christina Aguilera and 'N Sync. "The Polar Express" (Warner Sunset/Reprise). Alongside favorites from Crosby, Sinatra and the Andrews Sisters are cuts from Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Josh Groban and this holiday film's star voice, actor Tom Hanks. "Radio Disney-Jingle Jams" (Walt Disney Records). To warm the cockles of the teen and tween set, this release gathers holiday favorites from Hilary Duff, the Beu Sisters, Aaron Carter, Ashlee Simpson, Stacie Orrico and more. "Rockin' Christmas Party, Volume One" (Digital Musicworks International). Collecting holiday classics from a classic era, this set boasts cuts by Ron Dante, Lou Christie, Tommy Roe, Gary Lewis and Bobby Vee. "A Windham Hill Christmas -- I'll Be Home for Christmas" (Windham Hill). From George Winston to Liz Story and Jim Brickman, this 14-track set collects ethereal and soothing tracks from the label's best. "The Very Best of Celtic Christmas" (Windham Hill). The venerable label taps the Emerald Isle's rich traditional music across 19 tracks from such storied artists as James Galway, Altan and Donal Lunny.
(11/26/04) BBC Kevin Spacey has been singing the praises of Justin Timberlake. The Oscar winner's new film 'Beyond the Sea' premieres in London tonight (Thursday) but he also stars opposite JT in the forthcoming thriller 'Edison'. Kev reckons Justin has what it takes to be an actor: "Justin was very serious about taking this role on." "I think he was smart, in that he didn't try to do a movie that was shaped around him, or where he had to play a musician." "I think it was smart of him to take on a role of a journalist, and a journalist who hasn't proved himself yet." "It's kind of a good role because he's an actor that hasn't proven himself yet." "We did have a very nice time working together and I think he's being smart about wanting to carve out a career for himself after this pop idol stuff is done."
Heidi Klum has signed a lucrative deal to advertise McDonald's. The German supermodel, who recently gave birth to baby daughter Leni, will be the face of the fast food giants for the next two years and she will shoot the first commercial in January. A McDonald's spokesman revealed: "She will play a role in
different communication actions, from traditional advertising
to PR. Last year, Justin Timberlake recorded the restaurant chain's theme tune 'I'm Lovin' It', and earlier this year, Destiny's Child signed a reported seven-figure deal to appear in a series of commercials. Lead singer Beyoncé Knowles said at the time: "We're loving the chance to work with McDonald's and know that together we'll create lots of fun and cool surprises. "McDonald's shares our passion for music, so we can't wait
to start connecting to our fans - McDonald's customers - all over
the world." Celebs are thankful (and tipsy) too By JO PIAZZA and CHRIS ROVZAR While nestling with family and friends this Thanksgiving, it's
heartwarming to remember that all over the country, celebrities
- no matter how famous - are doing just the same thing. Of all the stars we asked about their Thanksgiving plans, Cumming gave us the liveliest answer. "I usually hang out with American people and get all drunk and eat lots," the Scottish-born actor told us. "I'm always trying to figure out what 'Thanksgiving' means, and it turns out nobody really knows." For Rosie O'Donnell, it means spending time with the in-laws - and testing her political patience. "Usually, [Rosie's partner] Kelli does all of the cooking with her mom. And her mom voted for George Bush," said Rosie, herself a die-hard liberal. "It will be the first time I've seen her since [the election], so it should be a very interesting Thanksgiving." Yikes! We'd rather be at Stephanie March's place, where the "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" beauty will be hanging out with her fiancé, chef Bobby Flay. "Bobby does all of the cooking," confided March, who picked out her wedding-night lingerie at Henri Bendel on Friday. "He's like a kid at Christmas, he's ordered two turkeys, has all these plans." How does March pitch in? "Friday, what I do is [bleep]loads of dishes." The prize for best Thanksgiving tradition, surprisingly, goes to "Pieces of April" star Katie Holmes, who trains for months before heading home to Ohio, where she competes against her aunts, uncles and cousins in her family's annual "Turkey Trot." Fiancé Chris Klein will be going with her this year, but no word on whether he'll be trotting. Put-downs from a cutup Comic Mario Cantone, who has some Long Island mobsters in his family, must have inherited their wiseguy gene. When it comes to whacking celebrities, Sammy (The Bull) Gravano couldn't do a better job. "I don't think Madonna is very talented," the star of Broadway's "Laugh Whore" tells interviewer Robin Milling. "But Britney Spears makes [Madonna] look like Bette Davis ... Jessica [Simpson] can sing, but she's retarded. Ashlee [Simpson] I don't get - she's not cute. She looks like you'd mop a floor with her head, and she can't sing." Cantone adores his "Sex & the City" castmate Cynthia Nixon, but admits he had no idea she had a girlfriend until we broke the story. "Women discover [they're gay] later," he says. "I can't speak for [Cynthia], but sometimes it's not even that sexual....It's much more emotional." Side dish "Desperate Housewives" boy-toy Jesse Metcalfe says the real-life older woman he'd most like to get between the sheets is none other than "Alexander" beauty Angelina Jolie. Watch out, Mrs. Solis... He may not be single anymore, but Joey Fatone hasn't given up his nights out with the boys. Since returning from his honeymoon with Kelly Baldwin, Joey has resumed his weekly parties at Suede... What do Al Gore and conservative Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist have in common, besides their Tennessee homes? They're both fans of the documentary "Paper Clips," about a middle-school class in rural Whitwell, Tenn. (population 1,800), that turned a simple school project about the enormity of the Holocaust into a worldwide movement.
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