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Why Angelina-Brad break-up rumors won't go away

Are Brad and Angelina really calling it quits? Has Nic Cage put the kibosh on 'Sorcerer's' curse? All this and more in today's Media Circus ...

Angelina and Brad are still getting cozy for the cameras, but rumors of their imminent break-up refuse to go away. (The good news is, Angelina's likely to hold up pretty well on her own, at least when she's not passing out on movie sets: Earlier this week, she stole Oprah's top spot on Forbes' most powerful celebs list.) Find out why there's so much new fuel feeding the gossip-mill fire -- and just how soon the Jolie-Pitts could lose their hyphen.

 

 Apparently, a wizard-themed screenplay wasn't enough to keep bad joojoo away from the set of Nic Cage's new movie: The actor reportedly hired a professional Voodoo priestess to banish an evil curse plaguing 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice.' Sources say Cage summoned the priestess last month, after two car accidents in two days injured crewmembers and bystanders on and around the movie's NYC set. All we can say is, thank heavens for Craig's List.

Spotted: Ashlee Simpson sinking her (figurative) claws into her husband's ex, 'Gossip Girl' star Michelle Trachtenberg, at an L.A. party Monday night. (We're thinking Ashlee doesn't watch 'Gossip Girl' much, or she'd know not to mess with Georgina!) Of course, Ashlee's husband, Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, was mortified ... which may be the real reason Ash soon apologized for her viscious attack.

 Who knew Jennifer Lopez suffered from dibilitating stage fright? The former J-Lo/current Mrs. Marc Anthony says she was very nervous about starting work on her new romantic comedy, 'The Back-Up Plan,' because she feared she'd forgotten how to act during her maternity break. But then she came up with a Brilliant Solution.

Capt. Kirk doesn't like the spotlight? 'Star Trek' star Chris Pine reportedly dumped girlfriend/reality-TV drama princess Audrina Patridge after tiring of the intense media attention their relationship garnered. (Unlike some of his Enterprise counterparts, it seems Pine does believe in the no-win scenario.) It's too bad, in a way: With Pine out of the picture, we won't get to see him on Patridge's new reality show. Now we're keeping our fingers crossed that we won't have to see any more of her other on-off ex, grunge-era flashback Justin Bobby, either.

Want more? We've got it! For the latest celebrity news and gossip, click over to ClearEntertainment.

-- Ted Goslin, Clear365 Blogger

Are A-Rod and Kate Hudson done playing the field?

Katy Perry plays hard-to-get, A-Rod makes a play for Kate Hudson and more: It's all in today's Media Circus!

Katy Perry might sing about kissing girls, but don't expect to catch her locking lips with just anyone. The 'Hot N Cold' hitmaker says she refused to make out with longtime boyfriend/Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy until after he'd taken her on an "official" date. And though she made McCoy work hard to impress her, Perry admits she fell deeply in love once he'd proved himself worthy. We like the sound of that!

While last Sunday's MTV Movie Awards antics left us wondering whether that whole "bare-bottomed Bruno" stunt was staged or real, here's something we're quite certain is legit: Sacha Baron Cohen is facing an altercation lawsuit filed by an eldery woman. According to the alleged victim, she was "offensively touched, pushed and battered" by the increasingly annoying 'Bruno' star -- at a charity bingo event. Eeks, imagine if he'd bottom-dived into her face.

50 Cent was probably hoping to 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' when he put his $5 million Connecticut home up for sale ... for $18.5 million. (Apparently he wasn't aware of the recession.) But now -- after two years without any bites -- the 'In Da Club' rapper has pulled the 19-bedroom, 50,000-square-foot mansion off the market. Maybe he should just focus on his upcoming acting gig.

Looks like Alex Rodriguez didn't have to play the field for too long after his alleged romantic relationship with Madonna came to an end: The New York Yankees third baseman is now rumored to be intimately involved with Kate Hudson. (What's with this woman's taste in men?) Since meeting in November, the couple has been spotted getting steamy all over NYC, and word on the street is, A-Rod has already introduced Kate to "a bunch of his friends."

 From 'Sister Act' to serial killer? Whoopi Goldberg says she'd love to star in a horror movie, but worries she may be too "nice" to pull it off. The Oscar-winning actress says she's never been considered "scary" by film execs due to her "sweet" image -- but that might actually end up being a benefit. (Whoopi's active fascination with sci-fi and schizophrenia is kinda on the creepy side, which could also be a plus.) Just keep fighting on 'The View,' Whoopi, and you're sure to make believers out of everyone. 

It's about time ... 'Transformers' star Shia LaBeouf and 'No Country for Old Men' villain Javier Bardem have been cast in 'Wall Street 2'. Headlining the overdue-but-timely sequel -- again to be directed by Oliver Stone -- is Michael Douglas, who won an Oscar for playing the ruthless Gordon Gecko in 1987's original 'Wall Street.' The movie is set to start shooting in the fall, for a scheduled spring 2010 release. Let's hope greed is still good then.

For more celebrity news and gossip, click over to ClearEntertainment!

-- Joyce Liao & Ted Goslin, Clear365 Bloggers

MEDIA CIRCUS: 'Entourage' snubs, 'Heathers' reunion & more

Who knew Eminem was such a good actor? And who's that talkin' trash about Nicole Richie's baby? All this and more in today's Media Circus ...

Will the real prankster please stand up? Paris Hilton insists that Eminem knew nothing about Sasha Baron Cohen's bare-bottom stunt at Sunday night's MTV Movie Awards. The socialite says she'd heard from in-the-know friends to expect "a big surprise" during the show: A celeb was going to get punked in a major way. When the 'Relapse' rapper stormed out in a cussing frenzy, Hilton was certain he wasn't pre-informed he'd be the "butt" of the joke. (** We hate to question Paris' sources, but MTV tells a different story.)

Looks like Winona Ryder is going back to Westerberg High. The actress tells Britain's Empire magazine she'll reprise her role in a sequel to the 1989 cult comedy 'Heathers' -- but it's still all very hush-hush. Find out what else she let slip about the upcoming remake, and who else is set to reunite with the clique.

Good Charlotte front man/Nicole Richie's boyfriend Joel Madden got into a nasty verbal spat with a fellow shopper this past weekend at an L.A. farmers' market when a woman compared his one-year-old daughter Harlow to a mangy mutt. According to Madden's Twitter updates, the woman was told not to let her dog run around the market, as it was a health-code violation. When she complained that children were more of a violation, Madden told her he'd drop-kick her pooch if she didn't shut up. You tell her, Joel!

Is life imitating art? (Or cable TV, at least?) The boys of HBO's 'Entourage,' whose characters are known for their chauvinistic behavior, are in the hotseat now: They've been accused of having two female extras fired for not returning romantic advances. One of the women claims she was hit on by more than one of the series' lead actors ... simultaneously ... in a limo. Yuck.

 We've always been under the impression that Jimi Hendrix's lifestyle choices led to his unfortunate, premature choking death, but now his former roadie has come forward to let us in on the truth: Was the rock legend murdered by his manager as part of an insurance scam?

For more celebrity news and gossip, click over to ClearEntertainment!

-- Joyce Liao & Ted Goslin, Clear365 Bloggers

MEDIA CIRCUS: Daniel Craig's on ice, Rihanna's out of Vogue

What's up around the Web today in celebrity news? Check it out ...

Scottish singing sensation and Internet star Susan Boyle was rushed to the hospital late Sunday after suffering an 'emotional breakdown' following the 'Britain's Got Talent' finale. Sources at her London hotel said that Boyle was "acting strangely, causing a bit of a stir" after coming in second on the TV talent contest. Don't stress, Susan: You're still a winner in our eyes.

Daniel Craig is officially licensed to chill: The James Bond star has been made into a delicious frozen treat. In a poll of 1,000 women, Craig beat out competition including Jude Law and Hugh Grant to be named the U.K's coolest guy; limited-edition Superfruit Smoothie ice pops in the shape of his head and torso -- available in blueberry, pomegranate and cranberry flavors -- go on sale this week.  

Seems like those nudie Rihanna pics that just happened to surface online a couple of weeks back didn't cause much of a scandal ... until now. Apparently, they're costing Miss RiRi one slightly more prestigious shot: the cover of Vogue.

How's this for a new reality show? In a recent appearance on the 'Late Late Show,'  'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell regretted turning down a $150,000 offer to judge two fans' sexual skills, but said he'd reconsidered and would be happy to critique their coital performances now. Cowell also explained that due to inflation -- and the fact that the couple was "unattractive" -- the price would now be $250,000. 

Pink has a beef with Kanye West -- and no, we're not talking about a 16 oz. steak dinner. The fierce songstress is slamming Kanye for making (what she thinks are) obnoxious comments during a fashion show hosted by anti-fur advocate Stella McCartney. Pink was left fuming when hip-hop's 'Louis Vuitton Don' voiced his love for fur (wearing it, that is) at the event -- right in front of Stella's dad/ardent vegetarian Sir Paul McCartney. 

 

 

For more celeb and entertainment news, click over to ClearEntertainment.

-- Joyce Liao & Ted Goslin, Clear365 Bloggers

 

MEDIA CIRCUS: Courtney's in the 'Hole,' Heather's on a pole

Happy Friday! Or maybe not-so-happy, for some of us. From the looks of things, Courtney is getting no love -- and neither is Candy. Read on ... 

 Courtney Love is in the 'Hole' with American Express: The credit-card giant is suing her for a $350,000 debt she allegedly refuses to pay. Love denies owing AmEx that kind of cash, and accuses the company of allowing fraudulent transactions to be made using her account. Must be tough dealing with credit problems in her 'Celebrity Skin.' 

 While it looks like Donna Martin is back in the 90210 for good, a real-life Spelling family reunion may not happen anytime soon. Candy Spelling, Tori's mom, recently spoke out against her daughter's decision to cut her family out of her life. Mother and daughter have been at each other's throats since before dad Aaron died in 2006, and Candy claims it was Tori's behavior that "killed" her TV mogul father.

Apparently, good things can result from a drug addiction. On Thursday's Larry King show, Nicole Richie talked about her now chemical-free "simple life" with Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden, and (accompanied by dad Lionel) opened up about how her stint in rehab not only helped her recover from addiction, but also revive the bond with her divorced parents. 

 Heather Graham seems to have picked up a couple of vices in Sin City: stripping and gambling, to be specific. While in Las Vegas filming her latest comedy, 'The Hangover,' the 'Boogie Nights' star fell hard for two trendy pastimes, celebrity poker and pole-dancing. Does this mean we should start calling her 'Poker Girl'?

 Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz are off to 'Wichita' ... the movie, that is. Sources say both Cruise and Diaz have approved the script for director James Mangold's upcoming action comedy, in which Cruise will play an international spy and Diaz's on-and-off lover. The last time the two paired up was for Cameron Crowe's 'Vanilla Sky' in 2001; while the 'Wichita' soundtrack may not be as good, we're kinda hoping the movie's a little less convoluted.

That's it for today! For more celeb news over the weekend, check out ClearEntertainment.

-- Joyce Liao & Ted Goslin, Clear365 Bloggers

MEDIA CIRCUS: Tom Hanks, Jessica Simpson & 'Idol' outrage

We know it's a zoo out there and you've got things to do and people to see ... who has the time to keep up with every bit of Tinseltown news (unless you're a member of the paparazzi, of course)?  That's why we're here to to help, with this daily installment of Hollywood's hottest happenings. Consider it an "entertainment cheat sheet," if you will, so that the next time you're chatting with friends or co-workers, you'll be totally ready to chime in on the gossip. (And don't worry, we won't tell them you've been hibernating in your cave and had to get the scoop from us.)   

 Tom Hanks has been so scared into shape by pal Robin Williams' recent health crisis that he's hired a new personal chef to help him stay trim. Hanks, who has had to drop pounds for movie roles including 'Castaway' and 'Philadelphia,' is no stranger to packing on the weight in his off-time. Lay off the cheeseburgers, Tom!

 Could this be the hugest voting controversy since the 2000 presidential elections? 'American Idol' organizers are slamming reports accusing them of rigging last week's 'Idol' upset, the biggest in the contest's history. What do you think?

 Spotted: Sean Penn and on-again wife Robin Wright partying with Tom Hanks (off his new diet already?) and Robert Downey Jr. at a Memorial Day bash -- just days after Oscar-winner Penn called off the couple's legal separation (for the second time). Penn initially filed separation papers a few days before before their 13th wedding anniversary ... maybe he was trying to weasel his way out of a present?

 Apparently, dreams do come true if you know the right people: 'Slumdog Millionaire' director Danny Boyle has purchased a new apartment for the family of Azhar Ismail, one of the movie's child stars, whose home was demolished in Mumbai, India recently. The apartment cost around $42,000.

 And when all else fails, there are reality gigs: Singer actress  professional girlfriend Jessica Simpson is getting another shot at reality TV. The new reality series, 'The Price of Beauty,' will follow Simpson and her friend on a global trek in search of true beauty. On the show, Simpson will talk candidly about -- among other things -- her weight issues. We say, as long as she leaves that high-waist denim ensemble at home, Jessica's good to go. 

That's all for today. For more celebrity, TV and movie news, check out ClearEntertainment.

-- Joyce Liao & Ted Goslin, Clear365 Bloggers

Summer Movies Guide: In theaters now

'NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN'
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: PG
Ben Stiller and his real-life history-book buddies are back, with more 'interactive' exhibits, sight gags and slap-happy monkeys
Check out the website

'TERMINATOR SALVATION'
Director: McG
Rating: PG-13
It's got metal-on-metal sound effects, post-apocalyptic visuals and Christian Bale -- but have the machines already won?
Check out the website

'ANGELS & DEMONS'
Director: Ron Howard
Rating: PG-13
With twists, turns and revelations even more ridiculous than those in 'The Da Vinci Code,' this air-conditioned escapism is hard to beat.
Check out the website

'THE BROTHERS BLOOM'
Director: Rian Johnson
Rating: PG-13
Eccentric characters, clever background details and anachronistic wardrobe choices make for a con-man comedy straight out of the Wes Anderson playbook.
Check out the website

'STAR TREK'
Director: J.J. Abrams
Rating: PG-13
Inspired makeover aims for mainstream appeal, but stays true to 'Trek' vision with nods, gadgets and Leonard Nimoy
Check out the website

'RUDO Y CURSI'
Director: Carlos Cuaron
Rating: R
With lots of sports metaphors (and a Spanish version of a Cheap Trick classic), this story of two aspiring soccer players is hackneyed in concept but enjoyable in execution.
Check out the website

'ADVENTURELAND'
Director: Greg Mottola
Rating: R
This 'Super Bad' follow-up is full of '80s kitsch, gross-out gags and killer tunes. But it's got something to say, as well.
Check out the website

365 SUMMER MOVIES GUIDE

The exploits of a teenage wizard, shape-shifting mammoth robots and Roman Empire-era wanderers are among the choices moviegoers have this summer. (Clear365 Graphic)		365 Summer Movies Guide Blockbuster season is in full swing, but so many choices can be overwhelming: What's a moviegoer to do? Just relax. Whether you're in the mood for a comedy, romance, thriller or family flick, we'll help you navigate through the best of what's on-screen (and save the Duds for the concessions stand).
Summer Movies Cheat Sheet Looking for romance? From 'Management' to 'I Love You, Beth Cooper,' this summer's love stories lean toward honest and offbeat  New comedy classics Hollywood's comedy go-to guys -- Will Ferrell, Seth Rogan, Adam Sandler -- return for another season of laughs. And then there's the Sacha Baron Cohen thing Ready for some action? From 'Terminator' to 'Tranformers,' some movie franchises never die -- and that's not bad For the whole family Flights of fantasy and furry, four-legged fun take center stage in this season's batch of family films Indie-flick buzz These movies may not all be "indies" in the strictest sense, but they sure are in spirit  More movies ... COMING SOON Watch your favorite movies on Clear365! Get a sneak peek now

Summer Movies Guide: Indie-flick buzz

'THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE'
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Release Date: May 22
Set in the days leading up to the 2008 election, this drama centers on the life of a $2000/hour call girl. Just another 'Pretty Woman'? Not exactly: The lead is played by adult film star Sasha Grey, in her first mainstream roll.
Watch the trailer

'DRAG ME TO HELL'
Director: Sam Raimi
Release Date: May 29
A loan officer (how timely!) becomes the victim of an unpleasant supernatural curse when she must evict an old woman from her home. Terrific cast includes Justin Long, David Paymer, and Alison Lohman -- but no Bruce Campbell.
Check out the website

'MY LIFE IN RUINS'
Director: Donald Petrie
Release Date: June 5
A travel guide -- the star of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' -- gets her groove back on a romantic trip through Greece. (Why not? It worked for ABBA.)
Check out the website

'CHERI'
Director: Stephen Frears
Release Date: June 26
In this romantic drama set in 1920s Paris, the bon-vivant son of a courtesan retreats into a fantasy world when he's forced to end his relationship with a sexually experienced older woman. (Rupert Friend is the bon-vivant son; Kathy Bates is not the experienced older woman.)

'TAKING WOODSTOCK'
Director: Ang Lee
Release Date: August 14
Based on a memoir by Elliot Tiber, this cinematic hippie-fest of shaggy sideburns, VW Bugs and '60s anthems tells the story of a dutiful son who views the now-legendary rock festival as a means to save his parents' seedy Catskills motel from foreclosure.
Check out the website

'ANTICHRIST'
Director: Lars von Trier
Release Date: August
After losing their child in a freak accident, a grieving couple -- identified as only "He" and "She" -- retreat to their isolated woodland cabin to mend their broken hearts and marriage. Every imaginable psychological-thriller/horror theme that's even vaguely controversial prevents that from happening.
Check out the website

'INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS'
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Release Date: August 21
In this fairy-taled retelling of WWII, an elite group of Nazi-hunting Jewish-American soldiers known as 'The Basterds' creatively take revenge on the Third Reich. (Excellent, typically Tarantino cast includes Brad Pitt, Samuel L. Jackson, Eli Roth, Mike Myers and Cloris Leachman.)
Check out the website

REALITY CHECK: Learn the true story behind 'The Soloist'

A lone guitarist plays for a crowd of people, or maybe just a few. They come and go as they please, some listening intently, some not. The guitarist plays his heart out, but the people soon disperse. This is a regular day in the life of a street musician.

Though the instrument is different, you'll see scenes much like this in 'The Soloist,' a new movie based on the real-life story of schizophrenic music prodigy Nathaniel Ayers. Ayers -- played by Jamie Foxx in the film -- once attended the prestigious Juilliard School, but his demons got the best of him. He eventually drifted to Los Angeles' Skid Row, became homeless, and amazed passers-by with pitch-perfect Beethoven, which he played on a tattered two-stringed violin. (Ayers' story is fascinating; you can read more about him on 'The Soloist' website.)

Though Ayers was homeless, many street musicians are not. In fact, some make a decent living playing the street theater. Also called "buskers," street musicians from London to New York to Los Angeles simply perform for crowds wherever they can find them. In L.A., for example, musicians can be found all over the city, from Ayers' gritty downtown stomping grounds to Universal Studios' more suburban Citywalk complex. Of course, the best places for performers to play are the ones that have droves of people passing by.

One such performer is Amy May, a 28-year-old singer-songwriter who strums her guitar and sings passionate folk rock on Santa Monica's bustling Third Street Promenade. Originally from Cornwall, England, May has been playing full time on the Promenade for more than a year, making a living by collecting tips and selling her CDs. (May's not homeless, by the way: She currently rents a studio apartment in Venice Beach, just a few miles away.)

"I came out here last year on vacation and loved it," says May of her decision to move to California. "Back home I played lots of clubs, but to get people to come to your shows you need to have fans; to get fans you have to play clubs ... I play here, and it makes a huge difference."

May performs solo, her acoustic-electric guitar plugged in to a battery-powered amp, complete with microphone. Because she owns her own gear, May can control when she starts and stops her sets, without pesky sound engineers giving her orders.

According to May, performing during the week instead of on weekends offers greater exposure -- and way better tips -- because fewer musicians are crowding the streets. That strategy seems to be working for her: Since she started busking, May says she's sold more than 1,000 CDs to people wandering by and stopping to listen; she lives primarily on that income, though she also sells CDs online. And while May won't say exactly how much money she makes, she says a talented performer can take in up to $500 a day if they're good with the crowd.

It may seem intimidating at first, but May says playing the street's really the way to go. And it's on the street where people are likely to approach a musician and strike up a conversation. "People here will always start chatting to you," she says. "They can do it here as opposed to a loud bar, which can be annoying."

If the street-musician lifestyle sounds intriguing, here are a few things to keep in mind:

-- Amy May's only one of many who have searched for success via an unconventional route. Street musicians can make a decent living, create their own "back door" to the entertainment industry, and pick up new fans everyday -- if they're good enough

-- In order to play (legally) in many public places, street musicians are required to have a performer's license. For the Third Street Street Promenade, for instance, that's $37/year, from the City of Santa Monica licensing office. The only restriction is, you can't play in one spot for more than 2 hours at a time

-- In September 2007, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and other famous artists released a fundraising album called 'Give Us Your Poor,' made up of tracks featuring former and current homeless musicians. (Jewel, once homeless herself, also contributed to the album)

-- 'The Soloist,' starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr., hits theaters Friday, April 24

And there you have it. Now watch the trailer for 'The Soloist' ...

-- Ted Goslin, Clear365 Blogger

For the latest movie, TV and celebrity headlines and videos, click on ClearEntertainment

Image credits:
'The Soloist' movie poster, DreamWorks SKG
Street musician Amy May (in her natural habitat), amymaymusic.co.uk