Building with Studs...

Who said male models could only stand around and look pretty? Twenty-five of them boarded a bus recently in New York City and headed to New Orleans to rebuild a house for a family who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina.

In conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, the boys (including pretty boy Chad White) spent a week putting a home together, and looked good doing it.

Posh & Becks on Neighbours????

The Australian soap-opera, Neighbours, may get some British blood injected into a special episode. Posh & Becks have apparently agreed to star in an episode, hoping that this will boost their brand and image in Australia. The classic show has launched the careers of Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Natalie Imbruglia.

The pair would play themselves most likely. A source said: "David and Victoria's appearance would be a huge coup for Neighbours. It will really catapult the show on to the A list, as well as broaden Victoria and David's fame."

The couple are said to be trying to pump up their image following Becks dismissal from Gillette.

... maybe it'll be a adults only episode... I can just see it now.... a threesome with Harold!!

George Michael Sings....

George Michael staged his first solo concert in 15 years and used his time wisely to make fun of our very own, President George Bush. George sang the song "Shoot the Dog" after the end of his first set and then brought on a huge blow-up doll of Bush. George then unzipped the balloon's pants and out came a bulldog with a British flag on it..... very subtle.

The crowd went nuts.

I thought he'd retired again....

Robbie's New Single

This is the new single "Lovelight" off the upcoming album "Rudebox"... listen to it a few times, it's definately a grower. Nice falsetto too.

Crowe Playing The Croc Hunter?

Oscar-winning Australian actor Russell Crowe is in talks with Universal Pictures about a Steve Irwin biopic reports In Touch Weekly.

Crowe has repeatedly spoken of his affection for friend Irwin, better known as The Crocodile Hunter to millions of fans. Irwin was tragically killed by a stingray in a marine accident the other week, aged 44.

An insider said "It's not about money for Russell - it's about honouring his friend. Steve once told Russell that he wanted him to play him in a movie version of his life."

I haven't posted anything about Steve's death... I think everyone has heard about it by now. Honestly, he was a great guy, with heaps of passion, but you hardly saw his face over here. And he represented a whole country... but man, that much enthusiasm is not natural. Its a bit like when Aussies were portrayed as Croc Dundee... its not what we're all like.

A bit like saying that Bush is your average American.... not very accurate.

Mario "Gay" Lopez

Here's Mario "I haven't been seen in anything since Saved By The Bell" Lopez gaying up Nip/Tuck. I seriously donn't believe they could ever show anything gayer on TV... except anal penetration, and even that wouldn't be as hot as those abs.

Water Sports on the Red Carpet

At the recent premiere at the Chinese Theater, Jackass Number Two star Steve-O, subtle master of physical comedy, sensed that having a baby alligator chew his scrotum or allowing one of his co-stars to attack his genitals with a jackhammer would be too showy a display of the playful irreverence that is the troupe's trademark, even on such a special occasion. Instead, he opted for the simple, elegant act of urinating on the red carpet, much to the delight of the throng of fans, wire service photographers, and tourists transfixed by every drop of his golden stream.

I suppose it saves him having to go during the movie!

Madonna Explains...

Here she is explaining the mirrored crucifix in her concert.... a tad late really, as she has finished the concerts. It frustrates me sometimes.... why should artists have to explain their work... judgement should not be made when seen outta context, as Mads points out:

I am very grateful that my show was so well received all over the world, but there seems to be many misinterpretations about my appearance on the cross and I wanted to explain it myself once and for all.

There is a segment in my show where three of my dancers 'confess' or share harrowing experiences from their childhood that they ultimately overcame. My 'confession' follows and takes place on a Crucifix that I ultimately come down from. This is not a mocking of the church. It is no different than a person wearing a Cross or 'Taking Up the Cross' as it says in the Bible. My performance is neither anti-Christian, sacrilegious or blasphemous. Rather, it is my plea to the audience to encourage mankind to help one another and to see the world as a unified whole. I believe in my heart that if Jesus were alive today he would be doing the same thing.

My specific intent is to bring attention to the millions of children in Africa who are dying every day, and are living without care, without medicine and without hope. I am asking people to open their hearts and minds to get involved in whatever way they can.

The song ends with a quote from the Bible's Book of Matthew:
"For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you took care of me and God replied, "Whatever you did for the least of my brothers... you did it to me."

Please do not pass judgment without seeing my show.

Would a younger Madonna have put out such a straighforward statement?

Peter Jackson to Adapt Temeraire

Peter Jackson is eyeing his next fantasy series, optioning “Temeraire.” The historical fantasy series ("His Majesty’s Dragon,” “Throne of Jade” and “Black Powder War") was written by Naomi Novik.

The “Temeraire” saga reimagines the world of the Napoleonic Wars with the addition of an air force of dragons and valiant aviators. It centers on British naval Capt. Will Laurence, who captures a French ship, where he discovers an unhatched dragon egg in the hold – a gift from the Emperor of China intended for Napoleon. When the egg hatches, he is forced to give up his naval career to become captain of the dragon he names Temeraire.

"‘Temeraire’ is a terrific meld of two genres that I particularly love – fantasy and historical epic,” Jackson said. “I can’t wait to see Napoleonic battles fought with a squadron of dragons. That’s what I go to the movies for.”

Novik wrote the first “Temeraire” book in 2004. When Del Rey saw it, the publisher asked for two more books. The series was launched in the spring.

“As I was reading these books, I could see them coming to life in my mind’s eye,” Jackson said. “These are beautifully written novels, not only fresh, original and fast-paced, but full of wonderful characters with real heart.”

Jackson has not yet decided whether he will make one movie or three or if the books can be introduced by other media first.

Novik is writing the fourth installment of the series.

Peter Jackson is becoming a very busy boy.... personally I love this idea, anything with dragons I love... 'cept for that crappy "Dragon Heart" movie.

Sextop 2000

MGM to Unveil The Hobbit!

Source: Variety (via comingsoon.net): In a Variety article talking about MGM's move back into the tentpole business, the trade mentions a few highly-anticipated projects that are in the works:

Over the next few years, MGM is planning to release half a dozen films, some in the $150 million to $200 million-plus range. Studio is ready to unveil such high-profile projects as "Terminator 4"; one or two installments of "The Hobbit," which Sloan hopes will be directed by Peter Jackson ; and a sequel to "The Thomas Crown Affair" with Pierce Brosnan.
It has already announced a "Pink Panther" sequel and the next 007 pic "Bond 22," due out in November 2008. "Rocky Balboa" unspools in February.

There was alot of speculation about the last rumour - that the Hobbit could be filming next year - this confirms the speculation... hopefully PJ is up to the task!!

UPDATE: From Ain't it Cool News

As luck would have it, I interviewed Peter Jackson this afternoon. We talked about everything he's involved in and in the next week you'll see the interview go up in pieces, including one about THE HOBBIT.
But he did say that he woke up this morning to see that MGM says he's making THE HOBBIT with them, which was strange. He said that as unbelievable as it may be, he's never once talked to any studio, be it New Line or MGM, about doing THE HOBBIT. So, as of today Jackson has not talked to anybody about doing the movie, but he did say he'd like to do it, even though his schedule gets more crowded every passing week. So, if MGM wants to do this thing it might be a good idea to see if Jackson is up for it, no?

Heath Talks Joker

The Toronto Sun recently spoke with Aussie actor Heath Ledger who for the first time talked publically about his being cast as The Joker in the "Batman Begins" sequel "The Dark Knight".

"It's definitely going to stump people. I think it'll be more along the lines of how the Joker was meant to be in the comics, darker and more sinister. I wouldn't have thought of me, either. But it's obviously not going to be what Jack Nicholson did" says Ledger.

He adds "It's going to be more nuanced and dark and more along the lines of a Clockwork Orange kind of feel. Which is, I think, what the comic book was after: less about his laugh and more about his eyes".

Meanwhile at the premiere of "Hollywoodland", actor Bob Hoskins was asked by IESB about rumours he'd been approached to play The Penguin in "The Dark Knight". Hoskins seemed genuinely surprised by the question and appeared not to have heard of such an offer. Would he be interested? "Yeah of course...love too" he replied...

Beckham the Twink

Hmmm... he looks a bit too gay to be straight... what straight guy matches his thongs to his shirt. Looks like he just stepped outta the fashion pages of just about any gay mag.

Ahh well.... its nice to dream.

Brad for Gay Marriage

Brad Pitt has made his views known about marriage rights in the United States in the latest issue of Esquire:

In an article titled "Fifteen Things I Think Everyone Should Know," he tells the magazine: "Angie and I will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally able."

They may be waiting for some time.... 'specially with bush around.

Drug Free A.D.D. Cure

Banksy's Take on Paris

UK graffiti virtuoso Banksy has smuggled 500 doctored versions of Paris Hilton's new CD into stores across the country. The CD contains Banksy's remixes and have titles like "Why am I Famous?," "What Have I Done?" and "What Am I For?"

His spokeswoman said he had tampered with the CDs in branches of HMV and Virgin as well as independent record stores. He visited cities including Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and London, she added.

A spokesman for HMV said the chain had recovered seven CDs from two Brighton shops but was unaware that other locations were affected...
A spokesman for Virgin Megastores said staff were searching for affected CDs but it was proving hard to find them all. "I have to take my hat off - it's a very good stunt," he added.

Here's the pix!
Here's the remix tracks from the disc, and here's the video that accompanies the prank.

mmmmm.... Madonna

Al Pacino on working with Madonna (in Dick Tracy):

It's private information. She was doing a dance and she was naked under her coat. Over the course of the dance, she became inspired and opened her coat, and there she was. She has an extraordinarily beautiful body, like it has been cut out of ivory. One day when I'm old, and I'm wheeled out on the porch wrapped in a blanket, if I have a beautific smile on my face, I'll probably be thinking of that.

My New House!!!

On a personal note... I've been a little slack posting as I've been furiously looking for a house... not to rent, but to buy! After a couple of months hard work, including a couple a deals that fell thru, finally found a great house at a great price. For those who know Brisbane, I'm moving from the city out to the bayside suburb of Wynnum. I was starting to get sick of the city... it can be a real drain after 6 years... hopefully this will be a more relaxed lifestyle for me. Only 20 or so days until we move!!

The Hobbit?!?!?!

The BIG news has finally hit. A Ringer Spy who was recently in the New York offices of New Line Cinema has reported that they clearly saw 'The Hobbit' on the film schedule for 2007. Here's what the spy had to say:

Please leave my email anonymous as I have some very exciting news to report. I was in New Line's NY offices to discuss upcoming projects when I clearly saw something very intriguing on a year planner. 'The Hobbit' was clearly marked on what looked like July 2007. I couldn't exactly take a moment to investigate the calendar with my audience in the room, but it definitely said 'The Hobbit'. Lets hope this is a PJ project!

Let's hope this turns out to be true!!!!

Dam Busters Re-make

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA, August 31, 2006 — Production will soon begin on DAMBUSTERS, an inspirational story of heroism and one of the most daring missions in aeronautic military history, it was announced today by Universal Pictures and StudioCanal.

Christian Rivers will direct the film, which is inspired by actual events and based on the book The Dam Busters by Paul Brickhill and the 1955 Associated British Picture Corporation motion picture. The WingNut Films production is produced by Jan Blenkin, Carolynne Cunningham and Peter Jackson, with Sir David Frost and Ken Kamins serving as executive producers.

The Oscar®-winning artists at Weta Digital, Ltd. and Weta Workshop, Ltd. will create the visual effects and miniatures necessary to fully realize DAMBUSTERS for the motion picture screen.


I'm fully in awe of any movie PJ makes... should be very interesting to see Christian Rivers direct... he started as PJ's storyboard artist when he was still at school. I'm amazed PJ didn't take the chance to direct this himself, has he got better projects planned for himself?