Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn to divorce

Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn to divorce


SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Robin Wright Penn has filed for divorce from Sean Penn after 11 years of marriage. Wright Penn filed the papers Dec. 21, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple, who live in Northern California, are seeking joint custody of their two teenage children.

The pair met while Sean Penn was filming the 1990 Irish mob movie "State of Grace." At the time, he was considered one of the bad boys of Hollywood. He had married and divorced Madonna and occasionally tussled with photographers.
Robin Wright Penn once said she and her husband complemented each other. She seemed to provide a calming influence over him, and he helped her gain confidence.
"He helped me to believe that I could be strong and stand up for myself," she told the Los Angeles Times.
In 2004, Penn won a best actor Oscar for "Mystic River" for his role as an ex-hoodlum who reverts to his criminal ways as he seeks revenge for his daughter's death.
Penn directed this year's "Into The Wild," which is considered a front-runner for major awards, about a young idealist whose journey to Alaska ends in tragedy. He also starred as a death row inmate in 1995's "Dead Man Walking."
Wright Penn is best known for her role in "The Princess Bride" in 1987 and "Forrest Gump" in 1994 opposite Tom Hanks. Her other acting credits include "Beowulf" and "Breaking and Entering."

John Abraham and Bipasha Basu:

John Abraham and Bipasha Basu:


They say never to mix work with pleasure. But we at Fropki.com still happened to find a few couples for whom cupid struck while filming movies.. John Abraham and Bipasha Basu: The coolest dude with the cutest smile fell for the hottest actress who was a former model and a ramp scorcher. They met each other on the sets of Jism and came to know each other even better after Madhoshi. John who has a crazy fascination for bikes was mesmerized with Bipasha's sensuous looks and intelligent mind. Being from the same profession they understood each other's work as well as personal life which brought them ever closer to each other and love inevitably had to happen. The couple has been going steady for the past seven years though rumours about their alleged affairs with other co-stars only seemed to have further strengthened their bond.

Lauren Conrad Talks Fashion

Lauren Conrad Talks Fashion


With her penchant for fashion, it comes as little surprise that Lauren Conrad was spotted out shopping it up at Kitson on Saturday (December 21). The Hills actress spent some time picking out a few items at the trendy Robertson Blvd boutique, then headed off to grab a quick bite to eat at Newsroom. Meanwhile, LC recently spoke with Cindy Pearlman about her own fashion line, telling that she has extremely high aspirations when it comes to her own range of duds. Lauren told, "I'm serious about my lines and I do them as a designer and not as someone on a reality show. I wanted to create a brand that will last longer than my TV series." During the interview between Cindy and Lauren, the dialog continues: Cindy: Define your own style when you're not filming the show. Lauren: I like to be comfortable in my clothes. I love the empire cut when it comes to shirts and dresses. It's also something that's great if you don't have a perfect body. Who needs tight stuff? Most women are happy with a little give in their clothes. What I wear depends on my mood. I do love wearing dresses. They're just easier. I love, love, love 3.1. Phillip Lim [available at Nordstroms and Neiman Marcus]. He does these really feminine details on his clothing and each piece of really special. Cindy: Are you a shoe gal? Lauren: [laughing] I'm a huge shoes girl. I bought this big bookshelf that I installed on the wall in my bedroom. I keep all my good shoes on it. You almost display the shoes that way. Shoes are like art to me. They need to be displayed. I used to wear mostly flip-flops, but I only own a few pairs now. Now I love my Miu Miu flats with costume jewelry on them. I love Christian Louboutin shoes. They're soooo beautiful. I try to buy only the basic shoes there because they're a little pricy and I feel guilty buying them. But they're such a classic design. Cindy: You're going to Paris on future episodes of "The Hills." How will that influence your designs? Lauren: I've just been to Paris and it's 99 percent for sure I'm going to do a fall fashion show. Paris was wonderful, but I'll always just design for myself. My style changes all the time. Being in Europe, I was touched by how beautiful everything is ...breathtaking in the details. Cindy: Who has the best sense of style in Hollywood these days and why? Lauren: I've always loved the way Ashley Olsen dresses. I love the Olsen twin style. They really will try everything. These girls don't follow a trend. They set their own trends. Anyone can open a magazine and dress the way they tell you to dress. It takes time to create your own style and the Olsens are brave and take risks. I take risks, too, wearing my clothes on the show. I've worn the entire line. Cindy: OK, tell us everything that will happen in the future of "The Hills." We gotta ask. Lauren: [laughing] I'm not supposed to talk about it. When I give things away, I get in trouble! Enjoy the pictures of Lauren's day out at Kitson and Newsroom (December 21).

Britney Spears forgets her Bra

Britney Spears forgets her Bra

Saturday night turned out to be quite the adventure for Britney Spears and the paparazzi trying to keep tabs on her, finally ending at 2am with a pink-wigged Britney arriving at The Peninsula Hotel. Things started off with the Piece Of Me singer, who was wearing the same clothes as the previous evening, stopping at a 76 gas station for a pack a smokes. From there, Britney found time to change into a red dress, once again forgetting her bra. After prettying herself up, the pop tart made her way to Cross Creek for a bite to eat. Then the fun began. According to an insider on the scene, " After having dinner in Cross Creek, a bra-less Britney Spears sent paparazzi on a wild goose chase following her strange antics from location to location." Continuing on, the source tells, " She made not one, but two toilet stops - the first at Walgreens 24-hour pharmacy where she came out holding a video camera, and the second at a gas station where she held her nose until she returned to her car. Her peculiar behavior didn't stop there - the singer made another spontaneous stop to take pictures of a building before taking refuge in a photographers car." Switching up her look once more before arriving at her final stop, Britney showed up at The Peninsula Hotel wearing a leopard print dress complete with ripped fishnet tights and her trademark pink wig - checking in for who knows what! Enjoy the pictures from Britney Saturday night adventure.

Is Jamie Lynn Spears' Lover In Hot Water?

Is Jamie Lynn Spears' Lover In Hot Water?

By announcing that she's pregnant at 16-years-old, Jamie Lynn Spears has created a great debate as to the legal ramifications facing her boyfriend and the child's father, Casey Aldridge.

The latest reports tell that Aldridge, 19, may face statutory rape charges carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. But that all depends on a certain set of criteria.

The main point of interest lies on whether or not the baby was conceived in Spears' home state of Louisiana. If so, "the act could technically be considered felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile - defined as sexual intercourse with consent between someone age 19 or older and someone between age 12 and 17."

FOX News' Hollie McKay's report tells that "in Louisiana a person can only legally consent to sex at age 17. If aged 15 or 16, the other person involved must be no more than two years older for the act to be considered legal."

Meanwhile, the other possible state of conception is assumed to be California - which has differing laws governing the situation that Spears and Aldridge find themselves in.

"It states clearly in the Californian Penal Code that any person who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor (under 18) who is not more than three years older or three years younger than the perpetrator, is guilty of a misdemeanor and faces up to one year in a county jail," tells criminal defense attorney Jim Hammer.

"But if Aldridge is actually more than three years older he could be up for a felony, which carries a maximum three years in prison."

Despite the possible charges, criminal defense lawyer Christopher Darden believes that Aldridge will not be facing any criminal penalties, telling, "The father of the child may have committed a criminal offense or misdemeanor by having unlawful sex with a minor. But unless the complaint is filed from the minor's parent, it is unlikely that this will be taken further."

Teri Hatcher and Marcia Cross Go Holiday Gifting

Teri Hatcher and Marcia Cross Go Holiday Gifting

It's that time of year again… time to get creative with the whole gift-giving ritual that we've all come to know and love. And Teri Hatcher has teamed up with her Desperate Housewives co-star Marcia Cross to brighten the lives of the show's crew, as well as the environment.

The actresses have reportedly found an "ethical, eco-friendly way to wrap gifts for the cast and crew of their hit show." They're using Feed 1 Bags.

Feed 1 Bags are part of a fundraising campaign to raise money for starving children. As part of the World Food Program, Feed 1 Bags cost $60 apiece, and they provide enough money to feed one child in a developing country for one academic year.

They're also good for the environment, as they're produced using organically grown jute. Marcia and Teri stuffed their Feed 1 Bags with CDs and gourmet chocolates, ready to be given out to the whole Desperate Housewives family.

Rapper Remy Ma sued by shooting victim

Rapper Remy Ma sued by shooting victim

NEW YORK - Rapper Remy Ma is being sued for $20 million by the woman she is suspected of shooting in a dispute over money. Makeda Barnes-Joseph was shot twice in the abdomen on July 14, after leaving a party in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. Authorities said the shooting occurred after Remy Ma, whose real name is Remy Smith, accused Barnes-Joseph of taking $2,000 that was missing from her purse.

The lawsuit says the shooting left her disabled, anxious and depressed. The suit also named as defendants Universal Music Group, and individuals who play important roles in Remy Ma's career, because they should have known she "had a history of unlawful, violent and anti-social behavior."

The defendants "encouraged her to engage in a pattern of harassment, threats, intimidation, physical violence and illegal acts which were designed and calculated by these defendants to enhance, market and promote the persona of 'Remy Ma,'" according to the suit.

A spokeswoman for Universal Music Group in Manhattan did not immediately return a call for comment Friday.

Barnes-Joseph, a Bronx resident hospitalized for more than two weeks after the shooting, said in the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan that she was leaving a birthday party for a friend when Remy Ma, who also attended the party, approached her car with a handgun.

According to the lawsuit dated Thursday, the 26-year-old rapper opened the passenger door of Barnes-Joseph's car, pointed a gun at her and demanded that Barnes-Joseph dump the contents of her pocketbook.

When she did not release it, Barnes-Joseph was shot in the stomach and abdomen by the rapper, who then searched the pocketbook while Barnes-Joseph bled, the lawsuit said. Finding nothing, she tossed the purse and contents aside and left without summoning medical assistance, the suit said.

Remy Ma has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges filed in connection with the shooting.

Her lawyer, Ivan Fisher, said the lawsuit "appears to be a publicity stunt consistent with the way Ms. Barnes and her lawyer have, together with their publicist, been attempting to claim 15 minutes of fame on account of a terrible accident."

Fisher has said that since her arrest, Remy Ma has been unable to get sufficient U.S. bookings, and a proposed recording contract has been put on hold. She is free on $250,000 bail.

As she recovered, Barnes-Joseph had to undergo surgery and blood transfusions and remains disabled, fearful, anxious and depressed and still unable to return to work, the lawsuit said.

Because her injuries will require continuing medical treatment, Barnes-Joseph is entitled to at least $20 million in damages, the lawsuit said.

Colbert chosen AP Celebrity of the Year

Colbert chosen AP Celebrity of the Year

While most TV characters remain boxed inside the frames of our sets, Stephen Colbert has routinely injected his on-screen persona into everything from the presidential race to ice cream.
In 2007, the mock pundit on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" exceeded the influence of most real pundits, orchestrating an ill-fated (and Doritos-sponsored) run for president and topping the best-seller lists with his book "I Am America (And So Can You!)."

Colbert failed to get onto the primary ballot in his home state of South Carolina, dooming his hopes for the White House. And his show went 0-for-4 at the Emmy Awards, including an especially painful loss to Tony Bennett.

But Colbert did win one honor: He was voted AP Celebrity of the Year by newspaper editors and broadcast producers who said Colbert had the biggest impact on pop culture in 2007.

He finished just a nudge above J.K. Rowling, who authored the final book in her enormously popular "Harry Potter" series. Finishing third was Al Gore, whose year included an Oscar, an Emmy, a Nobel Peace Prize and the global concert Live Earth.

Voting was otherwise spread out across many entertainers, including pop star Britney Spears, "Hannah Montana" star Miley Cyrus, rapper Kanye West, comedy director and producer Judd Apatow and country singer Kenny Chesney.

But it was the slight, bespectacled Colbert — his hair never ruffled, suits forever pressed — who dominated the year. Even from the relatively small stage of late-night cable TV, his satire spread into all corners of media and society — and for a few weeks made a mockery of the democratic system.

Colbert has declined interviews during the writers strike that has shuttered his show, but he told The Associated Press by e-mail:

"In receiving this award, I am pleased that I was chosen over two great spinners of fantasy — J.K. Rowling and Al Gore. It is truly an honor to be named the Associated Press' Celebrity of the Year. Best of all, this makes me the official front-runner for next year's Drug-Fueled Downward Spiral of the year. P.S. Look for my baby bump this spring!"

Julio Diaz, entertainment editor for the Pensacola News Journal, explained his vote for the faux newsman:

"Colbert is more than an entertainer, he's a force of nature," said Diaz. "He's influenced the way we look at the news and even the way we speak. Whenever a major news story breaks, one of my first thoughts is what Colbert's spin on the story will be."

Colbert began his year by facing off against his inspiration, Bill O'Reilly. In one afternoon, Colbert and the Fox News commentator traded guest appearances on each other's shows in an exchange Colbert called "a meeting of the guts."

The meeting had been anticipated since Colbert's 2005 debut of "The Report," a deadpan fun-house mirror held up to "The O'Reilly Factor" and other conservative news programs.

In early 2007, Colbert became the namesake of the new Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor "Americone Dream." This followed in a tradition of naming things after Colbert, like the mascot for the Saginaw Spirit, an Ontario Hockey League team, "Steagle Colbeagle the Eagle."

While taping an episode on June 27, Colbert fell and broke his wrist — a minor event for most, but weeks of fodder for Colbert. The following month, he unveiled a "wrist awareness" campaign in which he urged anyone famous to wear a "WristStrong" bracelet (similar to Lance Armstrong's "LiveStrong" bands).

Showcasing his extremely detail-centric sense of humor, Colbert said on a September show: "If (Alan) Greenspan can do for my bracelets what he did for secured short-term lending through federal repurchasing agreements — can you imagine how great that would be?"

But Colbert's main act would be the run-up to his White House campaign and his ensuing bid for the nation's highest office. While promoting his new book, Colbert appeared on news programs and wrote a guest column for The New York Times mocking the dance many candidates go through before officially declaring their candidacy.

Colbert eventually announced on his program on Oct. 16, where he made it clear he aimed to parody everything about image-sensitive political campaigns. He appeared beforehand on "The Daily Show" sitting on a bale of hay and drinking a beer to show that he was an Average Joe.

The 43-year-old comedian jokingly suggested his ticket could read "Colbert-Huckabee," referring to former Arkansas governor Republican Mike Huckabee. Huckabee had made several appearances on "The Report" (making him a "friend of the show"). Huckabee's candidacy was then something of a joke; now he has zoomed to the top of the polls.

Colbert's announcement set off dialogue across the political landscape about the legitimacy of his candidacy and how he might impact the primaries.

Wrote New York Times columnist David Carr: "It is Mr. Colbert's ability to both mimic and amplify the tics of political convention and play them back with just a little more topspin that makes his satire so discomfiting."

Colbert said he would run only in his native South Carolina, but after he applied to get his name on the state's Democratic primary ballot (the Republican fee was too high), party officials voted 13-3 to keep Colbert off, claiming he "serves to detract from the serious candidates."

Soon thereafter, Colbert announced that he was withdrawing: "Although I lost by the slimmest margin in presidential election history — only 10 votes — I have chosen not to put the country through another agonizing Supreme Court battle. It is time for this nation to heal."

Colbert's withdrawal may have been hastened by the Hollywood writers strike, which shut down production on "The Report" in early November. Comedy Central, which is owned by Viacom Inc., announced Thursday that both "The Report" and "The Daily Show" will return to the air on Jan. 7, with or without their writing staffs.

Kathy Hilton's pals help raise funds

Kathy Hilton's pals help raise funds

LOS ANGELES - Kathy Hilton thinks you might want to own a pair of Mel Gibson's jeans, Dean Martin's golf club or Tom Cruise's autographed Ray-Ban shades.That's why she collected these and two dozen other items from her famous friends and put them up for sale on eBay. Money raised from the online auction will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"Christmas is my favorite time of year," said Hilton, mom to famous daughters Paris and Nicky. "I worked with Make-A-Wish before, and I wanted to do something really special for Christmas."

Hilton said she turned her bedroom into an office and worked the phones for a week straight, calling "different celebrities and sports figures and just seeing what I could get."

Even she was impressed with the take, which includes a pair of Johnny Carson's cuff links, Lucille Ball's teacup and saucer, and an "Ocean's Thirteen" script signed by the film's cast.

"I love the Tom Cruise sunglasses," Hilton said. "I would love to have any one of these things."

The online auction ends Wednesday.

Beyonce Promotes Perfume in Italy

Beyonce Promotes Perfume in Italy

You know you've "made it" when Giorgio Armani calls you up and flies you out to Italy to promote his latest fragrance. And Beyonce Knowles has most definitely "made it."

The "Bootylicious" singer was busy hamming it up yesterday at the Rinascente Store in Milan, Italy. And according to a recent report, she's about to get even busier.

Due to the overwhelming success of the Spice Girls' reunion festivities, Beyonce is reportedly considering a Destiny's Child reunion. And she's not the only one.

Former band mate Kelly Rowland is also thinking that it may be time to get the girls back together. She told press, "This current spate of reunions has given us ideas. Despite what people say we are all still really close."

And apparently, Knowles already staged a quick mini-reunion at a recent show. Rowland reported, "A couple of weeks ago Beyonce did a show in Los Angeles and asked me and Michelle (Williams) to join her on stage for Survivor. It was a real tear-jerker. The fans were crying and going nuts. I'd definitely like us to do more stuff like that."

Pamela Anderson Collets Another Ex-Husband

Pamela Anderson Collects Another Ex-Husband

Here's the shocker of the year- after a quick courtship and a hasty wedding Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon are getting divorced!

We'd hate to say "I told you so," but everybody saw this coming. Perhaps the only surprising aspect of the whole ordeal is that they lasted a little over two months.

It was the "Baywatch" babe who did the divorce filing this past Friday. And as could be expected, she cited "Irreconcilable Differences" as the reason for the dissolution of the marriage.

This divorce brings both Rick and Pam up to 3 failed marriages each. Other than Rick, Anderson has Kid Rock and Tommy Lee in her record book, while Rick has Shannen Doherty and Elizabeth Daily on his list of ex-wives.

Update: It's now being reported that Pamela and Rick have reconciled and are calling off the divorce. Check back for more soon - as they very well could be divorced again by tomorrow.

Lindsay Lohan Talks Life, Dating Again?

Lindsay Lohan Talks Life, Dating Again?

Spotted out for coffee in Beverly Hills on Friday morning, Lindsay Lohan spent the early hours of the day calling into a Las Vegas radio station trying to get Hannah Montana tickets for a friend's nieces.

From there, the Mean Girls starlet ended up talking about what's been going on with herself, telling, "I think my life is different now, and it's changed, and I'm growing up."

Continuing on, Lohan said, "It was time to grow up. I've gone through a lot, and I'm just a different person now… It's amazing, everything's going so well."

Meanwhile, Lohan declined to discuss her love life, joking with the deejay, "I don't kiss and tell."

Nonetheless, reports are emerging that Lohan has already moved on since her recent split from snowboarder Riley Giles, whom she met at the Cirque Lodge rehab center in Utah.

According to Page Six, Spencer Guilburt, a self-proclaimed graphic artist and part-time actor, is telling people that he's hooking up with LiLo.

"I've seen her a lot since she's been home. And expect to see me with her more," he recently told the NY Post.

When asked whether he and Lindsay are officially an item, Spencer replied, "If I'm dating Lindsay, Lindsay will let you know."

K-Fed's Lawyer Goes After Spears

K-Fed's Lawyer Goes After Spears

When she didn't show up for her deposition, Britney Spears got on Mark Vincent Kaplan's (K-Fed's lawyer) last nerve. And now he's out for blood.

Adding insult to injury, the "Gimme More" singer was spotted driving around Los Angeles mere hours after she was "too ill" to attend her court proceeding.

As a result, Kaplan has decided to crack down on the pop singer. He told press, "This can be done with her active participation or without it," adding that he's pursuing court sanctions to prevent Spears from skipping out on her next scheduled deposition on January 23rd.

An unrelated legal expert speculated, "There is always the possibility of (holding Spears in) contempt of court. After a certain point, when it's repeated behavior, courts become skeptical about that kind of excuse."

As for the next chapter in the Britney/K-Fed custody battle, only time will tell.

Mischa Barton Doesn't Miss Marissa

Mischa Barton Doesn't Miss Marissa

Feeling the luck o' the Irish, Mischa Barton was spotted hanging out at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She's in town to promote her new film "Closing the Ring," which premieres tonight at Waterfront Hall.

In her days since playing "Marissa" on The O.C., Barton says it's been relatively easy to leave that part of her career behind her.

She told press, "Even if I was a precocious teenager, it's a New York vs. L.A. thing. I never experienced the 'anything goes' chaos we sold on The O.C."

The "Tart" actress explained that she's much more level-headed and laid back than her primetime character ever was. "Marissa was a nut case. I didn't have much in common with her. In New York I'd want to go out at 15 or 16, but I got it out of my system."

She even helped conjure up the concept for killing off Marissa. "You have no idea how much fun I had doing that [scene]. I was on the set, yelling, "More blood! More blood!" She needed to go out with a bang."

Spice Girls Cancel First UK Appearance

Spice Girls Cancel First UK Appearance
The Spice Girls got a chance to say "thank you" in person to Sir Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin Atlantic Airlines, for hooking them up with their very own 747 "Spice One."

Earlier today, they showed up at London's Heathrow Airport to attend the grand opening of a new terminal, where they met up with Branson and posed for some pictures.

Unfortunately, with everything going so well for the "Wannabe" singers, something had to go wrong. And with Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton's ankle on the mend, they've announced the cancellation of their "Strictly Come Dancing" appearance, scheduled for this Saturday.

But don't fret, UK fans! The reason they opted out of the gig was to give Bunton more time to heal before they kick of their 17-date run at London's O2 Arena later that night.

And the reviews are still mixed as to whether or not that show will go on. An inside source told press, "It's too soon to say if Emma will be fit enough to join the other four girls on Saturday. She will see a doctor tomorrow, who will assess the damage."

Nobel Peace Prize Concert Draws A-List Crowd

Nobel Peace Prize Concert Draws A-List Crowd

Oslo, Norway was overflowing with celebrity presence as the Nobel Peace Prize concert got underway last night.

Hosted by Kevin Spacey and Uma Thurman, this year's festivities centered around honoree Al Gore. And the former Vice President had quite the night of musical performances in his honor.

Pop sensations like Alicia Keys, KT Tunstall, Annie Lennox, and Kylie Minogue all took the stage to add their own flavor to the night. And Gore showed his appreciation by applauding wildly after each song.

At the end of the event, Gore addressed the crowd with the utmost enthusiasm with a message of hope. "Let's get on with it. We can do this," he said, referring to the necessary global steps to better the environment.

Mayhem on "The Hills" Season Finale

Mayhem on "The Hills" Season Finale

Can you believe it? After last night's explosive episode of "The Hills" it looks like there are some major changes on the horizon for our favorite reality TV darlings.

First of all, there will be eight bonus episodes coming to MTV's schedule in early 2008. And Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port will be heading to Paris, France for an overseas working vacation, per their orders from Teen Vogue boss Lisa Love.

In the Heidi/Spencer realm, last night's episode left us wondering if those two are actually going to get married. And Heidi packed her bags and headed for home in Colorado.

Montag told Pratt, "It's not working. I need space." And that truly may be the case if this peroxide pair is going to move forward eventually.

As for Brody, he'll be stuck waiting for LC to return from the City of Lights.

Duane 'Dog' Chapman appears at toy drive

Duane 'Dog' Chapman appears at toy drive

LOS ANGELES (AP) — TV bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman appeared Saturday at a holiday toy giveaway sponsored by a black advocacy group, weeks after publicly apologizing for using a racial slurChapman handed out toys to dozens of children and signed copies of his book "You Can Run But You Can't Hide," said Ermias Alemayehu of the conservative Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny.

"We don't condone racial slurs, but upon hearing Dog's apology and after meeting with him and his family, we don't believe he's a racist. We also believe that Duane 'Dog' Chapman sincerely wants to make amends to the black community, and deserves a second chance," BOND founder the Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson said in a statement.

Chapman, 54, apologized in November for repeatedly using the N-word during a March phone call to his son, Tucker, urging him to break up with a black girlfriend.

The subsequent Web release of the recorded conversation by The National Enquirer led the A&E television network to put Chapman's reality show, "Dog the Bounty Hunter," indefinitely on hold

At 90, sci-fi guru Clarke yearns for E.T., peace

At 90, sci-fi guru Clarke yearns for E.T., peace
COLOMBO (Reuters) - Turning 90 on Sunday, British science fiction writer and visionary Sir Arthur C. Clarke has three birthday wishes: For E.T. to call, for man to kick his oil habit and for peace in his adoptive Sri Lanka. Marking his "90th orbit of the sun," the prolific author and theorist who was one of the first to suggest the use of satellites orbiting the earth for communications, would like to be remembered foremost as a writer -- and predicts commercial space travel will one day be commonplace.

"If I may be allowed just three wishes ... I would like to see some evidence of extraterrestrial life. I've always believed that we're not alone in the universe, but we're still waiting for E.T. to call us or give us some kind of sign," he said in a video posted on Web site www.youtube.com.

"Secondly, I would like to see us kick our current addiction to oil and adopt clean energy sources," he added. "Climate change has now added a new sense of urgency... We can't allow coal and oil to slowly bake our planet."

And thirdly, he turns to Sri Lanka, where he has lived for the past 50 years, written many of his more than 80 books and received the Indian Ocean island nation's top civilian honor in 2005 for his contributions to science and technology and his commitment to his adopted country.

"I've been living in Sri Lanka for 50 years, and half that time I've been a sad witness to a bitter conflict that divides my adopted country, and dearly wish to see lasting peace established in Sri Lanka as soon as possible," Clarke said.

Around 70,000 people have been killed since 1983 amid a civil war between the state and Tamil Tiger guerrillas, which continues to rage, with well over 5,000 people killed since early last year alone in near-daily land and sea battles, bombings and air raids.

Born in England in 1917, Clarke first came to the island in the 1950s for scuba diving and said he became a resident after he "fell in love with the place."

In the 1940s he forecast that man would reach the moon by the year 2000, an idea experts dismissed as rubbish. When Neil Armstrong landed in 1969, the United States said Clarke "provided the essential intellectual drive that led us to the moon."

He has written more than 80 books, including "2001: A Space Odyssey" and 500 short stories and articles, and says his mind continues to roam the universe as much as it did as a young space cadet in the 1920s and 1930s, despite the fact he is now wheelchair-bound.

"The golden age of space is only just beginning," he said.

Vanessa Hudgens: A Perfect Ten

Vanessa Hudgens: A Perfect Ten

While Sunday was a working day for Vanessa Hudgens, the High School Musical actress managed to find time to squeeze in a trip to a popular hairstylist before fulfilling her duties of taping a TNT holiday special.

The 18-year-old was spotted getting her hair done up at Andrea Chreky's Perfect 10 Salon, looking even cuter when she stepped out than when she went in.

From there, it was time to go to work, as Hudgens headed off to The National Building Museum to belt out a song alongside American Idol alum Katharine McPhee and R&B singer Ne-Yo for TNT's "Christmas In Washington".

Set to air on Wednesday December 12th at 10PM, the Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw hosted affair will benefit the Children's National Medical Center.

Britney Spears Continues Sticky-Fingered Ways

Britney Spears Continues Sticky-Fingered Ways

As if she needs more bad press, Britney Spears is quickly making a name for herself as a lawbreaker. First she started running red lights. Then there was the Hustler Store shoplift. And now the "Gimme More" has snatched a lighter from a gas station.

The mother-of-two absconded with a lighter priced at $1.39 last Friday afternoon. The scene of the crime? A Chevron gas station in Sherman Oaks, California.

Speaking to the bevy of paparazzi on her tail, Brit said, "I stole something!" as she flashed the lighter. "Oh, I'm bad!"

Thankfully, Sham Bahia, the store's manager, wasn't too bent out of shape. He told press, sarcastically, "If I see her, I'm going to ask her for the money! She's a thief. I don't know if she wanted the lighter or just wanted to make a story."

But apparently Spears wasn't on the "Wanted" list too long. One of the paps, Shane Partridge, went back to the store Saturday and paid for the lighter. "[The manager] didn't want me to pay for it at first. I told him it was no bother. I just felt like I should, you know?"

Lindsay Lohan Banned?

Lindsay Lohan Banned?

Earlier this week Fropki reported that Britney Spears had been banned from a night club. And now there are rumors that Lindsay Lohan has been barred from a hotel. What is the world coming to?

The "Mean Girls" actress has reportedly been banned from the Shutters on the Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, California. Apparently she spent three days holed up in the resort with then-boyfriend Riley Giles.

According to Star magazine, during their stay they drained the mini-bar and left dirty towels and cigarette butts all over their room.

"Staffers went into clean and were shocked. It was a pigpen. There was filth everywhere and the room stank of cigarette smoke. There was also a bloody syringe that someone left lying on the bedside table on a room service tray. Hotel security photographed it before calling someone to remove it because it was considered hazardous waste."

Whether or not the source is entirely accurate is still up for grabs, but this certainly doesn't bode well for the trying-to-recover actress.

Hayden Panettiere Hits Forecast Earth Summit

Hayden Panettiere Hits Forecast Earth Summit

She's more than just a pretty face, and Hayden Panettiere is out to prove it. She hopped a plane at LAX yesterday headed for Washington DC. And she's on a mission.

The "Heroes" starlet is part of The Weather Channel's Forecast Earth Summit. She's in the nation's capitol to speak about her involvement with the Save the Dolphins campaign, as well as to promote the Declare Yourself voting initiative.

For those who desire to join Hayden in her crusade, she'll be selling swag for a good cause. Items like "Save the Whales, Save the World!" t-shirts are being sold to help benefit nature charities.

After receiving a condescending letter from the Japanese government, Panettiere released a scathing statement, and has called for a boycott of Japanese goods.

She told press, "To say that Japan is carefully managing marine living resources for the future is a joke...In regard to dolphins and whales, Japan's blatant disregard for these species is unfathomable. Japan is cruelly and needlessly butchering over 20,000 dolphins and other small cetaceans every year...Your scientists can't even tell the difference between a marine mammal and a fish. Do you realize how ignorant Japan looks to the rest of the world?"

Hayden Panettiere Wants To Be A Good Role Model

The paparazzi caught up with Hayden Panettiere yesterday at Orso restaurant, grabbing a bite to eat with some friends. And while this may seem a bit on the boring side, the "Heroes" star says she'd rather be safe than sorry.

In a recent interview, Panettiere told press that she chooses to behave herself, and avoids the pitfalls of fame like the plague. She says she doesn't want to be just another young star with a party problem.

Hayden said, "For God knows what reason, they compare me with Lindsay Lohan! It's kind of become, 'All right, you guys can stay there and try knocking me off my horse.' I want to prove them wrong now."

And besides becoming the next big thing in Hollywood, Hayden expressed her desire to be a positive role model for young women, something that's severely lacking these days.

"I think that, now more than ever, young girls need a good role model," she says, adding, "My mom always says, 'You are the books you read and the people you surround yourself with."

Compass not so golden in US chart

Compass not so golden in US chart

Fantasy film The Golden Compass has topped the North American box office despite disappointing ticket sales.
The $180m (£89m) movie starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig took $26.1m (£12.8m) in its opening weekend.

But distributor New Line Cinema said it was disappointed the film had not pulled in the $30-40m (£15-20m) it had hoped for.

Fairytale Enchanted fell to number two taking $10.7m (£5.3m), and comedy This Christmas took third with $5m (£2.5m).

NORTH AMERICAN BOX OFFICE
1. The Golden Compass - $26.1m (£12.8m)
2. Enchanted - $10.7m (£5.3m)
3. This Christmas - $5m (£2.5m)
4. Fred Claus - $4.66m (£2.3m)
5. Beowulf - $4.4m (£2.2m)
Source: Media By Numbers

With cinemagoers in the festive spirit, Vince Vaughn comedy Fred Claus rose two places to number four.

Fantasy epic Beowulf fell two places to five, in its fourth week on the chart.

Takings for the Golden Compass plus a generally weak field of films saw overall year-on-year sales down for the fifth consecutive weekend, according to tracking firm Media By Numbers.

The top 12 films in the chart earned $73m, (£36m) down 12% from last year.

Angelina Jolie Voted the Sexiest

Angelina Jolie Voted the Sexiest

Angelina Jolie has topped Empireonline.com's poll of the top '100 Sexiest Movie Stars Ever.' The Tomb Raider star (Angelina Jolie) beat V For Vendetta actress Natalie Portman to bag the number one spot, earlier held by Keira Knightley.

More than 20,000 people visited the movie magazine's website to cast their votes, with no curbs on whether the star was still in the business. At number two is Natalie Portman.

Some of Hollywood's legendary stars also featured in the list, with Marilyn Monroe coming 14th, Clark Gable 50th, Gilda star Rita Hayworth 59th, and Lauren Bacall 71st.

At number three is current James Bond, Daniel Craig.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe defeated James McAvoy, Keanu Reeves and Ewan McGregor land at number 23.

At number four is Fantastic Four's Jessica Alba.

Daniel Radcliffe's co-star Emma Watson beat the likes of Charlize Theron, Rachel Weisz and Rosario Dawson to bag the 26th place.

At number five is Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp.

Movies Rock Draws Out the Stars

Movies Rock Draws Out the Stars

Last night was a big one for the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles. The who's who of Hollywood Celebrities were in the house for the filming of Movies Rock, a night celebrating the role of music in cinema.

Fergie took to the stage like a pro, and sang (classic James Bond tune) "Live and Let Die" while suspended in the air. Upon her arrival at the event, she told press she'd love to be a Bond girl, but she doesn't have time. "I'm so busy, they'd have to kill me off early in the film so that I can do all the other projects I'm committed to."

Country superstar Carrie Underwood also lent her voice to the evening, performing "The Sound of Music" from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical/movie of the same name. She told press, "As a little girl growing up in Oklahoma, we didn't have any hills, so it was hard to spin around like Maria Von Trapp."

R&B stud Usher pre-taped his contribution to Movie Rocks, performing the "Singin' in the Rain" dance routine. And everybody went nuts. Speaking of going nuts, the "My Way" singer has been going a little nutty himself, having just become a father. He told press his little boy (Usher V) has been quite a handful. "He has been singing and screaming, just like his daddy."

Cameron Diaz Hits Kennedy Center Awards

Cameron Diaz Hits Kennedy Center Awards

If there was any doubt that Cameron Diaz is one of the sexiest leading ladies in Hollywood, her appearance at the Kennedy Center Awards last night killed it for good.

The "Sweetest Thing" actress showed up in a strapless white (with yellow and black accents) floor-length gown. And when you combine the length of the dress with the fact that she was wearing high-heels, it's a wonder she was able to stay upright all night.

The Kennedy Center Awards were held at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and honored five entertainers for their contributions to American culture.

Iconic director Martin Scorsese was presented his award by frequent collaborator Robert DeNiro. The "Raging Bull" actor told Scorsese, "You still have the same passion, drive and intensity you had when we were starting out together. And as for me, well, I'm doing comedy. But don't worry, Marty — I still have enough misery in me for us to do a few more pictures together."

Another honoree, Steve Martin, received his award from "The Office" actor Steve Carell. "I am in awe of Steve Martin. I admire his career. I respect him more than anyone, with the possible exception of Martin Scorsese."

Just a Minute With: Guy Ritchie on "Revolver," Madonna

Just a Minute With: Guy Ritchie on "Revolver," Madonna

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Director Guy Ritchie seems comfortable in his own skin as he sits in a pricey hotel suite in Beverly Hills, full of boyish enthusiasm about his latest film, "Revolver," which debuts in U.S. cities on Friday. He has been married to Madonna, one of the world's leading pop singers and trendsetters for over two decades, but Ritchie, wearing a nondescript blue shirt and dark pants, seems unimpressed by designer labels.

In an accent that still sounds more working-class London than elite private school, he talked about life at home with an icon and "Revolver," an existential gangster tale starring Jason Statham and Ray Liotta:

Q: So, how's married life these days?

A: "I enjoy it enormously. Wish I'd done it sooner."

Q: Many people said it would never last, so what's the secret to a happy showbiz marriage?

A: "Pretty much ignore all the stuff they say and write about you."

Q: But Madonna just signed this huge deal reportedly worth $120 million over 10 years with concert company Live Nation. Do you ever feel your career gets overshadowed by hers?

A: "Don't know what you mean! She's got her career and I've got mine. What can you do? She's Madonna."

Q: The critics were pretty unkind when you remade "Swept Away" with her.

A: "Were they? I thought our remake was fine It's a funny thing, as once we made the movie, I went, 'Oh yeah, that's the movie we wanted to make.' It wasn't supposed to be a big deal. It was just supposed to be a pleasant remake. And she was good in it. That's what I couldn't understand, because she was conspicuously good in it. But what can you do?"

Q: So would you work with Madonna again?

A: "I don't know. We don't want to stick our chins out again."

Q: Then, who's in charge at home?

A: "I've got to tell you, we're just like any other married couple."

Q: So she's in charge?

A: "Yes!"

Q: Any plans to adopt more kids?

A: "Listen, you've got to speak to the boss about that."

Q: Your new movie, "Revolver," came out two years ago in Britain, but it's just now being released in the United States. Is it true you had to re-cut it radically?

A: "No, not radically. I took 10 minutes out, one story that simply illustrated what had happened previously, and it seemed to confuse people."

Q: How would you describe "Revolver?"

A: "Don't go and see it unless you're interested in head-tricky stuff. I wanted to take what is essentially an introspective movie and put it in a world that was not introspective -- in an underworld, in the world of cons and con (artist) tricks. The premise was that the aspects of your mind that get conned are also the aspects that will deny truth ... If you go in thinking you're getting another "Snatch" or something light and funny, you're going to trip up."

Q: This is your third film with Jason Statham. Why do you like working with him so much? (The other two being "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels")

A: "I just love Jason and he got the concept, which is not an easy one to get your noggin around."

Q: Ray Liotta does several unflattering scenes either totally nude or in nothing but his underpants or Speedos. Did you have to twist his arm to do it?

Lindsay Lohan's Hearing To Be Videotaped

Lindsay Lohan's Hearing To Be Videotaped

She's been trying to fight it for quite some time, but as it turns out, Lindsay Lohan's upcoming hearing will be videotaped.

The "Mean Girls" actress, who was spotted out for sushi with Stavros Niarchos last night, will be taped during her upcoming deposition in a civil lawsuit regarding her car crash two years ago. Raymundo Ortega is the plaintiff in the case.

Back in 2005, LiLo collided her car with Ortega's van, and shortly thereafter she started getting into trouble for DUI and drug charges. Therefore, Ortega is claiming that Lohan was intoxicated when the accident (which was his fault) occurred.

The "Georgia Rule" actress' attorney, David J. Ozeran, wrote in the court papers, "If a single picture of Ms. Lohan can sell for thousands of dollars, a videotape of the deposition will undoubtedly sell for tens of thousands of dollars, or more." He claimed that videotaping would be an attempt to, "annoy Ms. Lohan and to attempt to gain a litigation advantage by causing her concern about the embarrassment of such a videotape.''

Hollywood Style at the Bambi Awards

Hollywood Style at the Bambi Awards

The 59th Annual Bambi Awards were held today in Duesseldorf, Germany. But one look at the guest list made it seem like a Hollywood, California affair.

The first order of business is Katie Holmes' new hairdo. Up until now, the "Disturbing Behavior" actress was constantly getting compared to Posh Spice/Victoria Beckham. But this new bang-y look is sure to put those comments to rest.

Rihannawas looking stunning in an animal print gown, topped off with a wispy, fun, highlight-laden coif. The "Umbrella" singer was definitely not shy about showing off the curves her mama gave her.

Eva Longoria was also at the event, accepting her own Bambi award. She was sporting a wine-colored strapless dress and some seriously blinging earrings. But what was up with her metal-link watch?