Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Monster Ball Tour Sent Lady Gaga Bankrupt

31 May 2011



Lady Gaga has revealed that her spectacular Monster Ball tour actually left her $3 million in debt -- but she doesn't seem too worried about it!

Gaga has admitted that the lavish sets and costumes on the first leg of the tour forced her into bankruptcy, because she spent every cent she had on making sure the tour was perfect.

"I put everything in the show, and I actually went bankrupt after the first extension of The Monster Ball. And it was funny because I didn't know! And I remember I called everybody and said, 'Why is everyone saying I have no money? This is ridiculous, I have five number one singles' - and they said, 'Well, you're $3 million in debt'," Gaga said in an interview with Stephen Fry for Britain's Financial Times.

Since the tour began she has performed the show over 200 times, and is definitely not in debt anymore!

Lady Gaga is heading back to Australia in July for a one off exclusive event.

Lady Gaga Biog- Celebrity News Media


When Lady GaGa was a little girl, she would sing along on her mini plastic tape recorder to Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper hits and get twirled in the air in daddy's arms to the sounds of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.

The precocious child would dance around the table at fancy Upper West Side restaurants using the breadsticks as a baton. And, she would innocently greet a new babysitter in nothing but her birthday suit.

It's no wonder that little girl from a good Italian New York family, turned into the exhibitionist, multi-talented singer-songwriter with a flair for theatrics that she is today: Lady GaGa.

"I was always an entertainer. I was a ham as a little girl...

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Vines do Newtown, by Eva Rinaldi - 26th May 2011



The Vines, the super popular Australian indie rock band originally formed as Rishikesh in 1994, hit St Stephen’s Church, Newtown in Sydney tonight in what was the latest gig under the branding of Live At The Chapel (and as they like to also be introduced as for promotional purposes...."Russian Standard Vodka").

The popular band plays a musical hybrid of 1960s rock and 1990s alternative music as a general rule.

Showing a rock solid foundation since 2006 their line-up has consisted of vocalist and lead guitarist Craig Nicholls, rhythm guitarist Ryan Griffiths, bass guitarist Brad Heald and Hamish Rosser on drums.

Many folks first became aware of the The Vines' success when they picked up an ARIA Award in 2002 for 'Breakthrough Artist – Single' for 'Get Free' and they also snatched five other nominations for their debut album Highly Evolved, plus two further nominations in subsequent years.

Future Primitive will be released next month - 3rd June in Australia with worldwide release dates to be announced soon after we hear.

Their music style can be categorized as alternative/garage rock. Much of the band's early grungy sound waves can be put down to their beginnings as a Nirvana cover.

The release of their debut album saw The Vines getting named as "the second coming of Nirvana" by the British news media. Nicholls' odd like stage behavior, and raw as heck vocals drew comparisons between him and the late Kurt Cobain.

I was pleased to learn about the bands activism involvement. It was back in '06 they they created a decorated heart card to benefit PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The band showed great passion and support towards stopping Canada's seal hunt, as well as getting involved in many community endeavors on the quite.

Back to tonight, show biz and the music industry being what it is, there was a commercial element or three, that was frankly impossible to miss.  For the record, the Russian Vodka girls were delightful and well attired in grey which reminded me somewhat of the Russian Army, sorry but that came immediately to mind. Oh, did we mention that their were gravestones a plenty in the grounds of tonight's gig. You can get that when you have an event such as this in church grounds.

It was a fun night guys and girls, with the only exception being one particular photographer who was rude to others. I forgive them, thinking that they must have too fully embraced the Russian Vodka theme... maybe you need to find yourself an available Russian mail order bride or something fella. Oh, almost forgot, I just loved the taste of that Vodka... can't get enough of it. Will be buying some for my private home collection. Vines Inc, very keen to hear when you've got your Russian tour coming up to.

Overall, great vibe, music and Nicole the publicist was so sweet and switched on. My camera loved the event also, so I'm thinking that if you haven't bought The Vines latest release yet, you soon will after checking out the pickies and having a listen to some of their vibes on their official website or wherever your getting your Vines fix from these days. Rock on and peace to all. Fantasticheskiĭ (fantastic) for us Aussies.


Websites




Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Dark Knight Rises


Over the last few months we've heard about the spectacular cast coming together for The Dark Knight Rises including returning cast members like Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and even Nestor Carbonell.

In addition, new cast members like Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have all joined the anticipated sequel, though we're not quite sure how they're characters fit into the story which is being kept under wraps. Well, we may know more soon enough as Warner Bros. has announced the start of principal photography on Christopher Nolan's last Batman film.

But the real news coming from the studio's press release is confirmation that Nolan will again be shooting certain sequences in IMAX. As a matter of fact, apparently Nolan will be shooting even more footage in IMAX than he did for The Dark Knight.

The sequences from Nolan's last Batman sequel that had the IMAX touch looked truly spectacular on that giant screen, and I can't wait to see what he does this time around.

And we know it will look spectacular again because Nolan is re-teaming with cinematographer Wally Pfister, fresh off his Academy Award win for his work on Inception, to shoot The Dark Knight Rises. Hopefully more details on the sequel will be available soon, so stay tuned.



Miley Cyrus to tour Australia

 
                       
Cyrus says the Gypsy Heart tour is a mission to spread love. (Reuters: Susana Vera)

Teen sensation Miley Cyrus will make her first tour of Australia later this year.
Dainty Consolidated Entertainment today announced dates in June and July for Cyrus, who is best known as Hannah Montana.

Since her debut in 2006, Cyrus - the daughter of country music singer Billy Ray Cyrus - has released 10 albums and sold more than half a million singles.

Cyrus says her tour, called the Gypsy Heart tour, will feature music from her latest album, Can't Be Tamed.

"The Gypsy Heart tour is a dream come true," she said.

"Not only because of all the beautiful cities I will get to visit, but all of the beautiful people I will get to meet.

"Gypsy Heart is not just a tour for me, but a mission to spread love."

The tour will take Cyrus to Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.


WWE WORLD TOUR RETURNING TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND



WHAT:
World Wrestling Entertainment is heading back to Australia and New Zealand this July 2011 with six action-packed live events. Experience all the drama and excitement when your favourite WWE Superstars come to town including John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus, The Miz, CM Punk and John Morrison as well as the gorgeous WWE Diva Eve plus many more.* For further information please visit: www.wwe.com
*Line up subject to change.
WHEN:

1st – 6th July, 2011

WHERE:
Friday, 1st July: Sydney, Acer Arena
Saturday, 2nd July: Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
Sunday, 3rd July: Perth, Burswood Dome
Monday, 4th July: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Tuesday, 5th July: Brisbane Entertainment Centre **

TICKETS:
MAIN EVENT EXCLUSIVE PRE-SALE: From noon on Monday 24th January to 5pm on Thursday 27th January.
Thanks to MAIN EVENT, FOX 8, FOXTEL, AUSTAR and OPTUS WWE fans can take advantage of an exclusive pre-sale ticket offer. Offer open to FOXTEL, AUSTAR and OPTUS subscribers only.  Go to www.mainevent.com.au for details.   
Tickets go on sale from 9am on Friday, 28th January and are expected to sell out fast.  Tickets can be purchased through: Online at: www.ticketek.com.au or by calling: 132 849

*Tickets strictly limited to 10 per person.

**Due to the recent flooding in Queensland, the on-sale date for the July 5th WWE live event in Brisbane has been postponed.  Please stay tuned to WWE programming and wwe.com for further information on the Brisbane ticket on-sale date.  WWE extends their thoughts and well wishes to those affected by this catastrophic event.


Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean 4; Aussie gold rush, by Eva Rinaldi - 16th May 2011



Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too.

And not only that, legendary Australian actor, Geoffrey Rush joins in the fun.

Johnny Depp and action adventure / fantasy genre fans are fired up about this tale of adventure, with the tried and true formula of good VS evil, on the high seas.

The charismatic and talented Depp has promised to keep up 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' appearances as long as people want him to.

Depp appears as the lovable Captain Jack Sparrow for the fourth time in new movie On Stranger Tides, which opens this week, premiering in Sydney tonight.

Seems the public just can't get enough of Captain Jack Sparrow, but this evening they had to settle for a supporting actor, namely Geoffrey Rush (Barbossa) and a swag of Australian celebrities in toe doing the red carpet thing.

It must be said that Rush was so giving of himself tonight to both news media and the fans at the Sydney premier.

Rush told our roving reporter on his decision to enter into the action adventure genre:

"It was all by freakish accident actually.  I was looking at the action adventure thing back in the late 90's ... when I did Mystery Men which unfortunately no one saw. You know what I mean. It's a bit hit and miss, you can never tell. When we started the first Pirates we sort of had the Hollywood curse hanging over our heads. Hollywood hadn't made a commercially successful pirate film since 1951. I think it was only when the idea about turning into a ghoul by midnight that's when Jerry Bruckheimer said now we've really got something."

Bruckheimer revealed at last Thursday's UK press conference for Pirates: On Stranger Tides that the team are "starting a whole new set of adventures for Captain Jack Sparrow" and referred to the stand-alone fourth instalment as a series "reboot".

With the diplomacy of a man who knows his entire investment rests upon Johnny Depp's willingness to mug his way through another extended Keith Richards/Pepé le Pew impression, Bruckheimer was, not surprisingly, full of praise for the man behind Captain Jack:

"The trick was, of course, to get Johnny back, and thanks to his efforts working very hard with our screenwriters, he committed to do this. He's very difficult to convince of something, because he doesn't want to disappoint his fans."

Bruckheimer confirmed that without Depp's character, there would be no POTC spin-offs (despite Geoffrey Rush chipping in that he'd pay to see one about On Stranger Tides' scantily clad mermaids).

Bruckheimer told the press, "The only spin-off is with Jack Sparrow. It's his invention, it's his series. He's made it a success along with a lot of other talented people, so it's his to champion, and hopefully, carry on."

Quizzed when we could expect to see the fifth instalment, Bruckheimer was careful to give nothing away, saying, "I think it all depends on how the audience embraces this one. We love the movie. We had a blast making it, and if everybody enjoys it as much as we do, then hopefully, we'll get the whole team back together again and do another."

It appears POTC4's opening weekend in the UK will tell, then, though Depp's resounding "Yes" to a question from the press about whether he'd consider playing guitar on the next film's soundtrack could say something about how committed he may already be to part 5 of Pirates.

On the director Rush noted "There was a real opportunity to put new blood into this, when the trilogy was finished. Gore was wonderful of the first three films. He comes more from the rock n roll side, crazy comic book aficionado. If you've seen Rango you know. Rob Marshal comes from the opposite side of the same coin. He happens to come from a more musical film background, musical, the choreography background, sense of sharp storytelling, shaping of the film and sense of tempo and stuff was really spot on."

Voyaging back north to Cannes with the star of Pirates...

He spoke at the film’s press launch in Cannes, Depp said he would stick with the role for as long as it is popular with the public.

He said: "Really, ultimately and truly, these films are made for the people. It's the people who go and pay their hard-earned money to see these things. If the people get tired of it or something - that's when it stops, I think."

He went on to say that the series was not so much about the money: "When the process becomes impure - if the process becomes impure - if you're doing it for the wrong reasons - and I know everybody here is doing it for the right reasons - it's not all about the kerching kerching."

Depp then elaborated further: "Some people lose sight of the fact that it is the movie business. If a lot of money is spent on making a film then certainly whoever spends that money expects to make a return on it. But that's not the reason we dove into it. That’s not the reason we go in and made asses of ourselves. We do it for the people. So long as people want it, I’m there."

Australian Geoffrey Rush As Barbossa...

Rush doesn't have a staring role, but he certainly gets decent time to show off his talent in the role of Barbossa.

Despite the non major role for Rush, national and international media have largely been keen to get Rush's view on the film.

It was put to Rush that Barbossa and Captain Jack Sparrow had quite a bit of conflict...

"Yes, one of the underlying story-telling motifs of all four ’Pirates’ films, right back to the first film, is that ongoing conflict – over the ownership of the Pearl. I think there’s a line in one of the films where Jack says "the Pearl means freedom." I think that’s the essence of being a Pirate, that you’re away from land-locked Europe, you’re not apart of a society, you’re apart of the brotherhood of the sea. Your ship is yours, it’s your sense of identity. So when you approach the wheel that’s what you own.".

Rush tells why he came back to do yet another Pirates movie...

"I have to thank Johnny Depp because I think in the development of the screen play, he wanted to keep the Barbossa and Sparrow relationship like an old married couple, constantly bickering. It goes back to the first film, the ownership of the Pearl is at the heart of that conflict. I think it was only on this film that we started to talk about the Black Pearl as a sort of shared girlfriend, I think that kind of made that plotline a little bit more interesting than talking about a boat. Over the four films they’ve kept shape-shifting my character which is fun. In the first film I start as the outright villain spat out of the mouth of hell. Then in two and three he became more of a diplomat, and I think now he’s really landed on his feet, or foot (laughs). Barbossa’s vain and arrogant and pompous enough to think that he actually does belong in the court, and that gave me a terrific new set of variables to play with which was a lot of fun."

Johnny Depp 'Sponged' From Keith Richards...

Johnny Depp has said he "sponged" off Keith Richards to help create his Pirates Of The Caribbean character. The actor, who plays Captain Jack Sparrow in the long-running Disney franchise, famously used a combination of The Rolling Stones' guitarist and cartoon skunk Pepe Le Pew as the prime inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow.

In downtown London for the premiere of the new film On Stranger Tides (May 12), Depp explained how he was initially nervous of Richards' reaction.

He said: "It was very strange initially you know when the character's main ingredients came up. I was a little worried at what Keith Richards was gonna think. I didn't fear Pepe Le Pew but I was a little worried about Keith. Because for a good portion of the time I was spending with him, I was sponging as much of him as I possibly could for the character. And when he found out what I’d been doing, it could've gone either way, but he was very nice about it, like 'I had no idea mate!' He was very sweet about it."

Richards has gone on to appear in the Pirates movies himself, joining the cast as Sparrow's father, Captain Teague. He reprises the role in the new film.

Depp expressed his delight, saying: "To be able to then bring him into the fold and bring him into the film and do scenes with him was amazing. It's one of those things you know has been seared into your brain and will never leave. It's one of those moments: "I'm really lucky to be here at this moment, and I'm really lucky that I'm aware that I'm lucky."

Storyline...

Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) crosses paths with a woman from his past (Cruz), and he's not sure if it's love -- or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past. Written by Walt Disney Pictures.




Websites

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
http://disney.go.com/pirates

Disney
http://disney.go.com

Event Cinemas
http://www.eventcinemas.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography
http://www.evarinaldi.com

Eva Rinaldi Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Monday, May 16, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Sydney Premiere


Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is an upcoming 2011 American adventure fantasy film and the fourth instalment in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.

In the film, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is joined by Angelica (Penélope Cruz) in his search for the Fountain of Youth, confronting the infamous, real-life, legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane). The plot draws inspiration from the novel On Stranger Tides by Tim Powers, which also inspired the LucasArts game The Secret of Monkey Island.

It is directed by Rob Marshall, written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

The movie is being distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and will be released in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2011, Australia on May 19, 2011, and the United States and Canada on May 20, 2011.

The release will be presented in Disney Digital 3-D and IMAX 3D, as well as in traditional two-dimensional and IMAX formats.

The film was first announced in 2008 and principal photography started in June 2010.

The release is the first in the series to be directed by Rob Marshall and not Gore Verbinski.

It is also the first movie in the series which features fictional versions of historical characters such as Blackbeard, George II of Great Britain, Henry Pelham, John Carteret and Ferdinand VI of Spain.

It will be the first Pirates of the Caribbean film to be released in 3D and Jerry Bruckheimer's second 3D film, following the 2009 movie G-Force. It is also the fifth Disney film to use Dolby surround sound.

While previous films in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise have been filmed in the Caribbean Sea, On Stranger Tides was filmed mainly in Hawaii.



Sunday, May 15, 2011

“Breaking Dawn” preview to air at 2011 MTV Movie Awards?




If you’re waiting to catch a glimpse of footage from “Breaking Dawn”, rumor has it that a preview will air at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards.

It may be a sure thing, considering that previews of upcoming Twilight Saga films have been aired at the past two awards shows, and that commercial promos (such as those featuring the over-the-top fictional showbiz agent, Les Grossman, played by Tom Cruise)have specifically targeted Twilight fans.
In fact, it is hard to know what the MTV Movie Awards will do when the last Twilight Saga film has competed for its last title.

Twilight Saga films have dominated both nominations and wins for the past three years. The completion of both the “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” film franchises will open doors for other (individual) films and their stars to have a better chance.

The 2011 MTV Movie Awards air on June 5th.
Follow Hollywood News on Twitter for up-to-date news information.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Multi-platinum selling superstar, Enrique Iglesias, is set to arrive in Australia.


Multi-platinum selling superstar, Enrique Iglesias, is set to arrive in Australia
in July as part of the EUPHORIA World Tour & will be joined by a
 very special guest # 1 selling US rapper Pitbull!

SYDNEY • ACER ARENA • SATURDAY 23 JULY
MELBOURNE • ROD LAVER ARENA • WEDNESDAY 27 JULY
BRISBANE• DATE & VENUE TO BE ANNOUNCED VERY SOON

As a valued friend of Dainty Group we'd like to give you the chance to purchase
your tickets before the general public

Pre-sale (for Syd & Melb shows):
STARTS 2pm Tuesday 17 May
ENDS 2pm Thursday 19 MAY


Tickets to the general public go on sale at 12noon Monday 23 May

A password is required to purchase tickets during this pre-sale:
PASSWORD = DAINTY


CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

The Euphoria Tour will ensure Australian fans get to see Enrique perform all of his biggest hits including the most recent smash hit singles from the EUPHORIA album. Including
 I Like It (Triple Platinum), Heartbeat (Double Platinum) and Tonight (Double Platinum) with the latest Dirty Dancer just released, also on its way to multi-platinum sales.

Enrique and Pitbull worked together on the killer remix of I Like It and Enrique is thrilled to have him joining the Australian tour.  Enrique said "Man, working with Pitbull, it's like he's got everybody in the world's mojo, his energy is so intense...."

Pitbull, most recently known in Australia for his current # 3 single Give Me Everything and featuring on the Jennifer Lopez # 1 selling single On The Floor, will also perform a set full of back to back hits and fans may see him join Enrique on stage to perform the hit I Like It.

For over a decade Enrique Iglesias' Latin-flavoured pop has carved its way into the hearts of music fans across the globe, selling over 55 million albums in both English and Spanish.


Enjoy!
Dainty Team

Monday, May 9, 2011

Lady Gaga has unveiled a countdown for the release of her new single ‘Born This Way’.


Lady Gaga has unveiled a countdown for the release of her new single ‘Born This Way’.
The track is the first song to be taken from the singer’s as-yet-untitled new album of the same name, due out in May.
The New single’s February 13 release and Lady Gaga’s fans can RSVP to the event on Facebook The group currently has more than 45,000 confirmed guests.

Lady Gaga will debut ‘Born This Way’ live at the Grammy Awards in LA on the day of the single’s release.

The album, which is the follow-up to ‘The Fame’ and the extended ‘The Fame Monster’, is due to be released on May 23. It was included in Gigwise’s Most Anticipated Albums Of 2011.



Saturday, May 7, 2011

Beachley Classic surf comp: Pros and celebs do Dee Why by Eva Rinaldi - 7th May 2011



Sydney's Dee Why Beach was blessed today with awesome weather, the Beachley Classic surfing comp, a celebrity beach volleyball match, celebrity surf comp, lots of happy souls, a stoked surf culture crowd and a dash of friendly media folks reporting on all the action.

The news that tons of celebs would be surfing, playing volleyball and just hanging out at the beach is what got my main interest, but at the same time, great to see the pros in action also.

First the serious stuff...the Beachley Classic for the bragging rights and the money, of course. Good on the Commonwealth Bank for pumping in thousands of dollars into the event, and we think they got exceptionally good value for their sponsorship dollar.

Hawaii's golden girl of surf, Carissa Moore, may have beaten the last remaining Aussie hope Stephanie Gilmore to progress into the final of the Beachley Classic, but we all felt like winners.

Moore defeated 2004 ASP Women's World Champion Sofia Mulanovich, 27 to snatch her second out of four finals this season, winning a cool US$40,000 winners cheque and returns to her position as the ASP Women's World No. 1.

The media friendly Moore shared "I'm really, really happy, I've been fired up ever since the last two events with Sally (Fitzgibbons) and I'm just super excited I was able to come out on top this time."

Wave selection was a considerable factor in today's comp. Moore was able to take the lead in the closing minutes of the final, posting 6.83 and 8.33 (out of ten) scores, to best the Mulanovich by 15.60 to 14.60 (out of 20.00).

"I was really excited to make another final and it was refreshing to have a Sofia as an opponent," Moore said. "She was leading for most of the heat and I was kind of nervous out there."

Moore's victory today secures her a comfortable 3350 points ahead of closest rival Sally Fitzgibbons, 20, (Australia) on the ASP World Title ratings and has got insiders talking about her now being see as the surfer to beat with just three events to go.

"I'm trying to not think about the World Title too much, I know that there's a lot of girls within range, so I'm just going to keep my head down and have fun."

Mulanovich to her credit reached her first final this year. and beat ASP ratings leader coming into the event Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia) in their exciting semifinal clash, before placing runner-up to Moore in the final.

"I haven't been on the podium for a I while and I'm just stoked to be here, it feels amazing!" Mulanovich said. "Carissa is an amazing surfer and she's really hard to beat although I was beating her for a while out there, I surprised myself."

Fitzgibbons felt short of her own expectations today sighting poor wave-selection her downfall against Mulanovich. She's now out of the ASP World No. 1 spot.

"I can't be disappointed with a third place but I think the waves weren't in my favour, I just didn't quite find my rhythm," Fitzgibbons said. "Some days you have it like in Bells and New Zealand and some days you don't and today I just wasn't quite there."

"You know the World Title is something you're always reaching for and I feel like I still have a lot to give," Fitzgibbons said. "World No. 2 is a good place to be at so I'm just going to hold my head up high and hope to get that rhythm back at the next few events and hopefully snatch a few more wins along the way."

Three time defending event champion and four times ASP Women's World Champion Stephanie Gilmore, 23, (Australia) equaled her best result of the season, placing equal third after being narrowly eliminated by Moore with 16.00 to Moore's 16.50 heat total, in the semifinal.

"Third place is definitely frustrating, it's an ok result but it's not quite enough to satisfy me anyway," Gilmore said. "I felt like I was surfing really good but it just came down to wave selection. Carissa got such a good start and I think I got a little too relaxed when I got a really high score and let my guard down." Despite posting the highest individual wave score of the event, a 9.60 (out of 10.00), Gilmore was failed to grab a second ride with sufficient scoring potential. Her result today moving her up one place into The World No. 4 spot.

"I feel much stronger and more confident and so for me it is just about building on each result and reaching for the top spot again."

ASP Womens World Title Ranking after event #4 Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 3700
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 33650
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 25420
4. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 22850
5. Sivana Lima (PER) 21420

Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic Final Results:

Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.60 def Sofia Mulnovich (PER) 14.60

Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic Semifinal Results:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 14.03 def Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.60
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.50 def Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.00

Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 11.83 def Silvana Lima (BRA) 7.33
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.37 def Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 13.26
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.00 def Melanie Bartels (HAW) 8.76
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.17 def Tyler Wright (AUS) 15.10


Beachley Classic Celebrity Surf Challenge...

The list of Aussie celeb surfers included

Lincoln Lewis (Tomorrow When the War Began, former Home & Away)
David Jones-Roberts (Home & Away)
Mike Baird (NSW Treasurer)
Dustin Clare (Satisfaction, former McLeod's Daughters)
Ian 'Dicko' Dickson (former Australian Idol judge, former Classic Rock FM host)
Paul De Gelder (Navy Seal)
Guy Leech (ex Ironman)
Peter Phelps (Rescue Special Ops, former Stingers, Underbelly and Baywatch)
Matt Hall (Pilot, former RAAF Fighter Combat Instructor, 2009 Red Bull Air Race World Champion)
Kerri Pottharst (former Olympic volleyball player)
Kirk Pengilly (INXS)

Layne Beachley and a dozen celebs fought for $5,000 for their nominated charity at today's Sydney.com Celebrity Challenge. It was part of Family Day at the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic.

Teams warmed-up on the sand with a game of Volleyball followed by an Australian tag team rules style surf comp. All celebs rode long boards.

Last year, Sydneysider Miley Dyer led her all-star team of former ironman Guy Leech, Biggest Loser trainer Shannon Ponton and Sydney Olympics volleyball gold medalist Kerry Pottharst to victory by less than a point. Going up against Leech and Pottharst again this year, Ian 'Dicko' Dickson says of the challenge, "This year I'm ready to win the Celebrity Challenge at the Beachley Classic. I've been training long and hard all year for this. They won't know what's hit them." Dicko also kindly shared his thoughts with our team of reporters and the exclusive video footage will be going live soon.

Congrats to the green team who won the the celeb surfing challenge, and well done to everyone who participated in today's happening at Dee Why Beach. It was a great day to be Australian. Layne, you did Australia proud today and your legend and legacy continues to grow. You transcend surfing, and keep building upon the strong foundations you laid down years ago. Thanks for the interview with our crew too.

Beach, fun, sun, world class effects and results... that's what its all about folks.

Stay tuned for some great video footage from today including interviews with Layne and Dicko, as well as some exclusive photos of all of the fun in the sun, and see you back there next year.









Websites







Water for Elephants Sydney premier, by Eva Rinaldi - 6th May 2011


Water for Elephants enjoyed its Sydney premier tonight, with the 300m red carpet running down Pitt St Mall.

Reese Witherspoon and her co-star Robert Pattinson (Twilight) were mobbed by thousands of fans and hundreds of media types.

Earlier in the day they did Sydney's famous Luna Park, running with the circus theme.

"I think all I can do is stand back and sort of watch it happen because I'm not used to seeing somebody have so many fans," Witherspoon told the press.

"But he's so gracious about it and he's really understanding that people really take the time to stand and wait for him, so he signs every picture and talks to everybody."

Water for Elephants is based on the bestselling novel by Sara Gruen and directed by Francis Lawrence.

The beautiful love story centres around veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Pattinson), who joins a circus after his parents are killed in a car accident.

He's soon enough in charge of an elephant named Rosie, which helps bring him closer to the circus's star performer Marlena (Witherspoon).

The film's stars got up close with another elephant at a presser today in Sydney. Siam especially was brought in from Terri Irwin's Australia Zoo for the happening.

Witherspoon said she was delighted to have been given the opportunity to visit Australia again.

"I've been here before but I haven't been for some time," she said.

"It's meant a lot to me that Australian fans have come out and seen my movie so I'm excited to actually come out and meet them and be there."

She said Sydney's famous Bondi Beach was at the top of her list of places to visit.

"Last time I was here I got to go to a koala sanctuary and I got to go to the Gold Coast and Melbourne - it was really fun," she said.

"I've never been to Bondi Beach, so I think that'd be fun to check that out.

"I just heard it's fun. I want to go have a beer at the beach."

Insiders tip the movie will likely net over $50 million and is in line to pick up a number of awards.

A special thank you to the good people at 20th Century Fox for helping make tonight possible for my life and media skills students and our team. Also a big thanks for security who helped us get some great photos with the films posters at the conclusion of the evening. My students had a great experience with all the excitement, and they are not likely to forget tonight in a hurry. The popcorn that some of the circus performers handed out to media and the fans was appreciated also.

Legendary showman and circus promoter, Phineas Taylor Barnum, would have been proud of the show that Fox put on in Sydney tonight.

This film sufficiently demonstrates that life is the most spectacular show on earth, as they say in the film's tag line.

Stay tuned for our great Francis Lawrence video interview and range of great photos with Witherspoon, Pattinson and dozens more celebrities.

Main Cast

Reese: Witherspoon Marlena

Robert Pattinson: Jacob

Christoph Waltz: August

Paul Schneider: Charlie









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Logies 2011: Katy Perry Adds Firework To Night Of Surprises, by Eva Rinaldi - 2nd May 2011


The Australian entertainment industries night of nights was certainly glamorous by Australian standards and delivered strongly in surprises and audience delight.

There were a ton of surprises and its safe to say that the organisers, including the Nine Network, got it right this year.

An emotional and gracious Karl Stefanovic, who won the Gold Logie, paid tribute to his wife Cass for "giving up a promising TV career of her own with the ABC to let me do this and look after our three beautiful kids."

The capacity crowd loved Karl's affectionate words for Network Nine boss David Gyngell -"He's probably at home, in his Homer Simpson undies, scratching himself or whatever he does, but mate, I love you as a boss and more importantly as a friend."

He also remembered his family saying he thanked his "mum for her beautiful soul" and his dad "for your male-pattern baldness, big guy."

The popular TV presenter - journalist disclosed that his mentor was Laurie Oakes: "The reason I am in this business and want to be for the rest of my life."

He had originally promised to stick to soda water, however he left stage with "I'm going to the bar."

Stefanovic threw into his entertaining speech that added he did not believe half of Australia would know who he was "if he wasn't pole-axed on Grey Goose vodka".

"I thought it was career-ending...but I survived it", he said.

"So yes I will probably have two dozen champagnes, a few vodkas and what not, but I will be right for the show in the morning."

On the success on the Today Show he shared: "We're risking things but we're both more confident...I've never been more confident in front of the camera, and I don't want that to sound arrogant, but that comes with the miles I've had on air."

A ton of actors, actresses and presenters made their way to the podium before Stefanovic at Melbourne's Crown Casino looking a bit bewildered as they grasped their viewer-SMS-voted Most Popular awards.

'Our Karl', the Channel 9 Today host and sometimes 60 Minutes reporter who ran away with the Gold Logie from Packed To The Rafters duo Rebecca Gibney and Jessica Marais, who I understand were hot favourites.

The popular awards had the room talking. Asher Keddie of Ten's Offspring, bested Seven's Packed To The Rafters dynamos Gibney and Marais as Most Popular Actress. Another surprise of the TV Week sponsored event was Chrissie Swan of Channel Ten's morning chat show The Circle. She was voted Most Popular New Female Talent...ahead of prime-time personalities Emma Booth, Julie Goodwin, Poh Ling Yeow and Hannah Marshall.

Ten's MasterChef, one of the highest-rating series in Australian television, was nominated for just one award - Most Popular Reality Program - which it won.

Stefanovic also won Most Popular Presenter ahead of Hamish Blake, Adam Hills, Shaun Micallef and Swan.

Underbelly: The Golden Mile's Firass Dirani won Most Popular New Talent, however his show was beaten by Packed To The Rafters as the viewers' favourite drama.

Channel Nine got more acholades with Underbelly being judged Most Outstanding Drama, while the Most Outstanding Actor and Actress went to Richard Roxburgh (Rake, ABC) and Claire van der Boom (Sisters Of War, ABC).

News media commentators, celebrities and the general public agreed that the strong line up of performing artists, headlined by Katy Perry, made this years Logies one of the best ever.

Stay tuned right here for some exclusive photos and multimedia.

NOMINEES AND WINNERS LIST

TV WEEK GOLD LOGIE – Most Popular Personality on TV

Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC 1)
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
WINNER Karl Stefanovic (Today, Network Nine)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Popular Actor

Callan Mulvey (Rush, Network Ten)
Don Hany (Offspring, Network Ten / Tangle, Foxtel)
Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
WINNER - Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Michael Caton (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Popular Actress

WINNER - Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Margot Robbie (Neighbours, Network Ten)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Zoe Ventoura (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Popular Presenter

Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1)
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy 'Specials', Network Ten)
WINNER - Karl Stefanovic (Today, Nine Network)
Shaun Micallef (Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, Network Ten)

MOST POPULAR NEW MALE TALENT

Charles Cottier (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Eddie Perfect (Offspring, Network Ten)
WINNER - Firass Dirani (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Manu Feildel (My Kitchen Rules, Channel Seven)
Ryan Corr (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)

MOST POPULAR NEW FEMALE TALENT

WINNER - Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Emma Booth (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Hannah Marshall (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Julie Goodwin (Home Cooked! With Julie Goodwin, Nine Network)
Poh Ling Yeow (Poh’s Kitchen, ABC1)

MOST POPULAR DRAMA SERIES

Home And Away (Channel Seven)
Neighbours (Network Ten)
Offspring (Network Ten)
WINNER - Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Rush (Network Ten)
Underbelly: The Golden Mile (Nine Network)

MOST POPULAR LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM

Good News Week (Network Ten)
Hey Hey It's Saturday (Nine Network)
Sunrise (Channel Seven)
Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation (Network Ten)
WINNER - The Circle (Network Ten)

MOST POPULAR LIFESTYLE PROGRAM

WINNER - Better Homes And Gardens (Channel Seven)
Domestic Blitz (Nine Network)
Getaway (Nine Network)
Grand Designs Australia (Foxtel)
Ready Steady Cook (Network Ten)

MOST POPULAR SPORTS PROGRAM

Before The Game (Network Ten and ONE HD)
WINNER - The Footy Show (AFL) (Nine Network)
The Footy Show (NRL) (Nine Network)
The Matty Johns Show (Channel Seven)
Wide World Of Sports (Nine Network)

MOST POPULAR REALITY PROGRAM

Dancing With The Stars (Channel Seven)
WINNER - MasterChef Australia (Network Ten)
The Biggest Loser Australia (Network Ten)
The Farmer Wants A Wife (Nine Network)
The X Factor (Channel Seven)

MOST POPULAR FACTUAL PROGRAM

WINNER - Bondi Rescue (Network Ten)
Bondi Vet (Network Ten)
RPA (Nine Network)
Undercover Boss Australia (Network Ten)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie

Hawke (Network Ten)
Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Rake (ABC1)
Rush (Network Ten)
Sisters Of War (ABC1)
WINNER - Underbelly: The Golden Mile (Nine Network)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Outstanding Actor

Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Jason Gann (Wilfred, SBS)
Richard Roxburgh (Hawke, Network Ten)
WINNER - Richard Roxburgh (Rake, ABC1)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Outstanding Actress

Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Catherine McClements (Rush, Network Ten)
WINNER - Claire van der Boom (Sisters Of War, ABC1)
Justine Clarke (Tangle, Foxtel [Showcase])
Kat Stewart (Offspring, Network Ten)

GRAHAM KENNEDY AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING NEW TALENT

Emma Booth (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
WINNER - Firass Dirani (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Richard Davies (Offspring, Network Ten)
Ryan Corr (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Sarah Snook (Sisters Of War, ABC1)

MOST OUTSTANDING NEWS COVERAGE

“Afghanistan Rocket Attack” (Ten News)
“Election 2010” (Sky News)
“Laurie Oakes Election Leaks” (Nine News)
WINNER - “New Zealand Mine Disaster” (Seven News)
“Pakistan Floods” (ABC News)

MOST OUTSTANDING PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT

“Brothers In Arms” (Sunday Night, Channel Seven)
“Hey Dad..! Scandal” (A Current Affair, Nine Network)
“Iraq’s Deadly Legacy” (Dateline, SBS)
WINNER - “Smugglers' Paradise” (Four Corners, ABC1)
“The Condemned” (Dateline, SBS)

MOST OUTSTANDING LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM

Hamish & Andy’s Caravan of Courage: Great Britain & Ireland (Network Ten)
Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam (SBS)
WINNER - Spicks And Specks (ABC1)
Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Network Ten)
Yes We Canberra (ABC1)

MOST OUTSTANDING SPORTS COVERAGE

2010 AFL Grand Final (Channel Seven)
2010 Melbourne Cup (Channel Seven)
Rugby League - 2010 State Of Origin (Game One) (Nine Network)
WINNER - The Ashes 2010 First Test - Day One at the Gabba (Nine Network)
XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (Foxtel)

MOST OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Camp Orange: Castle Mountain (Foxtel [Nickelodeon])
WINNER - Dance Academy (ABC3)
Dead Gorgeous (ABC3)
Hi-5 (Nine Network)
Prank Patrol (ABC3)

MOST OUTSTANDING FACTUAL PROGRAM

Bondi Rescue (Network Ten)
Miracle in the Storm (ABC1)
RPA (Nine Network)
Such Is Life: The Troubled Times Of Ben Cousins (Channel Seven)
WINNER - Trishna & Krishna: The Quest For Separate Lives (Channel Seven)

Logies Notes

Performing artist Katy Perry promised a Logies explosive firework opening to the Logies and she delivered

Logies 2001 was more glamorous than ever before

Longest red carpet in the event's history (80m)

Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Jesse J all performed

Rebecca Judd, expecting, showed off her tummy on the Logies' red carpet

Rebecca Gibney had been favourite to take home the coveted Gold Logie.

Shane Jacobsen (Kenny fame) was a photographers favorite for the night, putting on all sorts of antics to keep the press pack amused.

Katy Perry was the most photographed star on the red carpet, to little surprise

Crown Casino is understood to have possibly done record business in gaming and at its restaurants and bars, as a positive flow on effect from from the event

Stefanovic is Nine's first Gold Logie winner since Ray Martin won his fifth and final award in 1996. In voting him television's most popular personality, the public has ended a five-year stranglehold on gold for the Seven network.









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