Official Portrait of President Obama

Earlier this week, the official portrait for President Barack Obama was released. It was taken by Pete Souza, the newly-announced official White House photographer. This was the first time that an official presidential portrait was taken with a digital camera.

Boy George Faces Jail for False Imprisonment

A judge in London will sentence singer Boy George today following his conviction last month for false imprisonment.

Judge David Radford had warned the pop star, real name George O'Dowd, that "custody is the more likely option."

Pop star and DJ Boy George was found guilty of false imprisonment by a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court on December 5th but was bailed to await sentence. The maximum penalty for false imprisonment is life.

O'Dowd denied the charges but chose not to give evidence in his own defence.

Audun Carlsen, a 29 year old sex worker, told the court of his ordeal at the hands of O'Dowd.

He met the star on the dating website Gaydar in 2007 and agreed to go to his flat in London's Shoreditch late one night for a "photo session." In the following months the pop star sent the prostitute a series of messages on Gaydar and eventually arranged to meet again.

On April 28th Carlsen returned to O'Dowd's apartment. He was confronted by O'Dowd and another man. He was attacked, dragged across the floor by O'Dowd, handcuffed to a wall by the bed at the Culture Club singer's east London flat and beaten with a chain, until he managed to flee. O'Dowd was angry because he believed Carlsen had tampered with his computer.

He told the court O'Dowd was screaming "F****** whore! Now you're going to get what you deserve".

The pop star told police: "I asked him to come (back to my flat) because I wanted to find out if this guy had borrowed my stuff. I got a friend there because I wanted to make sure he didn't leave so I could check the computer and his phone. The friend was just there in case he tried to stab me or take a hammer to me."

Last year George completed five days of community service in New York after being convicted of false reporting of an incident. He claimed he had been robbed, but when police arrived to investigate they found a large quantity of cocaine in his flat.

Times Square Virgin Megastore To Close

The Times Square Virgin Megastore, which is the highest volume music store in the U.S., will shut down come April.

The store has been at the center of speculation since August 2007 when the Virgin Entertainment Group North America was acquired by two real estate companies - the Related Cos. and Vornado - in a joint venture.

Last June, a Vornado executive told Reuters that the store would shut down in the first quarter of 2009. The decision to close the store appears related to real estate and the value connected to the location. That executive was quoted as saying that Virgin pays only $54 per square-foot when the market rent in the area is about $700 a square foot.

So, while the store, which does an estimated $55 million in annual volume, is profitable to the tune of $6 million, according to sources, the space would be even more profitable for its owner with a higher rent tenant. Vornado bought the 180,000 square foot retail component of the Bertelsmann building, which houses the Times Square store, in 2006, and will lease the space to Forever 21, according to press reports.

The closure leaves the Virgin chain with five stores, and one of them, the Union Square store in New York, will now be the city's premiere record store, with an estimated $40 million annual volume. But the status of that store is also at question as the Related Cos. and Vornado leased the ground floor of the store to Nordstrom Rack for the holiday season, only to have the deal fall through.

VEG NA CEO Simon Wright says no decision has been made on the 14th Street store. While the closure of the Times Square store has wider implications for the chain's overall health, the owners and VEG NA management will assess what to do with the rest of the stores over the next few months.

Source: Billboard

"American Idol" Debut Audience Slides

"American Idol" launched its latest run with 10 percent fewer viewers than watched last year's season opener, ratings showed on Wednesday, despite hoopla surrounding a new judge for the hit talent contest.

Still, the 30.1 million viewers tuning in to Tuesday night's debut of the show's eighth installment on the Fox network, a unit of News Corp, marked the biggest audience for any U.S. television broadcast so far this season.

The previous benchmark was held by the CBS detective drama, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," which drew 23.5 million viewers with its season premiere on October 9, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The opening-night tally for "American Idol," down 10 percent from last year's season premiere, marks the lowest audience total for a season-debut episode since 2004, when 28.2 million tuned in, Nielsen reported.

Ratings also were down 14 percent from last year's opening broadcast among viewers aged 18 to 49, the group most prized by advertisers.

The show's biggest season premiere was in 2007, watched by 37.3 million viewers.

"Idol" easily remains the most watched program on U.S. television, and Fox spokesman Scott Grogin said it was not surprising for even the most wildly popular of shows to see a ratings decline after eight seasons.

He added that the increasing tendency of viewers to record the program and watch it later has taken a toll on the show's first-day ratings, as it has on other programs.

The cavalcade of pop-star wannabes auditioning in the two-hour "American Idol" premiere included a swimsuit-clad contestant who earned the nickname Bikini Girl, and an almost completely blind man who sang a Billy Joel song.

The show's premiere also featured for the first time a panel of four judges, with the addition of newcomer Kara DioGuardi appraising the talent of try-out contestants in Phoenix, Arizona.

DioGuardi, a songwriter and producer, joins veteran panelists Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

"American Idol" drew an average 28.1 million viewers each week last season. The show is a spin-off of a British hit that was brought to the United States in 2002.

The reality show has launched the careers of such recording stars as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson, who went on to win an Oscar for her performance as a Motown singer in the 2006 musical "Dreamgirls." Last year's winner was rocker David Cook.

Source: Reuters.com

Jennifer Hudson to Sing at Super Bowl

Actress and recording star Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem at the Super Bowl in her first public performance since the shooting deaths of her mother, brother and nephew, her Web site said on Wednesday.

The former "American Idol" contestant and Oscar-winning "Dreamgirls" actress will open the NBC broadcast of the National Football League championship on February 1 in Tampa Bay, Florida, with her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Rock veteran Bruce Springsteen already has been announced for the coveted half-time slot during the game, usually the most watched U.S. television broadcast of the year.

Hudson's Super Bowl gig will come five days before she is due to sing in Los Angeles at the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year show, an event leading up to the 51st annual Grammy Awards on February 8. Hudson's self-titled debut release is nominated for a Grammy as best R&B album.
In October, Hudson's mother, brother and nephew were shot to death in her hometown of Chicago. Authorities have charged Hudson's estranged brother-in-law, William Balfour, with murder in the slaying of her family members.

Hudson, 27, competed in the reality talent show "American Idol" in 2004. She was eliminated midway through the competition but revived her career with a critically acclaimed performance in the 2006 musical "Dreamgirls," which earned her an Academy Award as best supporting actress. Last year, she co-starred in the movie "The Secret Life of Bees."

Source: Reuters.com

Lisa Marie Presley's Twin Baby Girls

Time to paint Graceland pink!

Elvis Presley's only daughter, Lisa Marie, is now a doting mom to 3-month-old girls Finley and Harper – and she is showing off her tiny additions in the new issue of PEOPLE.

"I really wanted these babies," says Presley, 40, who tried for two years to get pregnant before conceiving the twins.

"My blood was too thick and would clot, which caused several miscarriages," she tells PEOPLE. "The moment I took blood thinners, I got pregnant."

Presley and her guitarist husband Michael Lockwood, 47, also share their L.A. home with Presley's children from a previous marriage: daughter Riley, 19, and son Benjamin, 16.

Life as a bustling family of six is "chaotic bliss," says Presley.

The outspoken star – who proudly bared her baby bump after tabloids accused her of having an "unhealthy appetite" – also opens up about losing her baby weight.

"I was unable to see my toes by the fourth month," she admits. "But I only gained 30 lbs. total. I worked out up until the seventh month."

For much more on this story, check out the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday

Source: People.com

Ricardo Montalban Dies At 88

Ricardo Montalban, the velvet voiced Mexican born actor who greeted the plane as Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island, died in his Beverly Hills home Wednesday. He was 88.

His son-in-law Gilbert Smith tells PEOPLE that Montalban had been in declining health for months and died from "complications of advancing age."

"He was in peace," said Smith, who said that the actor was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. "He will be missed," added Smith.

Born in Mexico City and partially educated in the U.S., Montalban began his career in the early '40s playing bit parts on Broadway and lead roles in films from his native country. In 1947, MGM brought him to Hollywood to be a romantic lead.

While he enjoyed a long career in film, he became an icon both as the white-suited Roarke, the star of the high rated ABC drama, and as Kahn, Captain Kirk's nemesis in the 1982 film Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn. Younger audiences know him as Grandpa Cortez in the Spy Kids films.

Montalban was proceeded in death by one year by his wife of 63 years, Gorgiana Young, the younger sister of his frequent co-star Loretta Young. "[She is] the only love of my life," the actor said in 2004.

He is survived by four children and six grandchildren.

Source: People.com

FOX Cancels Prison Break

They've broken out, been the subject of a manhunt, been imprisoned and broken out again. Now the run for "Prison Break" is at an end.

FOX announced Tuesday (Jan. 13) during its TCA press tour session that "Prison Break" will end its four-season run in the spring. The final episodes will debut Friday, April 17.

The show's final season has followed brothers Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) and Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), along with a Homeland Security agent ( Michael Rapaport) working to take down the Company, the shadowy firm that initially framed Lincoln and set the whole thing in motion.

This season felt like a natural end point for the show, FOX Entertainment chief Kevin Reilly says: "To keep it going was going to be, creatively, really stretching the concept."

That said, Reilly thinks the show's producers "have a really cool ending" in mind for the finale.

The final run is currently set for four episodes. Reilly says there's some chance a couple extra episodes could be tacked on, but the network hasn't confirmed them yet.

Source: Zap2It.com

National Psoriasis Walk for Awareness

Dear Friends:

I would normally not post items on my blog that do not pertain to entertainment, however this is an important cause for me and I feel the need to share it with you.

I am asking for your help with a cause that means a lot to me as I personally have Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

On Sunday, January 18, 2009 I will be participating in the Miami National Psoriasis Walk for Awareness (starting behind the Macy's at the Aventura Mall). The purpose of this walk is to spread awareness about psoriasis, while raising money for psoriasis education, advocacy and research. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. I am asking you to help me make a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, noncontagious skin disease that causes red, scaly patches, which can appear on any part of the body. It can cause the skin to itch, burn and bleed. Psoriasis on the hands or feet can prevent people from doing everyday tasks such as writing or walking. Ten percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.

The National Psoriasis Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people who have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Through education and advocacy, the Psoriasis Foundation promotes awareness and understanding, ensures access to treatment, and supports research that will lead to effective management and, ultimately, a cure.

I hope you will support my efforts to improve the lives of those affected by psoriasis through your sponsorship. I am asking for a contribution of any amount. Your donation will be greatly appreciated. The money we raise through the National Psoriasis Walk for Awareness will be used to help millions of people.

Finally, I invite all my local friends or anyone interested to attend our next local Support Meeting this Thursday, January 15th at 7:00 pm which is taking place at the Resnik Skin Institute - 2630 NE 203rd Street, Suite 105 - Aventura, Florida 33180. Come and learn about Psoriasis and get acquainted with the treatments available.

Please use the link below to contribute.
Click here to make a donation to support me.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Sincerely,
Carlos Ortega
co-Leader Miami Support Group
National Psoriasis Foundation

If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://walk.psoriasis.org/site/TR/2009Walks/General-2009?px=1136601&pg=personal&fr_id=1270&et=g0wJESRpQ_roHGSkezspZQ..&s_tafId=3291 Click here to join my team/register for the walk.

If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://walk.psoriasis.org/site/TR/2009Walks/General-2009?team_id=5890&pg=team&fr_id=1270&et=8x2xVJBYwY6xmnFlyydDIw..&s_tafId=3291 Click here to view the company page for Miami Psoriasis Support Group

If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://walk.psoriasis.org/site/TR/2009Walks/General-2009?company=Miami+Psoriasis+Support+Group&pg=company&fr_id=1270&et=VJCsNFbWEAGKo2tBGQBskw..&s_tafId=3291
National Psoriasis Foundation
6600 SW 92nd Ave., Suite 300
Portland, Ore. 97223
http://www.psoriasis.org/

New Release Tuesday!

It's new release Tuesday again. So here's what's new in music, movies and TV show entertainment:

Blu-Rays & DVDs - Movies

Appaloosa (B/D)

Balls Out: Gary the Tennis Coach (D)

Brick Lane (D)

Brideshead Revisited (D)

Climbing Your Way Down the Corporate Ladder (B)

Mirrors (B/D)

My Best Friend's Girl (B/D)

Swing Vote (B/D) (shown above)

Without a Pabble: Nature's Calling (B/D)

Blu-Rays & DVDs - TV Shows

Alvin & the Chipmunks - The Chipettes (D)

The Benny Hill Show - Best of the Early Years (D)

Dallas - 10th Season (D) (shown above)

Little Britain USA - 1st Season (D)

Matlock - 2nd Season (D)

Reba - 5th Season (D)

'Til Death - 2nd Season (D)

Walker, Texas Ranger - 6th Season (D)

CDs - Music

Elaine Elias - Bossa Nova Stories

Heather Headley - Audience of One (shown above)

My Dear Disco - Dancethink Music

Joshua Redman - Compass

Varsity Fanclub - Varsity Fanclub

(B) - Available only on Blu-Ray

(D) - Available only on DVD

(B/D) - Available on Blu-Ray & DVD

Make sure you support the entertainment industry by purchasing your favorites at a local or online store.

American Idols: Where Are They Now?

"American Idol" returns to U.S. television Tuesday for an eighth marathon search for the nation's best undiscovered singers.

Over the years, America's most-watched TV show has found plenty of new talent, as well as some unlikely heroes. Following is a look at where some of the most memorable
"American Idol" contestants are now.

KELLY CLARKSON

Former cocktail waitress and first winner in 2002 who went on to worldwide sales of more than 20 million albums and eight Top 10 hits on Billboard Hot 100. Double Grammy and four-time American Music Award winner. Currently working on fourth album due out in March.

CLAY AIKEN

Runner-up in 2003 but one of most successful males in "American Idol" history. Four studio albums and a Broadway run in "Monty Python's Spamalot." Came out as a homosexual in September, after the birth of his son with female friend and record producer Jaymes Foster.

JENNIFER HUDSON

Placed seventh in 2005 then won best supporting actor Oscar, Golden Globe and SAG award for her role as Effie White in "Dreamgirls" (2006). Also appeared in "The Secret Life of Bees" and the movie version of "Sex and the City." Debut album in 2008 brought four Grammy nominations. Her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew were murdered in Chicago in October.

TAYLOR HICKS

Gray-haired, soul music winner in 2006 but debut album disappointed. Played role of Teen Angel in "Grease" on Broadway in 2008 and currently on U.S. national tour in that role. Album "The Distance" due out on his own label in March.

SANJAYA MALAKAR

Top 12 finalist in 2007 at age 17, best known for variety of hairstyles and pitchy singing. In 2008, mocked himself in an insurance commercial. Releases a memoir in January and a five-track EP called "Dancing to the Music in My Head."

DAVID COOK

Rock guitarist and 2008 winner. Debut album in November entered at No. 3 on Billboard charts and is currently in 10th spot. Plans a U.S. tour in 2009 and will play for U.S. troops in Iraq in January.

WILLIAM HUNG

Chinese-American civil engineering student who shot to fame in 2004 after toneless audition performance of "She Bangs." Released three albums, appeared in TV commercials, starred in 2005 movie "Where is Mama's Boy" and makes occasional appearances in Hong Kong and the United States.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

2005 winner, country singer and one of most successful Idol contestants. Multiple Grammy and Country Music Association Award winner with sales of more than 11 million records worldwide. Inducted as member of Grand Ole Opry in May 2008. Third album expected in late 2009.

JORDIN SPARKS

In 2007 became youngest winner, at age 17. Debut album spawned three hit singles including "No Air" with Chris Brown which is in the running for a 2008 Grammy. Opening act for Alicia Keys on the U.S. leg of her 2008 tour. Spoke out at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in defense of the Jonas Brothers and their purity rings.

FANTASIA BARRINO

Fiery R&B singer and 2004 winner whose debut album was Grammy-nominated. Starred in a TV biopic of her own life as a teen single mom and won rave reviews as star of "The Color Purple" on Broadway in 2007, a role she will reprise in a planned movie adaptation of the stage musical.

DAVID ARCHULETA

Baby-faced piano player and 2008 runner-up, who released a best-selling single "Crush" in August 2008 and a debut album in November that peaked at No. 2 on Billboard album charts. Expected to appear in Nickelodeon's "iCarly" show in early 2009.

CHRIS DAUGHTRY

Placed fourth in 2006 but made chart-topping rock album with his band, "Daughtry," and become fourth most-successful Idol contestant in terms of record sales. His song "Home" was used as an

Idol's losing theme song in 2007. Won three American Music Awards in 2007.

Let's see who will be the next risinging star from American Idol. Watch American Idol on Fox starting this Tuesday and a second episode on Wednesday. Check your local listings for time and channel.

Source: Reuters.com

Tweaked "American Idol" Returns with New Judge

"American Idol" returns for its eighth season on Tuesday with a new judge, a better showcase for talented singers and a wary eye on its status as America's most-watched television show.

The five-month search for a new star kicks off with a two-night, four-hour premiere featuring the familiar blend of hundreds of hopeful, and sometimes hopeless, contestants auditioning in cities across the nation.

But producers have tweaked the formula to keep viewers tuning in en masse after last year, when the numbers of "American Idol" faithful slipped to about 28.1 million per episode from an average 30.8 million in 2006.

The 2009 season adds a fourth judge -- songwriter and producer Kara DioGuardi -- gives more broadcast time to the popular Hollywood round, where promising contestants show off their skills, and brings back the "wild card" round for a place in the coveted final 12.

Executive producer Ken Warwick has told journalists the changes had been made "to make it more interesting," but denied that the show's makers were in a panic over lower ratings.

Since its inception in 2002 on the Fox network, "American Idol" has produced bonafide stars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood through a viewer-driven voting format that has been adopted by many other TV shows.

The program and its singers are followed around the world -- either live or in taped broadcasts -- in 100 nations, and the show has even inspired a Walt Disney World theme park attraction due to open in Florida in February.

DioGuardi said male contestants had the edge over the women this season, judging by early auditions. "There is a uniqueness to some of the male contestants in terms of their voices and the songs they are singing. There at least five that are great," she said.

DioGuardi's addition to the lineup of Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell -- who decide which singers go home in early rounds -- sets up some dramatic splits among the judges. The acerbic Cowell has the tie-breaking vote.

The return of "American Idol" comes two months after the suicide in November of a former contestant and obsessed fan who took an overdose in her car outside Abdul's Los Angeles home. The woman, Paula Goodspeed, was ridiculed by the judges in her 2005 audition.

Cowell said last month that Goodspeed's suicide hit the show "like an express train" and forced him to reflect on his harsh comments to bad singers.

But Cowell and "Idol" producers said the incident wouldn't prompt any major changes in the show.

Source: Reuters.com

Kate Winslet, Slumdog Millionaire Win Big at the Golden Globes

A breathless Kate Winslet, the first winner of the night at Sunday's Golden Globes – as best supporting actress for The Reader – proved to be a double winner by evening's end. She was also named best leading actress in the drama Revolutionary Road.

As determined by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Winslet, along with Mickey Rourke, Colin Farrell, Happy-Go-Lucky's Sally Hawkins, the late Heath Ledger (shown above), Slumdog Millionaire, and Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona were the top winners in the film categories.

The HBO miniseries John Adams, AMC's Mad Men and NBC's multiple-winner 30 Rock took TV honors.

Below is a list of the winners:

FILM

Best Motion Picture – Drama
Slumdog Millionaire

Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road

Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical
Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Actress – Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical
Sally Hawkins Happy-Go-Lucky

Best Actor – Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical
Colin Farrell, In Bruges

Best Supporting Actress
Kate Winslet, The Reader

Best Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

Best Animated Feature
WALL-E

TV

Best Television Series – Drama
Mad Men

Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama
Anna Paquin, True Blood

Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment

Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical
30 Rock

Best Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical
Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Best Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Source: People.com

Heath Ledger's Family 'Overjoyed' By Golden Globe Win

Although Heath Ledger's family couldn't be at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, they were there in spirit as the actor was honored posthumously for his wicked portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight.
"We are overjoyed for him," his father Kim Ledger told People of his son's win for best supporting actor in a drama, and added: "It's wonderful."

Kim Ledger, of Perth, Western Australia, cited personal reasons for not making it to the ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan accepted the award for the actor. "On behalf of all of us who worked with Heath on Dark Knight, I accept this with mix of sadness and incredible pride," said Nolan. "He will be eternally missed but he will never be forgotten."

Costar Aaron Eckhart says Heath's recognition is "bittersweet." "Just that we're talking about him, remembering him, we're showcasing his talent and him as a human being, is very important to me. For us – everyone in The Dark Knight – this is all for Heath," Eckhart told People at the ceremony.

"I get the chills every so often talking about him," added Eckhart. "I knew Heath as an actor. I felt his spirit and I admired him."

Heath Ledger, 28, was found dead in a New York apartment nearly a year ago of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

Source: People.com

It's Official: Fergie & Josh Are Married!

In a white fantasy wedding, Fergie and Josh Duhamel were married Saturday under magnolia trees filled with thousands of white roses, People confirms.

The Black Eyed Peas singer, 33, wearing a Dolce & Gabbana gown, and the actor, 36, tied the knot at the Church Estates Vineyards in Malibu.

Fergie carried a bouquet of white flowers studded with crystals as the couple exchanged H. Stern rings engraved with personal messages. Ten bridesmaids were dressed in contrasting black.

Fergie's specially-designed engagement ring featured a 4-carat brilliant cut diamond set amid other diamonds. A narrowed diamond wedding band completed the set. Duhamel's ring was made of white gold with a brushed finish.

The ceremony was followed by a reception in a tent decorated as a forest of trees, with the ceiling covered in lights.

Among the invited guests were new parents Rebecca Romjin and Jerry O'Connell, Mario Lopez, Stacy Keibler, Kid Rock, Slash, Kate Hudson (Fergie's costar in her upcoming movie Nine), the members of Black Eyed Peas including will.i.am, and Duhamel's Las Vegas costars James Caan, Molly Sims and Vanessa Marcil.

Also expected were Duhamel's family, who flew in from his home state North Dakota. "His family are so excited," says a friend of the couple. "They really love Fergie and are so happy to welcome her to the family."

Fergie, aka Stacey Ferguson, who has been working out to prepare for her wedding, "has lost all the weight," says a source. "She looked amazing."

The wedding week kicked off Wednesday night with a joint bachelor-bachelorette party at the newly opened Dakota Lounge in Santa Monica, followed by a Hawaiian-themed rehearsal dinner on Friday.

"Josh is a great guy," says Mario Lopez, who shared his first kiss with Fergie as kids and later became close friends with the singer. "They will be great together."

Source: People.com

Dexter Siblings Michael C. Hall & Jennifer Carpenter Are Now Real-Life Spouses

Don't worry folks, it's legal. They may play brother and sister on Dexter, but in real life Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter were lawfully wed on New Year's Eve, according to Hall's rep, Craig Bankey. The outdoor ceremony was held in Big Sur.

Hall, 37, and Carpenter, 29, plan to appear together at this year's Golden Globes Awards on Sunday.

People last caught up with Carpenter at the Emmys in September, where she answered the question, Who's the sexiest man alive? with ease: "Michael C Hall!," she said. "He's the sexiest man alive. He's one of the best we've got. He's an incredible talent and if anyone deserves accolades, it's him."

Source: People.com

Ryan O'Neal Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge

Ryan O'Neal pleaded guilty to a felony charge of drug possession in a Malibu, Calif., courtroom Friday, and agreed to enter an 18-month drug deferment program.

If the actor successfully completes drug counseling and other requirements, the case against him will be dismissed.

"Ryan was anxious to move on with his life with privacy and dignity and that's what we're trying to do here today," his lawyer Mark Werksman told People.

O'Neal, 67, appeared in court looking calm, wearing a black suit. When asked by a prosecutor how he would plea, he replied in a low raspy voice, "guilty."

Also present was his son Redmond, 23, whose pending drug case was postponed to a later date.

Both men were arrested Sept. 17 at the actor's Malibu home following a probation sweep in which deputies found methamphetamines. A vial of the drug was found in Ryan's bedroom, police said.

Redmond, who has long battled drug addiction, had been on probation following a DUI and drug possession conviction in June 2008.

Werksman previously denied that Ryan uses drugs.

"The drugs found in Ryan's bedroom were Redmond's," Werksman said. "He had confiscated them from Redmond. He was trying to keep them away from his son."

Source: People.com

Patrick Swayze Checks Into Hospital with Pneumonia

Patrick Swayze has pneumonia and has checked himself into a hospital for observation, it was revealed Friday at a press event for the Television Critics Association in Los Angeles.

"As we arrived here this morning we have some news," said A&E president Abbe Raven. "Patrick Swayze has checked himself into the hospital. However, he asked us specifically to go forward with today's panel. We wish him the very best with his recovery."

Bob DeBitetto, the president and general manager of A&E, delivered the news that Swayze had decided to check himself into the hospital after he came down with pneumonia.

Swayze, who is battling pancreatic cancer, had been expected to discuss his new show, The Beast, scheduled to begin airing Jan. 15.

Patrick is undergoing treatment and he's still fighting," a source close to the star tells People. "He felt so bad that he couldn't be at the TCAs. He's fighting and doing well, and that's all anybody can hope for at this stage. He is not at death's door. Nobody ever knows with cancer, but he's doing alright. As soon as he's out, he's going to try to reschedule as much as he can.

Adds another source close to the situation, "He knows he's not a miracle. There's only so much he can do. He needs to take care of himself, so he checked himself in to get the help he needs."

During an interview that aired Wednesday on ABC, the actor told Barbara Walters that his road has been difficult. "You can bet that I'm going through hell," he said. "And I've only seen the beginning of it."

Swayze, 56, who went public with his diagnosis last March, said the disease has taken an emotional toll. "There's a lot of fear here," he said. "Yeah, I'm scared. Yeah, I'm angry. Yeah, I'm [asking], why me."

Despite his difficult year battling cancer, Swayze is still looking ahead. "I keep dreaming of a future, a future with a long and healthy life," he said, "not lived in the shadow of cancer, but in the light."

At the TCA event in L.A., Swayze's colleagues on the show opened up about the actor's personal struggle. "[He's] been an absolute inspiration, he's an amazing guy," said costar Travis Fimmel. "He makes the little things seem not important."

Bill Rotko, creator of The Beast, said: "Although you forget sometimes that Patrick's going through treatment for cancer, it brings you very close together. There's a tremendous amount of respect going on."

Beast executive producer John Romano added that Swayze gives the show 100 percent. "He's bringing the force of his own personal struggle into the performance," he said. "He does it five days a week, 12 hours a day."

Source: People.com

Gay Porn World: Get to Know Francesco D'Macho

The gay porn world is one of the most profitable sectors of the entertainment world. Here at CharlieCruiser's World we proudly share with you great features covering the Gay Porn World.

As my premier special feature, I share with you gay porn sensation, Francesco D'Macho who was recently interviewed by my friend MUZOPHILE.

Click on the picture below to link into MUZOPHILE's blog and read his very interesting interview.

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Same Werewolf Will Stalk "Twilight"Sequel

The werewolf will not morph.

After much speculation and consternation among online fans of the hit vampire romance "Twilight," Taylor Lautner will return as the werewolf Jacob Black in the sequel "New Moon," producer Summit Entertainment and director Chris Weitz said Wednesday.

The character has a relatively minor role in the first picture but a significantly larger one in the second, as he develops a romantic relationship with female protagonist Bella (Kristen Stewart).

With the Jacob character looking older and bulkier in "New Moon" as he goes through physiological changes, there had been reports that Lautner may be replaced. The actor was said to be gaining weight as part of his bid to keep the part.

Coincidentally, Robert Pattinson himself also faced some backlash from the fan community when he was first brought on to play Edward, with some saying he was actually too bulky for the part.

Still, it's unclear how big Lautner's role will be in the new movie, which is being fast-tracked to come out in November.
While the role of Edward is considerably smaller in the "New Moon" novel, the script is expected to boost his role to allow for more screentime for Pattinson, who is seen as key to the success of "Twilight."

Weitz, who came on to direct the second picture last month after Summit and "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke could not reach an agreement, acknowledged the size issue but said Lautner was ultimately the best choice.

"The characters in (author) Stephenie (Meyer)'s books go through extraordinary changes of circumstance and also appearance; so it is not surprising that there has been speculation about whether the same actor would portray a character who changes in so many surprising ways throughout the series," Weitz wrote in a letter posted on Meyer's website. "But it was my first instinct that Taylor was, is, and should be Jacob."

Source: Reuters