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Veteran actor Anupam Kher is “shocked” after reading reports that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked producers of his next film “Mr.Bhatti On Chutti” to mute dialogues mentioning political leaders George Bush and Manmohan Singh.
“Censor board asks makers of my film ‘Mr.Bhatti On Chutti’ to mute the names of George Bush and Manmohan Singh. Shocking,” tweeted the 57-year-old.
Directed by Karan Razdan, the movie narrates the story of a group of Indian tourists visiting the Lake District in Cumbria, Britain. But they get mixed up in the saga of a missing British woman.
With Anupam in the lead role, the film is slated for release June 21.
“‘Mr.Bhatti On Chutti’ is a spoof. I play over the top detective who has a peace plan for President Bush. Muting his name will mutilate the film,” Kher posted. – IANS
http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/anupam-kher-shocked-on-censor-cut-in-mr-bhatti-on-chutti-119338.html
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has put a full stop to speculation that he is set to launch the first look of his ambitious project, Kareena Kapoor-starrer “Heroine” at the upcoming 65th Cannes International Film Festival.
“Media reporting that 1st look of #Heroine is going to be launched in Cannes are baseless,” tweeted Bhandarkar Tuesday.
“Me, Kareena and the whole team are busy shooting #Heroine through the whole month of April and May, so no question of visiting Cannes,” he further added.
The annual film extravaganza is to be held May 16-27.
Bhandarkar had launched “Heroine” at the last edition of Cannes International Film Festival with Aishwarya Rai as the lead. But later, the actress had to opt out of the project after she became pregnant.
Kareena stepped into her shoes for the role.
“Heroine” delves into the behind-the-scenes life of an actress in the Indian film industry. It also features Arjun Rampal. – IANS
http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/no-heroine-at-cannes-film-festival-madhur-bhandarkar-119342.html
Angelina Jolie has more than one reason to celebrate today: Hot on the heels of the news of her engagement to Brad Pitt, the United Nations has announced that the actress will take on a new real-life role as special envoy.
Jolie, who has served as goodwill ambassador to the UN for ten years, received the promotion in a first from the international organization, who usually reserves the honor for career diplomats and retired politicians.
Angelina Jolie pretends she's above Angelegging >>
"Her work does go substantially beyond what we would typically see as being the normal role of a goodwill ambassador," UN spokesman Adrian Edwards told reporters in Geneva. "I don't think you need a rocket scientist to see the benefits that she is bringing in terms of the attention that she is getting for the plight of the world's displaced."
Jolie's work with the UNHCR -- the UN's refugee agency -- will focus on helping to resolve the crises that cause mass displacements of people in locations like Somalia and Afghanistan. "That can mean conveying messages to governments. It can mean conveying messages to other people and partners that we work with," said Edwards.
6 Tips for Brad and Angelina's would-be wedding planner >>
But while Jolie has donated tons of cash to the group over the years, that had nothing to do with gaining this new role.
"She has donated substantially to refugees," Edwards explained, also noting that Jolie won't receive any money for the job. "There is to my knowledge absolutely no connection between any donation of money and this role."
http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/957509/angelina-jolies-engagement-and-un-role
Actor Kunal Kemmu and his girlfriend Soha Ali Khan have rubbished reports that they are set to tie the knot by November this year. The wedding plans are yet to be put in place, says the couple.
“None of them (reports) are true as of now… As and when we discuss it among ourselves, we will share it with everybody. But not as of now,” said Kunal.
Asked if they will pip Soha’s brother Saif Ali Khan and actress Kareena Kapoor to the wedding post, Kunal said: “It’s not like we are ahead of someone or behind. There is no hurry that if they are getting married, we should also do it.”
Soha added: “It’s not a race! Whenever it is the right time, we will talk.”
For now, Kunal, whose last release “Blood Money” fared average at the box office, is currently shooting for Saif’s home production “Go, Goa, Gone”.
Soha was last seen in “Soundtrack” and is busy with Deepa Mehta’s “Midnight’s Children”. – IANS
http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/no-marriage-plans-right-now-kunal-kemmu-119335.html
Ricki Lake's princess card is all filled up thanks to her time on Dancing With the Stars. The newlywed cites her turn in the bright spotlight as part of the reason she and Christian Evans opted to elope.
“It was a week ago and I am so, so happy to be with him," Ricki Lake, who tied the knot in a private ceremony on April 8, said Tuesday. "Better late than never."
Of her decision to keep their nuptials a secret Ricki Lake divulged during a visit to The View, "Dancing With the Stars was such an experience where I felt like I was a princess twice a week. I got to get all the attention and the accolades and I didn't need that on my wedding day. I really wanted it to be about us."
Ricki Lake certainly got her wish. The couple's beachside vow exchange was attended only by their dogs -- her two sons didn't even get to witness her wedding!
Ricki Lake Show is making a comeback >>
"It was Easter break," the mother of 15-year-old Milo and 10-year-old Owen explained of their absence. "It was spring break and it was actually Easter Sunday and they were with their father. We invited them, but I think they were more concerned with what cake they were missing versus the ceremony. We celebrated with them and they've always felt like he's a stepfather to them anyways so they're really happy for us."
"He is my soul mate," Ricki Lake, whose book Never Say Never is now out, added of her new husband. "I was ready for that right person to come into my life."
Image via WENN
http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/957525/ricki-lake-eloped-after-dwts
It is the first time the album shortlist has been exclusively female.
Two of Adele's tracks, Rolling in the Deep and Someone Like You, are also nominated for most performed work, alongside Take That's The Flood.
Rolling in the Deep is also up for best song muscially and lyrically. The annual awards will be presented in London on 17 May.
They celebrate British and Irish songwriting and composing and are voted for by songwriters.
While all the albums shortlisted are performed by women, producer Paul Epworth is nominated alongside Adele for 21 as he co-wrote some of the key songs.
PJ Harvey is listed for her Mercury Prize-winning record Let England Shake, a concept album about Britain at war.
Kate Bush's album 50 Words For Snow is also written around a theme, comprising a suite of seven songs "set against a backdrop of falling snow".
This year's nominees for best contemporary song are Nero's Promises, Lana Del Rey's Video Games and James Blake's The Wilhelm Scream.
Justin Parker, who helped Del Rey write Video Games, agreed the music business "seems very female-orientated" at the moment.
"It's been like that for a few years," he told the BBC.
"But it's great to have really classic songwriting represented, like Adele. Without Adele I think Lana might not have happened. She opened the door for that kind of songwriting."
Plan B
Other nominees in the best song musically and lyrically are Florence and the Machine's Shake It Out and Ed Sheeran's The A Team.
Best original film score contenders are Life in a Day, The First Grader and We Need to Talk About Kevin, which was written by Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood.
The Shadow Line, Page Eight and Leonardo are all in competition for best television soundtrack.
Adele's second album 21 has won numerous awards in what has been a stellar year for the north Londoner.
The record recently overtook Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms in the list of best-selling UK albums.
The LP has now sold more than 4,142,000 copies in the singer's home country, making it the sixth biggest-selling album of all-time.
Her awards haul includes two Brit awards and six Grammy awards.
Last year, rapper-turned-singer Plan B won three prizes at the Ivor Novellos, including best songwriter - presented by Sir Elton John - and best album.
Special awards went to Muse, Steve Winwood, Free founder Paul Rodgers and musicals legend Stephen Sondheim.
Previous winners in other years include Sir Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse and Radiohead.
This year's recipients will be announced at the ceremony.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment_and_arts/
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar may be seen just as an entertainer, but he has got his finger on the pulse of movie business. He says the sure-shot success mantra is to either make your own film or go for profit sharing.
“I have a very simple solution – make your films, because when you make your film you will not include your remuneration and it takes off the burden from a film,” Akshay told IANS in an interview.
“So, when you make a film for Rs.20 crore and release it, the profits – be it Rs.5 crore or Rs.10 crore or Rs.40 crore – is yours. It’s all your luck. Also, your film won’t flop because your remuneration is zero,” added the actor, who makes film under his two banners, Hari Om Productions and Grazing Goat.
For writers who rue that they do not get their dues, he suggested: “I am making three-four films and I pay my writers well. Again they can also go for profit sharing. If the film works well, they can ask for their cut in the profit.”
According to a recent report, the remuneration of Bollywood’s A-listers starts from Rs.10 crore and goes up to Rs.40 crore.
Why are actors asking for such astronomical sums?
“It’s neither the producers’ fault nor actors’ because producers do not know how much to give and actors do not know how much to ask for.
“It’s not easy to decide remuneration because sometimes a film works and sometimes it does not. So I have come to a conclusion: make your own films,” said Akshay, who feels “the biggest burden on a film is its artist.”
“If you remove that burden, it is impossible for a movie to flop. It’s simple economics,” added the star, who has been active in filmdom for more than two decades and has about 100 films to his credit.
This does not mean that the 44-year-old will not work in outside films. He will, but on one condition.
“I would work in other producers’ films, but I will charge according to the film’s box office business. Profit sharing, in short. This is the only way,” he added.
Marketing has become an integral part of a film, says Akshay. It helps in the first three days of the collection, but after that, it is all about content. So one needs to focus on the script and screenplay as well, he said.
“Marketing is a big thing. Marketing works for the first three days and content works after those three days. So it is very important to have the right content as well,” he said.
Explaining the importance of script, he added: “I think script and screenplay are more important than actors in a film. If your script and screenplay are in place, it is big support for the actors.
“For instance, a film with a lot of action doesn’t work. But if you just slap according to the screenplay and if it is positioned rightly, it works wonders for a film. If you have seen ‘Deewaar’, it is supposed to be one of the best action movies. But actually it had a small action scene but that came at the right time and worked,” he said.
Akshay, who started his career with action movies like “Khiladi” and “Mohra”, now returns to the genre after seven years with “Rowdy Rathore”.
“I personally believe that people enjoy raw action more than technology. If you use too much of technology, it will bounce back. People are very smart and understand what is real and what is unreal.
“If you sit in single theatres and watch such films with the audience, you will hear people saying, ‘Arre ye toh computer pe kiya hai (This is done on computer)’. So you can’t take your audiences for granted.
“So when I did my first action film ‘Rowdy Rathore’ after six years, I chose to do raw action. I believe in manpower and not technological power,” he said. – IANS
http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/akshay-kumar-talks-business-says-make-your-own-films-119316.html
A lot of Bollywood actresses are jumping onto the action bandwagon. The latest to join the list is Sameera Reddy. The actress would be seen doing some daredevil stunts in “Tezz” and looking at her courage, co-star Ajay Devgn calls her the hero of the film.
“Sameera is not the heroine but the hero of the film. She has done some amazing action in the film and is nothing less than any hero in the film,” he said in a statement.
Sameera was said to be unhappy over not being offered the item song in the film. However, she said she has no complains and enjoyed doing the stunts.
“I was not offered the item song but I got to be a Lara Croft in the film. It’s an action-oriented character and a strong role. Women in Bollywood never get to perform such stunts. When I was offered the role I was told that I can’t complain that my nails are going to break. I enjoyed doing the stunts,” said the 29-year-old actress.
Directed by Priyadarshan, “Tezz” also features Mohanlal, Anil Kapoor, Boman Irani, Kangna Ranaut and Zayed Khan in prominent roles. It is slated for April 27 release. – IANS
http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/sameera-reddy-is-the-hero-of-tezz-ajay-devgn-119319.html
Gym, tan… lawsuit? Yet another castmate of MTV's Jersey Shore
is being sued -- this time for refusing to pay a hefty commission to the talent agency that negotiated his paycheck with the network. Looks like having fun every summer makes some serious cash.
Here's the deal, according to The Hollywood Reporter -- Pauly D was first signed by MTV in 2009 to head to the Jersey Shore for the summer. After such a successful first season, talent agency ICM renegotiated his contract with the network after each subsequent season. However, ICM only received a cut from his paychecks for some of the past seasons, and though the agency has been fired by the DJ, there's apparently $370,000 of unpaid commission worth fighting for -- and possibly more, since he's set for Season 6.
ICM filed the lawsuit yesterday with the Los Angeles Superior Court. According to the complaint, "No deed goes unpunished, however, and DelVecchio ultimately terminated the representation."
So how much is the DJ paid to party on the Jersey Shore? For Season 5, he raked in $150,000 per episode! Along with money due from after-shows, reunion shows, merchandising, a very generous signing bonus and more, Pauly D is said to be entitled to $2.1 million.
Though Pauly D already fired ICM, the agency cites that the "standard custom and practice in the entertainment industry [is] that talent agencies are entitled to post-termination commissions on all deals they negotiate for their client."
However, Pauly D's lawyer thinks otherwise. "ICM was paid for its services," said attorney Hillary Hughes to THR. "It is even more disappointing that an agency like ICM would choose to take advantage of its former relationship with a client and disclose his confidential business affairs to the public, in disregard of any duties it owes as a talent agency."
Photo credit: Josiah True/ WENN.com
http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/957151/talent-agency-sues-pauly-d-for-cut-of-jersey-shore-salary
Diddy is now a disturbing part of the strange-but-true news category. The multi-talented rapper is likely off to buy new bedding after learning an intruder broke into his home and helped himself to the many amenities.
Word of the Diddy intruder broke Friday, with reports stating a man named Quamine Taylor broke into 42-year-old Sean Combs' home, ate out of his kitchen -- and more.
The 30-year-old intruder, seemingly portraying a high-stakes rendition of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, allegedly toured through Diddy's mansion until he found the bedroom suite which was, of course, just right. Taylor then proceeded to take a nap!
Based off of police reports regarding the Diddy intruder incident TMZ reports, "Taylor told cops he snuck into the place through an unlocked basement door and proceeded to eat food, drink Diddy's soda and liquor and then got into a bed for nearly 24 hours."
No official word on if any porridge (hot, cold or otherwise) was consumed during the illegal day of luxury, which occurred April 1. No fooling.
Diddy's Undefeated Oscar dreams come true >>
Quamine Taylor was eventually arrested for trespassing. The 30-year-old later told the NY Post he had been "going to the house from time to time since 2001."
He went on to explain matter of factly, "I stay there a lot, but Sean gets funny sometimes about me staying there." You think?
Son of Sean "Diddy" Combs gets a full ride to UCLA >>
The intruder's mother also spoke to the paper, claiming her son suffers from mental illness and recently went off his meds. He was arraigned on trespassing and petit-larceny charges and is currently still in custody.
Should Diddy press charges against his Goldilocks-style intruder?
http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/957163/p-diddys-home-burglarized
Bee Gees star Robin Gibb was unable to attend the London premiere of his first classical work because he has contracted pneumonia, his son has said.
In a message read out to the audience at Westminster City Hall, Robin-John Gibb said his father was in hospital, but "sends all his love".
"We are all praying for him and hoping he has a speedy recovery," he added.
The singer had also been due to perform a new song, called Don't Cry Alone, at The Titanic Requiem concert.
The requiem, composed by both father and son and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ocean liner.
In February, Gibb said he had been making a "spectacular" recovery from cancer but he was later readmitted to hospital for intestinal surgery.
"Of course these are all the periphery problems that occur when you have an illness like that," his son told Reuters.
"I don't think there'll ever be a time in the future where he is not in and out of hospital because you have to keep constant scrutiny on these things.
"Sadly that's the way it is, and tonight he would love to be here and we're really at a loss because we really wanted him to see this and be able to see our baby come to fruition."
Concern for Gibb's health was raised in recent months by his gaunt and frail appearance.
But the singer said a growth in his colon had "almost gone" and he was feeling "fantastic."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17674476
Veteran actor Anupam Kher got an opportunity to work with Hollywood superstar Robert De Nero and director David O’Russell in “The Silver Linings Playbook” and calls it the most exhilarating experience.
“Shooting for ‘The Silver Linings…’ was the most amazing experience, working with two of my favourite people, director David O’Russell and god of acting Robert De Niro. It was the most exhilarating and elevating experience,” Anupam told IANS.
“The kind of discipline and professionalism they have, we have to force it because we are not used to that professionalism and discipline. But gradually that professionalism is coming,” he added. – IANS
http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/working-with-de-niro-cooper-was-amazing-anupam-kher-119270.html
“Shooting for ‘The Silver Linings…’ was the most amazing experience, working with two of my favourite people, director David O’Russell and god of acting Robert De Niro. It was the most exhilarating and elevating experience,” Anupam told IANS.
“The kind of discipline and professionalism they have, we have to force it because we are not used to that professionalism and discipline. But gradually that professionalism is coming,” he added. – IANS
http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/working-with-de-niro-cooper-was-amazing-anupam-kher-119270.html
Bindu’s iconic ‘Mona Darling’ act in “Zanjeer” in 1973 is now being taken over by Mahie Gill, who admits the role is challenging but says she will pull it off.
Ajit had played the arch-villain Teja in the original; for the remake, Prakash Raj has been roped in. Southern actor Ram Charan Teja, son of superstar Chiranjeevi, will step into Amitabh Bahchan’s shoes to play the Angry Young Man.
“I was initially apprehensive about doing the part. I wondered if I’d be able to carry it off. It was director Apoorva Lakhia who convinced me. Now I’m very excited. To recreate the original vamp ‘Mona Darling’ of the 1970s for today’s audience is a challenge. And most of my scenes are with Prakash Raj who is a very good actor. I think I’ll be able to pull it off,” said Mahie, who recently wowed audiences with her bold avatar in “Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster”.
The culture of an overweight seductress went out with Bindu. While Bindu got away with slit dresses and body stockings in “Zanjeer”, Mahie, we are told, would be doing some heavy duty lovemaking scenes with Prakash Raj and would also need to get into better shape for a bikini.
“We definitely want Mahie’s Mona Darling to go beyond Binduji. If Binduji became synonymous with the character in the 1970s, we want people to shout ‘Mona Darling’ at Mahie when she steps out,” said Amit Mehra, son of Prakash Mehra who had produced and directed the Amitabh Bachchan starrer “Zanjeer”. He was speaking on behalf of the film’s producers – Reliance Entertainment, Adai Mehra Productions and Flying Turtle Films.
“Those times, when the first ‘Zanjeer’ was made, were different. Today, being sexy doesn’t mean performing a cabaret in a slit dress. Mahie will have to be seen performing more horizontal acts with Prakash Raj. And she’ll definitely be seen a bikini,” he added.
Both Mahie and Prakash Raj, who is rather bulky, have been asked to shed kilos urgently.
Mahie’s weight is not the only thing that goes from Bindu’s Mona Darling act. The sizzling Asha Bhosle number “Diljalon ka dil jala ke” has also been done away with. Mahie was apparently most keen to dance to Bindu’s number.
“We’re doing an entirely new hip and slick club song for Mahie to dance to. With due respects to Helenji and Binduji, cabarets are no longer a part of popular nightclub culture,” said Mehra. – IANS
http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/mahie-gill-is-mona-darling-in-zanjeer-remake-119254.html
Holy smokes! Lea Michele sizzled in a barely there black bikini on Sunday. Michele left little to the imagination while enjoying the Mexican sun on vacation with rumored beau and "Glee" co-star, Cory Monteith.
The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other, keeping quite close as they cooled off in the pool.
But Michele's itsy-bitsy black bikini was just one of her two bikini looks for the day. The toned and trim Broadway baby also showed off her flawless figure in a neon pink two-piece.
Although the singing duo have yet to officially confirm a relationship, there's no denying that they've got some major romantic chemistry. The pair were recently spotted in Hollywood, sharing an intimate dinner at Soho Hous
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/09/lea-michele-bikini-cory-monteith-glee_n_1412764.html?ref=celebrity
Jim Marshall had suffered several strokes in recent years, and developed cancer at the end of 2011, his son said
Continue reading the main story
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Guitar amp innovator Jim Marshall, dubbed "the Father of Loud" for creating kit used by some of rock's biggest names, has died aged 88.
Mr Marshall, who originally owned a music shop in London, founded Marshall Amplification 50 years ago.
He had suffered several strokes in recent years, and developed cancer at the end of 2011, his son said.
A statement posted on the company's website called him a "legendary man" who led a "truly remarkable life".
Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain are among the musicians who used Marshall amps.
Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash tweeted: "The news of Jim Marshall passing is deeply saddening. R & R will never be the same w/out him. But, his amps will live on FOREVER!
Motley Crue bass player Nikki Sixx also paid tribute on Twitter, saying Marshall was "responsible for some of the greatest audio moments in music's history - and 50% responsible of all our hearing loss."
Speaking to Radio Four's Front Row programme on Thursday, musician Paul Weller said he used a Marshall amp that was "at least 40 years old and still sounds fantastic".
"For me it's the exactly right amp for the job," said the former Jam and Style Council frontman. "I don't know if anyone's particularly improved on it, to be honest."
Jim Marshall began building amplifiers in the early 1960s, using the Fender Bassman amp as a model, creating what later became known as "the Marshall sound".
After talking to Pete Townshend and Ritchie Blackmore, who were customers at the shop, he realised there was a gap in the market to make a cheaper alternative to the other models available at the time.
It took him six attempts to create an amp he was happy with.
As the company grew, Mr Marshall expanded his product range, unveiling the Master Volume Marshall amps and the classic JCM800 split channel amps.
"Jim rose to become one of the forefathers responsible for creating the tools that allowed rock guitar, as we know and love it today, to be born," the statement said.
"In addition to the creation of the amps, chosen by countless guitar heroes and game changing bands, Jim was also an incredibly humble and generous man who, over the past several decades, has quietly donated many millions of pounds to worthy causes."
Marshall amplifiers were such a fixture of the rock scene that they featured prominently in the spoof documentary This is Spinal Tap.
In a famous scene from the film, guitarist Nigel Tufnel proudly showed off his Marshall stack which went up to 11. He explained it was "one louder" than usual amplifiers.
In 2003, Marshall he was given the OBE for his services to music and charity. He was a regular supporter of Macmillan and the Willen Hospice.
He also donated money to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, where he was treated for tuberculosis as a child.
The Marshall Amps company, which is now based in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a tribute concert at Wembley Arena.
Lemmy, from the rock band Motorhead, also owns Marshall equipment
Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Whitesnake and The Cult are among the bands who have been lined up to play at the September event.
Mr Marshall will be remembered alongside guitarmakers Leo Fender and Les Paul for shaping the sound of the modern electric guitar.
He is survived by his children Terry and Victoria and step-children Paul and Dawn.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17625335
The chart-topping singer, who plays Petty Officer Cora Raikes in the sci-fi adventure, was put through her paces by a no-nonsense soldier.
She said: "I had to do a lot of physical training. I had to do push-ups, tons of push-ups. I hate them!"
Rihanna, 24, went on: "I had to work out with these sandbags that were the same weight as the weapon and I had to get used to pulling them around. The trainer would make me do it like 40 times back to back, until one of my arms literally was so dieselled (defined) and the other one was so regular."
The star, who makes her acting debut in the movie, continued: "He yelled at me so many times. It was crazy. But it really put me in that place so it was necessary.
"I thought, 'There's no way he's coming into my room, talking to me like that'. After a while, I got so freaked out, he messed up my head. Every time he came over, I would hide all my high heels, any shopping bags, remove my pink iPod from the dock - and no, I didn't have nails! The first time he came over, he saw them and said, 'You have to be kidding me'. I got rid of those so fast."
As the feisty Raikes, the singer got to grapple with aliens and handle big guns.
"That was the cool part - I got to shoot a lot of weapons and kick a lot of alien butt!" she recalled.
:: Battleship opens in cinemas on Wednesday, April 11.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/rihannas-tough-battleship-training-050647909.html;_ylt=AvrMNfwEhz5K3B1hKhj5U_sLfcl_;_ylu=X3oDMTQyNjJ2aHRpBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBFbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50U0YEcGtnAzViMjJiYjUxLWJmMzctMzYyNS05NjA0LTVmNjc5MDdkN2U0OARwb3MDMgRzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgNhYWJiMzYwMC03ZmE2LTExZTEtOWJiOC1mOThlZTY3NDJlZjY-;_ylg=X3oDMTIxcmIzMGNkBGludGwDZ2IEbGFuZwNlbi1nYgRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANlbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50BHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3
Drug paraphernalia and a white powdery substance were discovered in Whitney Houston's hotel room on the day she died, according to a coroner.
The full report says the 48-year-old was found on 11 February lying face down in an overflowing hotel bathtub.
Investigators said they recovered a rolled-up piece of paper, a small spoon and a portable mirror in the bathroom.
The autopsy concluded that the singer had drowned due to the effects of cocaine use and heart disease.
The report also indicated the singer had a perforated nose, a sign of long-term substance abuse. The 42-page document gave more details than an initial report released last month.
Houston was found dead hours before she was due to attend a pre-Grammy party.
One of the world's best known singers in the 1980s and 1990s, Houston had a long battle with drug addiction.
Friends and family have said she appeared committed to a comeback, including a new film, during the time before her death
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17619451
Guns N' Roses are to be inducted into America's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next weekend by Green Day.
The presentation, revealed on the organisation's website, will take place in Cleveland, Ohio.
Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys are also being inducted into the Hall of Fame on 14 April.
They are being presented on stage by comedian Chris Rock and Chuck D from Public Enemy.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was set up in 1983 and previous inductees have included Madonna, AC/DC, Black Sabbath and Abba.
Rock promoters and other people associated with the growth of rock music are also recognised by the Hall of Fame.
UK tour
Guns N' Roses is made up of singer Axl Rose, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman, bassist Tommy Stinson, rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus, drummer Frank Ferrer plus lead guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and DJ Ashba.
Former members include Slash, Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum.
They are due to appear on the same stage next weekend, although it is unclear if the original members will play together or appear with the present line-up.
The band, famous for tracks like Welcome to the Jungle and Sweet Child o' Mine, are playing a seven-date UK arena tour in May.
Guns N' Roses last performed together in the UK in 2010 and were bottled off stage at a concert in Dublin after they arrived on stage nearly an hour late.
Their set was cut short after they played past their curfew at Reading Festival that year.
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It's another girl for Bruce Willis!
The actor and his wife, Emma Heming Willis, have welcomed their first child together, they announced Monday. The baby, a girl named Mabel Ray, made her big debut in Los Angeles on Sunday and weighed in at 9 pounds, 1 ounce.
According to their statement, "Both mother and baby are healthy and doing beautifully."
This is the fourth daughter for Willis, who has three daughters with ex-wife Demi Moore: Rumer, 23; Scout, 20; and Tallulah, 18.
Willis and Heming wed in 2009 and announced in October they were expecting a baby together.
Check out photos below of other stars who are expecting in 2012:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/02/mabel-ray-willis-bruce-willis-baby-girl_n_1396231.html?ref=topbar
James Murdoch has resigned from his role as chairman of UK broadcaster BSkyB, but will remain on the board.
The move is part of an effort to distance that company from the phone-hacking scandal at the News of the World newspaper, once a Murdoch title.
It means he no longer has a major role at a UK company. He also stood down as chairman of the newspaper publisher, News International, last month.
His father Rupert founded its parent company, News Corporation.
News Corporation had to drop its plans to take over the 61% of profit-making BSkyB it does not own as the hacking scandal began to gather momentum.
James Murdoch said in a statement that he did not want BSkyB to be undermined by "matters outside this company".
Sources told Robert Peston, the BBC's business editor, that it was Mr Murdoch's own decision to leave.
Mr Murdoch said on Tuesday: "As attention continues to be paid to past events at News International, I am determined that the interests of BSkyB should not be undermined by matters outside the scope of this company.
"I am aware that my role as chairman could become a lightning rod for BSkyB and I believe that my resignation will help to ensure that there is no false conflation with events at a separate organisation."
News International shut down the News of the World last July due to a storm of allegations of widespread wrongdoing, including the hacking of the phone of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.
Our correspondent says that Mr Murdoch has been braced for serious criticism of his stewardship of News International by the Commons Culture, Media and Sport select committee.
However, he adds that his resignation has not been prompted by any advance knowledge of the report into hacking due for release soon by the committee.
John Whittingdale, chairman of the committee, told Sky News its final report is taking so long to produce because it is a "developing saga".
"I certainly would hope we would be able to publish it perhaps by the end of the month but I don't want to put a firm date on it," he said.
"Obviously these are matters which are very important, we are having a full discussion and debate about them and we are endeavouring to reach conclusions that all of us will sign up to."
The Labour leader, Ed Miliband, said James Murdoch's decision to resign was "probably the right thing to do".
But he said News Corp had more to do to clean up its reputation, and that the issues there "go beyond one person".
"They are now about how the organisation can restore public confidence from top to bottom, seeing what happened... and having a clear-out of those people who did wrong."
'Fool or knave'
The media commentator Steve Hewlett said that the resignation dented James Murdoch's chance of eventually taking over from his father as the head of the parent company, News Corporation.
"The problem for James has always been he is either a fool or a knave. If he didn't know [about phone hacking] and is therefore innocent - he should have done.
"Now he is no longer chairman of BSkyB the chances of him being that person is much reduced."
It was announced last month that he had moved to New York to work on News Corp's pay-TV businesses around the world.
There is also a review being conducted by Ofcom, the media regulator, of whether BSkyB is fit and proper to continue holding a broadcasting licence.
News Corp owns 39% of BSkyB and had wanted to buy the whole of the firm.
'No blind eye'
James Murdoch, who is deputy chief operating officer at News Corp, has repeatedly denied knowing about phone hacking at the News of the World.
He said in a letter to the culture committee last month that he accepted his share of the blame for not uncovering phone hacking at the News of the World sooner but denied he had turned a "blind eye" to allegations of criminal wrongdoing.
A representative of the Hacked Off campaign group, which helps victims of phone hacking, said the change in role did not get those affected nearer to the truth about what happened.
"It's quite clear that this is, as befits a news family, a form of news management," said Evan Harris, a former Liberal Democrat MP and member of the group.
"But I repeat - what the victims that Hacked Off seeks to represent want is the full story to come out and not just people leaving a small fraction of their income behind as they go on to other parts of the business," he told BBC News.
Nicholas Ferguson, who has been with the company since 2004, will take over as chairman of BSkyB.
He was the senior independent non-executive director and deputy chairman.
He is also the chairman of SVG Capital, a publicly-quoted private equity group, and of the Courtauld Institute of Art and the Institute of Philanthropy.
source:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17599269