NEWS ARCHIVES FOR: JANUARY 2004

Model-Turned-Actress Joins 'Communication Breakdown' Cast
Thursday, January 29, 2004

Twenty year old Aubrey Goss, a fresh-faced model who's appeared in ads for Birkenstock and Wicked Weasel bikinis, has joined the cast of "Communication Breakdown." She'll play the role of Lurleen, disc jockey Kash Flagg's "biggest fan." The film marks the on-screen debut of Goss, who was recently featured in Shutterbug Magazine.


 

Dance Legend Ann Miller Passes Away
Friday, January 23, 2004

Ann Miller, who danced her way into the hearts of the country in the 1940's and 50's, has passed away at age 81. She performed in many well-known MGM productions, including "On the Town," "Easter Parade," and "Kiss Me Kate." Miller got her start in show business in the early 30's by showcasing her legs and fast-tapping dance ability. She was notice by studio officials at RKO and signed to appear in their 1937 production of "New Faces of 1937." Miller next appeared as an acting hopeful in "Stage Door," with Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball and Eve Arden.  One of her most memorable roles came well into her 60's, as she starred opposite Mickey Rooney in "Sugar Babies." The show was performed over 1,700 times on Broadway and reportedly before each show, Miller spent an hour rehearsing her dance numbers.


 

Scholars Debate 'Nazi UFO' Theory
Friday, January 23, 2004

Did Hitler commission the first UFO? That's the debate that's raging among many World World II historians and science experts. It seems that new information has come to the forefront regarding the work of Austrian inventor Viktor Schauberger, leading many people to believe that the scientist, long thought to have died peacefully in his sleep, may have been murdered as part of an American government cover-up. Schauberger's early plans, which bear an incredible resemblance to the mysterious "foo fighters" spotted by Allied pilots during the war, are believed to have been the basis for U.S. black projects initiated in the Nevada desert known as Area 51. Schauberger was brought to the United States to work for the American government following the war. Many believe that the "alien invasion" craze which began in the 1950's was created by military operatives as a disinformation campaign to keep the secret saucer program hidden.


 

Fans Fight to Free Tommy Chong From Prison
Friday, January 23, 2004

Legendary comic Tommy Chong, one half of the counterculture duo Cheech & Chong, remains in prison as a movement to free him builds momentum. The actor, who appeared in such films as "Up in Smoke" and "Far Out Man," was sentenced to nine months is prison after being arrested by DEA agents for selling water pipes on the internet. Chong has already served three months of the sentence.
Click here for more info...


 

Howard Stern Invades the Magic Kingdom
Thursday, January 22, 2004

In yet another sign of the Apocalypse, Disney-owned ABC has signed "The King of All Media" Howard Stern to host his own prime time interview special. If the show, which will air this coming spring, does well, expect to see a lot more of the shock jock on the network, which is desperate to shake things up after its latest ratings dip.


 

Must-See Music Video Now Online
Thursday, January 22, 2004

Ever so often, a music video comes along that has to be seen to be believed. If you're not all about the happiness and the joy after watching this clip, then we hate to tell ya...you probably don't have a pulse. Check it out. You'll thank us later.
Click here to watch the video...


 

Art Garfunkel 'Feeling Groovy' And Stopped By Police
Thursday, January 22, 2004

Singer Art Garfunkel, one half of the legendary duo of Simon and Garfunkel, was stopped by police this past Saturday after his limo was detected speeding through Hurly, New York (about 55 miles southwest of Albany). When the officer approached the vehicle, he smelled marijuana and later found a small amount of the substance in one of Garfunkel's jacket pockets. The 62 year old rock 'n roll icon was charged with simple possession and ordered to appear in court on January 28th. The fine carries a maximum penalty of $100. Garfunkel can respond to the charges by mail if he desires. Garfunkel's record label, Legacy Recording, was not immediately available for comment.


 

Justice Jabs Jacko
Friday, January 16, 2004

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville lambasted accused pop pedophile Michael Jackson in court today after the singer thumbed his nose at court instructions to show up on time. The self-proclaimed "King of Pop" and "lover of children" held up proceedings for more than twenty minutes, prompting the judge to admonish the entertainer. "Mr. Jackson, you have started out on the wrong foot here," explained Melville. "I want to advise you that I will not put up with that. It's an insult to the court and will not be tolerated." Jackson later moonwalked for his fans outside the courthouse.


 

Actor Ron O'Neal Dies
Friday, January 16, 2004

Blaxploitation superstar Ron O'Neal, who played Youngblood Priest in the "Superfly" series, has died in Los Angeles at the age of sixty-six. The star, who also directed one of the cult classics ("Superfly TNT") had been waging a long battle with cancer. O'Neal's resume included more than 50 appearances in film and television, including such credits as "Hill Street Blues," "Brave New World," "Beauty and the Beast," "Red Dawn," "The Wayans Brothers," "Living Single," and "The Greatest American Hero." O'Neal's last film was 2002's "On the Edge," co-starring with Fred Williamson, Gary Busey, and rapper Ice T.


 

No Clowning Around: Bozo's Legacy In Dispute
Friday, January 16, 2004

There is no question that Bozo belongs in the Clown Hall Of Fame. What is in dispute is which individual who wore the facepaint should be honored by that hallowed institution. Larry Harmon, who owns the rights to the character, has been in conflict with those who say that the original man who portrayed the lovable clown was Pinto Colvig. A recording star for Capitol Records in the mid 1940's, Colvig died of lung cancer in 1967. He first appeared as Bozo the Clown on KTTV in Los Angeles in 1949, hosting a local children's show. Harmon claims that he was selected as the first TV Bozo after auditioning for the role in 1952. The International Clown Hall of Fame (located in Milwaukee) has removed Harmon's plaque from public display and plans to replace it with one for Colvig.


 

Must 'She' TV
Friday, January 16, 2004

Showtime has announced a new program called "The L Word," which will focus on the lives of lesbians. The show is from Ilene Chaiken, whose past credits include working on "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" and the 1996 Pamela Anderson movie "Barb Wire." Heading up the cast is "Flashdance" star Jennifer Beals, playing Bette, a museum director in a long-term relationship with Tina (played by Laurel Holloman). Other notable cast members include Pam Grier ("Jackie Brown") and Ossie Davis ("Miss Evers Boys"), who are featured as Bette's half sister and father respectively. Showtime leapt to the forefront of gay programming four years ago when they unveiled the bawdy all-male "Queer as Folk," which returns in April. "The L Word" premieres this Sunday at 10 pm eastern time.


 

Gibson Christ Movie to Open Wide
Thursday, January 15, 2004

The controversial film entitled "The Passion of the Christ" by Mel Gibson will be distributed to approximately 2,000 independent theatres sometime next month. The film depicts the last hours in the life of Jesus and has been a major source of discussion among religious groups over the past couple of years. Some claim that the film is anti-Semitic, unduly tying the death of Christ to Jewish culprits, while Catholic and Protestant groups have argued that the movie is pretty much on target. In fact, Pope John Paul attended a screening in December giving the movie a "Papal thumbs up." His comment was "the film is as it was."


 

Thieves Sail Away With Rare Yacht
Thursday, January 15, 2004

A yacht valued at $750,000 was recently reported stolen from a Charleston, SC marina. The 18 foot boat, which weighs 47,000 pounds and has a 75-foot mast, was the second of its hull class ever built and the only one docked in North America. The owner, Glen McIntosh of Atlanta, was said to be "incredulous about the case." According to an FBI report, the yacht was last seen around January 7th and there were no witnesses to the crime. Featured in many prominent magazines all over the world, the vessel was well known in the sailing world. Authorities believe the craft may have been taken to open waters in the Southern Hemisphere. Chuck Laughlin, the owner of St. Brats Yachts, the marina from which the boat was stolen, said "you can hide an aircraft carrier in the ocean and that boat is capable of going around the world."


 

FCC Chairman Wants to Ban the F-Word
Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Michael Powell, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has gone on record as saying he wishes to ban the word "the F-word" from all government-licensed television and radio stations. This in the wake of a previous ruling in which the FCC ruled that U2 lead singer Bono did not violate commission rules when he used the word during the 2003 Golden Glove Awards (since he didn't describe "sexual or excretory organs or activities") Any ban on "the F-word" would not effect cable channels such as HBO or FX.


 

'Communication Breakdown' Director Talks About His Stalker
Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Like Steven Spielberg, Writer/Producer/Director Richard O'Sullivan has had to deal with a crazed stalker. Only in his case, it was someone he once called a friend. In part two of this exclusive interview, O'Sullivan talks about his dealings with a former associate whose dark past revealed itself with shocking results, and how he's fighting back against a criminal who was actually protected by the FBI.
Click here to read the interview...


 

'Communication Breakdown' Star Guests on 'One Tree Hill'
Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Meredith Sause, who plays radio exec Amanda Byrne in the upcoming film "Communication Breakdown," will appear on the popular WB show "One Tree Hill" during ratings sweeps. The actress, who also fronts the band My Little Phony, will play a young nurse named Molly in the episode which airs in February. "One Tree Hill" stars Chad Michael Murray ("Dawson's Creek," "Gilmore Girls"), Hilarie Burton (MTV's "TRL"), and the legendary Barry Corbin ("War Games," "Northern Exposure"). 

 

Spaulding Gray Reported Missing
Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Spaulding Gray, the actor/writer who co-founded the experimental Wooster Group theater in New York during the mid 1970's, has been reported missing according to Tuesday's edition of the New York Times. Police are combing the Southampton, New York area (where Gray resides), looking for the missing actor. Gray, who appeared in such films as "The Killing Fields" and "Swimming to Cambodia" has been treated for depression in the past and even tried to commit suicide in 2002. Rockwell Gray, the actor's brother, said that he last saw his sibling around Christmas. "He wasn't in a happy place," said Rockwell. "But that didn't seem too unusual. He had been somewhat depressed for some time." The actor's wife, Kathleen Russo, refused to discuss the disappearance of her husband as she awaited further information from the authorities.

 

'Bridget' Jonesin' For Some Royal Lovin'
Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Actress Renee Zellweger says she wouldn't mind dating a member of the British Monarchy next. The 34 year old star of the mega-hit "Bridget Jones' Diary," who just recently broke up with alternative rock icon Jack White (of the White Stripes), says that dating Prince William, who is all of 21, would be nice. Zellweger, who has appeared in such flicks as "Cold Mountain" and "Empire Records," had previous relationships with such notables as George Clooney and Jim Carrey.

 

Bertolucci Film Gets NC-17 Rating
Tuesday, January 13, 2004

For the first time in six years, a film released in the United States will carry the NC-17 rating from the M.P.A.A. (Motion Picture Association of America). The film is called "Dreamers" and is the uncut version of Bernardo Bertolucci's original movie entitled "The Dreamers." The film is being distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures, a specialty division of 20th Century Fox. The story revolves around a brother and sister in 1968 France who, after being left home alone by their vacationing parents, decide to invite a young American teenager into their home. The trio then become entangled in a series of emotional and sexual situations that test the boundaries of their mental stability. The last major film that garnered an NC-17 rating was the 1997 MGM release entitled "Bent," the story of gay life during the Nazi régime of World War II Germany.

 

'Communication Breakdown' Band Featured in Magazine
Monday, January 12, 2004

The band Always Sunday, who will appear in the upcoming "Communication Breakdown" (playing themselves oddly enough), are glowingly reviewed in the most recent issue of Performing Songwriter magazine. Writer Heather Johnson puts the band in the same league as artists like Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, and the Pixies, and echos director Richard O'Sullivan's praises, calling the group's current album, Beautiful Disgrace, "a gem." Always Sunday consists of Trent Dabbs, Winn McElroy, Dean Clement, and Chip Burr.

 

Wayne Brady Show Cancelled
Friday, January 9, 2004

Disney-owned Buena Vista Television announced Thursday that they were pulling the plug on "The Wayne Brady Show" due to low ratings. The ratings for the program which garnered Emmy Awards for Best Talk Show and Best Talk Show Host last year had dropped to an average of 1.0 during the current season. The show will continue production through May and will air through the balance of the season.  Speculation as to another reason for the cancellation is Buena Vista's commitment to another talk show for next season, this one hosted by former "Taxi" star Tony Danza.

 

Frank Sinatra Trademark Infringement Case Settled
Friday, January 9, 2004

The family of legendary singer Frank Sinatra has announced that it has reached a settlement in a lawsuit stemming from an unauthorized Las Vegas tribute show. In a statement released by Mark Lee, a lawyer working for Sinatra Enterprises, a permanent injunction was issued against Jeffrey Kutash and his company (Main Event Inc.) effectively shutting down all future performances of the tribute show entitled "The Main Event." Also, an undisclosed - but "substantial"- amount of damages were awarded to the Sinatra family. The late singer's daughter, Tina, disclosed that the family had filed the lawsuit to help preserve her father's legacy. The suit alleged that although the show was billed as an "unauthorized" biography, the word "unauthorized" was in such small print that the general public would be misled and confused. Similar action had been taken against an earlier Sinatra tribute show co-produced by former TV star David Cassidy.

 

O'Sullivan NBC Spots Now Online
Thursday, January 8, 2004

Two of the public service announcements written for NBC's "The More You Know" series by Lost Colony's Richard O'Sullivan (the director of the upcoming "Communication Breakdown") are now online. The clips, featuring Christopher Meloni ("Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") and Goran Visnjic ("E.R."), deal with the topic of family togetherness and are among the spots the network is currently airing during its 2003/2004 season.
Click here to watch...

 

Willie Repoley Joins 'Communication Breakdown'
Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Acclaimed Shakespearean pro William V. Repoley has joined the cast of "Communication Breakdown," taking on the role of earnest DJ Cary Martin. The actor/musician, who gigged at the International Shakespeare's Globe Centre in London, amazed director Richard O'Sullivan with how much he was like his character: "Both are stand-up guys, have mucho personal integrity, are true to themselves but are willing to give the other guy the benefit of the doubt.  It's a perfect fit and Willie brings an honesty to the material that elevates it even more. We're thrilled to have him aboard."

 

Hollywood Composers Engaged In Bitter Split
Tuesday, January 6, 2004

Two of Hollywood's most well-known musical composers are now embroiled in one of Tinsel Town's most bitter splits. Hans Zimmer and Jay Rifkin, who collaborated on such mega-hit movie scores as "The Lion King," have filed lawsuits against one another, sparking a most un-amicable dissolution of their partnership. Rifkin fired the first salvo last month when he accused Zimmer of trying to take over their music studio. Zimmer's counter suit charges Rifkin with embezzling money to pay for what Zimmer claims is an extremely lavish lifestyle. The two had been partners since working together on the soundtrack for the 1988 Dustin Hoffman/Tom Cruise smash, "Rain Man." The duo was also in charge of the Media Ventures Entertainment Group. 

 

Rock Legend Shot by Robber
Monday, January
5, 2004

The lead singer and songwriter for Hall of Fame rock band The Kinks was shot in the streets Monday while trying to apprehend two thieves who stole his companion's purse. Ray Davies, 59, whose influence inspired the punk movement of the 70s, was walking with a woman in New Orleans when the robbery occurred. He took off after the crooks, one of whom then proceeded to fire a bullet into the icon's leg. The Kinks are best known for such songs as "Lola" and "You Really Got Me" (later covered by Van Halen). Davies was formerly linked to Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde, whom he shares a child with.

 

Everybody's a Critic
Sunday, January 4, 2004

Film publicist Jeff Luce joins the family of Lost Columnists, asking the question, "When did everyone suddenly become Roger Ebert?"
Click to read the column...

 

Blair Peery Joins 'Communication Breakdown'
Sunday, January 4, 2004

Film veteran Blair Peery has joined the cast of the upcoming comedy "Communication Breakdown" filling the role of wicked radio station owner Scott McCormick. Peery made his film debut in 1977, appearing alongside country singer David Allan Coe in the controversial "Buckstone County Prison," a film that was so violent it had to battle the Motion Picture Association to maintain an R-rating. He was last seen in the Farrelly Brothers' "Shallow Hal." 

 

Oops! Britney Spears Gets Married
Sunday, January
4, 2004

Pop star Britney Spears got married Saturday to childhood friend Jason Alexander (no, not George from "Seinfeld") at a private ceremony in Las Vegas. The  22 year old singer reportedly walked down the aisle as a practical joke (presumably after large quantities of alcohol were served) and plans to quickly annul the marriage. It is not yet known if the marriage was consumated.

 

Lost Colony Announces Comic Book Division
Friday,
January 2, 2004

As it gears up for work on two projects in 2004, Lost Colony Entertainment has announced the launch of its own comic book line. The first two titles from the new LCE division will be project tie-ins, depicting characters featured in the upcoming feature comedy "Communication Breakdown" and the proposed fantasy series "Breach of Heaven." Printed and released initially as promotional material (for distributors, media outlets, etc.), the comics will also be made available to the public online. LCE hopes to release a full-fledged comic series devoted to "Communication Breakdown" following the release of the movie. The debut issue, penned by Dan Lashley & John Michael Burgess, will feature the artwork of Mike Gregory.

 

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