Heath Ledger's Daughter to Inherit Estate

Usually when people die, they leave behind a lifetime of memories, moments of laughter, physical belongings, and oftentimes feelings of emptiness. However, a bittersweet moment for actor Heath Ledger's family as Ledger's 2-year-old daughter, Matilda Rose, will inherit the Australian actor's estate valued at over $16 million dollars. Before Matilda was born, Ledger signed a will that would leave everything to his parents and siblings. Although some thought his former partner, Michelle Williams, would cash in on a piece of the pie, Williams will get nothing. When this story hit the web, the actor's family felt it was best to give most, if not all, of the estate to Matilda. Ledger's total assets and cash amount to nearly $120,000. There is no confirmation as to how much Matilda will get after all is said and done. The actor died of an accidental prescription drug overdose at his New York home in January.

Paul Newman Dies After Battle With Cancer

Photo Credit: bwaaiin.wordpress.com

Hollywood legend Paul Newman passed away at his Westport, CT home Friday. The actor and humanitarian was 83 years old and his spokesperson said that the actor died after a battle with cancer. The actor was nominated for 10 Oscars and won one for his role in "The Color of Money". He also started several charities which have donated around $250 million to several causes. The actor leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Joanne Woodward, five children and two grandchildren. The Newman Foundation issued this statement after his passing:

"Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all. Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one's life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance. An exceptional example is the legacy of Newman's Own. What started as something of a joke in the basement of his home, turned into a highly-respected, multi-million dollar a year food company. And true to form, he shared this good fortune by donating all the profits and royalties he earned to thousands of charities around the world, a total which now exceeds $250 million. While his philanthropic interests and donations were wide-ranging, he was especially committed to the thousands of children with life-threatening conditions served by the Hole in the Wall Camps, which he helped start over 20 years ago. He saw the Camps as places where kids could escape the fear, pain and isolation of their conditions, kick back, and raise a little hell. Today, there are 11 Camps around the world, with additional programs in Africa and Vietnam. Through the Camps, well over 135,000 children have had the chance to experience what childhood was meant to be. We will miss our friend Paul Newman, but are lucky ourselves to have known such a remarkable person."

Several Hollywood stars issued statements in light of Paul Newman's passing, here are a couple:

"There is a point where feelings go beyond words. I have lost a real friend. My life—and this country—is better for his being in it." — Robert Redford

"I was blessed to have known him. The world is better because of him. Sometimes God makes perfect people and Paul Newman was one of them." - Sally Field

"Paul was a very fine actor and a really good race driver. But mostly, he personified humanity -- always taking care of those who were less fortunate. For me, this will be his legacy." - David Letterman

"He was my hero." - Julia Roberts

"He set the bar too high for the rest of us. Not just actors, but all of us." - George Clooney

Heather Locklear Arrested!

Photo Credit: TMZ

Heather Locklear was arrested Saturday in Santa Barbara, CA on suspicion of driving while impaired. CHP officers conducted a series of field sobriety tests on the actress who checked into a medical facility in Arizona for anxiety and depression this June. Officers believe that Locklear was under the influence of prescription medications and not alcohol. The actress was taken into custody and was later released without having to post bail. Her ex-husband Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi was arrested for DUI earlier this year as well, their daughter, Ava, was in the vehicle when Sambora was arrested. The latest incident with Locklear might spark a bitter custody battle which sees both parents being arrested for similar charges. Drug tests are still being analyzed at this time.

First step towards the Story

When people think of California, especially the San Fernando Valley, the first thing to pop into people's minds are rich snobs and beach-going airheads. Recently, a new genre has become famous in the Golden State.
California has become a hot spot for up-and coming Latin Rock bands. Along with this, famous and credible bands have made it a priority to stop and play shows/concerts here.
Ozomatli, a band who's toured in Europe and Asia, still comes back to their home state to play free shows for their loyal fans.
Gardenia drummer, Josué Arias, was introduced to now band-mate, David, because of their love for a genre of music that didn't get much play on the radio.

This is just tiny tidbits of the bigger picture of the story. I still have the history of the Latin Rock genre, how it started becoming popular in California. How bands like Ozomatli pay tribute to the state that brought together 8 very different band members. Also have an interview with several band members, concert attendees, and the people who put together the Latin Rock shows.

Clay Aiken Comes Out

Photo Credit: People Magazine

Following the Aug. 8 birth of his son, Parker, singer Clay Aiken publicly announces in an upcoming issue of PEOPLE that he's gay.

"It was the first decision I made as a father," says Aiken. "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that."

His mom's reaction? "She started crying. She was obviously somewhat stunned. But she was very supportive and very comforting," says Aiken after revealing his sexual orientation to mother, Faye Aiken. Even now, Aiken admits, "She still struggles with things quite a bit, but she's come a long way."

As for his own child, Aiken tells PEOPLE that Parker – who was conceived via in vitro fertilization with his best friend, music producer Jaymes Foster – will be raised in an environment that is "accepting and allowing him to be happy."

Campus MovieFest

The AT&T sponsored Campus MovieFest which allowed students to shoot short movies is the world's largest student film festival. Students were allowed to create teams and submit their teams by Sept. 16th in order to enter the festival. Once teams signed up they were given equipment to create five minute films - an Apple laptop with iMovie and Final Cut Studio, digital cameras, and even support to create their short films. Students had six days to create their films and submit them for a chance to have their films screened during the screening event. One of the biggest prizes includes a $10,000 cash grant for a social justice film - one which helps make a difference. Other prizes include laptops, trips to Cannes, cellphones, iPods, etc. Some of the on campus partners include the PRSSA, CSB, CA and the Theater Guild.

The films that are selected in various best of categories will be screened on Friday September 26, 2008 at the Plaza del Sol Performance Center at 7:30 P.M. There are no tickets so admission is based on a first come, first serve basis. Be sure to check it out and support your fellow classmates who entered the contest!

For more information visit: http://www.campusmoviefest.com/events/la/csun.html

The Brothers of Oasis Attacked

Photo Credit: http://www.gigwise.com/

Oasis guitarist, Noel Gallagher, was taken to the hospital after he and his brother, Liam, were attacked on stage in Canada last night.

Noel Gallagher says "It's a meaningless act. Something always happens to me on Oasis tours. I was in a car crash. If it's not that, it's getting fucking busted. If it's not that, it's coming down with some ancient fucking disease that's not been got by anybody for the last 600 years."

"I love being on stage. It's the one place where there's no bullshit. That's because I'm not a fucking asshole that feels like I have to talk to the crowd every two minutes or put on a big smile or run up and down the stage like an idiot."

Oasis are playing some shows in Mexico before finally coming to the U.S. for a three-week tour.

2008 MTV Video Music Awards Still Have Folks Buzzed

Photo Credit: AP

By DeJuan Hoggard

HOLLYWOOD – Seems as if the entire American population is still getting excited over the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards held at Paramount Pictures last Sunday. Hosted by British rocker-turned-host and self-proclaimed sex addict Russell Brand, the 25th awards show has created mixed feelings among fans and celebrities. Twenty-two year old Eric Arnold of Pasadena, who did not watch the show and plans to watch the show on TiVo said, “I heard it wasn’t a very good awards show and couldn’t compare to the previous shows.”
Britney Spears appeared to be the talk of the awards, going home with three: for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Video of the Year. Spears, who highly disappointed fans last year with an awful opening performance, proved herself this year with a hilarious opening skit with actor Jonah Hill.
Performances by Lil Wayne and T-Pain, Kid Rock, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, pThe Jonas Brothers, Pink, Paramore, and Kanye West were definitely highlights of the show. Brian, from Bad Boy Records’ Day 26, said, “Did you see Pink perform? Man, she’s hot.” The group who is on the same label as Danity Kane, which was up for the Best Pop Award but lost to Britney Spears, enjoyed their first Video Music Awards. “I ain’t gonna lie, the show was hot,” said Mike from the group.
Other attendees of the event included, Perez Hilton, Lauren Conrad, Busta Rhymes, Jamie Foxx, Heidi Montag, Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Jordin Sparks, John Legend and many more. Travis Barker and DJ AM were the house band for the night, entertaining the American and studio audience with performances with Katy Perry, Lupe Fiasco, and LL Cool J.
“Show Magazine” model Diznee also attended the awards for her very first time. “I liked the way they went back and forth from between the sound stage and the studio back lot for the performances. It gave a different element for the show – even though if it were me I would’ve had it at a different venue. And Russell Brand, I didn’t like him. He offended a lot of people and I think MTV will hear a lot about that”, she answered as she blew bubble gum bubbles in between sentences.
Kanye West, who vowed he would never again show his face at the Video Music Awards, closed the show with his new song entitled “Love Lockdown.” “I loved the blinking heart on his chest…all of a sudden out of nowhere, here come these drummers who looked like they came from the Beijing Olympics,” commented Diznee.
At the end of the night, Spears walked away with the most awards and showed America that she was back and couldn’t be stopped. The full list of winners are:
Best Female Video: Britney Spears – “Piece of Me”

Best Male Video: Chris Brown – “With You”

Best Dancing in a Video: Pussycat Dolls – “ When I Grow Up”

Best Rock Video: Linkin Park – “Shadow of the Day”

Best Hip Hop Video: Lil Wayne featuring Static Major – “Lollipop”

Best New Artist: Tokio Hotel – “Ready, Set, Go!”

Best Pop Video: Britney Spears – “Piece of Me”

Video of the Year: Britney Spears – “Piece of Me”

Best Art Direction: Gnarls Barkley – “Run”

Best Choreography: Gnarls Barkley – “Run”

Best Cinematography: The White Stripes – “Conquest”

Best Direction: Erykah Badu – “Honey”

Best Editing: Death Cab for Cutie – “I Will Possess Your Heart”

Best Special Effects: Kanye West featuring T-Pain: “Good Life”

Music and Entertainment Blog

The entertainment section of the blog will feature everything derived from a "celebritainment" foundation. All things entertainment from TV, film, radio, fashion, music, etc. It will also feature events in and having to do with the above listed subjects.

The music portion of our blog will deal with news/events focused on the music industry in particular. The music portion will include notices of new/upcoming releases, music award shows/events, concert/album reviews and links to up and coming artist/band sites. The music portion of our blog will provide current events and trends in the music industry (online music, the future of the music industry, etc.).

Walter Pena

DeJuan Hoggard

Shant Kazandjian

J495 CSUN Fall 2008