Katey Sagal relishing her role on hit 'Sons of Anarchy'

Katey Sagal has found a new lease on TV life with FX’s ‘Sons of Anarchy.’
New York - Season two of the FX drama "Sons of Anarchy" is primed to end with bloody payback. The Sons, a fierce and fiercely close-knit motorcycle club, are set to wreak havoc on enemy forces that have cut into their outlaw livelihood and horned in on their turf (the curiously named town of Charming, Calif.).

Further upping the ante for the season conclusion (Tuesday at 10 p.m.): The club must teach the ultimate lesson to that band of white separatists who, at the season's start, sent the club a message by seizing and raping its matriarch, Gemma Morrow.

Played by Katey Sagal, Gemma is dishy, shrewd and tough as wife to the club's president (Ron Perlman) and mother of its rival for the throne (Charlie Hunnam).
But recoiling from the shock and shame of her attack, she has shown viewers a previously unglimpsed vulnerable side.
"This season I had to keep asking myself, 'Who is she, vulnerable?'" says Sagal. For three seasons she starred on the ABC comedy "8 Simple Rules," which was rocked by the sudden death of co-star John Ritter early its second year.
Gemma came into her life thanks to her husband, Kurt Sutter, who created "Sons of Anarchy" after seven seasons as writer and executive producer of FX's landmark cop drama "The Shield."

"He began researching outlaw motorcycle gangs and came up with a great sort of mythology about that world," Sagal explains. Sagal laughs. "I know there's nefarious behavior, and gangs, and guns and gunrunning. (Among the series' large ensemble, Mark Boone Junior, Tommy Flanagan, Johnny Lewis, Theo Rossi, Ryan Hurst, William Lucking and Kim Coates play other club members.)

Like Gemma, they've got personal issues that don't get much personal scrutiny.
"Those people are all about shame, guilt, denial, secrets," says Sagal. At the same time, these are not goons or buffoons, any more than Gemma is the cliche motorcycle mama. They're relatable to viewers as fellow members of the nation's least exclusive club: the struggling working class.
Business setbacks, and worse, abound for the Sons. "I think that's what viewers are responding to," says Sagal. "The characters' everyday-ness."
Now, as Sagal awaits the "Sons" finale (she says she holds off screening each episode until it airs), she plans to fill her hiatus with voicing sessions for "Futurama."

Plus making music. An accomplished singer before she started acting, she spent a decade touring with such headliners as Bette Midler, Etta James and Bob Dylan. Only once did she offer him a suggestion: that Gemma - who, like most of the family, consumes plenty of tobacco and pot - go cold turkey.

Robbie Williams denies engagement

Robbie Williams has said he is not engaged to his girlfriend, despite his mother appearing to confirm the news.

Under the heading "Robbie And Ayda: Are They Or Aren't They?" on his official website, Williams simply wrote: "Hey all. We are not engaged. Rob."

Speculation began when the singer made an off-the-cuff proposal to Ayda Field on an Australian radio show.

His spokesman said it was a joke, but his mother Jan later told BBC 5 live he had been planning to pop the question.

After Williams published his denial on Saturday, his spokesman said: "We have no more comment on this apart from to confirm that they are not engaged."

On Friday, Mrs Williams told 5 live that her son had revealed his proposal plans to her "a week ago".

She said she was "really pleased" for the couple, adding: "I've always wanted a daughter-in-law."

Ayda Field has been with Robbie for almost three years
Asked when she thought the wedding would be, Mrs Williams said: "I don't think it will be that far in the not-too-distant future, but that's all I'm going to say on that."

She added: "I'm very excited. I'm really pleased. They've been together for nearly three years, so it's about time.

"She's a great mate, as well as a lover. She's got all the qualities that he needs in a girl. It's a lovely match."

Williams had appeared on Australian radio station 2Day FM, where breakfast show host Jackie Henderson told him that Sydney had a reputation for celebrity proposals.

Turning to his girlfriend, the 35-year-old said: "Ayda Field, I love you so much. Do you mind being my betrothed for the end of time?"

Field, who was in the studio at the time, laughed before saying: "I would love to be your betrothed 'til the end of time."

The star performed at the Aria Awards in Australia on Friday
He then borrowed Henderson's frog ring and slipped it onto Field's finger.

For the remainder of the show, Williams accepted the congratulations of fans who phoned in to speak to him.

But when one caller asked Williams to divulge the last lie he had told, he replied: "I told one this morning.

"I mainly just tell people the truth. With the exception of a few white lies here and there."

Earlier this month, Williams told Jonathan Ross on his chat show that he thought he was "going to be a bachelor" until he met Field.

"I was introduced to Ayda and things just changed. She's a wonderful person and I'm in love. She's really broody and I'm getting there," he said.
by:bbc

Michael Jackson Moonwalk glove auctioned for $350,000

The glove worn by Michael Jackson
A rhinestone-encrusted glove worn by Michael Jackson the first time he performed the Moonwalk has been sold at auction for $350,000 (£212,000).

The glove, among 70 items belonging to the late singer which went on sale in New York, was sold for nine times the expected price.

A jacket worn by Jackson on his 1989 "Bad" tour was sold for $225,000 while a fedora hat went for $22,000.

The auction in New York attracted thousands of bidders around the world.

Auctioneer Darren Julien said the 1983 television appearance when Jackson first displayed the Moonwalk - wearing the glove - had been his "most historical performance".

The glove was bought by a Hong Kong businessman
Mr Julien said he had had no idea the sale would be so big.

Prices for Michael Jackson memorabilia now outstrip those for items belonging to Elvis Presley or Marilyn Monroe, he added.

"It's a tribute to his life and career - he's truly an amazing artist," said Mr Julien.

The glove was bought by Hong Kong businessman Hoffman Ma on behalf of a hotel in Macau China, where it will now go on display.

Including taxes and fees, the final amount paid was $420,000.

Michael Jackson died at his home in Los Angeles in June at the age of 50 after a drugs overdose.

Miley Cyrus tour bus crash leaves one dead

An accident which involved singer Miley Cyrus's tour bus has killed one passenger, US police have confirmed.

Sergeant Thomas Molnar said the bus - which the teenage singer was not on at the time - overturned as it travelled on a main road in central Virginia.

One of the other nine passengers suffered minor injuries.

The 16-year-old's website said the Hannah Montana star is expected to perform Sunday in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The Disney star is scheduled to play two dates in London next month.

Cyrus, who is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray, began her solo singing career in 2007 with her debut album, Meet Miley Cyrus.

five films vying to win the Oscar

Disney-Pixar's Up is a strong contender for the award
There will be five films vying to win the Oscar for best animated film next year after a record 20 movies were submitted for consideration.

Most years only see three nominations, as under Academy rules at least 16 eligible films must be submitted to expand the category to five runners.

Box office hit Up, Fantastic Mr Fox, Monsters vs Aliens and Coraline are all on the list of hopefuls.

The nominations will be announced on 2 February with the ceremony on 7 March.

Best picture

Also in the running include Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, A Christmas Carol, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.

Since the best animated film category was introduced in 2002 - which was won by Shrek - there has only been one year where five films have been nominated for the award.

In 2003, 17 films qualified and Japanese film-maker Hayao Miyazaki's fantasy Spirited Away claimed the Oscar.

Films submitted in the animated feature film category can also run in other categories including best picture, but the only film ever to do so to date was Disney classic Beauty and the Beast in 1991.

British Airways and Iberia agree merger plans

The merger has been a long time in the planning.
British Airways and Spanish airline Iberia have reached a preliminary agreement for a merger expected to be completed in late 2010.

The merger, which is expected to get regulatory backing, would create the world's third biggest airline.

Under its terms, Iberia would take a 45% stake and BA, which last week reported a six-month pre-tax loss of £292m, a 55% stake in the new company.

Iberia says it can pull out if BA fails to resolve its pension deficit problem.

'Growing dominance'
"The merger will create a strong European airline well able to compete in the 21st Century," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh.

"Both airlines will retain their brands and heritage while achieving significant synergies as a combined force."

The deal would create an airline with 419 aircraft flying to 205 separate destinations, and would save the two partners 400m euros ($594m; £358m) in costs a year, the two carriers said.

Iberia's chairman Antonio Vazquez will take the same role at the new company, while Mr Walsh will become its chief executive.

Aviation analyst Douglas McNeil of Astaire Securities said BA would be "relieved" to have finally got the merger deal in place.

"I think BA will be pleased with the deal they have got - the headquarters in London, led by Willie Walsh, and BA will be majority shareholder," he said.

Simon Calder, travel editor of the Independent, agreed that the planned merger was a good deal for BA.

"British Airways has come out of this pretty well, it will be the dominant partner," he said.

"Don't expect any great benefits [after the merger] if you are a passenger, but if you are a shareholder it could be a different story."

News of the deal did not go down well with Virgin Atlantic, one of BA's big competitors in the UK, which raised concerns about the new company's market share.

"The merger will increase BA's dominance at Heathrow with 44% of take-off and landing slots this winter. It is impossible for any other airline to replicate their scale," the airline said.

Big losses

Both BA and Iberia have been losing money during the downturn as businesses and individuals cut back on flying.

Mr Walsh has previously said a merger would help both firms cope with the recession.

The firms have considered a tie-up for a number of years and held talks on the issue in July 2008.

BA already owns 13.5% of Iberia and the two carriers have a code-sharing agreement under the One World grouping of airlines, which allows them to sell seats on each other's services.

If a merger is formalised, it would still require regulatory approval from the European Commission.

However, analysts say a deal is likely to be cleared, pointing to Air France's successful merger with Dutch airline KLM in 2004.

Financial woes
The agreement comes a week after BA said it would cut a further 1,200 jobs, as it reported a first-half loss for the first time.

Michael Jackson's father seeks allowance

Court papers gave a list of Joe Jackson's expenses
Joe Jackson has requested an allowance from the estate of his late son Michael, saying the pop star supported him for years before his death.

In court papers filed in Los Angeles, the 81-year-old's lawyers said his monthly expenses are $20,000, but he receives only $1,700 from the state.

They added that the pop star's estate has earned an estimated $100m (£60.1m) since his sudden death on 25 June.

A hearing to assess the request is expected to take place early next year.

Michael Jackson's will omitted his father, but made provision for his mother and children.

Monthly payments to Katherine Jackson along with his daughter and two sons were approved by a judge last month.

They may be re-evaluated at the same time as the hearing to determine Joe Jackson's case.

Documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court state that Joe Jackson does not have a regular income and relied on payments from his son which came through his wife Katherine for many years.

Joe Jackson's lawyers went on to state that he has diabetes and suffered a stroke a decade ago.

His only source of income comes from social security payments, they added.

Howard Weitzman, a lawyer for the administrators of the pop star's estate, said it was "quite surprising to learn of the request".

He added: "Mr Jackson's petition will be considered as are all requests for money from Michael's estate."

Joe Jackson's outgoings were listed in the court papers and included rent for his Las Vegas home, meals out, air travel and hotel accommodation.

Beyonce wins MTV Europe Music Awards

Singer Beyonce has landed a trio of trophies at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Berlin.

The singer fought off rivals including Leona Lewis to win best female, plus best song for Halo and best video for Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).

She dedicated her best video award to rapper husband Jay-Z, saying: "There's only one person I want to thank and that is Jay for putting a ring on it."

Singer Katy Perry hosted the ceremony for the second year in a row.

The singer - who is dating comedian Russell Brand - performed a medley of the five best song contenders, including Halo and and Kings of Leon's Use Somebody.

She set the tone for the evening by asking the crowd: "Are you feeling sexy, Berlin?" and managed to squeeze into seven separate costumes during the ceremony.

'Great deal'

The ceremony was held in the city to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

U2, who won best live act, played a free open-air concert at the Brandenburg Gate to coincide with the event.

As well as performing One - inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall - the band played Sunday, Bloody Sunday, on which they were joined by Jay-Z.

Their concert had run into controversy - after organisers built a two-metre barrier around the venue.

But MTV insisted the fence was part of a "comprehensive security plan" to ensure safety.

Singer Bono said: "Live is where this band lives. It's all that counts ... If you have given us this award I guess that's what you're thinking and it means a great deal to us."

Jay-Z won the best urban award, but told the crowd: "I go to the studio just like the Jonas Brothers, just like Green Day, and we're all just artists at the end of the day."

German band Tokio Hotel were named best group, while Eminem won best male, fending off Robbie Williams and Mika.

Best world stage performance was won by Linkin Park, while Pixie Lott was pronounced the inaugural MTV push artist.

Lott said, via video: "It has been a very amazing, crazy year so I want to say thank you to everyone who has voted for me."

Former X Factor winner Leona Lewis, who had been nominated for best female, performed Happy.

The show was broadcast to more than 500 million homes around the world.

Rihanna warning over Chris Brown attack

Singer Rihanna has spoken on US TV for the first time about being assaulted by ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, warning that "it could happen to anybody".

The 21-year-old, who was interviewed on ABC's Good Morning America programme, also called her brief reconciliation with Brown "embarrassing".

"I realised that my selfish decision for love could result in some young girl getting killed," she added.

Chris Brown was sentenced to five years' probation after February's assault.

'I didn't do it'

The singer, who has since apologised to fans for his actions, was also given a community service order.

MTV is due to air an interview with Brown on Friday.

Rihanna, who is due to release her new album Rated R on 23 November, told interviewer Diane Sawyer: "I am strong. This happened to me. I didn't cause this. I didn't do it."

The singer added of her decision to reconcile with Brown after the assault: "So far in love, so unconditional, that I went back. That's not what I want to teach people."

The Barbadian-born star admitted that the blaze of publicity that surrounded the attack had been hard to deal with.

"There are a lot of women who have experienced this, but not in public. That made it really difficult. I thought 'there goes my little bit of privacy.'

"It's something that nobody wants anybody to know. So here I am, the whole world knowing," she said.

Rihanna offered advice to women tempted to go back to their partner after an incidence of domestic violence: "Don't react off of love."

Further extracts of ABC's interview with the singer will be screened on Friday in the US.

Michael Jackson film tops US box office

The film opened simultaneously around the world
Michael Jackson film This Is It has topped the North American box office in its first weekend of release.

The film, which was released worldwide on 28 October, took $21.3m (£13m) over the weekend, taking its five-day haul to $101m (£61.5m).

Columbia Pictures said it now plans to extend the film's two-week limited run in North America until 29 November.

Low-budget horror Paranormal Activity slipped from first-place to number two with $16.5m (£10m).

The sleeper-hit has now taken $84.8m (£51.8m) in its sixth week of release.

US BOX OFFICE TOP FIVE
- This Is It - $21.3m
- Paranormal Activity - $16.5m
- Law Abiding Citizen - $7.3m
- Couples Retreat - $6.1m
- Saw VI - $5.6m

Gerard Butler action film Law Abiding Citizen and romantic comedy Couples Retreat both rose one place to four and five respectively.

Horror sequel Saw VI and Spike Jonze film Where The Wild Things Are both fell three spots to five and six.

There were no other new releases in the chart as film companies shied away from competing with the Halloween weekend.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama hand out candy at the White House

Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 in Washington, on Halloween.
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Saturday doled out presidential M&Ms and dried fruit mixes to more than 2,000 trick-or-treaters, marking their Halloween at a White House event partly aimed at honoring military families.

Dressed as superheroes, pirates, fairies and skeletons, the kids came in with their parents from Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C., and lined up on the orange-lit White House driveway.

Standing outside the White House front door, the Obamas smiled, chatted and passed out cellophane goody bags that were also filled with a sweet dough butter cookie made by White House pastry chef Bill Yosses. Kids also received a National Park Foundation Ranger activity book.

Mrs. Obama wore furry cat ears and a leopard-patterned top. Obama said the kids looked adorable, as well as his wife, "a very nice looking Catwoman."

A big, stuffed, black spider dangled in a web of string from the top of the portico, and pumpkins had sprouted up around the columns.

Meanwhile, an odd cast of figures wondered around the North Lawn, including skeletons playing musical instruments, walking trees and "Star Wars" characters. The night's arrangements took a month or two to prepare, the White House said.

The loot handed out was just part of the treat for the visiting kids, who were chosen with help from the Education Department.

"He touched my hand," said a beaming Tiera Thomas, 11, of Washington, D.C., after she picked up her candy from President Obama.

The Obamas spent about a half hour passing out candy to trick-or-treaters, ages 6 to 14.

Then they headed inside to the East Room, where the first couple attended a reception for military families and for the moms and dads who work at the White House, along with their kids.

Obama thanked the military members and their families. "We are so grateful to you," he said. "Especially now, a lot of the times, you guys are separated. It's tough. The spouses who are at home are serving just as much as folks who are deployed. So we are just so thrilled that you guys could be here."

The president, dressed in casual clothes, was one of the few not in costume. Even Obama's press secretary, Robert Gibbs, was dressed as Darth Vader, the "Star Wars" villain.

It was also the first White House Halloween for the Obamas' daughters, 8-year-old Sasha and 11-year-old Malia.

But the White House would not say what Sasha and Malia were wearing, even though hundreds of other children their ages were in costume in full view of the media. The White House referred back to the first lady's comment to Jay Leno, that finding out what Sasha and Malia were wearing would require "security clearance."

Over the years, the winter holidays have been the ones to get the full treatment at the White House, with Christmas trees and tinsel all around.

The Obamas are not the first, though, to show Halloween spirit.

President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush hosted 500 children on Halloween in 1989, loading them up with fun loot but also teaching them about the dangers of drugs. The kids came decked out in costumes; some Secret Service agents came dressed as clowns.

In the Clintons' first year in the White House, the Great Pumpkin returned. A huge orange jack-o'-lantern was formed around the front entrance to the White House, with the front door to the mansion serving as the middle tooth. The first couple's daughter, Chelsea, was 13 at the time and the house was stuffed with pumpkins.
Photo by: AP

Ryan John Seacrest 'stalker' arrested

Ryan Seacrest says he 'extremely frightened' by Mr Uzomah's actions
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has been granted a restraining order against a man arrested on Friday on suspicion of stalking the star.

Chidi Benjamin Uzomah Jr, 25, was arrested after he entered the E! Entertainment building in LA.

Court papers say Mr Uzomah was trying to see Seacrest and that he was armed with a knife.

Mr Uzomah is on probation for another recent incident involving Seacrest, in which he attacked the star's guard.

Last month, Mr Uzomah pleaded guilty in Orange County, California to carrying a switchblade knife, assault and battery.

"His aggressive and violent efforts to come into physical contact with me are extremely frightening to me," Seacrest wrote in a court statement.

"They have jeopardised not only my personal safety but also the safety and wellbeing of those around me."

Mr Uzomah was kept in police custody on Friday night, held on $150,000 (£91,000) bail.

A court hearing on whether to grant a three-year restraining order against Mr Uzomah will be held on 17 November.

Seacrest is one of America's biggest TV stars and, as host of American Idol, fronts the country's highest-rated series.

The presenter also has a separate deal with cable company Comcast and is lead anchor on the E! Entertainment channel.

He also has a radio show on LA's KIIS-FM music station.