Police Kill Actor at Los Angeles Halloween Party October 29, 2000 3:06 pm EST LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A police officer responding to a noisy Halloween party at a mansion north of Beverly Hills shot and killed an actor, who police said pointed what turned out to be a fake gun at him, police said Sunday. Anthony Dwain Lee, 39, who appeared in the 1997 movie "Liar, Liar" and on several television shows including "NYPD Blue," was shot several times early Saturday by Officer Tarriel Hopper who fired through a glass door from an exterior hallway, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. The shooting took place about 1 a.m. at a crowded party attended by scores of costumed guests, many of them actors and other entertainment industry professionals, at a mansion known as "the Castle" for its spires and stained-glass windows, the Los Angeles Times reported. It was not immediately known who owned the house or if the owner attended the party. "He was a Buddhist. He hated violence. It is amazing he died this way," Mitch Hale, a writer whose play "Buffalo Soldier" starred Lee and earned him a local acting award, told the newspaper. "He was an incredibly gifted actor and person. It's devastating ... Why did they shoot someone at a Halloween party?" Police said Hopper and Officer Natalie Humphreys were attempting to find the owner of the home in the Benedict Canyon area of Los Angeles after neighbors complained about the party. The officers were at the rear of the house when Hopper looked into a small room and spotted three people. Police said that when Lee saw the officers he pulled what looked like a handgun and pointed it at Hopper, who, in fear for his life, fired several shots from his service pistol, wounding Lee, the LAPD statement said. Lee was later pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Officer Charlotte Broughton, a spokeswoman for the LAPD, said many of the party-goers were in costume. One guest told the Times that some of guests were dressed as cops, but it was not known if Lee was wearing a costume. It was also not clear if Lee realized Hopper was a real officer with a real gun. The police department said Lee's supposed weapon was a fake, "a replica semiautomatic pistol, dark in color." The shooting is being investigated by the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division and a team from the district attorney's office. Another party-goer, Robert Hull, told the Times, "It was a shock that an officer would shoot at such a party. This was an exclusive party with security. Some of these people are making six figures, and this officer saw a toy gun at a Halloween costume party and opened fire." Another of the victim's friends, Mary Lin, told the newspaper, "His biggest fear was getting killed by cops, because he's a tall black man." Lee's friends said Sunday they were planning to hold a candlelight vigil in his honor Monday evening.

LAPD marches on.

Yeah, but you gotta be especially stupid to point a replica of a service revolver at a police officer. At night. In the dark. Who you gonna call when you are being threatened or your property threatened? The Girls Scouts?? Yup, LAPD has trouble Big Time, but it is the only act in town. I think this qualifies for New 11 - stupid things in the news!!!

November 17, 2000 5:58 pm EST LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The pint-sized rapper who performed with multi-platinum rock star Kid Rock has died of a chronic intestinal disorder at the age of 26, his label said on Friday. Joseph Calleja, professionally known as Joe C., died in his sleep on Thursday night at his parents' house in the Detroit suburb of Taylor, Michigan, according to a statement from Atlantic Records. Joe C. had suffered since childhood with Celiac disease, and as a result stood at only 3-foot-9-inches. His health maintenance regimen had included taking 65 pills a day and daily dialysis treatment. Despite this, he had been in good health, and his death was unexpected, a label publicist said. Joe C. did not let his health worries interfere with his marijuana-fueled rock 'n' roll lifestyle. He recorded and toured with Kid Rock, the flashy Detroit rock star behind such hits as "Cowboy" and "Bawitdaba," and his foul-mouthed hooligan persona made him a crowd favorite. In the "Cowboy" video, Joe C. dressed as a gunslinger and dueled with Gary Coleman, the diminutive actor from the 1980s sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes." He bragged about his sexual prowess on the title track to Kid Rock's 9-million-selling "Devil Without a Cause" album and had a solo tune on the "South Park" feature soundtrack, "Kyle's Mom's a Big Fat B++ch". He also had a cameo on the cartoon TV series "The Simpsons." Joe C. once sparked a child pornography investigation after posing with two naked women for some snapshots. The clerk at the photo lab thought he was 10 years old and called the police. In the Atlantic statement, Kid Rock, aka Bob Ritchie, said: "We have lost part of our family. Joey gave us and the world his love. He brought a smile to everyone who has ever known or seen him. In a world full of confusion, Joey made us all laugh. No matter what color, religion, race or beliefs we have, he made us all smile. He gave us the gift of joy. Joey, thank you. We will never forget you. We love you." Funeral arrangements were not yet confirmed.

World's Tallest Ferris Wheel Coming Soon to Vegas LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Step right up to the greatest Ferris wheel on Earth, coming soon to Las Vegas. A group of designers and developers plans to erect what is being billing as the world tallest free-standing carnival ride at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. In typical Vegas style, the 518-foot tall ride dubbed the Voyager, will be anything but your typical Ferris wheel. Among other things, it will feature: -- 35 cars, each outfitted with a bar, rest room and plush seating for up to 16 riders; -- an attendant in each car, whose duties will include tending bar, answering riders' questions and entertaining them in general; -- Internet access for each passenger; and -- two-way video cameras in each car, allowing riders to communicate with their friends in other cars and on the ground. The wheel will spin at about 1-1/2 mph, and one trip around will take about a half hour, said Richard Hannigan, a principal of Outland Development LLC, which is overseeing design and construction of the ride. If it is built, the wheel would be the tallest such ride in the world -- taller than the current record holder, the 443-foot-tall (135 meters) "London Eye," built as part of Britain's millennium celebration. The only taller structure on the Las Vegas Strip would be the Stratosphere tower, which stands 1,149 feet (350 meters) high. Hannigan wouldn't reveal the exact location of the project, which will cost $40 million to $60 million, but said final negotiations are underway for the developers' most preferred building site. "We designed this particular module, the wheel itself, to be all things to all people," Hannigan said. "It moves very slowly, so you don't get a sensation like a roller coaster. You can have a very young child on this, all the way to a very elderly person." Hannigan said the car-to-car video connections will allow larger parties to ride together and stay in touch during the course of a trip. "Say we have a wedding party that stretches over four cars, for example," he said. "There will be cameras on board so you can see other people in the cars." Hannigan, president of the architecture design firm Synthetic Systems Inc., said the idea for a super-sized Ferris wheel first came up in the mid-1990s as part of a casino being built for another company. That element of the project never came to fruition, but its designers never forgot the concept. "We liked the idea so much we decided to build it as a free-standing deal," Hannigan said. "If you're going to make a name for yourself you have to be bigger and better than anything else. It'll be the next icon on the Strip." Hannigan said construction of the Voyager could begin sometime next year, with completion set for the first quarter of 2002.

i heard this on the news tonight and i about fell out. it seems that Revlon (r) is looking for a new model. seems that Cindy Crawford no longer has the look for this day and age. too bad. sorry Cindy. but you have a stunning acting career to fall back on. no really, i can't imagine making money on my looks and then being told, in my prime, sorry honey, you're so 5 minutes ago!

Yeah, doesn't it suck to be a gorgeous, super-rich, world-famous model?

I'll take your word for it. We already know how gorgeous you are and world famous. Delighted to add you to the list of the super-rich! *sigh*

oh yeah, and melanie griffin's contract is in peril with revlon too. seems the image they definitely don't want to project is that of an older woman addicted to prescription drugs! (i don't like her anyway) speaking of which, robert downey jr is in trouble again. he just can't get clean. i think he needs to go to boot camp instead of some wealthy spa for those hooked to drugs. and when he goes to prison, they need not allow him to make movies during the week and return for weekend time.

What to get your Favorite Billionaire for Christmas... ACTON, Mass. (Reuters) - Need a Christmas present for that money-bags billionaire relative or friend and don't quite know what to do? The Robb Report, magazine for the ultra-rich, has just what you need, but probably can't afford. How about a $30 million 165-foot super yacht with a gymnasium and marble-floored lobby? Too showy? Then what about a 485 horsepower V12 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina limited edition convertible? It can be yours for $258,000. The glamorous gifts are part of the Robb Report's annual list of presents published in its December issue. It is the 17th list and features "21 exclusive gifts for the 21st century." Other gift opportunities for consumers with copious cash include a $325,285, 21-day safari package complete with a pair of 12-bore shotguns and a Range Rover, or a $7.75 million set of four Patek Philippe pocket watches, one of which will accurately copy the chime of London's Big Ben clock tower. For those wishing to keep price tags to five digits, the magazine offers a man and woman's wardrobe of cashmere and wool from Italian manufacturer Loro Piana for $55,000, or a $39,400 two-person ski vacation in the French Alps. There is also a four-day trip for two to meet and cook with four "superstar chefs" -- Daniel Boulud of Daniel restaurant, Jean-Georges Vongerichten of Jean Georges, Aureole's Charlie Palmer and the Ryland Inn's Craig Shelton -- starting at just $25,000. And for those who want to indulge a fantasy or simply steal a glance into the world of wretched excess, you can buy a copy of the magazine for just $9.99.

Madonna's getting married on Friday!!

Yup...in The Highlands. I'm so envious. Well, we knom what he'll be wearing under his kilt...!!!

and they will be checking!!

Today is Ralph Fiennes birthday, he's 38.

and very fine!(he's 38????)

jason robards passed last night (he was in braveheart wasn't he--as robert the bruce's father?) oh, and madonna will be in her husband's new movie "The Mole" not to be confused with the new real tv series "the mole." i read that they'll start filming in march. hmmmm....

Actress Kate Hudson Marries Rocker Boyfriend January 2, 2001 12:46 am EST LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actress Kate Hudson, who played a groupie in the recent movie "Almost Famous," became a rock 'n' roll wife on New Year's Eve, tying the knot with the lead singer of southern rock band the Black Crowes, her publicist says. Hudson, the 21-year-old daughter of Goldie Hawn, married Chris Robinson, 34, at the Aspen, Colo., ranch Hawn shares with longtime companion Kurt Russell, publicist Brad Cafarelli told Reuters. Hudson and Robinson had been dating for about a year. It was the first marriage for both. Hawn and Russell were among the 70 family and friends at the evening ceremony, and Russell gave the bride away. Hudson's estranged natural father, comedian Bill Hudson, was not present, Cafarelli said Monday. Hudson's maid of honor was her friend Dyani Redclay, while Robinson's best man was his younger brother and songwriting partner Rich, who plays guitar with the Black Crowes. The other members of the Black Crowes attended, but there were no other famous names, Cafarelli said. Hudson, Hawn and Redclay wore Vera Wang gowns, while the Robinsons and Russell were fitted in Brioni suits. Cafarelli said Hudson's dress boasted a corseted bodice and large full skirt, in keeping with the event's romantic 19th century theme. He declined to comment on the content of the couple's vows. The couple were still at the ranch Monday, with Hudson due to fly to London next week to star in a remake of the 1939 war drama "Four Feathers" for director Shekhar Kapur. She rose to fame for her Golden Globe-nominated turn as kind-hearted groupie Penny Lane in writer/director Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous." The Black Crowes, which formed in Atlanta in 1988 and enjoyed such hits as "Jealous Again" and "Remedy," are recording a new album. They recently toured with former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page.

hot off the Extra pressed--Madonna and Brittney Spears could be doing a duet with each other. Madonna even wore a BS t-shirt at her last concert!

Have you seen the Brittney Spears Pepsi commercial, the one with Bob Dole?

nope, i don't think so....is that the one with "Just enjoy the ride"? and what's up with Tom and Nicole?

Nicole seems to be winning the media battle, according to a big story in Entertainment Week. Carmen Electra's practically stalking Ricky Martin, to his disinterest. Maybe she should stick with Dennis Rodman. Altman's Gosford Park is the big buzz in London, with singing Jeremy NOrtham. It has almost as many stars as the country sky on a clear Texas night.

What's the inside story on "Insider" host Pat O'Brien's decision to enter rehab Sunday? Hollywood sources suggest the timing was to defuse the release of several sexually explicit voice-mail messages, available on the Internet yesterday, soliciting sex froman unidentified woman. "Let's just [bleeping] have sex and fun and drugs and go crazy," says a male voice. Yesterday reps for "The Insider" would not comment on widespread attribution of the voice to O'Brien. The tape describes in graphic detail just how "badly" the caller wants various activities that involve, gosh, all parts of the woman's body. "I'm so into you, Betsy is so f��ing jealous," the voice claims in one message. "I know you want me, but you have to be with Betsy, too." "The Insider" host has one child with his wife, Linda. Sadly, by the final message, Betsy seems to have pulled out of the threesome. Says the caller: "Get another woman up, hire a hooker, let's get crazy, get some coke and if you get this message, if you agree with this, just look at me and say yes." from http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/292318p-250212c.html and there's more coming out today.

It keeps getting messier for "The Insider" host Pat O'Brien. The celeb chronicler checked into rehab Sunday, just as an embarrassing string of dirty voice-mail messages, which expressed a taste for hookers, cocaine and adventurous (if possibly unhygienic) sex, became public. His reps do not deny that O'Brien made the calls. Now sources say O'Brien was reprimanded several times for sexual harassment during his time as co-host of rival show "Access Hollywood." A witness says O'Brien actually licked co-host Nancy O'Dell's face at an "Access Hollywood" Christmas party. At the same event, he was seen groping reporter Shaun Robinson's behind. A gay male producer told our source O'Brien once said to him, "I have a gift for you." When asked what, O'Brien allegedly answered, "Bend over." On another occasion, he allegedly stretched out on the producer's sofa and asked, "What would you do if I masturbated in front of you?" He also allegedly offended two African-American employees when he walked into a makeup room and greeted them with, "What's up, my n��s!" Could it be O'Brien feels that he's down with the bruthas because he once appeared in a P. Diddy video? O'Brien's lawyer, Abel Lezcano, said: "As far as being able to verify or deny this stuff, I can't do it." "NBC does not comment on personnel issues regarding our current or former employees," said a spokeswoman for NBC Universal, which produces "Access Hollywood." "NBC has a strong policy against harassment in the workplace, and takes corrective action when appropriate." A rep for "The Insider" declined comment. http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/292707p-250567c.html

Sandy plugs Sandy's and other Austin eateries on Daily Show As is our habit, my wife and I were watching the Daily Show last night. The guest was Sandra Bullock. She was there to plug Miss Congeniality 2 (feh), but her conversation with Jon Stewart turned to Austin. They both gushed about our fair city and the topic turned to local eateries. Bullock plugged Salt Lick which they both agreed was great. If you ask me, Cooper's is hands down the best BBQ around and well worth the extra half-hour drive. Stewart asked her about an old burger place that everyone recommends in town. She thought for a moment and suggested Sandy's which I thought was a cool plug, but probably not the one he was trying to remember. I'm guessing he was talking about Hut's, but then thought it could be Dirty's, Top Notch, or Hillbert's. For burger joint atmosphere, I think any of those that I mentioned are worthy. However, I still think the Amarillo burger at Casino El Camino is the best burger in town. Period. http://www.metblogs.com/mt/mt-tb138.pl/6194

holy cow, i forgot all about this topic! lance armstrong and sheryl crowe got engaged.

And Lance is considering another Tour de France, he's already in training.

yeah, i heard that. didja know that the samples used for the drug testing were from '99 and the specific type of testing they did this time around wasn't available back then? (back then...*chuckle*). i'm sure the man was on some type of drug but i think those were for his recovery from cancer (not sure when he was diagnosed).....

He was diagnosed and treated at least a year before he ran the first Tour, and he did take meds to increase his blood cell count then but they would have been long gone. I think Lance misses the pain, the training, the agony of preparation and the French handed him an excuse to re-enter the fray on a silver platter. I had a great event at Central Market called "TourWatch 2005" and I may do another one next year with Lance coming back in. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

has he already signed on to race?

Website Posts Real-Time Celebrity Sightings By Shawn McGinnis, KTLA News March 17, 2006, 4:22 PM PST NEW YORK � A new web site is causing a bit of a panic in Hollywood, by turning ordinary people into paparazzi. Gawker Stalker Gawker Stalker is the latest innovation in celebrity watching. It's supposed to be fun, but there are already concerns that a new web tool on the gossip site Gawker.com may threaten the privacy and possibly the safety of celebrities across the nation. How it works Lets say you're out and about and see George Clooney at Starbucks, you e-mail his location to Gawker.com and within seconds the information will be posted online, complete with a Google Map showing exactly where and when a star was spotted. Just this week, Gawker has advertised sightings of Harrison Ford, Madonna, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson and Lindsey Lohan. Stalker Concerns However, the immediacy of the information has many concerned that obsessed fans may use the site to track down celebrities. But Gawker.com says the information is already out there and that anyone truly intent on harming a celebrity will find a way regardless of what's on the site. more at http://gawker.com

http://www.gawker.com/stalker/ Here's the map