Angelina Jolie On Iraq Education And Her Pregnancy!

People.com catches Angelina Jolie talking about pregnancy for the first time! Maybe it was all the talk about children, but while expectant Angelina Jolie was discussing Iraq education policy Tuesday in Washington D.C., she "felt kicking suddenly," she tells PEOPLE.

And though it was "in the middle of the event," the mother of four didn't miss a beat as she talked about her two visits to Iraq and her new initiative, Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.

Jolie, 32, says EPCC will be "a center that helps raise awareness and coordinate all the various efforts of people working towards education for children of conflict."

Even after an exhausting couple days in the nation's capital, Jolie, who brought sons Maddox, 6, and Pax, 4, with her, shows no signs of slowing down. She'll continue her work in D.C. all week before re-joining Brad Pitt and their daughters Zahara, 3, and Shiloh, 1.

Most of all, Jolie says, she's savoring this period – unexpected kicks and all – adding, "It is a very special time in our lives."

Wow this lady sure is busy. In between being a superstar and a supermom she also attempts to contribute to such political issues. She wants to help Iraqi kids get their education despite ongoing conflicts. Isn't she amazing? No wonder she's lost so much weight!

Image from theage.com.au

Neil Patrick Harris Doesn't Want Britney Spears On "How I Met Your Mother"? Ouch That's Harsh!

If Neil Patrick Harris had his way, Britney Spears would be banned from the set of "How I Met Your Mother." Nothing against the pop singer personally — he just doesn't think the show should bring guests aboard for a ratings boost alone according to this AP article

I beg to disagree though. If Britney Spears brings spice to the show as many think she does, then why not let her go back? A little scared of being over-shadowed Neil? Tsk tsk

That's harsh!

Anyway the article goes on to say "I'm in the minority that our show does not need stunt casting in order to succeed," Harris declared during a break from taping the Monday night CBS sitcom, which has grown a cult following since its 2005 debut.

"I worry that if they start `Will and Grace'-ing us too much, that the show will suffer. And we're all really proud of the content of the show. I mean, viewership is not our game. It's the network and the studio's game, you know. It's the promotion department's game," the actor, who plays womanizer Barney, told The Associated Press in an interview last week.

Spears has been the most high-profile guest star to visit the set, following past appearances by Mandy Moore, Enrique Iglesias and Heidi Klum. But her capable March 24 cameo — feverishly promoted, anticipated, blogged-about, critiqued, analyzed and, ultimately, well-reviewed — gave Harris pause to voice a concern: Was the show selling out?

"We wish we weren't opposite an awkward reality dancing competition," he said. "But we have no say about that. I just am a real fan of our content. I think we have a great show going, and I hope it's not screwed up by the desire for 700,000 more viewers."

Make that 1 million more viewers for the Britney episode, which grabbed an audience of 10.6 million tuning in as Spears filled her small role as a bubbly receptionist. Among the 18-to-49-year-old demographic, it was the most-watched episode of the series ever.

The show has an average viewership this season of 8 million per episode, including reruns; last season, it attracted an average of 8.5 million viewers each showing. It returned with all-new episodes last month following the writers strike, capturing 9.6 million viewers the week before Spears' appearance and slipping back to 9.5 million the week after.

Executive producer Carter Bays told the AP he'd be open to another Spears guest spot. As it happened, the pop star's camp approached the show, and Bays is proud of the result: "We had no illusions about what the stakes were. And if it was classic stunt casting, like, `Oh, my tour bus broke down outside' and I just go, `Wow, Britney Spears, what are you doing here?' then, like, we're just flying over that shark real fast. It was a great character and I think she played it well. ... I'm glad that we didn't sensationalize the character in any way."

The show concluded with Spears' secretary flirting with Barney. The following episode, which aired last Monday, introduced a "mystery woman" who's been warning other women not to date the single-minded cad. Asked if Spears might turn out to be the secret slanderer, Bays said: "Could be. There's no reason why not." He also suggested the talented actress Sarah Chalke, who guest starred alongside Spears.

Asked for his guess, Harris said: "No telling, but based on the stunt casting we've done in the past I'm guessing Tara Reid."

"How I Met Your Mother" stars Harris, Josh Radnor, Cobie Smulders, Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel as an urban family of twentysomething New Yorkers. A familiar premise (see: "Friends"), yet the show has stood apart through its own brand of clever writing and in-jokes, cast chemistry and signature use of flashbacks.

Still, it lacks the broad appeal of shows like "Friends," which had a celebrity cast and a string of celebrity guest stars, and fellow CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men." It doesn't have the industry recognition of NBC critical darlings "30 Rock" and "The Office." Its only major Emmy nomination went to scene-stealer Harris last year for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.

"The challenge for the show has always been to get more eyeballs on it," said Radnor, who portrays unlucky-in-love architect Ted. "The only thing — and this is not a slam on any of the other shows on CBS on Monday — but the only thing we have in common with those shows is we're half an hour, multi-camera shows with a laugh track."

Radnor compared the show to an under-the-radar, yet-to-be-discovered band.

"That's why the people who love this show looooooove this show because I think it's like your favorite band that hasn't gotten popular enough for you to start hating it," he said. "So you can still kind of love it and wear the T-shirt and speak in code with the other people who are on to it, but it hasn't tipped into this kind of phenomenon where you start to turn on it."

Image from GameKult.com

Keanu Reeves Is Back On The Big Screen with Street Kings!

STREET KINGS. Action drama about an honest cop uncovering widespread corruption. With Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie. Director: David Ayer (1:47). R: Violence, language.

I don't care if it's a good movie or not, after years of not seeing the delicious Keanu Reeves, it's just so good to gaze at that handsome face once again...

Here's an NY Daily News review -- after its clichéd first scene - a solo LAPD officer battling a well-armed gang of thugs - "Street Kings" becomes an enjoyably tough, blood-splattered action drama that revolves around the one good cop at its center.

That cop, Ludlow (Keanu Reeves), is a hero thanks to the shoot-'em-up that opens the movie, and his bravery has boosted his captain (Forest Whitaker) closer to chief. But a snaky internal affairs officer (Hugh Laurie) is sniffing around, sensing something's not right.

In fact, a lot isn't right, as Ludlow discovers when he hunts down the gunmen who killed his former partner, Washington (Terry Crews). But he's not just seeking revenge for a fallen comrade: Ludlow's a loose cannon who thought Washington was falsely accusing him of being on the take. Suspected of being involved in Washington's death, Ludlow tries to clear himself but finds new puzzles at every turn.

"Street Kings" comes from the mind of co-screenwriter James Ellroy, the crime novelist whose "L.A. Confidential" took an equally twisty look at brother cops fighting like Cain and Abel.

"Kings" isn't as great as that movie - few police procedurals are - but it has a similarly seething energy. The director, David Ayer, wrote "Training Day" - another atmospheric winner - and here he crafts several set pieces filled with a gripping sense of danger.

A lot of that danger comes courtesy of the sly supporting cast. "House" star Laurie fills even straightforward conversations with little insults, and Jay Mohr, John Corbett and Amaury Nolasco all give feisty turns as members of Ludlow's squad.

Whitaker uses his hulking mix of friendliness and intimidation to great effect, while Chris Evans, as an analyst hungry to get out from behind his desk, makes the most of his sidekick status. Naomie Harris and rapper The Game stand out in minor roles.

But it's Reeves who anchors the film, with the squinty assurance of an actor who's been around 20 years and has done his time, giving his Valley Boy delivery a raspy, exhausted quality. Reeves knows action thrillers and how to make that Zen vagueness of his serve the greater good. "Street Kings" is an arresting ride.

Image from Moldova.Org

World Idol Winner Who Beat Kelly Clarkson - Kurt Nilsen Has The Voice Of An Angel, Face Of A Hobbit! Ouch!

Reality TV World published that in a surprise upset, Norwegian Pop Idol Kurt Nilsen, a former plumber, defeated competition favorites Kelly Clarkson and Will Young and won World Idol's clash of the world's Idols

American Idol Kelly Clarkson finished second in the competition, while Belgian rocker Peter Evrard - who sang a cover of the Nirvana song "Lithium" - was third. South Africa's Heinz Winkler followed next in a distant fourth place. Britain's Will Young, who was considered along with Kelly to be a favorite to win the competition, only managed to muster a fifth place finish, while Canada's Ryan Malcolm placed sixth.

Kurt, the singer who one judge had commented had the "voice of an angel but looked like a Hobbit" earned maximum points in almost every country, winning the maximum points from nine of the eleven countries which voted. I don't know if that was a compliment or an insult!

After being announced as the winner, a tearful Kurt said "This is totally amazing," told the other ten idols "I love you guys," and then launched into an encore performance of U2's "Beautiful Day" that he'd sang during last week's World Idol performance show.

Kurt ended up with 106 out of a maximum 112 points that were available. Clarkson placed second to Kurt in the majority of each country's voting and finished in second place overall with 97 points. The number of votes cast in each country weren't released.

Kurt won the Norwegian version of Pop Idol in May 2003. His single "She's So High" went straight to number one in the Norwegian singles chart and is the country's biggest selling single to date.

The full order of finish was:

1. Kurt Nilsen (Norway)
2. Kelly Clarkson (USA)
3. Peter Evrard (Belgium)
4. Heinz Winkler (South Africa)
5. Will Young (UK)
6. Ryan Malcolm (Canada)
7. Guy Sebastian (Australia)
8. Alex (Poland)
9. Jamai (Netherlands)
10. Alexander (Germany)
11. Diana (Jordan)

While Kelly and Will were considered the competitions heavy favorites by oddsmakers due to their chart success, Kurt had emerged as a dark horse candidate during the performance show. After his "Beautiful Day" performance, even judge Simon Cowell was impressed, although he chose a backhanded way to express his compliments: "We've allowed a lot of ugly people to become recording artists, and that's not a bad thing," (ouch again!) Simon said, while flashing a rare smile. Kurt, replied in turn, noting that "It's not a modeling contest."

Following last week's performance show broadcast, Antigua gambling website BetWWTS,com had set new odds. The U.S.'s Kelly Clarkson had remained the favorite at odds of 5/4 (i.e., win $5 for every $4 bet). The U.K.'s Will Young remained second at 2/1. Rising to third was Australian Guy Sebastian, making a major jump to 4/1, while Canadian Ryan Malcolm took fourth at 10/1. Rounding out the top 5 was Norway's Kurt Nilson at 12/1, who had moved up from last in the pre-show odds after the reaction to his strong performance.

The rest of the field was handicapped as follows:

6 (tie). South Africa's Heinz Winckler and Germany's Alexander Klaws (15/1),
8. Holland's Jamai Loman (20/1),
9. Poland's Alicja Janosz, simply called Alex , who performed the old Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice song "I Don't Know How To Love Him" from Jesus Christ Superstar (25/1),
10. Belgium's Peter Evrard (25/1), and
11. Jordan's Diana Karzon (30/1).


Image from CNN

Toni Braxton Had A Heart Attack?

R&B singer Toni Braxton was hospitalized Monday night after complaining of chest pains, apparently in relation with pericarditis, a viral inflammation of the heart she was diagnosed with years ago. She is expected to be released soon according to eFlux Media.

Toni Braxton was admitted to a hospital in Las Vegas Monday night after suffering from chest pains. The 40-year-old canceled a show scheduled for Tuesday at the Flamingo Showroom, in order to undergo medical tests at the St. Rose Dominican Hospital.

She was not scheduled to perform Sunday or Monday night.

She has been treated in the past for pericarditis, a viral inflammation of the heart.

A spokeswoman for the Flamingo Hotel-Casino said Braxton was “in good condition” and would be released Tuesday afternoon.

“We wish Toni a quick recovery and would like her to take the time she needs to regain optimal health,” Flamingo president Don Marrandino said. “We are looking forward to her return at the end of the week.”

The Grammy-winning singer has been headlining her live show “Toni Braxton: Revealed” five days a week at the Flamingo since 2006.

As to her medical condition, Braxton told People magazine that she had found out about her pericarditis, which is an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, a few years ago and this inspired her to become involved in cardio awareness programs.

“I have heart disease, and I found out about five or four years ago,” she told the magazine in February, revealing that she is a spokesperson for the American Heart Association and describing herself as a “survivor.”

“I've also been diagnosed with hypertension,” she added.

The singer is married to musician Keri Lewis, of the group Mint Condition. The two are parents to sons Denham, 6, and Diezel, 5.

Image from Pages.Infinit.Net

Disney and Pixar Has Eight New 3D Movies Coming To A Theater Near You!

Here are eight cool new 3D films coming from Disney and Pixar!

1. WALL*E - June 2008
2. Bolt - November 2008
3. Up - May 2009
4. The Princess and the Frog - Christmas 2009
5. Toy Story (3D) - October 2009
6. Toy Story 2 (3D) - February 2010
7. Toy Story 3 - June 2010
8. Rapunzel - Christmas 2010
9. Newt - summer 2011
10. The Bear and the Bow - Christmas 2011
11. Cars 2 - summer 2012
12. King of Elves - Christmas 2012

A report from BBC News Entertainment outlined how Disney and Pixar are to make eight new 3D animated films over the next four years, Walt Disney has announced.

The studio was showcasing the next 12 animated films it will release between now and 2012 in the US.

With the exception of robot love story WALL*E - which opens in June - and the hand-drawn Princess and the Frog, the movies will all be in digital 3D.

They include newly converted 3D versions of the hit movies Toy Story and Toy Story 2, out in 2009 and 2010.

"We're excited to be pushing the boundaries of 3D and computer technology to tell our stories in the best possible way," said John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios.

The line-up from Walt Disney Animation Studios includes Bolt, the story of an actor dog who believes he has super powers; Rapunzel, a retelling of the fairy tale; and the modern-day fantasy King of the Elves.

All the films released in 3D will also be available in a 2D format.

Digital 3D still requires film-goers to wear glasses, but the left-and right eye images are finely calibrated so that most viewers experience no headache or eyestrain.

There are currently around 50 cinemas capable of showing the 3D pictures in the UK, but that number is expected to rise.

Up, about an elderly widower who embarks on a South American adventure, will be the first 3D effort from Pixar when it opens in 2009.

Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack have returned to voice Toy Story 3, which is due to hit screens in June 2010.

Pixar's other upcoming releases include Newt, a love story involving the last two blue-footed newts alive, Scottish fantasy The Bear and the Bow, and Cars 2 in the summer of 2012.

Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, said: "We couldn't be more proud and excited about our upcoming line-up of feature projects.

"With so many great films literally on the drawing boards and computer screens, we felt that now was the perfect time to give moviegoers all over the world an update on the state of our art... this is as exciting a time as any in our history."

Jay-Z Beyonce Wedding - What A Media Mess!

Rumors of a marriage between hip-hop mogul Jay-Z and singer-actress Beyonce drew swarms of media to the street outside his penthouse on Friday, even as speculation swirled about the possibility of a hoax.

Throngs of photographers, TV crews and onlookers crowded around the garage entrance to the apartment building in Manhattan's Tribeca district where the wedding ceremony was thought to be taking place.

A parade of sport utility vehicles with tinted windows was seen coming and going from the garage late in the afternoon, one of them carrying two people dressed in chef's uniforms carrying large, square, white boxes on their laps.

And men dressed in tuxedos were spotted on the roof of the building, where a white tent was erected.

As night fell on the scene, word spread through the crowd that several celebrity guests had been spotted arriving by car, including Beyonce's former Destiny's Child cohort Kelly Rowland and actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

People magazine touched off the celebrity wedding watch this week when it reported the couple, who have been dating for several years, had taken out a wedding license in Scarsdale Village, New York, that is valid for 60 days.

Gossip blogger Perez Hilton fanned the flames when he reported the wedding would take place on Friday, then followed up by posting the address of Jay-Z's apartment house as the location for the nuptials.

Representatives for the pair have declined to comment on the reports, and the Internet buzzed with skepticism.

HOAX?

One celebrity Web site, TMZ.com, questioned whether the apparent wedding preparations might be for another couple in the building. Another site, eVIPlist.com, suggested the whole frenzy was part of a hoax perpetrated by actor and TV prankster Ashton Kutcher.

The camera crews at the scene were undeterred, however.

"I can't believe all the paparazzi. It's really exciting," said Sydnee White, 17, one several fans mingling with members of the media hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars.

Matrimonial union between Jay-Z, 37, whose real name is Shawn Carter, and Beyonce, 26, also known by her full name Beyonce Knowles, would mark one of the highest-profile celebrity unions in recent years.

The two have been romantically linked since September 2002, and they performed together in music videos for two of her hit singles, "Crazy in Love" and "Deja Vu."

Beyonce rose to fame as a member of the glittery R&B act Destiny's Child but emerged as a superstar in her own right with her big-screen turn as Foxxy Cleopatra in the 2002 film comedy "Austin Powers in Goldmember." The following year Beyonce scored a hit with her debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love," collecting five Grammys along the way.

The Houston native earned a Golden Globe nomination in 2006 for her role as a Diana Ross-like character in "Dreamgirls," a big-screen adaptation of the Broadway hit musical.

Her marriage to Jay-Z comes as the hip-hop artist and record executive is in talks with concert promoter Live Nation for a deal reported to be worth about $150 million, rivaling the biggest music contracts ever.

The onetime street hustler from Brooklyn ran the landmark rap label Def Jam Records as president for several years, but stepped down from that post in December.

from Reuters