West Side Tale Blog

Britney’s Massive Bill

Britney Spears was spotted escorted by sheriffs as she met up with her mom at celebrity lawyer Barry Tarlow’s office last week. The recovering starlet is set to go back to court regarding her custody case with a hearing scheduled for September 16. Her custody battle could reportedly cost her over $700,000. Her father and conservator, Jamie, is said to be wanting to contest the high price of attorney’s fees. With a price tag like that, who wouldn’t? It’s not like her lawyers were able to do anything good anyway. Her conservators did all the work. Boo for the lawyers.

Michael Phelps to write a book

To be able to reach his $100 Million earnings throughout his career, Michael Phelps has decided to write a book.
Michael Phelps, who was also recently featured in Sports Illustrated and the newest endorser of Kellogg’s, plans to write a memoir. The book will contain the behind the winning of his eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympic games.
The book entitled, “Built to Succeed”, which will be out in December, will cover his philosophies on training and competition. It will also contain details about childhood, how he was raised by a single mother and how he coped with an attention-deficit disorder.

Jamie’s German gas jibe fiasco

TV chef Jamie Oliver outraged Germans last night — by making a crass joke about the holocaust. The Cockney cook, 33, made the jibe in front of a 300-strong audience — many of them German.

He was talking about his Jamie’s Fowl Dinners show being broadcast globally and a scene in it where chicks are killed. He said: “We had a lot of complaints about the gassing of chicks . . . in Germany. It’s gone all round the world and the one country that had a problem with it is Germany. I thought f****** hell!”

But German writer Udo Seiwert-Fauti who was at the talk for the Edinburgh TV Festival, said: “It was a very unwise thing to say — I was shocked.”

Jamie’s spokesman last night confirmed “half a dozen” people complained. He added: “We love all Germans and I am sure he did not mean to offend them.”

Sheryl Crow’s offer to voters

Sheryl Crow’s offer to voters Sheryl Crow is encouraging the young music fans to wake up early, come out of the comfort of their houses and vote during the election. She has tried to persuade young music fans to visit the voting booths by announcing a plan to give free digital copies of her new album, “Detours” to the first 50,000 people who register three friends to vote. The Associated Press also reported that Sheryl Crow is also offering a free download of her song “Gasoline” to anyone who is on the group’s mailing list or visits the organization’s web site, rockthevote.com. She told the Associated Press, “I hope people wake up and emotionally engage in issues.”

Jennifer Aniston Talks John Mayer

John Mayer made some very public statements regarding his break up with Jennifer Aniston but her friends have a different story to tell. A source close to Jen says “Jen will never kiss and tell, but it’s she who ended the relationship. [Mayer’s] childish behavior only confirms she was right to dump him. Now he’s acting like a spoiled child. Expect Jen to behave like a lady.” Another source close to Jen said “Jen was tired of paying for everything. Cobwebs come flying out of [Mayer’s] wallet when he opens it. John liked living like a movie star when he was with her… Jen would never say anything, but you could tell it irritated her.”

Taylor Swift Burning Up the Charts

Kevin Jonas and Taylor Swift were spotted together filming a segment for the Jonas Brothers 3D concert movie in Columbus Circle, New York City last week. The 18-year old country singer has been burning up the charts with her latest single ‘Should’ve Said No’ reaching the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Taylor’s song was able to knock off Sugarland’s ‘All I Want to Do’ from the top spot. The country sweetheart is also a download diva much like her friends the Jonas Brothers as she has topped the iTunes sales with ‘Change’ which was recently chosen to be on the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack.

More Baby news! - Matt Damon

Matt Damon now has a new baby girl and now Jennifer Garner officially confirms (although, it was pretty obvious due to her emerging baby bump) her pregnancy today to USA Today.

The 36 year old mother was interviewed by the newspaper in honor of the 10th anniversary of Baby Einstein products. When she was asked by the paper about her upcoming projects, she simply pointed to her growing belly and said with a smile, “this”.

Although, Jen wouldn’t reveal her due date to the paper, we’re sure she’s due sometime in the winter.

Jennifer already has a 2-year-old daughter, Violet (who is one of the most adorable celebrity babies), with actor husband Ben Affleck.

Jonas Brothers Take Over Central Park

The Jonas Brothers took over Central Park last week to shoot a video which will be a segment for their 3-D concert movie that will premiere on February 22, 2009. The band of brothers has been in New York promoting their new album ‘A Little Bit Longer’ which is already out in stores. In a recent interview that they had, they were asked what quality they look for most in a girl. Nick said that “They have to be good to mom.” Kevin added “Family is big to us. That’s huge.” I guess it’s safe to say that Selena Gomez has a good relationship with their mom.

Daniel Radcliffe will remove his pants for the movie

The final film of the Harry Potter heptalogy – “Harry Potter and the deathly Hallows” will also feature a scene of Harry Potter without clothes.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe was stunned by the idea, “At first I thought I had pants on. Apparently not”. But he further added, “It is all old hat now, really”.

He will not have much of a problem as he recently removed his trousers on stage for the London West End version of “Equus”. So having done so on stage successfully, he should not have any trouble doing it on screen.

Keep it up Daniel!!! You are the man….

Jennifer Aniston determined to ‘behave like a lady’ over Mayer split

Jennifer Aniston is reportedly determined to “behave like a lady” over her split with ‘Gravity’ singer John Mayer.

Despite John saying over the weekend that he was the one who ended the relationship with the former ‘Friends’ star, the actress is also claiming she was the one who made the decision. However, she is refusing to be drawn into a war of words with the musician.

A source close to the 39-year-old actress said: “Jennifer will never kiss and tell, but it’s she who ended the relationship. John’s childish behaviour only confirms she was right to dump him. Now he’s acting like a spoiled child. Expect Jennifer to behave like a lady.”

The actress was also angered by John’s constant demands for money, it has been claimed. The source added: “Jennifer was tired of paying for everything. Cobwebs come flying out of John’s wallet when he opens it. John liked living like a movie star when he was with her. Jennifer would never say anything, but you could tell it irritated her.”

The revelations come after John’s claim on Saturday: “I ended a relationship to be alone, because I don’t want to waste somebody’s time if something’s not right.”

I’m still Madonna

Guy Ritchie had his work cut out organizing a 50th birthday bash for Queen Of Pop Madonna. Planning a shindig for the dance floor veteran must be like throwing a garden party for the other Queen.

But the Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels director made sure it was one his missus wouldn’t forget on Saturday night by making an emotive speech that helped dispel rumours the couple are on the brink of splitting.

Guy got up in front of 90 of his wife’s pals at the Volstead nightclub bash in London’s West End and paid tribute to her amazing career.

He spoke of his pride at being her husband before adding: “She looks better now than she ever has done. I’m so proud. I love her so much.”

And just in case there were any dry eyes left in the house, Madge’s daughter Lourdes stepped up to sing. The 11-year-old belted out Never Alone from the musical Fame, proving she could follow in her mum’s giant footsteps if she chooses.

Touched Madge then composed herself enough to say her thanks to friends and family — in a speech that lasted almost 30 mouth-drying minutes.

I’m surprised she had the energy for the speech after a night of dancing — to her own music.

Madge appeared to be using the party as a final run-through for her world tour, which starts in Cardiff on Saturday. She gyrated along to her back catalogue and kids Lourdes, Rocco and David joined in too.

Of the guests at the $200,000 party, 40 were Madonna’s dancers. A friend said: “She loved it when her songs came on. Her dancers were pulling out all the moves, breakdancing around her. It was like a final rehearsal for the tour.”

Entertainment was provided by creepy American magician David Blaine. I suppose it beats a bloke making animals out of balloons.

Tarantino hires Austin Powers

Say goodbye to Mike Myers as you know him. The funnyman is set to wipe smiles off faces by playing a military mastermind who plots to wipe out Nazi leaders.

And after his last efforts in The Love Guru flopped, a change of direction is probably not a bad thing.

Quentin Tarantino has hired the Austin Powers star to join Inglorious Bastards, his new film which starts shooting in October.

Brad Pitt recently confirmed he would be starring in the flick, opposite Eli Roth. The Pulp Fiction filmmaker clearly has a thing for turning comics into thespians, with hopes to recruit Hot Fuzz star Simon Pegg and The Waterboy legend Adam Sandler.

Diddy: I’d win gold in romps

Rap superstar Sean “P DIDDY” Combs has boasted he would win gold if having sex was an Olympic event.

The swaggering singer, 38, bragged he’d still be romping long after rivals had dropped out.

Asked which Olympic sport he’d excel in, the New Yorker said: “Who could have sex the longest. I think that’s an event I can do well in. And probably who could stay up the longest.”

The music mogul said he would be willing to take on “whoever’s up for the challenge”.

Any volunteers?

Jessica Simpson tells of pregnancy

Jessica Simpson mistakenly told her boyfriend Tony Romo’s family she was pregnant. Whoops!

The singer is reportedly desperate to have a baby with her American football player beau and was delighted when a home pregnancy test revealed she was expecting a child. The couple were so excited by the news they immediately decided to tell Tony’s family, and were shocked by their furious reaction.

A source said: “There was a huge fight on July 18 at the Romo home. Jessica and Tony thought she was pregnant and happily announced it to the family. The news resulted in dead silence. Then Tony’s dad Ramiro said, ‘You’re not married. This is crazy!’ Tony’s mom Joan joined in, demanding, ‘How can you do this to us?’’

Jessica, 28, is said to have been devastated at the family’s response, especially as she was later forced to admit she had made a mistake after allegedly misreading the test.

Allegedly being the operative word. I mean it’s not exactly complicated to read a pregnancy test is it? And don’t you get the instructions twice…once on the box and once of the little pamphlet inside? Perhaps it was more like wishful thinking, or something.

Britney Spears wants her boys to spend Normal Life

The admired pop star Britney Spears is getting back on track after a break down in public in the start of 2008. In her interview to America’s OK! Magazine she said that she wants her boys: Sean Preston and Jayden James to stay away from the entertainment industry for as long as possible. She also narrated that her life was greatly affected because of entering the entertainment industry at an early age. It was her first interview in more than a year.
It should also be noted that she joined the entertainment industry when she was just eleven years of age. Her first shot at fame was “The New Mickey Mouse Club” produced by Disney.

Soulman Isaac, 65, dies on a treadmill

Soul legend Isaac Hayes died yesterday after his wife found him slumped beside a still-running treadmill. The musician, 65, who wrote the Oscar-winning theme tune to cult 1971 movie Shaft, is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

Wife Adjowa discovered him unconscious by the exercise machine at his home in Memphis, Tennessee, and he was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Cops said no foul play is suspected.

The flamboyant, deep-voiced performer also supplied the voice of soul-singing school cafeteria worker Chef in the hit cartoon South Park.

In 1998 Chef released a song called Chocolate Salty Balls, which reached No1 in the UK.

However Hayes left the series in 2006 because he objected to the show’s “ridicule” of the Church of Scientology, to which he belonged.

The dad of 12 — who married four times — was a longtime songwriter and arranger for Stax Records in Memphis.

He played in the studio’s backup band and crafted tunes for artists such as Otis Redding in the 1960s.

He released his first solo album in 1967. His 1969 album Hot Buttered Soul is regarded as one of the greatest ever soul records.

He also co-wrote classic song Soul Man. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Amy Winehouse wants to be agony aunt

Amy Winehouse wants to be an agony aunt on her father’s radio show. The troubled singer is reportedly keen to use her experiences to help others when her dad Mitch co-hosts a BBC London afternoon show on September 1.

Oh dear. Would you accept her advice? She’s not exactly role model of the year now is she….unless drugs, violence and poor attitude are the new roles.

Station assistant editor Justin King said: “Mitch and Amy are able to work really well together. There isn’t a question this agony aunt can’t answer.”

In recent months, Amy - who has a history of drug-related problems - saw her husband Blake Fielder-Civil sentenced to 27 months in jail, was diagnosed with early signs of emphysema and was hospitalized when she collapsed after mixing up her medication.

A source said: “Although she often gets herself into trouble, she is very honest, very caring and very perceptive when it comes to dealing with other people’s problems. She is sick of all her problems being on everyone else’s lips and really wants to focus on other people for a change. And she can help her dad pick some tracks while she is there.”

However, Mitch has reportedly banned any Babyshambles or The Libertines records due to his dislike of Amy’s friend Pete Doherty, who fronted both bands.

Pete’s Ball and Chain

It looks like the ball and chain is officially locked on and there’s no visible way out. Pete Wentz is in the process of selling his Hollywood Hills bachelor pad. It’s apparently going for a cool $1.7 million. It’s not too bad for an LA hills home. He should have kept it though. I’m sure there would be days when he’s going to escape the claws of his wife and soon-to-be kid. Or he could have turned it into a recording studio. Instead, Pete chose to sell it and move it with Ashlee in her massive Valley mansion. It pretty much says who is in control of that ship.

Miley Cyrus on FNMTV

Miley Cyrus does a bit of a wacky pose before a live taping of MTV’s FNMTV last Friday at Ren-Mar Studios in Hollywood. The controversial 15-year old Hannah Montana star, whose album ‘Breakout’ opened at the top spot in its first week, performed her singles ‘7 Things’ and ‘Fly on the Wall’. She also took some time to hang out with Pete Wetnz’, the show’s host, pregnant wife Ashlee Simpson backstage. Miley had a pretty busy past weekend. After doing some promotional stuff for her album, she also hosted the 2008 Teen Choice Awards where she also performed her single ‘7 Things’.

Britney Spears won’t extend manager restraining order

Britney Spears won’t extend the restraining order against former friend Sam Lutfi. The singer’s attorney Samuel D. Ingham III confirmed that Britney and her co-conservator, her father Jamie, had decided not to apply for the order to continue.

He said: “Britney has made clear to everyone that she does not want to be further harassed or contacted in any way by Osama ‘Sam’ Lutfi, now or at anytime in the future.”

Lutfi also released a statement promising he would stay away from the troubled 26-year-old beauty.

The statement read: “Mr. Lutfi and Mr. Spears have mutually agreed in private that no hearing or order is necessary at this time.”

The restraining order – which prevented Lutfi from getting any closer than 250 yards from the ‘Toxic’ star - had been in place since February, when Jamie claimed Sam ‘drugged Britney, cut Britney’s home phone line, removed her cell phone chargers and yelled at her.’

As co-conservator of Britney’s estate, Jamie has control over everybody Britney associates with, making the original order against Lutfi redundant.

Ingham added: “During the temporary conservatorship, the conservators have the power to ensure that Lutfi will not harm Britney anymore. If Mr. Lutfi makes any future attempt to contact Britney after the temporary conservatorship has concluded, Britney has made clear she will take all appropriate legal action.”

Paris Hilton has got ‘no talent’

Sharon Osbourne has blasted blonde Paris Hilton — for being talentless.

The former X Factor judge said the 27-year-old hotel heiress was known only for her looks.

Sharon, 55, told a US website: “She has no talent. I’m sure Paris would tell you that herself.”

She said Paris rose to fame because girls “looked up to her” and “the timing was right for her”.

Sharon said: “She’s got a look a lot of younger girls liked and copied. She’s a very sweet girl. But that’s it. Then you put a full stop.”

Rihanna Sees You Through

Rihanna squeezed into a hot pink Herve Leger bandage skirt while partying in New York City on Wednesday that showed just how much she isn’t shy about her body. But when she realized that her top is pretty see through, she gets embarrassed and covers up. It looks like someone has a body piercing. If you want to see more of Rihanna, in a whole different aspect of course, you can catch her at the 4th Annual Fashion Rocks benefit at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on September 5 along with Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Keith Urban, just to name a few. The benefit show will then air a few days after the live event on CBS at 9PM on September 9.