24: Season Two Headed to DVD

Fox has announced details of the second season DVD of 24. The seven-disc set will retail for $69.88 and be released on September 23. It includes all 24 episodes, 44 deleted scenes, alternate endings, commentaries, and assorted making-of featurettes.

Death of Iconic Actress Hepburn Draws Eulogies

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The death of Katharine Hepburn, the first lady of American cinema who won a record four best actress Oscars, drew eulogies to the auburn-haired beauty known for her fiercely independent spirit.

Hepburn, who starred in classics such as "The African Queen" and who played opposite a galaxy of leading men including Spencer Tracy and Humphrey Bogart, died on Sunday at her home in Connecticut aged 96 "surrounded by loved ones."

President Bush led tributes to the screen siren. "Katharine Hepburn delighted audiences with her unique talent for more than six decades. She was known for her intelligence and wit and will be remembered as one of the nation's artistic treasures," a statement from the president said.

Hepburn, whose health had been in decline for some time and had not spoken for several days, passed away peacefully, said her brother-in-law Ellsworth Grant.

"She's the greatest actress of her age and with her passing that whole galaxy of great movie stars has ended," Grant, who saw Hepburn just before she died, told Reuters, adding the cause of her death was "simply complications from old age."

Hepburn won best actress Oscar four times -- in 1933 for "Morning Glory," 1967 for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," 1968 for "The Lion in Winter" and in 1981 for "On Golden Pond."

Irreverent and feisty, Hepburn was voted America's most admired woman in a 1985 Ladies Home Journal survey. Her trademarks: high cheekbones, her hair and a voice redolent of her upper-class New England origins.

Monday's Washington Post spoke of her "breathtaking talent and unsurpassed durability."

PUT WOMEN IN PANTS

"She is the person who put women in pants, literally and figuratively," her biographer, Christopher Andersen, told Reuters in one interview. "She is the greatest star, the greatest actress, that Hollywood has ever produced."

The actress did not escape criticism. Her performances were sometimes called cold. Dorothy Parker famously said of Hepburn that she displayed "the gamut of emotions from A to B."

Other Hepburn classics included "Little Women," "The Philadelphia Story," "A Bill of Divorcement," "Adam's Rib," "State of the Union" and "Long Day's Journey Into Night."

She acted with James Stewart, John Wayne and Henry Fonda. But it is with Tracy that her name will be forever linked.

Hepburn made nine films with Tracy, and for 27 years was the "other woman" in his life. Tracy, a Roman Catholic, would not divorce his wife. Hepburn once said she loved Tracy but did not remember if he had ever told her he loved her.

She had a 1930s affair with billionaire Howard Hughes, but recounted in her 1991 biography "Me" that she never loved him.

Hartford, Connecticut native Hepburn in late 1996 gave up her New York townhouse that she had kept since the 1930s. She retreated to a family mansion in Fenwick, a smart borough in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, on Long Island Sound.

There she lived a reclusive life and was rarely seen in public. Friends said she suffered from short-term memory loss, but it was not clear if she had Alzheimer's Disease.
 
Despite her carefully guarded privacy, Hepburn surprised the world in March of 2000 -- two months before her 93rd birthday -- when she told a New York newspaper she was fine.

SUMMER SHOWDOWN

What will this summer's anthem be?

The season may be just eight days old, but the frontrunner is Beyonce Knowles' Staxx-influenced debut single, "Crazy in Love."

"It's all about Beyonce," says fan and fitness instructor Donell Redd. "She's got body, she's got booty and she can sing."

Though the single - featuring her boyfriend Jay-Z - has only been out for six weeks, it's everywhere - pumping out of cars, boomboxes and nightclubs. "The beat is hot, the lyric is good and it's something that gets you moving," says Charles Brown, who works at Tower Records downtown.

"Crazy in Love" has all the requirements of a summer anthem: it's relentlessly upbeat (the crescendo never lets up), it's about lust (despite the title), and has the same raw, sexy club appeal that made Nelly's "Hot in Herre" the unofficial summer anthem of 2002.

Still, the former Destiny's Child diva faces much in the way competition.

Two summers ago, Knowles and her Destiny's Child cohorts scored summer anthem status with "Independent Women Pt. 2" off the "Charlie's Angels" soundtrack; this summer, punk-pop princess Pink has a contender with her single, "Feel Good Time," from the soundtrack to "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle."

Also in the running: Joe Budden's "Pump It Up" and Sean Paul's dance-hall hit "Get Busy" - like Knowles', both can be heard pumping out of cars at all hours.

" 'Get Busy' certainly has the right feel," says Sean Ross, editor in chief of Airplay Monitor. "But it was a few weeks too early to really be a summer anthem."

Ross, however, thinks that "the timing is right for Lil' Kim's 'Magic Stick,' [featuring 50 Cent] and for Lumidee's 'Never Leave You - Uh Ooh, Uh Oooh!' " And Z100's Romeo says that reggae-inspired tunes like "Get Busy" and "Never Leave You" are always way more popular in New York City than anywhere else in the country.

Fanny Pack, an all-girl teenage trio from New York, has one edge: so far, theirs is the only single of the summer that's pure novelty. Their obscenely hilarious "Camel Toe" - an ode to the dangers women face when they wear their pants or shorts too tightly - is a huge hit. It may be too huge - Airplay's Ross thinks that it's already in danger of being played out.

And then there are the wild cards. Z100's Romeo thinks that Junior Senior's effervescent "Move Your Feet," which is just beginning to get airplay, is "a potential big hit."

Then there's the unstoppable 50 Cent. If it hadn't been released two months ago, his dance track "In Da Club" would have undoubtedly fought it out with Knowles' "Crazy in Love" for summer supremacy.

Still he's got some other beats in the running: "If I Can't" is quickly climbing Billboard's hot R&B/Hip-Hop singles charts, and his mellower "21 Questions" is currently at the top of Billboards Hot 100, which ranks singles based on airplay and sales.

"Anything he puts out is gold," says Ross. But "21 Questions" may be too much of a lyrical drag - 50 asks his girlfriend, if she'd still love him if he were in jail- to qualify as a frothy, infectious summer anthem.

Ultimately, says Romeo, a true summer hit will make you want to do only two things: "take your top down if you have a convertible, and crank up [the radio] on the way to the Jersey Shore or the Hamptons."

And maybe fall in love - or lust.

Nobody Likes Avril Lavigne

Hilarie Burton, an MTV VJ, said of Avril Lavigne in the August 2003 issue of CosmoGirl: "Nobody wants to interview Avril Lavigne. I haven't met a single person who likes her. We wanted her to come on TRL, and as a dare, we wanted her to dress really girlie. So I'm standing there, and my boss says to Avril, 'We'll just put you in some of Hilarie's heels and skirts-you know, you guys are like the same size.' And she looks at me, and she goes, 'I don't wear that sh*t!' And I'm like, 'Hell no. No you don't.' If you look at her, you'd think she's in a band like Rancid. But she's not. I don't like when this girl is talking about punk music, and she doesn't know a thing about it. And when she came on MTV for New Year's Eve, she was just bossing people around. And she's not good to her fans. She makes fun of posers and says, 'I hate people who are posers.' Except all of her fans dress just like her. They're all posers. I think she's very apathetic, and for someone in her postion, that's an irresponsible thing to be."

Dido Hoists 'Flag' For Sophomore Disc

Uberbabe Dido will follow up her wildly successful debut album, "No Angel," with "Life for Rent," due Sept. 30 from Arista. The set will be preceded by the single "White Flag," which will debut Sunday (June 29) via AOL's "First Listen" initiative and arrive July 7 at U.S. radio outlets.

"White Flag" was produced by Dido and her brother Rollo, of the band Faithless (with whom Dido has also recorded). Rollo has other production credits on the new album, which was recorded at The Church, a London recording studio owned by the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart.

The full track list for "Life for Rent" has not yet been finalized, but among the tunes expected to make the cut as "Sand in My Shoes," "This Land Is Mine" and "Mary's in India."

It has been four years since the release of "No Angel," which got a boost when eventual single "Thank You" was sampled on Eminem's hit "Stan." The debut would reach a peak of No. 4 on The Billboard 200 during 69 weeks on the chart, on its way to selling 3.8 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The album was also a huge hit internationally and in Dido's native U.K., with worldwide shipments exceeding 12 million, according to Arista.

Its Hulk's diary!

Help Hojo!

We Simpsons fans are one of a kind. One of us has actually compiled a massive archive of the show's monkey references and posted it online.

'Angels' Ascend to No. 1, 'Hulk' Tumbles

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The angels have lost a little of their kick but they can still pulverize the opposition, even if he's big and green.

"Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" debuted with $38 million, off $2.1 million from the opening numbers the first movie put up in November 2000, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The previous weekend's No. 1 movie, "The Hulk," fell to second place, free-falling 70 percent from its $62.1 million opening. "The Hulk" took in $18.4 million to squeak past the $100 million mark after 10 days in theaters.

"Finding Nemo" held up well in third place with $13.9 million. With $253.9 million in the bank, the animated adventure is on track to pass "The Matrix Reloaded" as the year's top-grossing movie.

The British fright flick "28 Days Later" lacked the huge advertising blitz of "Charlie's Angels" and "The Hulk," but it managed to take fourth place with an unexpectedly strong $9.7 million while playing in barely a third as many theaters as the big-studio movies.

Overall Hollywood revenues fell for the third straight weekend. The top 12 movies grossed an estimated $111.3 million, off 15 percent from the same weekend last year.

Summer revenues are virtually even with last year's, but domestic grosses for all of 2003 are down 3.5 percent from 2002, when the industry took in a record $9.32 billion, according to box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

"There's a little malaise out there in the business," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal, which released "The Hulk." "Hopefully, in the next few weeks it'll pop up again."

This week brings two eagerly awaited sequels, "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" and "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde," plus the animated family film "Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas." All three open Wednesday to get a jump on the Fourth of July weekend.

Universal executives were disappointed with second-weekend numbers for "The Hulk," though the movie still will turn a profit, Rocco said.

Adapted from Marvel Comics' "The Incredible Hulk," the movie took a more dark and dramatic approach than other recent comic-book flicks. Reviews were mixed.

Sony, which released the "Charlie's Angels" movies, hopes strong weekday business will help the sequel catch up to the first movie, which had a total gross of $125.3 million, said studio vice chairman Jeff Blake.

The movie opened strongly in some overseas markets, including Japan, where its $6.2 million take was double that of the first one, Blake said.

Both "Angels" movies star Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu in an update of the 1970s TV detective series.

Factoring in higher admission prices since 2000, "Full Throttle" sold roughly a million fewer tickets domestically than the first "Charlie's Angels."

The new movie also played more widely than the original "Charlie's Angels." The first opened in 3,037 cinemas, averaging $13,213 a theater, while "Full Throttle" debuted in 3,459 theaters for a $10,986 average.

Here are the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," $38 million.
2. "The Hulk," $18.4 million.
3. "Finding Nemo," $13.9 million.
4. "28 Days Later," $9.7 million.
5. "Bruce Almighty," $6.2 million.
6. "2 Fast 2 Furious," $5.7 million.
7. "The Italian Job," $5.4 million.
8. "Rugrats Go Wild," $3.5 million.
9. "Hollywood Homicide," $3 million.
10. "Alex & Emma," $2.7 million.

Country Women Lose Hit Magic

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - While country music has worked hard to dismiss age-old cliches about pick-up trucks and hard drinking, the music's iron attachment to another old-fashioned notion -- the men's club -- appears to be making a comeback.

After enjoying a high profile throughout the late '90s, female country artists have become a fading presence. Chart-topping hits have been declining for at least two years, even for the format's established female stars.

"There was a time when many of the male acts had identity issues -- meaning the audience had difficulty telling one artist from another," WUSN Chicago PD Justin Case says. "The same may be true now with females. You need either a distinctive sound or a no-brainer hit song to stand out. There is a lot of sameness out there right now."

KMPS/KYCW Seattle PD Becky Brenner says, "We have been struggling to get a more passionate response to the female records we are playing. The audience seems to be much more passionate about the males in the format. A few years ago, they were more passionate about the females. I think the male audience is liking the grittier male acts and their music and the women are, too."

During the first six months of this year, female artists accounted for only four of the 34 top 10 hits on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Of those four, only Dixie Chicks managed to top the chart.

While that is not a marked evolution from the first six months of last year -- which saw five top 10s by female artists, including two No. 1s -- it is a startling change compared with the same periods in 2000 and, especially, 1998.

The first six months of 2000 brought 10 top 10 records by female artists, three of which went to No. 1. Jumping back to 1998, women scored 14 top 10s, half of which went to No. 1.

Among this week's top 20 country singles, there are only two by female artists (Shania Twain at No. 9 and Wynonna at No. 18). And it has been 15 months since a solo female topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.

WHAT'S GOING ON?

So what's going on here? Label rosters seem to have plenty of female artists. New artists are being introduced all the time, and veteran hitmakers Wynonna and Patty Loveless are back on the radio with promising new singles.

Why, then, has it become so hard for women to have hits?

Among the factors cited by country radio programmers are the fallout from the Dixie Chicks' anti-war stance and radio's well-documented objections to what some programmers perceived as the pop direction of the latest albums from superstars Faith Hill and Shania Twain.

More telling, programmers also cite a lack of substantive songs being recorded by women and more interesting music coming from male acts.

Gary Overton, executive VP/GM of EMI Music Publishing in Nashville, suggests another factor. "There are not enough women in decision-making roles in this hit-making process," he says. "While there are a few female A&R people at the record labels, the number of females who are record producers, promotion and marketing execs and programmers at country radio is far overshadowed by the number of men in these positions."

CROSSOVER CROSSFIRE

"There's no mistaking the feminine void, that's for sure," WMZQ Washington, D.C., assistant PD/music director Jon Anthony says. "It could be the whole 'crossover' thing finally catching up to some of them. Those that made a deliberate attempt to find new fans outside of country music -- Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain, Lee Ann Womack -- seem to be those who are suffering most.

"The research has been consistent with these artists in that their gold catalog still tests very well," Anthony continues. "But the just aren't buying their new sound anymore.

"Martina McBride, who has repeatedly said she doesn't want to cross over, is the undisputed queen of the format right now, because she's still singing about real life and identifying with the average woman.

"The Dixie Chicks really could've been the No. 1 everything if they would just stop alienating so many fans with their bellyaching," Anthony adds. "The feminine void wouldn't be as vast if they weren't putting country radio PDs in so many sticky situations."

Meanwhile, the hot male acts have gone in the other direction, toward a more traditional sound that seems to be what the audience is craving, Anthony says.

"It feels like we're coming back toward the core and roots of the format, and the guys are running up the score on the ladies," he observes. "I hope history repeats itself, because the last time we had so many male superstars, in the early '90s, country music took off."

Keymarket Communications VP of programming Frank Bell offers another explanation. "I knew females at country radio were in trouble last year when I first saw the covers of the Faith, Shania and LeAnn Rimes CDs," he says.

"All three images were either drenched in sweat or wearing their underwear in an attempt to fulfill some 30-year-old guy's vision of what a pop star should look like. Did they not understand that their fan base -- the people who made them popular in the first place -- were adult women with a family-oriented lifestyle?

"The four biggest female country artists in recent memory are Faith, Shania, LeAnn Rimes, and the Dixie Chicks," Bell adds. "The first three all sold their souls artistically and made slick-sounding techno-pop records in an attempt to become the next Celine Dion. The Chicks made a brilliant country album, then committed the biggest PR gaffe in the music business since Milli Vanilli."

The lack of female hits has not gone unnoticed by the label community, according to Lyric Street Records senior VP of A&R Doug Howard. "However, it is not because we are not trying," he says. "I must admit that we have had a couple of misses with some of our releases, but we are confident that we have truly unique and extremely talented women making relevant music for our format."

Howard does admit concern for the fact that the country format is often guilty of embracing one type of country music "while ignoring everything else. Hopefully, we can prevent drawing lines so deep that we refuse to recognize the amazing array of country female artists in our community."

Paige Levy, senior VP of A&R at Warner Bros. Records, is not overly concerned about a lack of hits, as long as female artists continue to sell records. "While a No. 1 record would be nice, most record companies are focused on getting enough airplay to generate sales and not necessarily throwing a lot of money at a record just to win a chart position," she says.

"Established female artists such as Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sara Evans and Shania Twain continue to sell good numbers without having a top-charting single."

THE TRUTH ABOUT MEN

The quality of female repertoire is also a concern among country music insiders.

Tonya Campos, assistant PD/music director of KZLA Los Angeles, thinks "the lack of women on the charts is simply because of a lack of good songs for females. Good material seems to be the reason that male artists that were not known a few months ago now have hit songs on the charts."

Brenner agrees that "the male artists seem to be coming up with more songs of substance and more songs with true meat. The women seem to be recording pop -- fluff songs."

Renee Bell, senior VP of A&R at RCA Label Group, adds, "I have felt since Sept. 11 that the audience wants substance. Everything that's really been hitting has been real substance songs."

The problem, Bell says, is that it has been hard in recent years to find such songs for women artists. For the past five years or so, she says, "a lot of what was being written in town was fluff." That's because prior to Sept. 11, a lot of the songs that did become hits for women were, in fact, "fluff," and songwriters tend to emulate styles that are working.

"We at EMI advise our songwriters to write what they are compelled to write," Overton defends. "Hence, sometimes the songs are passionate ballads, sometimes lighter fare. But I can assure you that we have never run short of passionate, meaningful songs to play for artists."

Other programmers agree that the dominant male trend is part of a format cycle, and some agree with Bell that it's one that might be cycling back in the near future.

Not long ago, Hill, McBride, Twain, Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Deana Carter, Pam Tillis and others were dominating the music scene, Cumulus Broadcasting regional operations manager Tim Roberts says. "I remember really concentrating on editing music logs to avoid too many female artists. I think that Music Row saw this, began signing male acts and started releasing more male singles, and thus we're now in a male-dominated cycle."

Levy -- who has several new female artists in varying stages of development at Warner Bros. -- counters: "I don't believe the labels are purposefully signing fewer female artists. Producing compelling music on each artist, regardless of gender, has become increasingly difficult for A&R. We're not going to throw out singles on new females just because we need a new female. We feel the timing is right for a new female to bust through, and, to increase our chances, we will take plenty of time searching for hits, recording and experimenting."

Doug Montgomery, operations manager of WBCT Grand Rapids, Mich., says that despite the perfect storm that engulfed Hill, Twain and the Chicks, "if Wynonna and Martina continue with the success of their current records, Reba follows through with her plan to release a new album and the Dixie Chicks' controversies subside, this will come back to historical norms in a few months."

Miller Emerges as New Voice for Bush Re-Election

CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - A new voice has emerged in the re-election campaign of President Bush, that of Dennis Miller, who is gaining a reputation as a conservative comic by attacking Democrats with biting humor.

Miller flew on Air Force One from San Francisco to Los Angeles with the president on Friday, and later gave a stand-up routine at a Bush fund-raiser in Los Angeles.

"I spent an amazing couple of hours with Dennis Miller," Bush said during his Los Angeles speech after Miller's routine. "He keeps you on your toes."

He added: "I was also honored to meet his wife, Carolyn. Like me, he married above himself. It may not be all that hard, in his case. But I'm proud to have his help."

Miller, who was an analyst on ABC's "Monday Night Football, had an HBO comedy show and does commentary for Fox News, adds a celebrity touch to Bush's re-election campaign, much like actor Bruce Willis did in 1992 when Bush's father ran for re-election.

Bush remained offstage until after Miller's often caustic comic performance during the fund-raiser that drew in $3.5 million, most of it in $2,000 checks from 1,600 people.

For instance, he took aim at West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd, a Democratic elder statesmen who has questioned the Iraq war and its chaotic aftermath.

Even some in the crowd of Republican loyalists booed when Miller said of Byrd: "I think he must be burning the cross at both ends."

Responding to the boos, Miller said: "Well, he was in the (Ku Klux) Klan. Boo me, but he was in the Klan."

He likened the nine Democratic presidential candidates running to unseat Bush in 2004 to the 1962 New York Mets, perennial losers, and called them an "empty-headed scrum."

He had a special barb for one candidate, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who has questioned the Iraq war, comparing him to Neville Chamberlain, the British prime minister who followed a policy of appeasement of Nazi Germany in the years before World War II.

"He can roll up his sleeves all he wants at public events, but as long as we see that heart tattoo with Neville Chamberlain's name on his right forearms, he's never going anywhere," Miller said.

Lenny Kravitz Forms Label

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Lenny Kravitz has formed Roxie Records, an imprint named for his late mother, Roxie Roker, that will be distributed through Warner Bros.

He remains signed to Virgin Records as a recording artist and will release a new studio album, "Funk," in the fall, according to a spokesperson.

"Lenny and I have a long-term relationship," says Jeff Ayeroff, Warner Bros. "creative czar," as he refers to himself. Ayeroff worked with Kravitz when he was co-chairman of Virgin Records America. "Lenny and I have always talked about the next phase of his career. This is what I call his Quincy Jones phase," Ayeroff says.

Among the first signees to Roxie is vocalist Dan Dyer, who is at work with engineer Matt Knobel on his debut album. Knobel worked behind the scenes on Kravitz's 2002 album, "Lenny."

Acting Legend Katharine Hepburn Dead at 96

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Actress Katharine Hepburn, who won an unequaled four best actress Oscars in a career that spanned five decades, has died at her home in Connecticut at the age of 96, police in her hometown said on Sunday.

Hepburn, whose health had been in decline for some time and had not spoken for several days, passed away peacefully, said her brother-in-law Ellsworth Grant.

"She's the greatest actress of her age and with her passing that whole galaxy of great movie stars has ended," Grant, who saw the screen legend shortly before she died, told Reuters.

He said the cause of death was "simply complications from old age."

Hepburn won her first Oscar in 1933 for "Morning Glory" and won again for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "The Lion in Winter" and "On Golden Pond." She was nominated for the award eight other times.

Irreverent and feisty, Hepburn always spoke her mind. Her independent spirit made her a role model to many women, and she was voted America's most admired woman in a 1985 Ladies Home Journal survey.

Hepburn also starred in film classics including "Little Women" and "The African Queen."

Her last film was "Love Affair" with Warren Beatty, released in the early 1990s.

Hepburn was called the first lady of American cinema. Her trademarks: high cheekbones, auburn hair and a voice redolent of her upper-class New England origins.

"She is the person who put women in pants, literally and figuratively," her biographer, Christopher Andersen, told Reuters in 2000. "She is the greatest star, the greatest actress, that Hollywood has ever produced."

"With the passing of Frank Sinatra, and the death of Jimmy Stewart, she really was the last of that breed of Hollywood royalty," Andersen said. "And she was by far the greatest."

The actress did not escape criticism, however. Her performances were sometimes called cold, and it was of Hepburn that Dorothy Parker made her famous quip that she displayed "the gamut of emotions from A to B."

Hepburn also starred in film classics including "Little Women," "The African Queen," "The Philadelphia Story," "A Bill of Divorcement," "Pat and Mike," "Adam's Rib," "State of the Union" and "Long Day's Journey Into Night."

Her last film was "Love Affair" in 1994, in which she played Ginny, aunt of ex-football star Mike Gambril, played by Warren Beatty.

She played opposite such leading men as James Stewart, Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne and Henry Fonda. But it is with Spencer Tracy that her name will be forever linked.

Not only did she make nine films with Tracy, but for 27 years she was the "other woman" in his life. Tracy, a Roman Catholic, would not divorce his wife. Hepburn, in a 1991 interview with ABC television, said she loved Tracy but did not remember if he had ever told her he loved her.

"We lived openly enough together," she said. "I certainly had no intention of breaking up his relationship with his wife."
 
Hepburn said she first met Tracy's wife on the night he died in Hepburn's house and she called his family.

In an interview four years before Tracy died, she said, "I have had 20 years of perfect companionship with a man among men. He is a rock and a protection. I've never regretted it."

She had a 1930s affair with billionaire Howard Hughes, but recounted in her 1991 biography "Me" that she never loved him.

Hartford, Connecticut, native Hepburn in late 1996 gave up the townhouse on New York's East 49th Street that she had kept since the 1930s. She retreated fulltime to the family mansion in Fenwick, an upper-class borough in Old Saybrook on Long Island Sound.

"Giving up the townhouse was a difficult decision for her; it was very wrenching emotionally," said Andersen, author of the 1997 book "An Affair to Remember: The Remarkable Love Story of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy."

Hepburn lived a quiet, reclusive life in Fenwick, and was rarely seen in public. Friends and relatives said she suffered from short-term memory loss, but it was not clear if she had Alzheimer's disease.

Despite her carefully guarded privacy that fueled occasional speculation that she was seriously ill, Hepburn surprised the world in March of 2000 -- two months before her 93rd birthday -- when she told a New York newspaper she was feeling fine.

"Tell everyone I am doing fine!" she told the New York Post in a rare interview published on March 10, 2000. "I am OK."

Dressed in a purple jumpsuit and sitting by a roaring fire in her living room, the actress said she was still a big eater, enjoying homemade meals prepared by her cook.

Hepburn was an amateur painter of some skill and her work decorated walls at the New York townhouse that she shared with Tracy and where she lived for over 60 years.

Her career began an on the stage in the early 1930s, moved mainly to the screen and expanded to television in the 1980s.

She once said, I find myself absolutely fascinating ... but I'm uncomplicated. When I'm supposed to talk, I talk. When I go to bed, I sleep. When I'm supposed to eat, I eat.

But summarizing a Hepburn film retrospective at New York's Museum of Modern Art, critic Kenneth Tynan countered: "She is not versatile. She is simply unique."

She told The New York Times in an interview published in September 1991 that her screen and private personas hardly differed. "I had a very definite personality and I liked material that showed that personality," she said.

Katharine Houghton Hepburn was born May 12, 1907, to an upper-class doctor's family in Hartford, Connecticut, but reference books listed her birthday as 2 1/2 years later, on Nov. 8, 1909.

Later in life she admitted that she had lied about her age, telling The New York Times that she knocked two years off when she approached 30 and had adopted the November birth date of her elder brother Tom, who killed himself when she was 14.

She discovered his body and, according to a recent biography of her by Barbara Leaming, Hepburn tried to become him, fulfilling his role as his father's favorite child.

Hepburn was educated at home by tutors. She was a tomboy and at 15 cut her hair very short, wore pants and pretended to be a young man named Jimmy.

Despite her masculine tendencies, rumors that Hepburn was bisexual or gay were not true, author Andersen said.

Hepburn became interested in dramatics while attending college at Bryn Mawr, where she received a B.A. in 1928. After some summer stock success, she made her Broadway debut in a show called "Night Hostess." The show was short-lived but it led to other Broadway parts and to her first big stage success, "The Warrior's Husband," which brought her film offers.

In 1933 she starred on screen in "Morning Glory," winning her first Academy Award for her portrayal of a stage-struck tomboy.

She was married from 1928 to 1934 to Ludlow Ogden Smith, a wealthy Philadelphian, who changed his name to Ogden because she did not want to be known as Mrs. Smith. After the divorce she decided that "marriage was not a natural institution" and never remarried.

Impatient with the films she was being forced to make for RKO Pictures, Hepburn bought out her contract for $220,000 in 1939 and returned to the stage where she starred as Tracy Lord in Philip Barry's 1939 comedy, "The Philadelphia Story."

She also starred as a prim missionary in the 1951 film "The African Queen" with Humphrey Bogart and later wrote a book about her experiences on location in Africa with Bogart and director John Huston.

Letterman ending Friday breaks

NEW YORK (AP) -- David Letterman is going back on the air Fridays.
After a month of the veteran "Late Show" host turning Friday nights over to guest hosts, Jimmy Fallon's stint Friday was going to be the last, spokesman Tom Keaney said.

Tom Green, Tom Arnold and Kelsey Grammer had also filled in for Letterman.

"I've worked since I was 11 years old," Letterman, 56, had said on his CBS show. "And I just feel like it's summer now, I'd like to take a day off."

Oddly, Letterman didn't even get a day off. He usually tapes his Friday shows on Thursday evenings, after taping Thursday's show; so he just left work early during this stretch.

Although ratings in the summer aren't watched as closely as those during the regular TV season, "Tonight" host Jay Leno's lead over Letterman has increased in the past month.

Rush added to Stones T.O. gig

Canadian rock legends Rush have been confirmed for the Rolling Stones concert in Toronto on July 30 at Downsview Park.

The announcement was made on the band's official website, where in a one-sentence blurb they confirmed they will be joining the ever-growing list of artists for the special gig to help Toronto's SARS-scarred economy.

The concert also features AC/DC, The Guess Who, Justin Timberlake, Sam Roberts, The Flaming Lips, Kathleen Edwards, The Isley Brothers, Sass Jordan and La Chicane.

Organizers hinted that more artists are likely to be added to the bill, although they wouldn't comment on rumours of who else will be added.

Tickets for the nine-hour show -- which went on sale Friday -- are available through all Ticketmater outlets for $21.50 plus service charges. Starting July 4, tickets can also be purchased at A&P and Dominion stores in Ontario.

The bash will be hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi and organizers hope to draw 300,000 revellers, including 100,000 from outside Ontario.

MTV Won't Play Foo Fighters' New Video

MTV has announced that they won't be airing The Foo Fighters' new video for their song "Low" because of two controversial pieces. In the video, actor Jack Black and lead singer Dave Grohl dress up in women's clothes and dance around. The first objectionable part is when the two begin spanking each other. The second objectionable part sees Black and Grohl going horizontal and "intermingling with each other," i.e., implying sex. Because of the announcement, TFF says that they will release a DVD of the video on July 1. The DVD will contain "Low," plus three different video versions of "Times Like These." It will retail for $5.95.

Travolta Up for BRIDGET JONES 2

John Travolta is apparently in talks to play Rene Zellwegger's love interest in BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON. Apparently the producers wanted George Clooney, but Zellwegger nixed that choice. Says a source, "Renee was adamant on this point, and would not be swayed. The producers had toyed with the idea of getting a new leading actress, and keeping Gorgeous George, but how many actresses are likely to put on two stone? Not very many."

SUPERGIRL Begins the Casting Merry Go-Round

Akiva Goldsman (BATMAN & ROBIN) is gearing up to script a new version of SUPERGIRL. Naomi Watts (THE RING) and Alicia Silverstone (BATMAN & ROBIN) are apparently in the lead to play the lead role.

Samuel L. Jackson talks Mace Windu's fate in STAR WARS EPISODE III.

Samuel L. Jackson revealed the fate of his Star Wars: Episode III character, Mace Windu, in a spoiler-filled interview with MTV.com. "I'm just going to die, you know?" Jackson told the site. "I'm basically going down there, hoping that I'm going to have this really awesome lightsaber battle with somebody that takes me out in the proper way. You know, the way a Jedi of my status deserves to be taken out."

Jackson said that he travels to Australia next month to begin work on George Lucas' third and final Star Wars prequel. "I never realized I would end up with some kind of franchise character that's in the middle of a big franchise of its own, but it's very cool," Jackson said. "Mace is kind of evolving for me. And it's been a wonderful experience, being able to be in Star Wars, first of all because I was a huge fan. I used to sit around and wonder how you got into something like that, and how great it would be to be in it. Fortunately for me, somebody must have heard me, and I'm in it!" Star Wars: Episode III is scheduled to hit theaters in 2005.

Waterston on 'Law' Docket Through 2005

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - It'll be at least an even 10 years on the "Law & Order" beat for Sam Waterston, who plays a hard-charging assistant district attorney on the veteran NBC crime drama.

Waterston signed on as "Law & Order" in 1994, and the show's producers have picked up his option to stick with the Emmy-winning series at least the 2004-05 season.

He ranks as the third-longest-serving actor currently on the show -- which is famous for periodically overhauling its cast -- behind Jerry Orbach, who has played Detective Lennie Briscoe since 1992, and S. Epatha Merkerson, who has played Lt. Anita Van Buren since 1993.

Waterston has earned three lead actor Emmy nominations (in 1997, 1999 and 2000) for his work as Jack McCoy on "Law & Order." He also garnered a lead actor Oscar nomination in 1985 for his role in "The Killing Fields."

"Law & Order," which bowed in 1990, has defied the laws of primetime gravity by gaining audience share in recent years. The series will begin its 14th season in the fall. NBC and producer Universal Network Television are expected to begin negotiating a long-term renewal deal for "Law & Order" and its spinoffs, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," later this year. It's understood that a possible fourth "Law & Order" series will be included as part of those negotiations.

R.E.M. sets date for hits album

R.E.M. has booked October 28 as the release date for their second compilation, "In Time: The Best Of R.E.M. 1998-2003," according to their official website.

The set will feature two brand new tracks, "Bad Day" (which is slated as the single) and "Animal."

Tim Hope, who has directed videos for Coldplay and Jimmy Eat World, recently shot a video for "Bad Day" in Vancouver.

The Athens, Georgia band has been recording its new album with "Reveal" producers Patrick McCarthy and Jamie Candiloro since November. The album will be released sometime in 2004.

Boston Sues Artemis For Breach Of Contract

Veteran rock act Boston has filed a breach-of-contract suit against New York-based indie label Artemis Records and CEO Danny Goldberg, seeking damages in excess of $1 million, Billboard Bulletin reports.

Artemis last year released Boston's album "Corporate America." The action, filed Tuesday in New York Supreme Court, claims that Goldberg assured Boston the album would be "the highest priority" for Artemis, but the company "[provided] more smoke and mirrors than commitment to its artists."

The suit claims that a round of layoffs at Artemis eliminated key staff members necessary to fulfill the label's obligations to the group. It also says Artemis "[failed] to execute almost every element of [the Boston marketing] plan," and claims that the success of the band's summer tour is in jeopardy due to the label's failure to properly promote the album.

An Artemis spokesperson had no comment at deadline, saying the label had not yet seen the suit.

"Corporate America," Boston's first Artemis album, was released Nov. 5, 2002, and has sold 119,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. Boston's self-titled 1976 debut is one of the best-selling albums of all time; it has been certified for U.S. shipments of 16 million units by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Boston's suit marks the second time this year Artemis has been hit with litigation by one of its acts. In March, female rock act Kittie lodged a breach-of-contract action against the label in federal court in New York.

Boston leader and guitarist Tom Scholz has a long history of litigation: in 1983, he began a protracted legal battle with CBS Records over unpaid royalties. A federal jury awarded Scholz $20 million in 1990.

Crow, Blige, Dixie Chicks, Carlton, Others Back RIAA's Plan To Sue File Traders

The Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA) is vowing to sue those who illegally download music, and some of the biggest names in music are supporting the idea. In a statement issued on Wednesday (June 25), RIAA President Cary Sherman warned, "This activity is illegal, you are not anonymous when you do it, and engaging in it can have real consequences."

Sherman says the RIAA has begun gathering evidence against swappers, and expects to begin filing suits as early as mid-August.

Several big-name artists have issued statements supporting the RIAA's harsh stance against file swapping. Grammy-winner Sheryl Crow said, "Music fans cannot expect their favorite musicians to continue to produce quality albums if they are not willing to pay. People, including musicians, expect to be rewarded for a job well done. It's all about supply and demand. If there is not demand, there will eventually be no supply."

Mary J. Blige said, "If you create something and then someone takes it without your permission, that is stealing. It may sound harsh, but it is true."

According to the Dixie Chicks, "It may seem innocent enough, but every time you illegally download music a songwriter doesn't get paid. And, every time you swap that music with your friends a new artist doesn't get a chance. Respect the artists you love by not stealing their music."

Vanessa Carlton said, "I'm all for getting a taste of something before you buy it, but when it becomes more than a taste and people begin hoarding the entire work, it becomes piracy which results in a system in which artists are not being rewarded for their works."

Other artists siding with the RIAA include Brooks & Dunn, Mandy Moore, Shakira, Peter Gabriel, and songwriter Lamont Dozier.

Leguizamo Ready for ICE AGE 2

John Leguizamo says that he expects to sign on soon for ICE AGE 2. Apparently Ray Romano and Dennis Leary are already on board for the project. Leguizamo will resume his role as Sid, the giant sloth. Voice work will begin later this year.

GAINING RESPECT

MGM planning to remake the 1986 Rodney Dangerfield comedy Back to School. The comedian will help develop the picture and will likely do a cameo.

Blockbuster Debuts Have Hollywood Heads Shaking

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - As the summer movie season nears its second half and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" cranks up for a Friday debut, Hollywood heads are shaking at what appears to be a new gold standard of blockbuster success -- the $50 million debut.

If "Full Throttle" tops that mark, it would be the seventh weekend out of nine since the May 2 release of "X2: X-Men United" that the No. 1 film in the United States has beaten what box office watchers are saying is the new benchmark.

"It is the threshold. It is the mark," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box office tracker Exhibitor Relations Inc.

In all of 2002, only eight films saw a $50 million weekend debut and in 2000, only three did, according to Exhibitor Relations. Given their star power, summer 2003's films look to easily eclipse all of 2002's $50 million openers.

Major films like "Bad Boys II" with Will Smith, "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" with Johnny Depp, "Seabiscuit" with Tobey Maguire and "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life" are still to come in July.

August has the "American Pie" kids returning in comedy "American Wedding," Nicolas Cage in "Matchstick Men," and Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck pairing up in "Gigli."

"Not only do you have pictures that are potentially huge debuts," said Jeff Blake, vice chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, "But several have terrific playability." That means the films could play well in theaters for weeks.

Chuck Viane, film distribution chief at Walt Disney Co. said the studios have done a good job of programming theaters each weekend with different films for dissimilar audience tastes.

For instance, during the long Independence Day holiday -- the start of Hollywood's second half of summer -- three new movies debut: "Terminator 3; Rise of the Machines" aimed at men, "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde" for women and animated "Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas" for kids.

SCARY PROPOSITION

Still, Blake, Viane and Nikki Rocco, distribution president for Universal Pictures whose "Hulk" set a June record last week with a $63 million opening, are all concerned by the notion they must mount a $50 million debut to be judged a success.

Blake calls it a "scary proposition." Rocco said it is "unfortunate," and Viane added "the bar is too high."

Achieving a $50 million opening is no easy trick. It takes placing the right movie in the right number of theaters and spending tens of millions of dollars on marketing that will create must-see audience awareness.

Low-budget films or less hyped films can easily be overlooked. Often, successful films are deemed unsuccessful simply because they did not open at No. 1.

"Anytime a movie exceeds $30 million, you can still have a major picture," Viane said.

A good example is "The Italian Job," a crime caper that debuted against gargantuan fish tale, "Finding Nemo." It was No. 3 its first weekend with $19 million to "Nemo's" $70 million. Yet, the well-liked "Job" had "playability," and it has gone on to rack up a respectable $70 million since late May.

The reason for the new bar is pretty simple. More first-run movies are playing in more theaters than ever before, and there are plenty of seats and show times available at new mega-plex theaters.
 
The downside is that big debuts generally lead to big ticket sales drop-offs of 50 percent or more in a film's second week. "2 Fast 2 Furious" opened to $52 million, and in its second weekend fell to $19 million.

"The bigger you open, the bigger the erosion," said Rocco, but of the "Hulk," she added, "I'll open to $63 million and drop off 50 percent and be thrilled with that."

'Hillbillies' Star Buddy Ebsen in Calif. Hospital

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Former "Beverly Hillbillies" star Buddy Ebsen was in a southern California hospital on Thursday with an undisclosed illness.

Hospital officials said Ebsen, 95, was admitted to the Torrance Memorial Medical Center earlier this week. No details of his illness were available but a hospital spokeswoman said his condition was "good."

Ebsen started his career as a dancer on Broadway and later starred in a number of MGM musicals. He became known to a new generation in the 1960s in his role as family patriarch Jed Clampett in the television sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies" and later as a private investigator in the 1970s TV show "Barnaby Jones."

Ex-S.C. Sen. Strom Thurmond Dies at 100

WASHINGTON - Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, a one-time Democratic segregationist who helped fuel the rise of the modern conservative Republican Party in the South, died Thursday. He was 100 and the longest-serving senator in history.

Thurmond died at 9:45 p.m. after having been in poor health in recent weeks, his son Strom Thurmond Jr. said. He had been living in a newly renovated wing of a hospital in his hometown of Edgefield, S.C., since he returned to the state from Washington earlier this year.

"Surrounded by family, my father was resting comfortably, without pain, and in total peace," Thurmond Jr. said in a statement released by the hospital.

The Senate temporarily suspended debate on Medicare legislation to pay tribute to Thurmond. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said, "Strom Thurmond will forever be a symbol of what one person can accomplish when they live life, as we all know he did, to the fullest." Frist, R-Tenn., then led the Senate in a moment of silence.

"He had enthusiasm and passion like no one I've ever met in my life," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who replaced Thurmond in the Senate. "South Carolina's favorite son is gone but he'll never be forgotten."

Thurmond, whose physical and political endurance were legendary — he holds the record for solo Senate filibustering — retired on Jan. 5, 2003, after more than 48 years in office.

Age took its inevitable toll on Thurmond as he neared retirement, and he was guided through the Capitol in a wheelchair. Yet he wielded political power virtually to the end, prevailing upon President Bush to appoint his 29-year-old son, Strom Jr., as U.S. Attorney in South Carolina in 2001.

Thurmond is "beyond criticism" in South Carolina, Furman University political scientist Don Aiesi said as the senator's health declined and he underwent a series of hospitalizations late in his congressional tenure. "Strom is the most venerable of institutions here."

In a political career that spanned seven decades, Thurmond won his first election in 1928, to local office, and his last in 1996, to his eighth Senate term. "We cannot and I shall not give up on our mission to right the 40-year wrongs of liberalism," he said during his last campaign. "The people of South Carolina know that Strom Thurmond doesn't like unfinished business."

His voting record was pro-defense, anti-communist and staunchly conservative. His devotion to constituent services was legendary. He was a lifelong physical fitness buff, who shunned tobacco and alcohol and was known for his vigorous handshake. He had a storied, lifelong reputation as a ladies' man.

Thurmond ran for president as a Dixiecrat in 1948 and won 39 Southern electoral votes as part of a states-rights uprising against President Harry Truman's support for civil rights. Nearly a decade later, he set the Senate record for filibustering when he spoke for a straight 24 hours and 18 minutes against a bill to end discrimination in housing.

Ironically, his presidential campaign sparked controversy more than a half-century later, when then-Majority Leader Trent Lott declared at Thurmond's 100th birthday party that voters of Mississippi were proud to have supported the South Carolinian when he ran for the White House. "If the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years either," added Lott, who was forced to step down as the Senate's Republican leader in the ensuing uproar.

Thurmond's racial politics changed over the years as blacks began voting in large numbers. He beccame the first Southern senator to hire a black aide, supported the appointment of a black Southern federal judge and voted to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday.

His outlook seemed far different a half century ago, when he ran for president.

"I want to tell you," he declared in one speech in 1948, "that there's not enough troops in the Army to force the Southern people to break down segregation and admit the Negro race into our theaters, into our swimming pools, into our homes and into our churches."

Thurmond grew up a Democrat — his father once ran for office — but switched to the GOP in 1964 to support Barry Goldwater's conservative campaign for the White House.

He said at the time he had made the move because Democrats were "leading the evolution of our nation to a socialistic dictatorship."

Like other Southern states, South Carolina had been a one-party Democratic state since the end of Reconstruction nearly a century earlier. Thurmond's switch anticipated a broader trend. By the 1990s, the South favored the GOP, and Republican candidates generally triumphed in statewide races in South Carolina.

The first time he ran as a Republican, in 1966, he won easily.

In 1968, Thurmond played a pivotal role in executing the "Southern Strategy" that helped Richard Nixon win the White House. The South Carolinian helped hold Southern delegates in line at the GOP convention when a charismatic conservative, Ronald Reagan, made a late play for the nomination. In the general election, he sought to blunt George Wallace's third-party candidacy in the South, arguing that anything but a vote for Nixon would help elect a liberal Democrat, Hubert Humphrey.

Born Dec. 5, 1902, in Edgefield, S.C., James Strom Thurmond — Strom was his mother's maiden name — was elected county school superintendent, state senator and circuit judge before enlisting in the Army in World War II. He landed in Normandy as part of the 82nd Airborne Division assault on D-Day, and won five battle stars and numerous other awards.

The war over, he returned home to resume his political career and won election as governor in 1946. His record was progressive by contemporary standards for a Southern Democrat. He pushed for repeal of the poll tax and boosted education spending.

He lost a race in South Carolina for the only time in his career four years later, when he challenged incumbent Sen. Olin Johnston for renomination. In defeat, he returned home to practice law.

But in 1954, Sen. Burnet Maybank died unexpectedly. When party officials tapped a state lawmaker to run for the post, Thurmond challenged as a write-in candidate, saying the voters, not the party's leaders, should decide who got the nomination. To underscore his credentials as an insurgent, he pledged to resign his seat before seeking re-election in 1956.

He won, the only person in history to capture a seat in Congress by write-in. Two years later, he kept his pledge to resign before running for the four years remaining in the term.

His presidential race and write-in victory behind him, Thurmond arrived in Washington with a nationwide reputation. The civil rights movement was gathering steam, but he held fast to his segregationist views for years.

He was a leader in drafting the Southern Manifesto of 1956, in which Southern lawmakers vowed resistance to the Supreme Court's unanimous school desegregation order. In 1957, he staged his record nonstop filibuster against housing legislation that he denounced as "race mixing."

Ironically, in earlier decades, Thurmond's segregationist views were more nuanced than those held by other Southern politicians.

As governor, he called for forceful prosecution after a black man, a murder suspect, was lynched by a mob. The result was a trial at which 31 white men were defendants.

His 1950 defeat came at the hands of an opponent who made an issue of Thurmond's gubernatorial appointment of a black physician to a state medical advisory board.

Like many one-time segregationists, Thurmond insisted the issue wasn't race but "federal power vs. state power" — though the state power he wanted to preserve was the power to segregate.

"The question of integration was only one facet of that matter," he said in a November 1992 interview.

Showing how much his world had changed, in 1977, Thurmond's young daughter, Nancy, 6, enrolled in a public school in Columbia, S.C., that was 50 percent black. The girl's teacher also was black.

Thurmond's first wife, Jean Crouch, was 23 years his junior. The couple married in 1947, and she died of a brain tumor in 1960.

His second wife, former beauty queen Nancy Moore, was 44 years younger than Thurmond when they were married in 1968. Thurmond was 68 when their first child, Nancy, was born. The couple had three other children before separating in 1991: Strom Jr., Juliana and Paul. His daughter Nancy died in 1993 after being struck by a car.

Costello Heads 'North' On New Album

Elvis Costello has dubbed his upcoming album "North." Due Sept. 23 via Deutsche Grammophon, the album is comprised solely of ballads.

"The record begins with a song called 'You Left Me In the Dark' and ends with a track called 'I'm In the Mood Again,'" Costello explains in a statement. "You have to listen to what goes on in between to find out why."

As previously reported, the collection will feature instrumentation ranging from a solo piano to an enormous ensemble.

Along with frequent collaborator and Attractions/Imposters keyboardist Steve Nieve, "North" features drummer Peter Erskine and double-bassist Mike Formanek, as well as Costello's own piano work on the songs "Let Me Tell You About Her" and "I'm In the Mood Again."

Written over the final months of 2002 and recorded in New York in April and May, the album reunites Costello with the Brodksy Quartet. He last worked with the string ensemble on 1993's "Juliet Letters" (Warner Bros.). On "North," the group performs parts co-written by Nieve on the track "Still."

As previously reported, Costello and the Imposters begin a summer North American tour July 2 in Toronto. It comes in support of the group's 2002 Island album "When I Was Cruel," which debuted at No. 20 on The Billboard 200.

Yet Another Title for EPISODE III

Moviehole is reporting that the new title for STAR WARS EPISODE III is AN EMPIRE DIVIDED. Lucasfilm hasn't had time to deny this one yet.

LEGAL EAGLES

ABC officially announcing that James Spader and Rhona Mitra are joining the cast of The Practice.

'Sesame Street' Video Tackles Kids' Fears

NEW YORK - The Muppets have more to offer than lessons on numbers, letters and shapes — now they're teaching children about fear, violence and war.
 

The nonprofit group behind "Sesame Street" announced plans Wednesday to distribute 75,000 copies of a video called "You Can Ask!" that encourages children to ask their parents when they are confused about feelings.

The video, paid for by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is aimed at helping children cope with repeated media images of the Sept. 11 terror attacks and other violence in the world.

"Too often, children in America are witnessing too much, too soon," said Gary Knell, president and chief executive officer of Sesame Workshop.

At a press conference Wednesday, Emilio Delgado, who plays Luis on "Sesame Street," led 25 New York City kindergartners in a rendition of the alphabet song. Then he explained to a furry, teal Muppet named Rosita that "children can ask their parents questions when they're scared, when they're very confused and worried."

The videos will be distributed this summer and fall to schools, mental health offices, crisis counselors and child-care programs in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The producers hope to take the program nationwide.

Producers said it could be used to help kids handle everyday trauma, too.

In a segment on fear, a New York City firefighter helps Elmo — the bright-eyed, high-pitched red Muppet adored by children — grow comfortable with returning to Hooper's Store after a fire there.

In a segment on loss, an adult helps Big Bird feel better after a stray turtle he had cared for suddenly leaves his nest. Two other scenes deal with bullying and accepting others' differences.

The videos are in English, but instructional material for parents is also being offered in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Producers said they wanted to make sure children living in Chinatown, just blocks from ground zero, could benefit.

Chris Rock Will Return to Host MTV Awards

NEW YORK - Chris Rock will be back as host of the MTV Video Music Awards, the cable channel announced Wednesday.

But he acknowledges that his stand-up skills are a little rusty.

So the comedian is going on a cross-country club tour to prepare for the 20th annual awards show Aug. 28 at Radio City Music Hall.

"I haven't performed in a lo-o-o-o-ng time," Rock told The Associated Press in a phone interview Wednesday.

After starring in the Emmy-winning "Chris Rock Show" on HBO in the late '90s, he's been focusing on films the past few years, including "Down to Earth," a remake of "Heaven Can Wait"; "Bad Company" with Anthony Hopkins; and this year's "Head of State," his directorial debut, in which he starred as a presidential candidate.

Rock won't announce his comedy show dates ahead of time — he wouldn't even say where the tour will begin next week. Tickets will go on sale in each city just 24 hours in advance.

But after having hosted the irreverent awards show in 1997 and 1999, Rock knows that much of the comedy springs organically as the evening progresses. Jimmy Fallon from "Saturday Night Live" — of which Rock is an alum — was the host last year.

"You watch people host these shows who change outfits eight times in the show. No — watch the show. That's the most important thing," Rock said.

"Half the time the presenters don't read what's on the cue cards and you never know when Diana Ross is going to grab Lil' Kim's (breast), and you'd hate to miss that because you're putting on something from Banana Republic."

Rock was referring to one of the more outrageous moments in Video Music Award history in 1999, when Ross fondled rapper Lil' Kim's left breast, which was covered only in a lavender pasty.

Over the past year, though, the 37-year-old has been keeping busy with more wholesome activities — his daughter with wife Malaak Compton-Rock, Lola Simone, who's turning 1 on Saturday.

"You just want to protect your kid from stuff. It makes you want to work harder as an artist. Now you need the money — what's college going to cost in 18 years?" he asked.

"I've had two callings in life: stand-up comedy and fatherhood," added Rock. "Those are the only things I embrace."

Music Labels Step Up Internet Piracy Hunt

WASHINGTON - The embattled music industry disclosed plans Wednesday for an unprecedented escalation in its fight against Internet piracy, threatening to sue hundreds of individual computer users who illegally share music files online.

The Recording Industry Association of America, citing significant sales declines, said it will begin Thursday to search Internet file-sharing networks to identify music fans who offer "substantial" collections of MP3 song files for downloading.

It expects to file at least several hundred lawsuits seeking financial damages within eight to 10 weeks.

Executives for the RIAA, the Washington-based lobbying group that represents major labels, would not say how many songs on a user's computer might qualify for a lawsuit. The new campaign comes just weeks after U.S. appeals court rulings requiring Internet providers to identify subscribers suspected of illegally sharing music and movie files.

The RIAA's president, Cary Sherman, said tens of millions of Internet users of popular file-sharing software after Thursday will expose themselves to "the real risk of having to face the music." He said the RIAA plans only to file lawsuits against Internet users in the United States.

"It's stealing. It's both wrong and illegal," Sherman said. Alluding to the court decisions, Sherman said Internet users who believe they can hide behind an alias online are mistaken. "You are not anonymous," Sherman said. "We're going to begin taking names."

Shopping at a Virgin Megastore in San Francisco, Jason Yoder was planning to delete file-sharing software he uses from his home computer because of the new lawsuit threat. He acknowledged using the Internet recently to find a copy of a rare 1970s soul recording, but he agreed that illegal downloads should be curtailed.

"It's sort of like a serial drunk driver has to have their license taken away at some point," said Yoder, 30.

Sharman Networks Ltd., which makes the popular Kazaa software and operates one of the world's largest file-sharing networks, said in a statement, "It is unfortunate that the RIAA has chosen to declare war on its customers by engaging in protracted and expensive litigation." Sharman said it was interested in a business relationship with music labels and could protect their songs from illegal downloads using technology.

Country songwriter Hugh Prestwood, who has worked with Randy Travis, Trisha Yearwood and Jimmy Buffett, likened the RIAA's effort to a roadside police officer on a busy highway.

"It doesn't take too many tickets to get everybody to obey the speed limit," Prestwood said.

Critics accused the RIAA of resorting to heavy-handed tactics likely to alienate millions of Internet file-sharers.

"This latest effort really indicates the recording industry has lost touch with reality completely," said Fred von Lohmann, a lawyer for the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "Does anyone think more lawsuits are going to be the answer? Today they have declared war on the American consumer."

Sherman disputed that consumers, who are gradually turning to legitimate Web sites to buy music legally, will object to the industry's latest efforts against pirates.

"You have to look at exactly who are your customers," he said. "You could say the same thing about shoplifters — are you worried about alienating them? All sorts of industries and retailers have come to the conclusion that they need to be able to protect their rights. We have come to the same conclusion."

Mike Godwin of Public Knowledge, a consumer group that has challenged broad crackdowns on file-sharing networks, said Wednesday's announcement was appropriate because it targeted users illegally sharing copyrighted files.

"I'm sure it's going to freak them out," Godwin said. "The free ride is over." He added: "I wouldn't be surprised if at least some people engaged in file-trading decide to resist and try to find ways to thwart the litigation strategy."
 
The entertainment industry has gradually escalated its fight against piracy. The RIAA has previously sued four college students it accused of making thousands of songs available for illegal downloading on campus networks. But Wednesday's announcement was the first effort to target users who offer music on broadly accessible, public networks.

The Motion Picture Association of America said it supported the efforts, but notably did not indicate it plans to file large numbers of civil lawsuits against Internet users who trade movies online.

MPAA Chief Jack Valenti said in a statement it was "our most sincere desire" to find technology solutions to protect digital copies of movies.

Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif., who has proposed giving the entertainment industry new powers to disrupt downloads of pirated music and movies, said the RIAA's actions were overdue. "It's about time," Berman said in a statement. "For too long ... file-traffickers have robbed copyright creators with impunity."

The RIAA said its lawyers will file lawsuits initially against people with the largest collections of music files they can find online. U.S. copyright laws allow for damages of $750 to $150,000 for each song offered illegally on a person's computer, but Sherman said the RIAA will be open to settlement proposals from defendants.

Blast It You Infernal Matriarch!

September 16th will see the release of the recent box office disappointment Down with Love, followed by the surprise sleeper hit Bend it like Beckham on the 30th.

Finally, due for release on September 9th is The Family Guy: Volume Two. This three-disc set features the entire third season in 4:3 full screen with English, French and Spanish Dolby 2.0 surround tracks, plus plenty of extras including audio commentary on six episodes (including the unaired "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein"), 15 minutes of animatics, the pilot pitch and a series overview. Retail will set you back $49.95.

Canadian Walk Of Fame Gets Some New Names

TORONTO -- It's showtime for Peter Somoulias, the Toronto businessman behind the televised Canada's Walk Of Fame gala at Roy Thomson Hall tonight.

On his plate is organizing 11 Walk Of Fame inductees, among them country-pop superstar Shania Twain, actor Mike Myers, model Linda Evangelista and hundreds of high-profile guests including telecast host Andrea Martin and presenters Celine Dion and Dan Aykroyd.

'HUGE DEMAND FOR TICKETS'

"Everything's in place. It's just now a question of executing all the little details," Somoulias said yesterday. "When you have the number of national and international celebrities that we have coming and the media focus and the huge demand for tickets, it's challenging. And when you're producing a live show for two hours for the first time ..."

The gala portion of the Walk Of Fame induction will be broadcast live on Global TV from 9-11 p.m. Various presenters will introduce each Walk Of Fame inductee during the telecast. It's a first for the presentations.

Colin Mochrie is delivering a newscast during the show. Musical performers include Tom Cochrane and Sarah Harmer.

It's taken five years to get to this point -- as long as the Walk Of Fame has been around. Somoulias says when he started out he didn't consider that a live broadcast would ever be an element of the event.

"We didn't start out to be a television show," he said. "But the public interest surpassed anything we could have ever imagined.

"And this was the first year we've had all 11 inductees attending at the same time. We've never had that before. And given the national and international standing of a number of these inductees, as well as their presenters and performers, the presentation was made to us, 'Well, go live across the country.'

And we said, as we usually say, 'Why not?'"

More than 100 journalists will cover the event, from the Hollywood Reporter to Entertainment Tonight, and Somoulias suspects the SARS outbreak had something to do with increased interest outside Canada.

BARRED BY THEIR INSURERS

"I gotta imagine that perhaps a small part of that interest might also be about what's going on in Toronto," he said.

"I think SARS has affected everybody who is dealing with any kind of celebrity and show production. We're affected to a lesser extent, because we're Canadians and we don't rely on international celebrities."

Somoulias said some international guests had expressed interest in attending the event, but "their insurance companies prohibited them from travelling. These were guests of the inductees who were going to come up here and be part of this in support of their friends."

Somoulias says members of the public will get quite close to the celebrities (from 4 to 5 metres).

'South Park' Pair Pull Strings in Terror Pic

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - After ridiculing SaddamHussein in the animated feature "South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut," the cartoon's creators are taking on terrorism, marionette-style, in a new film project.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone are writing the untitled project, previously known as "American Heroes," which Paramount Pictures is expected to distribute. Parker and Stone will direct and voice the film as well.

According to several sources, the project in development is a marionette movie about superheroes on a mission to eradicate such things as terrorism and certain celebrities who have outworn their welcome in the public eye.

Neither Paramount nor the film's producer, Scott Rudin, would comment. But the "South Park" creators revealed in March that they were working with Rudin, an executive producer on "Uncut," on a "top secret movie."

"We are working with Scott Rudin," Parker said at that time. "We just got the deal for it. We're gonna write this movie for him this summer. That's how we're gonna spend our vacation time."

Added Stone: "It'll be animated ... but won't have anything to do with 'South Park."'

Parker and Stone most recently created an animated segment called "A Brief History about the United States of America," illustrating the role that violence has played in the country's history, which was featured in Michael Moore's Oscar-winning documentary "Bowling for Columbine."

Greengrass to Helm BOURNE IDENTITY Sequel

Universal has tapped Paul Greengrass (BLOODY SUNDAY) to direct THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, the sequel to THE BOURNE IDENTITY. Greengrass will work from a script by Tony Gilroy, who adapted Robert Ludlum's second book in the Bourne series. In the second film, Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is accused of assassinating a Chinese vice premiere. Bourne must then find out the real identity of the assassin. Frank Marshall, Paul Sandburg and Patrick Crowley are producing.

New Episode III Title?

Cinescape is reporting that the new title of the next STAR WARS movie is supposedly REVENGE OF THE SITH. However, Lucasfilm has already denied the rumor.

Pretty On DVD!

The holy grail of the cinema du John Hughes - Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Weird Science - is finally ready to be unleashed on September 2nd from Universal Studios Home Video.

As the disciples of the pied piper of 80's teen cinema already know all too well, the long hoped-for reissues of these flicks have already been announced once and then postponed, so will this time be the charm? Let's hope so, and although full specs have not yet been announced, each will be newly remastered in anamorphic widescreen with Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks, plus trailers.

Retail will be $19.95 each, or $39.95 for a 3-disc Brat Pack set.

Eminem Stuns U.K. Fan With $450K Necklace

LONDON - Eminem stunned tens of thousands of people attending a concert in England by giving a necklace estimated at $450,000 to one of his fans.

"I'm going to give this to the sexiest woman I see," Eminem said from the stage of the concert attended by 65,000 fans in Milton Keynes city on Monday night, according to the British Broadcasting Corp.

He then leaned over the stage into the crowd and gave his jewelry to a stunned girl standing at the front of the audience, the BBC said.

Spokesmen for Eminem in New York and Los Angeles were not able to confirm the gift. And officials traveling with the 30-year-old rapper in Britain during his Anger Management Tour were not immediately available Tuesday.

"It looked like a huge diamond-encrusted crucifix," said a nearby member of the audience, Toby Friedner. "The girl he gave it to was blond, pretty, wearing glasses and 18 to 20," he was quoted as saying.

"She was obviously shocked," Friedner said.

Rolling Stones to Rock SARS-Hit Toronto in July

TORONTO (Reuters) - The Rolling Stones vowed on Tuesday to "bring back the energy" to SARS-hit Toronto with an open-air concert next month for about 350,000 people.

The Toronto area was the only place outside Asia where people died from SARS, and tourists, convention-goers and business people postponed travel to Canada's financial hub.

The city responded with an appeal to the Stones' promoter, a Torontonian, to bring the band to the city.

"The greatest band in the world is going to play in the greatest city in the world," Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman told a news conference announcing the concert. "The people who live here know that Toronto is a safe city. After the Rolling Stones play here, the entire world is going to know it."

After weeks of scrounging for money to foot the C$10.5 million ($7.7 million) bill, organizers finally drew enough support from the government and the private sector to stage the concert, which had initially been touted as a free event.

The Stones will interrupt the European leg of their "40 Licks" tour to headline the show, which will also feature pop star Justin Timberlake, Australian hard rock band AC/DC and Canada's The Guess Who. It will be hosted by actors Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi.

"We're very happy to tell you that we're coming to play on July 30 in a great concert for the people and city of Toronto to help bring back the energy to our favorite city," Stones frontman Mick Jagger said in a taped message from Munich.

SARS killed 38 people in Toronto and, coupled with a brief World Health Organization advisory to avoid the city, took a devastating economic toll.

Tourists stayed away in droves, hotels faced gaping vacancy rates and restaurants and tour operators suffered and are still suffering.

The impact of SARS also spilled over into the broader economy and shoved the jobless rate higher in May.

The Rolling Stones show is the latest in a campaign to promote Canada's largest city. On Saturday, Canadian acts including Avril Lavigne and the Barenaked Ladies played at a Concert for Toronto.

"This is the day we tell the world, Toronto is back," Deputy Prime Minister John Manley said on Tuesday. "Let this be the biggest invasion of Canada from the United States since the War of 1812. Bring them on."

Manley said the government would kick in C$3.5 million to help stage the concert.

The Rolling Stones have long had ties with Toronto. They rehearsed in the city in 2002 for their current tour, as well as for the Voodoo Lounge tour in 1994 and for the Bridges to Babylon tour in 1997.

The veteran British rockers have a tradition of popping up to play secret gigs in the city during their stay. Earlier this year, the group canceled their first-ever tour to China because of the SARS outbreak.

The July 30 concert will be held at Downsview Park, a disused air base where Pope John Paul II held a mass for an estimated 800,000 people last July.

Tickets will cost C$21.50 ($16) and net proceeds will go to a fund for tourism and healthcare workers.

Organizers said they expect about 350,000 people at the eight-hour concert which starts on a weekday afternoon.

Miramax Goes to Bat with 'Damn Yankees' Remake

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Whatever Harvey wants, Harvey gets. And right now, Miramax Films co-chairman Harvey Weinstein wants to hit another one out of the park with a musical.
 
Basking in the razzle-dazzle success of "Chicago," Miramax's highest-grossing film ever, the studio has bought rights for the remake of another Broadway song-and-dance favorite, the baseball fable "Damn Yankees," the studio said on Tuesday.

And the Walt Disney Co.-owned distributor still has a deal in the works to develop an updated film version of the stage musical "Guys and Dolls," a studio source said.

The "Chicago" producing team of Craig Zadan and Neil Meron is on board for both projects, with Miramax planning to go to bat with "Damn Yankees" first, the studio said.

The Tony Award-winning musical, which opened on Broadway in 1955, centers on a fan who sells his soul to help his hapless team, the Washington Senators, win the American League pennant from the unbeatable Yankees.

Actor Ray Walston won a Tony for his performance as Mr. Applegate, the devil, and actress-dancer Gwen Verdon won the Tony as the seductress Lola ("Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets"), roles both performers re-created in the 1958 Warner Bros. film adaptation that co-starred Tab Hunter.

The show features music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross and a book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, based on Wallop's novel "The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant." The original production was choreographed by the late Bob Fosse, who also arranged the dancing for "Chicago."

A 1994 stage revival of "Yankees," choreographed by Rob Marshall, the Oscar-nominated director of "Chicago," starred Bebe Neuwirth and Victor Garber (later replaced by Jerry Lewis).

"I see us updating 'Damn Yankees,' modernizing it, and really having fun with the role of the devil," Weinstein said in a statement. No decisions about casting for the Miramax remake have been made.

Meanwhile, Miramax is pursuing a deal to bring the stage musical "Guys and Doll" back to the big screen. Featuring such numbers as "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat," the Frank Loesser musical centers on the unlikely romance between a high-stakes gambler and a female missionary.

The show had a highly successful Broadway run in the 1950s and was made into a movie in 1955 starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons.

Miramax's newfound interest in musicals follows on the heels of the studio's success with its big-screen adaptation of "Chicago," which starred Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones as a pair of homicidal show girls.

Based on a stage production that debuted on Broadway in the 1970s, "Chicago" generated nearly $169 million in U.S. ticket sales alone, marking the biggest box-office success for Miramax to date, and won the Oscar as best picture.

The DVD release of the film is set for August, including an extra song-and-dance number cut from the original movie, but Miramax has decided against a renewed theatrical run as previously contemplated, the source said.

...So without further adieu, here are the new Video and DVD Releases for Tuesday, June 24th, 2003:

Kangaroo Jack (PG) - A talking kangaroo takes money from some dumb guys. (Jerry O'Connell, Anthony Anderson)

The Hours (PG-13) - Three women in different eras all affected by one novel. (Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep)

Punch-Drunk Love (R) - Single guy finally finds the right woman. (Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman)

Dark Blue (R) - A "dirty" cop fights for his life. (Kurt Russell, Ving Raines)

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (R) - Bounty hunters track down person behind biochemical attack. (David Lucas (voice) [Spike Spiegel], Beau Billingslea (voice) [Jet Black], Jennifer Hale (voice) [Elektra])

Lost In La Mancha (R) - The 'making of' Terry Gilliam's failed Don Quixote movie. (Jeff Bridges (voice) [Narrator], Terry Gilliam, Johnny Depp)

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys - Season 1 (Not Rated) - The complete first season of the TV series Hercules. (Kevin Sorbo, Michael Hunt)

Live From Baghdad (Not Rated) - CNN producers report from Baghdad during 1991 Gulf War. (Michael Keaton [Robert Weiner], Helena Bonham Carter [Ingrid Formanek], Joshua Leonard)

Soul Food: The Complete First Season (Not Rated) - The complete first season of the TV show Soul Food. (Rockmond Dunbar, Irma P. Hall, Darrin Dewitt Henson)

Get the popcorn and I'll meet you on the couch!

SPIKE THIS

Spike Jones Jr., son of late musical funnyman Spike Jones, lending his support to Viacom in its battle with Spike Lee over the proposed name change of TNN to Spike TV. The younger Jones says its "frightening" that Lee is claiming sole ownership of the moniker.

Germany recalls Kennedy's iconic Berlin speech

BERLIN (AFP) - With just four words, US president John F. Kennedy talked himself into Cold War history in a moving speech 60 years ago this week in the heart of divided Berlin.

"Ich bin ein Berliner," the president uttered to a rapturous response. His words went round the world. Berlin was safe, it seemed.

The city will Wednesday commemorate the occasion with the formal opening of an exhibition on Kennedy's June 26, 1963 visit and what it meant then and now for US-German relations.

On Thursday, his speech will be broadcast over loudspeakers at the precise time, 6.44 pm, that he delivered it from the balcony of the town hall in the Schoeneberg district of Berlin.

"Visiting the frontline city was an important signal on the relationship," said Andreas Etges, who put together the exhibition in the German Historical Museum.

The president was greeted like a pop star. Hundreds of thousands turned out to welcome his motorcade during his eight-hour visit. "It was an overwhelming occasion," said Etges.

It was June 1963. Berlin was nervous about its future on the dividing line between communist east and capitalist west. The Cold War was at its height.

The previous summer, the United States and Soviet Union nearly went to war in the Cuban missile crisis. A year earlier, communist East Germany had built the Berlin Wall, a scar through the heart of the city.

Kennedy was on a goodwill tour of Europe when he visited Berlin. He saw the Wall twice close at hand, once draped from the other side with a huge East German flag, the second time from Checkpoint Charlie, the allied crossing point.

Struck by the images and impressed by the size of an expectant crowd, some of whom had camped out overnight, he reworked his prepared speech.

Whereas the East-West mood had been one of tentative moves toward detente, he repeatedly lashed out at communism in the strongest terms.

At the end, Kennedy uttered the famous words: "All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner'."

He had written out the sentence phonetically to pronounce it correctly with his Boston accent: 'Ish bin ine bearLEANar.'

The president was moved by the emotion that greeted his words. His advisor McGeorge Bundy, worried about raising East-West tensions, was less enamoured. "Mr President, I think you went too far," Bundy said, according to Kennedy's translator.

Kennedy subsequently toned down his speech that afternoon at West Berlin's main university, before leaving the city en route for Ireland.

German grammar enthusiasts often point out that Kennedy's phrase 'Ich bin ein Berliner' actually compares him to a doughnut, a Berliner being a popular name for the patisserie.

For Berliners, the emotion of the occasion overwhelmed such thoughts.

Etges said that when he spoke to witnesses for his exhibition, "their eyes were still aglow."

Five months later, in November 1963, Kennedy was assassinated. The Berlin Wall stood for another quarter of a century until October 1989.

US-German relations have changed since Kennedy's day.

President Richard Nixon's motorcade was spattered with paint in protest at the Vietnam War when he came calling in 1969.

Current President George W. Bush was greeted with a banner declaring 'You are no Berliner' because of his policy on Iraq when he visited last year, and relations are only inching now above freezing-point after Germany's spirited opposition to the US-led war on Baghdad.

The Kennedy exhibition Wednesday will be opened by German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer and US ambassador Dan Coats.

Coats will also speak at Schoeneberg town hall Thursday after the replay of the speech, to be followed by an evening of open-air music.

New 'Tomb Raider' Game Tweaks Franchise

LOS ANGELES - Lara Croft has finally learned that there's more than one way to raid a tomb.

The sixth and latest "Tomb Raider" video game title, "The Angel of Darkness," hits stores this week. Now fans will decide whether the game's latest innovations have freshened the franchise or alienated players with too many changes.

"For us to take Lara and put her in a racing car, it would have been very simple to do. But that isn't 'Tomb Raider,'" said game co-creator Adrian Smith, operations director of British-based Core Design. "People buy this game with some kind of expectancy of what they're getting."

"Angel," available for PlayStation 2 and PC, features Croft being framed for the murder of a rival. She then tries to simultaneously prove her innocence and stop an evil cult while hiding in catacombs beneath Paris.

Apart from dramatically improving the graphics, which make the bombshell Croft look more lifelike, Croft can now sneak through levels, hiding in the shadows and ducking behind walls, instead of engaging other characters in battle. Of course, you also can still choose to go in with both her signature thigh-strapped guns blazing.

"Angel" also has added more open-ended gameplay. Like a child's "Choose Your Own Adventure" novel, players now can make decisions that lead the story in varying directions, rather than follow traditional linear storytelling.

For the first time, Croft also must interact with non-playable characters, asking for advice on which path to choose. There are multiple ways to solve the game, so players may play again to pick different options. That's not something new to gaming, but it is to "Tomb Raider."

"It adds a little bit of longevity to the game," Smith said. "So people can go back and talk to Pierre rather than talk to the janitor. Both will tell you to go to the same building, but one may give you a key to go one route and the other might tell you to go in the back door."

Some fans playing the game after it debuted Friday praised the new graphics, but had mixed feelings about other changes.

"As the games have progressed there have been more and more confusing commands, more in-game characters and plots to keep up with, and the story lines increasingly lack creativity," said Kelly Johnson, 17, of Columbus, Ga. "The new equipment is nice, but there's just too much of it."

Still, Johnson was optimistic about "Angel": "I'd have to say the alternate ways to finish a level would be the most enticing."

In a "Tomb Raider" chat room, one fan posting under the name "SCJX" described the gameplay as "awesome," but complained that the story started slow: "I feel a little like I'm playing a role-playing game some of the time, though. Running around Paris searching for an address so I can talk to someone, blah, blah, blah. I'm still hoping for some vast tombs and blasting action."

Updating a popular game franchise is a tightrope for many designers. Mess with a format too much and fans revolt, like 1988's "Zelda II: The Adventure of Link," which robbed players of their coveted topdown gameplay in favor of "Super Mario Bros."-style side-scrolling action.

Meanwhile, the same-old, same-old treatment can lead to stagnation. The popular "Megaman" series has spawned more than a dozen sequels since the 1980s, but its following has faded as fans complained that the action never evolved enough from one title to the next.

Some drastic changes work miracles. "Grand Theft Auto 3" is virtually indistinguishable from "Grand Theft Auto 2" — with substantially more detail, closer "camera" angles and extreme depictions of carnage. Still, "GTA3" became wildly more popular than its predecessor.

In the new "Tomb Raider," another important change is not in the player's hands. While the shapely Croft was the only playable character in the previous games, this time a muscular new hero named Kurtis Trent will take the lead later in the story. Croft is relegated to the sidelines.

"People have always wanted a love interest for Lara and while we don't obviously have them shack up, so to speak, there's some sexual tension there," said Paul Baldwin, marketing executive with "Tomb Raider" publisher Eidos Interactive. "There are some cut-scenes when they first meet eyeing each other and some caressing. Kurtis takes her weapons away and goes for a little roller coaster ride down Lara's curved body."

That's a ride, developers think, that fans will be willing to take.

Liz Phair Goes Pop, Setting Off Debate

NEW YORK - The first time Liz Phair pooled her allowance money to buy a record, years before she became an indie rock queen, she bought "Saturday Night" by the bubblegum band Bay City Rollers.

That's worth remembering now that the 36-year-old singer has set off an extraordinary debate in the rock world simply by making a disc designed to be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

Some fans feel betrayed, others intrigued. All can judge for themselves when the disc, her first in five years, is released today (Tuesday).

Titled "Liz Phair," the cover features the star with teased blonde hair and a semi-dressed pose covered up by a strategically placed guitar. Among the 14 glossy pop-rock songs are four co-written with the Matrix, the hitmaking songwriting team behind Avril Lavigne's smash, "Complicated."

Her debut a decade ago, on the other hand, was decidedly lo-fi. Complete with frank sexual talk, "Exile in Guyville" was a brash, feminine response to a classic Rolling Stones album. Critics and hipsters loved it, saying it captured the mood of many women in their 20s.

Will the real Liz Phair please stand up?

"I'm the same person I always was," Phair told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "I just lost the whole `cool school' thing."

By courting pop success, some critics have essentially called her a sellout. In a lengthy essay in The New York Times on Sunday, writer Meghan O'Rourke said Phair "has committed an embarrassing form of career suicide."

"Ms. Phair often sounds desperate or clueless," O'Rourke wrote. "The album has some of the same weird self-oblivion of a middle-aged man in a mid-life crisis and a new Corvette."

Others differ. Jim Farber in the New York Daily News said the disc's slickness covers up Phair's weaknesses as a singer and player. "The added elements have made her songs catchier and her vocals more compelling," he wrote.

Phair recorded and shelved three different albums in the past five years, as she got divorced and moved with her 6-year-old son from her native Chicago area to Los Angeles, the cradle of stardom.

The last try was a somewhat depressing disc produced by Michael Penn, husband of mopey songwriter Aimee Mann. Phair took it to the president of Capitol Records, Andy Slater, who said it was a good album critics would like.

Phair knew a lukewarm record company usually dooms an album to failure. "I really wanted you to be a little more excited than, `It'll be fine,'" she told Slater.

As a single mom living in an expensive new area, Phair was eager to take a big swing at success and agreed to work with the Matrix. "Exile in Guyville" and its 1994 followup, "Whip Smart," both sold just under 400,000 copies, and 1998's "whitechocolatespaceegg" sold 266,000 copies — respectable if you're a struggling artist-type, but not on the level of a major star.

Phair believes working with others has amplified, not concealed, her personality. She said she's not turning her back on the woman who wrote "Exile in Guyville."

"What did you do in your 20s?" she said. "Oh, I wrote one of the most influential albums of the '90s. It's awesome. But it shouldn't stop you" from trying different things, she said.

Worrying about critics can be as much of a trap as overthinking the pop marketplace. Phair said she occasionally felt paralyzed as a writer in the mid-1990s worrying whether her songs were hip enough.
 
Still, she doesn't dismiss fans who don't like what she's doing.

"Of course, I care," she said. "I like them and I'd like them to like me. If they don't, that's fine. I don't like every record. I hope they don't reject me as a lifelong artist. I think that's a little bit spastic."

Phair talked just hours before attending a concert by Radiohead, the ultimate critic's band. But she's still in touch with the little girl who sang along to "Saturday Night."

"I would never want to give up my `indie-ness,'" she said. "I just don't understand why you have to be one or the other. I like highbrow and lowbrow."

Phair is less eager to talk about the provocative photos being used to sell her disc, saying they weren't her idea. She's never been shy about using her sexuality; on `Exile,' she doctored her vocals to sound as girlish as possible when talking dirty.

The new album has one song explicit enough to make Mick Jagger blush. She also sings about picking up a guy nine years younger for sex and about the allure of infidelity.

Yet a song with nothing to do about sex packs the biggest emotional wallop. "Little Digger" describes the wrenching confusion of a young boy seeing his divorced mom with another man for the first time.

"My goal, if I have one as an artist, has always been to expand the acceptable rules for women and girls," Phair said.

"One of the things that was hard for me growing up was older women who did not talk about things that they felt outside of an accepted way of talking," she said. "I think it's important to allow yourself to say things that are not OK."

New CD Releases for Tuesday June 24, 2003

* BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS Bark (True North)
* BLU CANTRELL Bittersweet (Arista)
* DONALD FAGAN Kamakiriad (DVD Audio) (Rhino)
* ERYKAH BADU Worldwide Underground (EP) (Motown)
* FLAMING LIPS Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots (Warner)
* JIMMY WAYNE Jimmy Wayne (Dreamworks Nashville)
* MICHELLE BRANCH Hotel Paper (Warner)
* MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK I Am The Movie (Epitaph)
* SHOCURE Evilution (Linus Entertainment)
* SKILLZ I Ain't Mad No More (MCA)
* THE LOCUST Plague Soundscapes (Anti/Epitaph)
* WEBB BROTHERS Webb Brothers (Warner International)

Free Toronto Stones Show a Go for July 30

TORONTO (Billboard) - A massive free Rolling Stones concert has been scheduled for July 30 in Toronto.

The outdoor show is aimed at giving the city an economic boost in the wake of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak earlier in the year. Although the official announcement is expected Tuesday, a taped video message from the band due to be played during a press conference was shown to several local media outlets over the weekend.

"We're happy to tell you that we're coming to play on July 30 in a great concert for the people in the city of Toronto, to help bring back the energy to our favorite city," Stones frontman Mick Jagger says in the message taped at the site of the Stones' recent show in Munich.

The event will take place in the docklands area of the city, with the downtown skyline as a backdrop. It is estimated that 10 to 15 supporting acts will be announced.

The Stones show will be the second music event meant to repair the reputation of the Canadian city, which is reeling from the impact and stigma of SARS. On Saturday, 11 acts, including Sum 41, Avril Lavigne, Diana Krall, Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan and the Tragically Hip, performed during the Concert for Toronto at the Skydome and Air Canada Center.

SARS has resulted in several artists canceling or rescheduling appearances in Toronto in recent months, including Elton John and Billy Joel, Michelle Branch and Kelly Clarkson. The mysterious disease is responsible for 38 deaths in the greater Toronto area.

Apple Unveils G5 Computer, Doubles Power

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. on Monday introduced new Macintosh computers that use its "G5" microprocessor, a design by International Business MachinesCorp. that can handle twice as much data at once as traditional PC microchips.

The Cupertino, California-based computer maker also said at a developer conference in San Francisco that its new online music store had sold 5 million song downloads since its inception eight weeks ago, or an average of 625,000 songs a week or more than 89,000 songs a day.

"It looks like it's slowing a little bit, but that was expected," said Rob Enderle, an analyst with market research firm Forrester, of the rate at which online songs are selling.

Apple plans in August to begin selling three models of desktop computers based on the G5 chip, which can manage 64 bits of data at once, compared to 32 bits for traditional home computers.

Chief Executive Steve Jobs told the developers that with the new Macintoshes Apple has topped its main competition, Microsoft Corp. Windows-based PCs, which use chipsfrom Intel Corp. and AMD that run at faster rates -- measured in gigahertz -- than those in current Macintoshes.

"We can clearly say we've caught up with the PC and passed them," said Jobs, dressed in his trademark outfit of jeans and a black shirt, to applause from an audience of 3,800.

With an August launch, Apple will become the first to introduce a personal computer with a 64-bit chip, just beating to the punch Advanced Micro Devices Inc., which plans in September to launch a 64-bit chip for desktop PCs running Windows.

There has been speculation that Apple would eventually use Intel chips and the announcement on Monday does not chance that, Enderle said, adding that he still expected Apple to announce next year it will use Intel chips.

"I think chances are like 8 out of 10 they will go with Intel," Enderle said. "I know that he's (Jobs) been over at Intel an awful lot and Intel has been over with him quite a bit."

A spokesman for Apple declined to comment.

Whether consumers will embrace the new technology quickly is an open question, however, since to date only business machines meant to manage networks have used similar chips.

Most advances in home PC chips so far have simply made them run faster, but a 64-bit chip is fundamentally different. To take full advantage of the new chip design, software must be rewritten, although the Apple/IBM and AMD chips are built to be compatible with older software, as well.

Designing a microprocessor is a long, complex process and manufacturing them is expensive. Additionally, Jobs said that G5 chips running at 3.0 gigahertz are due out within the next 12 months.

Chip companies publish road maps, typically measured in years, detailing how long a certain chip will be produced and when successive iterations of a chip will be available.

Phil Schiller, head of worldwide marketing for Apple, declined to comment on the specific length of the road map between Apple and IBM, except to say: "There's a long road map here. This is the beginning of many things to come."

The Power Mac G5 starts at $1,999, with a 1.6 gigahertz PowerPC G5. The Power Mac G5 with a 1.8 gigahertz processor starts at $2,399, while the top of the line Power Mac G5, with dual 2.0 gigahertz processors, starts at $2,999, Apple said.

Adam Sandler Weds Jackie Titone in Calif.

MALIBU, Calif. - Actor Adam Sandler wed Jackie Titone on Sunday in an outdoor ceremony that was attended by celebrity friends and his pet bulldog dressed in a custom tuxedo.

"Sandler got married," the comic's Web site said. "Woopity Doo!" No other details were immediately available.

Calls to Sandler's publicist Cindy Guagenti were not immediately returned Sunday night.

Photographs of the nuptials showed the "Wedding Singer" star in a black tuxedo and white yarmulke, and Titone in a white gown with spaghetti straps, standing among hanging pale rose bouquets and chairs draped with pink satin.

Sandler's dog, Meatball, was shown in one picture in a black tuxedo jacket.

It was the first marriage for Sandler 36, and Titone, 28.

Titone has appeared in Sandler's movies, including as a waitress in "Big Daddy," and an angel in "Little Nicky."

Pamela Anderson's Anime Alter Ego: 'Stripperella'

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Former "Baywatch" beauty Pamela Anderson is making her animation debut as a superhero who dances in a strip club, but she demanded and received a no-nudity clause for her cartoon alter ego.

As a result, the upcoming cable series "Stripperella" features lots of cartoon cleavage and sexual innuendo -- she is after all "Secret Agent 69" -- but Anderson insists the show could be rated PG.

"It's harmless. It's only a cartoon," the actress told Reuters in a recent interview to promote the series, created by Marvel Comics icon Stan Lee, the man who beefed up the Hulk and had Spider-Man climbing walls.

"We came up with a concept, and we just kind of made it really, really silly, and we both can't believe it's going to be on the air."

The series is due to premiere June 26 on TNN, the Viacom Inc.-owned cable channel planning -- despite a legal challenge -- to relaunch itself this month as Spike TV, with a new slate of programming tailored to men.

The show's concept is pretty simple. It centers on buxom exotic dancer Erotica Jones, an Anderson-esque character voiced by the actress who leads a double life as the masked superhero Stripperella. She's a stripper by night, a crime fighter by later at night and the cartoon character even has the same tatoos as the real-life Anderson.

BUXOM CRIME FIGHTER

Using her sex appeal to cloud the minds of male crooks, she comes equipped with special gadgets, such as her lipstick laser and wall-climbing stiletto heels. Her breasts are natural lie detectors and her legs are powerful weapons she wraps around the heads of her foes in a move she calls the "scissor-ella."

"I'm very proud of Stripperella," Anderson says. "She's my alter ego -- strong, smart and sexy and, let's face it, a bit of a slut."

In the premiere episode, Stripperella battles the evil plastic surgeon Dr. Cesarian, who is deliberately ruining the figures of supermodels and has "booby-trapped" his latest victim with an exploding breast implant.

Still, Anderson said the series is far from pornographic and at her insistence contains no nudity -- employing cartoon pixilation and other devices to keep the body parts blurred and the animation tasteful.

For example, "I do a dance in a martini glass, and the bubbles are strategically placed," she said.

A number of celebrities lend their voices to some of the recurring characters, including Mark Hamill of "Star Wars" fame and Anderson's "boyfriend" Kid Rock, who also wrote and performs the theme song.

Canadian-born Anderson, 35, sprang to world fame as lifeguard CJ Parker on the TV series "Baywatch" and went on to produce and star in the syndicated TV series "V.I.P.," playing a beautiful celebrity bodyguard.

LICENSING IMAGE

This week, she signed a partnership agreement with United Licensing Group to develop brand merchandise such as lingerie, jewelry, swimsuits and jeans that will carry a Pamela Anderson designer label, according to her manager, Hedda Moye.

Moye said the licensing deal and a new Web site are part of Anderson's plan to develop business ventures that allow her to cash in on her celebrity while spending more time at home with her two young sons, Brandon, 7, and Dylan, 5.
 
Anderson said her kids have seen early clips from her cartoon series but take it all in stride, with Brandon comparing her unfavorably to "Rugrats" character Angelica Pickles. "He said, 'Angelica is a very good actor, a very good character, and she's much more famous than you, Mom,"' Anderson recalled with a laugh.

ROCK THE CASH REGISTER

Streetcore, the final album from late Clash frontman Joe Strummer, scheduled to hit record stores on October 7.

The Lord Comes A Calling

Leading off this week's news are more details on what is sure to be one of the biggest DVD releases of the year, if not the biggest, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Extended Edition. Replicating the same release pattern as The Fellowship of the Ring last year (if it ain't broke, don't fix it), New Line Home Entertainment will release the theatrical cut as a two-disc set in August, followed by this four-disc behemoth on November 18th.

In addition to a newly-expanded cut of the film featuring over 40 minutes of new material, the extras are vast. The feature is spread over the first two discs, with four audio commentaries by director Peter Jackson and the writers, the second with the design team, the third with the production team and the four with the cast. The feature is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with Dolby Digital Surround EX and DTS 6.1 ES Discrete soundtracks.

Disc three features The Appendices: Adapting the book into a screenplay and planning the film, the design and inspiration for locations in Middle-earth storyboards to pre-visualization, a Weta Workshop visit to see the sculptors in action as they create the weapons, armor, creatures and miniatures from the film, an "Atlas of Middle-Earth," an additional interactive map of New Zealand highlighting the location scouting process, multiple featurettes including "Sending Actors to Battle" (preparation for sword fighting), "Post-Production" (editing it all together) and "Principal Photography" (stories from the set), a look at the digital effects including motion capture and "Massive" (a program to create armies of Orcs), additional "Bigatures" (a close-up look at the detailed miniatures used in the film), a sound design demonstration, still galleries of art and slideshows with commentaries by the artists plus additional behind-the-scenes photographs and personal cast photos. Also included are extensive ROM extras to be announced. Retail is $39.95.

Last but not least, New Line will also release a special Gift Set of the Extended Edition, which also streets on November 18th. Expect the same great extras above plus a Collectible Gollum polystone statue created by Sideshow Weta, "The Evolution of Gollum" exclusive documentary on the Weta Workshop and how the Gollum statue was created, a printed companion piece showing how Gollum evolved from pencil sketch to sculpted maquette to digital character, and collectible packaging.

'Hulk' Transforms Into Box Office Champ

LOS ANGELES - "The Hulk" was a monster at the box office in its debut weekend, with the comic-book adaptation taking in a June opening record of $62.6 million.

The action flick about a scientist turned into a raging green beast by a lab accident took over the top box-office spot from the animated fish tale "Finding Nemo," which slipped to second place with a weekend take of $20.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The weekend's other new wide releases opened quietly. Rob Reiner's romantic comedy "Alex & Emma," starring Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson, debuted at No. 7 with $6.2 million.

"From Justin to Kelly," a romance starring "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini, opened at No. 11 with only $2.9 million.

"The Hulk" had the highest gross ever for a June opening, surpassing the previous record of $54.9 million for "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." But taking today's higher admission prices into account, "Austin Powers" sold slightly more tickets in its opening weekend than "The Hulk."

"The Hulk," starring Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly and Nick Nolte, was directed by Ang Lee, best known for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Many critics credited Lee with bringing a deeper sense of brooding character to the movie than other comic-book adaptations have had.

Distributor Universal Studios said the opening-weekend audience was evenly split between people under and over 25, as the movie drew the young action-flick crowd as well as adults who remember the comic book and "Incredible Hulk" TV series.

Despite the June record, revenue for "The Hulk" came in well below that of last month's Marvel Comics adaptation, "X2: X-Men United," which grossed $85.6 million in its opening weekend.

"The Hulk" did exceed the numbers for the first "X-Men" movie, which opened with $54.5 million.

"The Hulk" continues a string of comic-book successes. Last year, "Spider-Man" opened with a record $114.8 million debut weekend, while other hits include "Daredevil" and the "Blade" movies. Coming next year are a "Spider-Man" sequel and "The Punisher," also based on Marvel comics.

"The comic-book genre seems to be one of the most consistent performers," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. "Audiences are pretty satisfied with what they're seeing, and they keep going back. I don't know if that'll last forever, but it emboldens the creative types at studios to keep making these."

Here are the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "The Hulk," $62.6 million.
2. "Finding Nemo," $20.5 million.
3. "2 Fast 2 Furious," $10.3 million.
4. "Bruce Almighty," $10 million.
5. "The Italian Job," $7.2 million.
6. "Rugrats Go Wild," $6.7 million.
7. "Alex & Emma," $6.2 million.
8. "Hollywood Homicide," $5.8 million.
9. "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd," $4.3 million.
10. "The Matrix Reloaded," $4.05 million.

Kid Critics in Early Returns Call Potter a Winner

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The early U.S. returns are in andyoung Harry Potter fans are declaring the latest book on the boy wizard a winner.

A three-year wait for the fifth installment of the blockbuster series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," ended on Saturday and a survey on Sunday of avid fans showed it was like Christmas on the first day of summer.

"I loved it," said 10-year-old Paige Morschauser of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who had read 273 pages of the 870-page tome. "I had such a hard time putting the book down, my mom had to scream, 'Put that book down, it's time to eat."'

More than a dozen avid young readers among the first to get a copy of J.K. Rowling's latest Potter edition agreed to give Reuters early reactions.

"I've been rereading Harry Potter books for so long I'd forgotten how great it is to read new Harry Potter adventures," said 10-year-old Rachel Berkrot of Stamford, Connecticut, after the first 200 pages.

Evan Mahoney, 10, had to interrupt reading for a drive-in movie Saturday night, but he used a flashlight to resume in between the feature films.

"It's really good so far," said Mahoney, of Durham, Maine, who read 86 pages. "It's very different. He's got a lot of bottled-up rage. I think he's really turning into a teen-ager."

Evan's 11-year-old sister, Mollie, said the book was a lot different from earlier ones. "I'm really curious about what's going to happen," she said, undaunted about navigating such a long book. "The length is OK because it's not boring."

Claire Bunschoten, 11, from the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois, noticed some changes in Harry after reading about 200 pages.

"He's a lot more hot headed. He has trouble controlling his anger," she said. "Harry's growing up. He's braver than I am, but I also think we are kind of in the same place. He loses his temper a lot and I'm getting mad at my mom and dad lately."

Lev Pravda, an 8-year-old from New York, said it was "more like an adventure," and Anna Premo, 13, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, agreed.

"There are more twists and unexpected things happening," Premo said.

SOME RESERVATIONS

Some expressed a few reservations.

"I think it's good, but kind of confusing," said Adam Frank, 9, of Bethesda, Maryland, after about 90 pages. "It's kind of hard to tell what's going on."

Mary-Louise Howell, 10, of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, said "it didn't have as much of an exciting part" as the others, but that she liked it so far.

Among other Vineyard critics, Kira Shipway, 9, said Harry seemed more "self-centered" in this book, and Josh Pitt, 12, said, "It seems more complicated and a little darker."
 
And Will Cretsinger, 9, of McLean, Virginia, was worried about who dies in the book, as Rowling revealed before it was released.

Julie Theriault, 14, of Bakersfield, California, finished the book by midafternoon on Saturday and gave it a thumbs up.

"It's my favorite one so far," she said.

"At the very end, you're kind of looking forward to the next book. You're happy and kind of sad."

Lisa Marie Presley Won't Do Elvis Songs On Tour

After playing a spate of radio station-sponsored concerts to promote her debut album, To Whom It May Concern, Lisa Marie Presley is gearing up for her first full-scale concert tour this summer. Presley says that her hour-long sets--most of which will be opening for Chris Isaak--will feature the album's 11 songs and select covers.

Presley won't reveal what those cover songs will be, but says none will come from the canon of her father, Elvis Presley. "No, no intention of doing that right now," Presley says. "That would kind of... It's not time for that. I'm not saying it would never happen, but it's not time right now."

Presley's tour begins on July 9 in Bonner Springs, Kansas. She starts shows with Isaak on July 11 in Boston.

Presley recently released a new single from To Whom It May Concern, "Sinking In," which follows the lead track "Lights Out."

POTTER MANIA!

Millions of Harry Potter fans around the world lining up at the stroke of midnight Friday dressed as their favorite characters to finally buy Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The long-awaited fifth installment in author J.K. Rowling's popular wizard series is already being hailed as the fastest-selling book of all time.

POTTER HITS PUBERTY

J.K. Rowling telling London's Times that Harry Potter is angry for most of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as his hormones start to rage, but he does have "a relationship of sorts." The author also said she's started writing book six and already has the final chapter for book seven written.

Cdn cable eyes U.S. services

TORONTO (CP) -- Canada's major private broadcasters expressed shock and dismay Thursday after the cable companies applied to directly import and carry 17 U.S. TV channels, including such coveted services as HBO, Showtime, ESPN and Fox News.

The reasons given for the formal application to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission were to combat satellite TV piracy and to give a boost to the struggling digital tier of cable services.

"Our research and customer feedback indicate that it's critical to respond to consumer expectations for more choice," says Janet Yale, president of the Canadian Cable Television Association. "We have 700,000 households that are watching them illegally.

But the move was described as a "cynical cash grab in disguise" that would not benefit consumers or the broadcast industry and a major fight was promised.

"We're not going to take this lying down," said Glen O'Farrell, president of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, who confirmed that a counter-submission would be filed soon with the CRTC.

"It strikes so much at the heart of what the Canadian broadcasting system is all about," added Paul Robertson, president of Corus Entertainment. "I think we're all going to have to fight it with everything we've got."

The broadcasters argued that consumers would end up paying more for favourite U.S. shows they already get, such as HBO's The Sopranos, Oz, Sex & the City and Six Feet Under, and further that the industry would be plunged into anarchy.

"Quite frankly cable has been hinting at looking for an excuse to do this for some time," said Peter Miller, vice-president of planning and regulatory affairs for CHUM Television. "The trouble is it didn't make any sense then and it still defies logic now."

Miller said those in the black market will still prefer to steal programming rather than pay even more for Canadian cable, and he doesn't see the CRTC approving the request.

But Yale, speaking from Ottawa, said the customer must come first.

"Consumers. . .are completely comfortable from a behavioural and attitudinal perspective, with bypassing the system. They don't see anything wrong with doing it if we don't give them what they want."

Yale doesn't expect any decision for 12 to 18 months and so feels any discussion now about pricing and royalties is premature. But if approved, it would mean Canadians could watch first-run American shows instead of waiting for domestic telecasts delayed for anywhere from a few days to a year.

HBO's The Sopranos, for example, airs on pay channels like The Movie Network or Movie Central a couple of days after the U.S. telecast, or a year later on CTV.

Sex & the City's sixth season begins on HBO this weekend, but not on Bravo until September.

The cable companies' argument is that piracy and the fate of the diginets takes precedence over fears of increased competition. Launched in the fall of 2001, only about 20 per cent of Canadian TV household have subscribed.

"Services that are on there, many of them are floundering," said Peter Bissonette, president of Shaw Communications. "And they're floundering because they don't have the exposure that we think they will have . . . through more attractive packaging."

Yale said it's not a new technique to bundle new Canadian offerings with attractive U.S. services. It had been done before with the likes of A&E and CNN.

And while fewer Canadians are opting into the illegal satellite market, Louis Audet, president of Cogeco Cable said the industry is still losing $450 million a year in revenues to pirated U.S. dish services.

"The black market has in fact been chilled," he says. "But the fact remains there is a chunk of the Canadian public still in."

Bissonette likened the sellers of pirated services to a residual foot fungus that must be rooted out.

Ian Morrison, spokesman for Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, says his lobby group is not waving the Canadian flag on this issue but he does feel access to U.S. TV is already strong.

"We're not the one with that quote 'Keep the Yankees out' kind of thing," Morrison says. "The cable industry is clearly hurting."

He believes content suppliers like CHUM and Alliance Atlantis want more people to buy their digital services but would also have a problem with the new imported competition for viewers.

"So the CRTC has a kind of Gordian Knot problem, a huge issue to deal with."
The 17 U.S. premium movie, sports and kids' channels that Canadian cable companies want to carry on their digital tiers:

* HBO (Home Box Office and its multiplexes)
* Showtime (and its multiplexes)
* Starz (and multiplexes)
* The Sundance Channel (independent movies)
* Cinemax (HBO's movie service)
* The Movie Channel (Showtime's movie service)
* Lifetime Movies
* Flix
* Fox Regional Sports Net channels
* The NFL Channel
* ESPN
* ESPN2
* Fox News
* FamilyNet
* Noggin
* Nickelodeon Kids
* WAM

Aiken, Studdard Albums Due On Same Day

The sales showdown between "American Idol" singers Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard will continue with the release of their respective albums on the same day, Billboard.com has learned. According to the RCA Music Group, the company has set an Aug. 19 release date for both albums, whose titles are to be determined. RCA Music Group chairman Clive Davis will executive produce both sets.

Aiken's and Studdard's first singles were released on June 10, and debuted this week in the top two spots of The Billboard Hot 100. As previously reported, Aiken's "This Is the Night" (RCA) claimed the No. 1 position with 393,000 copies sold, while Studdard's "Flying Without Wings" (J Records) landed at No. 2 with sales of 286,000 copies.

RCA Music Group director of sales Karen Lieberman tells Billboard.com that releasing the singles and albums simultaneously is part of the company's strategy to continue the momentum of "American Idol's" May 21 second-season finale. The show ended in a close vote, with Studdard defeating Aiken by less than a 1% vote margin.

"We saw the [simultaneous] releases as a way for consumers to vote with their money," Lieberman says. As for the success of Aiken's and Studdard's singles, she adds, "This proves that there's a viable market for the retail single. Consumers have been conditioned not to look for singles at retail, but [Aiken and Studdard's] singles show people will buy the singles if they know they can find them at retail."

Aiken's spokesperson says, "Release dates could change." Studdard's spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.

Rich characters, magical prose elevate 'Phoenix'

By Deirdre Donahue, USA TODAY

A very wise decision, J.K. Rowling, to allow three years to pass before publishing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth book in your global sensation of a series. The fever-pitched anticipation, the media frenzy, the pilfered books, the leaked details. The book richly deserves the hype.

All the qualities that marred the fourth book — the loping, uneven pace of a novel that seemed churned out rather than written — have evaporated. Indeed, the faux gothic horror of the fourth has been replaced by a return to the wonderful, textured writing of the three earlier novels. The novel does not have the frankly grisly scenes that were so disturbing in Goblet of Fire.

For whatever reason, whether marriage, a new baby or becoming more comfortable with being enormously wealthy and famous, Rowling has regained the ability to create an enchanting parallel world where witches and wizards live. And we Muggles (ordinary people) can only dream of joining.

Some things remain the same, of course. Harry's Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon are still horribly self-satisfied with their clean house and loathsome son, Dudley, who has evolved from bully to violent thug.

And one of the delights of this fifth book stems from Rowling returning to familiar characters, offering new insights into their psyches. The dotty cat-loving neighbor, Mrs. Figg, takes on a new role, and the reader discovers that Professor Snape has suffered real pain related to the Potter family.

Quite simply, despite the book's length, it is easier to follow because it returns to the shape of the first three novels. It opens on Privet Drive, takes place mainly at Hogwarts School, and closes with the wise but not infallible Professor Dumbledore revealing secrets from Harry's past.

Although Rowling offers up the flying wands, imaginative curses and a dynamic, action-packed conclusion like those of her past books, the novel's real pleasures are the scenes of domesticity within the Weasley family; the comfortable bickering between Harry's best friends, Ron and Hermione; and the small details of how a witch can clean a mansion abandoned for years.

Rather than the overblown hysteria of Goblet, which featured too many scenes with Voldemort, here one can appreciate the introduction of new characters. There are the magical winged horses that can be seen only by those who have seen death firsthand. And there's a strange, pop-eyed female student on the traditional autumn train trip to Hogwarts who proves to be far deeper, braver and more perceptive than anyone thinks.

Phoenix will not frighten the under-9 crowd, but it will confuse them. The coiled serpent of teen sexuality is not unleashed, although Harry, now 15, has romantic problems and Hermione has to explain girls' behavior to the often dim Ron and Harry. Meanwhile, she can't get a handle on why Quidditch matters. It's almost a teen Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus scenario.

But the novel explores significant young adult issues: disillusionment with adults, including one's parents, the profound isolation that almost all teens experience, as well as death and guilt.

Order of the Phoenix allows the reader to savor Rowling's remarkably fertile imagination.

'Hulk' Set for Big-Screen Rampage

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Universal Pictures is looking to make a little green this weekend when it unleashes the fury of director Ang Lee's adaptation of the Marvel Comics property "The Hulk" in a terrifying number of theaters nationwide.

There is no question that the much-anticipated summer blockbuster will top the weekend's charts, but what remains to be seen is how much this hulking feature can generate, considering its darker mood and more adult subject matter.

Starring Australian-born newcomer Eric Bana as Bruce Banner and featuring supporting appearances from Jennifer Connelly, Nick Nolte and Sam Elliott, "Hulk" is looking to attract the hard-core fans of the comic book and the '70s television show along with the important crossover audience needed to fulfill the movie's blockbuster potential.

Rated PG-13, the story of Banner's transformation by way of his inner demons into a huge mutant green monster may be too intense for the youngest moviegoers, however, and therefore may find it a challenge to equal the box office might of the Marvel powerhouse "Spider-Man."

Sony Pictures' record opening last year for the webbed one of $114.8 million is the standard to beat for "Hulk," from screenwriter James Schamus, but the film should have no problem vaulting over 20th Century Fox's $45 million opening of "Daredevil" and is likely to alight somewhere around the $85.5 million May debut of Fox's "X2: X-Men United."

Bowing in 3,661 theaters, the fourth-widest opening after "X2" and the two installments of "Harry Potter," Lee's unique interpretation of the comic book should get people talking, and strong word-of-mouth could propel the movie to some impressive numbers. The massive marketing campaign, complete with a slew of promotional partners, won't hurt either.

Buena Vista Pictures' "Finding Nemo," which crossed the $200 million mark Wednesday, should take hold of the second spot. However, in its fourth week of release, "Nemo" is not expected to generate grosses anywhere near those of "Hulk."

In a counterprogramming move, Warner Bros. Pictures will release "Alex & Emma," starring Kate Hudson -- fresh off the successful "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," which earned Paramount Pictures a sweet $105 million -- and Luke Wilson, the recent co-star of DreamWorks' comedy "Old School."

The film from Franchise Pictures and writer-director Rob Reiner really has only one week to shine because the sequels to "Charlie's Angels," also co-starring Wilson, and "Legally Blonde" follow hot on "Alex & Emma's" heels. Industry observers place the opening of the PG-13-rated story of a writer and a stenographer forced together for a 30-day intensive writing experience at about the $10 million mark.

The Universal releases "2 Fast 2 Furious" and "Bruce Almighty" should fill out the top five. "2 Fast" could close in on the $100 million mark, while "Almighty" is looking to cross $200 million.

The other new wide release of the weekend, Fox's "From Justin to Kelly," is the wild card in the race. After looking like the hottest property out there last year, the "American Idol" duo's buzz has quieted somewhat in the past months -- even if both got plenty of plugs from the second edition of "Idol."

After the musical comedy was postponed a week so as not to face unwanted competition from Paramount's latest "Rugrats" movie, "Rugrats Go Wild," most industry executives place the film in the $5 million range. The stars, original "American Idol" Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini, have recently released albums, and their core fans, mostly female, are likely to show up to see the two dance and sing a la the beach blanket films of the early '60s.

Sony Pictures Classics will have a limited release for "The Legend of Suriyothai," a Thai film from writer-director Chatrichalerm Yukol. Showing in New York and Los Angeles, the R-rated film centered on early Ayotaya history was re-edited by Francis Ford Coppola to bring the length down to 142 minutes from its original 210.

Actress Kate Hudson Pregnant with First Child

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Goldie Hawn is going to be a grandmother.

Her actress daughter, Kate Hudson -- whose latest movie, "Alex and Emma," opens this weekend -- is expecting her first child early next year with rock star husband, Chris Robinson, a spokesman said on Thursday.

The publicist, Brad Cafarelli, declined to give a more exact due date for the baby, who will make a grandmother of Hudson's Oscar-winning mom, Goldie Hawn, the giggly blonde waif of the 1960s TV show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In."

It's the first child for either Hudson, 24, or Robinson, 36, who were married in December 2000.

The announcement of Hudson's impending motherhood comes as she stars in the Rob Reiner- directed romantic comedy "Alex and Emma," which opens on Friday.

Other film credits include "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," "Dr. T & the Women" and her breakout role as a rock groupie Penny Lane in "Almost Famous."

Robinson, formerly of the Black Crowes, is expected to begin touring again soon with his new band, New Earth Mud.

Spike Lee Stops Viacom Naming TV Station Spike TV

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Film director Spike Lee won a victory against media conglomerate Viacom Inc on Thursday when an appeals court upheld an injunction preventing the company from renaming its TNN cable network "Spike TV."

The five appellate judges of the State Supreme Court ruled that Viacom could appeal in September.

Lee, the 46-year-old director of such films as "Malcolm X," "25th Hour" and "Do the Right Thing" had won a temporary injunction last week stopping the name change. He said he feared he would be erroneously associated with the network.

Viacom wanted to change the name of its cable network to coincide with a programming shift.

The network, which now shows reruns of programs like "Star Trek," "Bay Watch" and "Miami Vice," plans to feature racy animated series such as "Stripperella," featuring the voice of Pamela Anderson, and "The Ren & Stimpy Adult Party Cartoon."

"This case is far from over ... and we still expect to be vindicated ultimately," TNN spokesman Robert Pini said in a statement.

Citing freedom of speech rights and lost revenues associated with the decision, Pini said his company would appeal the ruling. "We firmly believe that we have an absolute right to use the common word 'spike' to name our network," he said.

Elton John to Offload His Baubles Once More

LONDON (Reuters) - Shopaholic pop star Elton John will offload 11 years of collected artworks at an auction of the contents of his London home later this year that is expected to fetch close to $1.7 million.

It will be the second time he has cleared his shelves to make room for more items after he sold the contents of his Windsor home in 1988 in a three-day auction of nearly 2,000 lots of memorabilia, jewelry and works of art.

And it is not just any old junk. With his millions, the flamboyant singer can afford to indulge his love of valuable paintings, furniture and sculptures.

The sale of more than 400 lots from his home in west London's Holland Park suburb includes 19th century Biedermeier chests of drawers, tables and chairs, paintings by Edward Bower and William Larkin, Italian bronzes and Venetian glass.

"I wanted to have the opportunity to display more contemporary work in one of my UK homes. But as my house in Windsor has a very traditional style, the obvious choice was to remodel my Holland Park home," John said of the clearout.

Auction house Sotheby's which is handling the sale on September 30 said on Thursday it expected to raise more than $1.3 million from the sale of a collection built up over the 11 years he has owned the Holland Park house.

Practice Makes Perfect

Sharon Stone in talks to join ABC's The Practice. The Basic Instict star would start as a recurring character before joining the revamped legal drama full time.

Duchovny Building 'House' with Leoni and Williams

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Former "X-Files" starDavid Duchovny will make his feature writing/directing debut with "House of D," which is expected to begin production in September.

He will also appear in the film alongside his wife, Tea Leoni, and Robin Williams.

"House of D" is described as an emotional fable about New York and the sweeping power of friendship. It tells the multilayered story of a man coming to terms with his past and his present and resolving his relationships with the people who helped make him who he is.

Williams will play the lead character, with much of the story being told through flashbacks to his childhood, where he will be portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin ("Road to Perdition").

Ovation Entertainment and Bob Yari Prods. have teamed to finance and produce the film.

"In essence, this film is a very funny and poignant look at a classic rites-of-passage story," said Ovation CEO Richard B. Lewis, who will serve as a producer.

While the project marks Duchovny's feature writing and directing debut, he did write and direct several episodes of "The X-Files" during its lengthy run on Fox. He next appears onscreen in the Universal Pictures comedy "Connie and Carla."

Grandmaster Flash Writing Memoirs

Legendary New York DJ Grandmaster Flash is penning his memoirs with New York Daily News reporter/biographer Chris Coleman. A title and publisher for the biography are still being determined.

Flash is also jumping into the endorsement game. He has inked deals with Pro-Keds footwear and the American Eagle Outfitters (AE) clothing store chain. He begins shooting the Pro-Keds ads shortly for a campaign slated to launch in the fall. Under the AE banner, Flash will promote a T-shirt line targeting college kids. More than 700 stores will begin stocking the line in November.

In the meantime, Flash will join fellow DJs Kid Capri, DJ Premier and Funkmaster Flex in an all-star tribute to the late Jam Master Jay at this year's BET Awards. The event will be broadcast live June 24 from Los Angeles' Kodak Theatre.

Michelle Branch Says She's No Vanessa Carlton

Michelle Branch fans please take note--she's not Vanessa Carlton. The 19-year-old singer said in the June/July issue of Blender magazine that she's constantly mistaken for her fellow female singer-songwriter.

"You don't know how many times I walk down the street and people go, 'Oh, my God! I love you're video where you're playing the piano,'" Branch told Blender. "I know that's not their fault. I'm sure Vanessa Carlton gets the same thing."

By the way, Branch's sophomore album Hotel Paper will be released on June 24.

Julia Roberts in Pieces Over Pic

Screw the diet and Pilates sessions--even Hollywood's A-list isn't good enough to grace the covers of major magazines without a major Franken-chop job.

Julia Roberts is the latest celeb steamed at a magazine for messing with her megawatt mug. Roberts, whose appearance in a flick commands $20 million-plus, was the victim of a mix-and-match cover when Redbook magazine slapped her head onto another body for its July issue.

Roberts' head was allegedly plucked from a paparazzi shot taken at the 2002 People's Choice Awards, according to a story in USA Today, while her body was borrowed from the Notting Hill movie premiere four years ago. The clipped-together photo is accompanied by a headline that blares, without a trace of irony, "The Real Julia."

The practice of airbrushing cellulite and stretch marks or tweaking an errant nipple is standard procedure at most magazines that count on their flawless cover shots to woo readers. But the practice of pasting different body parts together is drawing criticism, especially when said body parts aren't perfectly proportional.

In light of the controversy, publisher Hearst issued an apology earlier this week. "In an effort to make a cover that would pop on the newsstand, we combined two different shots of Julia Roberts. We acknowledge that we may have gone too far and hope that Ms. Roberts will accept our apology."

That will come as little consolation to Jennifer Aniston, who was the victim of a butcher job on the June cover of Redbook. Her publicist claims the photo was a composite of three different shots, which gives Aniston an oddly disjointed look, and says the Friends star is allegedly considering legal action over the cover photo.

A spokesperson for the magazine denied the allegations to USA Today, claiming only the length of Aniston's hair and color of her shirt were changed.

Calls to Redbook were not returned.

Other recent cover controversies include the May issue of Seventeen magazine, which digitally manipulated a photo of Sarah Michelle Gellar until her left hand appeared warped and unnaturally long. A thank-you gift placated her peeved publicist. Meanwhile, Kate Winslet's suddenly skinny legs were the focus of attention when the February issue of GQ hit newsstands. The admittedly curvaceous actress spoke out against the touch-up, urging other women not to be influenced by her digitally altered image.

No harm, no foul.

A creepier example of media manipulation was Time magazine's darkening of an O.J. Simpson mug shot. In 1994, the news mag shaded the skin tone of the fallen football hero slightly darker making its cover subject appear even more sinister. Time later apologized after being accused of racism.

Hospitalized Vandross' Album Debuts at No. 1

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - R&B veteran Luther Vandross' new album debuted at No. 1 on the weekly pop charts on Wednesday, while the singer remained hospitalized due to a stroke suffered two months ago.

The new album, "Dance With My Father," sold about 442,000 units in its first week of release ended June 15, according to industry retail monitor Nielsen SoundScan.

The 52-year-old singer, best known for his romantic ballads, suffered a serious stroke on April 16 and has since then been in the care of Weill Cornell Medical Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Last week, the Grammy Award winner was finally moved out of intensive care and his manager, Carmen Romano, reported that Vandross was growing more responsive each day.

"The album literally flew off the shelves thanks to fans that have shown incredible adulation for this beloved artist," his label, J Records, headed by music impresario Clive Davis, said in a statement.

Ranking No. 2 behind the Vandross album was Metallica's "St. Anger," which slipped from the top slot the previous week, selling about 363,000 units in its second week of release.

English rock band Radiohead's "Hail to the Thief" debuted at No. 3, selling about 300,000 units.

J Records also scored big this week with the debut of Annie Lennox' "Bare," the artist's first solo album in eight years, ranking fourth on the sales charts, selling 153,000 units.

Last November, Bertelsmann, which had previously forced Davis out from the top of Arista Records, brought the music executive back on board by buying the half of J Records it did not own and putting him at the helm of a newly combined group called RCA Music Group, including J Records and RCA Records.

On Wednesday, RCA Music Group boasted not only the No. 1 and No. 4 top selling albums, but also the top three selling singles in America, all riding the wave of the American Idol phenomenon.

With record-breaking sales of 393,000 units, American Idol runner up Clay Aiken's song "This is the Night/ Bridge Over Troubled Water," released on RCA, debuted at No. 1, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

American Idol winner Ruben Studdard exploded at No. 2 with single sales of 286,000 for "Flying Without Wings/ Superstar," released on J Records. And the No. 3 single was held by American Idol finalists' "God Bless the USA," released on RCA Records, and which previously held the No. 1 spot for four weeks, according to the music group.

Norah Jones Says She Never Works Out

NEW YORK - Norah Jones won't be taking exercise equipment on tour with her this summer — because she doesn't have any.

"I've never worked out. In fact, I need to lose a few pounds," said the Grammy-winning singer, although her slender shape contradicts her. "I don't care if I'm a little chubby. I love to eat way too much."

Actually, Jones says she has worked out — once.

"I'm just not good at it," the 24-year-old told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

Instead of exercise, she likes to dine out with friends and watch television when her schedule allows.

Her favorite shows? Sitcoms.

"I'm like a zombie. My boyfriend, he makes fun of me, because I'm always talking about what's going on with Rachel and Chandler," she laughed, referring to two of the characters on NBC's "Friends."

"He's like, `Oh my God, you're such a nerd, you call them by their names, like they're your friends next door.'"

Studdard Has Cameo in 'Scooby-Doo' Sequel

LOS ANGELES - The Velvet Teddy Bear has teamed up with a digital dog.

"American Idol" star Ruben Studdard said Monday he's shot a cameo role as himself for next year's mystery-comedy "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed."

The bulky crooner, who defeated his skinny rival, Clay Aiken, last month on the Fox talent contest, said he doesn't help Scooby and his gang solve the mystery. "I'm just in at the end of the movie. I'm having a party and singing in the end. It's cool," he said.

In the movie, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard and Linda Cardellini confront an anonymous masked villain menacing the city of Coolsville with a machine that creates ghosts and monsters.

Prince Goes In All Directions On New Album

Prince will unveil a new studio album, "N.E.W.S.," on Thursday (June 19) to members of his NPG Music Club Web site. It is not known if the set will be made available to traditional retail outlets. The disc features four songs -- "North," "East" "West" and "South" -- each of which is 14 minutes long. NPG members can also preview three songs from the DVD "Prince Live at the Aladdin Las Vegas," due later this year.

"N.E.W.S." is Prince's first studio release since "The Rainbow Children," which in December 2001 hit No. 4 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart and No. 109 on The Billboard 200. The album was made available in stores via a distribution deal with Best Buy's now-defunct Redline label.

Prince is the subject of a recent biography, "Possessed: The Rise and Fall of Prince," by Alex Hahn.

'Angels' on Demi's shoulders

Demi Moore had not been thinking of "making a comeback" when she agreed to be the villainness in June 27's Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, she says in the new Vogue.

Instead, Angels co-producer and star Drew Barrymore made it a personal mission to get Moore for the movie. "We wrote the part for her and wouldn't accept no for an answer. We were willing to do whatever it took. Demi was a huge battle for me that I had to win."

"I was tempted and lured," says Moore "They were so sweet. They all left messages on my answer phone: 'Oh, we want you to do this soooo much!' "

Gone for six years, she's now back. But it was never a matter of leaving the business.

"For me, I wasn't 'turning my back' on Hollywood. I wasn't 'retiring' or 'becoming a recluse,' " she says. "I probably stepped into the most traditional role I've ever experienced — mother — in the sense of its being an exclusive focus."

The interview, clearly done before she hooked up with young, hot Ashton Kutcher, quotes her saying that she's not in love: "No!"

But she gets on "really, really well" with ex-husband Bruce Willis, with whom she has three daughters. "We give our children a wonderful thing, which is authentic love."

As for how authentic her 40-year-old body is? She says she was obsessed by her size for a while, prompting a spate of 1990s movies and magazine covers in which she stripped.

"People assumed it was me trying to be provocative, or trying to help my career, when really it was an effort to overcome huge, huge insecurities with my body, and having had huge struggles with my weight."

After 1997's G.I. Jane, she calmed down about her body, she says. "I literally stopped doing anything" — including dieting and exercising.

"It was time to put down the measuring stick," she says. "I had to work toward what would be an emotional haven."

And now, she looks better than ever.

Yoko Ono considers releasing new John Lennon songs

HAMBURG, Germany (AFP) - Yoko Ono, the widow of the former Beatle John Lennon, is considering making public previously unreleased music by her late husband.

"I have to wait for the right moment," Ono, 70, told Germany's "Stern" magazine in its special Wednesday edition.

Lennon was shot and killed by a deranged fan in December 1980 outside his New York apartment 10 years after the Beatles disbanded amid artistic differences between the esoteric Lennon and more pop-conscious Paul McCartney.

Ono, the jealous guardian of his legacy, said the taped material should not be released in its current condition.

"He was a songwriter and he wanted the songs to be presented correctly. I have to think about it," she said.

On her recent dispute with McCartney, who had wanted to change the famous "Lennon-McCartney" songwriting credit to "McCartney-Lennon" on songs John had less to do with, Ono said the pair still had a business relationship.

She said she does not go to his concerts and "he also does not come to mine."

McCartney has said that he wants to make peace with Ono.

"I'm happy with the way it is and always has been. 'Lennon and McCartney' is still the rock 'n' roll trademark I'm proud to be a part of -- in the order it has always been," he told Glasgow's Sunday Herald newspaper on June 1.

McCartney, 60, and his wife Heather Mills, 35, announced in late May that they were expecting their first baby after marrying last year.

Simon and Garfunkel Eyeing Reunion Tour?

NASHVILLE/NEW YORK (Billboard) - Preliminary plans are underway for a Simon and Garfunkel reunion tour for the fall, sources tell Billboard.com.

The agents for Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel are collaborating on "initial explorations" regarding a tour, which is tentatively set to play arenas.

Aside from a rendition of "The Sounds of Silence" at the Grammys earlier this year, the famed folk/pop duo hasn't performed together since the Concert Event of a Lifetime tour in early 1994. On that trek, the pair played to large crowds, including a sold-out run of 21 shows at the Paramount in New York.

Speculation about a tour was fueled by the Grammy performance, but both parties insisted at the time that nothing was in the works. "Despite speculation that there is a reunion tour in the works, there have been no discussions -- either with their respective managers or with Paul and Art themselves -- about a tour," read a statement issued before the ceremony.

It is not known when the tour would begin. Garfunkel has solo dates booked through mid-November, while Simon is said to be at work on his next Warner Bros. studio album. Spokespeople for the artists did not respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, the group's classic track "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is about to find new life on Billboard's Hot 100. "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken's cover of the track is the B-side of his RCA single "This Is the Night," which is expected to debut later this week at No. 1 on the chart.

Rimes Declares She's 'Legally Blonde' Too

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Stating "we blondes have to stick together," LeAnn Rimes has contributed the lead single to the "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde" soundtrack.

Due July 1 via Curb, the set will offer Rimes' recording of a new Diane Warren-penned song, "We Can." Starring Reese Witherspoon, the MGM film is set to open July 2 in U.S. theaters.

"'We Can' is a testament to the power of working for a common goal," Rimes says in a statement.

It also marks a third soundtrack-related collaboration with Warren. The first was "How Do I Live," a song also recorded by Trisha Yearwood for the 1997 film "Con Air." The track topped Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart and reached No. 2 on the Hot 100. The song spent a record 69 weeks on the latter chart. On the Top Country Singles Sales tally, the title reached No. 1 and spent a record 308 weeks, last listed on the 10-position chart dated May 31, 2003.

The Warren-written/Rimes-recorded "Can't Fight the Moonlight," included on 2000's "Coyote Ugly" soundtrack, reached No. 11 on the Hot 100, No. 15 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and No. 16 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play tally. Rimes also made a cameo in the film.

Along with two mixes of "We Can," the "Legally Blonde 2" soundtrack will also feature songs by John Lennon (news) ("Power to the People"), Lou Reed ("America"), and George Clinton with Coolio ("Atomic Dog"). Also included will be Deluxx Folk Implosion's version of the "Schoolhouse Rock" ditty "I'm Just a Bill."

Rimes will head out on a North American tour July l0 in Albuquerque, N.M. According to her official Web site the current itinerary stretches into early October, with some venues still to be determined.

Prior to the tour, Rimes will make a string of television appearances including ABC's "The View" (June 24) and "Good Morning America" (June 27). On July 4, she will perform with the Boston Pops on the CBS Independence Day Special.

In the midst of the tour, Rimes will perform Aug. 25 in New York's Rockefeller Plaza as part of NBC's "Today" show's free summer concert series. That same day will see the release of "Jag," a children's book written by Rimes and her husband Dean Sheremet.

Rimes is also planning to release a new Christmas album in the fall.

Here are Rimes' upcoming tour dates:

July 10-11: Albuquerque, N.M. (Isleta Casino)
July 12: Sedona, Ariz. (Sedona Cultural Park)
July 16: Spokane, Wash. (Riverfront Park)
July 18: Merrit, B.C. (Merritt Mountain Music Fest)
July 19: Woodinville, Wash. (Chateau Ste. Michelle)
July 20: Jackpot, Nev. (Ameristar Casino)
July 22: Livermore, Calif. (Wente Vineyards)
July 23: Oroville, Calif. (Gold Country Casino)
July 24: Saratoga, Calif. (Historic Mountain Winery)
July 26-27: Santa Rosa, Calif. (Luther Burbank Center)
July 29: Sante Fe Springs, Calif. (City Plaza)
July 31-Aug. 1: Friant, Calif. (Table Mountain Casino)
Aug. 2: Lake Tahoe, Nev. (Caesars Tahoe)
Aug. 6: Ventura, Calif. (Ventura County Fair)
Aug. 14: Branson, Mo. (Grand Palace)
Aug. 16: Salem, Va. (Salem Civic Center)
Aug. 17: Clarkston, Mich. (DTE Energy Theater)
Aug. 19: Minneapolis (TBA)
Aug. 20: Sault St. Marie, Mich. (TBA)
Aug. 22: Atlantic City, N.J. (Adrian Philips Hall)
Aug. 23: Mashantucket, Ken. (Foxwoods Casino)
Aug. 25: New York (Rockefeller Center, NBC's "Today")
Aug. 31: Walkerton, Ontario (Ball Diamonds)
Sept. 5: Biloxi, Miss. (Beau Rivage)
Sept. 6: Robinsonville, Miss. (Horseshoe Casino)
Sept. 12: Gainesville, Fla. (TBA)
Sept. 13: Valdosta, Ga. (Wild Adventures Theme Park)
Sept. 14: Atlanta (TBA)
Sept. 20: Detroit (TBA)
Sept. 27: Kansas City, Kan. (Ameristar Casino)
Sept. 28: Council Bluffs, Iowa (Ameristar Casino)
Sept. 29: Fargo, N.D. (TBA)
Oct. 10: Pala, Calif. (TBA)
Oct. 11: Irvine, Calif. (TBA)

Here is the full "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde" track list:

"We Can," LeAnn Rimes
"Breakthrough," Hope 7
"Atomic Dog," George Clinton featuring Coolio
"Me Against the World," Superchic
"I'm Just a Bill," Deluxx Folk Implosion
"Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves," Eurythmics featuring Aretha Franklin
"More Bounce (In California)," Soul Kid #1
"For What It's Worth," the Candyskins
"Power to the People," John Lennon
"America," Lou Reed
"We Can (American Mix)," LeAnn Rimes

'Sopranos' in HBO Family for Sixth Season

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - It's official: Tony Soprano and his gang will rule the New Jersey streets for one more season.

"The Sopranos" creator/executive producer David Chase has reached an agreement with HBO to return for a sixth season of the hit mob drama.

The sixth season of the show will consist of 10 episodes rather than the 13-episode standard for the series. Production is slated to begin in early 2005, more than a year after the wrap of the series' fifth season, currently in production.

"I'm delighted that David Chase has decided to give us another chapter in the great 'Sopranos' saga," HBO chairman and CEO Chris Albrecht said.

Sources said all principal cast members are set to return, with the only question mark being Drea de Matteo. The actress, who plays the fiancee of Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) on the show, was not invited to Chase's meeting with the returning cast members earlier this week, sources said. After lobbying from actors on the show, Chase is said to be reconsidering her possible exit.

All actors will receive pay bumps for the sixth season, with the supporting players' raises pegged at about 25%. And while the cast members will work on 10 episodes for the sixth season, they will be paid for 13, sources said.

Report recommends overhaul of CanCon rules

OTTAWA (CP) -- Canadian content rules in film and television need a dramatic overhaul and should be centralized under one federal organization, says a report commissioned by the Heritage Department.

The convoluted points system to determine Canadian content has remained relatively unchanged for 30 years and is frequently working at cross-purposes, says the report by Francois Macerola.

"The federal government's film and television policy infrastructure is fragmented and, as a result, it lacks coherence, synergy and transparency," says the report released Tuesday.

Macerola recommends replacing the points system with one based more heavily upon creative expenditures, including weighted categories for money spent on authors, creative collaborators, performers and technicians.

Productions should be elegible for greater tax and direct government support as their Canadian content increases.

Canadian ownship rules should remain and new rules be enacted requiring that the top three creative positions of any production -- writer, director and lead performer -- be Canadian, subject to a series of options "providing the necessary flexibility for producers."

Subject matter should be left solely to the creators of a production, Macerola recommends.

He also would like an exemption on the rule limiting TV advertising to 12 minutes per hour that would permit extra ads promoting Canadian feature films.

This is the fourth report released this year on the state of the Canadian television industry and even industry players appear swamped by the deluge.

Halifax-based producer Wayne Grigsby says he's not sure how all the studies fit together, although clearly the common thread is that the current "chaotic" funding system needs to be fixed.

"Whether laying in another level of bureaucrats to make decisions is going to help, I don't know," he said from the set of his new series for W, A Guy and a Girl.

"Cleaner and simpler and more co-ordinated would be a definite blessing and make life easier for everyone involved. Surely to God we can find a simpler way to do this."

That's precisely the failure of the Macerola report, said Brian Topp, executive director of ACTRA Toronto Performers, the actors' union.

Canadian content rules need to be simpler, tighter and clearer, he said.
"This report takes us in exactly the opposite direction. The proposed new rules are more complex, more permissive and would dilute, not strengthen, Canadian content."

Topp contends that the Macerola proposal would allow productions with lead foreign actors, writers and directors to be defined as Cancon and suggests the report be shelved as a deserving addition to the government's collection of unhelpful studies.

Three reports had previously been released this spring:

* In March, a coalition representing TV actors, directors, writers and technicians unions declared a state of crisis in prime time and urged the federal government, private broadcasters and regulators to do better.

The Coalition of Canadian Audio-visual Unions called for more spending on dramatic series and for a tightening of the rules that define drama content.

* Last month, broadcaster Trina McQueen submitted her long-awaited report to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, calling on Ottawa to invest more money in homegrown television to halt the erosion of English-language drama. She proposed the expenditure of $30 million annually over five years.

* Last week, a massive, 872-page report prepared by the Commons heritage committee under the chairmanship of Liberal MP Clifford Lincoln recommended increased funding -- and parliamentary accountability -- for the CBC, a hold on further foreign ownership in Canadian media and a moratorium on media convergence, all to improve Canadian broadcasting.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations

OTTAWA (CP) -- Recommendations from a report released Tuesday entitled Canadian Content in the 21st Century in Film and Television Productions: A Matter of Cultural Identity:

* Create a single arms-length organization called the Canadian Content Commission responsible for certifying Canadian content in television and film productions.

* Replace the current points system for determining Canadian content with a weighted system based on creative expenditures.

* Distribution of Canadian feature films should continue to be reserved for Canadian-owned and controlled companies.

* Provide government financial support to help Canadian distributors establish regional services.

* Allow broadcasters to promote Canadian feature films with ads that exceed the 12-minutes per hour advertising limit on TV.

* Continue to recognize co-productions with foreign producers as Canadian content, develop minimum requirements for such co-productions and seek preferential treatment deals with European Union partners.

* Help aboriginal producers in Canada find creative and financial partnerships with aboriginal producers abroad.

E-Mail Takes Flight on United

United Airlines is set to announce Tuesday that it will begin offering in-flight e-mail services on all its U.S. domestic flights by the end of the year, according to a U.K. representative for the company.

The announcement will represent a first by a U.S. airline, and marks a strong move by United to woo business fliers and drum up added revenue in the face of strong competition by low-cost competitors. United is currently operating under bankruptcy-court protection, making its need to lure business travelers even more essential.

The new e-mail capabilities build on the JetConnect service already provided on United flights by Verizon Communication's Airfone subsidiary. JetConnect currently offers news and weather as well as instant messaging and text messaging for $5.99 a flight.

New and Improved

The JetConnect service will boast added e-mail capabilities by the end of the year, at a cost of $15.98 a flight plus $0.10 per kilobyte of data over 2 kilobytes, the representative said. The e-mail service is being provided by Tenzing Communications.

More details of the service are expected to be released when United makes the official announcement later Tuesday.

The representative said that the carrier has no plans to extend the service outside of the U.S. until it measures demand domestically.

New Music Releases

Here are the new CD releases for Tuesday, June 17, 2003:

* AM RADIO Radio Active (Elektra)
* BOB MARLEY Live At The Roxy (Island)
* CLEM SNIDE Soft Spots (Linus Entertainment)
* COAL CHAMBER B-Sides (Roadrunner)
* DANNII MINOGUE Neon Nights (Warner)
* EASTMOUNTAINSOUTH Eastmountainsouth (Roadrunner)
* ETHER SEEDS Ether Seeds (Roadrunner)
* FORTY FOOT ECHO Forty Foot Echo (Hollywood)
* LONESTAR Greatest Hits (RCA Country)
* RUMBLEFISH Exit Highland (Roadrunner)
* TYPE O NEGATIVE Life Is Killing Me (Roadrunner)

New Nelly Furtado Album In November

MTV.com reports that the as-yet-untitled follow-up to Nelly Furtado's 2000 debut, 'Whoa, Nelly!', is scheduled for a November 25th release. That album provided Furtado with a Grammy in 2001, for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, for its single 'I'm Like a Bird.'

Drink up and drink it in: Milk does this body good

Angelina Jolie is the latest celeb "mooing" for milk. Jolie, in character as action heroine Lara Croft, dons a milk mustache and a black bikini that shows off her famously sculpted body for an upcoming "Got Milk?" ad.

The sexy photo — shot by Paramount Pictures — premieres next month in the August issues of youth-oriented magazines such as Spin, Blender, GamePro and Entertainment Weekly. Jolie's movie, Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, premieres July 25.

"The ad will appeal to male teens because of how gorgeous Angelina Jolie is. But it's also a message for teen girls, which is of a healthy, good-looking, active woman, and they can also be that way if they drink milk," says Kurt Graetzer, CEO of the Milk Processor Education Program, which oversees the "Got Milk?" campaign.

About 175 celebrities have posed with milk mustaches since the "Got Milk?" ads began 10 years ago. All are paid an undisclosed fee and must be milk drinkers, Graetzer says.

While Lara Croft doesn't drink milk in the movie, the ad campaign will boost awareness of the sequel, says Arthur Cohen, Paramount's marketing chief. "Milk is a good thing. The movie is a good thing. It's good for everybody."

DUMB AND DUMBER

There's Something About Mary filmmakers Peter and Bobby Farrelly developing a TV series for Fox about a guy with limited physical appeal and a pathetic love life who ends up making it in Hollywood.

New Video And DVD Releases

Every Tuesday new movies are released on DVD and Video. Some weeks there are way too many good titles to rent or buy. Here's what's coming out today:

Just Married (PG-13) - A young married couple have honeymoon from hell. (Brittany Murphy, Ashton Kutcher, Christian Kane)

Deliver Us From Eva (R) - A local 'player' is paid to date an obnoxious woman. (Gabrielle Union [Eva], LL Cool J [Ray], Duane Martin [Mike])

Narc (R) - Investigation of a narcotics cop's murder. (Ray Liotta, Jason Patric, Chi McBride)

Enjoy!

Toto Backpedals From Sex Change Joke

NEW YORK - Toto has had to backpedal after making a joke about drummer David Paich's absence this summer. The band posted a message on its Web site saying Paich would miss the summer tour because he would be having a sex change operation.  

Guitarist Steve Lukather had said Paich had dreamed of being a woman and they would be introducing "Davida" this fall.

It's all just a joke. The band says the part about Paich being off the tour is true, but not because of an operation. Paich will be staying home because of the serious illness of a family member.

Band members say they didn't expect so many people to believe the operation story, especially media outlets. Lukather says he's sorry the joke got out of control and "one look at Dave and you would see it's an impossible story."

British Actress Beckinsale to Wed Film Director

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - British actress Kate Beckinsale, who starred in the recent Hollywood epic "Pearl Harbor," has become engaged to marry the director of her latest film, a spokeswoman for the actress said on Monday.

The spokeswoman did not offer any details about the engagement of the London-born beauty to Len Wiseman, the director of "Underworld" in which Beckinsale portrays a vampire.

Celebrity television show "Access Hollywood," said Wiseman popped the question on Saturday at a restaurant at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, California. "Access Hollywood" quoted at the hotel as saying that Wiseman booked the Viceroy's presidential suite and filled it with the actress's favorite flowers, lilies, to celebrate.

Beckinsale has a 4-year-old daughter named Lily with her former boyfriend, actor Michael Sheen.

The actress, 29, is the daughter of the late British comic Richard Beckinsale and actress Judy Loe.

She made her screen debut in 1993 in Kenneth Branagh's "Much Ado About Nothing" and has since appeared in such films as "The Last Days of Disco" and "Laurel Canyon." In "Pearl Harbor," she played a U.S. Navy nurse whose love for two U.S. Army pilots breaks up their long friendship.

And now for something completely different

Universal Studios Home Video has announced a September 2nd arrival for a new two-disc special edition reissue of Monty Python's Meaning of Life.

This comedy classic gets a new 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks, an introduction by Eric Idle , an audio commentary, "The Meaning of Making the Meaning Of Life" featurette, deleted scenes, "The Songs" and "Snipped Bits" reels, plus "Un Film de John Cleese Songs," "Unsung," and "Education Tips," filmographies and trailers.

Actor Hume Cronyn Dies at Age 91

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Actor Hume Cronyn, who with his late wife, Jessica Tandy (news), delighted stage and screen audiences, has died at age 91, according to his agent's office.

Cronyn died on Sunday evening, according to staff at the International Creative Management office of Sam Cohn. Local news reports said the actor died after battling prostate cancer at his home in Fairfield, Connecticut.

The Canadian-born Cronyn, whose career on Broadway and in Hollywood spanned more than six decades, may be best known among moviegoers for his role in the 1980s films "Cocoon" and "Cocoon 2: The Return."

Cronyn studied pre-law at McGill University in Montreal before switching to acting.

He made his film debut in Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" in 1943 and went on to appear in such films as Hitchcock's "Lifeboat" in 1944, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" in 1946, "12 Angry Men" in 1957 and "Cleopatra" in 1963. He also was a screenwriter, with Hitchcock's "Rope" and "Under Capricorn" to his credit.

He married Tandy in 1942, and they remained together until her death in 1994. They appeared on stage in "The Gin Game," "The Fourposter" and "Foxfire," on screen in "The Seventh Cross," "Cocoon" and "Batteries Not Included."

Cronyn won a Tony Award in 1964 for his portrayal of Polonius in "Hamlet." Together Cronyn and Tandy won a Tony Award for special lifetime theatrical achievement in 1994.

Cronyn wrote a memoir, "A Terrible Liar," published in 1991. He married Susan Cooper, an author, in 1996.

Gibson Says Religious Film Won't Offend

LOS ANGELES - Actor and director Mel Gibson insists his forthcoming film about Jesus Christ will "inspire not offend" Catholics and Jews.

The movie, directed by Gibson, stars James Caviezel as Christ during the last 12 hours of his life and Monica Belluci as Mary Magdalene. The reported $25 million production will feature dialogue only in Latin and Aramaic with no English subtitles.

'"The Passion' is a movie meant to inspire not offend," Gibson said in a statement published in the trade newspaper Variety on Friday. "My intention in bringing it to the screen is to create a lasting work of art and engender serious thought among audiences of diverse faith backgrounds."

His statement was designed to rebut criticism that "The Passion" is anti-Catholic and anti-Semitic, Variety reported. The remarks came as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which had been critical of "The Passion," apologized for attacking a film that is still unreleased.

The film has not yet found a distributor.

"If the intense scrutiny during my 25 years in public life revealed I had ever persecuted or discriminated against anyone based on race or creed, I would be all too willing to make amends. But there is no such record," the actor's statement read.

HERE'S LURKING AT YOU

A famous comic book character. A plum June 20 release date. A $137 million budget - including piles of tanks, planes and trucks to blow up.

"The Hulk" could have been a no-brainer.

But then, Oscar-nominated director Ang Lee doesn't make no-brainers.

Instead, the director of such quiet art-house masterpieces as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "The Ice Storm" set out to make a blockbuster for brainiacs.

"I'm trying to make a delicacy out of American fast food," Lee told a reporter last month.

Love it or hate it, one of the summer's most anticipated popcorn flicks is in fact anything but, thanks to a director who's breaking all the usual rules.

Rule No. 1: Hire a big-name star.

Even Lou Ferrigno - the actor who played the Hulk in the '70s TV series - is more recognizable (he has a cameo as a security guard) than the man who plays the Hulk in the movie, Australian television star Eric Bana.

Lee picked an unknown for Bruce Banner, the mild-mannered geneticist who morphs into the raving green Hulk, because he didn't want to detract from the movie's real star - the computer-generated Hulk character, which he developed over two years with 150 animators from George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic.

Some comic book fans were unimpressed when they saw an early version of ILM's Hulk in an ad that ran during January's Super Bowl.

But "that Hulk was just a zygote," Lee's long-time writing and producing partner, James Schamus, told The Post. "Now he's a full-grown adult."

Rule No. 2: The more explosions, the better.

"The Hulk" has more than its share of helicopters and tanks, but don't expect any of them to burst into flames.

"We figured that people are bored with a bunch of crap blowing up," says Schamus. "Plus, Ang and I don't believe in gratuitous violence."

So when the Hulk picks up a tank, spins it over his head and tosses it 500 yards away, the camera deliberately shows the soldier escaping, completely unscathed.

Rule No. 3: Keep the fighting clean.

When Lee did get ready to rumble, he wanted the fighting as realistic as possible - which meant not every punch hit its target.

The scene where the Hulk pounds on a pack of wild dogs sent to murder his ex-girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly) is so graphic, it's almost unbearable.

"Ang wanted it raw and messy - just like real fights," says Colin Brady, Lee's animation director. "In the 'Matrix Reloaded,' the fights are choreographed, like 1-2-3-duck-punch. It gets monotonous."

The Hulk's fights are based on pit bulls, pro wrestlers and bloody, bare-knuckled ultimate fighters - all of which Lee and the animators studied on film and in person.

Rule No. 4: Keep it moving - fast.

Parts of the "The Hulk" move as slowly as the laid-back martial art of tai chi, which Lee practices each morning.

Action scenes are broken up with lingering shots of lichen-covered rocks and bleached driftwood - which really do have a point, Schamus insists.

It's a message about life-forms that can survive the sort of gamma radiation that transforms Banner into the Hulk.

"Ang and I once spent an hour talking about a rock," Brady recalls.

"At first, it was all a bit confusing. But I've always been a fan of Ang's movies, so I decided to just trust him."

Rule No. 5: Keep it simple.

That's the last thing Lee wants to do.

His "Hulk" flouts dozens of technical rules film-school students learn in Directing 101. He splits the screen into comic-book style panels and plays with editing, continuity and camera angles in every way possible.

"This movie just doesn't feel like a Hollywood movie," Brady says. "It's Ang's 'f- - - you' to all those formulas."

It could have been even weirder, however.

The movie's distributor, Universal Pictures, persuaded Lee to compromise on a few points, including "Ice Storm" composer Mychael Danna's original score, an esoteric wash of Middle-Eastern music, dominated by a wailing woman's voice.

Now the movie has a more upbeat score by "Spider-Man" composer Danny Elfman.

"If you think the film is artsy now," Brady says, "you should have seen it six months ago."

Lavigne, Wallflowers Fill 'Pie 3' Soundtrack

Republic/Universal Records has set a July 22 release date for "American Wedding -- Music From the Motion Picture," a soundtrack companion to the third movie in Universal's "American Pie" series. The film is set to open Aug. 1 in U.S. theaters.

The soundtrack features previously unreleased contributions from Avril Lavigne ("I Don't Give"), the Wallflowers ("Into the Mystic"), and New Found Glory ("Forget Everything"). Songs from Foo Fighters, Good Charlotte, Joseph Arthur, the All-American Rejects, Sum 41, and Sugarcult are also included.

The first single from "American Wedding" will be Matt Nathanson's cover of James' early 1990s hit "Laid." Nathanson's Universal full-length debut is due later this year. Labelmates NU and the Working Title are also making their recording bows on the new soundtrack; albums by both are also due sometime in 2003.

Here is the track listing to the "American Wedding" soundtrack:

"Times Like These," Foo Fighters
"Anthem," Good Charlotte
"Forget Everything," New Found Glory
"The Hell Song," Sum 41
"Swing Swing," the All-American Rejects
"I Don't Give," Avril Lavigne
"Laid," Matt Nathanson
"The Art of Losing," American Hi-Fi
"Fever for the Flava," Hot Action Cop
"Give Up the Grudge," Gob
"Bouncing Off the Walls," Sugarcult
"Come Back Around," Feeder
"Any Other Girl," NU
"Beloved," the Working Title
"Calling You," Blue October
"Honey & the Moon," Joseph Arthur
"Into the Mystic," the Wallflowers

...Petty Prepares Live CD/DVD

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers' live prowess is the subject of the DVD/CD package "Live at the Olympic: The Last DJ and More." Due July 22 from Warner Bros./Warner Home Video, the set captures the act at the onset of its 2002/2003 tour in support of last year's "The Last DJ."

The concert was filmed and recorded at Los Angeles' Grand Olympic Auditorium on Oct. 16, one night after a Petty show at the same venue that was broadcast live on U.S. and Canadian radio stations and to select movie theaters in the U.S. The show later aired as a pay-per-view TV offering.

Like that night, the group performed the entirety of "The Last DJ" in order. Added for this show was a cover of Charles Calhoun's "Shake, Rattle and Roll" and a version of Chuck Berry's "Around and Around" that incorporates the Champs' "Tequila."

The DVD will feature the full show, while the CD will have an abbreviated track list, presumably due to the time constraint of the format. The DVD will also feature a backstage interview with Petty and the band, a television commercial spot for the album, and Web links.

Released in, "The Last DJ" debuted at No. 9 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 315,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

In other news, Petty and the Heartbreakers recently taped a performance for the PBS series "Soundstage," which is scheduled to air July 3. On July 10, PBS will also air an hour of the DVD as a special presentation.

The group will kick off a summer tour June 26 in Sioux Falls, S.D., and will be on the road through an Aug. 30 performance at the Jazz Aspen (Colo.) festival. Neil Young & Crazy Horse will headline the next day of the event. Other performers include Bo Diddley, Clint Black, Leftover Salmon, and the recently reunited Greyboy Allstars.

Here is the "Live at the Olympic: The Last DJ and More" DVD listing:

"The Last DJ"
"Money Becomes King"
"Dreamville"
""When a Kid Goes Bad"
"Like a Diamond"
"Lost Children"
"Blue Sunday"
"You and Me"
"The Man Who Loves Women"
"Have Love Will Travel"
"Can't Stop the Sun"
"Change of Heart"
"I Need to Know"
"Shake, Rattle and Roll"
"Around and Around" / "Tequila"
"Mary Jane's Last Dance"
"You Wreck Me"

Springsteen To Rock Boston's Fenway Park?

The Boston Herald reports that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band may be booked to play two shows, September 6 and 7, at Fenway Park, the home of baseball's Red Sox. The team will be out of town those two days, playing the New York Yankees in the Bronx. The Boston dates have not been confirmed.

The newspaper said "arrangements are in progress" and also claimed the concerts will be part of a ballpark "Glory Days Tour" that may also bring The Boss to Yankee Stadium in New York and Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Springsteen and the band are wrapping up their final European dates this month. The group played a 27-song set on Thursday (June 12), in Hamburg, Germany, and will appear on Saturday (June 14) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Springsteen plays the first seven of an historic 10 nights at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, starting on July 15.

Original Beatles Drummer Publishes Book

A former Beatle is invading America again, only this time it's the band's original drummer, Pete Best. Now 61 years old, Best is promoting a new coffee table book, the Beatles: The True Beginnings, which he co-wrote with his half brothers, Roag and Rory. Best is making the rounds at bookstores and is also appearing at other events across the U.S. sharing his stories of the Beatles' early days.

The book reveals how John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison started out as the Quarrymen, playing Liverpool's tiny Casbah Coffee Club, which was located in the basement of Best's parents' house. His mother opened the club in 1959 for local kids to listen to rock 'n' roll. The Quarrymen were offered a chance to play there, but only if they painted pictures on the wall to decorate the place. A year later, Best joined them in a new group, called the Silver Beatles.

Best gave the Beatles their beat from 1960 to 1962 and estimates he played more than a thousand shows with them, including three tours in Germany.

Best was fired on August 19, 1962, and replaced by Ringo Starr. He was told the news by the band's manager, Brian Epstein, and said he never spoke to the other band members again. He became a Liverpool baker and plays music on the side these days with his own Pete Best Band.

Best told the Washington Post that he resented his dismissal for years. "I suppose the frustration is the fact that this was very much a case of it being done behind your back,” Best said. “The lads weren't there at the actual dismissal. They'd left it up to Brian. If they were there, maybe we could have resolved the problem. That never happened."

Best and his brothers were scheduled to sign copies of the Beatles: The True Beginnings on Saturday (June 14) at Bookends in Ridgewood, New Jersey and at Book Revue in Huntington, New York.

On July 4, Best is scheduled to appear in Storm Lake, Iowa, for the Star Spangled Spectacular parade, where he will later sign autographs. He'll also play in an afternoon softball tournament and perform with his band in the evening.

What's in store for Harry?

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix doesn't arrive in bookstores until June 21, but Potter fans have been speculating for months — years, even — about what might happen during Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts.

We asked USATODAY.com readers of all ages to share their Phoenix predictions. Out of all the responses we received, Kay Hendrickson in Wenatchee, Wash., probably has the best chance of being right: She believes "a hush will spread around the world on June 21 as young and old fans of Harry Potter settle down for a long anticipated read."

Here are some more predictions:

"I think Dudley will show some wizarding powers since he is related to Lilly Potter. This will through the Dursleys for a real loop!" –L. Holland, St Louis

"After three years to ponder, I've decided that Neville Longbottom is the heir to Gryffindor and Mrs. Weasley will be the one to die. If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense." –April Kaster, Dallas

"My guess is Harry will have to face the distractions of puberty along with some tertiary threat or attack from his arch-nemeses. He will successfully address the latest attack from the "unspoken one" but will fall under the spell of some new (before now unnoticed) budding young woman at school. ... Should be a real coming-of-age story. My daughter can't wait." –Charles Lee Holmes, Chester, Va.

"Voldemort will not be defeated yet, though the white wizards sure will try. The 'fan' of Harry's that will die is thought by me to be Hagrid. ... Draco will follow his father, of course. Snape will get sought after by Voldemort and perhaps go as far as to have the secret-keeper charm placed on him (it'd be a nice twist if Harry was his secret keeper!). And Ron and Hermione may be going out, since Ron appears to have the hots for her." –Stephanie Zoutenbier. Kissimmee, Fla.

"Not content with his celebrity status on the Quidditch field, Harry adds cork to his broomstick to increase airspeed. A crashing Bludger reveals the deception, scattering Nimbus 2004 pieces — along with bits of cork — across the field. While Dumbledore, as usual, attempts to soften the punishment and provide Harry with special treatment, ultimate Quidditch authority Madame Hooch throws the book at the young Gryffindor. By the time his suspension lifts, Harry is disheartened to discover that Slytherin has won the season's cup, that Ron has suffered a fatal case of monkeypox, and that Hermione is now starring in her own reality television series, For Love or Malfoy." –Anna Hoover, Lexington, Ky.

"Harry learns more about his parents and godfather, Silas; Ron and Hermonie become closer (possible boyfriend and girlfriend in the near future); Harry learns more about Voldemort and the scar he got when he was a baby. –Rene Mayo, Battle Creek, Mich.

"Harry will learn that his neighbor, Mrs Figg, is actually a witch, and that she has been watching over him very closely while he has lived with the Dursleys. ... Ron will betray Harry to Voldemort out of jealousy. Voldemort will give Ron what his friends and family can't. Ron will be an important person, and richer than he has ever imagined. Dumbledore will be killed by Voldemort, but do so in such a way that it gives Harry enough time to find the way to vanquish Voldemort forever (à la Obi Wan Kenobi)." –Josh Egbert, Louisville

"We think the 'Order of the Phoenix' is the name of the coalition that believes that Voldemort has risen (Dumbledore, Sirius, Harry, etc.). They come together under this name to fight Voldemort and attempt to make others believe he is once again powerful. There will be a battle with the Order and Voldemort's followers. But by the end, Voldemort will be weakened. Also, romances will be more prevalent in Book 5. Ron and Hermione will acknowledge their feelings for one another and Harry will pursue Cho." –Matthew and Kelly Lake, Marietta, Ga.

"Neville, I believe, will become huge in the book. There will be a much greater strength to Longbottom than we know. Fudge and Dumbledore will be against one another, and I think Fudge is secretly helping Voldemort. ... Hagrid will not die, in my opinion. But I don't think that the giants will help. The spiders and the house elves will be an important part of the war against Voldemort." –Allison Wells, Dublin, Ga.

"Snape is Harry's uncle." –Eric Erikson, Vancouver, Wash.

"If you look very carefully at the cover of the new book, Harry is in a round room. In Goblet of Fire Ch. 30, Rowling mentions that Professor Dumbledore's office is a circular room. My prediction is that Harry will find out all there's more to his office than meets the eye." –Lyndee Salo, Prior Lake, Minn.

COWABUNGA!

Homer Simpson topping an online BBC poll that asks, "Who is the greatest American?" The beer-loving dude leaves in his dust Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Junior, George Washington and others. Final results will be announced Tuesday.

HONOURED

Roger Moore being knighted by Queen Elizabeth on Saturday for his charity work. Sting was also honored at the ceremony as a Commander of the British Empire.

'Nemo' Furiously Takes Back Box Office

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cartoon fish still have audiences hooked as the undersea adventure "Finding Nemo" regained the top spot at the weekend box office with $29.2 million.

The previous weekend's top movie, "2 Fast 2 Furious," fell to No. 2 in its second weekend with $19.1 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Another holdover movie, "Bruce Almighty," was third with $14.2 million.

New flicks had soft openings. The animated "Rugrats Go Wild," which blends the Nickelodeon "Rugrats" and "Wild Thornberrys" cartoon franchises, took in $12.5 million to debut at No. 4.

Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett's buddy-cop comedy "Hollywood Homicide" opened in fifth place with $11.7 million. The idiot-buddy prequel "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd" debuted at No. 6 with $11.1 million.

Lacking a strong new movie, the overall box office was down after two straight up weekends. The top 12 movies grossed $118.6 million, off 24 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Scooby-Doo" opened with $54.2 million.

Theater business is expected to heat up again this weekend with the comic-book adaptation "Hulk." "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" arrives a week later, followed by "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" and "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde" over Fourth of July weekend.

"It's been a summer of fits and starts, a couple of weekends up then down the next," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. "There's no question that over the next few weeks, starting with `Hulk,' we're going to see a resurgence."

The Disney-Pixar collaboration "Finding Nemo," which had a No. 1 debut and a record opening for an animated movie two weekends ago before falling to second place last week, has raised its total domestic gross to $192.3 million in 17 days of release.

"Finding Nemo" features the voices of Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Willem Dafoe and Geoffrey Rush in a tale of a father fish out to rescue his aquarium-bound son.

"It's poetic justice that a movie about a father and a son would be the No. 1 movie of Father's Day weekend," said Chuck Viane, Disney head of distribution.

Viane said "Finding Nemo" should top $200 million in its 20th day of release, 10 days faster than the last Disney-Pixar flick, "Monsters, Inc."

The new movie also should pass the total "Monsters" gross of $255.9 million to become the top moneymaker of the five Disney-Pixar films, Viane said. Previous Disney-Pixar films were the "Toy Story" movies and "A Bug's Life."

Revenues for the street-racing sequel "2 Fast 2 Furious" tumbled 62 percent from its $50.5 million debut a weekend earlier. Starring Paul Walker, "2 Fast 2 Furious" has grossed $84 million in 10 days.

Here are the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "Finding Nemo," $29.2 million.
2. "2 Fast 2 Furious," $19.1 million.
3. "Bruce Almighty," $14.2 million.
4. "Rugrats Go Wild," $12.5 million
5. "Hollywood Homicide," $11.7 million.
6. "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd," $11.1 million.
7. "The Italian Job," $9.5 million.
8. "The Matrix Reloaded," $5.5 million.
9. "Daddy Day Care," $2.1 million.
10. "X2: X-Men United," $1.6 million.

TOTALS TO DATE

The Matrix Reloaded ....... $257.3 million
X2: X-Men United .......... $207.2 million
Bruce Almighty ............ $193.8 million
Finding Nemo .............. $192.3 million
Daddy Day Care ............ $ 92.2 million
2 Fast 2 Furious .......... $ 84.0 million
The Italian Job ........... $ 55.3 million
Rugrats Go Wild ........... $ 12.5 million
Hollywood Homicide ........ $ 11.7 million
Dumb and Dumberer ......... $ 11.1 million

Music Biz Ignoring Adults, Studies Say

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Two recent studies offer further evidence that the music industry is losing sight of older consumers.

First-quarter music sales fell 10% in the United States compared with last year. But sales were 16% lower among 36- to 50-year-olds, according to data from market-research firm NPD Intellect.

NPD gathered the data from an average of 2,000 music transactions that it surveys weekly and uses to make projections for the entire country older than the age of 13.

Others have warned in recent years that the music industry is neglecting the over-30 market, which accounted for 56% of U.S. music sales last year, according to the Recording Industry Assn. of America (RIAA (news - web sites)). NPD suggests that it is more important than ever for the music industry to refocus.

"Near-term population growth trends should stand as a warning to the industry to reach out to older buyers, because the core teen and college market population is not expected to grow over the next five years," NPD VP Russ Crupnick said in a statement.

To generate business from those 35 and older, NPD says the industry should promote legacy acts, designate sections in stores for "adult" consumers, and create targeted marketing campaigns for those ages.

NPD's research suggests that as consumers age, they are less influenced by radio and more likely to find new music while browsing in stores. Additionally, only 4% of music buyers older than 36 said their purchases are influenced by advertising.

"It makes sense for record labels and retailers to revisit marketing and advertising plans, to reach the eyes and ears of older consumers," Crupnick says.

Projections of music sales for the next five years, however, suggest older consumers will increasingly find a limited selection, according to another study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

For one, music distribution is shifting to the Internet, where older consumers are less likely to go for music, according to Stefanie Kane, a partner in PwC's entertainment and media group.

PwC released on June 11 Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2003-2007, its annual five-year forecast of trends in the business of music, movies, and other media.

PwC projects that the U.S. digital music market will grow to $1.7 billion in 2007 from a projected $44 million in 2003.

Further exacerbating this situation is the increasing dominance of traditional music sales by mass merchants, who reserve less room for the non-hit records generally favored by older consumers.

PwC cites RIAA figures showing mass merchants with close to 45% of U.S. music sales in 2002, compared with record stores' 40%.

Mass merchants "prevent unknown or developing artists from getting much-needed exposure," PwC notes in the outlook. "Over time, the result will be a growing reliance on established stars but less fresh music, as well as a weaker back catalog."

Overall, PwC sees U.S. music sales -- which include albums, singles, music videos, and digitally distributed music -- declining at a 0.3% compound annual rate during the next five years, from $12.63 billion in 2002 to a projected $12.45 billion in 2007.

Sales of physical albums will drop at a compound annual rate of 3.5% during the next five years to $10.29 billion in 2007. Meanwhile, sales of digitally distributed music will rise at a projected compound annual rate of 165.2%.
 
PwC pins the decline in the overall market on CD burning and file sharing, as well as the rapid growth in recent years of the videogame and DVD markets.

The professional-services firm also warns that the increasing share of music sales held by mass merchants "will impinge on the availability of catalog product and make it more difficult for new artists to be developed, in the process further limiting the market potential for recorded music."

Combs Resurrects Bad Boy with Soundtrack

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Sean "P. Diddy" Combs likes to think big.

So when the entertainment mogul decided to relaunch his Bad Boy Records with new distributing partner Universal Records, he determined that it would be with an album that he predicts will be "the biggest soundtrack of the year."

That album is Bad Boys II, which will be released July 15. It is the first soundtrack ever released by the Bad Boy label.

Combs' label had been affiliated with Arista Records. The two companies parted ways last year. Combs brought Bad Boy to Universal earlier this year under a three-year deal in which Universal will market, distribute, and promote Bad Boy releases worldwide.

The Bad Boys II movie opens July 18 in U.S. theaters. The Columbia Pictures action flick features returning stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, who starred in the 1995 film Bad Boys.

Unlike many soundtracks, Bad Boys II consists entirely of previously unreleased songs.

The album boasts an all-star list of multi-platinum artists, including Jay-Z, P. Diddy, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, Beyonce Knowles, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg.

Combs tells Billboard, "You hear so many competitive stories about the music business, but I want to emphasize that this soundtrack was a real cohesive effort. I don't usually ask people for a lot of favors, but I called in a lot of favors to do this soundtrack. My friends really helped me out.

"An artist like Justin Timberlake had never done a soundtrack song before this one," he continues. "This album also has collaborations that you can't find anywhere else."

Those collaborations include Nelly and P. Diddy featuring Murphy Lee on "Shake Ya Tail Feather"; the Notorious B.I.G. and 50 Cent on "Realest N!##@S"; Snoop Dogg featuring Loon on "Gangsta S---"; Fat Joe and P. Diddy on "Girl I'm a Bad Boy"; and P. Diddy, Lenny Kravitz, and Pharrell on "Show Me Your Soul."

Bad Boy has released two first singles from the project: "Shake Ya Tail Feather" and Jay Z's "La-La-La (Excuse Me Again)." Combs says the next single will be "Show Me Your Soul."

The mogul says, "I had just closed my deal with Universal, and I heard they were going to be doing something with Bad Boys II. I always wanted to be involved with the sequel, so I called up Will Smith, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Martin Lawrence and told them I wanted to put out the Bad Boys II soundtrack."

Bad Boy president Lewis Tucker says the label is planning a multimedia blitz to market the album.

"We're having a Bad Boy weekend the weekend before the album's release. We're looking at taking over radio with spots for the soundtrack and a lot of phoner-driven contests and requests."

Radio stations in more than 75 markets will have giveaways for about 125 Bad Boys II movie screenings.

MtV.com will host a listening party for the soundtrack. In addition, Combs and Bad Boys II stars Lawrence and Gabrielle Union will appear on MTV's Total Request Live around the time of the movie's release. MTV's Making the Video series will feature an episode about the "Shake Ya Tail Feather" video. BET will also air a special segment about the Bad Boys II movie and soundtrack. At press time, air dates were to be determined.

Combs says he is looking forward to starting a new chapter in the history of his label, which he founded in 1991.

"A lot of boutique labels were around then, and mine is one of the few that's still standing. I've made a lot of friends along the way, and that has a lot to do with why I've been able to put out great records like this one."

"Many think I'm in prequel to comedy classic" - Jim Carrey

HOLLYWOOD -- Jim Carrey is slightly miffed with the marketing of Dumb And Dumberer, the sequel to his 1994 comic hit Dumb & Dumber.

Neither he nor Dumb & Dumber co-star Jeff Daniels are in the sequel, which is actually a prequel set in 1986 when the two doofus characters meet in high school.

"I don't know," Carrey says of what he thinks of the new flick. "I've never seen it. I have no idea what it's like. "I wish them luck with it."

But there is a problem, says Carrey, who is starring in his own summer comedy, the God-fearing fantasy Bruce Almighty.

"I have a lot of people coming up to me thinking I'm in it," Carrey says of Dumber And Dumberer, "and I guess they have a little sin of omission there.

They did a lot of campaigning without saying who was in it or whatever. So, I don't know if they kind of misled people in that way."

If it's Friday, Letterman must be off

It's official: David Letterman is adopting a four-day work week for the month of June.

The CBS "Late Show" host announced late yesterday that guest hosts would be sitting in for him on Fridays for the remainder of the month, starting tonight with baggy-pants comic Tom Green. he other hosts will be Kelsey Grammer June 20 and Jimmy Fallon of "Saturday Night Live" on June 27. Tom Arnold subbed for Dave last Friday.

Letterman raised eyebrows last week when he made the surprise announcement that Arnold would sub for him on Friday. Letterman also disclosed then that he was thinking about taking Fridays off this summer.

Pop Star Britney to Get Blow-Up Breasts in UK

LONDON (Reuters) - Pop tart Britney Spears is to get a pair of inflatable, throbbing breasts that will pulsate in time to her dancing -- at least her waxwork model will at Madame Tussauds museum in London.

"There are plans to make a new figure of Britney Spears," a spokeswoman said on Friday. "She'll be very sexy and she'll have heaving bosoms. But this is only in the very early stages of planning."

She said the model would be based on one of Britney's videos, in which she dances breathlessly around a pole, and would be accompanied by professionals who would teach museum visitors the tricks of the trade.

The initiative is the latest by the museum to make its models not just visual but tactile.

"Brad Pitt has got a squeezable (latex) bum, but Britney would be the first with heaving bosoms," added the spokeswoman.

Springsteen Book, Stadium Dates On The Horizon

Photographs of Bruce Springsteen taken by Frank Stefanko between 1978 and 1982 comprise a new book due in September. "Days of Hope and Dreams: An Intimate Portrait of Bruce Springsteen" will be published by Billboard Books, a division of Watson-Guptill.

Stefanko captured the artist onstage and off, and his photos are the basis of the covers of the albums "Darkness on the Edge of Town" and "The River." The two were introduced in 1977 by Patti Smith backstage at one of her concerts.

The book will include many never-before-published photographs, as well as an introduction by Springsteen. "Frank had a way of stripping away any celebrity refuse you may have picked up along the way and finding the you in you," he writes. "He seemed to photograph you within a set of strict self-imposed limits, but within those limits he created a fully realized world."

A selection of the photographs will be shown at the Govinda Gallery in Washington, D.C., around the time of the book's release. Chris Murray, the gallery's founder and director, contributed the forward to the book.

Meanwhile, Springsteen will follow up his ongoing and hugely successful European stadium tour, which wraps June 28 in Milan, with a run of North American stadium dates. The North American shows begin July 15 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., with an unprecedented 10 performances that will gross an estimated $37.8 million, a record for one engagement.

Already announced are stadium shows at Boston's Gillette Stadium (Aug. 1-2), Pittsburgh's PNC Stadium (Aug. 6), Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field (Aug. 8, 9, 11), Washington D.C.'s FedEx Field, Sept. 13, and Denver's Mile High Stadium (Sept. 25). A source close to Springsteen says several more stadium shows will be announced in the coming weeks, but there are no plans to specifically play baseball parks, as has been reported elsewhere. The tour is expected to run through September.

Harrison Ford Admits His Love for Flockhart

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Harrison Ford has admitted it. He loves Calista Flockhart. "I'm in love," the famously taciturn Indiana Jones star told the latest issue of People magazine.

"Romantic love is one of the most exciting and fulfilling kinds of love and I think there is potential for it at any stage of your life.

"I was not surprised that I was able to fall in love, and I wasn't surprised that I did. But I'm very grateful," Ford, 60, said of his "commingled" life with former "Ally McBeal" star Flockhart.

Ford and Flockhart have been the subject of tabloid gossip since they hooked up at the January 2002 Golden Globe awards but until now their relationship has elicited mostly terse "no comments" from Ford.

Flockhart, 38, who moved into Ford's Los Angeles home with her adopted 2-year-old son Liam earlier this year, told People the age difference did not faze her.

"It doesn't factor into our relationship at all...I like the way he looks first thing in the morning. It's not handsome. It's more cute. He looks like a little boy," she said.

Ford separated from his second wife, screenwriter Melissa Mathison, in 2001. His first marriage ended in divorce in 1979.

Lee Wins Temporary Halt to Spike TV

NEW YORK - Spike Lee has temporarily spiked Spike TV.

A Manhattan judge on Thursday granted Lee's petition and ordered Viacom Inc. to stop using Spike TV as the new name for its TNN network, pending a trial on the issue.

State Supreme Court Justice Walter Tolub ordered Lee to post a $500,000 bond to cover Viacom's losses in case the company wins.

Viacom announced the name change in April as part of its transformation of TNN into "the first network for men." Spike TV shows reruns of "The A-Team," "Baywatch" and "Miami Vice," sports entertainment such as pro wrestling and "American Gladiators" — plus an animated series featuring Pamela Anderson as the voice of Stan Lee's "Stripperella," an undercover operative who is also a stripper.

Lee, whose numerous directing credits include "Malcolm X" and "Do the Right Thing," said he sued Viacom to protect his name from a deliberate attempt to capitalize on his image and prestige.

Viacom's lawyers said Lee cannot prove their network's new name refers to him. And they said no New York law gives a celebrity's first name the protection Lee is seeking without some other suggestion of the person's persona.

But the judge disagreed.

"Contrary to defendants' position, the court is of the opinion that in the age of mass communication, a celebrity can in fact establish a vested right in the use of only their first name or a surname," the judge wrote. "There are many celebrities that are so recognized, including Cher, Madonna, Sting and Liza."

He also said the name protection would probably be available if a network proposed a program called the "Cronkite News Hour."

Lee's lawyer, Johnnie Cochran, said, "We're obviously elated. We had a good judge who looked at the law and at the facts."

Dan Martinsen, spokesman for the network, said Viacom would appeal immediately and seek a stay of the judge's order. "We respectfully disagree with the judge's decision, which was not supported by the law or the evidence," Martinsen said.

Viacom, which bought TNN in 2000, also owns the CBS, VH1 and UPN networks, the Showtime movie channel and book publisher Simon & Schuster.

Actor Gregory Peck Dies in Los Angeles at Age 87

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Gregory Peck, one of the last great stars from Hollywood's golden era and a man who embodied on-screen heroism and dignity, died peacefully during the night at his home, his spokesman said on Thursday.

He was 87 and his films included some of Hollywood's most memorable: "To Kill a Mockingbird," in which he played a white lawyer defending a black man, "Roman Holiday," the film that made Audrey Hepburn a star, 'Gentleman's Agreement," one of the first movies to confront the taboo subject of anti-Semitism, and Alfred Hitchcock's "Spellbound."

Spokesman Monroe Friedman said Peck's French-born wife of 48 years, Veronique Passani Peck, was at his side when he died. "She told me he just died peacefully. She said she was holding his hand and he just closed his eyes and went to sleep and he was gone," Friedman told Reuters.

His death came just days after the American Film Institute named his role as the idealistic Southern lawyer Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" as the greatest movie hero of all time. The role earned Peck an Oscar for best actor in 1963.

The tall, lean, square-jawed Peck began his film career in the 1940s and became Hollywood's symbol of moral strength and sincerity both on screen and off. At one point, Democrats tried to persuade him to run for governor of California -- a role that Republicans later succeeded in casting Ronald Reagan for.

The California-born Peck, who once thought of becoming a priest, attended a military academy as a boy and his soldier-like bearing served him well in such roles as Captain Ahab of "Moby Dick," King David ("David and Bathsheba"), Gen. Douglas MacArthur ("MacArthur") and even Abraham Lincoln (television's "The Blue and the Gray").

'GOOD GUY' ROLES

Rarely in his 52 films did he play anything but a "good guy," a notable exception being the Nazi villain in the popular "The Boys From Brazil" (1978).

He earned a total of five Oscar nominations even though critics could be unkind. The New Yorker's Pauline Kael once labeled Peck "competent but always a little boring."

But John Huston, who directed Peck in "Moby Dick," echoed the comments of many in Hollywood when he praised the "superb dignity" of the actor's performances. It took years before critics realized how good his performance as the mad sea captain was.

"Greg is one of the nicest, straightest guys I ever knew, and there's a size to him," Huston wrote in his autobiography.

CNN's Larry King said, "Certain people come into the room and change the room, Gregory Peck was one of those people. He was just very special. You not going to replace Gregory Peck."

Peck was active in the film industry, serving as founding chairman of the AFI and as head the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1967 to 1970. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson awarded him the Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor.

With typical reserve, he once summed up his career this way: "I enjoy practicing my craft as well as I possibly can. I enjoy the work for its own sake."

Born Eldred Gregory Peck on April 5, 1916, his first name came from a telephone directory and was quickly dropped.

Peck entered St. John's Military Academy in Los Angeles at the age of 10. There he received discipline and large doses of Catholic training, and briefly considered becoming a priest.

Migrating to New York, he was a barker at the 1939 World's Fair and soon started acting. His first Broadway appearance, in 1942's "Morning Star," earned him a test with movie producer David O. Selznick -- who turned him down.

In 1944, however, he starred as a Russian guerrilla fighter in "Days of Glory," which led to a role the next year as a thoughtful priest in "The Keys of the Kingdom," a role that won him his first Oscar nomination.

CHOICE OF STUDIOS

A bad back kept Peck out of World War II and with many stars in uniform, Peck had his choice of studios but refused to sign long-term contracts or tie himself to a single studio.

Among his early films were "The Yearling" (1946), "The Macomber Affair" (1947), "Duel in the Sun" (1947), "Yellow Sky" (1948), "Twelve O'Clock High" (1950), "The Gunfighter" (1950), "Captain Horatio Hornblower" (1951), "The World in His Arms" (1952), and "David and Bathsheba" (1951).

In 1956 Peck starred in two of his most successful movies, "The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit" and "Moby Dick." In 1958, Peck co-produced and starred in "The Big Country," a success that was followed by the bigger ones of "The Guns of Navarone" (a 1962 war thriller) and "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Peck's straight-backed style was perfect for the 1976 hit horror film "The Omen," as well as "MacArthur" (1977). His last two films were in "Old Gringo" (1989) and a cameo in "Cape Fear" in 1991.

In 1954, Peck divorced first wife Greta Rice, with whom he had three children. In 1955 he married French journalist Veronique Passani, with whom he had two more children.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons from his first marriage and a son and daughter by Veronique, as well as several grandchildren.

Broadcaster David Brinkley Dies at 82

NEW YORK (AP) -- David Brinkley, who first gained fame as one-half of NBC's Huntley-Brinkley anchor team and for more than a half-century loomed large in the newscasting world he helped chart, died at the age of 82.

Brinkley died Wednesday night at his home in Houston of complications from a fall, ABC News said.

During his career, which in recent years took him to ABC, Brinkley won 10 Emmy awards, three George Foster Peabody Awards and, in 1992, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Former President Bush called him "the elder statesman of broadcast journalism," but Brinkley spoke of himself in less grandiose terms.

"Most of my life," he said in a 1992 interview, "I've simply been a reporter covering things, and writing and talking about it."

He stepped down as host of ABC's "This Week with David Brinkley" in November 1996 but continued to do commentaries. He left amid a rare controversy, and an apology: Late on Election Night, after a long evening, he had said unkind things about President Clinton on the air, calling him a "bore."

Clinton sat for an interview for Brinkley's last show anyway, and after Brinkley apologized, told him: "I always believe you have to judge people on their whole work, and if you get judged based on your whole work, you come out way ahead."

Based in Washington and focusing on politics, Brinkley was known for his gentlemanly manner, wry wit and, as the Clinton incident illustrated, an occasional suffer-no-fools bluntness. Playing against such refinement were a boyish appearance and a jerky style of delivery that suggested a mild case of hiccups.

"If I was to start today I probably couldn't get a job," Brinkley once said, "because I don't look like what people think an anchorperson should look like."

Perhaps not. But in 1956 his distinctive presence was paired with craggy, leading-man-handsome Chet Huntley for NBC News' coverage of the Democratic and Republican national conventions. It was a perfect fit.

Lisa Marie Presley Speaks To 'Playboy'

Lisa Marie Presley's music career may just be blooming, but that didn't stop the publishers of Playboy from making her the subject of the famed column "The Playboy Interview" in the July issue. Lisa Marie spoke candidly to the men's magazine about sex, growing up in her father's shadow, and her three marriages.

When it comes to sexual preferences, Lisa Marie said, "I like it rough, the way they do things in porn movies." She added, "I didn't have sex until I was 15... But I was intrigued by sex at a very early age. I think I was a pervert when I was three. I liked looking up skirts."

Lisa Marie also divulges that growing up in the shadow of her father Elvis Presley was difficult at times. "It's only a hindrance in that I didn't particularly ask for all the attention," Lisa Marie said.

As for her marriage to Michael Jackson, Lisa Marie told Playboy, "He became this bigger-than-life figure. But at some point, it turned on him and he became this freak. And now he can't get out from under it." She also said that as soon as Jackson began pressing the idea of having children together, "All I could ever see was a custody battle nightmare."

Lisa Marie Presley begins her stint as Chris Isaak's opening act on July 11 in Boston.

All-Time Best of the....WORST COUNTRY SONG TITLES!

Naturally, you'll be wondering what an erudite gentleman such as I would be doing with such a list on his site. A few summers ago, I had the pleasure of shooting a documentary on rodeos. It was a wonderful experience, with one exception. PA announcers at rodeos have this terrible predisposition towards playing country music at high decibel levels, virtually non-stop.

In addition to driving my sound guys crazy, this led to the discovery that our entire crew had pretty much reached our maximum saturation point for country music.... after the first rodeo. By the end of the summer, I found myself actually singing along with a song about how "I'm married to a waitress and I don't even know her name."

With this in mind, I proudly present my list of country song titles. Now in new, improved, alphabetical order!

If you have any to add, please e-mail the guy who created this list at hupka@mg.sk.ca.

Enjoy!

1. All I Want From You (Is Away)
Written by Bobby Harden (ASCAP)
2. All My Exes Live In Texas
3. All the Guys that Turn Me On Turn Me Down
Written by Gene Plott, Harold Powell & Roni Stoneman (BMI) (courtesy of "Narkspud")
4. Am I Double Parked by the Curbstone of Your Heart?  (courtesy of Michael)
Double Parked Heart by Jim Pollock (BMI) (Could this be the same song?)
5. Are You Drinkin With Me Jesus? (courtesy of Sylvester)
by Mojo Nixon, Country Dick Montana, Peter & Louise Berryman (BMI)
According to Sylvester, the song contains the truly touching lyrics:
"Does your head pound Jesus as hung over you do rise....how does paradise look Jesus, through holy bloodshot eyes...
Should we take a cab home Jesus...aw man we can hoof it from here...
I know you can walk on the water but can you walk on this much beer?"
6. Are You on the Top 40 of the Lord? (courtesy of Joel)
7. At the Gas Station of Love, I Got the Self Service Pump (courtesy of Barry)
Apparently this is from a Weird Al Yankovic song, "One More Minute." But it sounds like a country title, so I'll keep it!
8. Billy Broke My Heart at Walgreens and I Cried All the Way to Sears (courtesy of Jim)
9. Bubba Shot The Jukebox

10. Bubba's Inconvenience Store
by Bett Butler (BMI)
11. Come out of the Wheatfield Nellie, You're Going Against the Grain (courtesy of Louis)
Apparently heard in Liverpool, 30 years ago. Wasn't there anything better to listen to in Liverpool 30 years ago???
12. Cow Cow Blues       Written by Charles "Cow Cow" Davenport (ACAP), and recorded by Bing Crosby, among others.
Not a country song at all, as it turns out, but I've left it on the list because of the title's similarity to...

13. Cow Cow Boogie (Moo Moo My Love)
This one's been performed by everyone from The Judds to Mel Torme, according to ASCAP. Also not to be confused with...
14. Cow Cow Strut
by Barbara Chamberlin (SOCAN)
15. Did I Shave my Legs for This? by Deana Carter (courtesy of Scott)
16. Don't Believe My Heart Can Stand Another You.
by Tanya Tucker (BMI)
17. Don't Chop Any Wood Mother, I'm Comin' in With a Load! (courtesy of Garnet)
18. Don't Come Home a-Drinkin' With Lovin' on Yo-mind
by Loretta Lynn (BMI) (courtesy of Hamp)
19. Don't Give Me A Plastic Saddle 'Cuz I Want To Feel That Leather When I Ride (courtesy of Diane)
20. Don't Squeeze My Sharmon. (Yes, that IS the correct spelling)
Written by Carl Belew & Van Givens (BMI)
21. Don't Strike A Match (To The Book Of Love)
Written by Pat Alger & Hal Ketchum (BMI)
22. Drop Kick Me Jesus (Through The Goal Posts Of Life.)
Written by Paul Charles Craft
23. Four on the Floor and a Fifth Under the Seat
Written by Rex Pearce (BMI) (courtesy of Rick)
24. Get Off the Table, Mabel (The Two Dollars is for the Beer)
by Bull Moose Jackson
25. Get Your Biscuits In The Oven, And Your Buns In The Bed.
Written by Richard Friedman (BMI)
26. Git Up Off'n the Floor Hannah (a Bitter New Year's Eve)
by Red Ingle and the Natural Seven, Written by Foster Carling & Joe Washburne (ASCAP) (courtesy of "Narkspud")
27. Going to Hell in Your Heavenly Arms
by the Austin Lounge Lizards (ASCAP)

28. Guess My Eyes Were Bigger Than My Heart.
Written by Liz Anderson (BMI)
29. Hand me the Pool Cue and Call Yourself an Ambulance (courtesy of Tom, who isn't sure it's a real song)
30. Her Only Bad Habit Is Me
Believe it or not, three songs with this title in the BMI database.
31. Here's A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)
by Travis Tritt - "It's All About to Change" (several folks submitted this one)
32. High Cost of Low Living
by John Steele & James Sloane (ASCAP)
33. Hold On To Your Men..Cause she's Single Again (courtesy of Susan)
34. How Can I Get Over You if You Won't Get Out from Under Me? (courtesy of Dan)
How Can I Get Over You Till You Get Out from Under Him? (alternate title courtesy of Mike)

35. How Can I Miss You if You Won't Go Away?
Written by Leonard Linnehan & Louis Philip Perry (ASCAP) (courtesy of Charles)
But there are a half-dozen songs with this title in the BMI database!
36. How Can You Believe Me When I Say I Love You, When You Know I've Been A Liar All My Life?
According to Murphy, this song was written for the film Royal Wedding starring Fred Astaire, and was a novelty dance number.
This is confirmed by Esther, who remembers hearing the song as a little girl in the 1930s and 40s. She thinks it may have originated in Vaudeville.
37. How Come Your Dog Don't Bite Nobody But Me?
by Mel Tillis (BMI)
38. How Did You Get so Ugly Overnight? (courtesy of Mark, who's not sure it's a real song either)
39. I Bought the Shoes that Just Walked Out on Me
2 songs with this title in the BMI database (courtesy of Rick)
40. I Can't Pass the Bar, and There's One on my Way Home (courtesy of Rick)
41. I Changed Her Oil, She Changed My Life (courtesy of Charles)
42. I Don't Care if it Rains or Freezes 'Long as I Have My Plastic Jesus Sittin' on the Dashboard of my Car
a.k.a. "Plastic Jesus" by Ernie Marrs (courtesy of Bill)
43. I Don't Do Floors
by Don Cook & Charles Victor Rains (ASCAP)
44. I Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling
by Thom Sharpe (courtesy of Gail, who tells me he wrote a number of comedy songs)
45. I Fell for Her, She Fell for Him, and He Fell for Me (courtesy of "Narkspud")
46. I Fell In A Pile Of You And Got Love All Over Me (courtesy of Charles)
47. I Flushed You From The Toilets Of My Heart 
Written by Jack Clement (BMI) (courtesy of Charles)
48. I Gave Her My Heart And A Diamond And She Clubbed Me With A Spade (courtesy of Bruce)
49. I Gave Her the Ring, and She Gave Me the Finger (courtesy of Maureen)
50. I Got Tears In My Ears From Lying On My Bed Crying On My Pillow Over You.
According to ASCAP, the acutal title is simply, "Tears In My Ears"
51. I Got the Hungries for Your Love, and I'm Waitin In Your Welfare Line (courtesy of John)
52. I Got Through Everything But The Door
53. I Guess I Had Your Leavin' Coming
by Vern Gosdin (ASCAP)
54. I Keep Forgettin' I Forgot About You 
Written by Byron Gallimore, Don Pfrimmer & William Shore (BMI) (courtesy of Charles)
55. I May Be Used, But Baby I Ain't Used Up
56. I Only Miss You On The Days That End In " Y " (courtesy of Frank)
57. I Sat Down On A Beartrap (Just This Morning)
58. I Sent Her Artifical Flowers For Her Artificial Love
There are 4 songs called "Artificial Flowers" in the BMI database (courtesy of Jerry)

59. I Still Miss You Baby...  But My Aim is Getting Better (courtesy of Eric)
60. I Want a Beer as Cold as My Ex-Wife's Heart (courtesy of Dan)
61. I Wanted You To Leave Until You Left Me.
62. I Wanna Whip Your Cow  (courtesy of Charles)
63. I Was Looking Back to See If You Were Looking Back to See If I Was Looking Back to See if You Were Looking Back at Me
According to Sean, this may be "I Looked Back" by Jimmy Eaton & Larry Wagner, recorded by Perry Como.
If that's the case, I think we can safely move it out of the "country" category!
On the other hand, according to Steve, it was a duet performed by Buck Owens and Susan Raye in the 1960s, called "Looking Back to See,"
which would move it right back into the "country" category.
64. I Went Back to My Fourth Wife for the Third Time and Gave Her a Second Chance to Make a First Class Fool Out of Me
by Rev.Billy C. Wirtz (courtesy of Zev)
65. I Wish I Were A Lesbian
by Loudon Wainwright III (ASCAP)

66. I Wish I Were A Woman (So I Could Go Out With A Guy Like Me)  (courtesy of Mick)
67. I Would Have Wrote You A Letter, But I Couldn't Spell Yuck! (courtesy of Charles)
68. I Wouldn't Take Her To A Dawg Fight, Cause I'm Afraid She'd Win  (courtesy of Charles)
69. I'd Rather Hear A Fat Girl Fart Than A Pretty Boy Sing (courtesy of Mike)
70. I'd Rather Pass a Kidney Stone than Another Night With You
71. If Fingerprints Showed Up On Skin, Wonder Whose I'd Find On You.
by Freddie Hart (BMI)
72. If I Ain't Got It, You Don't Need It.
Two songs with this title in the BMI database
73. If I Can't Be Number One In Your Life, Then Number Two On You  (courtesy of Charles)
74. If I'd Killed You When I Wanted To, I'd be Out of Jail By Now (courtesy of Tom)
by Reuben Darnell
75. If I Had It To Do All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You
by Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks (courtesy of Peter)
76. If I Had My Life to Live Over, I'd Live Over a Delicatessen (courtesy of Mike)
77. If I Were In Your Shoes, I'd Walk Right Back To Me
Five songs in the BMI database caleed "If I Were In Your Shoes" (courtesy of Mick)
78. If Love Were Oil, I'd Be A Quart Low (courtesy of Charles)
79. If My Nose Were Full of Nickels, I'd Blow It All On You  (courtesy of Charles and Ray)
80. If My Nose Was Running Money, Honey, I'd Blow It Al On You (Title from BMI database)
81. If I Had a Nose Full of Nickels, I'd Sneeze Them All Atchoo! (Another version of the title)
82. If She Hadn't Been So Good Lookin' I Might Have Seen the Train  (courtesy of Phil)
83. If the Devil Danced in Empty Pockets, He'd Have a Ball in Mine
by Joe Diffie (ASCAP) (courtesy of Jennifer)
84. If The Jukebox Took Teardrops
2 songs with this title listed in the ASCAP database.
85. If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me
by Jimmy Buffett, also recorded by Crystal Gayle (ASCAP) (courtesy of Carol)
86. If Today Was a Fish, I'd Throw It Back In
3 songs titled "If Today Was a Fish" in the BMI database. (courtesy of Rick & Frank)
87. If You Can't Be Good, Be Bad With Me
Written by Tim Bussey & Mark Maxwell (BMI)
88. If You Can't Be Good, Son, Be Good At It
by Neal McCoy (BMI) (courtesy of Betsy)
89. If You Can't Bite, Don't Growl.
by Tommy Collins (BMI)
90. If You Can't Live Without Me, Why Aren't You Dead?
Written by Benjamin Costello, Alexis Feltham & Jason Whalley (BMI) (courtesy of Simon)
91. If You Don't Leave Me, I'll Find Someone Who Will (courtesy of Barry)
92. If You Ever Get the Feelin' I Don't Love You, Feel Again.
93. If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?
Three songs in the BMI database with this title. (courtesy of Charles)
94. If You Leave Me I'm Gone
by Hunter Davis (ASCAP)
95. If You Really Loved Me, You'd Leave (courtesy of Phil)
96. If You Got the Money, Honey, I Got the Time
by Hank Williams (courtesy of Bill)
97. If You’re Gonna Do Him Wrong Again, You Might As Well Do Him Wrong Again With Me! (courtesy of Peter)
98. If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right (courtesy of Kathy)
by Vern Gosdin & Max Barnes (BMI)
99. If You Want to Keep the Beer Real Cold, Put it Next to My Ex-Wife's Heart (courtesy of Blair)
100. If You Want Your Freedom PDQ, Divorce Me COD
Written by Cliffie Stone & Merle Travis. Also recorded by Boxcar Willie and Glen Campbell.
101. If Whiskey Were A Woman, I'd Be Married For Sure.
Written by Stuart Holdsworth, Jack Routh & Randy Sharp (BMI)
102. I Like Bananas Because They Have No Bones
by Hoosier Hot Shots, Written by Chris Yacich (ASCAP) (courtesy of "Narkspud")
103. I'll Marry You Tomorrow, But Let's Honeymoon Tonight.
104. I'll Tennessee You In My Dreams
105. I'm Drinkin Christmas Dinner (All Alone This Year) (courtesy of Stephen)
by Mac Davis & Freddy Weller (BMI)
106. I'm Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home.
107. I'm Gonna Put a Bar in the Back of my Car and Drive Myself to Drink
From the album "Fear of Frying" by a Marin County (California) band called"Eggs Over Easy", around 1968 (courtesy of Mark)

108. I'm Here To Get My Baby Out Of Jail
Two songs with this title in the BMI database.
109. I'm In Love With A Capital U (courtesy of Sara Kate)
by Country Joe Diffie. Written by Nelson & Wiseman (BMI)
110. I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I'm Gonna be a Diamond Someday) (courtesy of Neo)
written by Billy Joe Shaver (BMI) Recorded by Johnny Cash and John Anderson, among others.
111. I'm Quittin' Wild Turkey Cold Turkey
Believe it or not, 24 songs called "Cold Turkey" in the BMI database. Only 13 called "Wild Turkey" (courtesy of Mandy)
112. I'm So Miserable Without You, it's Almost like Having you Here (courtesy of Mike, who isn't sure it's a real song)
There are several songs called "I'm So Miserable Without You" in the BMI database.
113. I'm The Only Hell Mama Ever Raised
by Johnny Paycheck (BMI)
114. I'm Under The Table Over You (courtesy of Buddy)
115. Is It Cold in Here, or Is it Just You? (courtesy of Mark)
The BMI database lists a song called "Is It Cold In Here" by Joe Diffie.
116. It Only Takes One Bar (To Make A Prison)
by Tracy Lawrence (ASCAP)
117. I've Been Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart.
Written by Jack Clement (BMI)
118. I've Been Roped And Throwed By Jesus In The Holy Ghost Corral.
119. I've Got a Cowboy In The Saddle, and Another One's Holding My Horse (courtesy of Laurena)
Apparently by a female singer... haven't been able to confirm this one anywhere, though.
120. I've Got the Cob, If You've Got the Corn (courtesy of Marvin)
121. I've Got $5 And It's Saturday Night
122. I've Heard that Tear Stained Monologue You do There by the Door Before You Go
by John Hartford (courtesy of Joel)
123. It Ain't Easy Being Easy
by Roseanne Cash (courtesy of Pamela)
124. It Took a Helluva Man to Take my Anne, but it Sure Didn't Take Him Long (courtesy of Rick)
125. It's Not the High Cost of Living, It's the Cost of Living High (courtesy of Buddy)
126. I Would Kiss You Through the Screendoor but It'd Strain Our Love (courtesy of David)
127. Jeremiah Peabody's Polyunsaturated Quick Dissolving Fast Acting Pleasant Tasting Green and Purple Pills
by Ray Stevens (BMI) (courtesy of "Narkspud")
128. Jesus Loves Me But He Can't Stand You (courtesy of Michael)
by the Austin Lounge Lizards

129. Jim, I Wore A Tie Today
130. Last Night I Went to Bed with a "10" and Woke this Morning with a "2"
by Willie Nelson (courtesy of Janet)
131. Lay Something On My Bed Besides A Blanket
Written by Daniel Hogan, Gladys & Ronny Scaife (BMI)
132. Legendary Chicken Fairy
by Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan (BMI) (courtesy of "Narkspud")

133. Make Me Late For Work Today.
Five songs with this title in the BMI database, including one by Paul Brandt.
134. Mama Get The Hammer (There's A Fly On Papa's Head)
Mama Get The Hammer (There's A Fly On Baby's Head) (Conflicting submissions on this blues tune - anyone??)
Get the Hammer Mama, There's a Head on Papa's Fly (Now that's the best one yet)
135. Meet Me In the Gravel Pit, Honey, cuz I'm a Little Boulder There (courtesy of Maggie)
136. Mommy, Can I Still Call Him Daddy?
137. My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink, And I Don't Love Jesus. (courtesy of Paul)
by Jimmy Buffett
138. My John Deere Was Breaking Your Field, While Your Dear John Was Breaking My Heart  (courtesy of Charles)
139. My Lips Want to Stay (But My Heart Wants to Go)
by Hank Wangford
140. My Phone Ain't been Ringing, so I Guess it Wasn't You
141. My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend, And I Sure Do Miss Him
Written by Phil Earhart (BMI) (courtesy of Charles)
142. Nashville Rash
Written by Kenneth Dale Watson (BMI)
143. Ned Nostril (and his South Seas Paradise, Put Your Blues on Ice, Cheap at Twice the Price Band, Icky Icky Ucky Ucky)
by Ray Stevens (BMI) (courtesy of Narkspud, who actually owns the album and confirms that it's even printed this way on the label)
144. No Way, Conway (I Ain't Gonna Twitty Tonight) (courtesy of Narkspud)
Supposedly recorded by Teresa Brewer.

145. Occasional Wife
Written by Robert William Scott (ASCAP)
146. Oh, I've Got Hair Oil On My Ears And My Glasses Are Slipping Down, But Baby I Can See Through You (courtesy of Charles)
According to Jeff, this is by Rolf Harris. Haven't been able to confirm it.
147. Our Love is Illegal, Cause Our Names Ain't the Same (courtesy of Ned)
148. Overlonely and Underkissed
149. Pardon Me, I've Been Pardoned
Written by Michael Manuel (BMI)
150. Pardon Me, I've Got Someone To Kill
by Johnny Paycheck (BMI) (courtesy of Charles)
151. Phantom Of The Opry
A whopping 7 entries in the BMI database for this one.
152. Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
by Patsy Cline (BMI)
153. Pick Me Up Or Let Me Down
by Hank Smith (SOCAN)
154. Poultry Promenade
by Diamond Rio (BMI)
155. Queen Of My Double-Wide Trailer Written by Dennis Linde
Recorded by Sammy Kershaw, and Country Dance Kings
156. Redneck Martians Stole My Baby
by Hank Flamingo (BMI)
157. Red Necks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer
by Johnny Russell (ASCAP)
158. Refried Dreams
by Tim McGraw (BMI)
159. Run for the Roundhouse Nellie (He Can't Corner You There)
by Zeke Masters and his Band, Written by Julian Kay & Zeke Manners (ASCAP) (courtesy of "Narkspud")
160. Saddle Up the Stove Ma, I'm Riding the Range Tonight (courtesy of Garnet)
161. She Broke My Heart, I Broke Her Jaw (courtesy of Katrina)
by Rick Stanley.
162. She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed Anytime
by Johnny Duncan (courtesy of Bill)
163. She Feels Like A New Man Tonight.
Five songs with this title in the BMI database.
164. She Got The Gold Mine And I Got The Shaft
by Jerry Reed (courtesy of Charles)
165. She Got The Ring And I Got The Finger (courtesy of Charles)
166. She Looks Good Through the Bottom of My Shot Glass (courtesy of Marc)
167. She Made Toothpicks Out Of The Timber Of My Heart (courtesy of Charles)
168. She Offered Her Honor, He Honored Her Offer, and All Through the Night It Was Honor and Offer
by Sligo Studio Band, written by Robert Bivens (BMI) (courtesy of "Narkspud")
169. She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy
Written by Jim Collins & Paul Overstreet (BMI)
170. She Walked Across My Heart Like It Was Texas (courtesy of James)
171. She's Actin' Single..... I'm Drinkin' Doubles
by Gary Stewart (BMI).
172. She's Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)
173. Slap 'Er Down Again Paw
by Arthur Godfrey (courtesy of "Narkspud")

174. Thank God And Greyhound She's Gone
by Roy Clark (BMI)
175. Thanks To The Cathouse, I'm In The Doghouse With You
Written by Max Barnes, Frank Saulino & James Valentini (BMI)
176. The Alcohall of Fame
by Wayne Kemp - from the album of the same name.
177. The Bridge Washed Out and I Can't Swim and My Baby's On the Other Side
178. The Last Word in Lonesome is Me
179. The Man That Came Between Us (Was Me)
180. The Old Home Fill 'er Up and Keep On Truckin' Cafe"
by C. W. McCall (courtesy of "Narkspud")
181. The Pint Of No Return.
182. There Ain't Enough Room in my Fruit Of The Looms to Hold All My Lovin' For You (courtesy of Atley)
183. There's A Tear In My Beer
by Hank Williams
184. They May Put Me In Prison, But They Can't Stop My Face From Breakin' Out (courtesy of Charles)
185. This Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
by Tammy Wynette(courtesy of Bill)
186. This White Circle on My Finger Means We're Through
by Kitty Wells (courtesy of Bill)
187. Tight Fittin' Jeans
Two songs in the BMI database with this title.
188. Timber... I'm Fallin In Love (courtesy of Kathy)
by Patty Loveless. Written by "Kostas" (BMI)
189. Trainwreck Of Emotion
Written by Allen Kohnhurst & Jonathan Vezner (ASCAP)
190. Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother
by Jerry Jeff Walker "Great Gonzos" (courtesy of Ed) Also recorded by Willie Nelson, written by Ray Hubbard (ASCAP)

191. Velcro Arms, Teflon Heart (courtesy of Charles)
Did find a song in the BMI database called "Velcro Heart"
192. Waitin' In Your Welfare Line
by Buck Owens (BMI)
193. Walk Out Backwards Slowly So I'll Think You're Walking In
Four songs in the BMI database called "Walk Out Backwards"
194. Warm Beer and Cold Kisses
by Stallins & Crowe (BMI)
195. Warm Beer Cold Women
by Tom Waits (ASCAP) Wouldn't call Tom Waits country, though....
196. We Used To Kiss On The Lips, But It's All Over Now (courtesy of Cheryl)
197. Welcome to Dumpsville, Population Me
Two songs in the BMI database called "Welcome to Dumpsville" (courtesy of Jim)
198. What Made Milwaukee Famous Has Made a Loser Out of Me
199. When the Lightning Struck the Coon Creek Party Line
by Hoosier Hot Shots (courtesy of "Narkspud")
200. When You Wrapped My Lunch in a Road Map, I Knew You Meant Good-Bye (from Sally in Sacramento)
201. Who's Gonna Mow Your Grass?
by Buck Owens (BMI)
202. Who's Gonna Take The Garbage Out When I'm Dead And Gone?
203. Who's Makin' Time with the Time Keeper's Daughter, when the Time Keeper's Keepin' Time? (courtesy of Steve)
204. Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?
by Shania Twain & Mutt Lange (ASCAP)
205. Why Have You Left the One You Left Me For? 
by Crystal Gayle, also recorded by Ronnie Milsap (courtesy of the Johnson family)
206. Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw
by Jimmy Buffett "All the Great Hits" (courtesy of Karen, James & Ed)
207. Would Jesus Wear A Rolex On His Television Show?
by Ray Stevens, Written by Chet Atkins & Margaret Archer (BMI)
208. Yard Sale (12 exciting songs share this title in the BMI database)
209. You Ain't Much Fun Since I Quit Drinkin'
by Toby Keith (BMI) (courtesy of Chili)
210. You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man
by Loretta Lynn (courtesy of Bill)
211. You Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog ('s Leavins') (courtesy of Jim)
212. You can Lock Me Up in Jail & Throw Away the Key, But You Can't Keep My Face from Breaking Out
by Randy Scruggs (courtesy of Dave )
213. You Can't Have Your Kate And Edith Too.
214. You Can't Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd
by Roger Miller (BMI)
215. You Changed Your Name From Brown to Jones, and Mine From Brown to Blue
Apparently by a British spoof country singer, "Hank Wangford." Courtesy of Jan from Essex.

216. You Done Stomped On my Heart (and You Mashed That Sucker Flat)
According to multiple emails, this was written by Mason Williams (yes, the "Classical Gas" guy) and recorded by various artists including John Denver.
"You done stomped on my heart and mashed that sucker flat, you just sorta, stomped on my aorta.
You started going out with guys, I felt us drift apart, and every step you took, was a stomp right on my heart."
217. You Were Only A Splinter As I Slid Down The Banister Of Life (courtesy of Charles)
218. You'd think my Bed was a Bus Stop, the Way You Come and Go (several submissions)
219. Your Negligee Has Turned To Flannel Nightgowns.
220. You're The Hangnail In My Life, And I Can't Bite You Off
by Hoyt Axton, Written by Woody Bowles (BMI)(courtesy of Eli)
221. You're a Hard Dog To Keep Under The Porch
by Gail Davies (BMI) (courtesy of Susan)
222. You're Going To Ruin My Bad Reputation
Could this be "My Bad Reputation" by Woody Guthrie?
223. You're Out Of Step (With The Beat Of My Heart)
224. You're The Reason Our Kids Are So Ugly (courtesy of Charles, with more info from Ray))
By Lola Jean Dillon & L.E. White (BMI) Apparently also recorded by Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty
225. You're The Ring Around My Bathtub, You're The Hangnail Of My Life
226. You've Already Put Big Old Tears In My Eyes, Must You Throw Dirt In My Face?
by The Louvin Brothers (courtesy of Art)
227. You've Got Sawdust On The Floor Of Your Heart
by Sneezy Waters (courtesy of Paul)
228. 80 Proof Bottle of Tear Stopper
229. 800 Pound Jesus
by Sawyer Brown. Written by Billy Maddox & Paul Thorn (BMI)

And my personal, all-time fave:

* Get Your Tongue Out Of My Mouth, Because I'm Kissing You Goodbye.
Coincidentally, also the title of a 1993 book by Playboy magazine columnist Cynthia Heimel.

I can't take credit for the complete list..... parts were scavenged from an old, frequently-photocopied piece of wire copy that's been floating around newsrooms for years. Whoever started the list, I salute you!

No, I don't know who recorded all of them or where you can find the records. (If it's not in the list, I don't know!) I also make no claims about the accuracy of these titles - many have been emailed to me by folks who have run across this page and enjoyed it. (Thus, variations on the titles of individual song.)
Yes, I realize that not all of them are strictly "country."
Yes, some of them are probably novelty songs so they might not really belong on this list - which, by the way, is why "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?" doesn't appear here. Similarly, I've chosen to exclude "I'd Rather Have a Bottle In Front of Me Than a Frontal Lobotomy" because - well, because it's so true! But if I haven't heard it, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.

There are some novelty songs that deserve to be listed just because their titles sound so authentic:

If I'd a Knowed that You'd a Wanted to of Went with Me, I'd a Seed that You'd a Got to Get to Go
From Martin Mull's "Fernwood 2Night" TV show, sung by "Elwood P. Suggins" (courtesy of James)

She's Got Freckles On Her, But She's Pretty (courtesy of Charles)
A novelty song from the 1940s by Larry Vincent (ASCAP)

I'd Like You a Whole Lot Better if We Slept Together (courtesy of Dan)
We're pretty sure this is actually "I might like you better if we slept together," which is a line from the 1981 song "Never Say Never" by Romeo Void, a New Wave band - pretty much the least country-like song on the list! (You can listen to a RealAudio file on their website and hear for yourself.)

Then there's Tom Scott, who came up with an appropriate original title for me:
"I Made Up The Title, You Make Up The Song"

And my next favourite original title, from Laura:
"Go Back To Texas and Cheesey French Fry Lake"

'Towers' collectors' DVD runs a spell longer

Boromir lives!

Admirers of manly actor Sean Bean will rejoice, if somewhat briefly, when the three-hour, 43-minute extended cut of last year's No. 2 box-office hit The Lord of the Rings:The Two Towers reaches shelves in a four-DVD collection on Nov. 18. One of the year's most-anticipated DVD releases is timed to the release Dec. 17 of The Return of the King, the final film based on J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved fantasy trilogy.

USA TODAY got an early preview in Wellington, New Zealand, last week at director Peter Jackson's private screening room. Though a two-DVD set with the original three-hour Towers arrives on shelves Aug. 26, Rings completists will find plenty of fresh Middle-earth fodder in the longer version.

Bean's ring-craving Boromir, slain at the end of 2001's The Fellowship of the Ring, is resurrected in a lengthy DVD flashback after brother Faramir (David Wenham) finds a boat bearing his body.

Not only is there more Bean to savor, but the twisted emotional ties that ensnare ruler Denethor (New Zealand actor John Noble, who officially joins the cast in King), his favorite son, Boromir, and scapegoat Faramir also are exposed. The scenes also help explain why the noble Faramir is rather rude when he meets heroic hobbits Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin).

Other DVD additions to the middle tale that heighten the drama and lighten the mood:

• Rohan horseman Eomer (Karl Urban) finds his mortally wounded cousin Theodred and brings him home, where his subsequent death goes all but unnoticed by his spell-stunned father, King Theoden (Bernard Hill).

• The plight of Eowyn (Miranda Otto), Eomer's sister, deepens as she sings a mournful dirge during Theodred's funeral. Meanwhile, her unrequited passion for visiting warrior Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) is further inflamed when he tames an unruly horse by whispering sweet nothings in Elvish.

• There are more tree treats as the once-truncated encounter between ancient Treebeard the Ent and hobbits Pippin (Billy Boyd) and Merry (Dominic Monaghan) stretches its limbs. At one point, Treebeard's droning rumble of a voice causes the halflings in his branches to become drowsy.

• Jackson injects much fun with food and beverage. Eowyn, not especially deft in the kitchen, serves Aragorn a vile-looking bowl of homemade stew, which he politely chokes down. Boromir and Faramir share a couple of victory brews, and one declares in beer-ad fashion, "Today, life is good." Pippin and Merry greedily guzzle the magical elixir known as Ent-draught, adding inches to their wee stature.

The most surprising revelation in the longer Two Towers? That hale-and-hunksome Aragorn is 87 years old. Maybe it's something in that stew.

Waters Looking For Sex Addicts

Calling all female sex addicts

DIRTY SHAME director John Waters is looking for a female lead to play a convenience store owner who develops uncontrollable sexual urges after suffering from a concussion. With Johnny Knoxville (JACKASS), Selma Blair (LEGALLY BLONDE) and Paul Giamatti (PLANET OF THE APES) already on board, Waters told Variety "I wish Meryl Streep would do it but I don't think she would.

It has to be somebody real, who looks like they could belong in a convenience store and in Hollywood these days, women in their forties who look real are hard to find."

Waters is going back to the craziness of his earlier films POLYESTER and PINK FLAMINGOS. "It's a sex education film that asks the question, 'Can tolerance go too far?' It's also based on a really true fact, and I've of course exaggerated it. But there are a tiny percentage of concussion sufferers who have a carnal lust they cannot control. Of course in this film, they take over a whole neighborhood."

Jewel Is Denied No. 1 Spot by Metallica

NEW YORK - Jewel was on track to have the first No. 1 album debut in her career — until Metallica decided to release their album a few days early to blunt the effect of bootleggers.

As a result, Jewel's new disc, "0304," has debuted at No. 2, with 144,000 copies sold.

Metallica's "St. Anger" was No. 1, with 418,000 copies sold, according to industry figures released Wednesday. The album was originally due to be released this week, but instead went on sale last Thursday.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Jewel was nonchalant about her almost No. 1. "It's all out of my control," she said.

She added that it's still the highest-debuting record she's ever had: "It's really unusual that you'll have a higher-debuting record than any other record in your career. Usually, 10 years into your career, it's going down."

"0304" is a departure for the 29-year-old singer-songwriter; she's traded in her folklike ballads for a dance beat. In addition, her image has gotten sexier; her new video features her dressed in skimpy, revealing clothes.

'Fall Guy' Jumps to Big Screen

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - With a big-screen version of TV cop show "Starsky and Hutch" in production at Warner Bros., the studio is now bringing another television property to the big screen, the '80s action-adventure series "The Fall Guy," which starred Lee Majors.

The show, which ran on ABC from 1981-86, starred Majors as Colt Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter. Helping him out was beautiful stuntwoman Jody and Colt's eager but inexperienced younger cousin Howie. A bail bondswoman gave them their assignments, while Colt incorporated the stuntwork he used in his day job into his pursuit of the bail jumpers.

The series' creator, Glen Larson, will serve as an executive producer. He held that role on such series as "Quincy, M.E.," "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries," "Battlestar Galactica," "BJ and the Bear," "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," "Magnum, P.I." and "Knight Rider."

Tristan Patterson is attached to write the script in a deal potentially worth in the low seven figures. He most recently wrote "The Regulators" for Disney, based on his own pitch.

WB is also developing a big-screen version of "The Dukes of Hazzard."

'Sopranos' Star Shares Wealth

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Even as discussions heat up among the principals to commit to a sixth season of "The Sopranos," sources say the real buzz on the set of HBO's hit mob drama has been about the generous gesture made last week by James Gandolfini to more than a dozen of his fellow cast members.

Gandolfini, who had a bruising salary renegotiation with HBO earlier this year, recently received his first advance from HBO on his share of the "Sopranos" profits, and in turn, the Emmy-winning actor quietly handed out checks in the five-figure range to series regulars, including Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, Dominic Chianese and Tony Sirico.

Sources said Gandolfini ponied up about $500,000 of his own cash as a way of acknowledging that in his view, the show's success hinges on the strength of its ensemble cast.

"It was always part of his plan (during the renegotiations) to share some of the wealth with the other actors," a source close to Gandolfini said. "He has always called this show an ensemble, from Day 1."

Meanwhile, sources said that HBO and "Sopranos" creator/executive producer David Chase are in talks about the possibility of doing a sixth season (the show is now in production on Season 5). HBO's option for picking up the actors' contracts for a sixth season expired Tuesday, but the "Sopranos" troupers agreed to a one-week extension. An HBO spokeswoman declined comment.

Metallica Returns from 5-Year Hiatus Atop Charts

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Extending rock music's recent reign over the U.S. pop charts, Metallica grabbed the No. 1 spot with the debut of "St. Anger," its first studio album in more than five years.

On the verge of splintering a few years ago, the veteran heavy metal act's recent moves to get in touch with its vulnerable side appear to have paid off.

"St. Anger," produced after fractious band members hired a therapist to help them work better as a team, sold a whopping 418,000 copies during the sales week ended Sunday, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

It was the band's fourth-biggest debut since SoundScan began tracking album sales in 1991.

By comparison, Metallica's last studio album, "Reload," entered the charts at No. 1 in 1997 with 435,000 copies sold its first week. That album went on to sell 3.7 million copies in the United States alone.

Metallica's 1996 title "Load" sold 680,000 copies in its first week, and its self-titled 1991 set (aka "The Black Album") opened with sales of more than 500,000 units.

Metallica's return on Elektra Records, a unit of AOL Time Warner Inc., also marks the fourth straight week that a rock album has topped the Billboard 200. Led Zeppelin's three-disc live set "How the West was Won" opened at No. 1 last week, following chart-topping bows from Staind and Marilyn Manson the two previous weeks.

The commercial success of those artists is in keeping with a recent survey by the Recording Industry Association of America, which found that rock was the most popular genre of recorded music in 2002 while consumers over age 45 have emerged as the steadiest record buyers.

"St. Anger," Metallica's first album since the departure of bassist Jason Newsted, comes bundled with a bonus DVD featuring the band playing the album tracks in a live setting.

The album's title cut already is getting strong airplay, opening last week at No. 2 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks tally, the highest entry on that chart since Van Halen's "Without You" debuted at No. 1 in March 1998.

The album's debut was especially impressive given that "St. Anger" was released on a Thursday, meaning that it racked up its opening tally in just four days.

But four days was more than enough for Metallica to outshine the release of singer-songwriter Jewel's latest album, "0304," which opened at No. 2 with sales of 144,000 copies. Slipping a notch to No. 3, hard-core rapper 50 Cent's debut smash "Get Rich or Die Tryin"' sold another 99,000 copies to boost its 18-week total to 5 million units.

Rounding out the top five were alternative rock band Evanescence with "Fallen," followed by the soundtrack to the hit street-racing movie sequel "2 Fast 2 Furious."

Two other albums entered the pop chart in the top 10 -- rock band Train's third release "My Private Nation" at No. 6 and a greatest-hits collection from the country group Lonestar at No. 8.

Meanwhile, "How the West Was Won," Led Zeppelin's first chart-topping album since 1979's "In Through the Out Door," slipped eight notches to No. 9 with second-week sales of 76,000 copies. Zeppelin was followed at No. 10 by "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson's debut album, "Thankful."

Spader Joins 'Practice'

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - James Spader is in final negotiations to join "The Practice" following the recent exit of six cast members from David E. Kelley's ailing ABC legal drama, including Dylan McDermott and Lara Flynn Boyle.

Spader will join Camryn Manheim, Michael Badalucco, Steve Harris and Jessica Capshaw as regulars on the series, which is heading into its eighth season in the fall. He will play Alan Shore, a complicated and ethically challenged lawyer.

"It is a writer's dream to work with an actor as multifaceted and layered as James Spader is," Kelley said. "I've been a fan of his for some time and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity for us to work together."

Sources said Spader caught Kelley's eye with his performance in last year's quirky indie comedy "Secretary."

"The Practice" will mark only the second regular TV gig for Spader, who had a role on NBC's short-lived drama "The Family Tree" in 1983. He memorably played a 12-stepper on an episode of "Seinfeld." He recently earned critical acclaim for his work in the FX television movie "The Pentagon Papers."

On This Day In History - June 11

1793 - The first patent for a stove was issued -- to Robert Haeterick.

1961 - Roy Orbison was wrapping up a week at number one on the "Billboard" record chart with "Running Scared", his first number one hit.

1972 - The controversial 62-minute XXX-rated film "Deep Throat" opened at the Mature World Theatre in New York City. Linda Lovelace starred, or, whatever...

1979 - One of America’s greatest legends, both as a movie star and as a symbol of patriotism, died this day. Marion Michael Morrison, known as John Wayne, died following a courageous fight with cancer. ‘The Duke’ was 72.

1981 - The first baseball player’s strike in major-league history began during mid-season after Seattle defeated Baltimore 8-2 at the Kingdome in Seattle. For two months, the nation’s favorite pastime was watching negotiations between the players’ union and team owners.

1982 - The movie "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" opened. Steven Spielberg directed this classic. It dazzled audiences with state-of-the-art special effects and a touching, humorous, story line, grossing over $100 million in its first 31 days of theatrical release.

1993 - U.S. audiences rumbled to theatres for a first look at Jurassic Park. The Steven Spielberg-directed dinosaur blockbuster billed a gigantic $47.06 million -- just for openers.

1999 - "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" premiered at theatres across North America.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUCE!!

Indy DVD Update

Just can't wait until November when that Indiana Jones Collection box set arrives? No? Well, you're not alone. Just got confirmation from Paramount Home Entertainment regarding most of the specs for the highly-anticipated box, which is sure to be one of the biggest catalog sellers of all time.

The four-disc box will be available in separate 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions, with audio options including Dolby Digital tracks in English 5.1 and French and Spanish 2.0 surround (sorry, no DTS or EX) plus subtitles in English, French and Spanish plus English Closed Captions. With all the extras on the fourth disc, what can you expect? While still untitled, thrill to a new full-length documentary on the series, four separate featurettes on the sound, the music, the stunts and the wizards at ILM. As of now, no word on whether or not all the film's many trailers will be able to be squeezed on the bonus disc, but stay tuned.

And in one of those rumors that only the Internet could produce, there is a rumour about a possible special bonus 5th disc offer for the Indy Jones set, which would available to purchasers at specific retailers only, such as Best Buy. However, we've received official word from both Paramount and Lucasfilm that they have no such plans or any awareness of such a promotion or bonus disc offer. Of course, watch this space for any further updates.

Die Another Day DVD Easter Egg

On their Special Edition release of the latest James Bond movie 'Die Another Day,' MGM has finally returned to their glorious tradition of including hidden features on those Bond DVDs.

Insert the second disc of the set and from the Main Menu select 'Image Database.' In the following screen select the entry 'Locations and Sets,' which takes you to the respective photo gallery. Now go through the images until you see a picture of Halle Berry coming out of the water - it is the twelfth image in the gallery - and press the 'Up' arrow key on your remote control.

This will take you to a separate menu screen entitled 'Hi Jinx.' On this screen you get to see alternative footage of this homage to Ursula Andress’ first appearance in 'Dr. No,' from a variety of angles and at different speeds.

A Classic Case Of Downsizing

Something strange is abreast with Knickknack, the critically acclaimed 1989 short that precedes Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo at theaters nationwide.

The short follows the hapless attempts of a lonely snow-globe snowman to escape his domain and join a plastic Miami beach bunny. The movie was released on a G-rated 1996 video collection called Tiny Toy Stories. But in that version, the Miami beauty and a mermaid who appears at the end of the short were more well-endowed than they are today.

"In the original, the girls have breasts the size of large grapefruit," says animation fan Raymond Tucker of Greensboro, N.C. "In the new version, the breasts just aren't there."

Though Disney and Pixar aren't talking, fans say the reduction reduces the humor of the short.

Paul Poroshin, 23, an animation buff from Old Bridge, N.J., suspects the women were deflated to make the short more politically correct.

"It can be argued that this breast removal does nothing to the story or that it's just some sexual male thing, but to me it's all about intent and the vision of an artist," Poroshin says. "The snowman is after a large-breasted girl. His facial expressions tell it all, especially when, in the end, he dunks in the fish tank and gets trapped again."

Though it's not clear whether Pixar or Disney made the change, Disney has a history of making subtle changes when reissuing a classic that includes aspects that might be less savory to modern viewers:

• In the short The Three Little Pigs (1933), the wolf originally tried to get into a pig's house by pretending to be a Jewish salesman, with a mask and a Yiddish accent. The scene was re-animated, probably in the 1940s, to make the wolf look and sound more like he does elsewhere in the cartoon.

• When the feature Melody Time (1948) was released for the first time on DVD and video in 2000, Pecos Bill's omnipresent cigarette was digitally removed from his mouth in every frame. Gone is the memorable sequence in which he rolls one and grabs a thundercloud to light the cigarette with a lightning bolt.

• Even in the supposedly "uncut, restored" Fantasia (1940) released on DVD in 2000, a black "centaurette," the servant of a white centaurette, has been eliminated, according to animation historian Jerry Beck.

"These films need to be treated like classic films, not kids' fodder," says Beck, editor of cartoonresearch.com and author of the upcoming book Outlaw Animation. "Would they cut a frame from The Wizard of Oz or Citizen Kane? No."

Ironically, Beck says, Disney treats its classic cartoons better than other studios. "Disney is the only company to treat these films with a lot of respect," he says. He singles out Disney's ongoing DVD series Walt Disney Treasures (sample titles: The Complete Goofy, Mickey Mouse in Black and White, Silly Symphonies)as an example of well-done cartoon reissues.

The series includes the censored version of Pigs but offers a glimpse of the original with commentary by film critic Leonard Maltin.

ABOUT A.I.

The makers of Ice Age announcing their next CGI project will be Robots, which has already started production with a cast of voices including Mel Brooks, Halle Berry, Ewan McGregor and Jim Broadbent. The movie is expected hit theaters in 2005.

SCORE!

ABC's telecast of Monday's decisive Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs attracting 7.2 million viewers--the largest TV audience ever for a hockey game. New Jersey beat Anaheim 3-0.

Hulk: It's Not Easy Being CG

Studio execs are seeing red (and possibly less green) after a rough cut of The Hulk has been circulated on the Internet just two weeks before the movie's June 20 premiere.

It's not the first time Web pirates have obtained bootlegged copies of a highly anticipated movie. Recent hits Finding Nemo, The Matrix Reloaded and Spider-Man all appeared online before their theatrical releases.

Problem is for The Hulk, the version viewers are watching--and slamming on Websites like Ain't It Cool News for its shoddy CG effects--is, according to Universal, an unfinished product and doesn't reflect the film's polished F/X.

But the damage may have been done. The Ain't It Cool News website, whose bad buzz has known to derail would-be blockbusters (see Rollerball), has been flooded with amateur reviews criticizing ILM's unrealistic renderings. One Web surfer, Orion's Angel, opined, "I saw an early workprint of the Hulk movie online and the Hulk hadn't even been added the scenes yet, let me tell ya, the CGI was terrible!"

Not exactly the reception Universal was hoping for its $150 million big-screen adaptation of Marvel Comics Day-Glo green antihero, directed by Ang Lee and starring relative newcomer Eric Bana as the mild-mannered Dr. Bruce Banner (who transforms into the not-so-jolly green giant after getting pelted with gamma rays) and Oscar-winning beauty Jennifer Connelly as Banner's long-suffering gal-pal Betty Ross.

The studio, which recently released hits Bruce Almighty and 2 Fast 2 Furious, is under pressure to perform as its parent company, Vivendi Universal, looks to unload its U.S. entertainment division to the highest bidder. The studio was also eyeing The Hulk as a franchise launcher.

So, despite the disses, the studio is putting on a brave face. Execs insist that Internet critics aren't representative of regular movie-going audiences and claim that the unfinished flick has been unfairly judged.

"As is often the case with highly anticipated media content, the nature of such postings is more often an indication of the appetite for the movie rather than an accurate link to such content," said Universal spokeswoman Susan Fleishman in a statement released Monday.

But it's an uphill battle. The movie's been battling bad word of mouth ever since a hastily put-together Super Bowl commercial had fans comparing the computer-generated Hulk to Gumby on steroids.

Again, Universal blamed unfinished renderings (and questionable TV resolution) as the cruddy quality culprit.

The movie's also been over budget and over schedule--at least $20 million was required for reshoots on ILM's animation work, which the studio denied was required to fix or improve the movie.

However, it's not all thumbs down. An anonymous movie geek on Ain't It Cool News, who says he's seen a legitimate preview, writes, "Forget all those cynics that doubt the movie's F/X. Everything in this movie looks incredible. The intergration of the CG Hulk into the real environments is flawless. When you see Hulk smashing things like crazy and tossing tanks around, you believe he's there doing it for real."

That's good news for Universal, which is trying to track the origin of the pirated movie that first appeared through Internet Relay Chat, a program that lets users transfer files at high speeds.

"We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine how this occurred, and those responsible will face serious consequences," said Universal's Fleishman.

In other words, Universal smash.

Nirvana Song Called Best of Past 25 Years

NEW YORK - Here they are now, entertaining us — or at least entertaining VH1, which named Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" the greatest song of the past quarter-century. The Seattle band's groundbreaking grunge anthem is No. 1 on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Songs of the Past 25 Years."

The whole countdown will air over five nights, starting at 10 p.m. EDT Monday on the video music channel. The series will feature clips of videos and performances by the artists along with interviews from musicians and celebrities discussing why the songs matter.

Of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan said: "That was really a breakthrough for a great scene that had been going on for a long time up in Seattle. And it was kind of another victory, I think, for a misunderstood music, you know. The dam broke when 'Teen Spirit' came out."

While no one performer or group dominated the countdown, which was chosen by a panel of VH1 executives, several had two songs featured.

Michael Jackson had the second-highest song, "Billie Jean," and was at No. 40 with "Beat It." Eminem reached No. 4 with "Lose Yourself," while his "My Name Is" was No. 85. Madonna's "Like a Virgin" was No. 10 and her "Ray of Light" was No. 100.

Rounding out the top 10 were "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses, "One" by U2, "Walk This Way" by Run-D.M.C., "When Doves Cry" by Prince, "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston and "Every Breath You Take" by The Police.

In May 2001, VH1 picked the 100 greatest videos of all time; Jackson's "Thriller," a 17-minute mini-movie, was No. 1, but it didn't even make the list this time.

Simmons Taps Dylan, Zappa Songs for Solo Set

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Gene Simmons' first solo record in 25 years will feature songs co-written by Bob Dylan and the late Frank Zappa, Billboard.com has learned.

The as-yet-untitled disc will be among the first albums released through his recently revived Simmons Records' new deal with Sanctuary Records.

The Dylan co-write, "Waiting for the Morning Light," was born out of a one-day writing session at Simmons' home in Los Angeles six or seven years ago, the Kiss bassist/vocalist says.

"Bob came up with the chords, most of them, and then I took it and wrote lyrics, melody, the rest of it," he says, adding that he kept urging Dylan through the years to put lyrics to the song. "I'd see him on tour, and I'd say, 'Bob, you wanna write the song? And he would say, 'No, man, you write it, Mr. Kiss."'

Of the one-day session, Simmons says, "We understood each other right away. He picked up an acoustic guitar, and we just tossed it back and forth, 'How 'bout this, how 'bout that?' And he started to strum, because he -- at least with me -- tended to talk and strum guitar at the same time. And as soon as I heard the first three or four chords, I went, 'Wait, wait, what's that? Do that again.' So I went and started to write a lyric around that."

Simmons says he also plans to build a song around an unused Zappa riff titled, appropriately, "Black Tongue."

"The plan is for Dweezil, Ahmet, and everybody to play on it, and to take Frank's voice and create a brand new song. It's very dark, very sort of King Crimson, 'In the Court of the Crimson King'-kind of sound, with 7/8 time."

The bassist, whose previous solo album was a 1978 self-titled set released the same day as solo sets from his three Kiss bandmates -- singer/guitarist Paul Stanley, singer Ace Frehley, and drummer Peter Criss -- is also courting the likes of John Mellencamp, Axl Rose, and Trey Anastasio for guest vocals.

The album, previewed to Billboard.com, will surely surprise many. The funky, acoustic guitar-laced "Dog" recalls Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London," and the soulful, midtempo "Waiting for the Morning Light," a relationship song, is reminiscent of Daryl Hall.

"Looking Out the Window" is a sentimental, Beatles-inspired number that features lap steel. Another cut, "Asshole," is more of a straightforward, rock guitar-driven track.

The solo set, for which no release date has yet been set, is just one of many projects Simmons is working on.

Kiss is nearing the July 22 release of The Kiss Symphony: Alive IV," which captures the band's Feb. 28 performance with the Melbourne Orchestra, the first release from Kiss Records via Sanctuary. A summer co-headlining jaunt with Aerosmith begins Aug. 2 in Hartford, Conn.

"Sex, Money, Kiss," Simmons' second book, following the autobiography "Kiss and Make-Up," is due next week via his own Simmons Books (through New Millennium).

Three more books are in the pipeline, "Groupies: Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' roll," "Gene Simmons Mysteries," and "How to Raise a Rock Star," written by his longtime girlfriend, actress Shannon Tweed.

Simmons says he's also closing in on signing the first artists to Simmons Records in more than a decade. The label was last active in the late 1980s and was previously distributed through RCA/BMG.

It released records by hard rock acts such as House Of Lords, Silent Rage, and Gypsy Rose with moderate success.

With the revived label, he says he's out to prove that "Van Halen wasn't a fluke." Simmons is credited with discovering the band.

Ruben Studdard to No Longer Wear Jerseys

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard said he no longer will wear the colorful jerseys that helped set him apart from other contestants on the Fox television show.

Studdard wore the jerseys emblazoned with the numbers 2-0-5 — referring to the area code for his hometown of Birmingham — throughout much of the competition, which he won last month on a vote by TV viewers.

But in an interview Sunday with The Birmingham News, Studdard said "a combination of things" led him to decide not to wear the shirts made by 205 Flava Inc. anymore.

"I will always represent the area 205, but 205 Flava is not indicative of what I am about," Studdard, 24, said while in Birmingham to record the video for his new single, "Flying Without Wings."

He would not elaborate further on his decision.

Willie Jenkins, an owner of 205 Flava, said Sunday he was stunned at the news. "I don't understand why this man would say what he said," Jenkins said. "I have been behind him 110 percent."

Jenkins said Studdard asked him about wearing a jersey to represent Birmingham after making the top 32 on the show. From then on, the store shipped jerseys to Studdard in Los Angeles every week when he needed them, Jenkins said.

Studdard's wearing the jerseys led to increased sales, but the men had no formal agreement that he would be paid for his endorsement.

"I want Ruben to be rewarded for his success via merchandise sales," said Alvin Garrett, Studdard's close friend and business partner for the Music Caterers entertainment company. "I don't want people to prosper if they are exploiting my friend."

Jenkins said he is talking with Studdard's entertainment company about an endorsement deal but none has been made.

THANK HEAVENS THE STORY WILL BE TOLD BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE CULTURE

Sylvester Stallone is writing and will direct and star in a film about corruption in the LAPD and the murders of rap stars Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.

Elie Samaha's Franchise Pictures will produce the pic.

Stallone is eyeing a Sept. 1 production start for the drama, which threads together a number of controversial recent events.

Stallone will play a real-life LAPD detective, Russell Poole, in the pic, which has the working title "Rampart Scandal." It will be told from different perspectives, in the vein of "Rashomon."

Pic begins with Poole's investigation of the murders of Shakur and Smalls. It follows Poole -- who vows to Smalls' mother he'll finger her son's killer -- as he unravels the intrigue and coverups surrounding the crime.

Stallone is talking with record mogul Suge Knight about playing himself in the pic.

Jeff Wald and Mark Skelly, who shepherded the material through development, will also produce.

Mikko Allane wrote an earlier version of the script.

Pic marks the latest teaming of Stallone and Franchise, which produced such pics as "Driven" and "Get Carter."

The project "scared off a lot of people," Stallone told DAILY VARIETY. "Elie was one of the few people who had the insight and temerity to step up."

The circumstances surrounding the murders of Shakur and Smalls continue to generate fierce debate.

Poole is featured in Randall Sullivan's book "Labyrinth: A Detective Investigates the Murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, the Implication of Death Row Records' Suge Knight, and the Origins of the Los Angeles Police Scandal."

He also appears in Nick Broomfield's recent documentary "Biggie and Tupac"; in that pic, Poole lays out the theory that Knight is responsible for Shakur's murder.

"Rampart" is "the story of one honest cop, at a time when the whole country is corrupt," Wald said.

Stallone has directed various films, including three installments of the "Rocky" franchise. (As reported by VARIETY)

Here are the new music releases for Tuesday, June 10, 2003:

* ANNIE LENNOX Bare (Arista)
* BB KING Reflections on Life (MCA)
* BRUCE COCKBURN You've Never Seen Anything (True North)
* CHICAGO Chicago II (DVD Audio) (Rhino)
* DROPKICK MURPHYS Blackout (Hellcat)
* GEORGE STRAIT Honkytonkville (MCA Nashville)
* MARY J. BLIGE TBA (MCA)
* MEMPHIS BLEEK M.A.D.E. (Def Jam)
* MEST TBA (Mest) (Warner)
* NOVEL The Word (Rawkus)
* PRIMUS Greatest Hits (Interscope)
* R.L. BURNSIDE First Recordings (Fat Possum)
* RADIOHEAD Hail To The Thief (Parlophone/EMI)
* RANCID TBA (Rancid) (Hellcat)
* RUGRATS GO WILD OST Rugrats Go Wild OST (Hollywood)
* STEELY DAN Everything Must Go (Reprise)
* VARIOUS ARTISTS Parental Advisory (Universal)

'The Sopranos' Delayed, but Could Have Extra Episodes

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - In the category of good things come to those who wait, fans of "The Sopranos" most likely won't see new episodes of the mob drama until early 2004. The fifth season had been scheduled for a fall 2003 premiere.

When the show finally does return, though, it could be around for as many as six additional episodes beyond its usual complement of 13.

That's the word from series creator David Chase, who says the storyline he's planned for the coming season -- which he has previously said would be the last for "The Sopranos" -- couldn't necessarily be contained to 13 hours.

"I'd planned out an arc for Season 5 that would have ended the show," Chase tells the New York Daily News. "But as we're getting into it, we're finding there's a lot more material. We could cram it into 13 episodes, but I don't know that it's the right thing to do. So there may be additional episodes."

HBO and Chase are talking about making additional episodes. "I suspect they'll be okay with that," Chase says.

Chase wasn't too worried during the short but intense period when "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini threatened not to show up for work without a substantial raise.

"I just felt it would probably work out. And if it didn't, there's nothing you could do about it," Chase says.

The two sides settled the matter quickly, with Gandolfini getting more money per episode, though not as much as he had initially demanded.

The issue lingered briefly on the set of the show, but Chase says it went away fairly quickly once everyone got to work.

Michelle Branch Opens Up To 'Blender'

Nineteen-year old Michelle Branch delivers a candid interview in the June/July issue of Blender magazine, which features Jewel on the cover. The singer revealed that fame has caused problems in her love life.

"I think people assume that they can't ask me out for some reason," Branch said. "Once in a while, I'll play a show and there'll be a cute guy in the audience or something, but either he's wearing a shirt with my face on it or carrying a sign saying, 'If you want to, I can date you.'" Branch jokingly added, "I can only hope that I go on tour with a cute band."

Unfortunately for Branch's libido, her next outing has her serving as the opening act on the Dixie Chick's tour. She begins her supporting run for the Chicks on June 19 in Boston.

Branch will release her sophomore album Hotel Paper on June 24. The CD's first single "Are You Happy Now" climbs up 22 spots to Number 48 on the latest Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Today's New Releases

One of the year's funniest films (OLD SCHOOL), an unnecessary sequel (THE JUNGLE BOOK 2) and an Oscar winner/nominee (FRIDA) are all debuting on DVD or video today. Enjoy!

OLD SCHOOL - Three mid-life guys revist their roots and start a fraternity in this great "...ANIMAL HOUSE for the two-thousands." (Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell)

THE JUNGLE BOOK 2 - Yup, another mediocre Disney sequel to a classic film. **sigh**

TEAR OF THE SUN - I didn't see this war movie in theatres, but my friend Cory, who loves war movies, saw it and said it was okay. In the end it does star Monica Belucci, so I'll give it a watch. (Bruce Willis, Monica Belucci)

FRIDA - The true life story of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Sure, she was Oscar nominated, but Salma still can't act. (Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush)

BIKER BOYZ - An up-and-comer challenges the king of street racing in this WHO GIVES A RATS ASS film. (Laurence Fishburne, Derek Luke, Larenz Tate)

THEY - A student looks at her fear of the dark. (Laura Regan, Marc Blucas, Ethan Embry)

THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIES - This set contains The Brady Bunch and A Very Brady Sequel. (Shelley Long, Christine Taylor, Gary Cole)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Complete 4th Season - The complete fourth season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. (Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan)

Strange Planet - Three women and three men have one year to figure "it" out. It's not a great film, but it does star Naomi Watts! (Naomi Watts, Claudia Karvan, Alice Garner)

And that is a look at your new releases for today. And remember, it isn't mean or biting scarcasm if it's true.

THEY'RE BACK!

NBC bringing back the man-eating aliens of V for a three-hour TV movie titled V: The Second Generation. The new movie, from '80s miniseries creator Kenneth Johnson, takes place 20 years in the future as the resistance movement gains a mysterious new ally in their fight to save Earth.

Baywatch babe Pam Anderson to launch celebrity wake-up service

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Do you fancy being woken up every morning by Hollywood sex kitten Pamela Anderson, even if you don't happen to be her rocker fiance Kid Rock? Well, now you can be.

Blond bombshell Baywatch star Anderson, 35, has signed on to a celebrity wake-up service which allows customers to be gently roused by her dulcet tones for only 7.99 dollars per month.

"Hi, it's Pamela," purrs one of the musically-backed matinal greetings explaining that the star is "filling in for your alarm clock."

"I love animals, they're fuzzy, cute and fun to play with. Are you fun to play with? How about getting down on your hands and knees and barking like a dog. Now get your fuzzy ass out if bed and fetch my slippers.

"Have a great day, you animal," Anderson says.

Anderson is the first star to lend her voice to the messaging service, Celebrity Wake Up -- set up in partnership with Tinseltown's William Morris Agency and powered by communications giant IDT, the firm said.

"I wanted to launch Celebrity Wake Up with a voice the world would want to wake up to," said founder J.R. Getches.

Punters will be able to choose from seven early morning greetings from Anderson, who is as famous for her turbulent marriage to rocker Tommy Lee as for her television and film roles.

"Every second the sun releases enough energy to supply our planet with power for over a billion years -- and you can't get out of bed?," Anderson says in another of the messages.

"What kind of work ethic is that? A bad one, that's what kind. Now get up, get to work, and fuse with hydrogen -- or at least have some coffee."

In addition to the early morning calls, customers of the service can also conjure up a celebrity birthday call service for just five dollars, company officials said.

Anderson will be the first celebrity to offer her voice to the outfit for a month, but others are in negotiation to follow in her footsteps, the officials said.

Study: Smoking in Movies Encourages Teens

LONDON - Youngsters who watch movies in which actors smoke a lot are three times more likely to take up the habit than those exposed to less smoking on-screen, a new study of American adolescents suggests.

The study, published Tuesday on the Web site of The Lancet medical journal, provides the strongest evidence to date that smoking depicted in movies encourages adolescents to start smoking, according to some experts. Others said they remain unconvinced.

Many studies have linked smoking in films with increased adolescent smoking, but this is the first to assess children before they start smoking and track them over time.

The investigators concluded that 52 percent of the youngsters in the study who smoked started entirely because of seeing movie stars smoke on screen.

"This effect is stronger than the effect of traditional cigarette advertising and promotion, which accounts for only 34 percent of new experimentation," said Stanton Glantz, a professor of medicine at the Institute for Health Policy Studies at the University of California, San Francisco, who was not connected with the research.

However, Paul Levinson, a media theorist at Fordham University in New York noted there are many reasons people start smoking and the study could not accurately determine how important each factor is.

"It's the kind of thing we should be looking at but ... the fact that two things seem to be intertwined doesn't mean that the first causes the second," said Levinson, who was not involved in the study. "What we really need is some kind of experimental study where there's a controlled group."

The Motion Picture Association of America, which rates movies and represents the movie industry, had no immediate comment.

The research, conducted by scientists at Dartmouth Medical School, involved 2,603 children from Vermont and New Hampshire schools who were aged between 10 and 14 at the start of the study in 1999 and had never smoked a cigarette at the time they were recruited.

The adolescents were asked at the beginning of the study which movies they had seen from a list of 50 movies released between 1988 and 1999.

Investigators counted the number of times smoking was depicted in each movie and determined how many smoking incidents each of the adolescents had seen. Exposure was categorized into four groups, with the lowest level involving between zero and 531 occurrences of smoking and the highest involving between 1,665 and 5,308 incidents of smoking. There were about 650 adolescents in each exposure group.

Within two years, 259, or 10 percent, of the youths reported they had started to smoke or had at least taken a few puffs.

Twenty-two of those exposed to the least on-screen smoking took up the habit, compared with 107 in the highest exposure group — a fivefold difference.

However, after taking into account factors known to be linked with starting smoking, such as sensation-seeking, rebelliousness or having a friend or relative who smokes, the real effect was reduced to a threefold difference.

The researchers also concluded 52 percent of the startup in smoking could be attributed to the movies.

Children of nonsmokers were particularly influenced by smoking in films. Those in the highest movie exposure category were four times more likely to start than adolescents in the lowest group.

In a separate critique of the study, also published by the Lancet, Glantz, who is also a prominent anti-smoking advocate and founder of the U.S.-based Smoke Free Movies campaign, called for an adult, or "R," rating for movies depicting smoking, noting that 60 percent of the total exposure to smoking in movies in the study were in youth-rated films.
 
Brendan McCormick, spokesman for tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris USA, said depictions of smoking in movies is driven by directors and producers. Tobacco companies do not provide products to moviemakers or pay for product placements, he said.

"We think that producers of films should think very carefully about including depictions of smoking, especially in movies that are likely to be seen by kids," McCormick said.

The study was funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

Letterman's Time Off Remains Unknown

NEW YORK - Among the many mysteries of David Letterman: how much time he's planning to take off this summer.

The CBS "Late Show" host turned over the reins to guest host Tom Arnold on Friday. Letterman's spokesman, Steven Rubenstein, said Monday that Letterman will make up his mind whether he's taking more time off as he goes along.

"I've worked since I was 11 years old," Letterman said on his show last week. "And I just feel like it's summer now, I'd like to take a day off."

He told band leader Paul Shaffer that he had "T.A.S.," or "tired ass syndrome."

The oddity is that Letterman rarely works Fridays anyway. He generally tapes his Thursday and Friday shows back to back on Thursday evening — so, by skipping Friday, he's basically leaving the office a few hours earlier.

Letterman missed five weeks of work earlier this year due to shingles, and was out after a heart bypass operation in 2000.

The time off is notable since he's competing against a workaholic. NBC "Tonight" show host Jay Leno missed his first night of work in a decade last month due to a job switch stunt with Katie Couric — he was host of "Today" that day instead.

Leno has expanded his advantage over Letterman in the ratings over the past few years.

"We were aware he was taking last Friday off," said Chris Ender, CBS entertainment spokesman. "We don't know what the situation is for next Friday. But we don't expect it to be a prolonged situation."

Harrison Ford Swaps Heroes for Humor

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - He's a Hollywood hero who doesn't say much but he finds lost Arks of the Covenant, battles poisonous snakes and space invaders and pretty much kicks butt from one end of the universe to the other.

Now Harrison Ford at the ripe age of almost 61 has decided to do something completely different: He wants to make you laugh.

It's not so much that the rugged, quintessentially American hero wants to reinvent himself. It's just that beneath that gruff exterior, that well-known dislike of interviews and all those "sexiest man alive" accolades, Harrison Ford has a sense of humor, and now he wants to show it.

He's only hung up his action hero hat until he starts shooting a fourth Indiana Jones movie next year. But in his new movie, "Hollywood Homicide," opening Friday in the United States, Ford is not only funny. He also has a screen sidekick in Josh Hartnett who rivals his own status as a heartthrob.

Ford even pulls off a joke about that, telling his screen lover at one point in the movie, "If I can find the ginkgo, I remember to take the Viagra."

He plays a cop -- again -- and as usual he gets the villain in the end after a series of thrilling car chases and stunts -- many of which he performs himself.

COMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Ford said he took the role as world-weary Los Angeles police detective Joe Gavilan because of the "comic opportunities."

"I was looking for a comedy because lately I've been doing more serious roles ... In the comedies I have done, mostly romantic comedies, I'm more or less the straight man. This was one situation where I can take advantage of the opportunity to push it a little bit," Ford told Reuters.

Hartnett plays Ford's unlikely partner -- a young detective who not only has trouble shooting straight but has a lucrative sideline as a yoga teacher and, this being Los Angeles, secret aspirations to be an actor.

"Much of the comedy is built on the difference between the two characters -- generational, attitudes about the (cop) business, their tastes in music," said Ford.

Ford is not exactly cracking jokes yet during media interviews and sometimes he looks as if he wishes he were back at his Wyoming ranch flying his helicopter.

Ford has often bristled at the suggestion that he plays heroes, preferring to describe his screen roles as "guys that behave well under difficult circumstances."

But the famously tight-lipped actor does raise a quizzical eyebrow when asked whether he identifies with his "Hollywood Homicide" character -- a man he describes as "better at work than at life."

"Maybe we have that in common," the twice-divorced superstar concedes. "I wouldn't be surprised ... He's not meant to be perfect in any aspect of life. Part of his charm is his failure to be perfect but nonetheless resolute and hard-working and focused on what he needs to do."

START WITH WONDERFUL

Ford took the role of Gavilan when the movie was still at the concept stage with no script. "I start with wonderful, and ask for it to get better. I knew a wonderful Russian lady architect. I would come to her with proposals for changes and refinements, and she would very patiently listen to my ideas and say 'no limit for better' and that's pretty much a maxim I live by," he said.
 
Although "Hollywood Homicide" follows Ford's Russian submarine drama "K-19:The Widowmaker," which was a box-office disappointment last year, he has starred in four of the 10 highest-grossing movies of all time -- "Star Wars," "The Empire Strikes Back," "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Return of the Jedi."

In May he got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, attending the ceremony with his constant companion of the past year, former "Ally McBeal" star Calista Flockhart.

Ford says he feels under no pressure to keep delivering blockbuster hits, nor any desire to direct ("too hard, takes too long"). But he has signed up for a long-awaited fourth Indiana Jones movie, although prying out details is as challenging as trying to find that Lost Ark.

"We start shooting summer of 2004, Steven (Spielberg) is going to direct. That's all I can say yet," he said.

Titanic Star Winslet Marries Mendes in Caribbean

LONDON (Reuters) - "Titanic" star Kate Winslet has married her director boyfriend Sam Mendes in an intimate Caribbean ceremony, her publicist said on Monday.

The Oscar-nominated British actress took the plunge while holidaying with Mendes in late May, he added.

"Present were Winslet's daughter, Mia, and three close friends," the couple said in a statement, describing the event as a "small ceremony."

British director Mendes -- best known for "American Beauty" -- made theater history in February when he became the first triple winner at Britain's prestigious Laurence Olivier awards.

Divorcee Winslet, 28, is best known for her performances in "Titanic," "Heavenly Creatures" and "Sense and Sensibility."

Her appearance on the cover of men's magazine GQ caused a storm in January, when editors admitted to heavily airbrushing out the voluptuous curves for which she is renowned.

'SURVIVOR' JENNA TO BARE IT ALL

Jenna Morasca, the swimsuit model who won $1 million last month on "Survivor: Amazon," won't need the swimsuit in her next photo spread.

Jenna, 21, is taking it all off for the August issue of Playboy - to show viewers what they couldn't see last season when she and fellow contestant Heidi Strobel went topless for one of the challanges.

Heidi, 24, a phys-ed teacher from Missouri, will also appear in the Playboy feature.

It was something of a first when CBS showed the two women shirtless - albeit with their breasts obscured by video scrambling - on network TV.

"To my mind that was a classic moment of primetime television," Playboy editorial director James Kaminsky told The Post.

Playboy claims it is another first to get the big-money winner of a reality show - not a runner-up- to pose.

Jenna could earn another $1 million or more - depending on sales of the magazine - with the Playboy cover feature.

The photo session took place in a Brooklyn studio last month, the morning after Jenna was crowned the winner on a live telecast on May 11.

"Jenna actually went from her appearance on the Letterman show directly to our studio," Kaminsky said.

The sexy pictorial got the green light from "Survivor" executive producer Mark Burnett and CBS - both could have blocked the girls from posing nude. Under the contract "Survivor" contestants must sign, CBS has final say when and where participants may appear and who they may give interviews to for up to a year after the show airs.

Last month, CBS blocked Jenna from posing in an anti-fur ad for the animal rights group, PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The network has since reversed that decision.

"CBS was not the group that engineered this - but they had no problem with it," Kaminsky said.

"The girls signed off on it. I suppose CBS could have stopped it but they did not," he said. "And as soon as Mark Burnett found out that we were making these overtures to the girls, he thought that this was a great thing and supported it."

This latest version of "Survivor," the fifth since the series debuted two years ago, began as a battle of sexes.

The traditional two teams were divided by gender - which gave the show a new feel and allowed contestants to be less reserved since there was no one of the opposite sex around to object or be offended.

There may have been one hitch, say insiders.

Shortly after the shoot, one or both of the girls were said to have had second thoughts about posing nude and tried to pull out of the deal, a source told The Post.

But Kaminsky said to his knowledge everything went easily.

"As far as I know there was no problem.," he said. "Everything went as smooth as you hope these shoots go."

This will also be the fastest Playboy has ever turned around a photo project. The magazine's editors typically spend months working the photo shoots into each issue.

The "Survivor" project will go from photo session to print in the less than 90 days.

"It's about as fast as we're capable of doing it," Kaminsky said. "I'd love to think that we can use this as a model for the future because we often spend an awful lot of time on the photo shoots, it's just sort of the process."

Bling-bling made official by Oxford

LONDON (AP) — Khazi, minging, bling-bling?

Not some crazy new dialect, but standard British vocabulary, according to the latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, published Friday.

The publishers said they have added almost 6,000 new words and phrases that reflect 21st-century life, including the frowner's favourite, Botox, the passion-enhancing drug Viagra, and sambuca, the aniseed liqueur served with a flaming coffee bean.

Among the 187,000 definitions in the latest edition, published by Oxford University Press, there is also bevvy — British slang for a beer — and head-case, referring to a person who exhibits irrational behaviour. Bling-bling is a reference to elaborate jewelry and clothing, and the appreciation of it.

Half-inch, Cockney rhyming slang for pinch, or steal, also makes it into the dictionary this time around.

Some of the new terms, including cut-and-paste, screensavers and search engines, reflect the growing influence of computers, while hands-free phones and phreaking, the expression for hacking into phone systems for free calls, acknowledge developments in telecommunications.

Other corporate-speak considered established enough for inclusion in the dictionary includes dot-coms, or Internet companies, and blipverts, subliminal TV ads of just a few seconds' duration.

And J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional world in The Lord of the Rings is also recognized; orcs are defined as "members of an imaginary race of ugly, aggressive human-like creatures." The dictionary says the word probably comes from the Latin orcus meaning hell, or the Italian orco, meaning monster.

Getting down to basics, the new dictionary now makes it all right to describe the khazi (toilet) as minging (disgusting).

Shania bares her wares in Maxim

Shania Twain lets it all hang out on her latest magazine cover for Maxim -- For Men.

Beside the headline, "Canada's finest -- the pics we never thought we'd live to see," the Canadian country superstar is pictured in a black lace bra and black pants.

Inside, Twain talks about witnessing bar fights while performing in Northern Ontario as a young girl, singing Loverboy's Everybody's Working For The Weekend, and growing up eating, um, beaver, moose and bear.

She even says she would consider starring in a movie, say with Jackie Chan.

SHE'S THE ONE

Ed Burns and Christy Turlington tying the knot in San Francisco Saturday at a star-studded ceremony that included Sting and Vin Diesel. Bono gave away the bride.

'2 Furious' Races to Top of Box Office

LOS ANGELES - The street-racing sequel "2 Fast 2 Furious" won the pole position at the box office, taking in an estimated $52.1 million in its opening weekend.

The follow up to the 2001 hit "The Fast and the Furious," bumped the previous weekend's top film, the animated deep-sea adventure "Finding Nemo," which slipped to second place with an estimated $45.8 million.

"2 Fast 2 Furious" beat the $40.1 million opening weekend of "The Fast and the Furious" despite the absence of action star Vin Diesel, who did not return for the sequel. The new movie again features Paul Walker, this time paired with Tyrese Gibson, as a street racer infiltrating a smuggling ring among Miami hot-rodders.

With or without Diesel, "the cars are the stars," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal, which released both movies. "It's a great, multicultural, exciting little piece of entertainment. Just what teenagers are looking for."

Three-fourths of the audience was younger than 25, and "2 Fast 2 Furious" drew a broad ethnic mix, with Hispanics making up 38 percent of viewers and blacks accounting for 16 percent, the studio said.

The Disney-Pixar collaboration "Finding Nemo," whose $70.3 million debut a week earlier was the best ever for an animated film, pushed its 10-day total to $143.3 million. That was about $21 million ahead of the 10-day total of "Monsters, Inc.", the Disney-Pixar tale that was the previous record holder for best animated debut.

With youngsters getting out of school for summer, "Finding Nemo" has a good shot at passing the $256 million total gross of "Monsters, Inc.", which did much of its business during the school term in November and December of 2001, said Chuck Viane, Disney head of distribution.

"In summer, every day's a holiday," Viane said. "That really bodes well for the length of run for our movie."

The overall box office soared, with the top 12 movies grossing $157.1 million, up 52 percent from a relatively quiet weekend a year ago, when "The Sum of All Fears" remained the top film for the second straight week.

Despite two straight weekends of increased revenues, the box office so far this year continues to lag 4 to 5 percent behind Hollywood's haul in 2002, when the industry took in a record $9.5 billion.

After a slow winter and spring, Hollywood has rebounded with such blockbusters as "The Matrix Reloaded," whose $9.1 million weekend pushed its total to $247.7 million, and "X2: X-Men United," which grossed $3.05 million to lift its gross to $204.3 million.

"We're chipping away at this deficit and trying to regain some sort of lead over last year," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. "We've had two big up weekends in a row, and by mid to late summer, we could be ahead of last year."

Likely hits arriving over the next month include "The Hulk," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" and "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde."

Here are the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc., are:

1. "2 Fast 2 Furious," $52.1 million.
2. "Finding Nemo," $45.8 million.
3. "Bruce Almighty," $21.7 million.
4. "The Italian Job," $13.3 million.
5. "The Matrix Reloaded," $9.1 million.
6. "Daddy Day Care," $4.8 million.
7. "X2: X-Men United," $3.05 million.
8. "Wrong Turn," $2.65 million.
9. "The In-Laws," $2 million.
10. "Bend it Like Beckham," $975,000.

Zeppelin Gives Retail Whole Lotta Money

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Led Zeppelin's incendiary performances shook the world of rock'n'roll in the 1970s. Now retailers are hoping the band can do for DVDs what it did for the 12-string guitar.

The band's Led Zeppelin DVD (Atlantic) had a record-breaking first sales week, and the title's success may be the exception that proves the rule about the nascent music DVD category. A related three-CD set, How the West Was Won, debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200.

Record label executives and retailers believe that while music DVDs could be a godsend to the music business, more than a few kinks in the way they are marketed and merchandised must be ironed out before it truly takes off.

"This is a configuration that we hope will save our business," says Vicky Germaise, senior VP of marketing for Atlantic Records.

Shipments of music, fitness, documentary, and special-interest DVD titles in the first quarter more than doubled compared with the same time period last year, according to a recent report from the L.A.-based DVD Entertainment Group (Billboard, May 10).

Additionally, music DVDs have accounted for a steadily increasing portion of overall DVD releases since the format's inception in 1997, according to weekly video publication DVD Release Report. Last year, for example, the category comprised 13% of total releases. In 2001, music DVDs accounted for 12% of all releases.

Though releases and shipments are increasing, large-scale consumer awareness campaigns for music DVDs have been slow in coming.

"Say for instance that 8 Mile comes out on DVD," says David Levesque, head music buyer for the Troy, Mich.-based Harmony House chain. "There's a huge campaign on television, so everyone knows about it. That just does not happen in the world of music. Led Zeppelin was an exception."

Led Zeppelin DVD, in conjunction with the day-and-date release of How the West Was Won, was backed by an extensive promotional campaign that kicked off May 1. Both projects were released May 27.

LOCATION COUNTS

Retailers are hopeful that day-and-date releases could increase interest in music DVDs.

"When you have a CD and DVD released the same day, it is much easier," says Mark Higgins, video buyer for the Albany, N.Y.-based Trans World chain. "We can utilize the synergies and feature them together on a new-release rack."

Consumers may be having trouble finding newly released music DVDs because of the many different ways the category is displayed at retail. "Music DVDs could be in the DVD department with movies," Higgins says. "They could be mixed in with CDs. They could be in the music section at the beginning or end of a row."

These issues did not hinder the two-disc Led Zeppelin DVD, which set a record for highest single-week music DVD sales with 120,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The project's record is in the stand-alone music DVD category, which excludes DVD/CD hybrid projects. Recent hybrid titles from 50 Cent and Josh Groban have earned higher single-week sales than Led Zeppelin DVD.

Led Zeppelin DVD is also No. 1 on this issue's Top Music Videos chart.

How the West Was Won sold 154,000 copies in its first week of sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Led Zeppelin DVD beat the record set by Capitol Video's Back in the U.S. DVD from Paul McCartney, which sold 61,000 units in its first week of release in late November, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
 
Several titles have come close to McCartney's record since last year. EMI's Beatles Anthology sold 59,000 copies in its debut week this April, and An Evening With the Dixie Chicks sold 48,000 units in its first week on sale in February.

Even though retailers surveyed by Billboard stocked the Led Zeppelin DVD in different store sections, it was so sought-after that placement did not seem to matter.

"The title far outdid our expectations," says Storm Gloor, director of music for the Amarillo, Texas-based Hastings chain. "There's just not a lot out there visually from Led Zeppelin. We placed it in front of our music department."

Harmony House's Levesque says that the chain usually places music DVDs in their own section near films, though this project was displayed with the new Led Zeppelin CD in multiple locations around the store.

"Every now and then, like with Led Zeppelin, we would do that," he notes. "There are certain cases where that's a no-brainer."

Most label executives agree that displaying music DVDs near the act's CD projects is the best way to increase music DVD purchases.

Atlantic co-chairman Val Azzoli says, "It is imperative that DVDs are stocked right next to CDs. They are music DVDs, not film DVDs. If a kid wants to buy a Led Zeppelin DVD, why wouldn't he go to the Led Zeppelin music section?"

PACKAGING, STOCK ISSUES

Arista Records senior VP of sales Jordan Katz believes that packaging a music DVD in a CD-like jewel case instead of the larger DVD clamshell case will help the category even more.

"When we released DVD singles in the clamshell cases, we had moderate success," he says. "When we shifted over to jewel cases, it put the music DVD in the music section. Sales were three or four times as much as when they were packaged as a clamshell. That is one of the defining ways in how music DVD will grow."

But many industry executives say DVD packaging needs to be distinct from CD cases.

"It's one of the most bizarre trends in the business," says Ed Seaman, VP of sales and marketing for Music Video Distributors. "In every trade publication, it says that the CD business is declining. You read in every other article that DVD is hot, hot, hot. We believe in the strength of the DVD format and having it look like a DVD package."

Having space to stock a variety of music DVDs is also an issue, according to Seaman. "We'd love to see music DVDs take up more shelf space," he notes. "It's a forgotten area for some retailers."

Many retailers say that the quality of many music DVDs is too poor to warrant more space and that there are not enough new releases coming out in the category.

"There's a lot of room for growth in the music DVD category," says Dave Alder, senior VP of product and marketing for the L.A.-based Virgin Megastore chain.

"There's an enormous audience still to be reached if the quality of products improved. The Led Zeppelin DVD proves that there is a huge potential for music DVD. For us, music DVDs represent about 10% of our sales but only 3% of total releases."

Like many other labels, Atlantic plans to increase the number of music DVDs it releases each year.

It now has a deal with JVC, which will supply video cameras to every band on the label in an effort to create more visual content for eventual music DVDs. For Led Zeppelin DVD, band member Jimmy Page spent a year searching archives for visual material and contacting anyone that might have bootleg material.

Details about when the first titles stemming from the Atlantic initiative will be released or from which band are not yet available.

The label is also going to aim for high-quality projects, such as Led Zeppelin DVD. "What I hope doesn't happen is that there is a flood of incompetent product," Atlantic's Azzoli says. "We have a tendency to kill or overmilk good ideas in this business."

Good Hair Day for Some at Broadway's Tony Awards

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rock-musical "Hairspray" piled up a towering eight awards Sunday at the 57th Tony Awards for excellence on Broadway while "Long Day's Journey Into Night" and "Take Me Out" shared major dramatic honors.

"Hairspray," the stage version of the 1988 cult film classic by John Waters, swept the major musical categories, including best musical, best performances by a lead actor and actress and best direction.

In two of the most suspenseful races of the night, Harvey Fierstein outpolled leading man Antonio Banderas of "Nine," and newcomer Marissa Jaret Winokur beat Broadway darling Bernadette Peters of "Gypsy" for top actress honors.

"Thank God this wasn't a beauty contest," said Fierstein, who plays the hulking, gravel-voiced mother of the heroine of "Hairspray" in drag.

Gushed Winokur: "If a 4-foot-11 chubby New York girl can get a leading role in a Broadway show and get a Tony, anything can happen."

"Long Day's Journey Into Night" and "Take Me Out" both won three awards apiece.

Vanessa Redgrave and Brian Dennehy swept the best actress and actor awards for "Long Day's Journey" by Eugene O'Neill, which was also named Best Revival of a Play.

Dennehy, who won the 1999 Tony for his role in "Death of a Salesman," said audiences still craved serious theater.

The burly actor said it amazed him that theatergoers come to see a four-hour production of a play written 65 years ago and are "mesmerized."

"There's an audience there. We just need the writers."

"Take Me Out," collected awards for Best Play (by Richard Greenberg), best performance by a featured actor, Denis O'Hare, and best direction for Joe Mantello.

Peters wowed the packed Radio City Music Hall crowd with a song from "Gypsy," but the lavish revival of the great American musical was shut out in the awards.

"Nine," which won as Best Revival of a Musical, "Movin' Out" and "La Boheme" all won two awards each. "Def Poetry Jam" won the Tony for special theatrical event.

Indiana Jones DVD Trailer

Just click and enjoy!

Paramount Orders More TREKKIES

Paramount has given a greenlight to TREKKIES 2, a follow up to the 1997 documentary. The original documentary's principals - director Roger Nygard, host/executive producer Denise Crosby and producer Mike Leahy - will return. The sequel will venture abroad to visit STAR TREK fans, as well as looking back at some of those fans that appeared in the original documentary. Two of the featured fan boys will be Spock of Germany and a man who turned his London flat into the bridge of the Enterprise.

Alanis all jazzed for new role

First she was a singer who acted, now she's an actress who sings.

Alanis Morissette is returning to the big screen, this time playing an actress in a movie based on the life of Broadway legend Cole Porter.

Just One of Those Things is shooting in London, England and is due out sometime late this year. It stars Kevin Kline as Porter and Ashley Judd as his wife and, building on the success of last year's Chicago, will present the composer's life as a Broadway musical.

According to an e-online report, Morissette will sing Porter's Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love. Canadian jazz diva Diana Krall and her fiance Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow and Britpop singer Robbie Williams are all slated to perform songs in the film, which was written by Jay Cocks (Goodfellas) and directed by Irwin Winkler (Life as a House).

Morissette played God in Kevin Smith's Dogma and turned in a memorable guest appearance on Season 3 of Sex and the City. She told the Sun in a pre-Juno Awards interview she wanted to do more such roles and would be heading to London this summer to film her part with Kline.

"I'm playing an actress that he casts," she explained.

According to Morissette's website, alanis.com, she has planned a two-week European tour which will take her to sites in Austria, Germany and Italy in July.

In September she will head to Brazil.

Morissette has also started to work in earnest on a followup to her third album, Under Rug Swept. Her website features several photos, taken last month, of her working in-studio. Included in the online scrapbook are shots of Morissette snuggling with her Vancouver-born actor boyfriend of 18 months, Ryan Reynolds.

Reynolds, who accompanied Morissette back home this spring for a weekend of Juno Awards-related activities, has been getting a lot attention on his own lately.

The 26-year-old is in theatres now, starring with Michael Douglas in The In-Laws, and has wrapped production on a hi-tech thriller named Foolproof.

And Elle Canada magazine just named the star, who broke out with roles in National Lampoon's Van Wilder and ABC's Two Guys and a Girl, one of their Top 10 Canadian "Boys of Summer" in the June issue.

"We met a few years ago when Alanis came to a taping of my TV show," Rey-nolds told the magazine. "I love her more than anything on this great, green, spinning shit wheel!"

THE HULK Origin Changes

Marvel Studios head Avi Arad talks about why they're changing the origin in the upcoming THE HULK.

Marvel Studios honcho Avi Arad, executive producer of the upcoming comic-book adaptation Hulk, told SCI FI Wire that the film changes the character's origin story to bring it closer to reality. "We just take the science fiction and bring it closer to science," Arad said in an interview while promoting the film. "It's very much in the origin that Bruce Banner actually had contamination, so something triggered this. And what we wanted to do is take it to the next level of intelligence. It's not that he got his toe in the door and, 'Oh my God. I'm the Hulk.'"

Arad, who has overseen such page-to-screen projects as Spider-Man, X-Men and Daredevil, said that there have been several origin stories and incarnations of the Hulk during the comic series' long run. "There are many origins," he said. "When you publish for 40 years, there are a lot of stories. There's a gray Hulk, there's a green Hulk, there's a speaking Hulk, there's a singing Hulk." According to Arad, any one of these incarnations may appear in a potential Hulk sequel, which is currently being developed by screenwriter James Schamus.

The Hulk opens June 20.

FISHY STUFF

Wes Anderson reuniting with Royal Tenenbaums cast members, including Bill Murray, Angelica Huston and Owen Wilson, for his next feature The Life Aquatic about an oceanographer and his crew and their misadventures in deep-sea exploration, reports the Hollywood Reporter.

BASIC INSTINCT

Sharon Stone being eyed to play Hillary Clinton in an upcoming A&E TV movie, the Associated Press reports. The project, titled Hillary's Choice, is slated to air in 2004.

Wynette's "Man" Stands Up

Country music stands behind "Stand by Your Man."

The Hillary Clinton-mocked, Tammy Wynette-crooned ballad has been hailed as the all-time greatest cowpoke song in a survey conducted by Country Music Television.

In all, CMT polled singers, songwriters and other members of the Country Music Association to compile a list worthy of the American Film Institute, ranking the top 100 cheatin', cryin', Chevy-drivin' classics.

The big ol' picks were revealed Wednesday night during a concert at Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville featuring performances of the top 12 selections.

The special, hosted by LeAnn Rimes and Brad Paisley, is scheduled to air Sunday as part of a six-hour programming block, starting at 4 p.m. (ET/PT), dedicated to the hee-haw hundred.

Rounding out the ditty dozen: George Jones' don't-miss-the-last-verse "He Stopped Loving Her Today"; Patsy Cline's "Crazy" (written, and also performed, by Willie Nelson); Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire"; Hank Williams Sr.'s "Your Cheatin' Heart"; Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places"; Cline's "I Fall to Pieces"; Glen Campbell's "Galveston"; Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors"; Waylon Jennings' and Willie Nelson's self-explanatory "Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys"; Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky"; and George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning."

Of that group, only Jones and Campbell were on hand Wednesday to warble their hits.

No word on where the likes of Brooks and Strait were. Nelson, 70 and still strumming strong, likely was prepping to go "On the Road Again," another of his signature songs, albeit one strangely missing from the top 100.

Others needed no excuses to explain their absences. Cash is mourning the recent death of wife June Carter Cash, a country legend in her own right who cowrote "Ring of Fire." Wynette, Jones' former wife, died in 1998; Williams Sr. drank himself to death in 1953; Rich passed in 1995; Jennings, in 2002; bluegrass great Monroe, in 1996. Cline was killed in a plane crash in 1963.

Rimes, whose 1996 chart debut, "Blue," evoked Patsy Cline, did Patsy Cline on Wednesday, crooning "I Fall to Pieces." Other performers included American Idol's Kimberly Locke, who went "Crazy"; and Ray Charles, who unlocked "Behind Closed Doors."

Charles, typically associated with the blues, soul and gospel genres, made the CMT list on his own with "I Can't Stop Loving You" (49th place).

Another crossover act to make the cut: the Eagles, who charted with "Desperado" (46th).

Shania Twain's country-pop blend didn't go down as well with voters as record buyers. The best-selling diva placed but one song, "You're Still the One" (77th).

Overall, new acts took a back seat to the hitmakers of the 1960s and 1970s. The Dixie Chicks ("Wide Open Spaces," 22nd), Faith Hill ("Breathe," 38th) and Tim McGraw ("Please Remember Me," 84th) received just one nod each. Hill and McGraw, however, did rate as a team for their duet, "It's Your Love," ranked 67th.

Even a fictional act made the cut. The Soggy Bottom Boys, the bluegrass group fronted by George Clooney in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, landed at number 20 with "Man of Constant Sorrow."

Veterans such as Cash charted five times, Nelson four times (if you count "Crazy") and Cline three times. Wynette rated a second selection for her "Stand by Your Man" follow-up, "D-I-V-O-R-C-E."

Topics for potential arguments: Alan Jackson's September 11-inspired tune, "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" making the list (28th) and Toby Keith's September 11-inspired "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" not. Or, Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley PTA" (34th place) and Johnny PayCheck's "Take This Job and Shove It" (93rd) rating mentions, and Billy Ray Cyrus' "Achy Breaky Heart" not.

And what of the Oak Ridge Boys' "Elvira"?

Oom poppa oom poppa--no.

Publisher Revs Up Promotion for Potter

NEW YORK - Think you've seen a lot of hype about "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"? Just wait until the book comes out.

Billboards. Baseball parks. A countdown in Times Square. Scholastic, Inc., the U.S. publisher of J.K. Rowling's mega-selling children's series, has planned a $3 million-$4 million marketing campaign, more than doubling its budget for the release of the last Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," in 2000.

"I can't think of anything that compares to the budget for the new Harry Potter book, except for the budget for the last Potter story," says Laurie Brown, a vice president for sales at Harcourt Trade Publishers who over the past 20 years has also worked for Random House and Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

Timed to the midnight June 21 release of "Order of the Phoenix," the show gets rolling on what could be called "Harry Potter Eve," Friday night June 20, with a countdown in Times Square. A billboard on Sunset Strip will announce the news in Los Angeles.

"You can never take anything for granted," says Michael Jacobs, a senior vice president at Scholastic. "There's a lot of noise in the world and you have to do everything you can to get attention, especially after a three-year wait."

Starting in July, billboard ads will appear in Atlanta, Chicago and several other cities. Scholastic will also take its campaign to baseball parks. The publisher has reached agreements with the Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles and other teams for "Harry Potter" days, featuring costume contests and scoreboard promotions.

"Reaching out to kids is very important to us because they're our future season ticket holders and our future fans," says Marco Gentile, the Orioles' corporate promotions manager.

The publisher already has distributed 3 million bumper stickers, 400,000 buttons, 50,000 window displays and 24,000 stand-up posters with countdown clocks. Last weekend, logos could be found on badges throughout the Los Angeles Convention Center, where BookExpo America, the publishing industry's annual gathering, was held.

Scholastic has also sent more than 15,000 "event kits" to bookstores and other retail outlets, where parties are planned all over the country. The kits include stickers, buttons, a trivia quiz and suggestions for how to handle long lines of impatient fans:

"You can start a game of what Muggles call `Telephone.' Start the message with Dumbledore's line from `Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix': 'It is time for me to tell you what I should have told you five years ago, Harry.' Then people whisper the message from person to person. Let the person at the end of the line shout out what he thinks he heard."

Rowling's four previous Potter novels have worldwide sales of more than 190 million and Scholastic has commissioned a record 8.5 million first printing for "Order of the Phoenix." Within hours of the announcement in January that "Order of the Phoenix" was coming out, the book topped best seller lists at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com and has remained steady for months.

Hospitalized Vandross Releases New Album

NEW YORK - The album Luther Vandross considers the best of his career hits stores Tuesday — with no videos, television interviews or concerts to trumpet its arrival. With the 52-year-old singer yet to regain full consciousness after an April 16 stroke, there is virtually none of the normal promotional hoopla surrounding the release of "Dance With My Father."

Which raises an uncomfortable question — how do you promote the work of an incapacitated artist?

Record companies don't have such problems when the artist is dead. Last year, an Aaliyah disc released after her plane crashed sold more than a million copies. Selena's English-language debut, released after she was slain by her former fan club president, debuted at No. 1. And the estate of Tupac Shakur puts out albums so often, some doubt that he's really dead.

But it is rare — perhaps unprecedented — for an album to be released when an artist is still alive, yet very ill.

"It is safe to say that it is an unusual circumstance," said Billboard's Geoff Mayfield, who couldn't recall another such situation.

Vandross' label, J Records, has no plans to make videos without Vandross.

"We're just in effect releasing the music; the rest will take care of itself," said label founder Clive Davis, a legendary music mogul. "I think the music will tell its own story."

Davis could have delayed the disc's release, but he said that was never an option.

"I think (Vandross) was very much at a creative peak. He felt that it was the best album he had ever recorded," he said. "Everyone knows that he wanted his music to be out."

But which music? Also on Tuesday, Vandross' former label is releasing "The Essential Luther Vandross," featuring classic hits like "Here and Now" and "A House Is Not a Home."

The label denied that the project was rushed out after the stroke. Rather, greatest hits packages are usually timed to coincide with an artist's new project, said Tom Cording, a spokesman for Legacy Records, a division of Sony Music.

"Dance With My Father," is the R&B crooner's first disc since he released his self-titled comeback disc in 2001. That album, which sold over one million copies, re-established Vandross as a platinum-selling artist. Except for his 1998 disc, "I Know," all of Vandross' albums over his 20-year-plus career have sold at least one million copies.

Some of "Dance With My Father" marks a departure for Vandross, whose elegant, seductive ballads cater to an older audience. Rappers Busta Rhymes and Foxy Brown appear on the new disc, as does Beyonce Knowles.

Davis, who engineered Carlos Santana's Grammy-winning comeback "Supernatural" by pairing the veteran guitarist with younger artists, says there was no such agenda for "Dance With My Father" other than Vandross' plan to make the album "contemporary."

"He really had worked on his own on the album, and indeed had arranged for all the duets on his own," said Davis. "He was the one that reached out for each of the duet partners."

But it's the title track, Vandross' emotional tribute to father who died when Vandross was 7 years old, which has garnered the initial attention.

Jim Ryan, a program director at WLTW in New York City, first became aware of the song when Vandross wrote him a letter earlier this year.

Ryan said it read, in part: "I have written what I consider to be my career song. It's called 'Dance with my Father. I'm feeling great about it.'"

After Vandross' stroke, Ryan got permission from the record company to start playing the song. Fan reaction was immediate and strong — Ryan recalled some fans calling up in tears to request it, moved by it's touching nature.

"It's one of our five most-played songs," said Ryan. "I think it's really struck a chord with our listeners."

The song is rising up Billboard's R&B chart, although Mayfield said it doesn't appear to have garnered a boost from the publicity surrounding Vandross' illness.

"It had a decent debut and it's had steady growth since then," said Mayfield. "It did what you would expect."

But Mayfield said there may be a strong commercial response once the album arrives in stores.

"The consumer is different than the radio programmer," he said. "The consumer might very well have an emotional response to the fact that it might be his last album."

Vandross has been hospitalized at Weill-Cornell Medical Center since his stroke. He contracted pneumonia and needed a tracheotomy to help him breathe. It remains unclear whether he has suffered any long-term paralysis or nerve damage.

However, Vandross recognizes family and friends, has recently begun mouthing words, and has started mild physical therapy, according to family and friends.

"Luther is going to be just fine," his mother, Mary Vandross, said this week. "This is God's way of saying, 'You're tired.'"

Adam Sandler Weighed as Cruise Co-Star

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Adam Sandler, who stepped out of his usual comedic mold to star in Paul Thomas Anderson's "Punch-Drunk Love" last year, appears to be eyeing another left turn in his choice of characters.

On Wednesday night, Sandler was scheduled to meet with filmmaker Michael Mann to discuss the possibility of starring opposite Tom Cruise in the director's "Collateral" for DreamWorks.

If he joins the project, Sandler would play Max, the meek cab driver who picks up a passenger (Cruise) who takes him hostage.

Studdard, Aiken Singles to Go Head-To-Head

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Consumers will vote with their dollars next week when "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard's debut single is released on the same day as that of runner-up Clay Aiken.

Both singles are due out next Tuesday (June 10), less than three weeks after the finale of the Fox reality show/talent contest's second season.

Studdard's J Records single will feature his version of Westlife's "Flying Without Wings" and his cover of the Carpenters' "Superstar."

RCA will issue Aiken's rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and the original song "This Is the Night," written by Aldo Nova, Gary Burr, and Chris Braide. The singers performed each of the songs during the "Idol" contest.

Both artists are expected to release their debut albums in September. RCA Music Group chairman and J Records founder Clive Davis will executive produce both.

Studdard will return home to Birmingham, Ala., on Sunday to make a video for "Flying Without Wings." The Eric White-directed clip may be shot in the city's Linn Park, with local fans invited to take part in the "welcome home" celebration. At deadline the site had not yet been confirmed, according to a label representative.

Studdard and Aiken will be seen promoting their singles Tuesday on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." The "American Idol" -themed episode of the syndicated show will also feature first season runner-up Justin Guarini, whose self-titled RCA album will be released that day.

A third "American Idol" season is planned. A banner on the show's Web site says only that it will return in 2004, but gives no exact dates for the competition or audition information.

Fifth and Sixth 'Alien' Movie Plots Revealed

HOLLYWOOD (Zap2it.com) – Time to visit the razor and shave the head again, Sigourney, as the plotlines to "Alien 5 and 6" have now surfaced.

The ultra-successful "Alien" series will have the shaven Sigourney Weaver slotted to play Ripley as she fights off the seemingly indestructible beast. Weaver has previously said she'd be interested in reprising her role, which she has done four times since the original 1979 blockbuster.

She has said, "I'm not interested in returning back to Earth," yet sources say that much of the fifth film takes place when Earth is attacked.

Number five is set on Earth, with the planet under attack from alien warrior drop ships, which made their debut in the original "Alien" movie. In the process they make Earth look like an incubator while attacking, leaving alien eggs around the humans.

That's when Ripley realizes her dreams have played a role in what's happening and she evacuates and confines herself to a cell, but inevitably she will meet her nemesis face to face again.

Number six takes place on the home turf of the navigator of the ship. Aliens are taking over other plants and Ripley finds herself forced to turn to the dark side in order to save civilization.

Zeppelin Smashes Records As CD/DVDs Debut At No. 1

Led Zeppelin scores its first No. 1 album since 1979's "In Through the Out Door" this week with the three-CD live set "How the West Was Won." The Atlantic collection, which combines recordings from two 1972 California concerts, sold 154,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, and debuts on top of The Billboard 200.

"How the West Was Won" is the band's third compilation since 1990 to reach the top-20 of the album chart: a 1990 boxed set entered at No. 18, and 1997's "BBC Sessions" landed at No. 12.

The live album was released simultaneously with the "Led Zeppelin DVD," which set a record for highest debut-week and highest single-week sales for a music DVD. The title sold 120,000 units in the U.S. to bow at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Music Videos chart. It easily broke the record previously held by Paul McCartney's "Back in the U.S." (Capitol), which sold 61,000 units in its debut week late last year.

This is the third week in a row a rock album has topped The Billboard 200, as releases from Marilyn Manson and the Deftones led the album tally in the past two weeks. The only other album on the chart to top 100,000 copies this week is 50 Cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (Shady/Interscope). The album saw a 7% sales increase to 109,000 units, and rises 5-2 on the chart.

Evanescence's "Fallen" gains one position to a new peak at No. 3 despite a 12% sales slip to 91,000 units. One of the year's biggest success stories, the Wind-Up album has sold about 1.2 million units in its 13 weeks on the chart.

Kelly Clarkson's RCA debut "Thankful" slips one to No. 4 on a 17% sales dip to 88,000 units. Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me" is back in the top-5 with a 7-5 jump, thanks to a 2% sales gain to 85,000 copies. The Disney soundtrack to "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" also received a 2% sales boost. With sales up slightly to 79,000 units, the soundtrack jumps two slots to No. 6.

Last week's No. 1, Staind's "14 Shades of Grey" (Flip/Elektra) falls to No. 7 on a 64% slide to sales of 79,000 units. The Murder Inc./Def Jam soundtrack to "2 Fast 2 Furious" parks at No. 8 on sales of 76,000 copies in its debut week. The hip-hop heavy compilation features selections from Ludacris, Lil' Flip, and Fat Joe, among others. The soundtrack to the original "The Fast and the Furious" peaked in July 2001 at No. 7.

"The Very Best of Cher" (Geffen/MCA/Warner Bros.) edges up one slot to No. 9 on sales of 72,000 copies, about 2% below its previous week. Rounding out the top-10 is the Maverick/Warner Bros. soundtrack to "The Matrix Reloaded," which is down 6-10 on a 34% dip to sales of 62,000 copies.

Elsewhere on The Billboard 200, Ginuwine's "The Senior" (Epic) rockets 52-25 on a 44% sales gain to 33,000 copies, and Good Charlotte's "The Young and the Hopeless" (Epic) glides 48-31 on a 21% burst sales of 29,000 copies.

This week's only other new arrivals inside the top half of the chart are Frankie J's "What's a Man To Do?" (Columbia), which enters at No. 53 with sales of 20,200 copies, and O.A.R.'s "In Between Now and Then" (Atlantic) which bows at No. 54 on sales of 20,000 copies.

INDY IV Script is Done

Harrison Ford says the script to INDIANA JONES IV is done.

Harrison Ford told SCI FI Wire that Frank Darabont has completed his script for a proposed fourth Indiana Jones movie. "Steven [Spielberg]'s quite happy with it," Ford said in an interview. "I'm expecting to see it in a couple of weeks."

Ford added that he worked closely with director Spielberg, Darabont and executive producer George Lucas on the story. "The way the process works is that George and Frank work together, then Steven gets the script, then I get the script, and we all work together. We all met together and talked about it before they started writing."

Ford said that he remains eager to reprise his most famous role because of fans' demands for a fourth installment in the franchise. "It pleases me to play a character that audiences want to see," he said. "I know that it's eagerly anticipated, and I want us to do a good job, make a film at least as good as the ones we've made before." The fourth as-yet-untitled Indy movie is slated to begin filming in the summer of 2004, with an eye to a July 2005 release.

FAMILY GUY May Get a Movie, At Least on DVD

THE FAMILY GUY creator Seth MacFarlane may make a new feature-length FAMILY GUY DVD movie.

Yes, the cancelled FOX adult animated comedy could be making a comeback. The three-season long show ran on Fox from 1999-2001 but was pulled due to low ratings which weren't helped by an unstable airing schedule - since then however the studio has been very impressed with both the first wave of DVD sales and Cartoon Network re-run ratings, so much so that a direct-to-DVD feature-length new movie is being considered by creator Seth MacFarlane.

Seth told Variety that "It's certainly some vindication and a sign that the show is as popular as we always suspected. Fox certainly gave the show more of a chance than a lot of shows would've gotten, and we're indebted to Gail [Berman, Fox Entertainment Chief] for the fact that we even got a third season. But it's also frustrating for everyone who worked on the show. We all felt it was killed before its time". Fox will release a second batch of episodes on disc later this Fall.

SUPER SPY! MGM Home Entertainment announcing it's shipped a record 16 million special-edition DVDs of the latest James Bond installment, Die Another Day, worldwide.

OOPS!

Barry Manilow accidentally breaking his nose after waking up disoriented in the middle of the night and walking into a wall and knocking himself unconscious, the entertainer revealed on Tuesday.

NOT A GOOD THING

Domestic diva Martha Stewart indicted on federal charges of securities fraud and obstruction of justice in a New York City court today. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $2 million fine. She's also facing civil charges from the SEC.

MORE MARTHA

Late Wednesday, Martha Stewart Omnimedia released a statement saying Stewart was relinquishing her post as the company's chair and CEO effective immediately. She will remain the company's chief creative director and a member of the board.

Norah Jones Eager to Do Another Album

NEW YORK - As dreamlike as Norah Jones' past year has been, the folky jazz singer is ready to snap out of it.

"I'm kind of anxious to do (another album) because I wanted to move on so badly," says the Grammy winner, who starts a summer tour Friday. "Even if it's a big flop, I just want to go to the next stage, because some of the record was recorded so long ago, I just got so sick of it."

Jones seems to be in the minority with those sentiments.

"Come Away With Me," which became a surprise double-platinum sensation last year, has refused to die. The disc has hovered at or near the top of the album charts for months since her Grammy wins in February. It's now sold more than 6 million copies. And Friday, she kicks off a summer tour in Fort Myers, Fla., playing in front of thousands of fans each night.

But she acknowledges she's more comfortable singing to a few dozen in a nightclub; that's how she's been spending her time recently, warbling country tunes with a couple of friends in a tiny New York City bar.

"There were only 50 people there, and if we had sucked, then nobody would have cared," Jones says in an interview at the offices of her label, Blue Note Records.

"This year has been so pressurized, and every show, somebody's coming that's important, or somebody's going to write an article — `Oh no, we've got to be good.' And I need to stop thinking about that. But this summer, we're playing for like 5,000 people, and it's like, `Oh no, that's going to be scary too!'"

Jones wasn't supposed to have that kind of pressure. "Come Away With Me," was expected to sell 100,000 copies, at best.

But the album's mellow jazz garnered her mass appeal, especially with older listeners. Though the disc didn't have a Top 40 single, the smoky, sensual "Don't Know Why" became an underground hit, and the album's popularity kept growing — and growing. It netted a total of eight Grammys at February's ceremony, including for album of the year, producer of the year, and song and record of the year for "Don't Know Why."

"Just when we thought that it was at the apex, it exploded again, it was crazy," she says with a smile. "We kept thinking, `Ah, this is great, it's all going to stop next week probably,' and then it kept going. At least I had a little time to adjust to each level."

Jones admits to being a bit embarrassed, even apologetic, about all the attention, especially her Grammy success. Mention her success, and she'll quickly point out that there were other albums just as worthy as hers.

"I kind of get uncomfortable when people mention it," she says with a shy glance. "I'm not special. It's not like I'm the best."

In fact, she hasn't even had her trophies delivered by the Recording Academy yet.

Jones' failure to claim her trophies in a prompt fashion is indicative of her low-key style. She doesn't go to celebrity events and parties, and refuses to live the life of a superstar, although she's becoming one.

"I'm afraid I'll become some sort of diva," she jokes.

She concedes her "Come Away With Me," was a sleepy-sounding disc, and with her self-deprecating humor, describes her stage show as "boring" — although she gives herself credit for improving her performance since she toured last year.

"I was too self-conscious and I wasn't really paying attention enough, because I was so worried ... And now, I'm a little more laid-back."

Jones is looking forward to getting out on the road and connecting with her fans — and says she's even excited to sing some of the songs she was previously tired of, including "Don't Know Why."

"It's funny, all the songs on the record, they've all gone through their roller coasters," she says. "It got like, `Oh great, everybody likes it!' (Then), `Oh God, I'm so sick of this song, oh my God — please let us stop.' And then it comes back up and it's like, `Oh, this song's cool, it's fun, so it's kinda cool.'

"It's finally gotten less annoying to play all those songs. I enjoy playing them."

She has recorded 11 songs for her next album and hopes to release it next year. She describes the music as more up-tempo and funky — but still very much Norah Jones.

"When we were making it we were like, `Wow, this is a way different record! This is like a funky record!'

"And then we listened to it again, and we're like, wow it's still a snoozer," she says, laughing. "I'm just a mellow chick. I can't help it."

L.A. Police Want Spector Interview Too

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Legendary rock producer Phil Spector has told Esquire Magazine that actress Lana Clarkson killed herself in his Los Angeles mansion by putting a gun in her mouth and blowing her head off -- details about the death he apparently hasn't shared with police.

Spector touched off an uproar on Wednesday with his interview about the death that led to his arrest on suspicion of murder because police say he hasn't granted them an interview since Feb. 3., the day the 40-year-old B-movie star died.

A source close to the case characterized the Esquire interview and a previous e-mail circulated by a Spector associate that claimed the producer would not be charged as part of "a calculated campaign" to pressure officials not to prosecute him.

Meanwhile, Lt. Dan Rosenberg of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told Reuters that detectives were just as eager as Esquire's editors to land an interview with the reclusive record producer.

"My door is always open," Rosenberg said. "He can sit down here at any time with the lead investigator in this case and chat with him ... he is welcome any time."

No charges have been brought against Spector and Rosenberg said investigators were waiting for evidence to be analyzed by the county's crime lab.

He said he expected the investigation to be completed by August when the department will present its findings to the district attorney.

In his first public accounting of what led to Clarkson's death, Spector told Esquire Magazine, "She kissed the gun. I have no idea why -- (I) never knew her, I never even saw her before that night ... I have no idea who she was, or what her agenda was."

"She killed herself," Spector added in the interview with Esquire contributing editor Scott Raab. "If they had a case, I'd be sitting in jail right now."

He added that she had asked him for a ride home when the two met at the House of Blues nightclub in Hollywood, where Clarkson worked as a hostess.

"She was loud and drunk before we even left the House of Blues. She grabbed a bottle of tequila from the bar to take with her. I was not drunk. ... There is no case. She killed herself."

The Los Angeles County Coroners office has not ruled on the cause of death. The actress was dead in a pool of blood in the foyer of Spector's castle-like mansion in the L.A. suburb of Alhambra. He was arrested within hours of the Feb. 3 shooting on suspicion of murder and released on $1 million bond.

Spector wrote and produced his first No. 1 hit, "To Know Him Is To Love Him" at age 17 and went on to produce 17 top-10 U.S. hits in a decade, helping the Beatles put out their "Let It Be" album.

Clarkson was a tall blond who idolized Marilyn Monroe and starred in such films as "Amazon Women on the Moon" and "The Barbarian Queen."

Linkin Park Singer in Los Angeles-Area Hospital

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Chester Bennington, singer for Grammy-winning rap rockers Linkin Park, was admitted to a Los Angeles-area hospital after suffering "an attack of severe back and abdominal pains," a band representative said on Wednesday.

According to a statement on the band's Web site Bennington was admitted to the hospital last Friday for the pains and remains there as doctors try to determine the cause.

"All touring and video shoot plans in Europe have been put on hold this month as we make sure Chester fully recovers," the band's representative said in the statement. "We wish him the best and will keep everyone posted as to his condition."

Los Angeles-based Linkin Park released their debut album, "Hybrid Theory" in 2000, selling millions of copies and winning a Grammy award.

Adam Sandler announces engagement

Adam Sandler will be heading down the aisle with his longtime girlfriend, actress Jackie Titone, Zap2it.com reports.

Sandler's publicist said that the wedding will take place this summer, but that it will be a toned down affair due to an illness in actor's family.

The couple first met in January 1999, the same year she starred in Sandler's film "Big Daddy" and "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo," opposite Sandler's friend, Rob Schneider. Titone's voice can be heard in the Sandler animated feature "Eight Crazy Nights."

Sandler, who has never been married, was once engaged to cosmetics-company manager Margaret Ruden.

Sandler recently wrapping up filming on "Fifty First Kisses" opposite Drew Barrymore.

Connery Controversy on 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen'

HOLLYWOOD (Zap2it.com) - Actor Sean Connery has taken over the would-be summer blockbuster "The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen," after clashing with its director, Stephen Norrington. Connery has been overseeing the editing process of the film from locales in the Bahamas, New York and Los Angeles.

Connery and Norrington, whose other credits include "Blade" and "The Last Minute," had numerous arguments on the set and at one point, almost came to blows during production, which occurred in Eastern Europe and Malta. The two have not exchanged words since the movie finished filming earlier this year, reports the London Daily Mail.

During one particularly heated exchange, Norrington told Connery to hit him so he would then be justified in whacking him back. Those who worked on the film report it was a challenging experience for the entire cast and crew, with sets being lost in floods in Prague and "almost unbearable" tension between director and leading man.

But a spokesperson for Connery, while not addressing the battle-of-wills rumors, did deny that there was anything unusual about Connery's presence in the editing room.

"Sean often sits in on the editing of his films," the rep told the Daily Mail. "He's simply living up to his responsibilities."

"The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen" is based on a comic book series about a group of characters from literature's most famous action, fantasy and adventure novels who are commissioned by Queen Victoria to prevent a madman from taking over the world. Connery stars as adventurer Allan Quatermain, with Jason Flemyng, Stuart Townsend and Richard Roxburgh playing supporting roles.

20th Century fox Plans to release "The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen" in the U.S. on July 11.

Hannibal Ranks As Top Villain in Film

LOS ANGELES - Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" beat out an army of swashbuckling idols for the top spot on the American Film Institute's list of top screen heroes. Hannibal Lecter from "The Silence of the Lambs" chewed up the competition to lead the list of film villains.

The institute unveiled its ranking Tuesday night of the top good and bad guys in American film on the CBS special "AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Heroes & Villains."

Finch, played by Gregory Peck in the 1962 classic, was a faultlessly noble widower raising a daughter and son amid Southern racial unrest as he defended a black man accused of raping a white woman.

"I think Atticus Finch just represents the goodness all of us want to see in others and feel in ourselves," said Jean Picker Firstenburg, the institute's director. "This is a hard time in human history, and we look for the bright spots that show us the way."

Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was No. 2 on the heroes list, and Sean Connery's James Bond from "Dr. No" came in third.

Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins in the 1991 thriller plus the sequel "Hannibal" and the prequel "Red Dragon," was a delectably fiendish serial killer who boasted about eating a man's liver with fava beans and a nice Chianti.

Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) of "Psycho" was second on the bad-guy list, and Darth Vader (played by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones) placed third for "The Empire Strikes Back."

Arnold Schwarzenegger, host of the AFI special, was the only actor to place essentially the same character on both lists. His malevolent cyborg from "The Terminator" was No. 22 among villains, while his nice-guy cyborg in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" placed 48th among heroes.

"I am absolutely ecstatic about it," Schwarzenegger said. "To say you are one of the 50 favorite villains and one of the 50 favorite heroes in the history of American motion pictures, that is unbelievable, and I felt very honored."

Rounding out the top 10 list of heroes, in order: Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), "Casablanca"; Will Kane (Gary Cooper), "High Noon"; Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), "The Silence of the Lambs"; Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), "Rocky"; Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), "Aliens"; George Bailey (James Stewart), "It's a Wonderful Life"; and T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole), "Lawrence of Arabia."

The rest of the top 10 villains, in order: the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), "The Wizard of Oz"; Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"; Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), "It's a Wonderful Life"; Alex Forrest (Glenn Close), "Fatal Attraction"; Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), "Double Indemnity"; Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), "The Exorcist"; and the Queen (voiced by Lucille LaVerne), "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

The 100 heroes and villains were chosen from 400 character nominees on ballots sent to 1,500 actors, directors, critics and others in the movie business.

The heroes list included one dog (Lassie in "Lassie Come Home," No. 39), two comic-book heroes (Superman in the 1978 movie version, No. 26, and Batman in the 1989 film, No. 46), and loads of real-life figures.

Along with T.E. Lawrence, heroes based on real people included Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) in "Schindler's List," No. 13; Norma Rae Webster (Sally Field) in "Norma Rae," No. 15; Mahatma Gandhi (Ben Kingsley) in "Gandhi," No. 21; Gen. George Patton (George C. Scott) in "Patton," No. 29; and Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) in "Erin Brockovich," No. 31.

The villains list contained a range of non-humans, including the HAL 9000 computer in "2001: A Space Odyssey," No. 13; the murderous extraterrestrial in "Alien," No. 14; the shark in "Jaws," No. 18; and the Martians in "The War of the Worlds," No. 27.

Humanity as a whole made the list: "Man," whose encroachment menaced forest wildlife in "Bambi," ranked as villain No. 20.

Spike Lee Sues Viacom on Cable Name Plan

NEW YORK - Filmmaker Spike Lee has sued Viacom Inc. over plans to rename its TNN cable channel Spike TV as part of its campaign to attract male viewers.

In court papers filed Tuesday, Lee asked for an injunction against Viacom's use of the name, saying he had never given his consent for it to be used.

"The media description of this change of name, as well as comments made to me and my wife, confirmed what was obvious — that Spike TV referred to Spike Lee," Lee said in court papers.

The judge directed Viacom to explain why it shouldn't be barred from using the name.

TNN, which bills Spike TV as "the first network for men," said it was "confident that the court will reject any legal claims by Mr. Lee to the popular word and name Spike."

Viacom bought TNN in 2000, and said in April that it would change the channel's name to Spike TV on June 16 in an attempt to increase the number of men in an audience that is already about two-thirds male. It said on Tuesday that it was confident the court would reject Lee's claims to the name Spike.

Viacom also owns CBS, Showtime movie channel, VH1, UPN, book publisher Simon & Schuster and other properties.

According to Lee, TNN's president, Albie Hecht, has said the public associates the name 'Spike' with Lee.

Lee, whose given name is Shelton Jackson Lee, included in court papers affidavits from people including former Sen. Bill Bradley, and actors Ossie Davis and Ed Norton. The affidavits said the signers had thought of Lee when they heard about Spike TV and some said they believed he had become affiliated with the network.

Lee directed Nike sneaker commercials with Michael Jordan. His movies include "Malcolm X," "Jungle Fever" and "Do the Right Thing."

Hillary Clinton Book Details Betrayal

WASHINGTON - Hillary Rodham Clinton, acknowledging tirades and tears over her husband's affair with Monica Lewinsky, says former President Clinton lied to her about the relationship until the weekend before he admitted as much to a grand jury.

The New York senator vividly describes her pain over the betrayal in "Living History," her new memoir covering her eight years in the White House. A copy of the book, which goes on sale Monday, was obtained by The Associated Press.

"The most difficult decisions I have made in my life were to stay married to Bill and to run for the Senate from New York," she writes.

She says she accepted her husband's story at first — that he had befriended the White House intern when she asked for job-hunting help, "had talked to her a few times" — and that the relationship had been horribly misconstrued.

"For me, the Lewinsky imbroglio seemed like just another vicious scandal manufactured by political opponents."

More than six months later, with the president preparing to testify before a grand jury, Mrs. Clinton was still adamant that her husband had done nothing wrong and was the victim of a "vast right-wing conspiracy."

Then, on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 15, 1998, he woke her up, paced at the bedside, and "told me for the first time that the situation was much more serious than he had previously acknowledged."

"He now realized he would have to testify that there had been an inappropriate intimacy. He told me that what happened between them had been brief and sporadic."

He was ashamed and knew she would be angry, she recounts.

"I could hardly breathe. Gulping for air, I started crying and yelling at him, 'What do you mean? What are you saying? Why did you lie to me?' I was furious and getting more so by the second. He just stood there saying over and over again, 'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I was trying to protect you and Chelsea.'"

Mrs. Clinton's 562-page book has been highly anticipated. Simon & Schuster, expecting large sales, ordered an extraordinary first printing of 1 million copies.

The first lady-turned-senator was paid a $2.85 million advance toward the $8 million book deal. Foreign rights have already been sold in 16 countries. List price is $28.

The publisher billed the book as a complete, candid accounting of her years in the White House.

Mrs. Clinton said that up until that August morning when her husband confessed, she believed he was being railroaded and had merely been foolish by paying any attention to Lewinsky. She was incredulous that he would endanger their marriage and family.

"I was dumbfounded, heartbroken and outraged that I'd believed him at all."

She said the president's eyes filled with tears when she told him he would have to confess to their teenage daughter as well.

She ultimately decided she still loved her husband, although "as a wife, I wanted to wring Bill's neck."
 
She describes in bitter terms the months of chill between them, never more painful than when they went to Martha's Vineyard for vacation right after his testimony.

"Buddy, the dog, came along to keep Bill company. He was the only member of our family who was still willing to."

While on the island, she felt "nothing but profound sadness, disappointment and unresolved anger. I could barely speak to Bill, and when I did, it was a tirade. I read. I walked on the beach. He slept downstairs. I slept upstairs."

She said her decision to run for a Senate seat from New York provided a healing bridge for them. "Bill and I were talking again about matters other than the future of our relationship. Over time we both began to relax."

She was the first first lady to run for elected office, defeating the Republican candidate, former Rep. Rick Lazio, in 2000. She was sworn into the Senate the same month her husband left office in January 2001. She recounted their last day at the White House, waltzing down a long hallway in her husband's arms.

She concludes that what her husband did was morally wrong but not a betrayal of the public.

On the Whitewater matter that dogged much of their time in the White House, the former first lady acknowledges only "public relations mistakes in how we handled the growing controversy."

"Whitewater never seemed real because it wasn't."

Mrs. Clinton portrays Whitewater partner Jim McDougall as an embittered man who threatened her several times when she tried to file overdue tax returns for the property.

The payback came, she said, when her husband decided to run for president in 1991 and McDougall planted "false information about our relationship" in the press, claiming he had refused favors from Clinton when he was governor.

The final report on the Whitewater investigation questioned the first lady's truthfulness. Independent Counsel Robert Ray's report concluded that the Clintons' mid-1980s Arkansas land venture benefited from criminal activity and that the president and his wife gave factually inaccurate testimony, but there was not enough evidence to prove the former first family engaged in wrongdoing.

Mrs. Clinton's political stock is on the rise, although she insists she will not consider entering the race for president this year. She has not ruled out a run in 2008.

She is among the Democrats' top fund-raisers. She has raised more than $3 million for her political action committee, HILLPAC, which she uses to support other Democrats running for office.

Edmonton to host Junos

It's official -- the Juno Awards are headed west to Edmonton in 2004.

The Canadian Academy Of Recording Arts And Sciences announced yesterday that Edmonton will stage the annual celebration of Canadian music for the first time, on April 4. CTV will broadcast it live.

CARAS also announced that it has extended its broadcast deal for the Junos with CTV for 2004-05.

Earlier this year, the Junos were held in Ottawa with 2.2 million viewers tuning in for the telecast hosted by Shania Twain at the Corel Centre.

Today's New Tunes

Not a bad release day for this first Tuesday in June of 2003. But for me, the day starts and ends with Jewel. The new disc is superb, if you like Jewel, that is. And I like Jewel, so as I said the day begins and ends with Jewel.

Hopefully there is something for you as well!

Here are the new CD releases for Tuesday June 3, 2003:

* CADILLAC TAH Pov City Hustler (Def Jam)
* CLOSURE Closure (TVT)
* DAVE GAHAN Paper Monsters (Mute/Reprise)
* DIO Anthology (Rhino)
* E-40 TBA (E-40) (Zomba)
* EELS Shootenanny (DreamWorks)
* FOXY BROWN Ill Nana 2 The Fever (Def Jam)
* GILLIAN WELCH Soul Journey (Stony Plain)
* GORDON DOWNIE Battle Of The Nudes (Maple Music)
* JEWEL 0304 (Atlantic)
* JOE BUDDEN Walk With Me (Def Jam)
* JONELL Know Me (Def Jam)
* LOU REED NYC Man: The Ultimate Lou Reed Collection (Reprise)
* LUTHER VANDROSS TBA (Luther Vandross) (J Records)
* ROB DOUGAN Rob Dougan (Warner)
* SAM ROBERTS We Were Born In A Flame (Universal)
* SLAYER War At The Warfield (American Recordings)
* SPIRITUALIZED Amazing Grace (Arista)
* STEREOPHONICS You Gotta Go There To Come Back (V2)
* SUGAR RAY In the Pursuit of Leisure (Atlantic)
* TRAIN Private Nation (Columbia)

Big New DVD Release News

From far and wide across the entire internet here is a look at the hottest and freshest "Coming To DVD" news available. Included are FUTURAMA and FAMILY GUY dates!!

Guns & Ammo

After a few months delay, MGM Home Entertainment has announced the full specs for Michael Moore's Oscar-winning lightning rod Bowling for Columbine. Now set for an August 19th release, this feature-packed special edition includes a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and English 5.1 Dolby surround track, plus an introduction by Moore, an audio commentary "by the production office receptionist and the interns," the "Return to Denver/Littleton" and "Film Festival Scrapbook" featurettes, three Michael Moore interviews including his Charlie Rose Show appearance, a chat with Clinton Press Secretary Joe Lockhart and a new interview post-Oscars, a Marilyn Manson "Fight Song" music video, a still gallery and the theatrical trailer. DVD-ROM extras include the "Teacher's Guide" education materials and "Mike's Action Guide," plus further weblinks. Retail is $26.95.

Frontier Family

Get ready for Little House on the Prairie, The Complete First Season and The Complete Second Season. Each features every episode in their original 4:3 full screen aspect ratio and English mono sound, with no extras except episode and airdate listings. Retail is $49.95 each.

Oval Office Humour

Comedian Chris Rock's directorial debut, the hit laugh-fest Head of State will debut on August 12th from Universal Studios Home Video. Available in separate 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions, each features Dolby Digital 5.1 surround tracks, audio commentary by Rock, a featurette, still gallery and theatrical trailers. Retail is $26.95.

TV on DVD

It seems every other announcement these days is for some new TV show on DVD, doesn't it? Just in from Fox Home Entertainment is a new direct-to-TV sequel and plenty of second season follow-ups.

First we have Home Alone 4 (yep!), which bypassed the theaters and debuted directly on ABC earlier this year. MacCauley Culkin does not return. Streeting on September 2nd, this one includes 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen and full screen transfers on opposite sides of the disc, English 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby surround tracks, and trailers for the Home Alone flicks. Retail is $19.95.

Next up on August 12th is the just-canceledFuturama Volume 2. This four-disc set features 4:3 full screen transfers and Dolby Digital 2.0 surround tracks, plus lots of extras: audio commentaries on each episode, deleted scenes, animatics for the episode "Why Must I Be a Crustacean In Love?", a still gallery, a Futurama video game trailer, and some Easter Eggs. Retail is $49.95.

Due a week later on August 19th is NYPD Blue: The Complete Second Season, which is a six-disc set and also includes 4:3 full screen transfers, English Dolby Digital 4.0 surround tracks, audio commentaries on five episodes, the "Season Two: A Season of Change," "Wedding Bell Blues" and "The Music of Mike Post" featurettes, and Script to Screen Comparisons. Retail is $59.95.

But wait, there's more. Buffy may be gone, but we still have Angel: The Complete Second Season arriving on September 2nd. This six-disc box features 4:3 full screen transfers and Dolby Digital 2.0 surround tracks, plus an audio commentary by Tim Minear on "Are You Now or Have Ever Been," and Fred Keller on "Over the Rainbow," the "Making Up the Monsters," "Inside the Agency," "Stunts" and "Season 2 Overview" featurettes, complete scripts for the episodes "Darla" and "Disharmony," and two still galleries. Retail is $59.95.

Last but not least comes The Family Guy Volume 2 on September 9th. This three-disc set also features 4:3 full screen transfers, English, French and Spanish Dolby 2.0 surround tracks, audio commentaries for the episodes "Mr. Griffin Goes to Washington", "Death Lives," "Mr. Saturday Night", "Ready, Willing and Disabled," "Brian Wallows" and the previously unaired "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein," 15 minutes of animatics, the "Family Guy" pilot pitch and a series overview. Retail is $49.95.

Welcome to Flint, Michigan

Can't get enough of Michael Moore? Debuting on August 19th from Warner Home Video is the documentarian's acclaimed Roger & Me, which will make a nice double bill with his Bowling for Columbine, which also hits stores in August. The DVD includes a transfer in the film's original 1.33:1 full screen, a Dolby mono track, new audio commentary by Moore and the trailer. Retail is $19.95.

Ang Lee Just Finishes Final Tweaks to 'The Hulk'

HOLLYWOOD (Zap2it.com) -- Director Ang Lee says he just completed the final print of "The Hulk," at 2 a.m. June 2, just hours before he was supposed to give interviews to the press.

He greeted the press corps for a screening Sunday night at the Universal Studios Alfred Hitchcock Theatre and then went back to the lab to finish the film that will be released to the public on June 20.

"I was still working a lot at the lab, I was still tweaking the release print in the lab at the studio," Lee tells Zap2it.com in an interview Monday (June 2.)

Producer Gale Anne Hurd says the perfectionist director, who was an Academy Award nominee for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," was working late into the morning to get the print completed. "There were minor things he wanted to adjust," she says.

Lee said at the the screening, "I got a big budget and everything I wanted from the studio, so if this movie sucks it's all my fault."

The film, starring Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly, co-stars Nick Nolte and Sam Elliot who were giving interviews Monday. Connelly canceled because she is pregnant. At the press junket on Monday, Nolte had trouble getting onto the studio lot because his name wasn't at the gate.

"It's OK, the security is super tight these days," says Hurd. "They wouldn't let me on the lot this morning either."

But Bana says that his limo driver talked to the guard when Bana didn't have is ID to get into the lot.

"He said to the guard, 'Hey, this guy in the back is the Hulk, and you don't want him to get angry,' " Bana tells Zap2it.

"Law & Order" to NBC: Pay Up!

The cost of Law & Order is rising to new heights.

NBC may be held up for a stunning $550 million a year if the network wants to keep airing the three hit L&Oseries, according to the New York Times. The three-season renewal deal sought by series production company Universal Television would make every episode worth about $8 million and cost the Peacock more than $1.6 billion overall.

Universal is reportedly wrapping the trio of hour dramas, created by überproducer Dick Wolf, into one negotiation package, although only one series, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is actually up for renewal at the end of the coming season. The original Law & Order and the other spinoff, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, have two seasons left on their current contracts. (Wolf's Law & Order-branded reality series Crime & Punishment, which is running this summer on NBC, is not part of these negotiations.)

If NBC bows to Universal's demand, it would make for the most lucrative entertainment deal in television history. (Sports franchise deals are in another league.) Wolf and Universal's clout comes not only from the series' consistently high ratings--each handily wins its time slot--and their success in reruns, but also because Wolf & Co. are developing a fourth drama in the franchise for the 2004-05 season, which, unlike the other two spin-offs, will play up the legal angle more than the cop angle.

If NBC doesn't cough up, that potentially successful show could be sold to a rival network, minus its Law & Order title, but not its distinctive New York based ripped-from-the-headlines content.

Currently the new show is dubbed Four and is designed for a repertory cast. "Some of the biggest actors in New York are interested because they would not have to appear every week," Universal Television Production president David Kissinger tells the Times.

The newspaper also refers to several other unnamed Universal executives spinning out the information that development on the new show will not proceed further until the future of the established series is known. "The real negotiation has not started," David Goldhill, president of Universal Television, tells the Times, insisting his company didn't intend "getting into a fight" with our "great" broadcast partner NBC, "but clearly, we will do what's best for the franchise and the shows."

Neither Universal nor NBC would discuss the negotiations on Monday. Wolf's office did not return a call seeking comment.

Universal, which would like the deal inked by December, is reportedly willing to play hardball with NBC and shop SVU to another network once its contract expires.

In the past, NBC has given in to costly demands from the producers of its hit series, notably shelling out the big bucks to Warner Bros. to keep Friends and ER. Although the overall L&O price tag is much bigger than the $280 million the network paid in 1998 to hold on to the hospital drama, the price per episode is not quite as much. ER once cost as much as $13 million per episode, but that has been sliced back now to between $8 and $10 million. The medical series rates higher than Law & Order with the 18-49 demographic favored by advertisers, but doesn't repeat nearly as well.

The three L&O series provide NBC with 70 to 72 episodes of original programming each season and endless opportunities to plug scheduling holes with successful reruns. During the recent May sweeps, the programs filled almost 30 hours of air time. Law & Order, which aired its 300th episode last month, is 13 seasons old, but still the number one show in its Wednesday, 10 p.m. slot, providing a profitable lead in to local news and the Tonight show. SVU has been a hit on Fridays for four seasons and this fall is moving to Tuesdays, where it should attract even higher ratings and more advertising dollars for the network. Criminal Intent, only two years old, scores big numbers on Sundays, where it also boosts local late news ratings.

Universal won't reveal the current per-episode price, but the company claims lower-rated series are paid more. "NBC has it at a fantastic bargain," says Kissinger.

According to the Times, one of Universal's negotiating tools is a report Primetime Programming Cost Analysis by Richard A. Bilotti, an analyst at Morgan Stanley, that estimates that during 2001-02 Law & Order was the most profitable scripted show on NBC, contributing $160.7 million in gross profit, 15 percent of gross profit from regular series for the network, where overall prime-time profitability was $681.5 million.

While NBC is considered vulnerable because it has only one more season of Friends, is likely to soon say bye-bye to Frasier and has split with The West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, the Peacock is not completely handcuffed. Universal is owned by deeply in debt Vivendi, which has the studio up for sale. NBC is among the major companies that have expressed interest in owning at least the production arm of the studio (which, of course, includes the Law & Order franchise) and its cable channels, USA Network and the Sci-Fi Channel.

"There is a certain irony that NBC is a potential buyer," an unnamed executive involved in the L&O negotiations tells the Times.

If NBC has its way, it would also be a certain, pardon the pun, poetic justice.

Today's New Releases

Lots of good stuff coming down the pipe today on DVD and video. Simply select which ones you think you will enjoy the most and go and buy them, as I am going to do right now.

Here are the major new DVD and Video releases for Tuesday, June 3rd, 2003:

South Park: The Complete Second Season - This sweet set features all 18 episodes from Season Two, the Chocolate Salty Balls music video, an awesome documentary called "Goin' Down to South Park" and more. I'll rochambeaux you for it!

Die Another Day - James Bond must prevent a traitor from destroying the world in this superb Bond flick. (Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Rick Yune)

About Schmidt - A meaningless man must come to terms with his and his daughter's life. (Jack Nicholson, Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney)

The Guru - An Indian teacher is mistaken for sex expert. (Heather Graham, Jimi Mistry, Marisa Tomei)

The Animatrix - A series of incredible animated short films providing some backstory for the live action Matrix films. (Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss)

Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding - Mitch returns to Hawaii to get married again. Man did this made-for-TV-reunion movie suck! (David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Alexandra Paul)

Law & Order: Criminal Intent - The Pilot Episode - The pilot episode of Law & Order - Criminal Intent. (Vincent D'Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe, Jamey Sheridan)

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - Pilot Episode - The pilot episode of Law & Order - Special Victims Unit. (Christopher Meloni, Mariska Hargitay, Richard Belzer)

Star Trek Deep Space Nine: The Complete 3rd Season - This one is self-explanitory.

JUSTICE FOR ALL

Noted Napster foe Metallica moving up the release date of its first studio album in six years, St. Anger, from June 10 to this Thursday to counter illegal piracy.

R.E.M.: No 'Shiny Happy People' Live

LOS ANGELES - R.E.M. intends to release a greatest hits album, which will mean the concerts that will follow will be full of hits, too.

Just maybe not all the hits, the band said.

Guitarist Peter Buck told the Los Angeles Times that the tune, "Losing My Religion" will be a song the band will always keep in rotation. And singer Michael Stipe said he will continue to do "Man on the Moon" because it makes him feel "the most heroic."

But both agreed they will never perform "Shiny Happy People." Stipe said they probably won't do "Stand" or "Pop '69" either.

"We were trying to write super, super pop songs for kids, like The Monkees and The Banana Splits did," Stipe said, "and we overstretched our abilities."

Dixie Chicks Ruffle More Feathers

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Just as the controversy appeared to be dying down after the Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines mildly ridiculed President Bush before the start of the Iraq war, country radio programmers are disappointed in the group once again.

This time, they take issue with the fact that Maines apparently chose to take a shot at fellow country musician Toby Keith during her May 21 performance at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Maines wore a sleeveless shirt with the letters F.U.T.K. on the front.

Most viewers, including awards show presenter Vince Gill, interpreted the letters as an expletive aimed at Keith. After opening the envelope that revealed Keith had won the night's biggest award -- entertainer of the year -- Gill quipped, "I think his name was on someone's shirt tonight."

For WXTU Philadelphia assistant PD/music director Cadillac Jack, Maines' shirt was the show's only disappointment. "With all the patriotism in the air that night, it was a downer and completely unnecessary," he says. I was disappointed with them yet again."

"Just when you think it's safe to add the Chicks back into rotation," KZKX Lincoln, Neb., PD Brian Jennings says. "Oh, Natalie, why do you make it so hard to love you?"

KSCS Dallas assistant PD/music director Chris Huff calls the awards show "a perfect opportunity for the Chicks to showcase their music, and unfortunately it's now all overshadowed by four letters. No one's talking about the song they performed. They're talking about the four letters Natalie chose to wear on her shirt. How anyone could believe such an act would be a prudent move is totally beyond me."

KTEX Brownsville, Texas, PD Jo-Jo Cerda says, "I was hoping that sometime soon we would be able to put this Dixie Chicks thing behind us. Unfortunately, the can of worms has just been reopened. I know a lot of KTEX listeners were ready to move on, but now national display against one of the more popular performers in our format. might as well have taken another jab at Bush."

Dr. Bruce Nelson Stratton, PD of KFTX Corpus Christi, Texas, calls Maines "toast."

KNIX Phoenix music director Gwen Foster is "disgusted with certain artists who just cannot see that the world doesn't revolve around them and their pettiness all the time."

"I think it was most distasteful for a national TV audience," WTQR Greensboro, N.C., PD Bill Dotson says. "This is giving country music a black eye. For God's sake, let it go."

The spat between Maines and Keith goes back to his single "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)," which Maines criticized in the media last year. Keith responded with public comments that Maines wasn't in his league as a songwriter. In his concerts, Keith has been showing on big screens behind the stage the doctored photo of Maines and Saddam Hussein that began circulating on the Internet a few months ago after Maines criticized Bush.

"This format is no stranger to squabbles among its children," Huff says. "But we move on. Nothing is to be gained by turning it into a game of public one-upmanship on one of the few nights of the year where our format enjoys such broad national exposure."

Beyonce Knowles Album Coming Out Sooner

NEW YORK (Billboard) - In an effort to thwart Internet piracy and capitalize on the success of its lead single, Columbia has pushed the release date for Beyonce Knowles' solo debut "Dangerously in Love" up from July 8 to June 24.

The album features guest appearances by the likes of Jay-Z, Luther Vandross, Missy Elliott, Sean Paul, and Outkast's Big Boi. Its first single, "Crazy in Love" featuring Jay-Z, is racing up the Hot 100. As the chart's fastest-growing cut at radio for the second-straight week, it moved 27-13 this week, and is also up 15-10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

A number of the album's songs will be previewed on the pay-per-view TV special, "Ford Presents Beyonce Knowles, Friends & Family, Live From Ford's 100th Anniversary Celebration in Dearborn, Michigan," set to air June 14. Knowles will be joined by her Destiny's Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, her sister Solange Knowles, and other musical guests.

Jewel Just Having Fun These Days

NEW YORK (Billboard) - It took three albums for Jewel to convince us that she's an earnest woman with a message and a guitar.

Now, forget about it.

With today's release of "0304," this girl just wants to have fun. The 14-song Atlantic Records set finds the heady singer/songwriter relinquishing her folk/pop roots to explore electronic beats and uptempo melodies, taking her out of coffeehouses and onto the dance floor.

"I've always been considered a very serious artist," says Jewel, 28. "This is my pop culture record. The world is complicated and hard, and people want to be able to lose themselves in the rhythm. People want to feel young and sexy and smart; and like things are OK -- including me. That is the only image I had writing these songs. This is a happy record."

Jewel called on Lester Mendez -- who has worked with Shakira, Santana, and Enrique Iglesias -- to collaborate through the process of songwriting, arranging, and producing the album.

"I'd always thought electronic music was cold and pat and not very creative," she says. Yet she decided to try the remix treatment on "Serve the Ego," a single from her previous This Way.

The end result not only resonated personally but lifted Jewel to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

"I found a way to use beats that suits me," she says. "Now, I see that it's like being a painter who says they will never use red or yellow. Why limit yourself that way?" She adds, "I intend to work with Lester for the rest of my life. I can't tell you how powerful a musician he is."

Jewel also went about the songwriting process in a way that was novel for her: "Usually, when it's time to make an album, I compile songs from my catalog; I've always had a lot in stock. This is the first time I've written a record from beginning to end, really exploring where current culture is heading."

As a result, Jewel -- who signed with EMI Music Publishing at the beginning of May -- and Mendez recorded and mixed the record in a rapid-fire eight weeks.

First single "Intuition" gives listeners a clear indication of Jewel's new stylistic gleam.

The song opens with an accordion and rallies like a gypsy carnival, with an army of marching beats and creamy layers of harmony coming from behind.

GETTING SEXIER

The video clip, directed by Marc Klasfeld, prompted an even bigger surprise: Jewel playing up her sexuality before the camera.

"It's true, I've always held back; I always believed you can't be smart and sexy at the same time," she admits. "But at this point, people know who I am and what I stand for, so I feel like I can play with that image and offer some irony."

That's not to say that "0304" is shallow. As usual, Jewel layers her songwriting, allowing listeners to dig as deep as they choose to.

"If you look at it just for the beat value, then this is a fun record. But if you want to go deeper, there are as many levels of irony as you want," Jewel says. "If you want to hear what I've learned about the world and what I've been through in my life, it's there."
 
Atlantic Records Group co-president Ron Shapiro says, "This is a young woman who has always been in command of her talent, her beauty, her intelligence, and her desire to be impactful. She's in a unique position to take the credibility of a lauded singer/songwriter and show that you can be funny and provocative."

SINGLE GOES TO RETAIL, TV

The label's initial plan of attack was to place "Intuition" at mainstream and adult top 40 radio. It is currently No. 30 on The Billboard Hot 100.

Atlantic backed the release with a commercial single May 6 and a maxi-single including dance mixes of the song and video footage May 13.

Jewel also inked a deal with Schick razors to use "Intuition" as the music for a national TV ad campaign to launch the company's new all-in-one shaver, called Intuition. A related concert event was held May 10 in New York's Central Park, where she sang the song.

In addition to a barrage of morning and night time talk-show appearances, Jewel was also on the roster at this year's VH1 Diva Duets concert May 22.

She also continues to back a number of personal causes, including talent search Soul City Cafe, which will award the winners with opening slots on her next tour (not yet scheduled); and Higher Ground for Humanity, a foundation launched with her mother and manager, Lenedra Carroll.

But foremost -- for now -- let the beat be heard.

"It always takes time to know what somebody is capable of; people have watched my learning curve since the beginning," Jewel says. "I've tried as much as I can to be honest, and I've been lucky enough to do this job according to the morals and principles that suit me. Now, I'm ready for this album to be heard."

Quaid Reprises 'Vacation' Role for NBC

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Production began Friday (May 30) on NBC's upcoming holiday movie "National Lampoon's Cousin Eddie's Christmas Vacation." Not just a "National Lampoon" movie in name only, several cast members from the 1983 classic "National Lampoon's Vacation" return, along with veteran actors Fred Willard and Ed Asner.

While neither Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, nor Anthony Michael Hall will return as the Griswolds, Dana Barron, who played daughter Audrey in the original "Vacation" will be back, along with Randy Quaid's Cousin Eddie and Miriam Flynn's Catherine. However, Eddie and Catherine's slutty daughter Vicki (played by "Ally McBeal's" Jane Krakowski in '83) will not be present.

Eric Idle will also stop by to make a cameo appearance as the put-upon English tourist he played in the 1985 sequel "European Vacation."

"Cousin Eddie's Christmas Vacation" was written by Matty Simmons, who produced the other "Vacation" movies, as well as "Animal House," and is being directed by Nick Marck ("Malcolm in the Middle," "Gilmore Girls").

Mariah Rep Says Singer Did Not Send Rude Email To Blind Fan

An email sent to Mariah Carey's official website by the grandmother of a blind, 10-year-old fan named Michelle Katz appears to have ended up in the hands of someone other than its intended recipient.

After hearing that Carey cancelled her concert scheduled for July 26 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul as part of her plan to move all her U.S. shows this summer to more intimate venues, Michelle's grandmother, Dee Hofland, who had bought three tickets for the show, made a special request to the singer via email. Hofland wrote, "I know it is not very probable but you have no idea what it would mean to this child if she could meet Mariah even for five minutes. You would make one girl's dreams come true."

Hofland was shocked when she received an email back which read, "Miss with all due respect, I have my own problems. I have no time to accommodate everyone else's. My sister is suffering from HIV right now. Is anyone worried about my problems? Some people can be so damn selfish. Next time you email me with any requests, you will be reported. Have a great day!" m.c.

Carey's publicist, Cindy Berger, told FOX News that the email was "completely bogus." When Carey heard what had happened, Berger said the singer immediately called Michelle. Berger said Mariah assured the girl that she did not send the nasty email and will make it up to Michelle when she does reschedule her show in St. Paul. "Mariah is looking forward to meeting Michelle and her family backstage at a concert during her Charmbracelet tour," Berger added.

Meanwhile, Carey is performing on the Today Show on Friday (May 30) as part of the Today Show Summer Concert Series. The Today Show airs live from 7 to 10 a.m. ET on NBC.

'Finding Nemo' Takes No. 1 at Box Office

LOS ANGELES - The deep-sea adventure "Finding Nemo" hooked the top spot at the box office Sunday with an estimated $70.6 million opening weekend.

The Disney-Pixar comedy, about a worrisome clownfish searching for his aquarium-trapped young son, sank the Jim Carrey God-comedy "Bruce Almighty" to second place with $35.6 million, according to studio estimates.

Meanwhile, the Mark Wahlberg caper remake "The Italian Job" opened in third place with $19.3 million, while "The Matrix Reloaded" continued to plunge after its spectacular debut three weeks ago, landing in fourth place with $15 million.

The horror flick "Wrong Turn," starring Eliza Dushku as one of several lost teenagers hunted by woodland mutants, was the only other film to open in wide release. It earned a weak $5.01 million for seventh place.

"Finding Nemo" scored the biggest debut ever for an animated film, swimming past the $62 million opening for previous record-holder "Monsters Inc.," which also was a Disney-Pixar collaboration.

All of the companies' previous films — "Toy Story," "A Bug's Life," "Toy Story 2" and "Monsters Inc." — opened at No. 1.

"This is as much of a sure-thing at the box office as you can get," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

The blockbuster debut of "Finding Nemo" is even more impressive considering many tickets sales for the family-themed movie were discounted for children or matinee shows, he added.

"The $70 million represents a lot more tickets for that G-rated film than for an R-rated film, where all the tickets reflect an adult admission price," Dergarabedian said.

That's not to say "Finding Nemo" lacks grown-up fans. The film collected near-unanimous praise from film critics, and Disney distribution chief Chuck Viane said demand from adult moviegoers filled many late-night screenings.

"The Italian Job," a remake of the 1969 Michael Caine heist-thriller, also garnered a wealth of positive reviews and Paramount spokeswoman Nancy Kirkpatrick said the studio is hoping good word-of-mouth will help turn it into a sleeper hit over the long-run.

Many summer films open big and fade fast. Last weekend, "The Matrix Reloaded" shed more than 60 percent of its audience, and "Bruce Almighty" saw ticket sales fall by 48 percent in its second week.

"The Matrix Reloaded" remains the highest-grossing film of the year, however, with $232 million. The final part of the trilogy, "The Matrix Revolutions," is scheduled to open in November.

The following are the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "Finding Nemo," $70.6 million.
2. "Bruce Almighty," $35.6 million.
3. "The Italian Job," $19.3 million.
4. "The Matrix Reloaded," $15 million.
5. "Daddy Day Care," $6.8 million.
6. "X2: X-Men United," $5.02 million.
7. "Wrong Turn," $5.01 million
8. "The In-Laws," $3.7 million
9. "Down With Love," $1.6 million.
10. "Bend It Like Beckham," $1 million.

MTV Viewers Name 'Two Towers' Best Movie

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Superheroes and special effects wizards battled for the spotlight at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards on Saturday, claiming several top trophies including the best movie prize for "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers."

Digital effects-filled "Two Towers," the middle chapter in the J.R.R. Tolkien trilogy about an epic battle for control of Middle Earth, earned four awards, more than any other film.

Along with best movie, MTV viewers gave it best action sequence, on-screen team for stars Elijah Wood, Sean Astin and digitally-created Gollum, as well as a new honor for virtual performance for Gollum.

Winners were picked from a poll of viewers who watch cable TV network MTV and sister channel MTV2.

Among superhero movies winning awards was "Spider-Man," about the web-spinning crime fighter, which earned Kirsten Dunst the title best actress and her and co-star Tobey Maguire the honor of best on-screen kiss.

The award for breakthrough actress went to Jennifer Garner for her comic book hero role of Elektra in "Daredevil."

Rapper Eminem was named best actor in a film, as well as breakthrough performance by an actor in "8 Mile," the tale of his early days trying to make it in Detroit's hip hop clubs.

The MTV Movie Awards take place each year during the summer movie season and offer a good look at what the youth culture likes in films, which was personified by young Daveigh Chase who took home the award for best villain in "The Ring."

"Oh my gosh, this so rocks," Chase said on stage after grabbing her MTV statue -- a bucket of golden popcorn.

The show also gives fans a lively counterpart to staid, old Hollywood awards like the Oscars with MTV categories including best fight. That title went to Force master Yoda for his lightsaber battle with Christopher Lee in "Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones."

Mike Myers won the golden popcorn bucket for best comedic role as spy Austin Powers in "Austin Powers in Goldmember."

MTV added an award for best transatlantic breakthrough performer, and that went to Colin Farrell in "Phone Booth."

The awards show will air on June 5.

McCartney Gets Back Home to Tumultuous Acclaim

LIVERPOOL (Reuters) - Paul McCartney got back to where he once belonged on Sunday, wrapping up his world tour with an emotion-charged concert in the birthplace of the Beatles.

From the moment he tore into the Beatles back catalog, 35,000 people leapt to their feet and clapped in unison. For ardent Beatle fans, McCartney was replaying the soundtrack of their lives and they sang along to every number.

"It's great to be home," he said, launching into "All My Loving" that was played out against a nostalgic video backdrop of newsreel footage of Sixties Beatlemania.

Since launching his tour in Oakland, California, in April 2002, the indefatigable McCartney has played to two million people around the globe, from Mexico to Japan.

He performed in Moscow's Red Square and brought rock n' roll to Rome's Colosseum for the first time. But on Sunday, the message waved to McCartney on thousands of heart-shaped banners said it all: "Home is where the heart is."

McCartney played 25 of the Beatles' greatest hits, twice as many as the world's most famous pop group used to perform at gigs together in their heyday.

The 60-year-old singer was in reflective mood, choking back the tears as he sang "If you were here today" in memory of John Lennon, shot dead by a crazed fan in New York in 1980.

Then he remembered "My baby brother" George Harrison, paying tribute to the Beatle who died of cancer by playing "Something" on the ukulele, one of Harrison's favorite instruments.

He dedicated love songs to the two women in his life -- his late wife Linda and his second wife Heather Mills.

McCartney and Mills have just announced that they are to have a baby, prompting one Liverpudlian wag in the crowd to hold up a sign saying "Still Got Lead in Your Pencil Paul," much to the singer's amusement.

The setting for the concert was stunning.

As darkness fell, the silhouette of Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral acted as a dramatic backdrop to the specially constructed open air stage on the banks of the River Mersey in northwest England.

At the end, McCartney poured heart and soul into the evocative ballad "The Long and Winding Road" but any talk of his retirement is definitely premature.

Like fellow wrinkly rocker Mick Jagger, McCartney loves the adrenaline rush of performing and is in no hurry to reach for the pipe and slippers and warble "When I'm Sixty-Four."

"I never think it is my last tour," he said. "I've always said I'll be wheeled on when I'm 90. And that might be a dreadful prediction that comes true! You age but you don't think that you do."